Central Group, through Central Land and Development, is advancing its strategy to expand its real estate and retail business in high-potential locations, investing over 730 million baht to launch two new community mall projects, 'POP Phuket' (Cherng Talay area) and 'Tops Wongamat' (Wongamat area, Pattaya), aiming to create a Lifestyle Ecosystem that enhances premium living experiences for high-spending customers and expatriates, set to open by 2026.

Central Land and Development is a key component managing land and real estate within Central Group's diverse portfolio, including the Jewelry Trade Center, Central Silom Tower, Wongwian Yai Platform, China World, Huamak Center, Wong Sawang Marketplace, Silom House, Tops Marketplace Udomsuk, Porto de Phuket, Jingjai Market Chiang Mai, Central The Original Store, and various real estate projects and potential land across the country.

  • In-depth look at 'POP Phuket': A New Playful Destination in Cherng Talay

With an investment value of over 300 million baht on a total project area (GBA) of 5,490 square meters, POP Phuket is developed under the concept of a Playful Destination to support the rapid growth of Cherng Talay sub-district in Thalang district, which has become a prime location with ongoing development of over 20,000 luxury residential units and an annual growth rate of 18.8%.

This investment reflects Central Group's confidence in the long-term growth prospects of Thailand's tourism sector, despite short-term volatility. Phuket remains a key destination for global tourists, attracting over 14.1 million visitors annually and generating economic value from tourism of approximately 540,000 – 550,000 million baht per year. Pong Sukuntanak, Managing Director of Central Land and Development, stated, “Phuket continues to be a strategic focus, especially the Cherng Talay area on the west coast, which has a high proportion of expatriate residents (80%) alongside high-quality tourists. We aim to develop POP Phuket into more than just a commercial space but a 'Life Ecosystem' that meets the high demand for unique dining and lifestyle experiences, positioning it as a comprehensive high-end lifestyle destination that offers a distinctive experience through three main strategies (P-O-P Strategy).

1. P - Playful Design: A design that reflects modern lifestyles, inspired by POP ART, emphasizing fun, modernity, and distinctive characteristics with vibrant lines, creating an inviting atmosphere for daily living.

2. O – Open: An open and accessible space with a flexible physical layout, creating a friendly, warm atmosphere in shops and common areas that welcomes everyone.

3. P – People: “People” and “community” are at the heart of the design, facilitating gatherings, shared time, and connections among people, brands, shops, and the surrounding community, making POP Phuket more than just a retail space but a hub for lifestyle experiences and connections.

The project allocates over 60% of its space to food and beverage zones, including restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets, both Thai and international, to enhance the dining experience as a key attraction for visitors, encouraging frequent visits and longer stays within the shopping center, led by Tops in the Fine Food format and flagship restaurants such as Aquila, Campus Coffee Roasters, and Spice House. The remaining 40% is designed as a vibrant tenant mix of premium shops and lifestyle services, including specialty stores, spas, and beauty services, ensuring the shopping center meets the lifestyle needs of high-end customers comprehensively.

POP Phuket is the second community mall developed by Central Group in the Cherng Talay area, following Porto de Phuket, which opened in 2019 and has shown continuous growth. In the future, Central Group plans to develop Porto de Phuket Phase 2 to expand the area and enhance Family & Lifestyle elements, such as an indoor playground for children, family restaurants for shared family time, Pet Paradise catering to pet lovers, and premium fitness facilities equipped with modern equipment to support the lifestyle of families and high-spending consumers comprehensively.

POP Phuket represents a significant step in expanding Central Group's retail and lifestyle portfolio, with expectations to attract over 1 million visitors annually, comprising approximately 80% foreign customers and 20% Thai customers. It is located in a prime area near Bang Tao Beach, within The Standard Residences Phuket Bangtao, just 5 minutes from Porto de Phuket and 3 minutes from Boat Lagoon, with parking for over 146 vehicles, scheduled to open by 2026.

  • Tops Wongamat: Elevating Pattaya's Lifestyle located in Wongamat, Pattaya, which is considered one of the prime areas with high potential, surrounded by 4-5 star hotels and luxury condominiums. Chonburi province is also a key destination for tourists, attracting around 19-22 million visitors annually and generating economic value from tourism of approximately 220,000 million baht per year. Tops Wongamat has an investment value of over 430 million baht, developed under the concept of a Premium Neighborhood Lifestyle Mall on a total project area (GBA) of 4,711 square meters in Wongamat.

Pong Sukuntanak added, “The community mall Tops Wongamat is a collaboration between Central Group and Centara Hotels, as Central Group recognizes the potential of the location, which is home to the Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya (undergoing a major renovation and set to fully open in 2025 with 555 rooms) and Cosi Pattaya Wong Amat Beach (opened in 2022 with 282 rooms), reflecting a customer base of high-quality tourists and guests in the area, making Tops Wongamat a perfect fit to meet the lifestyle needs of high-end customers.”

Tops Wongamat is developed under the concept of a Neighborhood Lifestyle Open Mall, with over 80% of the space allocated to food and beverage zones, including both Thai and international restaurants and cafes, as well as supermarkets, to create a dining experience that is crucial for attracting visitors, increasing frequency and duration of visits within the shopping center, featuring establishments like Baan Poo Kai Dong, SOL Coffee, Ah Ma Shou Zuo, and Relax Place. The remaining 20% is designed as a curated mix of premium shops and lifestyle services, including specialty stores, spas, and beauty services.

With a commitment to developing both projects as lifestyle hubs and connecting spaces in high-potential locations, Central Group believes that POP Phuket and Tops Wongamat will emerge as new destinations for high-potential tourists, contributing to the robust and sustainable growth of Thailand's tourism industry.