Thailand welcomes Apple Central World – Africa Daily News

Main photo via @ nn744234

Apple Central World opened today, becoming the second Apple Store in Thailand and rooting Apple deep in the culture of Bangkok’s busiest social hub. Apple readers and customers from across town visited the new space on opening day and shared their photos of the experience.

Bangkok’s Ratchaprasong intersection is bustling with activity and Apple Central World is a space in constant motion. The hypnotic lines of the store and the Tree Canopy roof express a sense of energy and life. Curved glass surrounds the store from all angles, so you’ll always know what’s going on inside.

Apple Central World would look like it’s home inside Apple Park, but to Thais it couldn’t exist anywhere else. Every detail has been taken into account for the precise location of the store in the context of the city that surrounds it. That’s why Apple fans in Bangkok are thrilled with the opening.

Apple Store openings are a little different this year in the interest of public health. To promote safety, tours to Apple Central World on opening day were offered by appointment only. A registration system for visitors opened just before 8:15 a.m. Bangkok time on July 28. In just over an hour, every reservation for the entire day was complete.

On opening day, visitors lined up in a managed queue for social distancing. Groups of about 30 customers were allowed in every 15 minutes from 10 a.m. Visitors to the store received a Central World tote bag, a personalized Apple logo sticker, and an illustrated guide to everything Apple has to offer in Thailand.

Creatives in Thailand are deeply excited about Apple in a way unmatched by almost any other community. Thailand’s first Apple Store, Iconsiam, drew a line of customers more than 10 hours before it opened. On social media, hundreds of people use the hashtag #appleth every day to enthusiastically share screenshots of their purchases and store visit experiences. Apple Central World tells the Thai people that appreciation is mutual.

Apple celebrated one type of opening today, but another fresh start is planned for the future. The store’s Level 2 forum and video wall will one day host the best Today at Apple sessions and performances with local artists when group events are possible again. The energy of creativity just might make the second celebration even bigger than the first.

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