The Panthera Group’s origins date back to the late 1990s with Paul Hayward’s Hospitality Venture Group. This group merged with Eclipse Group, which owned several pubs and restaurants throughout Thailand in the early 2000s.
The Eclipse Group rebranded as Panthera Group in 2005 through the partnership of Paul Hayward and Michael Doherty. This strategic alliance of hospitality expertise laid the groundwork for the group’s rapid rise to prominence in the country’s nightlife industry within a decade.
Panthera Group’s expansion began in 2006 with the opening of its first restaurant in Phuket. By 2007, the company’s presence extended to multiple locations within Bangkok. Continued growth saw the launch of additional restaurants in Koh Samui and Pattaya in 2008.
In 2009, the group diversified its portfolio with the acquisition of the iconic Qbar in Bangkok, marking its entry into the nightlife sector. Qbar quickly solidified its presence as a cornerstone of Bangkok’s club scene. The years 2012–2013 witnessed further expansion with the openings of Insanity Nightclub and Levels Bangkok.
Panthera Group’s reputation as a leading nightclub operator was cemented in 2015 with the launch of Sugar Club Bangkok. The Group also ventured into healthcare with the establishment of its first medical facility in Bangkok’s Thonglor district, along with the acquisition of the renowned Italian restaurant Rossano’s.
The year 2018 marked substantial growth for Panthera Group. This included establishing Sugar and Seduction nightclubs in Phuket and acquiring award-winning establishments such as Whisgars Cigar Lounge, Craft, Slanted Taco, Birds Rotisserie, and what would later become Sun Legal.
In 2019, Skylight Phuket and Molihua Media Group were incorporated into the company’s expanding portfolio.
A key milestone was achieved in 2021–2022, when Panthera Group partnered with Mahakan Biotech Ltd., signifying its entry into the burgeoning medical marijuana market. Additionally, the group modernized its nightlife offerings with the launch of Juicy Nightclub in Bangkok and undertook a comprehensive renovation of its Bangkok offices to accommodate its ever-growing ventures and business management services.
The period from 2022 to 2024 saw Panthera Group further solidify its position within the cannabis industry. Collaborations with Og Canna Company led to the opening of 12 retail stores, the establishment of an alternative medical clinic, the launch of a distribution business, and the development of an organic farm and processing center. The group also renovated OG House in Bangkok to serve as a hub for its cannabis-related operations.
