Tony Vega
Tony Vega (Akavut Tangsilikusonwong )
Akavut Tangsilikusonwong (Thai: อัครวุฒิ ตั้งศิริกุศลวงศ์), also known as Tony Vega, is a Thai businessman associated with exhibition and commercial development projects in the Middle East.[1] He is the founder of Vega Intertrade & Exhibitions, a company involved in organizing trade exhibitions and developing themed retail and entertainment concepts.
Tangsilikusonwong has been involved in exhibition and trade-related activities in the Gulf region since the early 2000s. His work has focused on facilitating commercial participation of Asian businesses in markets across the Middle East, particularly within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Through Vega Intertrade & Exhibitions, he has contributed to the development of themed commercial environments that combine retail, food and beverage, and entertainment components.
Early life, education
Early Life and Education
Akavut Tangsilikusonwong was born on 8 October 1975 in Bangkok, Thailand. He was educated at Saint Dominic School and later attended Triam Udom Suksa School, where he represented his institution in the Physics Olympiad.
He graduated from Chulalongkorn University with a bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering in 1998 and later completed a Mini MBA program at Thammasat University.
He began his career in the Middle East at the age of 25, marking the start of his long-term involvement in regional trade and exhibitions.
Business Activities
Vega Intertrade and Exhibitions
Vega Intertrade and Exhibitions was founded in the early 2000s and later expanded into Dubai in 2011.
The company specializes in:
- International exhibitions
- Trade promotion
- Pavilion development
- Destination-based commercial concepts
Vega became known for facilitating market entry for Thai and Asian SMEs into the Middle East, building connections between ASEAN countries and the GCC region.
Over time, the company developed projects across:
Major Projects
1- Thai Mart Bahrain
Thai Mart Bahrain[2]is considered one of the first Thai-themed commercial retail destinations outside Thailand.[3]
Location: Diyar Al Muharraq, Bahrain
Size: Approximately 10,000 sqm
Shops: Around 150 retail units
Visitors: Estimated 60,000 monthly
The project was developed in collaboration with entities such as Economic Development Board (EDB Bahrain) and Diyar Al Muharraq
Overview
Thai Mart Bahrain is a themed retail development located in Diyar Al Muharraq, Bahrain. The project consists of multiple retail units and food outlets operating within a concept inspired by Thai markets. It was developed in cooperation with local entities in Bahrain.
Concept and Design
The project is conceptually aligned with thematic markets rather than conventional shopping malls. Its design emphasizes:
- Cultural representation through Thai-style architecture and décor
- Open, market-like circulation resembling Southeast Asian bazaars
- A focus on accessibility and informal retail experiences
Commercial Activities
Thai Mart Bahrain accommodates a variety of commercial functions, including:
- Retail stores offering Thai products, apparel, accessories, and household items
- Food and beverage outlets specializing in Thai and Asian cuisine
- Personal care services such as massage and spa facilities
- Entertainment and family-oriented spaces
2- Global City Dammam
Global City Dammam[4] is a large-scale mixed-use development in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The project includes international pavilions, retail spaces, and entertainment facilities designed to represent different cultures within a single destination.[5]
Location: Dammam, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
Developer/Operator: Vega International (Saudi Arabia)
Concept: International pavilions, retail, and family entertainment Global City Dammam is a large-scale cultural, entertainment, and tourism development located in Dammam, Eastern Province, [6]Saudi Arabia. It is designed as a multi-functional destination that integrates international cultural exhibitions, leisure attractions, and commercial activities within a unified environment inspired by global diversity.
Overview
Global City Dammam is a mixed-use mega project that combines tourism, retail, and entertainment. The development spans more than 650,000 square meters, with its initial phase covering approximately 200,000 square meters.[7]
The project officially opened its first season in late 2025, positioning itself as a major new attraction in the Eastern Province.
