Phuket Property

Seaview Condo for Sale Aonang Krabi

2012-01-28T23:02:00.004+07:00

Seaview Condo for Sale Aonang, Krabi

Rent is pretty close to Ao Nang, Krabi, just 900 meters from the beach, Sea View, 7th floor, 1 bedroom size 38 sqm fully furnished.

Ready to Move in.Mandawee Resort&Spa is in the details. www.mandaweeresort.com.

Condo project is one that has been approved for construction in the area of Ao Nang.And Nopparat.

For Sale : 1.69 MB

Call :084-4320888

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3 story house for sale, Hua Hin

2012-01-22T08:17:00.002+07:00

Unique 3 story house, in the beautiful southern mountains of Hua Hin.

Building this villa was no small project because of the beautiful details and practical design solutions. Quality and finish are of a very high standard with wooden flooring throughout the house except for wet areas and basement, mosquito nets that allow the steady sea breeze to flow through the house with bright and spacious rooms. The villa is not a regular house, but spread out in true Asian living style with many hidden rooms and passages, all made in a functional and practical way.

Hidden on the back of the house is a 50 sq.m. fully equipped pool guest bungalow allowing guests of the house more privacy. There are terraces and covered areas all the way around the villa with decks and lotus ponds adding to the Asian feeling.

House Location.The house is situated approximately 10 minutes south of Hua Hin centre near Kao Tao. It stands on 988 sq mtrs of land and the main house is approx 450 sq mtr.The house is a unique Thai / European design built to the finest quality.

The house is on a small private estate approximately 1.5 km from the sea, nestled high in a back to nature horseshoe mountain, commanding breathtaking Sea views overlooking Turtle Island and Kao Tao Buddha Temple.

The house has 3 + Bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, Swimming Pool, seperate Guest House and Mosquito Net windows throughout to comfortably allow the day long Ocean breeze to naturally cool the house. All hardwood floors and a very impressive Entrance hall with hardwood Balustrade Staircase.

The exclusive Development is well maintained and has on site 24 hr Security, as well as In House security system.

Price. 14,000,000. THB. Including some furnishings, 50/50 Transfer fees

Contact :

Mr Wayne M Russell. Tel Thailand 66 (0)890356060Email : waynetheruss@hotmail.com

Thai. Khun Eve 0863460772 Email : eve.123@hotmail.com

Patong Villa Sea views For sale

2012-01-17T22:24:00.002+07:00

Sea views Patong Villa for sale, Indoor Area: 350 Sqm. 3 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms, maids room.Fully Furnished

Utilities :Deep water well / city water - storage tanks, Swimming Pool / spa, Air Con: 7 units, Television: True visions plus cable , Telephone: TOT,Internet: Wireless ADSL, Mature landscaped gardens

Location: Patong Beach
Ownership: Freehold or Leasehold
Asking Price: 27,500,000M Baht / Best offer

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Townhouse The Valley 2 for sale, Phuket

2011-12-30T00:28:00.000+07:00

New Townhouse for sale The Valley 2, Phuket. Area 28 sq.wah. House Type 2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms.

Price 1.75 million baht.

More detail call 089-6880020

More Information Call : 089-6880020

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Twinhouse for sale Chalong, Phuket

2011-12-25T09:12:00.000+07:00

Twinhouse for sale Nabon, Phuket, Chao Fa Garden Home project . House No. 69/37 . Area 28 sq.wah, Located on Chaofah Rd, close to Bann Nabon School , House Type 2 bedrooms 1 bathrooms. Built in Furniture.

Price 1.8 million baht.

More detail call 084-7462888

More Information 084-7462888

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Chalong townhouse for sale Nabon phuket

2011-12-19T18:05:00.002+07:00

Townhouse for sale Nabon, Phuket Chao Fa Garden Home project . House No. 69/221 Soi 2 . Area 28 sq.wah, Located on Chaofah Rd, close to Bann Nabon School , House Type 2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms.

More detail call 080-039-7387

More Information 080-039-7387

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Nabon Chalong house for sale, Phuket

2011-12-14T06:43:00.000+07:00

House for sale at Nabon, Chalong Phuket. Area 52.8 sq.wah, Located on Chaofah Rd close to Bann Nabon School , House Type 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms. Price 3,200,000 baht.

Contact Khun Mon : 081 564 5995

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Townhouse for sale Chalong, Phuket

2011-12-09T06:39:00.000+07:00

New Townhouse for sale 19.5 sq.wah Chalong soi Chaofah 46 ,Chaofah Rd, Phuket House Type 2 bedrooms 1 bathrooms. Price 1,650,000 baht. .

Call Khun Mon : 081-564 5995

More detail call : 081-564 5995

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5-storey Apartment for sale,Patong Phuket

2011-11-30T06:40:00.000+07:00

Apartment for sale Patong Phuket 5-storey 24 Room Close to Jungceylon Patong. For sale 37 million baht. Call : 087-296 6866

More detail : 087-296 6866

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Sea View land for sale Nai Yang beach,Phuket

2011-11-17T13:57:00.000+07:00

Sea View land for sale Nai Yang beach, Next to Blue Canyon Country Club Chanote Title area 6.75 rai For sale 5.5 million Baht per rai and Nor Sor 3 Area 4.25 rai For sale 4.5 million Baht per rai (4.25 rai not seaview )

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Beachfront land for sale 4 Rai, khao khard, Phuket

2011-11-10T07:08:00.000+07:00

Beachfront land for sale Khao Khard-Makham bay Rd, Phuket Area 4 Rai. Close to novotel khao khard.Beautiful land for sale 150 Million baht.

More detail call : 081-5377146

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2-storey Seaview House for sale,Patong Phuket

2011-11-06T09:28:00.003+07:00

2-storey Seaview House for sale
- 3 bedrooms 4 bathrooms.
- Pool , 2 Car-park.
- Nor Sor 3 Kor Title.
- Close to Hilltop Restaurant.
- Price 20 million baht.

Call : 087-2966866 For more details.

More information call 087-2966866

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Restaurant for sale Surin Beach, Phuket

2011-11-01T21:58:00.000+07:00

Restaurant for sale Surin Beach, Phuket " M Seafood Restaurant" for sale. 20 million baht

Contact Mobile : 090-1610445 or e-mail : m.seafood_restaurant@hotmail.com

More Detail Call : 090-1610445
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Land for sale 2 rai Tambon Wichit , Phuket

2011-10-15T07:34:00.001+07:00

Land for sale 2 Rai 1 Ngan, Soi Sukniran 4 Tambon Wichit Ampher Muang Phuket. Chanote Title For sale 20 Million Baht.

Call for more detail : 081-537 7146
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Land for sale 1 Rai,Paclock Phuket

2011-10-10T22:48:00.000+07:00

Paclock land for sale 1 Rai, Phuket Chanote title , Paclock road,close to Bangpae Seafood.

For sale 8,500,000 Baht

Contact Khun Noi : 081-6910138

More detail call : 081-6910138

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Land for sale,Laemsai - Paclock ,Phuket

2011-10-07T21:09:00.002+07:00

Laemsai - Paclock Land for sale,Phuket . Chanote title 2 Rai. Form 15 minute From Phuket International Airport. For sale 3 million baht.

More detail call : 085-9215681

Call 085-9215681 for more information

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Detach House for sale 58 Sq.wah Borrae, Phuket

2011-10-02T10:33:00.002+07:00

Detach House for sale Wichit,Phuket Chanote area 58 Sq.wah. 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms. Price 3,000,000 baht.

Soi Tung Charoen, 9 Tambon Wichit. Close to Panason Borrae Phuket.

Call Khun Fon 089-3433353

More detail Call 089-3433353

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Luxury Pool Villa for sale Bangtao Beach, Phuket

2011-09-22T06:57:00.001+07:00

1 bedroom 110 sqm luxury Pool Villa for RENT or SALE (private 9M pool) - 5 min from Beach, Golf, and Banyan Tree

SALE: 6.0M baht (USD $216,000) – Priced at 2M THB (USD $66,000) BELOW developers price

RENTAL: Also open for Rental 40,000 baht / Month. 1 year contract only. Negotiable.

CONTACT:

e-mail : roger.chi@gmail.com
Tell : +66-81827-3538

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Townhouse for sale,Thep Kasattri ,Phuket

2011-09-07T20:57:00.004+07:00

2-storey Townhouse for sale Thepkasattri Rd. ,Phuket. Area 23.3 Sq.wah. 2 bedrooms 3 bathrooms. Price 1,600,000 baht.

Location : Soi Thep Kasattri, close to Super Cheap Store.

More information call : 087-5651000

Call : 087-5651000 For Detail.

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House for sale 100 Sq.wah Paclock,Phueket

2011-09-05T21:15:00.000+07:00

2-storey Detach House for sale Pa Clock, Thalang, Phuket. Chanote area 100 Sq.wah. 3 bedrooms 3 bathrooms.Price 6,500,000 baht. Furniture with 3 Air-conditioner.

More information Mr.Natee 081-6772716

More detail call 081-6772716

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Paclock,Phuket house for sale 1 Rai

2011-09-04T06:24:00.000+07:00

2-storey Detach House for sale Pa Clock, Phuket. Area 400 Sq.wah (1 Rai ) . House type 4 bedrooms 4 bathrooms. Use area 350 sq.m. Sala with Pool, 3 parking.

Call 081-8939496 for more detail.

More Information Call : 081-8939496 , 086-6826685

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Land for sale Tak daet, Phang-nga 26 rai

2011-08-26T22:55:00.000+07:00

Land for sale 26 rai in Tambon Tak daet ,Phang-nga . The land is hillside with a beautiful mountain view (can see the sea little bit) and a small water fall.

