Khunayut Dechudom, Assistant Managing Director of Assets at CentralWorld and Central Park, Central Pattana Public Company Limited, revealed that after one year of operation, Central Park has accumulated over 25 million visits, including more than 10 million from international tourists. This has placed its traffic among the top in Central Pattana's portfolio, while retail spaces have a leasing rate exceeding 98%.
“The challenge for retail business is not just how to attract visitors but how to ensure they return continuously,” said Khunayut. He added that in the second year, they aim for an overall 10% growth in visitors, expecting expansion from both Thai customers and international tourists. The focus will increase on foreign markets while maintaining the local customer base in Silom and Rama 4 areas, whose lifestyles connect well with tourists.
Currently, international visitors come from China, Malaysia, Japan, Taiwan, as well as Middle Eastern and European groups. The company sees opportunities to expand the foreign customer base alongside maintaining the Thai clientele, aiming for both groups to share the space and atmosphere within the project.
Khunayut explained that sustaining traffic and growth in the second year will be driven by three strategies, starting with Curated Newness, which continuously introduces new brands and formats. Currently, there are about 250 brands, with nearly 80% being Exclusive Concepts, Global First, or New Formats, including Thailand’s first Blue Bottle Coffee, the new ZARA concept, plus fashion, lifestyle, and dining brands that expand customer choices.
The second strategy, People-led Cultural Stage, incorporates art, food, music, fashion, and Silom’s cultural heritage to create activities and shared experiences through projects like Neighborhood Soul and People of Central Park.
The third strategy, Design for Bangkok, involves designing spaces under the concept “Design for the Future with Respect for the Legacy,” blending the identities of Silom, Rama 4, and Lumphini Park with world-class design. This includes the Roof Park, a green space of over 7 rai, serving as a connection between the city and the park.
Beyond the shopping center, Central Park comprises offices, a hotel, and residences under the Fully Integrated Mixed-use Ecosystem concept. Central Park Offices have over 80% occupancy, while The Residences at Dusit Central Park have sold about 96-97% of units and plan to welcome residents in Q4 this year.
Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel has gained global recognition since its first year, including receiving a Michelin Key. Meanwhile, the shopping center averages 65,000-75,000 visits daily, with retail leasing exceeding 98%, forming a solid base to further develop the project’s business in the next phase.
Looking ahead, Central Park aims to expand its role as Bangkok’s World Stage, adopting three approaches: Global First, introducing new global brands and experiences; Global Culture, offering space for arts, music, design, and global cultures to meet Bangkok’s creativity; and Global Audience, expanding tourist reach and awareness through global creators and partners.