Siam Paragon is about to get a whole lot zanier.
A 10,000 square meter area in one of Bangkok’s landmark buildings will be home to Kidzania’s third largest “edutainment” site in the world. This imposing, scaled-down reproduction of a bustling metropolis is set to open by December 2012 and cost an estimated THB760 million.
Kidzania, the world’s leading “edutainment” brand, engages kids aged four to 14 in “reality play.” The company creates mini-cities complete with buildings, different businesses and industries, utilities, services and vehicles, in an effort to have children experience the adult work life and have fun at the same time.
Kidzania Bangkok occupies the entire 5th floor of the Siam Paragon building in Bangkok, and is now 85 percent complete.
Xavier Lopez Ancona, founder and worldwide CEO of the Mexico-based company said Thailand was chosen as the next Kidzania site because of its large population and healthy tourism industry. He added that the new Kidzania Bangkok is expected to generate millions of local and foreign tourists in the coming years, mostly parents and their children who are eager to have an enriching learning experience through guided role play.
Parents who are looking for innovative ways to motivate their children and encourage them to choose their own career paths will find Kidzania Bangkok to be just the help they needed. A day at Kidzania allows each child to experience and explore a variety of careers.
For aspiring pilots and aircrew, KidZania set up a real section of an AirAsia Boeing 737 fuselage and cockpit. For auto mechanic wannabes, a fully functional B-Quick car repair shop is on hand. At the same time, kids can experience finance and commerce through the CIMB Thai Bank. As a bank teller, the child will learn how to encash cheques, exchange currencies, and assist customers in opening their own bank accounts.
The Siam Paragon edutainment centre can accommodate a total of 4,000 visitors per day, the Nation reported.