The land title is Nor Sor 3 Gor .The price is 270,000 THB per rai . More information call : 0849928432.

More detail Call : 084-9928432

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Supalai Gardenview Phuket House For Sale

2011-08-24T10:27:00.001+07:00

Supalai Gardenview Phuket ; 2-storey Detach House for sale. Area 54.30 Sq.wah. 3 bedrooms 3 bathrooms. 2 carpark, Pa Klok, Thalang, Phuket. Price 3,825,000 baht. Plus Pump + water storage tank, and 1 Air-conditioner.

For more information Call : 087-2779617

More information Call : 087-2779617

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Seaview land for long term lease/ sale Chalong,Phuket

2011-08-21T16:45:00.001+07:00

Seaview plot of land right at Chalong Marina for long term lease/ sale

Area : 1.5 Rai (1 Rai 204 sq.wah / 2,416sq.meters), Chanote title. 50m to Chalong Pier On the main road towards the Marina, next to "Palai Residential Deck" Condominium Project. Sea view from land plot

- For rent: 20 years lease, 20MB upfront then rental 50,000 THB/mo increase 10% every 3 years
- For Sale 45MB

More information, please contact K.Wirote at 081-8145938 or K. Roongrote at 081-8145938.

Contact K. Roongrote at 081-8145938 for more information

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Sinsukthani Phuket House for sale

2011-08-18T22:07:00.001+07:00

2-storey Detach House for sale Sinsukthani Phuket Preject Thalang, Phuket .House 4 bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms. Pa Klok, Thalang, Phuket. Price 6,500,000 baht.

More detail 086-3174282

Call : 086-3174282 For more detail

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Villas for sale Bangjo, Phuket

2011-08-15T19:22:00.001+07:00

Twin villas Pool access in Bang Jo, Phuket for Sale ,Area 468 sq.m. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 living room, 1 dinning room and 1 kitchen per villa . For sale at 10M. for 2 villas.

More details. Tel : 66-81-8924881

Call : 081-892-4881 for more detail..

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Residenz in Chalong For sale,Phuket

2011-08-10T23:22:00.001+07:00

Residenz in Chalong, For sale,Phuket. New building with sea view, big hall, big living rooms, 5 bedrooms with 5 bathrooms, office, maid room, 3 storage, swimming pool, carports. Gross floor space: 685 sp.m, land size: 1 Rai.

Location: Near Wat Chalong on the way up to the hill to "Rising Sun"

Price: 39.6 Mio THB

More Information call Thomas 085-6544011

More Information call : 085-6544011

Phuket land for sale 6 rai with thai style villas

2011-08-08T22:26:00.002+07:00

Land for sale 6 Rai, Phuket. With 4 Thai style Villas . For sale 150 million baht.
More Information Call 086-3082623

More Detail Call 086-3082623

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Thalang 5 rai land for sale,phuket

2011-08-01T06:35:00.002+07:00

Land for sale in Thalang, 5 minutes from Phuket International Academy (PIA). Flat Area , beautiful land, Chanote title and public road access. It is actually a larger piece of land (5 Rai) which can split to sell up to 2 Rai of it for 2.7 Million Baht per Rai only.

all other costs for the land transfer to the new owner (including all taxes…everything which is to pay at the land department when transferring) have to be paid by the buyer.

The main road which is 30 meters away has electricity 3-phase. Water in this area is no problem. A well can be drilled anywhere.

Phuket 1Rai land, Sakdidate road

2011-07-12T21:14:00.003+07:00

Land for sale 1 Rai, Chanote title at Sakdidate Rd. 2 House in the garden. Far 300 m. from main road. For sale 16 million baht. More information call : 081-5377146

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Phuket property market gaining steam, but yet to reach 2007 heights

2011-06-28T19:47:00.001+07:00

Phuket’s property market is recovering from the Global Financial Crisis but has yet to bounce back to the boom levels of 2007, a recent report from Colliers Thailand has found.

The report made not of the distinction between inland areas of Phuket, which contain the vast majority of units, and the coastal areas, which contain less properties but have higher capital values. 2010 was one of the rare years when more condominium units were supplied than landed properties, which usually dominate the market. Around 1,020 units were supplied for 2010 while up to 200 units were supplied up to May in 2011. Most of the units are located inland and at present and the Thai domestic market is the main driver.

The high end coastal market, which is dominated by foreigners, has yet to return to its peak before the financial crisis. “In many ways the glass at present can be perceived as half full or half empty depending on whether you are comparing with the period around 2006-7 or the situation in 2009,” said Antony Picon, Associate Director of Research at Colliers. “High end buyers are coming from a wider range of countries, not just Europe, with Hong Kong, Russia and the Middle East becoming key markets now,” he added.

Developers are reconsidering their marketing strategies to suit the changes in buyer profile. “One development called Kamala Falls is being marketed as a halal investment, including a women-only swimming pool, in order to appeal to Muslim buyers,” said Picon.

In fact Kamala and the surrounding area on the North West coast is the up-and-coming location for high end development. Millionaire’s Mile contains plenty of land available for future development of luxury properties. An interesting prospect will be Phuket’s future as a marina for superyachts. Asia is fast becoming a cruising destination to rival The Caribbean and Mediterranean with less crowded waters in which to sail. “Wealthy Asians are now a strong buying force for superyachts and Phuket’s status as a renowned yachting destination through its marinas and exotic outlying islands could be enhanced through further development and boost the high end property market still further,” said Patima Jeerapaet, managing director of Colliers Thailand. In fact the whole area encompassing Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi could evolve as the world’s premier yachting destination in the future with Phuket as the main hub. “The Phuket brand stands for luxury,” said Patima.

One other important factor in Phuket’s favour is the growing number of international direct flights especially as result of the proliferation of Low Cost Carriers. Mr Picon believes this leads to greater numbers of tourists coming to Phuket which will eventually translate into property buyers. “The residential market in Phuket for foreigners has yet to return to the pre-Lehman days but it is well positioned when buyers from the traditional markets in Europe and the United States return to compliment to growth of the emerging markets,” he added.

From : property-report.com : June 27, 2011

Phuket Bus Station: New Opening Date Set

2011-06-12T21:11:00.002+07:00

A date has finally been set for the opening of Phuket's new bus station - October 1, precisely a year after the first opening date was set, and almost two years since the terminus was finished.

The fate of the new building, erected at a cost of 47 million baht on land that was purchased for 80 million baht, now hinges on the local politics behind the issue being sorted in the meantime.

A meeting at the Transport Office in Saphan Hin, Phuket City, resolved today to ask Rassada Council to officially set out the reasons why they do not wish to proceed with opening the bus station, if that is indeed the case.

The proposal to deal with buses turning around in Thepkasattri Road, where the terminus is situated, includes provision of a u-turn through the present media strip that would be right outside the home of Rassada Mayor, Surathin Lien-udom.

Althouth the Phuket Provincial Administrative organisation has contributed 27 million to the station, the Rassada Council insists on running it. Opening it, though, has proved the hard part.

Rassada Council is up for reelection in September, so to avoid the bus station becoming an issue in the poll, the opening date has been set for October 1.

When the new terminus opens in Phuket City, the old bus station in Phang Nga Road will become the terminus for the local island buses that currently occupy the road outside Phuket City's fresh market.

By : Chutima Sidasathian

From : phuketwan.com : June 8, 2011

Phuket's New Bridge Set for July Opening

2011-06-06T17:47:00.001+07:00

The new bridge linking Phuket with neighboring Phang Nga is due to open on July 20, the Director of the Highways Department, Arun Sanae, said yesterday.

''Provided the work can be done and is not affected by rain, that's the date we are aiming for,'' he said. ''Right now, it's 96 percent complete.''

Traffic may begin using the bridge from the end of June.

Work on the new bridge at a cost of 377 million baht began on June 30, 2009. It replaces Sarasin Bridge, the one-way link off Phuket, which has always been lower than Thepkasattri Bridge, the newer one-way bridge for traffic coming onto the island.

Under the plan, Sarasin Bridge will be retained as a walking and fishing tourist attraction and its middle section will be raised as a viewing platform, allowing yachts for the first time to pass beneath all three bridges.

By : Pathomporn Kaenkrachang

From : phuketwan.com : June 1, 2011

Rawai house for sale ,Phuket

2011-05-26T07:05:00.001+07:00

House for sale soi Massayid, Rawai ,Phuket ,2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms.Pool size 7x5 m. Area 400 Sq.m. (100 Sq.wah) Price 9.5 million baht.

Phuket Cape Gains a 2.8m Baht Mosque

2011-05-19T23:21:00.001+07:00

Construction is to begin next month on a small mosque at Cape Promthep, the southern promontory noted for perfect Phuket sunsets.

Hundreds of residents and visitors flock to the cape every evening for the dramatic views out over crystal seas to the horizon.

Mayor of Rawai, Aroon Soroj, said the 2.8 million baht mosque would for the first time give Muslims the chance to see the sunsets and at the same time maintain their strict prayer regime.

The mosque will be built at the rear of the large car park, alongside a row of souvenir shops.

The cape was the place chosen in 2009 for a celebratory telecast of Phuket people singing the national anthem at sunset, and last year alcohol and smoking were banned from the viewpoint area.

Earlier this month, Mayor Aroon accompanied Canadian businessman Daniel McDaniel to visit Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha to put a plan for a 900 million baht marine zoo and aquarium to be built on property near the shooting range and the Green Man Pub in Patak Road, Rawai.

By : Chutima Sidasathian

From : phuketwan.com : April 23, 2011

Phuket's New Hospital Sets Opening Dates

2011-05-09T22:55:00.000+07:00

Phuket's seventh and newest hospital is set to open its doors on May 31 at a cost 327 million baht.

The hospital is likely to cause extra cases of dislocation of the jaw with its title alone - Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation Hospital.

