Thailand’s King Power International Group (KPIG) today celebrates the grand launch of its newly renovated Bangkok Rangnam complex, as it pledges to ‘revolutionise’ the image of downtown duty free.

The THB2.5bn ($74m) facility, which spans 22,000sq m, opens its doors officially to the public tomorrow (19 January), with the promise of an immersive, ‘fully-integrated travel and shopping experience’.

Merchandise will span a comprehensive selection of world-renowned global luxury brands and boutiques in categories including beauty, watches, sunglasses and locally-sourced souvenirs, flanked by a thoughtful mix of Thai and international cuisine.

“The new-look King Power Rangnam will revolutionise the image of downtown duty free retail, integrating products and services to meet the needs of both domestic shoppers and world travellers,” announced Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, CEO of King Power International Group.

“It represents more than one of Bangkok’s major landmarks. King Power Rangnam is a symbol of thriving tourism in Thailand and the industry’s importance to its people and our economy. It is where world class brands are continually introduced to Thailand and where Thai products are given a gateway to the global marketplace.”

‘EXPLORE ENDLESSLY’

A resplendent opening ceremony and reception, which TRBusiness was fortunate enough to be invited to, was graced by H.E. Somkid Jatusripitak, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, and King Power’s new global ambassador and Chinese actress Fan Bingbing, who led a procession of Thai artists and celebrities.

Talks of redeveloping its downtown duty free location have been on the cards for a while, with KPIG Senior Executive Vice President Susan Whelan pointing towards the Group’s overhaul of the premises to affect ‘another higher level of luxury’ as far back as October 2016.

KPIG generated DF&TR sales of $2.1bn (+5%) in 2016 as noted in TRBusiness’ most recent Top 10 Operators report in a satisfying result that positioned it well to embark on the expected renovations at Rangnam, which the Group will emphasise as a flagship location.

To mark the launch, KPIG appears to have uprated its Rangnam webpage in line with the unveil, with the company enticing customers to the store under the slogan ‘Explore – Endlessly at King Power Rangnam’.