• For over 20 years, Central Phuket has served as the city’s core luxury hub, spanning 110 rai in Phuket’s central district.

• The project supports Phuket’s transition toward a year-round urban economy, attracting long-stay residents, high-quality visitors, and global wealth, alongside lifestyle, culture, dining, coastal living, and wellness infrastructure.

• Central Group has invested in Phuket for more than two decades, with over 140 projects, its second-largest investment base after Bangkok, supported by luxury retail operations across 18 countries and 140 cities.

• Strong market performance continues, with multiple brands ranking among Thailand’s top sellers, the highest spending per customer across the portfolio, and more than 3,000 VVIP “Tycoon” members.

• The development will expand by 40%, including a doubled luxury zone at Central Phuket Floresta (Q4/2026), an upgraded Festival with approximately 250 fashion and bridge-line brands (Q1/2028), and a 14-rai world-class attractions zone (Q3/2028), alongside Phuket’s largest culinary destination outside Bangkok.

BANGKOK — Central Pattana Plc. announces the expansion of its world-class mega mixed-use development, Central Phuket, located in the heart of Phuket city, reinforcing its position as The World’s Luxury Destination at the center of a globally renowned coastal city. As a pioneer in unlocking Phuket’s urban potential through its strategic downtown location, Central Pattana has developed Central Phuket into a world-class luxury lifestyle hub for more than 20 years.

The company continues to elevate Phuket’s downtown core by strengthening an economic ecosystem designed to support the city’s future growth and modern living, attracting long-stay residents, quality tourists, and global wealth from around the world. The initiative aims to position Phuket as a global luxury coastal city for living, driven by a vibrant downtown economy that sustainably powers both economic and tourism growth. Following this expansion, the total project value of Central Phuket will exceed THB 26billion, with a total gross building area (GBA) of 500,000 square meters across 110 rai of land. The development will include a doubling of the luxury zone, the introduction of an Ultimate Culinary Landmark, and new world-class attractions developed on an additional 14-rai extension site.

Dr. Nattakit Tangpoonsinthana, Chief Marketing Officer for Central Pattana plc, said: “Elevating Phuket as a global shopping and lifestyle destination has always been our goal for Central Pattana. For more than 20 years, we have pioneered the island’s potential, beginning with Central Phuket Festival in 2004 at the city’s strategic crossroads, comparable to Bangkok’s Ratchaprasong, and expanding in 2018 with Central Phuket Floresta, which introduced world-class luxury brands and experiences to Phuket’s tourism landscape.

Today, Central Phuket stands on four core strengths: it is the only luxury mall outside Bangkok with a significant concentration of global brands; it benefits from strong long-term strategic partnerships across business, hospitality and public sectors; it offers a comprehensive lifestyle ecosystem; and it operates as a world-class mixed-use destination in the city center supporting year-round national and international activity.”

He added: “We are now advancing Phuket’s next phase of growth as a prestigious global island destination for living, with the downtown area serving as a key engine for sustainable economic and tourism development. This confidence is reflected in Central Group’s long-term commitment to the island, with more than 140 investments across retail, hotels, residences and Central Retail outlets, the group’s second-largest investment base after Bangkok. Phuket is evolving beyond a tourism destination into a global hub for living, supported by growth in medical, wellness and hospitality sectors, alongside rising branded residences and ultra-luxury developments attracting global wealth and long-stay residents. This marks a clear transitionfrom a visitor economy to a living economy.

Globally competitive coastal cities are not defined by beaches alone, they require a strong downtown economy connecting lifestyle, investment and community. 

Dr. Nattakit continued: “Cities such as Miami, Saint-Tropez and Barcelona demonstrate this model, and Phuket has already begun this transformation through Central Phuket. We are strengthening this further through a ‘Global Coastal City’ model driven by three pillars: luxury lifestyle, downtown economy, and a global community, positioning Phuket for long-term sustainable growth.”

