Pokémon Center Set to Launch in Thailand – The Largest Flagship Store Outside Japan
Thailand's first Pokémon Center will open at Bangkok's CentralwOrld mall by 2026, becoming the largest flagship store outside Japan and a major Southeast Asian hub for fans seeking immersive experiences and events.
Thailand is preparing to welcome its first Pokémon Center, marking a major milestone as the largest store of its kind outside Japan. Pokémon (Thailand) Co., Ltd. has partnered with Central Pattana, a leading sustainable real estate developer, to open "Pokémon Center BANGKOK" at CentralwOrld shopping mall in central Bangkok by 2026, positioning Thailand as a genuine global lifestyle destination.
The signing ceremony was attended by Shunsuke Sasaki, executive director of Pokémon (Thailand) Co., Ltd., and Isares Jiratiwat, Head of Leasing – Fashion & Luxury at Central Pattana, reflecting a significant strategic partnership. The event was highlighted by an appearance of Pikachu dressed in Thai-inspired attire, symbolizing the blend of Thai culture with the Pokémon world.
Elevating the Pokémon Experience in Thailand
The opening of "Pokémon Center BANGKOK" represents a major expansion of Pokémon's business in Southeast Asia, serving as the largest flagship store outside Japan. This reflects confidence in Thailand's market potential as a high-growth region with an expanding fan base and a key lifestyle and tourism destination. The Pokémon Center is more than a merchandise store—it's a complete immersive space where fans can experience the Pokémon world through trading card tournaments, special events, and the latest news updates. With existing locations in Singapore (opened 2019) and Taipei (opened 2023), "Pokémon Center BANGKOK" will become the third international location.
The new store is positioned as a destination rather than merely a retail outlet for global Pokémon fans. CentralwOrld was selected as the inaugural location due to its status as a world-class landmark in central Bangkok with high foot traffic from both Thai citizens and tourists, and its reputation as a global destination where world-class brands create experiences. This strategic positioning will truly elevate "Pokémon Center BANGKOK" as a major destination for Pokémon fans across the region.
Strengthening a New Landmark Through Partnership with Central Pattana
The collaboration with Central Pattana combines the strengths of both organizations to create new value in the shopping mall experience. Central Pattana brings expertise in developing national landmarks, while the Pokémon brand enjoys global recognition. The opening of "Pokémon Center BANGKOK" is expected to enhance the appeal of the shopping mall, create new reasons for visitors to travel to Bangkok, and contribute significantly to Thailand's tourism industry in the long term.
Executive Perspective
Shunsuke Sasaki, Executive Director of Pokémon (Thailand) Co., Ltd., stated: "We are greatly honored to open the first Pokémon Center in Thailand at CentralwOrld. This partnership represents a significant milestone for Pokémon in the region, and we are delighted to collaborate with Central Pattana. For this Bangkok project, we envisioned 'where would a Pokémon Center belong in Bangkok?' and the answer was a place brimming with people and vibrant energy—CentralwOrld."
