When discussing the leading developer of Thailand’s shopping centers, one name invariably comes to mind: Central Pattana. With decades of industry experience, Central Pattana continues to advance its projects under the “Retail-Led Mixed-Use Development” concept, which seamlessly integrates modern living elements—including residential areas, hotels, office spaces, condominiums, and comprehensive shopping centers. This holistic approach not only creates vibrant community hubs but also stimulates economic growth on both local and national scales.

The Business Strategy of CENTRAL

Central Pattana’s strategic moves are closely observed, particularly regarding the selection of high-potential project locations. Its developments are not limited to major cities like Bangkok, Nonthaburi, and Chonburi; they also extend to important tourist destinations such as Chiang Mai and Phuket. By balancing its expansion between established urban centers and emerging cities, Central Pattana contributes to urban development and regional income distribution. According to its 2025–2030 business plan, the provinces of Chiang Mai and Phuket remain key priorities.

Expansion and Strategic Location Selection

• Central and Metropolitan Areas:

Bangkok and its surrounding metropolitan region constitute Central Pattana’s primary market. With 20 centers—13 in Bangkok and 7 in the surrounding areas—covering over 4.54 million square meters, these densely populated regions with high purchasing power serve as a stable revenue base for the company.

• Key Tourist Cities:

Beyond Bangkok, Central Pattana also recognizes the significant potential in tourist cities such as Chiang Mai and Phuket, which attract both international visitors and high-quality local consumers.

• Regional Economic Centers:

The company further identifies opportunities in regional economic hubs such as Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Udon Thani, where continuous economic growth and increased investments are evident.

Chiang Mai and Phuket: Exceptional Potential from CENTRAL’s Perspective

Chiang Mai: A City of Cultural Heritage and Modernity in the North

Chiang Mai is not only a favored destination for tourists seeking the charm of historical sites and a blend of culture with modernity, but it is also emerging as an economic center bolstered by thriving service and educational sectors. Central Pattana has invested in projects such as Central Chiang Mai Airport and Central Chiang Mai, which together encompass more than 510,000 square meters. These projects are designed to serve both tourists and the local community, including a significant number of students and expatriates who contribute to the region’s high-quality consumer base. Moreover, insights from the company’s loyalty program indicate that consumers in Northern Thailand prefer local products, value local pride, and support Thai and indigenous brands, all while maintaining an interest in technology and gadgets.

Phuket – An Investment Paradise

Phuket exemplifies the economic potential of Southern Thailand as a global tourism hub, drawing visitors from Russia, China, and Europe, many of whom extend their stays for several weeks or even months to experience the island’s luxurious and exclusive atmosphere. Recognizing this opportunity, Central Pattana has launched the Central Phuket project, which aims to elevate the shopping experience for both tourists and affluent clientele. The development plan is structured in three phases: the first two phases—Central Festival Phuket and Central Phuket Flora—have already achieved considerable success, setting the stage for the highly anticipated third phase in 2026, which will expand the project to 379,800 square meters. Customer insights from the Southern region further reveal that local consumers tend to focus their spending on family-related purchases, particularly investing in their children’s futures rather than on routine expenses.

Both Chiang Mai and Phuket serve as dynamic regional centers with high-quality consumer bases, making them strategic investment locations for Central Pattana. These investments not only generate immediate revenue but also establish a foundation for long-term growth in Central Pattana’s shopping center portfolio. In 2024, Central Pattana’s shopping centers reported total revenues of 51.843 billion baht and a net profit of 16.729 billion baht, underscoring the company’s strong management and growth potential. Looking forward, Central Pattana plans to invest up to 120 billion baht over the next five years (2025–2030) to expand its Mixed-Use projects from 25 in 2024 to 37 in 2030. By championing Mixed-Use development, the company transforms its centers into comprehensive lifestyle hubs that address the evolving needs of today’s consumers.