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Large malls across Bangkok and nationwide are significantly increasing their investments in New Year countdown events to boost year-end spending. Central Pattana Plc (CPN) and The Mall Group aim to draw 1.6 million attendees with their grand celebrations. CPN is allocating 500 million baht for events across 13 malls, including a major highlight at CentralWorld, expecting a turnout of 1.5 million visitors.

 

CentralWorld has become a top global landmark for New Year celebrations, attracting at least 250,000 visitors per event. This year's lineup includes Thai artists like PP Krit, Billkin, and Palmy. Nattakit Tangpoonsinthana, CPN's chief marketing officer, anticipates that about 70% of attendees will be locals, with the remainder being foreign tourists.

 

Traffic at CentralWorld is projected to rise by 20-25% between Christmas and New Year's, with other locations likely seeing a 10-15% increase. Overall spending in December is expected to surge by 20% compared to last year, bolstered by improved tourism and high hotel occupancy rates. The upcoming national election in February has the potential to significantly enhance domestic spending.

 

In addition to its events, CPN launched "Central Park" this year, which did not impact CentralWorld's performance, Tangpoonsinthana noted. He urged the next government to continue promoting tourism and manage household debt to sustain consumer spending.

 

The Em District is also staging a grand countdown dubbed "Extravaganza Sukhumvit Countdown 2026," with performances by artists like Three Man Down and J-pop group Psychic Fever. Supaluck Umpujh of The Mall Group highlighted Sukhumvit's status as a prime lifestyle area, contributing significantly to Thailand's tourism appeal.

 

In 2025, around 3 million tourists visited Sukhumvit, up from 2.5 million in 2022, with many from Asia, Europe, and the US. Apichai Chatchalermkit of the Tourism Authority of Thailand forecasts 1.5 million foreign tourists for the New Year, generating 58 billion baht in revenue, with more than 5 million domestic trips contributing another 18 billion baht, reported the Bangkok Post.

 

Key Takeaways

• Bangkok malls are investing heavily in New Year events to attract 1.6 million visitors.
• Central Pattana and The Mall Group lead celebrations with concerts and fireworks.
• Increased tourist numbers are expected to boost spending by 20% in December.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-12-19

 

 

 

250,000? I'll definitely be staying home. Nothing much to toast the bubbly this year, is there? My idea of a great new years eve is watching the ball drop in Times Square (despite the awful music--surely they pay to be there)...at noon next day.

Good to publish these numbers.. Time to stay home as it will be overcrowded everywhere...but the reality will be much different.... Let them think that people come here and spend a lot especially  now the THB is too expensive and prices are already up...Dreams never come true