BANGKOK– Asset World Corporation (AWC), Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group, is pleased to announce a landmark collaboration to develop a signature project at Asiatique The Riverfront Destination.
This initiative is designed to drive Thailand toward becoming a premier global sustainable tourism destination through “The World’s First Sustainable Cross-river Themed Cable Car Bangkok” and “MONA Bangkok”, a world-class unconventional immersive art museum developed in partnership with MONA, the owner of Australia’s internationally acclaimed Museum of Old and New Art.
These developments reflect AWC’s continued commitment to creating destinations that contribute to Thailand’s tourism industry while generating long-term value for communities and the country.
Key Takeaways:
- AWC reinforces its “Building Better Future” mission through the introduction of “The World’s First Sustainable Cross-River Themed Cable Car Bangkok,” set to become the world’s first themed cable car to achieve internationally recognized sustainability standards.
- Introducing “MONA Bangkok” at Asiatique The Riverfront Destination in partnership with MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), the internationally renowned contemporary art museum from Australia. The collaboration will establish a world-class destination for art, culture, and immersive experiences, while fostering cultural exchange and creating opportunities for Thai and global artists to showcase their work.
- Together, these developments redefine Bangkok’s riverside by bringing together sustainable mobility, art, and cultural experiences, helping shape the future of sustainable tourism in Thailand.
Guided by the mission of “Building Better Future”, AWC is transforming Asiatique The Riverfront Destination into a World-Class Sustainable Tourism and Lifestyle hub.
The World’s first Sustainable Cross-river Themed Cable Car Bangkok
At the heart of this transformation is “The World’s first Sustainable Cross-river Themed Cable Car Bangkok” – a landmark investment exceeding THB 2 billion, developed around the concept of sustainable mobility. Powered by advanced, energy-efficient technology and engineered without support pylons in the Chao Phraya River, this cable car system is set to become the world’s first sustainable themed cable car.
It will seamlessly connect Asiatique The Riverfront Destination with AWC’s new mixed-use development on Charoen Nakhon Road. Conceived as more than just infrastructure, it is a work of kinetic art, transformingthe river crossing into an immersive journey of art, light, sound, technology, nature, and architecture.
The cable car will link directly to MONA Bangkok, a project developed in partnership with MONA, the founder of the internationally acclaimed Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. Widely recognized as one of the world’s most influential contemporary art museums, MONA attracts visitors from across the globe each year.
MONA (The Museum of Old and New Art) is Australia’s largest private museum. Founded by David Walsh to house his collection of ancient, modern, and contemporary art, MONA opened in 2011 in the northern suburbs of Hobart, Tasmania. MONA is both a museum and an ongoing experiment in art, technology, architecture, and experience.
The museum uses custom-built technology, known as “The O”, in place of traditional wall labels, allowing visitors to encounter the collection in a more personal and exploratory way.
MONA Bangkok will be created specifically for Bangkok
MONA is also well known for its creative incubator, DarkLab, which develops and delivers cultural projects across art, music, festivals, hospitality, precinct development and major public events. Its work includes the production of Dark Mofo, the operation and programming of the Odeon Theatre, and the development of In The Hanging Garden, a year-round cultural and hospitality precinct in central Hobart.
The establishment of MONA Bangkok will bring MONA’s creative spirit and internationally recognized expertise to a new cultural context. Rather than replicating the museum in Hobart, MONA Bangkok will be created specifically for Bangkok—in dialogue with artists, audiences, traditions, and ideas.
Conceived as a dynamic platform for cultural exchange, it will provide Thai and global artists with opportunities to create and showcase their work on an international stage while contributing to the continued growth of Bangkok’s contemporary art landscape.
Like MONA in Tasmania, the ambition is to create a destination that could only exist in its own place, shaped by its own culture and community.
Together, “The World’s first Sustainable Cross-river Themed Cable Car Bangkok” and “MONA Bangkok” will create a distinctive world-class destination, establishing a new benchmark for experiential tourism while elevating Bangkok’s position as a world-class destination for contemporary art and cultural tourism.
Bangkok’s Position as a World-Class Destination
The announcement of this landmark collaboration was honored by the presence of H.E. Ms. Sabeeda Thaised, Minister of Culture for Thailand; Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand; Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok; The Hon. Jeremy Rockliff MP, Premier of Tasmania; H.E. Pablo Kang, Australian Ambassador-Designate to Thailand; as well as executives from MONA, government representatives, industry leaders, and members of the media.
Mrs. Wallapa Traisorat, Chief Executive Officer and President of Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC), stated: “At AWC, we are guided by our mission of ‘Building Better Future’ through a destination development approach that creates sustainable value for tourism, communities, and the nation.
