However, due to limited space available several of them are likely to be disappointed. Almost 50 per cent of the operators seeking to rent space consist of beverage firms especially tea, fruit juice and coffee retailers.
The remainder represents a wide range of businesses such as convenience stores, bookstores, laundry services and mobile phone shops.
The candidates are competing for a chance to operate 500 shops available, with a total of 15,000 square metres of retail space at the 11 subway stations. Said an executive at Metro Mall Development Company, a subsidiary of Bangkok Metro Company: "We will create a retail shopping atmosphere at our stations by giving each of the stations its own character to appeal to commuters and shoppers."
Successful candidates will be allowed to set up their shops, with monthly rents going up to 1,500-3,000 baht per square meter. Contracts are for three years.
Meanwhile, under pressure from BMCL, Triads Network has agreed to amend its sole ad concessions for Bangkok subway to allow How Come Entertainment to offer ad services for the transport system.
Retailers compete for shops at Thai stations
More than 3,000 retailers including some big names such as Big C, Oishi, Black Canyon, Auntie Anne's and Mister Donut are competing for space at Bangkok's 11 new subway stations.
