Apple opens second Bangkok store to consumers’ delight

Consumers lined up – while maintaining social distance – to shop at Apple’s second store in Thailand, which opened at the Central World shopping mall in the heart of Bangkok last week. The new outlet was only the second Apple store to open anywhere in the world since the start of the pandemic, evidence that Apple sees great promise in the Thai market.

“This new branch is one of the most beautiful shops and one that could be another new landmark,” said Paramate Rienjaroensuk, who has visited numerous Apple stores on several continents. “This demonstrates how important the Thai market is.”

That is high praise considering that Paramate is the Chief Executive of Copperwired, one of Apple’s authorized resellers in Thailand. The new Apple Store will compete with his shops for business.

Central World is one of the largest and most popular shopping malls in Bangkok. The new Apple Store branch has 130 staff who speak a total of 17 languages. The new store has three floors and a distinctive all-glass design that Apple said is the first of its kind in the Kingdom.

Although many Apple-loving Thai consumers posted online that they were enthusiastic about visiting the new store, the numbers allowed in at any one time are limited because of the COVID-19 pandemic so that social distancing and health safety can be maintained.

Apple fans need to register and make a reservation online if they want to visit the store.

Among the very first batch of visitors was Pattara Pattaravoratham, an 18-year-old medical student, who told reporters that he was excited as an Apple user to see the new store. He said its location is more convenient than Apple’s first Thai store at Iconsiam, a newer mall on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River.

Photo courtesy of https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2020/07/apple-central-world-opens-friday-in-thailand/