Concept and Design
The project is based on a “world-in-one-place” concept, bringing together cultures, cuisines, and experiences from multiple countries.[8]
Key design features include:
- International pavilions representing countries from Asia, Africa, and the Gulf
- Themed districts such as cultural streets and regional zones
- A central artificial lake serving as a visual and functional centerpiece
- Open-air event spaces and pedestrian-friendly layouts
Components and Attractions
Cultural and Retail Zones
The development includes approximately +16 international pavilions, each showcasing the architecture, products, and cuisine of a specific country.
These pavilions typically contain:
- Restaurants serving national dishes
- Retail outlets with cultural products
- Exhibitions and themed environments
Entertainment and Leisure
Global City Dammam incorporates a wide range of entertainment offerings, such as:
- Carnival rides and amusement areas
- Live performances, concerts, and stunt shows
- Arcade games and family attractions
- A petting zoo and interactive activities
An open-air theater with a capacity of up to 10,000 people supports large-scale events and performances.
Waterfront and Signature Features
A defining element of the project is its large lake (≈200,000+ m²), which serves as a hub for tourism and events.
Notable features include:
- Food market inspired by Asian concepts
- Light festivals and visual installations
- Walking paths and waterfront experiences
3- Floating Market
The Floating Market is a themed cultural and retail attraction developed by Vega Intertrade & Exhibitions under the direction of Thai businessman Akavut “Tony” Tangsilikusonwong. The concept draws inspiration from traditional floating markets of Thailand, where goods are sold from boats along canal networks, and adapts this model into a controlled, entertainment-oriented environment in the Middle East.
Concept and design
The project is designed to replicate the atmosphere of Southeast Asian waterfront marketplaces within a modern exhibition setting. It typically features:[9]
- Artificial waterways or water-themed layouts
- Vendor stalls designed to resemble boats or floating platforms
- Traditional Thai architectural elements and decorative motifs
- Ambient lighting and cultural performances to enhance visitor experience
Rather than functioning as a literal market on water, the project emphasizes visual authenticity and thematic immersion, combining cultural representation with commercial activity.
Operations and activities
The Floating Market integrates multiple components of leisure and commerce, including:
- Food and beverage outlets, primarily offering Thai and other Asian cuisines
- Retail stalls selling handicrafts, souvenirs, and imported goods
- Live demonstrations and performances reflecting Southeast Asian traditions
- Seasonal programming and events to attract repeat visitors
This combination positions the project within the broader category of experiential retail, where entertainment and environment are central to consumer engagement.
Locations and implementation
The Floating Market concept has been implemented primarily within large-scale entertainment and exhibition destinations in the Gulf region. Its most notable presence has been within:
- Seasonal international cultural venues such as Global Village in Dubai
- Related exhibition and pavilion-based developments managed by Vega Intertrade & Exhibitions
The project is often incorporated as part of a larger themed zone or national pavilion, particularly those representing Thailand or Southeast Asia.
Significance
The Floating Market is considered an example of the growing trend toward themed commercial environments in the Middle East. Its significance lies in:
- Cultural adaptation: Introducing Southeast Asian market traditions to new regional audiences
- Hybrid business model: Combining retail leasing, food services, and entertainment revenue streams
- Tourism and engagement: Enhancing visitor experience through immersive design rather than conventional retail formats
The project reflects broader shifts in the entertainment and retail sectors, where destinations increasingly prioritize experience-driven attractions over purely transactional spaces.
4- Railway Market
The Railway Market – “Where Sweet Things Happen” is a themed retail and food attraction developed by Vega Intertrade & Exhibitions under the direction of Thai entrepreneur Akavut “Tony” Tangsilikusonwong. The project was implemented in Dubai as part of Thai-themed cultural zones, most notably within large-scale destinations such as Global Village.
Concept
The attraction is inspired by the Maeklong Railway Market in Thailand, a traditional market built along active railway tracks. The Dubai adaptation reinterprets this concept into a controlled, family-oriented environment, with a particular focus on desserts and confectionery.