But Hospital Director Dr Yee Yitathasiri said yesterday that specialist treatment for heart and blood complaints is likely to give the PPAO hospital fairly quick recognition on Phuket.

It will add to the array of medical options now available in the Phuket treatment hub.

Fifty nurses are still wanted, and Dr Yee says that there are simply not enough nurses available in Thailand and the region as a whole.

But the hospital, which will be run by Thonburi Hospital Public Company Ltd, does have eight of 13 doctors already hired.

The ''soft'' opening will include a ''Phuket Love'' campaign to provide health checkups for 300 people, at 650 baht for women and 800 baht for men. (Details 076 212000).

And by the time the doors open in earnest on July 1 for admissions, with 129 beds available, the hospital should be fully outfitted. There will be five operating rooms, a CAT scanner that takes 64 slides, and 14 stations for kidney dialysis.

Dr Yee says the new hospital will help to alleviate some of the pressure on Vachira Hospital Phuket, the island's largest hospital in Phuket City.

The new hospital is to the east of Phuket City on Anuphas Phuket Karn Road, the main route to Koh Sireh.

Photography was not permitted inside but we were taken with the signature PPAO pink elevator doors and the pink alcove at the entrance.

The Phuketwan photographer also found workers unpacking new stainless steel wheelchairs in large numbers nearby.

One innovation the hospital will introduce, said Dr Yee, is a hotline for people who are in need of counselling. The hotline number will be 076 358888.

As for pricing, the PPAO will not be free of charge but fees are expected to be somewhere between Vachira and Mission, probably the least expensive of Phuket's private hospitals.

The hospital's opening is a sign of the continued commitment of the PPAO under chief executive Paiboon Upatising to the provision of improved infrastructure for Phuket.

By : Chutima Sidasathian

From : phuketwan.com : May 8, 2011

Bang jo house for sale 50 sq.wah

2011-04-26T21:48:00.001+07:00

New house in Bang-Jo, Chergtalay . 2 storeys modern house

land = 198.8 sq.m (49.7 sq.w)
house indoor = 201.28 sq.m
pool = 21.42 sq.m
parking = 23.28 sq.m

Funtional :
- 2 bedrooms
- 3 bathroom (rain shower mixer tab ,hotwater, no bath tub)
- 1 study room
- living room
- dining room
- kitchen room (buildin counter , hob,hood,oven)
- 1 parking
- 1 storage
- washing area with counter
- pinex wood in pool terrace
- pool 3.5x6.5x1.7 depth (water fall)
- termit protection pipe system
- CCTV 4 camera ( internet screen)
- Aircondition (carier 24,000 BTU x1,18,000 BTU x2)
- Automatic door in parking (optional)
- Alarm system (option)
- underground well (include pump)
- full landscape

For sale 6.9 million baht. Contact us for more detail.

Chalong land for sale 14.5 Rai

2011-04-20T21:43:00.004+07:00

Chalong land for sale 14.5 Rai.
Soi Nak Kerd mountains (Big Buddha temple).
Price 5 million baht per rai. Can be separated 3 Rai minimum.

More detail :
Tel: (+66) (0) 76.209.086 / Fax: 0.76.209.284
Mobile: (+66) (0) 81.0887640

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New House for sale Phuket Valley 2

2011-04-18T06:35:00.003+07:00

New House for sale The Valley2 ,Phuket: Area 60 Sq.wah. 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms. Salon, Covered Garage for 2 cars, nice view of the valley, no others houses in front;open view. Close to Heroine Monument,and beautiful Surin Beach,all facilities in proximity, Airport,Schools, Hospitals. In a beautiful,green valley.

For sale 2.7 million baht. Contact us for more detail.

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Phuket's Patong Now Asking 80m Baht a Rai

2011-04-10T12:53:00.000+07:00

Property prices on Phuket continue to soar with the asking price for a single rai of premium real estate in Patong now at 80 million baht, the Director of the Thai Real Estate Information Centre, Dr Sophon Pornchokchai, said yesterday.

Other west coast beaches also reflected dramatic increases in the past five years, Dr Sophon added. He was on Phuket for talks.

Back in 2006, land at Phuket's then relatively undeveloped Mai Khao beach fetched five million baht a rai, Dr Sophon said. Today the price had gone up 60 percent.

Back in 2006, land at Bang Tao fetched 7.5 million baht. Prices there had risen 50 percent, he said.

Surin and Kamala prices were nine million baht a rai in 2006, Dr Sophon said. Now real estate in Kamala was going for 70 percent a rai more, he said.

Back then, Karon beach was fetching 20 million baht a rai, while nearby Kata was fetching half that. Nai Yang was at six million baht, with Nai Thon at seven million baht. Dr Sophon did not provide updates on those beaches.

However, he did say that the most expensive property in Patong, Phuket's most enduringly appealing and most developed west coast destination, was going at an asking price of 80 million baht a rai, double the price of 2006.

By : Chutima Sidasathian

From : phuketwan.com :April 8, 2011

Phuket Wins Tsunami Warning Centre, plus MICE Verdict

2011-04-07T21:28:00.000+07:00

Phuket will gain a new tsunami warning centre for the Andaman coast at a cost of 147 million baht - and the winning design for Phuket's new convention centre will imitate the shape of a turtle.

Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha announced both important developments for the island's future today.

The tsunami centre will be part of an enlarged coastal warning project that will add extra beachfront towers along the sea in Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga and Trang.

Two tsunami warning drills are to be held each year, and local government authorities will be given responsibility for maintaining and securing the warning towers, the governor said.

A radio system is to replace the telephone connection system in the warning process, he said. The governor did not say where the centre will be sited.

On Phuket's winning design for the 2.6 billion MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) centre, to be erected on government land at Mai Khao, approval for the turtle design, one of three finalists, came at a Cabinet decision on Tuesday.

Governor Tri, who was on the judging panel, said the design would be modified to incorporate the Sino-Portuguese style of architecture for which locals have expressed a preference.

Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij headed a Bangkok delegation that explained the final three contending options to about 600 Phuket people at the Metropole Hotel in Phuket City last Sunday.

By : Pathomporn Kaenkrachang
From : phuketwan.com :March 26, 2011

Phuket's Chalong Pier Gains 220m Baht Makeover

2011-04-02T22:59:00.000+07:00

A 220 million baht two-storey development that will give Phuket's Chalong Pier a sea centre for yachts and vessels of all kinds is proceeding with speed, despite this week's wet weather.

Alongside the smart, circular glass-enclosed departure and arrivals point, construction is also moving fast on a second ''Chalong Pier'' that will be for the exclusive use of longtail boats.

The second pier is being built at a cost of 11.6 million baht.

The Chief of Phuket's Marine Office 5, Phuripat Theerakulpisut, told Phuketwan today that the ''one-stop'' calling point for incoming yachts would speed many of the Customs and Immigration processes that previously consumed time and energy.

Completion of both projects is expected around September or perhaps a little later, because of the recent rain.

Provision of the centre, at the end of the pier, and a longtail pier is expected to relieve pressure on the beach nearby.

The Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation continues to run a ''pinkie bus'' shuttle service to the end of Chalong Pier.

By : Chutima Sidasathian
From : phuketwan.com :April 2, 2011

Phuket Flyovers Yet to Gain Green Light

2011-03-31T19:13:00.000+07:00

The Phuket flyover that was to settle the dispute involving a 600-metre stretch of mangroves near Phuket City's Saphan Hin park is not yet a certainty, says Anchalee Vanich, Secretary-General to the Prime Minister.

The former Phuket politician said that Cabinet had yet to make a decision between the flyover, which would cost 100 million baht but save the mangroves, and a normal road, which at 30 million baht would be much less expensive.

The road is seen as an essential link between schools and university facilities now based around the Phuket City park and many commuters who live south of Phuket City.

The short length of road was the centre of a long-standing wrangle between then Governor Wichai Praisa-ngob and the Chief of the Natural Resources and Environment Department of Phuket, Ong-art Chanacharnmongkol. Both men are no longer in those roles.

Khun Anchalee added that approval for another controversial stretch of road, a proposed route betwen Patong and Chalong that would reduce the time for the journey by half, was still being considered.

She added that budget had been set aside for creating smoother traffic flow at Phuket City's two ket intersections, the Central Festival and Tesco Lotus corners, but that decisions had yet to be made about whether smoother traffic flows should be engineered using overpasses or underpasses.

By : Pathomporn Kaenkrachang
From : phuketwan.com : March 28, 2011

Phuket's Surin Resort Set for Makeover Surgery

2011-03-25T10:36:00.000+07:00

The Surin Phuket, which was until October last year the Chedi Phuket, is closing for renovations from May 1 to November 1.

In a ''back to the future'' move, the architect who originally designed the Chedi, on a headland at Surin near Phuket's Amanpuri Resort, will now be handling what is being described as a ''dramatic refurbishment.''

There will be a great deal of interest in what Edward Tuttle can deliver 21 years on.

Like movie stars in middle age, resorts either need great character roles or a bit of help to restore their looks and youthful exhuberance.

Not far north up the coast at Bangtao, the Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket is due to close on July 1 for a 500 million baht botox job that will see it reopen on December 1 with a new name - the Angsana Laguna Phuket, and closer ties with its neighboring Banyan Tree.

Far more unusual and radical surgery is taking place even further north on Phuket at Nai Yang beach, where the Indigo Pearl - a relatively young resort - is having the equivalent of a breast reduction.

The Indigo Pearl's 260 rooms will be converted into 170 suites.

Uplifting? Well, in a competitive world, becoming shaplier and broading your appeal is essential.

While many establishments attempt a touch of Hollywood and all love a dose of glamor, we've yet to find a Phuket resort that bears any resemblance to Charlie Sheen.

