Central Pattana Plc (CPN), a Thai real estate developer, and Ikano Centres, part of Ikano Retail, are investing 6 billion baht to expand the Megabangna shopping centre.
The expansion adds roughly 170,000 square metres of gross building area, including retail space and an additional 1,750 car parking spaces, bringing the mall's developed area to around 800,000 sq m. The project is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2028.
"The company recognised the potential of Thailand and the Bang Na area more than 14 years ago. The location could be much more than a retail destination, such as a place where people choose to spend time, connect with family and friends, becoming a part of their everyday lives," said Adrian Mirea, managing director of Ikano Centres.
Megabangna has welcomed more than 670 million visits. Last year, the mall recorded a record-breaking 60 million visits, while maintaining 100% occupancy.
Megabangna is home to Thailand's first Ikea store, which is among the largest in Southeast Asia.
Key highlights of the expansion include MEGA SKYLINE, a new rooftop garden spanning 7 rai. The expansion also introduces MEGA LOFT, eastern Bangkok's largest social dining destination, spanning 2,000 sq m.
The mall is expected to feature more than 1,200 brands, the largest concentration in eastern Bangkok, increasing from 900 now.
More than 250 brands are opening in eastern Bangkok for the first time, including over 20 accessible luxury brands, according to CPN.
Maris Aboltins, managing director of Megabangna Shopping Centre and Megacity, said the company is evolving Megabangna into a destination designed for people of all generations.
Guided by a project vision called "A Destination for a More Thoughtful Everyday", the expansion goes beyond adding retail space to create more opportunities for people to spend quality time together, embrace healthier lifestyles, and enjoy richer everyday experiences, while strengthening Megabangna's position as "Your Everyday Meeting Place" and contributing to the future of eastern Bangkok, he said.
Megabangna welcomes roughly 165,000 visitors daily, with customers returning 4-5 times monthly, said Mr Aboltins.
Phoom Chirathivat, head of hotels and alternative investments at CPN, said the expansion underscores the company's commitment to Thailand, Bang Na and eastern Bangkok.
He emphasised the potential of Megabangna, noting the mall covers a catchment area of 3 million people.
Strategically located as the gateway to Suvarnabhumi airport and the Eastern Economic Corridor, Bang Na is well-positioned to benefit from Thailand's next phase of economic and urban growth, said Mr Phoom.
Megacity will become the largest fully integrated mixed-use destination in eastern Bangkok, with Megabangna serving as its cornerstone, he said.
Megabangna's long-term master plan spans more than 325 rai, with at least 1.3 million sq m of development.
Upon completion, the total project value, including for Megabangna, its second phase and future developments, is expected to reach 70 billion baht. The full completion target is 2040, according to the company.
Future phases may introduce a diverse mix of components, including office, hospitality, residential and other complementary uses, further strengthening the destination, according to a press release.