The branding phrase “Where Sweet Things Happen” reflects the project’s emphasis on:
- Sweets and dessert experiences
- Visually engaging food presentation
- A vibrant, youth- and family-friendly atmosphere
Design and layout
The Railway Market is structured around a central track-like feature, with stalls positioned along both sides. Key elements include:
- A railway-themed layout, simulating the proximity of market stalls to train tracks
- Colorful kiosks and booths designed to resemble Southeast Asian street vendors
- Retractable-style awnings referencing the original Thai market behavior
- Decorative lighting and signage enhancing the night-time experience
In some versions, a simulated train passage or staged visual effect is incorporated to recreate the defining feature of the original market.
Operations
Unlike traditional retail zones, the project is curated around a specific category:
- Desserts and sweets (e.g., Thai sweets, ice cream, crepes, beverages)
- Snack-based vendors targeting high footfall and impulse purchases
- Compact retail kiosks with fast turnover and high visual appeal
This makes the Railway Market a specialized example of themed food retail, focusing on short-stay, high-volume customer engagement.
Significance
The Railway Market – “Where Sweet Things Happen” represents a hybrid between cultural adaptation and commercial entertainment. Its significance includes:
- Reinterpretation of a real-world market into a safe, controlled attraction
- Specialization in dessert retail, differentiating it from general food markets
- Contribution to experiential retail trends, where design and theme drive visitor engagement
- Appeal to families and younger audiences, particularly through visual and social-media-friendly elements
The project exemplifies how traditional Southeast Asian market concepts can be transformed into modern, experience-driven attractions within the Gulf region.
5- Road of Asia
The project forms part of large-scale entertainment and exhibition environments in the Gulf region, particularly within multi-national cultural destinations such as Global Village (Dubai).
Concept
The Road of Asia is designed as a multi-country Asian marketplace, bringing together elements from various Asian cultures into a single, unified visitor experience.
Rather than focusing on a single country, the project presents a pan-Asian theme, showcasing:
- Southeast Asia (e.g., Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia)
- East Asia (e.g., China, Korea, Japan influences)
- South Asia elements in some implementations
The concept emphasizes diversity, accessibility, and high footfall retail, offering visitors a condensed journey across multiple cultures.
Design and layout
The project typically takes the form of a pedestrian street or boulevard, characterized by:
- Continuous rows of retail kiosks and food stalls
- Thematic zoning reflecting different Asian identities
- Decorative elements such as:
- Lanterns and illuminated signage
- Street-style façades inspired by Asian markets
- A layout optimized for heavy visitor circulation
The design prioritizes visual density and vibrancy, creating an environment similar to night markets across Asia.
Operations
The Road of Asia functions as a high-volume commercial zone, integrating:
- Food and beverage outlets offering a variety of Asian cuisines
- Retail kiosks selling clothing, accessories, electronics, and souvenirs
- Short-term leasing models allowing vendors to participate seasonally
- Event-driven programming aligned with peak visitor times
The project is structured to maximize:
- Foot traffic
- Vendor turnover
- Revenue per square meter
Significance
The Road of Asia represents a large-scale application of experiential retail and cultural aggregation. Its significance includes:
- Regional integration of Asian cultures into a single commercial platform
- Efficient retail model, combining multiple small vendors in a high-density format
- Tourism enhancement, offering visitors a diverse cultural experience within a limited space
- Scalability, allowing the concept to be adapted across different projects and locations
The project reflects broader trends in the Middle East toward theme-based destinations that merge retail, entertainment, and cultural exposure.
References
- ↑ "GLOBAL CITY DAMMAM | فرص". furas.momah.gov.sa.
- ↑ "Thai Mart | Point Bahrain". May 27, 2021.
- ↑ "bahrain this week". 15 October 2020.
- ↑ "Dammam Global City: Complete Guide to the New Entertainment Complex - House of Saud". April 27, 2026.
- ↑ Anwar, Shaheera (November 10, 2025). "Everything you need to know about the new Global City Dammam". Fact Magazines.
- ↑ "المدينة العالمية الدمام | رحلة بين ثقافات العالم | روح السعودية". www.visitsaudi.com.
- ↑ "Eastern Province Governor inaugurates Global City Dammam". ArgaamPlus.
- ↑ "Arab news". 29 December 2025.
- ↑ "Floating Market | Global Village". www.globalvillage.ae.
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