Central Pattana Plc. and Ikano Centres have announced a THB 6 billion (EUR 158 million) expansion of the Megabangna shopping center. The project serves as a key milestone in a long-term THB 70 billion (EUR 1.86 billion) mixed-use masterplan called “Megacity” in Eastern Bangkok. Scheduled for completion in Q3 2028, the expansion will add 170,000 square meters of gross building area (GBA) and 1,750 car parks. This phase will bring Megabangna’s total developed footprint to approximately 800,000 square meters, marking the halfway point of a masterplan that spans over 325 rai (128 acres) and targets at least 1.3 million square meters of total development.
Adrian Mirea, Managing Director of Ikano Centres (part of Ikano Retail), reported that over its 14-year operational history, Megabangna has accumulated more than 670 million visits. The property achieved a record 60 million visits in 2025 while sustaining a 100% tenant occupancy rate. The complex also houses Thailand’s first IKEA store, which remains one of the largest IKEA outlets in Southeast Asia.
Long-Term Masterplan and Future Phases
Phoom Chirathivat, Head of Hotels and Alternative Investments at Central Pattana Plc., stated that this second phase builds on the initial phase’s commercial baseline. Upon full completion of the THB 70 billion masterplan, future phases are intended to introduce mixed-use components including office spaces, hospitality assets, and residential units. Phoom noted that the current retail and infrastructure expansion is designed to capture growing demand from the expanding “Modern Affluent Family” demographic in the Bangna area.
Maris Aboltins, Managing Director of Megabangna Shopping Centre and Megacity, stated that the expansion is structured around multi-generational utility and community spaces. Key architectural and functional layouts include:
- MEGA SKYLINE: A green public destination covering more than seven rai, featuring 3,000 square meters dedicated to recreation and active lifestyle activities.
- MEGA LOFT: A 2,000-square-meter social dining zone designated for community food and beverage concepts.
The expansion will increase Megabangna’s commercial portfolio from 900 brands to over 1,200 brands, establishing the largest concentration of brands in Eastern Bangkok. The incoming retail mix will feature more than 250 brands entering the Eastern Bangkok market for the first time, a lineup that includes over 20 accessible luxury labels alongside new commercial concepts.
The expansion leverages the economic trajectory of the Bangna district, which serves as a geographic gateway to Suvarnabhumi Airport and the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). The area contains over 3 million residents and registers an average household income of THB 91,000 per month, making it the second-highest household income region in Greater Bangkok behind the Central Business District (CBD).
Baseline Metrics and Customer Loyalty
Currently, Megabangna’s retail ecosystem comprises over 900 tenants, broken down into 176 restaurants and 730 retail stores. Its primary anchors include IKEA, Central Department Store, HomePro, Big C, and Mega Cineplex, supported by international fashion and lifestyle brands. The center averages 165,000 daily visitors, with patrons returning an average of four to five times per month. This baseline is supported by 450,000 Mega Smile Rewards members and a schedule of over 160 annual events. According to Retail Customer Research 2024, the property maintained 95% brand awareness and a 100% customer satisfaction score.
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