Central Group, through Central Land and Development, is advancing its strategy to expand its real estate and retail businesses in high-potential locations, with an investment of over THB 730 million to launch two new community mall projects: "POP Phuket" in Cherng Talay and "Tops Wongamat" in the Wong Amat area, Pattaya. The two projects are designed to create a lifestyle ecosystem that elevates premium living experiences for high-spending customers and expatriates, with both scheduled to open within 2026.
Central Land and Development is a key business unit responsible for managing Central Group's diverse land and real estate portfolio, including Jewelry Trade Center, Central Silom Tower, Platform Wongwian Yai, China World, Huamark Center, Market Place Wongsawang, Baan Silom, Tops Market Place Udomsuk, Porto de Phuket, Jing Jai Market Chiang Mai, Central: The Original Store, as well as other high-potential real estate projects and land assets across Thailand.
- POP Phuket : A New Playful Destination in the Heart of Cherng Talay
With an investment of over THB 300 million and a total gross building area, or GBA, of 5,490 square metres, POP Phuket 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%.
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 THB 540 billion to THB 550 billion in annual tourism-related economic value.
Mr. Pong Skuntanaga President, 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 a strong base of high-quality tourists. We are therefore developing POP Phuket to be more than a commercial space. It will serve as a 'Life Ecosystem' that fulfils distinctive dining and lifestyle demand, positioning itself as a comprehensive upper-tier lifestyle destination that delivers a unique and differentiated experience through three key strategies under the P-O-P Strategy."
1. P - Playful Design
A design concept that reflects modern lifestyles, inspired by POP Art, with a focus on fun, contemporary creativity and distinctive character. The project features vibrant lines and colours to create an engaging atmosphere that invites people to spend time and enjoy everyday life.
2. O - Open
An open, accessible and flexible physical layout that offers a spacious and comfortable walking experience, while creating a friendly, warm and welcoming atmosphere across retail spaces and common areas.
3. P - People
People and community are at the heart of the project. The space is designed to encourage social interaction, shared moments and meaningful connections among people, brands, retailers and the surrounding community, making POP Phuket more than a retail destination, but a place for lifestyle experiences and connections.
More than 60% of the project's space will be allocated to food and beverage offerings, including restaurants, cafes and supermarkets featuring both Thai and international brands. This food-led strategy is designed to enhance the dining experience, serving as a key magnet to attract visitors, increase visit frequency and extend dwell time within the mall. Key anchors include Tops in its Fine Food format, as well as leading dining brands such as Aquila, Campus Coffee Roasters and Spice House.
The remaining 40% will feature a vibrant tenant mix of premium retail and lifestyle services, including specialty stores, spas and beauty services. These carefully selected offerings are designed to meet the lifestyle needs of 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 and has continued to deliver steady business growth. In the next phase, 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 equipped with modern exercise equipment. These additions will support the lifestyle needs of families and high-spending consumers in a comprehensive and all-day format.
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. 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. It will offer parking for more than 146 cars and is scheduled to open within 2026.
- Tops Wongamat : Elevating the Lifestyle Experience in Pattaya
Tops Wongamat is set to elevate the premium lifestyle experience in Pattaya's Wong Amat area, one of the city's prime high-potential locations. The project is surrounded by four- and five-star hotels as well as luxury condominiums. Chonburi is also one of Thailand's major tourist destinations, welcoming approximately 19 million to 22 million visitors per year and generating around THB 220 billion in annual tourism-related economic value.
With an investment of over THB 430 million, Tops Wongamat is being developed under the concept of a "Premium Neighborhood Lifestyle Mall" with a total GBA of 4,711 square metres in the Wong Amat area.
Mr. Pong added, "Tops Wongamat is a collaboration between Central Group and Centara Hotels & Resorts. Central Group recognises 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. Together, these properties reflect a strong base of high-quality tourists and hotel guests in the area. 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-storey Neighborhood Lifestyle Open Mall. More than 80% of the space will be dedicated to restaurants, cafes and supermarkets featuring both Thai and international brands. This food-focused approach aims to create a compelling dining experience, which will serve as the core driver for attracting visitors, increasing visit frequency and extending dwell time within the mall. Featured brands include Baan Pu Kai Dong, SOL Coffee, Ah Ma Shou Zuo and Relax Place.
The remaining 20% will comprise a curated mix of premium retail and lifestyle services, including specialty stores, spas and beauty services.
With a strong commitment to developing both projects as lifestyle hubs and spaces that connect people in high-potential locations, 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.