Index Living Mall Invests up to 100 Million Baht in Bangkok Sports Complex
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Index Living Mall Plc (ILM) has invested between 80 million and 100 million baht to launch Talent Sport Academy, an indoor sports complex at The Walk Ratchaphruek in western Bangkok.
Chief property management officer Ekalak Patamasatayasonthi said the company expects the athletic hub to lift foot traffic at the community mall by 5 to 7 per cent, with consumer spending projected to climb 10 per cent.
The venue targets annual revenue of 15 million baht directly from the academy, capitalising on rising fitness demand following a year in 2025 when Thailand’s fitness industry revenue topped 12 billion baht.
Rethinking Community Mall Real Estate
The Walk Ratchaphruek currently draws about 5,000 visitors a day on weekdays and 8,000 on weekends. The facility features three popular sports — tennis, pickleball and basketball — targeting the “premium mass” segment while also offering customisable training programmes led by professional coaches.
The location aligns with the Ratchaphruek area’s demographic profile, which comprises high-end families and offers strong growth potential due to robust purchasing power, Mr Ekalak said. The area is also home to international schools, prestigious educational institutions and extensive amenities, with connectivity linking Bangkok to Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani provinces.
“The company plans to open 1-2 sports complexes annually in “The Walk” or “Little Walk” projects, initially focusing on high-potential locations with consistent foot traffic.”
Mr Ekalak said the investment is part of ILM’s growth strategy to develop new revenue streams alongside its core business. The academy will maximise space utilisation and create opportunities to attract new tenants, such as lifestyle brands, apparel retailers, sports equipment stores, and health-focused food and beverage outlets, while broadening the customer base to include sports and wellness enthusiasts.
The Talent Sport Academy is expected to strengthen the education centre zone, which occupies over 30% of the retail space at The Walk Ratchaphruek, Mr Ekalak said.
Fitness Sector Momentum
The academy aligns with the growing wellness trend. The global wellness economy is projected to reach US$7.9 trillion by 2026, with an average annual growth rate of 7.6% over the past three years, according to the Global Wellness Economy Monitor by the Global Wellness Institute.
Thai consumers are mirroring this trend, with more individuals regularly engaging in physical activities and opting for paid fitness services, Mr Ekalak said. According to Kasikorn Research Centre, Thailand’s fitness industry revenue exceeded 12 billion baht in 2025, an 18% increase, with over 80% of the market concentrated in the Bangkok metropolitan area, which has high purchasing power.
Pipeline Across Suburban Locations
The company plans to open 1-2 sports complexes annually in “The Walk” or “Little Walk” projects, initially focusing on high-potential locations with consistent foot traffic. Two additional branches are scheduled to open in 2027 at Little Walk Liap Khlong Song and Little Walk Phran Nok.
The company currently operates three The Walk and seven Little Walk projects in Thailand.
Questions & Answers
Q.What financial and commercial returns does Index Living Mall expect from the project?
What financial and commercial returns does Index Living Mall expect from the project?
The company expects Talent Sport Academy to generate 15 million baht in direct annual revenue while increasing mall foot traffic by 5 to 7 per cent. Total consumer spending at the property is projected to climb 10 per cent, helping attract new retail and food tenants.
Q.Why was The Walk Ratchaphruek chosen for the first sports complex?
Why was The Walk Ratchaphruek chosen for the first sports complex?
The surrounding Ratchaphruek district is populated by affluent families with high purchasing power, international schools, and transport links to Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani. The complex also complements the mall's existing education centre zone, which occupies more than 30 per cent of the total retail floor space.
Q.Which sports facilities and services are provided at the new venue?
Which sports facilities and services are provided at the new venue?
The indoor complex features facilities for tennis, pickleball and basketball targeted at the premium mass market. It also provides tailored training programmes led by professional coaches to capitalise on growing local demand for paid wellness and athletic services.
Q.Where does the company plan to expand this sports concept in the future?
Where does the company plan to expand this sports concept in the future?
Index Living Mall plans to open one to two sports complexes each year across its The Walk and Little Walk retail properties. The next two branches are scheduled to launch in 2027 at Little Walk Liap Khlong Song and Little Walk Phran Nok.
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