Cloud 11 project targets creative hub status in Bangkok

Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Ltd launched "Cloud 11" on Thursday, a landmark project in Bangkok with an investment of over 20 billion baht, aiming for this facility to become the centre for the creative economy and an innovation hub in Asia.

Paul Sirisant, chief executive of Cloud 11, said the Thai creative industry is experiencing rapid growth, with Thai films, series, music, games, and other Thai creative arts gaining global recognition.

However, "creative infrastructure" is essential to advance the industry, facilitating the bringing together of business, brand, investors and customers together.

According to a report from the Creative Economy Agency, the gross value added (GVA) of Thailand's creative economy was around 8% of the national economy in 2023, valued at over 1.44 trillion baht.

"Cloud 11 has been developed as a dedicated ecosystem, serving as a hub for the creative industry by providing spaces and experiences that foster creation, learning, experimentation, and innovation," Mr Paul said.

He added that the project has been developed to promote cross-business collaboration, uniting creators, business operators and investors in an environment that supports the creative economy and lays a strong foundation for its long-term growth in Thailand.

Located in Bangkok's Phra Khanong district in the South Sukhumvit area within walking distance of the Punnawithi BTS station, the project spans 250,000 square metres.

The company aims to create the country's creative economy hub on Sukhumvit Road, from Onnut to the Bangna area, with Cloud 11 and True Digital Park as the centre of the innovation district.

The project brings together 11 key sectors driving Thailand's creative economy, including fashion, film, music, dance, art, sports and wellness, gaming, content creation, festivals, and urban parks.

Facilities include content production and music studios, galleries, event spaces, cinemas, and a year-round programme of activities.

The developer has invested over one billion baht to develop one of the region's most comprehensive content production infrastructures.

This includes international-standard studios, recording studios, dance rehearsal rooms, post-production studios, and live commerce studios.

This integrated ecosystem enables every stage of commercial creative production to occur seamlessly in one location.

At present, the project accommodates creative business operators in one location. This includes 1500 Sound Academy, a US-born music academy and studio; Doc Club & Friends, an independent cinema; and Trendy Gallery, a contemporary art gallery; and other partners such as Pad Thai Padel, SM True, theCOMMONS, TrueVisions, Kantana, and Cat Radio.

According to the company, theCOMMONS Cloud 11 spans 5,420 sq m and features over 40 food and beverage outlets in a single location.

Doc Club & Friends will also feature a bar designed as a gathering place for people in the film industry and beyond. The venue includes a dedicated space for film-related activities, and is set to host this year's Bangkok International Film Festival.

The company said Cloud 11 will continue to partner with leading organisations in Thailand and globally to facilitate knowledge exchanges and co-development, attracting talent, investors, and leading brands across the globe to further advance the creative ecosystem.