By : Alan Morison
From : phuketwan.com : March 23, 2011

Phuket MICE Verdict Looms, But Why the Rush?

2011-03-22T18:48:00.000+07:00

PHUKET'S design for a 2.6 billion Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibition Centre could be decided by Thailand's Cabinet when it meets this Tuesday.

With the decision coming down to the wire, Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij headed a Bangkok delegation that explained the options to about 600 Phuket people at the Metropole Hotel in Phuket City today.

Just how much local involvement there has been in the process was not clear.

While former Phuket politician Anchalee Vanich is secretary-general to the Prime Minister and was with Khun Korn today, Phuket administration leaders have had cause to complain lately about the lack of local involvement in assessing important infrastructure.

Some of the advocates for the various MICE options did not know the right name for some of Phuket's national parks and beaches, a worrying sign with a Cabinet decision just a couple of days away.

The ''big government'' of Bangkok decision-making was supposed to have vanished with Thaksin Shinawatra and his successsors. Today it was plain that perhaps some elements within the ruling Democrat Party have yet to understand that they are supposed to be different.

Or perhaps, with a vital national election coming within months, there's an added urgency to deliver as many goodies to as many electorates as possible.

What Phuket needs is a MICE centre that meets the needs of visitors and locals, a concept that hopefully the Cabinet will keep in mind on Tuesday.

Somboon Chirayus, president of the Phuket Tourist Association, spoke up today about the concept of having accommodation at the MICE centre when Phuket already has 60,000 legal and illegal rooms available.

The concept of having government accommodation competing with private accommodation was not ideal, he said.

The hope is that the Phuket MICE decision is not being pushed through quickly for political purposes.

Khun Korn, talking about transport infrastructure for Phuket in a general kind of way and making the point that something good was on the way, did nothing to ease the sense that, having been delayed unnecessarily for years, vital decisions now might be being rushed.

By : Phuketwan Reporter
From : phuketwan.com : March 20, 2011

Phuket’s Village Coconut Island teams up with Absolute World Group

2011-03-16T20:51:00.000+07:00

The Village Coconut Island resort in Phuket has appointed the Absolute World Group as its premier sales and marketing agent for the second phase of development of two-bedroom private pool villas and Jacuzzi suites.

“We are delighted to be working with the award-winning Absolute World Group. Their track record, expertise in sales and marketing, solid reputation and global network will be an incredible asset, ” said Chris Gordon, owner of The Village Coconut Island.

The Village Coconut Island is located on a palm tree fringed island less than 4 minutes by boat off the east coast of Phuket. This new phase will encompass a total of 192 luxurious Jacuzzi suites and 2 bedroom private pool villas, complementing the existing 44 phase one villas, 39 of which are now sold. Set within 33 acres (79 Rai), the landscaped site has a 550-metre beach frontage with spectacular views over Phang Nga Bay.

A range of pool villas and Jacuzzi Suites are available for sale both foreign freehold ownership and through Absolute’s fractional ownership initiative where a five-week share starts at only THB 1.25 million, including benefits like the use of a fully crewed, five-berth luxury sailing yacht, access to a fleet of luxury speed boats and private vehicles, use of top-of-the-range Callaway Golf Clubs and membership to an extensive resort exchange company.

The Village Coconut Island’s facilities include three swimming pools, two water slides, state-of-the-art health and wellness spa, deli, three restaurants, beach bar, 24-hour concierge service, kids club, fitness centre, two tennis courts, golf, the best watersports, breathtaking day-trips and much more.

“The Village embodies the very meaning of ‘tropical’ and we’re confident of a positive market uptake and delivering strong returns and most importantly, great vacation memories. Its not every day such a unique real estate opportunity becomes available which we are extremely delighted to add this to our portfolio,” said Bryan Lunt, Chairman of Absolute World Group.

Recent sell-out developments by Absolute World Group include Absolute Bangla Suites, Absolute Nakalay Beach Resort and phase 1 of Absolute Twin Sands Resort & Spa. Absolute World Group will also break ground in Koh Samui later this month with their latest Private Residence Club, The Beach Samui.

By : Byron Perry
From : property-report.com : March 16, 2011

Prime Phuket Property Slated for Boonthavorn Retail

2011-03-11T06:51:00.000+07:00

The Boonthavorn home interior decorating, furniture and fittings brand is to build a multi-billion baht megastore on one of the most prized pieces of retail real estate on Phuket - the huge vacant property opposite Tesco Lotus in Phuket City.

While plans are still in the preliminary stages, the occupants of a row of stores and restaurants on the block have moved out in readiness for the large piece of prime space to be levelled.

A few cows graze now where thousands of consumers will gaze and probably also graze before too much time passes.

Development of the 32 rai site is likely to begin next year, with the Phuket store likely to be rivalled only by the Bangkok head office.

Such has been the pace of Phuket property development targetted at Thais that the arrival of Boonthavorn became inevitable. The land had been bought some time back, so Phuket is no sudden impulse market for Boonthavorn.

While Thais have been the prime market for Boonthavorn, the Phuket megastore is expected to also aim at expats in villas, condominiums and homes of all kinds.

Coincidentally, while Boonthavorn is planning its move onto Phuket in 2012, Tesco Lotus is levelling a large former rubber plantation at Thalang, opposite Thalang Hospital, where a Tesco Lotus will soon be erected on a scale to rival the original Tesco in Phuket City.

As Phuket's population shifts north, expect to see more of the big retailers following the demographic trail through Kathu to Thalang.

Tesco Lotus was the first international style supermarket with carpark on Phuket. Now at Billion Plaza opposite, the growth of Phuket continues to prove it is becoming one big city with a large screen projecting advertisement and news at vehicles waiting at the traffic lights.

The cows on the Boonthavorn block will soon be moving on as Phuket continues to race rapidly into its own future.

By : Chutima Sidasathian
From : phuketwan.com : March 5, 2011

Centara Tipped to Brand New 1.5b Baht Phuket Resort

2011-03-01T19:13:00.000+07:00

Centara have been asked to brand a new 1.5 billion resort that a landed family plans for the ''hot'' Phuket east coast island of Koh Sireh.

The new resort would be close to the existing two billion baht Westin Siray Bay Resort and Spa Phuket, which pioneered large-scale development of one of Phuket's remaining havens with its 2010 opening.

Centara, Thailand's most significant resort business, has spurted growth of its Phuket business with a number of new resorts and the establishment of a second Centra three-star brand on Phuket within the past few months.

Centara Hotels and Resorts has outlined a five-year plan to expand from 42 properties to 65, one year earlier than its previous plan.

While the proposal to Centara to brand the new resort remains a suggestion, plans are proceeding for constructing the Koh Sireh (also Siray) resort, Phuketwan was told today.

Phuket MP Tossaporn Thepabutr said that the planned resort was on 137 rai of property owned by a rich Chiang Mai family.

''They have expansive real estate and business interests in Chiang Mai,'' Khun Tossaporn said. ''Koh Sireh is ready for expansion. The family has held that real estate for 10 years.''

The site is on the north coast of Koh Sireh, and the development is expected to be 200 to 300 rooms. An application for construction is expected to be made to Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha within the next few weeks.

Governor Tri heard about the new resort from Khun Tossaporn and the investing family today.

''A very warm welcome,'' he said. ''We are pleased to see more five-star investment. It is good for Phuket. To have another highly regarded brand on Koh Sireh will be good for the industry.''

By : Chutima Sidasathian
From : phuketwan.com : March 1, 2011

Phuket Resorts Aim for Balance with Locals, Nature

2011-02-22T21:42:00.000+07:00

Seven Phuket resorts are aiming to earn a certificate from the Phuket Natural Resources and Environment Department for good environmental standards.

With so much of Phuket's future depending on striking a balance between nature and tourism, what resorts do and how they manage their environment is a key to sustainable survival.

The seven are: five-star establishments Evason Phuket and Bon Island (where a boatload of Rohingya refugees recently landed at neighboring Laem Ka beach in Rawai) and Anantara Phuket Villas at Mai Khao; four-stars Centara Kata Resort, Royal Phuket City in - yes, you guessed it - Phuket City and Amari Coral Beach, on Patong's southern headland; plus three-stars Deevana Patong Resort and Spa and Thara Patong Beach Resort.
Five star, four star or three stars, the standards are high. Staffers from the Phuket Natural resources and Environment department will begin their assessment in March.

What the resorts will have to demonstrate is their commitment. Under examination will be the location of each resort, the management of the environment, the maintenance of local wisdom and culture, and the participation with local communities.

By : Phuketwan Reporter
From : phuketwan.com : Feb 21, 2011

Phuket's Kata Group Boosts Khao Lak Resort Growth

2011-02-19T17:57:00.000+07:00

Phuket's Kata Group yesterday announced plans for a new 1.2 billion baht resort in Khao Lak, the fifth four-star under the familiar brand.

The Khaolak Cassaway Resort and Spa will be a joint venture with backing from the K Bank, which signed an MoU with the Kata Group.

The new resort will occupy 20 rai in a two-phase development that should see the development open in November this year, in time for the high season.

The move is the latest expansion into Phang Nga by well-established Phuket brands.

Kata Group chief executive Pamuke Achariyachai, who is also Finland's honorary consul, said he thought the timing was right to expand because Phang Nga wa attracting five-star guests in greater numbers.

The group already had land at Pak Weep beach, and the plan would enable 148 units with five one-bedroom and two-bedroom pool villas as well.

There will be three restaurants in what's regarded as a ''very natural'' area, with the group planing to add more trees. One of the restaurants and a spa will sit in a lagoon.

The group also has additional space for an expansion of up to 250 more units. That may come in five or six years, Khun Pamuke said. Customers for the Kata Group are mostly Europeans and Scandinavians.

