Dazzling lights and sound display signalled the official crowning of Thailand’s tallest skyscraper, the 77-storey MahaNakhon, last night.

Although the launch was postponed for an hour due to a heavy downpour, it did not dampen the mood of spectators, who braved the rain to witness the unveiling of yet another tourist attraction in the city.

Towering at 314 metres, the building located at the busy Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Road, in Silom, was constructed by Pace Development at a cost of 18 billion Baht (about RM2.1 billion).

MahaNakhon’s height overtook Baiyoke II Tower in Pratunam, which held the title as the country’s tallest building for about two decades.

Pace’s chief executive officer Sorapoj Techakraisri said that the high-end mixed-used property development consisted of residences, hotel services and a panoramic viewpoint on the 77th floor, which would all be opened next year.

MahaNakhon Cube, a seven-storey shopping centre and a 1,000 square metre activity ground, was already opened, he said.

- Bernama