As a resort and tourism destination, Phuket continues to attract investment across various sectors such as retail, hospitality, and transport. While some areas appear to benefit more than others, the broader message is clear: Phuket is becoming more than just a place for vacations, with growing appeal as a place to live, work, and invest.

This digest looks at some of the most notable projects announced so far in 2026.

Central Group’s New Lifestyle and Commercial Developments

Central Group is one of the largest conglomerates in Asia, with their portfolio boasting some of the country’s most well-known retail destinations: CentralwOrld, Central Embassy, and Central Phuket.

In 2019, Porto de Phuket opened not only as Central Group’s first open-air mall but also as their debut retail destination in Cherngtalay. Now, they are bringing a second mall to the area, as well as expanding their Central Phuket mall in downtown Phuket City.

POP Phuket

POP Phuket is set to open in 2026 and will serve as Central Group’s second mall in Cherngtalay. It will be located near Bang Tao Beach and within The Standard Residences Phuket Bang Tao, a branded residential project just 5 minutes from Porto de Phuket.

The new mall’s concept centers on playful design (P), open spaces (O), and people-focused experiences (P), also known as the P-O-P Strategy. More than 60% of the mall will be allocated to restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets featuring both Thai and international brands. The remaining area will contain a mix of premium retail and lifestyle services, such as specialty stores, spas, and beauty services.

Once completed, POP Phuket is expected to attract over 1 million visitors annually, with foreigners accounting for about 80% of the customers, and add another layer of everyday convenience for residents and the wider community.

Central Phuket Expansion

In February 2026, Central Group announced an expansion plan worth THB 26 billion (approx. USD 836 million) for their Central Phuket mall. Scheduled for completion in 2028, the expansion will bring the mall’s total gross building area to 500,000 sq.m across 110 rai of land.

Central Phuket’s luxury zone, Floresta, will also double in size. For context, this is the only destination outside Bangkok with luxury retail of this scale: 25 luxury and bridge-line brands all in one place. Among the standout names are:

Lululemon — the first location outside Bangkok
Tiffany & Co. — the brand’s flagship store in Phuket
Louis Vuitton — the largest boutique in southern Thailand
Prada — the largest boutique in Thailand
ZARA — the largest flagship store in Southeast Asia

Other improvements include expanded retail, fashion, and activity spaces in Central Phuket Festival, alongside the addition of the largest culinary destination outside Bangkok and a new world-class attraction zone.

New Hotels and Branded Residences in Bang Tao

Bang Tao is widely considered one of Phuket’s most popular neighborhoods for premium developments. Apart from its stunning 8-km beach, it offers convenient access to several shopping and dining venues, international schools, wellness clinics, and the world-class golf course in Asia’s premier Laguna Phuket resort.

Because of this, Bang Tao has become a preferred location for long-term residents, families, investors, and even global lifestyle and hospitality brands.

Between 2026 and 2030, Bang Tao is expected to welcome 9 hotels totaling 1,640 keys and 9 branded residences totaling 1,649 units. These developments will come from seven global brands: IHG, Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, Banyan Group, Dusit International, and ETRO.

This level of interest helps explain why Phuket ranked 5th among the top branded residence cities globally in CBRE Thailand’s 2025 report. The island continues to attract those seeking a lifestyle centered on wellness, privacy, natural surroundings, and international connectivity.

More Education Options for Long-Term Residents and Families

According to a June 2026 report by C9 Hotelworks, a globally awarded hospitality consultancy, Phuket’s international school market has grown by 51% in only three years. By August 2026, the island will be home to 18 international schools, collectively enrolling 5,075 students from more than 50 nationalities.

Educational institutions such as the British International School Phuket and United World College Thailand combine high academic standards with modern facilities, extracurricular opportunities, and cultural diversity. This provides children with a setting that not only prioritizes their academic development but also their personal growth.

Now, one of the United Kingdom’s leading independent schools is coming to Phuket.

North London Collegiate School Phuket (NLCS Phuket)

The North London Collegiate School International (NLCS International) is already a global name in education, with schools in Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, and more.

With the opening of NLCS Phuket in 2028, Thailand will also be added to that list.

The school will be located in Cherngtalay and will initially have capacity for around 1,000 students and later expand to 1,500. Facilities will include a boarding house, science and technology labs, covered tennis courts, football pitches, and an Olympic-size swimming pool.

It is also worth mentioning that the founding NLCS in the United Kingdom ranked 1st for girls’ schools and 3rd overall among independent schools in The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026.

Bumrungrad International Hospital Phuket

Bumrungrad International Hospital Phuket is a new luxury hospital facility scheduled to become operational in mid-2027. Situated on 16.5 rai of land less than 10 minutes from Phuket International Airport, the hospital aims to promote the island as a world-class medical and wellness destination.

The hospital will have a total capacity of 212 beds, with 120 beds made available during the first phase of operations.

While the goal is to make quality healthcare more accessible to patients from southern Thailand who previously needed to travel to Bangkok for treatment, visitors traveling to the country mainly for medical purposes will also find the trip more straightforward, as the hospital will be only a short drive away once they land at the airport.

The hospital will operate under a hub-and-spoke model, meaning that patients with complex conditions or those requiring advanced surgical procedures will be transferred to Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok to receive the appropriate level of care.

Improved Connectivity Across Phuket

Over the years, Phuket’s popularity among residents and visitors has placed pressure on its transport network. This has led to major air and road projects designed to improve access to the island and make travel between areas more efficient.

Phuket International Airport Expansion

Since 2019, Phuket International Airport has been handling passenger traffic beyond its current capacity of 12.5 million passengers annually, prompting an urgent need for expansion.

In response, the Airports of Thailand (AOT) has committed around THB 10 billion (approx. USD 300 million) to the Phuket International Airport Phase 2 upgrade project.

Under Phase 2, the international passenger terminal and utility systems will be expanded. Once completed in 2030, Phuket International Airport will have capacity for an additional 5.5 million passengers, bringing the total to at least 18 million passengers annually.

Kathu-Patong Expressway

To improve road transport infrastructure and alleviate traffic congestion, the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) has initiated the Phuket Expressway Project. The entire project has been divided into two phases, with the first being the Kathu-Patong Section.

Expected to open in April 2030, the Kathu-Patong Section will feature a four-lane elevated road with twin tunnels. Two of the lanes are for motorcycles and the remaining two for cars. In order to help ease household expenses, EXAT is also studying possible toll fee reductions.

What These Developments Mean for Phuket Real Estate

While the impact of these developments won’t be felt equally across the island, they can still point to where long-term demand for Phuket real estate is likely to strengthen and which areas may attract more interest in the years ahead. These include locations near international schools, quality healthcare, improved transport links, and established lifestyle destinations.

At Sunway Estates, we help buyers and investors identify properties that align with their long-term goals and lifestyle preferences, as we provide tailored guidance and in-depth market insight from our office in Cherngtalay—where we closely follow the changes on the island.

If you’re looking to explore properties in Phuket, contact Sunway Estates today to get started!

Phuket Development Digest: Major Projects Announced in the First Half of 2026