The existing four-star resorts in the group are: Phuket Orchid Resort (525 rooms), Kata Beach Resort (275 rooms), Karon Beach Resort (80 rooms), and the Kandaburi Samui Resort (183 rooms).

By : Chutima Sidasathian
From : www.property-report.com : Feb 15, 2011

Jones Lang LaSalle expands in Phuket

2011-02-10T21:50:00.000+07:00

Property management group Jones Lang LaSalle grew by over 20 per cent in Phuket last year, increasing the total number of estates it manages on the island to 17.

The Chicago-headquartered global company established its Phuket office three years ago. Jones Lang LaSalle aims to increase its number of managed estates in Phuket to over 20 this year and expects the number of staff to rise by 50% by the end of 2011. Estates managed by JLL in Phuket include Kamala Beach Estate, The Cape, The Palm Beach Club, and The Bay Cliff Patong.

“Phuket has many beautiful estates ranging from villa developments to resort condominiums. Each of them is different and requires a multitude of management’s services. Making sure our can deliver the requirements for each client is of utmost importance,” said JLL Thailand head of estate management Dexter Norville.

The firm is also planning to open a management office this year in Pattaya, where continued growth in resorts and condominiums presents opportunities.

“As the trend of property owners and investor outsourcing to professional property management service providers continues, our portfolio of properties under management has seen a dramatic growth from 2.0 million sqm in 2007 to now 3.8 million sqm, making us the largest property management service provider in Thailand,” said Mrs Suphin Mechuchep, managing director of Jones Lang LaSalle Thailand.

By : Byron Perry
From : www.property-report.com : Feb 10, 2011

Amari Estates Launches Phuket Residence

2011-02-06T16:31:00.000+07:00

Amari Estates recently announced the launch of a new residential development on Patong beach’s southern headland, Phuket. The project will add 190 condominiums and 10 pool villas on the current site of the Amari Coral Beach Resort and will be managed and operated under the company’s newly formed Onyx Hospitality brand.

The Phuket residence is one of four projects currently developed by Amari Estates in Thailand. Other residential options include Amari Residences Bangkok, which launched last year and features 128 studios, one- and two- bedroom apartments; Amari Residences Hua Hin, where 210 exclusive, private units are scheduled for completion next year; and the Oriental Residence Bangkok, with an investment of THB1.6 billion on Wireless road.

The decision to balance the brand’s presence in Thailand’s capital with more resort projects, comes at a time when the market in Bangkok is facing oversupply. “Consumers have a wide range of choices in the capital and the price of residential projects is relatively similar, ” said Khun Yuthachai Charanachitta, CEO and President of Amari Estates. “In contrast, there are significant growth opportunities for real estate markets in tourists areas.”

In terms of target markets, the new Phuket condominiums will be marketed to both Thai and foreign investors as part of Onyx Hospitality’s ongoing mixed-use strategy. The group plans to manage 51 properties in the region by 2018, including both hotels and residential developments. The recent addition of a 273-villa resort on Addu Atoll in the Maldives, to be branded Amari in late 2011, marks the group’s first international property, with further expansion planned into China, Hong Kong, India, Sri Lanka, Australia, the Middle East and Vietnam.

The sea view condos at the Phuket property will start from around THB 7 million (US$228,000) with the villas selling for up to THB 50 million (US$977,000), with access to all the services and amenities offered by the Coral Beach Resort. “Our Patong beach development offers an excellent opportunity as this kind of project is rarely seen in Phuket, said Khun Yuthachai.

By : Jules Kay
From : www.property-report.com : Jan 24, 2011

Royal Coast Company launches Jindarin eco-resort on Coconut Island in Phuket

2011-01-26T15:07:00.000+07:00

The Royal Coast Company has launched Jindarin Beach Club & Resort on Coconut Island, a two minute boat ride from Phuket.

The resort, which is comprised of two 4-rai parcels fronting the ocean, is built with sustainable features including solar power, water recycling, and use of natural local materials whenever possible. Developer Gene McCain of the Royal Coast Company, which previously built the high-end projects Cape Yamu and Yamu Hills in Phuket, envisions Jindarin as a “little beach side village of cottages” that are high quality, but not expensive.

14 plots of Phase One are sold out but there are still seven of 12 Lots in Phase Two available. Buyers can choose between four cottage types in studio, one and two-bedroom iterations. One can also purchase a lot and wait to build a cottage at his or her discretion. Prices for lots run from THB1.5-5.5 million (US$49,000-179,000) and cottage construction runs from THB1-4.5 million (US$32,500-146,000). As of December 1, 2010, Jindarin was 50 per cent sold out.

The resort will boast a private beach and pier; all tide boat docking and swimming; mini-shopping; restaurant; and Ancient Thai wellness centre.

By : Byron Perry
From : www.property-report.com : Jan 24, 2011

Phuket Room Tax to Raise Record 70m Baht

2011-01-22T19:28:00.000+07:00

About 70 million baht is expected to be raised this year in the one-percent Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation tax on resort and guesthouse rooms.

The organisation's Chief Executive, Paiboon Upatising, says that about 60 million baht was raised from the tax last year. About 30 percent of the registered resorts declined to pay.

There were about 60,000 legal and illegal rooms in accommodation establishments on Phuket, but only 25,000 paid the tax, he said.
About 20 million baht from the tax covers road shows while the remainder goes for the provision of lifeguards on Phuket beaches - now expanded to all year not just low-season - for security cameras and other aspects connected with tourism safety and security.

Other forms of marketing Phuket apart from road shows also benefit.

''Establishments that don't pay need to be reassured that the tax is for the benefit of the whole community,'' Khun Paiboon said.

Resorts and guesthouses that do pay usually gain a better hearing when faced with problems, and they usually gain prime spots on road show trips.

Payments are usually made before the end of February.

The tax is also applied by the equivalent of the PPAO in Phang Nga, where a surprise increase to two percent without consultation has created a stir among resort managers.

The increase makes Phang Nga a more expensive place for resorts than Phuket and leaves resort managements asking questions about the marketing and tourism safety-security benefits. A meeting is scheduled for later this month.

From : phuketwan.com : Jan 17, 2011

Phuket greenlights eight residential projects

2011-01-20T10:11:00.002+07:00

Eight new residential construction projects were approved this week at a meeting of a Phuket provincial committee on residential estate development, the Phuket Gazette has reported.

The projects are Jomthon Thaland by Jomthong Property Co Ltd;
Promphun Paklok by Baanpromphun Co Ltd;
Pruksa Ville 45 by Pruksa Real Estate Plc;
Poonsup (Songkhun) by Phuket Shinawatra Property Co Ltd;
Chalongsuk by Jarungklin Co Ltd;
Rassada Home 2 by Phipop Phlaengjakjang and Torsak Wittayapichet;
“Double” project by Pharanee Deejaroernkul;
and SK Home Saiyuan by Phuket SK Home Co Ltd.

The meeting was held at the Phuket Land Office and chaired by new Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha, who asked all the developers to strictly follow the construction terms in the issued permits. Governor Tri said that the eight new projects underscored continued investor confidence and solid demand in Phuket’s property market. He also said that new estate was a frequent source of complaints at the Provincial hall and stressed that developers should minimize impact on surrounding communities.

By Byron Perry
From : www.property-report.com : Jan 19, 2011

Thailand’s Property and Land Tax bill postponed

2011-01-17T18:20:00.000+07:00

Hope of passing a land and building tax bill in Thailand will have to be postponed until the next government, according to a report in the Bangkok Post newspaper.

Finance minister Korn Chatikavanij had vowed to pass the law since the beginning of the Abhisit Vejjajiva administration, but he recently admitted that his target to start tax collection on land and property by June could not be achieved.

The bill is designed to reduce social inequality among Thais as 10 per cent of the population own more than 100 rai of land each while 90 per cent own less than one rai. Currently, the law is reviewed by the Council of State.

According to Somchai Jitsuchon, research director of macroeconomic development and income distribution for the Thailand Development and Research Institute, a land tax could increase state revenue by THB100 billion (US$3.28 billion) a year. But he pointed that incumbents might not want to risk losing the votes and money of influential landlords.

He said: “If the government could collect tax properly by including people living outside the tax system, it could increase revenue without needing to raise tax rates.”

By Kanchana Paha
From : www.property-report.com : Jan 14, 2011

Phuket City Park Precinct the Latest Proposal

2011-01-12T22:24:00.000+07:00

A norwegian firm is the latest to make a pitch to Phuket to transform Phuket City's seafront park into a multi-purpose urban precinct.

Saphan Hin is Phuket City's largest public outlet to the east coast and remains a popular place to stage events of all kinds, all year long. Phuket families often picnic there, on the grass by the sea.

Bangkok-based Nattnasak Songserm, representing the naval architects and engineers LMG Marin, presented the potential for developing the park property to Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha yesterday.

The governor said he would look at the proposal and get back. On the basic outline is a plan to develop land and sea accommodation around the park, with a marina for yachts.

At one time before the fall of the Thai Rak Thai Government under Thaksin Shinawatra and his successors, the development of an offshore island at Saphan Hin was a multi-billion ''superproject,'' with Bangkok controlling the purse.

The latest concept appears more modest by comparison, and perhaps more in keeping with the park's role as the lungs of Phuket City. Not far away is the island's single garbage incinerator and a growing landscape of waste.

Khun Nattnasak said that if the governor approved the project, LMG Marin would require $34,000 to fund research into the relevant regulations as well as the environmental effects.

Piecemeal planning has led to various sports and educational facilities being erected on parkland but without a sense that there is a grand plan. At least three Phuket municipalities have a say in what happens at Saphan Hin.

It is believed that LMG Marin has already talked on two occasions to Phuket City municipality officials.

