Mr. Prawit Janyasittikul, Chief Executive Officer of Phuket Square Co., Ltd., which manages Jungceylon, gleefully announced, “We are thrilled to usher in a new chapter for Jungceylon with the completion of our AEI. This full transformation encompasses revamped and re-configured spaces alongside innovative retail concepts. Since the start of this ambitious development and renovation plan in 2022, we’ve rejuvenated over 200,000 sqm with an investment exceeding 1 billion baht. The revitalized mall now proudly hosts more than 300 stores divided across four distinct zones, each meticulously designed with natural themes to evoke freshness and relaxation.”
With international tourists constituting over 80% of Jungceylon’s clientele, the mall has fine-tuned its marketing strategies to attract this crucial segment, particularly the burgeoning Free Independent Traveler (FIT) group. For the latter half of 2024, a robust marketing budget exceeding 60 million baht has been earmarked for exhilarating promotions and initiatives aimed at infusing even more vibrancy into the mall and offering enticing experiences for both Thai and international shoppers.
Coinciding with Jungceylon’s metamorphosis, the adjoining hotel, once known as Millennium Resort Patong Phuket, has undergone a complete makeover and has been rechristened as M Social Phuket. The chic hotel boasts advanced AI voice-controlled assistants in all 418 rooms and suites, enabling guests to control IoT-enabled lighting, air conditioning, and smart TVs with simple voice commands. M Social Phuket marks the debut of the M Social brand in Thailand and is the sixth such hotel globally.
Mr. Prawit further elaborated, “Given the mall’s proximity to the newly rebranded M Social Phuket, we anticipate heightened shopper traffic and robust tenant sales. Both developments synergistically reinvigorate the Patong Beach vicinity, infusing it with hues and dynamism that pulse through the area.”
The Jungle Zone
The Jungle Zone, a four-story marvel along Patong Road 2, adjacent to the main entrance of the shopping mall and connected to M Social Phuket, is adorned with the “Amid the Shady Trees” theme, exuding a tropical resort-like ambience with lush greenery and wildlife-themed architecture and design:
- B Floor (Basement): Spanning over 7,500 sqm, this floor has:
- Souvenir shops from Phuket and across Thailand offering intriguing merchandise;
- Food Bazaar and Grab&Go, a food court dishing out a medley of delicious Thai and international cuisines at pocket-friendly prices;
- The Thairapy zone, focusing on natural spa products, traditional Thai massage, health spas, and beauty services;
- Street Fashion zone catering to fashion aficionados;
- Banking zone providing essential financial services;
- Ground Floor: With over 7,200 sqm housing international fashion brands and a plethora of restaurants, including UNIQLO, Volcom, Melissa, Viera by Regazze, Jelly Bunny, Misty Mynx, LYN, American Eagle Outfitters, Rip Curl, AIIZ, VNC, Shoebar, Sunshine Service, Eye Center, Havaianas, Thann, Studio7, X=Act, Naraya, MK Gold, The Coffee Club, Burger King, Swensen’s, and Starbucks;
- Second Floor: Catering to sports fashion and beachwear seekers with stores like Adidas, Puma, Quiksilver & Roxy, DC Shoes, RVCA, and Billabong. Additionally, the newly inaugurated “LOVE EAT” zone offers a culinary adventure from around the world with restaurants such as Sukishi Korean Charcoal Grill, Din Tai Fung, Okuna Sushi, Akimitsu, Wa Japanese Yakiniku, and Pancake Corner.
The latest crown jewel is a 2,000 sqm indoor electric go-kart racing track, “Power Drive Karts,” situated on the third floor—the first of its kind in Phuket.
The Botanica Zone
The Botanica Zone, a three-story structure adjacent to Patong Road 3 and M Social Phuket, is decked out with the “Color of Flower Blooming” theme, featuring vibrant floral sculptures and modern park-style gazebos. Its main anchors are Big C, Robinson Department Store, and SF Cinema, along with numerous fashion brand stores:
- Ground Floor: Hosting a mix of international and local fashion brands such as Coach, Birkenstock, Jaspal, CPS, CC DOUBLE O, GENTLEWOMAN, Playboy, New Era, Under Armour, Skechers, Charles & Keith, Annebra, Levi’s, GUESS, G-Shock, Fitflop, Crocs, Timberland, Samsonite, Carolina Lemke, Eye Love It, Top Charoen Optical, KT Optic, Thann, Moshi Moshi, Watsons, Boots, and Beautrium;
- Second Floor: Anchored by Robinson Department Store and Big C;
- Third Floor: Featuring SF Cinema City, Kidzooona, Froggy’s Fun Park, IT zone, Banana IT, and Samsung;
The Bay Zone
The Bay Zone is a semi-outdoor multipurpose area in the heart of the mall with a “Sense of Sea Breeze” theme. The area is graced with a large junk boat and art sculptures of dolphins and whales in a central pool, complemented by schools of colorful jellyfish. This oasis hosts promotional events and premier stores such as Shabushi, McDonald’s, Fuji Japanese Restaurant, Le Siam, KFC, Tim Hortons, and Superdry.
