When it comes to the leaders in the development of shopping centers in Thailand, it is undoubtedly Central Pattana, a company that has been deeply rooted in the industry for decades and continues to develop projects with the concept of “Retail-Led Mixed-Use Development”. This concept integrates all aspects of modern life harmoniously, including residential areas, hotels, office buildings, condominiums, and comprehensive shopping centers, to create a central hub for life and drive economic growth at both local and national levels.

How does Central operate its business?

Central's pace is always under scrutiny, especially regarding its choice of locations for high-potential projects such as Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Chonburi, and important tourist cities like Chiang Mai and Phuket. Central Pattana focuses on achieving a balance in branch expansion, both in city centers and secondary cities with growth potential in the future. This approach also impacts urban development and income distribution at the regional level. According to the business plan announced for 2025-2030, major cities like Chiang Mai and Phuket remain key locations for Central.

Branch Expansion and Selection of Outstanding Locations

1. City Centers and Suburbs: Bangkok and its surrounding areas are the main market for CPN, with a total of 20 branches (13 in Bangkok and 7 in the suburbs), covering more than 4.54 million square meters. This area is densely populated and has high purchasing power, making it a crucial base for the company's stability and continuous income.

2. Important Tourist Cities: Central Pattana sees potential not only in Bangkok but also in key tourist cities like Chiang Mai and Phuket.

3. Regional Economic Hubs: In addition to Bangkok and tourist cities, CPN also sees opportunities in regional economic hubs such as Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Udon Thani, which are areas experiencing continuous economic growth and investment.

Chiang Mai and Phuket: Exceptional Potential from Central Pattana's Perspective

As economic and tourism centers with high potential, Chiang Mai and Phuket are places where Central Pattana sees value and investment opportunities that rival those in Bangkok or Chonburi.

Chiang Mai: The Cultural and Modern City of the North

Chiang Mai is not just a destination for tourists seeking the beauty of the old city and a blend of culture and modernity; it is also a growing economic center with a continuous service and education business sector. Central Pattana has invested in the Central Chiang Mai Airport and Central Chiang Mai projects, which together cover over 510,000 square meters to accommodate tourists and the local community. Additionally, there is a base of students and expats with high purchasing power, which is a key factor in market growth.

The loyalty program The 1 also provides insights into consumer behavior in the North, indicating that Northern consumers often prefer local products, value local pride, and support Thai and local brands, including food and health products, while also appreciating technology and gadgets.

Phuket – The Paradise Island for Investment

Phuket remains a clear example of economic potential in the South, being a global tourism hub that attracts visitors from all over the world, particularly from Russia, China, and Europe, who often spend weeks or even months enjoying the luxurious and private atmosphere. Central Pattana sees opportunities in Phuket with the launch of the Central Phuket project, designed to enhance the shopping experience for tourists and affluent customers. The development plan is divided into three phases, with the first two phases, Central Festival Phuket and Central Phuket Florista, achieving great success, making the upcoming phase 3 in 2026 highly anticipated, as it will expand Central's area in Phuket to 379,800 square meters.

Insights from The 1 system reveal that Southern consumers spend on their families, especially children, focusing on clothing, toys, books, and courses, emphasizing investment in their children's future rather than general expenses.

Both Chiang Mai and Phuket have a high-quality customer base and serve as economic centers in their respective regions, resulting in investments in these areas not only generating short-term revenue but also laying the foundation for long-term growth of CPN's shopping centers.

In 2024, CPN's shopping centers generated a total revenue of 51.843 billion baht with a net profit of 16.729 billion baht, demonstrating the company's management strength and potential. In the coming years, Central plans to invest up to 120 billion baht over the next five years (2025-2030), aiming to expand its Mixed-Use projects from 25 in 2024 to 37 by 2030. Central Pattana focuses on developing Mixed-Use shopping centers as the core of creating spaces that respond to the changing lifestyles of consumers, integrating shopping, living, working, and tourism. This makes CPN's shopping centers not just shopping places but also “lifestyle hubs” that encompass all people's needs in one location.