Chinese construction firms have led the way recently in beating a path to the door of the governor to discuss major infrastructure projects, particularly a Phuket light-rail service.

By Pathomporn Kaenkrachang
From : www.phuketwan.com : Jan 08, 2011

Thailand’s Q Houses eyes for a better growth in 2011

2011-01-08T00:17:00.000+07:00

Thai listed property developer Quality Houses (QH) is targeting 15-20 per cent growth this year with its plans to launch 22 new projects worth a total value of THB28.6 billion (US$950.8 million).

Last year, the company launched a total of 14 new projects worth THB20 billion (US$664.9 million).

The company’s chief executive officer Rutt Phanijphand has revealed that the 22 planned new developments in 2011 will include 16 single detached house projects, two townhouse projects and four condominiums. Some of the new projects will be developed in new areas of Bangkok like Ring Road-On Nut, Ramkhamhaeng and Rama II, while the company also plans to develop holiday homes for Thai buyers in Rayong and Phetchaburi outside of Bangkok.

“Rayong and Cha-Am are interesting markets but most of the projects there are now developed by local firms. We’ll be one of the very first big developers who enter these markets,” said Rutt.

As reported in the Bangkok Post newspaper, QH’s new project in Rayong will be a THB700 million (US$23.3 million) development consisting of 182 villa-style units on a beachfront site. The project will be launched in the first quarter of 2011 with unit prices starting from THB3 million (US$99,734).

In Phetchaburi, the company plans a resort-style condominium on Cha-Am Beach with 101 units to be launched by the end of 2011.

The company is also set to launch a condominium worth THB400 million (US$13.3 million) on Chang Puak Road in Chiang Mai. The project will target people working in Chiang Mai and parents seeking units for children studying in the province.

According to Rutt, the company expects to generate THB16 billion or growth of 15-20 per cent in 2011. It has a THB5 billion (US$166.2 million) budget to expand its land bank, up from THB4 billion (US$133 million) in 2010.

In addition, QH is also in talks to buy a plot in Asoke area where it plans to develop a THB1.7 billion (US$56.5 million) condominium by the end of this year, with unit prices starting from THB110,000 (US$3,657) psm.

The company currently has housing inventory worth THB4 billion (US$133 million), half of which are condominiums in the Lang Suan area and the rest are single houses and townhouses.

By Kanchana Paha
From : www.property-report.com : Jan 05, 2011

Phuket’s The Yamu gets investment boost

2011-01-04T19:06:00.000+07:00

Phuket’s The Yamu luxury villa and hotel development has taken on new investors with funding from Singapore tycoon Ong Beng Seng’s Hotel Properties Limited (HPL) and Thailand’s KS Group, thephuketinsider.com has reported. The deal was advised by Singapore’s Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels for Campbell Kane, the developer of The Yamu.

The project, which features Philippe Starck designs and architecture by Jean-Michelle Gathy, was suspended during the global financial crisis but The Yamu is expected to open in 2012. In terms of property for sale, The Yamu will offer 13 pool “club villas” in one and two-bedroom sizes which , when not occupied by their owners, will be rented out as part of the hotel. Also offered will be nine “villa estates” which are large pavilions with complete privacy in four to seven-bedroom sizes.

The HPL Group has interests in almost 40 hotels with over 6,00 rooms in 14 countries including Singapore’s Four Seasons, Hilton, and Concorde and Four Seasons resorts in Bali and the Maldives. In Thailand their holdings include Bangkok’s The Metropolitan Le Meridien Phuket, and Pattaya’s Hard Rock Hotel.

KS Group, headed by Eddie Kiasrithanakorn, mainly sells Honda motorcycles and parts in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. The company has segued into hospitality recently with investments in the Alila managed properties in Cha Am, Maldives and Luang Prabang and the Hotel De La Paix in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

By Byron Perry
From : www.property-report.com : Jan 03, 2011

Phuket Land Ownership: 'Keep It for Thais' Call

2010-12-30T17:53:00.001+07:00

Four or five land transactions were taking place every working day involving Thai companies that were controlled by expats, the Director of the Phuket Land Office, Paitoon Lertkai, said yesterday.

He urged land owners not to sell to companies that were obviously under the control of expats. ''Please keep Phuket land in the hands of Thais,'' he said.

Khun Paitoon was speaking to journalists outside a Ministry of the Interior seminar at Royal Phuket City Hotel yesterday.

Prices of land on Phuket were rising at an alarming rate - one rai could cost as much as 40 or 50 million baht in Patong, he said. ''I don't know when it will stop,'' he added.

There were about 300,000 rai of land under titles, Khun Paitoon said, a similar number to the number of registered citizens on Phuket.

''I would like to tell Phuket people, don't sell your land to foreigners. Keep it for sale to Phuket people or other Thais,'' he added.

Construction was moving across the plains of Phuket, and into the hills.

He said that there were 1645 potential plots of land registered without chanotes before February 8 this year, and the Land Office was deciding whether chanote titles should be issued at the rate of 70 to 80 plots a month.

By Chutima Sidasathian
From : phuketwan.com : December 28, 2010

Phuket Resort Goes All In for East Coast

2010-12-26T07:45:00.000+07:00

CLUB YAMU has formally announced its launch from New Year 2011 as an all-inclusive resort on Phuket's east coast at Cape Yamu.

There's a strong connection between this pioneering new resort and Twin Palms, the well-known boutique resort on Phuket's west coast at Surin.

Club Yamu will be decidedly different, said resort General Manager Olivier Gibaud.

While Twin Palms pioneered the Phuket Sunday brunch, adding luxury motor yachts and hire cars and now a Harley Davidson ''softtail'' Rocker for rent, Club Yamu is aiming at eco-friendly families.

''We have great respect for the local villagers and have talked to the chiefs about eco-friendly activities of all kinds. It will be a different kind of Phuket holiday,'' says Mr Gibaud.

Interest among other resorts will centre on how the Club Yamu property and its pace-setting management fares with an all-inclusive package, and with an eco-friendly approach.

Guests will be offered daily shuttle trips to Rang Island, which is just 15 minutes away, or be able to enjoy ''exotic adventures'' including ATV rides, elephant riding and mangrove canoe trips either with nearby service providers, or on their own.

Water aerobics, Thai massage, Thai shadow puppet-making, Muay Thai boxing and Thai dance are among the other activities available.

As well as a selection of excursions and activities, airport transfers, all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), snacks, ice creams, soft drinks and juices are included.

Club Yamu provides a choice of two or three bedrooms in 22 luxurious private pool villas with sea views or in 58 double-height garden residences set around a 1600-square-metre swimming pool and tropical gardens.

''Exclusive yet fully inclusive'' is the way the Club Yamu approach is defined. Accent will also be on activities for children, centring on Juk's Adventures Kids' Club.

A media release puts it this way: ''Located a world away from the hectic tourist areas of Phuket, Club Yamu is set on the fringe of an idyllic east-coast cape that still retains its sleepy fishing village charm. The exquisite Phang Nga Bay is within view and within easy reach for those who wish to cruise among its magical karst islands and hidden beaches.''

Getting to the east coast from the west coast should be a breeze on that Harley-Davidson.

By Phuketwan Reporter
From : www.property-report.com : December 18, 2010

Phuket’s Kata Rocks wins top honors at International Property Awards

2010-12-23T21:48:00.000+07:00

The Club Penthouse at Phuket’s Kata Rocks condominium development was awarded Best Apartment in the World 2010 at the World Finals of the International Property Awards in London on November 27.

The trophy was given out at a gala dinner at the Lancaster Hotel with over 500 guests attending, including several ambassadors. Most of the team from Kata Rocks attended as well, including developer Richard Pope who received the award.

The International Property Awards, sponsored by Bloomberg Television and Google, are independently judged by 54 international experts from all areas of the real estate industry. Kata Rocks beat entries from 110 countries to win the award.

The Kata Rocks Club Penthouse was conceived and designed by Pope and architect Adrian McCarroll. The apartment covers 460 sq m over two levels and boasts a private infinity swimming pool with uninterrupted views of the Andaman Sea and Ko Phu island.

“It is an honour for us to have received the title of Best Apartment in the World 2010 for our Kata Rocks Club Penthouse. To have been judged by an independent panel of international experts who have deemed our apartment as Best in the World on this, our first development in the Asia Pacific region, is simply astounding,” said Pope.

Byron Perry
From : www.property-report.com : December 21, 2010

Phuket Officials Promise 'Fairness' in Beach Battle

2010-12-21T06:48:00.000+07:00

Two restaurant on Karon beach attracted more high-profile officials today amid a continuing debate about their future.

Playing the role of mediator, the Director of Muang District, Supachai Pochanukul, promised ''fairness to both sides'' in his attempts to negotiate a settlement.

He said complaints had been received, but did not specify the source of the objections.
Among those looking on under the tent-like awnings at the restaurants today were Vice Governor Niwit Aroonrat and Phuket's Police Commander, Major General Pekad Tantipong.

Late yesterday, Navin ''Dam'' Pongkratin, who runs one of the restaurants, went to Chalong police station and made a statement seeking an investigation into five aspects of the ownership and development of the land that borders the beach at the northern end of Karon.

The land is now home to the newly-opened Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket, the only resort with a frontage directly onto Karon beach. The two restaurants are on the beach in front of the Centara.

Focus of attention today was the toilet jointly used by the two restaurants and the kitchen used by Khun Dam's nameless restaurant. Alongside his restaurant is his brother Suwit's larger establishment, the Lex Restaurant, which has a separate thatch hut kitchen.

Officials have told the two men that the toilet and the kitchen for the nameless restaurant have to go.

Authorities have said that the toilet, which the brothers claim has been there for 20 years, can be replaced by a new one on public land nearby. Details of the new site and facility are as yet not specific.

