The Central, also known as the Central Phaholyothin, is a large retail‑led mixed-use project and shopping centre under development in Thailand.
Central Pattana, a sustainable real estate developer based in Thailand, is developing the project.
The project was announced in October 2025 with an estimated investment of THB21bn (approximately $575m).
The scheme forms part of Central Pattana’s Pioneering Growth & Beyond strategy, under which the company plans to invest THB120bn between 2025 and 2029 to establish a new central business district in Bangkok and develop mixed-use projects across Thailand.
This investment programme is intended to support the company’s long-term growth while contributing to the region’s economic development.
Construction activities are in progress, with site preparation, foundation works and structural development advancing across the site. Completion is currently targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026 (Q4 2026).
Location details
The Central Phaholyothin is being developed on a prime site at the intersection of Vibhavadi–Rangsit and Phaholyothin Roads.
The site has direct links to both the MRT Blue Line and the BTS Green Line. The area also has direct connectivity to Don Mueang International Airport, which serves roughly 30 million passengers annually.
The Phaholyothin corridor encompasses an expanding catchment area of around 2.5 million people.
Central Pattana reports that affluent local shoppers in the area have spending power around 2.3-times the Bangkok average. It also notes that sales per gross lettable area are roughly 45% higher than those achieved by comparable malls in other cities, while visit rates are around 2.19-times the Bangkok norm.
Surrounded by high-end residential projects, Grade A office buildings, universities and established lifestyle destinations, the Central is positioned at the core of a new growth cluster in northern Bangkok.
The shopping centre is expected to play a significant role in the area’s future commercial expansion and will operate alongside the Central Ladprao integrated shopping complex as part of a new strategic business and retail cluster.
The Central shopping centre details
The Central shopping centre development site covers 19.4 acres (7.85 hectares) with a total gross building area of 457,409m2 (4.9 million ft2), including a 6,700m2 convention hall designed to accommodate international concerts and large-scale events.
The shopping centre is positioned to accommodate Thai and international flagship brands seeking extensive space to present their full brand concepts.
Planned as a seamless indoor-outdoor environment, the centre features several distinct zones such as Central Stage, Creative Playlist, Fashion Playlist, Market Hall, Waterfall Courtyard and Weekender Playlist.
The Central Stage links international dining on upper levels with street food at ground level, while Market Hall is a flexible area for rotating food pop-ups and events.
Waterfall Courtyard is a planted courtyard incorporating an edible garden aligned with a ‘From Farm to Table’ approach.
Fashion Playlist combines curated fashion brands with street-inspired and new-generation sports fashion, Weekender Playlist reflects a broad mix of leisure and lifestyle activities, and Creative Playlist introduces new concepts aimed at enhancing family-oriented spaces for future generations.
The interior design concept, the Central Playlist, draws on Bangkok’s diversity, likening the experience to exploring a varied playlist of discoveries.
Design details
The architectural theme of the shopping centre is guided by the idea of Collective Rhythms, which incorporates multiple design styles to create a lively environment, with subtle smile motifs integrated into key elements.
The design approach blends bold geometric shapes with tiered planting and clear, accessible movement routes. Inside, the layout is shaped by natural light, ease of movement and a sense of continuity, resulting in spaces that are spacious, people-focused and enduring.
Drawing on the notion of a “Hug”, the landscape scheme is intended to create a welcoming atmosphere while strengthening the connection with the natural environment.
