‘SUPER-BIG’
Towering plan for world’s tallest building that would dwarf Burj Khalifa announced by Thailand to be built in Bangkok
The current tallest building in the world stands at a whopping 821m
AN ambitious plan for the world's tallest building which would dwarf Burj Khalifa has been revealed by Thailand.
The mammoth building could be built in Bangkok by the same company that created the record-breaking tower in Dubai.
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Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin posted the announcement on his X account on Friday, sharing details of his meeting with Chinese and Middle-Eastern companies.
The exact height and cost of the project aren't clear, but the megastructure would reportedly strip Burj Khalifa of "the world's tallest building" title.
The unnamed tower would serve multiple purposes, combining offices, hotels and entertainment hubs under the same roof.
The project will include an entertainment center, complete with house casinos, a financial hub, and a large department store.
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The grandiose plan to overtake Burj Khalifa could be possible thanks to the involvement of Emaar Group.
The Middle Eastern firm - responsible for the 821m tall tower - might be looking to break their own record.
A government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke told Bloomberg: "The prime minister put forward a challenge to them that they could build a tower here that's even taller than the one in Dubai.
"They didn't reject the idea."
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The company founder, Mohamed Alabbar, said that the talks for "a super tall tower" are still at an early stage.
He added that Thai project will be developed by a group of investors, including him personally, rather than by the publicly traded firm.
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Mr Thavisin added that the investors are yet to evaluate the prospects before making a proposal.
He said: "It will create considerable investment value and attract tourists.
"Promoting investments from the private sector is a key factor to stimulate the country’s economy and generate income for the people."
The former property tycoon has established himself as Thailand's chief "salesman" since entering the office in September.
In a bid to catch up with rivals in the region, Mr Thavisin has pursued huge corporations to draw foreign investment into the second-largest economy in Southeast Asia.
He hopes that the "mega project" will serve as a man-made tourist attraction to the country that's reliant on visitors.
The vital tourism industry raked in over $31billion from foreigners last year only - attributing for 12 per cent of GDP.
This isn't the first time someone has tried to beat the world record for the tallest building.
Saudi Arabia attempted to build a tower three times bigger than Shard but the construction came to an abrupt halt amid an apparent power play between the rich.
The building was abandoned halfway through for over a decade but it may finally be picked up again.
Dubai also has some serious ambitions to become a megacity with a string of record-breaking projects.
Within the next decade or so, Dubai is hoped to have the world's tallest building, the world's biggest mall. the world's biggest aquarium, the world's biggest theme park - and more.
The Dubai horizon is an iconic part of the city's appeal and the latest project, The Dubai Creek Tower will become its centrepiece - with hopes to open it in 2025.
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It is a hyper-tall structure that has already started being built - with it on course to become the world's tallest manmade structure.
Costing over £800million ($1billion) to build, the mega project will be an estimated 1345 metres tall - four times the height of the Empire State Building.
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