Asia

AEG makes major investment in Thailand

Sports and entertainment giant AEG has partnered with The Mall Group, Thailand’s leading retail and entertainment complex developer, to build two new arenas in the capital of Bangkok.

The two arenas will anchor new entertainment districts and will be built at a cost of more than 10 billion baht (£237m/€267m/$309m).

The partnership is designed to revolutionise Thailand’s business, retail and entertainment centres, driving retail innovation, entertainment events, meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) and new lifestyle experiences in Bangkok and throughout Thailand.

The Mall Group has had success in developing a range of world-class shopping and entertainment complexes and the company’s chairwoman, Supaluck Umpujh, said it is now ready to create new ‘mega projects’.

The two new arenas will be EM Live at The Emsphere, a new retail and entertainment district, and The Bangkok Arena at the Bangkok Mall, The Grand Metropolis. They are scheduled to open by the end of the fourth quarter of 2022.

EM Live at The Emsphere will seat more than 6,000 people, with the Bangkok Arena at the Bangkok Mall to have a capacity of up to 16,000.

Adam Wilkes, president and chief executive of AEG Asia, said: “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 revolutionise 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.”

The partnership marks AEG’s first major investment in Southeast Asia and expands the company’s proven entertainment district model across the region. AEG will serve as the co-owner and operator of both venues and will also be responsible for the management and operation of the facilities. It will work with The Mall Group and its partners to offer and market a wide range of events, including entertainment, concerts, live performances, family shows, sports competitions, MICE and arts and cultural events.

Image: AEG