At high tide, the sea washes through most of the tented awnings covering the two restaurants, a factor that accounted for the presence today in talks of Phuripat Theerakulpisut, Chief of Marine Office 5, Phuket Branch. The Marine Office also oversees Phuket's tankers, yachts and jet-skis.

A third eatery, Daeng Restaurant, is off to one side at the end of the beach and not involved in the current dispute. Early reports of a public protest in Karon over the issue turned out to be incorrect.

Several other west coast beaches have restaurants on the sand.

By Pathomporn Kaenkrachang
From : The Nation : December 15, 2010

Phuket's Building Boom: No End in Sight

2010-12-17T07:37:00.000+07:00

The Baan Krating Phuket Resort, tucked away along the coast from Phuket's Nai Harn beach, is adding 37 rooms, a sub-committee of the Governor's Special Committee on Environmental Approvals heard today.

The sub-committee also heard that application has been made to build another deep sea pier at Phuket's deep sea port at Ao Makham, on Cape Panwa, east of Phuket City.
Largest of the projects is the plan to build 241 houses at Nai Yang, a relatively underdeveloped western beach not far from Phuket International Airport.

Absolute Lagoon Suites has applied for a permit to build 46 condominiums in Patong. Another 116 condos form part of an application to build in Vichit, south of Phuket City.

The five applications and 21 others, mostly shophouses of around15 units, are to be discussed when the full committee meets on December 21. All are seeking environmental impact approvals.

The large number of property projects indicates that Phuket's development continues unabated.

While the Governor's special committee was established last year to prevent the previous abuses in requests for environmental assessments and approvals, there is no mechanism for slowing the island's rapid rate of construction.

By Chutima Sidasathian
From : The Nation : December 14, 2010

Foreigners flock to st register residences

2010-12-13T20:23:00.001+07:00

Bangkok's residential property market surged in November with Thailand's Minor Group completing sales of 7 luxury residences within November worth Bt680 million.

Foreign buyers comprised 60 per cent of the buyers for the limited offering of 45 three- and four-bedroom residences and eight penthouses. Priced on a leasehold basis for 30 years, the units are located on the top 21 floors of the upscale mixed-use St Regis Hotel, which is scheduled to open in March next year.

While a global branding has played a key storyline, unit owners can avail a menu of hotel services and access to facilities but there is no rental pool operation so buyers are primarily end users.

Presently 26 units in the project are available for purchase in a finished hand-over condition. Six out of eight premium penthouse units have been sold. A pleasant surprise has been the strong Thai market making up 40 per cent of the market composition.

Full furniture fit-out packages priced from Bt7.5 million have received strong uptake. In line with the market positioning, important items like kitchens by worldwide brand Gaggenau and Pogen Pohl have struck a favourable note with clients as have the teakwood flooring and fully fitted bathroom specifications.

Given that all 53 residences directly overlook the Royal Bangkok Sports Club and are near luxury hotels such as the Four Seasons, Grand Hyatt Erawan and Siam Paragon, the St Regis Residences look to become the premier address in the city once fully opened.

For entrepreneur Bill Heinecke, the strategy to develop a smaller number of premium-sized residences has proved to be a winning combination along with the confidence to build out during a time of economic and political challenges and to promote and sell them now ready. Clearly the current near-complete status is fuelling demand.

From : The Nation : December 6, 2010

Phuket Wins Wichai Way Mangrove City Flyover

2010-12-03T18:51:00.000+07:00

Phuket's contentious and long-awaited mangrove forest flyover at Saphan Hin has been given the go-ahead, Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha announced yesterday.

The 140 million baht road bridge, now also to include Phuket's first bicycle-only track, will be built at a height of three metres above a 600-metre stretch of mangroves near the Saphan Hin public park in Phuket City.

The decision in Bangkok by a special environmental committee to allow the project brings to an end 15 years of green-versus-go debate and achieves the greatest wish of former Governor Wichai Praisa-ngob, who retired this year.

He mixed a love of nature with a perception of Phuket's desperate need for proper road infrastructure.

The Saphan Hin flyover enables the large park, two big schools and university facilities to be accessed more easily from southern Phuket, providing a direct route from eastern Phuket City to Sakdidet Road and Chalong.

Building is expected to begin next year and to be complete before 2012, opening up the prospect of the realisation of Governor Wichai's Phuket ring road.

The next move could be the widening to four lanes of the narrow soi that now links the Saphan Hin park with Nimit Circle in eastern Phuket City.

Approval of Phuket's mangrove flyover came after application of a special exception for Phuket to national laws designed to protect mangrove forests around Thailand.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment issued notice of the exception to the blanket ban on building in protected mangroves mid-year, making Phuket the sole province authorised to build on mangroves.

Under the new regulation, Phuket won permission to use mangrove forests for projects that bring ''public benefit''.

Local residents were intent on bulldozing their own path through the mangroves earlier this year but officers from the Natural Resources and Environment Department arrested the driver before he reached the site of the large public protest.

The mangroves in the area, which is near the Saphan Hin waste incinerator and Phuket's giant rubbish ''mountain,'' are said to be degraded.

Another of Governor Wichai's road projects, the link from Phuket City's bypass road to Surakul Stadium in Phuket City, is due to be completed next week.

Time may yet bring approval for his Phuket ''ring road'' and two other projects: the direct route from Chalong to Patong across Phuket's hilly backbone and the duplicate second highway from Phuket City to Phuket airport that would largely follow the route of existing powerlines adjacent to Thepkasattri Road.

Bicycle tracks have been proposed for parts of Phuket, especially alongside canals.

The presence of a bicycle-only track on the flyover is the first real indication that action may be coming to suit a growing number of people who prefer non-motorised transport.

By Chutima Sidasathian
From : Property Wan : December 3, 2010

Luxury sector in Phuket and Samui expected to see foreign demand returning

2010-11-28T21:04:00.000+07:00

Thailand’s structural engineering design consultancy Warnes Associates believes that Phuket and Samui luxury property markets will remain attractive to foreign investors in the coming years.

The company’s director Vanich Nopnirapath was confident that foreign demand would continue to drive property developers to launch more projects, especially in the high-end segment.

He said: “During this time of global economic instability, investment will continue to flow into emerging markets such as Thailand. Foreign buyers, who are looking for long-term investment, tend to put their money into property as it helps reduce risks from fluctuating currency exchange rates”.

Meanwhile, the high-end market and long-term investors such as hotel owners are now feeling less angst from domestic political instability.

According to Vanich, the company has managed to generate a total design fee revenue of THB100 million, 70 per cent of which come from residential and hotel projects in Phuket and Samui, while the rest comes from high-rise developments in Bangkok.

“The overall Phuket, Samui, and Bangkok markets have already reached maturity. We will see only slight growth over the next five years,” he added.

As reported in Bangkok Post newspaper, the company will maintain its focus on its three original markets, particularly Phuket and Samui, where the markets are not so much competitive and prospects for high-end properties remain high.

Established in 1999, the company currently has six ongoing projects in Bangkok, three hotels and 20 private luxury residences including a 10,000-square-metre house for a European client from Dubai in Phuket. It also has ongoing hotel projects in India and Cambodia.

By Kanchana Paha
From : Property Report : Nov. 26, 2010

Thai Home Builder Assn. launching R&D information centre

2010-11-25T22:12:00.001+07:00

Thailand’s Home Builder Association (HBA) has announced that it will create an information centre for research and development as a means to upgrade the industry standard. It has also targeted five per cent year-on-year growth of home building market by the year end.

The HBA’s president Vibul Chantradilokrat disclosed that the association will focus next year on the upgrading of the industry’s professional standards through the implementation of three main strategies: setting up of Home Builder Information Centre; a closer cooperation with related private organisations and state agencies; and introducing a members’ capability development programme.

He said: “The three strategies are crucial in order to upgrade the home building industry to be more recognised among its peers and stakeholders, especially the setting up of Home Builder Information Centre as it will help facilitate necessary information for sound decision making and will also place high priority on consumer research so that the right products and services are developed to maximise customer satisfaction.”

In addition, Vibul shared his opinion about the overall home building market in 2010. Despite the fact that industry was considerably hit by the political unrest in Bangkok in the second quarter, the market performed fairly well especially in the first half of the year. According to data provided by the HBA’s Academic Affairs Department, figures were up year-on-year when compared to last year. The HBA predicted that by the end of this year the total value of home building market in Thailand would reach THB11.55 billion (US$386.04 million) implying a growth of five per cent year-on-year.

By Kanchana Paha
From : Property Report : Nov. 22, 2010

Raimon Land bags two awards at the Thailand Property Awards

2010-11-20T18:01:00.000+07:00

Thailand’s luxury property developer Raimon Land has won the ‘Best Condo Development (Eastern Seaboard) Award’ for its Northpoint project in Pattaya and the Best Development Website award for The River project during the fifth Thailand Property Awards recently held at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel Bangkok.

Clinching the award for the second time, Northpoint is a condominium complex on Wongamat Beach. The development is now completed and ready for occupancy.

Raimon Land Deputy Vice President, Corporate Communications and Branding Kwanrudee Maneewongwatthana said: “Receiving this coveted award again for Northpoint is further proof of our ability to deliver quality products to our customers. It reflects our commitment and consistency, and this is something we are very proud of.”

In addition, www.TheRiverBangkok.com, the official website for Raimon Land’s luxury riverside condominium project in Bangkok, was also honoured for the third time. It gives visitors an amazing 360° virtual view of the development and of its five-star neighbourhood.

The Thailand Property Awards recognise the high quality of Thailand’s real estate industry and celebrate the work of the country’s real estate professionals from different disciplines from all property markets in the country including Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Hua Hin and Samui.

