459-Metre Observation Tower Planned for Bangkok, Thailand

A 459-metre observation tower in Bangkok is being jointly built by two foundations, the Bangkok Observation Tower Foundation and the National Identity Foundation, after the Thai cabinet recently gave the project its approval.

The cost of construction, totaling approximately US$138 million, is being funded by more than 50 private sector organisations who are contributing to the project.

Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the Bangkok Observation Tower is set on a 6,400 square metre plot of land owned by Thailand's Treasury Department and leased to the Bangkok Observation Tower Foundation for 30 years.

As plans stand, there won't be any commercial space for rent inside the tower. Instead, the interior will be used for educational purpose promoting Thailand's historical and cultural heritage as well as various aspects of particular pride from Thailand's 77 provinces.

Mr. Ittirith Kinglake, President, Tourism Council of Thailand, said, "The tower is the most important new addition to Bangkok's rich array of tourism magnets and one that will attract people from around the world. The Bangkok Observation Tower helps mark our city as one of the world's most important and exciting destinations."

He cited parallels with the Tokyo Skytree and Shanghai's Canton Tower as powerful tourism drivers for their host city.

"There were 32.6 million visitors to Thailand in 2016 who, together, spent almost 72 billion dollars. In 2020, the number of visitors to Thailand is expected to increase to be 41.5 million visitors. Tourism has consistently been one of our country's most important revenue sources and accounts for 17.7% of GDP. The coming of the tower will act as significant tourism drivers for the country," he added.

Cdr. Parinya Ruckwatin Rtn., Chairman of the Chao Phraya River Tourism Association, said, "I am confident that with the arrival of the tower, businesses stretching for 10 kilometers along the length of the river will benefit, including boat operators, restaurants, hotels, retailers and convention organisers. We can also expect improvements of more than 10 piers along the river to make them safer and easier to use. It's a true historic turning point for this part of the river. Chao Phraya River will become one of the world's exciting new destinations, offering a diverse range of experiences that will meet a great variety of needs of visitors."

The Foundation is required to deliver ownership of the tower and all other structures on the land to the Treasury Department when the construction is completed in 2019.

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