LARGEST -- Shopping Complex in Thailand - Central World, Bangkok
Posted by: 
silverquill
N 13° 44.812 E 100° 32.439
47P E 666574 N 1520263
Central World is the largest shopping complex in Thailand, and one of the top ten in the world.
Waymark Code: WMGFQF
Location: Thailand
Date Posted: 02/28/2013
Views: 4
Central World is located in the heart of Bangkok's shopping district. It has over 600 stores including several large department stores and a 15-screen cinema complex.
Depending on what parameters one uses to measure size, this may be the third largest shopping complex in the world, but it is definitely in the top ten, and is the largest in Thailand. See two conflicting articles from Wikipedia: CentralWorld and List of largest shopping malls in the world. There is also an interesting article at Bangkok.com
Central World was originally opened in 1990 as The World Trade Center and had only eight stories. It was greatly expanded in 2006, and now has a hotel and office tower with a convention center. The front plaza area often hosts entertainment events.
This was one of the key properties that was heavily damaged in the Red Shirt Protests in May 2010. The Telegraph reported: Bangkok in flames as protesters refuse to back down
Anchor stores include the following: (from: Wikipedia: CentralWorld)
Isetan – This branch of the Japanese department store chain has six stories. The merchandise ranges from apparel to domestic goods.
Zen Mega Store – Branded as Asia's first lifestyle trend megastore. It had 50,000 square metres and was seven stories high. It was managed by the Central Retail Corporation.
SF World Cinema – An upscale cinema complex located on the seventh floor, it has a total of 15 screens, which include the 800 seats of World Max Screen and luxury "first-class" theatres. The venue played host to a number of Thai cinema premieres as well as the 2007 Bangkok International Film Festival and the 2008 Bangkok International Film Festival.
Additional information can be found at the official web site: Central World