This landmark project represents another important step in advancing that vision by delivering meaningful, long-term value through world-class experiences that bring together innovation, creativity, and sustainability. We believe that architecture and thoughtful design have the power to transform the way people experience and connect with the value and meaning of a place.
This project reflects that belief by bringing together MONA Bangkok, a world-class destination for contemporary art and culture, with the World’s First Sustainable Cross-River Themed Cable Car to create an experience that seamlessly connects art, culture, technology, and sustainable mobility for visitors from around the world.
Bringing Together Global Partners
This landmark collaboration with MONA Australia will help create a new iconic destination for Bangkok while contributing to Thailand’s position as a global hub for sustainable tourism, arts, culture, and creative learning. We sincerely thank all of our partners for sharing this vision and commitment, and we look forward to the lasting value this collaboration will create for Bangkok, Thailand, the tourism industry, and people across all sectors.”
Mr. Michael Hariz, Chief Commercial Business Officer, stated: “Asiatique The Riverfront Destination is one of Bangkok’s most iconic riverside landmarks, and this collaboration marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in its evolution.
More than simply connecting two locations, The World’s First Sustainable Cross-River Themed Cable Car creates a seamless journey between Asiatique and MONA Bangkok — transforming the entire riverside into one integrated sustainable destination, where every journey becomes part of the experience itself.
This reflects the power of bringing together global partners who are each masters of their craft, combining world-class expertise in sustainable transport with visionary art, culture, and destination design. It’s this cross-border collaboration — uniting specialized knowledge from different industries and different parts of the world that allows us to set new, meaningful experiences for Bangkok.
Bangkok’s Rich Cultural Life and Traditions
By bringing together world-class attractions, immersive art, culture, dining, retail, and entertainment, we are creating a truly distinctive destination that offers visitors an entirely new way to experience Bangkok’s riverside — one shaped by international expertise and a shared commitment to sustainability and innovation.”
Mr. David Walsh, MONA founder, stated: “Having spent most of the last twenty-five years studying how museums work, AWC has presented us with a remarkable opportunity to take what we’ve learned to one of the great tourist centers of the world.”
Mr. Leigh Carmichael, DarkLab CEO, Creative Director & MONA Bangkok project lead, stated: “MONA Bangkok will take the creative spirit of MONA into a new context. Like the museum in Hobart, it will be unconventional and unique, and will present work by leading international artists, while also creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue with Thai artists, audiences and cultural traditions.
The theme of light will be explored both as a physical phenomenon and as a metaphor. Light has long been a source of fascination, reflection and hope across cultures, and it feels especially resonant in Bangkok, with its rich cultural life and traditions. I’m looking forward to listening, learning and seeing where this project leads as it develops.
Bangkok has the energy, audience and ambition to become one of the world’s great art destinations.
We look forward to working with AWC on this ambitious project, and to meeting with Thai artists, designers and makers as we begin the journey.”
About Asset World Corp Public Company Limited
Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC), Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group and a member of TCC Group, is redefining the country’s landscape of hospitality, commercial workspaces, and iconic lifestyle destinations with its diversified portfolio, strategically located in prime areas across the nation.
Committed to creating new landmark projects that not only set new benchmarks for the industry but also strengthen Thailand’s position as a global sustainable tourism destination, AWC collaborates with world-renowned partners, including Marriott International, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Nobu Hospitality, Okura Hotels, Banyan Tree, Meliá Hotels International, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Accor, and Hyatt, to deliver unforgettable experiences.
Its portfolio features flagship commercial properties such as The Empire, Athenee Tower Building, Asiatique The Riverfront Destination, and Phenix, along with premier F&B destinations like ‘EA’ Rooftop at The Empire, offering world-class cuisine.
AWC is committed to delivering exceptional experiences while championing sustainability in every part of its operations to create long-term sustainable value for all stakeholders through initiatives under three key pillars of Better Planet, Better People, and Better Prosperity (3BETTERs), driving innovation and responsibility to inspire millions and elevate Thailand’s tourism and real estate industry to new heights. For more information, visit www.assetworldcorp-th.com/en/home .
About MONA
The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Australia’s largest private museum, was built byDavid Walsh to house his collection of ancient, modern and contemporary art. Open since 2011 in Hobart’s northern suburbs, the museum uses custom-built technology, called the O, in place of wall labels. MONA is also home to Phrontisterion (a new kind of library), several bars and restaurants, two wineries, a brewery, accommodation, festivals, music and events, and a tennis court
