Pokémon (Thailand) Co has partnered with Central Pattana Plc (CPN), Thailand's leading real estate developer, to sign a lease agreement for the upcoming Pokémon Center Bangkok at CentralWorld, the largest store outside Japan.
Scheduled to open this year, the move reinforces Thailand's position as a true "global lifestyle destination", said Shunsuke Sasaki, director of Pokémon (Thailand) Co.
The Bangkok centre marks a milestone in Pokémon's expansion in Southeast Asia, reflecting strong confidence in Thailand's potential as a high-growth market, driven by a continuously expanding fan base as well as its role as a global lifestyle and tourism destination, he said.
The centre is an official store where fans can immerse themselves in the world of Pokémon, offering a wide range of original merchandise, trading card games and various events.
The company opened a centre in Singapore in 2019 and another in Taipei in 2023.
The Bangkok store is envisioned as a new destination for Pokémon fans around the world, said Mr Sasaki.
CentralWorld was selected because it has high foot traffic from both local and international visitors, providing an ideal platform for a regional destination for Pokémon fans, he said.
CPN has an extensive track record in developing and operating landmark commercial properties across Thailand, said Mr Sasaki.
The Bangkok centre is expected to contribute to tourism promotion and enhance the appeal of Bangkok, he noted.
"We are grateful for the opportunity to open the first official Pokémon Center store in Thailand at CentralWorld. This will be the first permanent store in Thailand," said Mr Sasaki.
"We are working hard to expand the world of Pokémon in Thailand and plan to share a variety of updates leading up to the opening."
Isareit Chirathivat, head of leasing at CPN, said the selection of CentralWorld for the store reflects the confidence Pokémon has in the mall's potential as a world-class lifestyle landmark capable of connecting both Thai customers and visitors from across the region.
The collaboration represents a joint effort to create an "experience destination" that can attract quality traffic and foster continuous engagement, he said.
"The new Pokémon store marks another important step in strengthening our company, reinforcing Thailand's role as a global lifestyle destination and driving sustainable growth," said Mr Isareit.