Chatree Kowitanupong Head of Project Development of Central Pattana plc, added: “Retail-led mixed-use development places retail at the core of the ecosystem, serving as a daily touchpoint that connects people to every function of the district. Central Phuket already operates as a lifestyle and economic hub for the island, linking community life, business activity, and urban growth.”

The expansion, scheduled for completion in 2028, will strengthen this role through three key components:

• Central Phuket Floresta, positioned as “The Pinnacle of Urban Luxury,” will double its luxury space, further establishing itself as one of the most comprehensive luxury destinations outside Bangkok (Q4/2026).

• Central Phuket Festival, branded as ‘The Everyday Urban Lifestyle Gateway,’ will enhance the integrated shopping and lifestyle experience with expanded retail, fashion and activity spaces(Q1/2028.

• In addition, a new world-class attraction zone spanning 14 rai will introduce an aquatic experience, a World-class arena for entertainment and culture, and an immersive park (Q3/2028).

Isareit Chirathivat Head of Leasing Fashion & Luxury Partner Management, Central Pattana plc, said: “Phuket is entering an accelerated phase of luxury market growth. Between 2026 and 2029, more than 4,700 branded residence units across 26 projects and over 20 new luxury hotels, adding approximately 5,200 rooms, are expected to come online.

This growth is supported by major infrastructure developments, including airport expansion to accommodate over 18 million passengers annually, the Airport–Kathu–Patong expressway reducing travel time to 20 minutes, as well as new marinas, deep-sea ports, international hospitals, and wellness projects. At the center of this evolving luxury ecosystem is Central Phuket, which connects the island’s high-spending customer base, including Thai residents, expatriates, quality tourists and long-stay visitors. Many brands at Central Phuket consistently rank among the top three in national sales, with the highest spending per customer among tourist malls and sales per square meter reaching up to 2.5 times the average. The project also serves more than 3,000 VVIP ‘Tycoon’ members, supported The 1 ecosystem, enablingnationwide integration of high-wealth customer segments.

Central Group’s global luxury retail expertise: spanning 18 countries and 140 cities and its role as a strategic partner to leading luxury houses reinforce brand confidence in Central Phuket. Strong and sustained sales performance has encouraged global brands to expand store sizes, introduce flagship-level concepts and launch Phuket-exclusive items available only at Central Phuket. Building on this momentum, the project is doubling its luxury retail zone and continuing to expand its luxury brand portfolio. By 2028, Central Phuket aims to reach a scale comparable to Bangkok, positioning it as the most comprehensive luxury retail destination outside the capital.

Three Strategic Pillars of Expansion:

1. Fashion: 

• The development strengthens its position as a world-class luxury retail destination, bringing together leading global brands including BALENCIAGA, GUCCI, HERMES, LOUIS VUITTON, PMT THE HOUR GLASS, SAINT LAURENT, VERSACE, ZEGNA

• Exclusive brands opening outside Bangkok for the first time including BALENCIAGA/ BOTTEGA VENETA / BVLGARI/ BURBERRY / DIOR / GUCCI / HERMES / LOUIS VUITTON/ OMEGA/ PMT THE HOUR GLASS/ PRADA / SAINT LAURENT / VERSACE / TIFFANY & CO/ ZEGNA 

• Store expansions and new concepts exclusive to Central Phuket include: LOUIS VUITTON’s largest boutique extension in Southern Thailand; a 597-sq.m. PRADA boutique featuring one of its most extensive beachwear selections; an expanded PMT THE HOUR GLASS store; CELINE exclusive pop-up; CHANEL BEAUTY exclusive pop-up; refreshed concept stores from BALENCIAGA and SAINT LAURENT; TOD’S first pop-up in Thailand under its Italian Summer concept; BVLGARI boutique debuting an exclusive concept in Phuket; and a TIFFANY & CO. new-concept store featuring a mosaic façade design unique in Thailand.

• Fashion and bridge-line brands now exceed 250 labels. Highlights include ZARA’S largest flagship in Southeast Asia, which recorded the No.1 opening-day sales in Asia, alongside key locations fromLULULEMON, COS, ALO, and ORLEBAR BROWNoutside Bangkok, reinforcing Central Phuket as a preferred destination for global brands expanding in Thailand.