The Garden Zone
The Garden Zone, spanning over 4,700 sqm, connects the entrance from Patong Road 3 to The Bay Zone. It’s an epicenter of international restaurants, lifestyle cafés, and chic hangout spots with an “A Green Mythical Romance” concept, enhanced by Phuket’s Sino-Portuguese shophouses in a modern classic style. Offering a spacious and relaxing atmosphere akin to a beautiful garden, this zone includes notable eateries like Hachiban Ramen, The Thai Food Factory, Zen, Urban Food, Spoon, Wine Connection, Spice House, Wabi Sabi, Churrasco, Taco Bell, McDonald’s, Roxane Café, Yayoi, Irish Time Pub, Greyhound Café, Whynot, Café 101, Pizza Hut, Lacasa, Lavanille, and Pimnara Boutique Hotel.
Opening Celebrations Highlights
Dive into the “Blooming Sales” promotion, where stores will be offering fantastic discounts ranging from 10% to 70%. Shoppers who spend 3,000 baht can partake in the Blooming Balloon Game to win daily gold prizes from 27 June to 7 July 2024.
Don’t miss “The Blooming Oasis,” a spectacular sound and light show celebrating Jungceylon’s new chapter. Featuring the Queen of Oasis, “Mai Davika Hoorne,” and a grand concert by Thailand’s Queen of Dance, “KT Kratae,” this event promises fun and entertainment on the evening of 28 June 2024, from 6:00 PM at The Bay Arena, Jungceylon.
For further information, call (+66) 76-600-111 or stay updated through the Jungceylon Fanpage at https://www.facebook.com/JungceylonFanpage.
Wow, Jungceylon sounds like it’s going to be incredible! The investment and innovation are off the charts.
It’s a lot of money for a renovation. Will it actually attract more tourists?
Good point, Brian. I think the AI assistants in the hotel might be a big draw, though.
Tourists love new and shiny things. A billion baht is huge but could really pay off!
A sound and light show with a concert sounds amazing! I wish I could attend the opening celebrations.
Honestly, most malls and events oversell the experience. Let’s see if it’s actually any good.
I wonder if the focus on luxury and international brands is excluding local culture and vendors?
There are souvenir shops and a ‘Thairapy’ zone, but your point is valid.
If it brings in money, does it really matter who it’s for? Economic growth is important for Phuket.
Long-term sustainability is important too, not just economic growth.
M Social Phuket sounds like a gimmick with all that AI nonsense. Just use a light switch!
Tech is the future, TommyBoy. Get with the program. Simplicity is overrated.
When AI crashes, simplicity will save the day. Mark my words!
Love the idea of an indoor electric go-kart track. What a unique addition!
It could be a total game-changer for indoor entertainment. Will really stand out!
Exactly, Lisa! Hope they maintain it well and it’s not just a one-time novelty.
This is such a huge project! I hope the local economy sees good returns on this investment.
Has to! There’s too much riding on this for it not to benefit locals.
They better keep those promotions coming if they want to keep attracting crowds. Discounts alone won’t cut it.
Agreed. Events and entertainment create lasting memories and repeat visits.
Exactly, Lauren. Just hope they keep things fresh and not monotonous.
Wonder if the AI in the hotel will understand multiple languages well? Tourists come from everywhere!
That’s a good question. Voice recognition tech is not always reliable.
Patong Beach needs this type of investment. It has massive potential but needs modernization.
Modernization can be good but it shouldn’t erase the charm that initially drew tourists.
True, Ravi. Balance is key; mix of new without losing old charm.
300 stores across four zones!? That’s a bit overwhelming. Would need a full day to explore.
Phuket needed a facelift for its malls. Glad to see someone stepping up.
Sounds like a megaproject. Hope it doesn’t lead to over-commercialization of Patong Beach.
And another chunk of city turned into a shiny mall. How original. Not!
Cynical much? This is good for the economy, whether you like it or not.
I get the economic part, but I just wish there was more focus on organic growth, not just commerce.
Putting this much money into a mall sounds risky. What if it doesn’t pay off?
Businesses risk a lot for potential gain. That’s part of any big investment.