AEG & The Mall Group Thailand Partner To Create Retail Entertainment District In Bangkok

AEG – Done deal
AEG and The Mall Group are going to heavily invest in Bangkok

AEG has made its first major investment in Southeast Asia through a partnership with Thailand’s The Mall Group. Two new arenas, EM Live at The EmSphere, and The Bangkok Arena at the Bangkok Mall, are scheduled to open by the end of the fourth quarter of 2022.

A total investment of THB 10 billion ($308 million) is going to ensure that both arenas position Thailand’s capital as a premier entertainment destination in Southeast Asia.

EM Live at The Emsphere will have a capacity of more than 6,000 people and The Bangkok Arena at the Bangkok Mall will have a capacity of up to 16,000 people. The latter is not to be confused with the indoor Futsal stadium by the same name located in the city’s Nong Chok district – which won’t be and issue anymore once AEG secures naming rights for both arenas.

The EmSphere and the Bangkok Mall are the latest retail and entertainment districts in Thailand’s capital, and AEG will be responsible for the management and operation of the new arenas as co-owner and operator.

The entertainment and retail giant is going to work with The Mall Group and its partners in offering and marketing a wide range of events including entertainment, concerts, live performances, family shows, sports competitions, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions), arts as well as cultural events.

Over the past decade, AEG has brought artists including Justin Bieber, Celine Dion, Katy Perry, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, Metallica, the Rolling Stones and many more to Asia.

Over the last decade, Bangkok and Thailand have seen rapid urbanization and changing consumption trends. AEG sees “a market with great potential, driven by an expanding middle-class with growing spending power and demand for premium experiences.”

Bangkok and Thailand have also been named the world’s most-visited tourism destinations, welcoming more than 38 million international travellers in 2017. That number is expected to reach 42 million this year.

The Mall Group – Supaluck Umpujh
The chairwoman of The Mall Group standing in front of a rendering of the future Bangkok Arena

Supaluck Umpujh, chairwoman of The Mall Group, said that the company’s mission and goal is to elevate Bangkok and Thailand to the leading retail and entertainment hub in Asia.

Following the group’s success in developing multiple world-class shopping and entertainment complexes, including Siam Paragon, The Emporium, The EmQuartier and the upcoming EmSphere, The Mall Group is poised to create new mega projects, according to Umpujh.

Adam Wilkes, president and chief executive officer, AEG Asia, said that “Southeast Asia is going through a transformation. As incomes rise and spending power increases, consumers in the region are demanding more sophisticated entertainment experiences.

“In The Mall Group, we have not only found an outstanding partner but also an innovative company that is led by an insightful and forward-thinking leader, Khun Supaluck. The company shares our vision for creating best-in-class destination experiences and our partnership will bring unique entertainment districts to the city that will redefine and revolutionize Bangkok’s leisure and entertainment scene.

“We are thankful to have a long-term partner that shares our vision and goals. These two significant developments will be a game-changer, giving Bangkok and Thailand the opportunity to become the most important Retail and Entertainment Hub in Southeast Asia.”