Northpoint Construction Update

With Northpoint now a landmark on the Pattaya skyline, construction continues to make strong progress. Setting out and piling works for the main swimming pools have now begun, with the external hardscape, softscape, and water feature installations to the 12-rai site expected to be complete within seven months subject to the wet season.

Inside the buildings, mechanical, electrical and plumbing "first-fix" installations have progressed towards the penthouse levels of both towers, and the "second-fix" installations are also progressing significantly in both towers. Imported floor and wall tiling works remain ongoing and have vastly advanced in both towers. Internal ceiling installations have progressed equally, followed closely by kitchen fit-out and appliance; built-in wardrobe; vanity units, joinery doors and floors, and frameless shower cubicles installations.

To see more construction update photos from Northpoint, click here.

The River Progress Update

Raimon Land Plc recently consolidated its investment in The River by acquiring an additional 25% stake in Taksin Hotel Holding Co., Ltd "THH" from Lehman Brothers Bangkok Riverside Development Pte Ltd. The acquisition has resulted in an increase of Raimon Land's aggregate investment in The River from 60% to the current 85% shareholding (74% held directly by Raimon Land and 11% held through "Contemporary Property Co., Ltd", a Raimon Land subsidiary). The balance of the shares is held by Raimon Land's two major shareholders, IFA Hotels and Resorts 3 Ltd and Istithmar FZE, both headquartered in Dubai.

This positive step indicates Raimon Land's long-term commitment to this landmark project which is now beginning to rise above the hoarding which surrounds the site. With the entire ground floor slab nearing completion, the core wall of the South Tower is now between level 3 and 4, while at the North Tower, the core wall is between level 2 and 3. Elsewhere on site, the car park ramp has risen to between the ground floor and level 2, while the boundary wall piling is 45% complete and the boundary wall footing is 20% complete.

To see more construction update photos from The River, click here.

La Fête at The River

Raimon Land continues its support of the French cultural festival "La Fête" by supporting Thailand's first monographic exhibition by renowned French photographer, Georges Rousse.

Georges Rousse grabbed the art world's spotlight in 1981, when he debuted his blend of painting, drawing, sculpture and architecture at the Gallery of France in Paris, and he has since held shows throughout Europe and the Americas as well as Japan, South Korea, China and Nepal in Asia.

Georges Rousse: Photographie, a collection of photographs from the far reaches of the world will be held at The River Promenade from 10 June to 5 July. Open daily to the public from 10am to 6pm, admission to the exhibition at The River Promenade is free of charge. The River's complimentary shuttle boat service will be available throughout the duration of the exhibition to take guests to the venue, leaving regularly from Saphan Taksin pier. Pickup can also be arranged by calling The River Promenade on 02 861 1971.

For more information about the artist, visit http://www.lafete-bangkok.com/2009/en/georges-rousse.html.

Art at The River

The River Promenade has captured the attention of Bangkok's art fans with a series of art exhibitions by internationally acclaimed artists. The latest exhibition to draw in the crowds was "The Silence of Healing at the Edge of the World", an exhibition by one of Mongolia's top contemporary artists, Jalkhaajav Munkhtsetseg (who is known by the name of Mugi). The exhibition featured paintings and soft sculptures - which reflected traditional Mongolian medicine, the wisdom of folk tales and legends, as well as the healing power of nature.

To see pictures from the exhibition, please click here.

Raimon Land Completes Home for Underprivileged Children

Last month, Raimon Land completed the construction of the Baan Mercy Ruamjai Pattana building for the Human Development Foundation in Klong Toey.

The aim of the development is to create a safe and non-abusive home for 40 underprivileged children from the area, with ages ranging from five to late teens. Baan Mercy Ruamjai Pattana houses individual bed and storage facilities for the children, as well as games, kitchen and laundry facilities, a homework area, an on-site guardian and a garden on the second floor to grow herbs and vegetables.

The home was finished in just over twelve months, with the costs donated by Raimon Land and partners including Bouygues Thai, NET, Graham Lamb, Stephen J. Leach, Meinhardt and EEC Lincoln Scott.

If you would like to get involved or make donations, please visit www.themercycentre.org for more information.