CEO Chadatip Chutrakul yesterday said the company wanted to purchase several plots of land in Bangkok and expected to reach an agreement by year's end.

"The new shopping centre will have a creative and innovative concept. We don't want to do something similar to what we've done before, but Siam Piwat is also cautious with new investments," said Chadatip.

This year's marketing budget is Bt200 million, up from Bt80 million last year, with which to boost sales at both Siam Centre and Siam Discovery Centre.

Under its "Triple Impact" campaign, more than 250 activities are planned for throughout the year, compared with 150 last year. The campaign is aimed at reinforcing the image of both venues as centres of fun and entertainment.

The events are intended to satisfy existing customers and entice new ones.

Chadatip said the company would use a customer-relations strategy involving Citibank cards and its own Discovery Club Card to build loyalty towards both centres' brands.

The company will hold separate marketing activities for the complexes, in order to serve different demands of customers.

Siam Centre will focus on youths and young workers aged 12-28, while Siam Discovery Centre will target trendy professionals and high-spending families.

"It's expected that the events will help increase traffic at the centres 20 per cent," said Chadatip.

Currently, Siam Centre has about 110,000 visitors a day and Siam Discovery Centre about 80,000.

"This year, we expect to have much more expenditures than in previous years. We know what to do under such circumstances," said Chadatip, adding that amid these uncertain times, the company would place a greater emphasis on activities and marketing.

Chadatip is optimistic that cash circulation in the Siam Square area will return to normal before it does in other shopping zones.