Back in 2004, when "Central Phuket Festival" launched at a strategic location in the heart of Phuket Island, it marked the beginning of establishing a shopping city—a concept many could scarcely imagine then. Today, with foresight into the potential, Central Pattana (CPN) group laid its foundation early.
Phuket has now transitioned from a mere vacation destination (Visitor Economy) to a city where the global wealthy choose to "live" (Living Economy) fully—a shift becoming increasingly evident and noteworthy.
Recently, CPN announced a significant Big Move advancing Phuket from a "beach tourism city" to a fully-fledged "world-class luxury living city." Details suggest this is more than just mall expansion; it is about creating a new city center for Phuket with a new identity.
Central Group plans a major investment to push the project value to 26 billion baht by expanding its mega mixed-use complex from 300,000 sqm to 500,000 sqm on its existing beautiful 110-rai land, aiming to build a strong "Downtown Economy."
The goal is to establish Phuket's "urban core" connecting lifestyle and investment, comparable to prestigious seaside cities like Miami, Saint-Tropez, or Barcelona, featuring fine dining, luxury residential districts, and an elevated lifestyle culture.
Central Phuket’s success was not overnight but the result of continuous strategic business planning over 20 years.
Management revealed striking figures reflecting Phuket’s wealth: luxury brand sales per square meter here are 2.5 times higher than elsewhere, with many brands ranking top nationally alongside an unmatched customer base.
1. Global Elite Luxury Brands.
These brands anchor the project’s credibility, including:
BALENCIAGA, GUCCI, HERMES, LOUIS VUITTON, PMT THE HOUR GLASS, SAINT LAURENT, VERSACE, and ZEGNA.
2. Exclusive Brands (Only one branch outside Bangkok).
Central Phuket is the sole location outside the capital where these brands establish a presence, reflecting the strong local Tycoon customer base.
BALENCIAGA, BOTTEGA VENETA, BVLGARI, BURBERRY, DIOR, GUCCI, HERMES, LOUIS VUITTON, OMEGA, PMT THE HOUR GLASS, PRADA, SAINT LAURENT, VERSACE, TIFFANY & CO, and ZEGNA.
3. Exclusive Concept & Flagship Stores.
Brands expanding space and redesigning concepts unique to Phuket only.
LOUIS VUITTON: The largest boutique extension in southern Thailand. PRADA: A new 597 sqm boutique featuring the largest beachwear collection. TIFFANY & CO.: New concept store with a unique Mosaic façade design in Thailand. TOD’S: First pop-up store with an Italian summer concept exclusive in Thailand. CELINE & CHANEL BEAUTY: Exclusive pop-ups attracting high-spending clients.
4. Lifestyle & Bridge-line Brands (Asian-level success figures).
ZARA: The largest flagship store in Southeast Asia, recording the highest sales in Asia since opening. LULULEMON, COS, ALO, ORLEBAR BROWN: Global lifestyle brands choosing key branches outside Bangkok here.
With direct flights to Phuket soaring to around 400 flights per month compared to the COVID period, and the airport preparing to expand capacity to 18 million passengers annually, Phuket is entering a Luxury Acceleration era. By 2028, the fully completed Central Phuket will be the only mall outside Bangkok housing the most comprehensive collection of global luxury brands. The development plan includes:
All this shows Central Group’s continuous investment over more than 20 years through over 140 projects, ranking second only to Bangkok. This expansion reaffirms Central Phuket as the pioneer and standard-setter for a luxury seaside city. With comprehensive elements including five yacht marina ports, luxury hotels, and over 4,700 branded residences coming, Phuket today is more than a seasonal tourist spot; it is a complete "Global Ecosystem," a landmark where people worldwide choose to live sustainably. It also represents a sophisticated new business game to watch from Central Group’s latest moves.
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