| Pantip Plaza: 'Original' IT Shopping Hub Retains Leadership Position | ||||
| UPDATE : 8 March 2010 | ||||
| Staff Writer Located on New Phetchaburi Road, Pantip Plaza Pratunam remains Bangkok's best known indoor shopping mall for IT products. The building was originally launched as a regular shopping plaza over 20 years ago, but failed to compete with rival malls at that time. Deserted for a short period of time, the plaza reemerged as a IT plaza and has managed to retain a good deal of popularity ever since, largely due to its central location and its huge range of products and services. The plaza has two main 'anchor' businesses – IT City (on the uppermost floor) and Data IT (on the mezzanine level) - which are very useful for shoppers who are seeking a 'general' IT shopping destination. In addition, there are literally hundreds of smaller outlets specializing in hardware, software and accessories, including laptops, Macintosh products and services, modifications, networking equipment and software, parts, peripherals, repairs and second-hand items. One of the main reasons Pantip Plaza has gained a good deal of success (and notoriety) over the years is through its sale of counterfeit software and pirated DVDs. While the authorities suggest this issue is being addressed, the reality seems somewhat removed. While some legitimate software is available at Pantip Plaza, it would appear to be less popular and most of the titles tend to be obsolete. Stores in Pantip Plaza offer a wide selection of new and second-hand computers from most of the major manufacturers, along with a selection of second hand and custom equipment. Many other forms of electronic equipment, such as digital cameras, game consoles, music players and printers are also available. Purchasing strategies While there was once a useful column published known as 'the Pantip Prowler', listing various interesting IT bargains on sale within the plaza, it would not be entirely practical (or useful) to list sample prices within the confines of this article. Nevertheless, there are one or two general points worth considering before making an IT purchase. Secondly, find out what kind of guarantee you can secure. If it's something like a laptop computer, an international warranty is obviously preferable among foreign buyers or Thai expatriates (Thai based overseas). Nevertheless, it should be pointed out that, in general, local guarantees do tend to be respected, although bear in mind that 'unofficial' outlets can easily 'go out of business' overnight, no matter which city we refer to. Pantip Plaza has a handful of fastfood restaurants located on the ground floor (A&W, KFC), along with a food court on the mezzanine and second floor, which offer a wide variety of local dishes, desserts and drinks. A bowl of noodles here will cost about 30-40 baht (US$1-1.20) Variety unrivaled? While there are far glitzier places to shop for IT products - the appearance of the building and stores have definitely seen better days - none come close to Pantip Plaza for product variety, and, in general, bargain prices. Fortune Town IT Mall (read more) comes close and is easier to access via the MRT subway (Rama IX station), but Seri Center requires a longer journey out to Sri Nakarin Road. Pantip Plaza is open daily from 10 am to 9 pm. However, stores based within the plaza are free to operate their own hours, and they tend to begin closing by about 7.30-8 pm in general. For further information about Pantip Plaza Pratunam and its other outlets, visit the official site (Thai-language only) at http://www.pantipplaza.com. Transport connections: Train: The quickest and coolest way to reach Pantip Plaza is to a 5-10-minute walk from the Ratchathewi BTS skytrain station. | ||||
วันอังคารที่ 9 มีนาคม พ.ศ. 2553
Pantip Plaza: 'Original' IT Shopping Hub Retains Leadership Position
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