Retail/Central Group

Central plans two new malls in Phuket and Pattaya this year

Editorial staff

A cash-rich company, Central Group, plans to open two retail projects—"POP Phuket” and “Tops Wongamat"—in Q4 of 2026 and 100 plots of land in high-potential locations, waiting for developing real estate and retail businesses in the future.

Central Land and Development, a business unit under Central Group, has invested 730 million baht to develop two new malls—POP Phuket in Cherng Talay, south of Bangkok, and Tops Wongamat in the Wong Amat area, Pattaya, east of Bangkok.

Both two projects are to create a lifestyle ecosystem that elevates premium living experiences for high-spending customers and expatriates, expecting to open in the fourth quarter of this year.

POP Phuket: A new playful destination in Cherng Talay

With an investment of over 300 million baht, Pop Phuket has a total gross building area (GBA) of 5,490 square meters. It has been developed under the concept of a “Playful Destination” to support the rapid growth of Cherng Talay in Thalang District. The area has become one of Phuket’s most sought-after locations, with more than 20,000 luxury residential units under continuous development and an annual growth rate of 18.8%.

Strategically located near Bang Tao Beach within The Standard Residences Phuket Bangtao, the project is only five minutes from Porto de Phuket and three minutes from Boat Lagoon.

This investment reflects Central Group’s confidence in the long-term growth prospects of Thailand’s tourism sector, despite short-term fluctuations. Phuket remains one of the world’s leading tourist destinations, welcoming more than 14.1 million visitors per year and generating approximately 540 billion baht to 550 billion baht in annual tourism-related economic value.

Pong Skuntanaga, president of Central Land and Development, Central Group, said, “Phuket remains one of our strategic markets, particularly Cherng Talay on the west coast, where expatriates account for up to 80% of residents, alongside high-quality tourists. POP Phuket is to serve as a "life ecosystem" that fulfills distinctive dining and lifestyle demands, positioning itself as a comprehensive upper-tier lifestyle destination."

POP Phuket has a design concept that reflects modern lifestyles, inspired by Pop Art, with a focus on fun, contemporary creativity, and distinctive character. More than 60% of the project’s space will be allocated to food and beverage from both Thai and international brands, while the remaining 40% will feature a vibrant tenant mix of premium retail and lifestyle services, including specialty stores, spas, and beauty services for upper-tier customers across all dimensions.

POP Phuket will be Central Group’s second community mall in Cherng Talay, following Porto de Phuket, which opened in 2019. Central Group plans to further develop Porto de Phuket Phase 2 by expanding the space and adding more family and lifestyle elements, including an indoor playground, family restaurants, Pet Paradise for pet lovers, and a premium fitness facility. These additions will cater to families and high-spending consumers in a comprehensive and all-day format.

Pong Skuntanaga, president of Central Land and Development, Central Group

POP Phuket marks another significant step in Central Group’s expansion of its retail and lifestyle portfolio. The project is expected to attract more than 1 million visitors per year, with approximately 80% international customers and 20% Thai customers.

Tops Wongamat: Elevating the Lifestyle Experience in Pattaya

With an investment of over 430 million, Tops Wongamat is being developed under the concept of a “Premium Neighborhood Lifestyle Mall” with a total GBA of 4,711 square meters in the Wong Amat area.

Mr. Pong added, “Tops Wongamat is a collaboration between Central Group and Centara Hotels & Resorts. Central Group recognizes the strong potential of this location, which is home to Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, a 555-room resort that underwent a major renovation and fully reopened in 2025, as well as COSI Pattaya Wong Amat Beach, a 282-room hotel that opened in 2022. Tops Wongamat will further complete and enhance the lifestyle offerings for upper-tier customers in this prime location.”

Tops Wongamat has been designed as a single-story neighborhood lifestyle open mall. More than 80% of the space will be dedicated to restaurants, cafés, and supermarkets featuring both Thai and international brands. The remaining 20% will comprise a curated mix of premium retail and lifestyle services, including specialty stores, spas, and beauty services.

"Central Group is confident that POP Phuket and Tops Wongamat will become new destinations for high-potential tourists while contributing to the strong and sustainable growth of Thailand’s tourism industry," he said, adding that apart from both projects, Central Group has 100 land plots in hand, waiting for future development in major cities across the country.

Central Land and Development, a division under Central Group, currently manages retail projects such as Jewelry Trade Center, Market Place Wongsawang, Central Silom Tower, Porto de Phuket, and Jing Jai Market Chiang Mai and others such as small hotels. It has total revenues of 10 billion baht in 2025, 2 billion baht of which belongs to the retail business.