Bangkok to develop 459 metre high city observation tower

Plans have been revealed for the Thai capital of Bangkok to develop a 459 metre high observation tower that will rank sixth among the world's tallest towers while also becoming the tallest observation tower in south east Asia.

The Bangkok Observation Tower is being jointly built by two foundations, the Bangkok Observation Tower Foundation and the National Identity Foundation, after the Thai cabinet recently gave approval for the country's new landmark project to proceed. The cost of construction, totalling 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 0.64 hectare land plot owned by Thailand's Treasury Department and leased to the Bangkok Observation Tower Foundation for 30 years. 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.

The tower has been enthusiastically embraced by Thailand's tourism sector as a much-needed addition to the nation's tourist-pulling attractions and as a catalyst to investment and employment in the sector.

Ittirith Kinglake, President of the Tourism Council of Thailand explained “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.

An unprecedented array of Thailand's foremost architectural and engineering firms as well as architectural experts came together to design the tower in a show of national solidarity.

Inspiration for the candle-like design of the Bangkok Observation Tower is drawn from the popular celebratory tradition, observed by millions around the country, of lighting candles on the birthday of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej as a symbolic gesture of lighting up the country with prosperity.

The Bangkok Observation Tower Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that has the right to operate and manage the tower for 30 years. There is no commercial space for rent inside the tower. The space inside the tower 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. The surplus from income generated from ticket sells and other sources will be used for social causes that benefit the local community or for charities only.

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