2. Ultimate Culinary Landmark outside Bangkok

Spanning more than 20,000 square meters, the food destination brings together leading local and fine-dining concepts, including several brands debuting in Phuket such as Thai Brasserie by Blue Elephant, Phuket’s largest Starbucks Reserve, % Arabica, and Haidilao’s first branch outside Bangkok, alongside award-winning venues like Su Va Na. The lineup is set to expand further, with the number of Michelin-recognized restaurants expected to double.

3. World-Class Attractions creating a new Phuket landmark

A new world-class arena for entertainment and culture will anchor the development, complemented by a major aquatic experience designed to rival leading international aquariums. Year-round flagship events — including Pride Month, Songkran, and Countdown celebrations — will further position Phuket as a global festive destination.

Central Phuket aims to serve as a global ecosystem where luxury brands choose to anchor their presence, supporting Phuket’s rise on the world map as a leading luxury coastal destination,” Isareit added.

Juthatham Chirathivat Head of Business & Design Development, Central Pattana plc, said: “Before discussing the differences between Festival and Floresta, the most important point is that we are not simply designing a shopping mall, we are designing the heart of Phuket as a world-class luxury coastal city with its own culture, lifestyle, and distinctive sense of luxury. Our goal is to establish Central Phuket District as a global flagship experience in every dimension, a hub that brings together luxury, lifestyle, and entertainment.Secondly, this is a super-regional mall project on a scale comparable to CentralWorld, with a lineup of global luxury brands on par with Central Embassy.

On the Floresta side, the development focuses on serving the global wealth segment, bringing together high-end luxury fashion, premium cafés, private lounges, and new luxury lifestyle categories spanning sports, athleisure, active living, and home. The area will also be elevated into a premium F&B destination, combining Michelin-recognized restaurants with large-scale street food experiences, alongside key anchors such as Central Department Store, Aquaria, and various event spaces.

Meanwhile, the Festival side is designed to create a complete customer journey loop, enhancing a seamless shopping experience across the entire complex. This includes strengthening large fashion flagships, attracting leading Bangkok brands to open in Phuket for the first time, and expanding the third-floor dining zone by more than 15% to establish a fully realized food destination. In addition, a mixed-use entertainment complex and new world-class attractions are being developed within Central Phuket District to create a globally distinctive must-visit destination, with further details to be announced.

From a design perspective, both zones are developed under a shared DNA inspired by the Andaman coastline, local culture, and an international lifestyle. Floresta reflects refinement and the radiance of luxury, while Festival conveys the vibrancy and dynamic energy of urban life. Signature elements at Floresta include The Pearl Atrium and The Pearl Pod, designed with flowing wave-like lines and natural light to evoke the “Pearl of the Andaman.” These are complemented by the integration of Sino-Portuguese artistry and a complete ground-floor redesign, bringing together contemporary luxury, community life, and the spirit of Phuket’s coastline into a unified expression.

The newly redesigned Ground Floor, positioned as a key food destination, has been entirely reimagined to elevate the experience while clearly reflecting Phuket’s coastal identity. Designed in a modern contemporary atmosphere that blends local culture and everyday lifestyles with global living, the space embodies Phuket’s distinctive way of life, infused with the spirit of a beach club within a coastal city. Connecting local identity to a global lifestyle, the area introduces a vibrant and energetic atmosphere, similar to how the Food Destination at Central Park creates memorable experiences for visitors.

Design elements from Floresta’s refined luxury identity, particularly its façade language have been thoughtfully integrated into the Festival side, creating visual continuity between the two zones. Festival emphasizes warm energy, greenery, and local essence, ensuring a cohesive connection across Central Phuket District. As a result, the development presents two distinct expressions within one destination, delivering new experiences that fully reflect Phuket as a “Global Destination of Luxury, Lifestyle & Entertainment.”

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