Apple opened its second and largest retail location in Thailand Friday. Located in Bangkok’s famous Ratchaprasong, the new store is spectacular even by the high standards of existing Apple Stores.
“In December, I visited the team in Bangkok as construction was underway, and I know they can’t wait to help our customers and to share this special space with the whole community,” Tim Cook tweeted in celebration.
- The 511th Store#AppleCentralWorld#AppleTH #Bangkok#AppleStore pic.twitter.com/z6xgNvui16
— ti.ger (@sasaitg) July 31, 2020
Photo: Apple
The new store features a circular glass design that’s highly reminiscent of the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple Park.
Its most original feature, however, is the cantilevered Tree Canopy roof that slims down into a tree-like timber core that runs down the center of the building. It looks like a whirlpool, around which runs a spiral staircase that takes visitors down to the lower level. There’s also polished steel cylindrical elevator for transporting people between floors. Large local Terminalia trees surround the store.
It’s our pleasure to introduce Apple Central World. In December, I visited the team in Bangkok as construction was underway, and I know they can’t wait to help our customers and to share this special space with the whole community. รักษาสุขภาพด้วยนะครับ pic.twitter.com/4wS88GMc0P
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) July 31, 2020
Apple Central World: The most spectacular Apple Store?
“We are excited for visitors to discover this truly one-of-a-kind store in Ratchaprasong,” said Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail + People, in a statement. “With our future Today at Apple sessions and a phenomenal team ready to welcome the community with exceptional service and support, we can’t wait for our customers to experience Apple Central World.”
Photo: Apple
As with any Apple Stores here in mid-2020, the Apple Central World store has anti-coronavirus measures in place. This includes the requirement of face coverings on the part of visitors, temperature checks, and social distancing policies. To stop the store being overwhelmed on day one, visits are by appointment only. Would-be visitors must book a slot online.
Apple opened its first retail store in Thailand in late 2018. Apple Iconsiam Chao Phraya River is also located in Bangkok.
What’s your pick for the world’s most spectacular Apple Store? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