By Kanchana Paha
From : Property Report : Nov. 15, 2010

3-storey commerce build for sale Sai Yuan,Phuket

2010-11-16T20:38:00.002+07:00

- SOLD OUT -

3-storey commerce build for sale Sai Yuan, Phuket. Building size 4.5x12 m. For sale 6.5 million baht.
More detail call 081-5377146

2-storey Townhouse for sale Samkong, Phuket

2010-11-12T16:55:00.003+07:00

2-storey Townhouse for sale Samkong, Phuket 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms. Area 23.5 sq.wah. Price 2.9 million baht with Built-in Furniture.

More detail call 089-8683812

3-storey commerce build for sale Kathu, Phuket

2010-11-10T21:36:00.004+07:00

- SOLD OUT -

3-storey commerce build for sale Kathu, Phuket. Wichit songkhram rd. Close to Phuket Country Club, Golf Course. Building size 4.5x12 m. For sale 6.5 million baht.

Kamala Bay 10Rai land for sale,phuket

2010-11-05T21:25:00.004+07:00

Kamala Bay,Phuket Sea view land for sale 10 Rai. Chanote Title, price 15 million baht per rai. Best location for Kamala Beach land .Call us for more detail : +66815377146 or e-mail to : skarnwigit@gmail.com

Phuket Resort Rooms Boom Unabated

2010-10-31T10:53:00.000+07:00

Three resort projects that came before the governor's special committee on the environment yesterday will add almost 1,000 rooms to the rapidly-growing resort-hotel stock in Patong and on Phuket.

Other condo and land plot projects will add 2,500 units, with two large developments scheduled for Phuket City, the committee heard.

Resort-hotel projects on the way for Patong include Sleep With Me (286 rooms) extending the quirky existing brand into new premises near the Jungceylon shopping mall; All Seasons Patong (318 rooms) for Rat-U-Tit 200 Pi Road, on land leased from a temple near the water treatment plant; and Fisherman Harbor (380 rooms) at the southern end of Patong, near the canal.

Patong will also gain The Crystal Patong, a condominium development of 113 rooms in eight storeys on Baramee Road.

The head of Phuket's Natural Resources and Environment Department, Ong-Art Chanachanmongkol, chaired the committee meeting at the department's HQ in Phuket City.

Khun Ong-Art said land in Patong had become impossible to buy, and it was interesting to note that both the Sleep With Me project and the All Seasons development would be built on leased real estate.

The number of resort rooms and property developments being submitted to the committee for approval continues to provide an indication that investors see endless growth in Phuket's tourism industry.

The governor's special committee was established by former Governor Wichai Praisa-ngob to overcome abuse of the previous approvals system. Yesterday, about 20 experts on the panel examined the briefs for the projects and questioned aspects of some of them.

Sleep With Me will have to produce more results of soil testing for foundations while another check is to be made on the 22.95 metre height of the Fisherman Harbor development before approval can be given.

The City Condominiums by Phanason Residences will add 1410 condos south of Phuket City in Vichitsongkran Road, while Chaofa Garden Homes 3 is to establish 1085 plots in the Kor Kaew district of Phuket City.

By Chutima Sidasathian
From : Phuket Wan : Oct 21, 2010

Greater Phuket Property Seeks Hope and Sales

2010-10-28T06:36:00.000+07:00

Putting The Cove Krabi up for sale is being seen in some quarters of the Phuket property market as a chance to draw ''new money'' investors from China and Russia.

With a similar Laguna-style development in the Thai Muang region north of Phuket already going ahead, it appears that The Cove may have to wait a little longer to take its turn in the spotlight.
The potential for the 460-rai Krabi site, now being offered for $41.4 million, has been evident for years, and the aim of replicating the success of Laguna Phuket is achievable . . . for someone with great patience.

Investors with very deep pockets and the preparedness to wait 10 or 20 years for a payoff are thinner on the ground than ever these days, though. Even Laguna Phuket has opted to replicate its much-admired resort and property business model in Vietnam, not Thailand.

There's also the question of how many large-scale Laguna-style developments the ''Greater Phuket'' market can bear at any one time.

In the neighboring province of Phang Nga, directly north of Phuket, the multi-billion baht Thai Muang golf course development remains top-secret. On a superb Andaman Sea site of 1071 rai, not too far north of Phuket International Airport, the idyllic stretch of real estate is said to be undergoing a period of intense activity.

The intention is to achieve a Laguna Phuket style development, with a marina as well. Given the increasing level of competition, there will need to be something idiosyncratic about this destination resort to turn on international tourists and villa buyers.

We're talking here about an attraction of the Splash Jungle waterpark kind, the sort of extra that brings people to look and admire the surrounding West Sands Resort's condos and villas at Mai Khao on Phuket.

Having a beautiful links golf course already in place when Hong Kong tycoon Richard Li bought at Thai Muang appears now to be a huge advantage. The timing has not been great, given two years of financial uncertainty. But it hasn't been bad, either.

At The Cove in Krabi, the Colin Montgomerie-designed course would have to be constructed from scratch. Good courses can cost as much as $20 million, and plenty of infrastructure is also required.

Over the past five years, the relationship between the Andaman region's two big industries, tourism and property, has changed dramatically. While it was the property market that kept Phuket's economy ticking over after the 2004 tsunami, it's apparent now that tourism is propping up property. Newspaper real estate sections have shrunk.

There are a few sales, but not great volume. Occasional highlights - like the recent purchase of a supervilla north of Phuket by a Russian buyer for $24 million - point to a more promising future.

At the top end, both in quality and scale, Laguna Phuket remains the model. In the beginning back in the 1980s, Laguna's timing was good . . . and we assume the price of the tin mine wasteland at Bang Tao beach on Phuket must have been part of the site's appeal.

Today, while seven branded resorts remain a vital ingredient of the model's success, property is the dominating factor as Laguna Phuket continues to develop real estate around the sanctuary precinct.

The swing from tourism to property seemed to be complete two years ago, but then there was a swing back as well. Now it's a more delicate balance.

And if Laguna Phuket is feeling the pinch in property sales, as managing director Michael Ayling admitted recently, then it's certain that the rest of the Andaman real estate industry is experiencing real pain.

The sale of the Greater Phuket supervilla to the Russian buyer was viewed as a light at the end of a tunnel. A transaction at The Cove Krabi will represent proof that the good times property train is not just back on track and rolling, but roaring in this direction.

By Alan Morison
From : Phuket Wan : Oct 20, 2010

Q3 sees rise in Investment in Asia-Pacific property market

2010-10-26T22:23:00.000+07:00

Investment volumes in the Asia-Pacific property market were up 12 per cent in the third quarter of this year, following optimistic investor sentiment, according to research by Jones Lang LaSalle's capital markets experts.

The research said that direct commercial real-estate investments in the Asia-Pacific totalled US$18 billion (Bt540 billion) in the third quarter of this year, a 12-per-cent increase on the second quarter of this year.

Preliminary figures suggest that Singapore has seen a notable increase of over 500 per cent in total direct commercial real-estate transactions over the same period last year, Malaysia a 76-per-cent increase and Australia a 42-per-cent increase over the same period.

Stuart Crow, head of Asia-Pacific capital markets for Jones Lang LaSalle comments that with a number of significant transactions expected this quarter and buoyed by positive business sentiment, market fundamentals continue to improve in the region. It is expected that we will see continued enthusiasm for real estate by investors expecting a low interest

rate environment and an increase in portfolio deals as the investment market continues to grow.

The pick-up in the investment market has resulted in several large portfolio deals in the third quarter of the year. In Japan, Japan Retail Fund sold its non-core retail assets to a joint venture between Kenedix and US hedge fund Elliott Associates, while in Australia, Jones Lang LaSalle advised Colonial First State Retail Property Trust on the purchase of four Direct Factory Outlet centres at a total value of $473 million from Austexx Proprietary Limited.

Dr Megan Walters, head of research for Asia Pacific Capital Markets for Jones Lang LaSalle said that capital values continued to climb across most of the region in the third quarter. An increase in institutional acquisitions - en bloc transactions - has been observed and it is expected that more will follow suit although funds may be selective for assets.

Cross-border transaction volumes rose 23 per cent quarter on quarter in the Asia-Pacific, reaching $5 billion in the third quarter of this year, with Australia seeing close to a 110 per cent year on year increase in cross-border transaction volumes.

Looking ahead, Jones Lang LaSalle anticipates that transaction volumes in the Asia-Pacific will show an increase of 15 per cent to 25 per cent over 2009 figures, reaching the $77-billion mark by the year-end.

By THE NATION
From : THE NATION : Oct 25, 2010

Residential registrations show market recovery

2010-10-20T21:06:00.000+07:00

The residential property market shows signs of significantly recovering in the second half of this year, with registrations of new residential transfers in the first eight months up 21 per cent on-year, thanks to the economic expansion and political stability.

According to the Real Estate Information Centre's report released yesterday, 9,000 residential units were transferred in August, up 73 per cent from July but still 33 per cent lower than August 2009, when 13,500 units were registered.

Townhouses were the favourite, with 3,200 units registered, up 36 per cent, followed by condominiums with 2,800 units, up 32 per cent, and single family homes, up 19 per cent. The rest were commercial buildings and duplexes.

For the first eight months of this year, 120,600 units were recorded worth Bt266.1 billion, up 21 per cent from the same period of last year thanks to the government's tax incentive that expired in June.

Of the total units, 41 per cent or 49,300 units were condominiums, followed by townhouses with 29 per cent or 35,700 units, single-family homes with 18 per cent or 21,200 units. The rest were commercial buildings and duplexes.

The top five locations were Phra Khanong, Bang Sue, Nonthaburi's Muang district, Bang Kapi, and Samut Prakan's Bang Phli district.

The centre also said its quarterly expectation index, based on a survey of 165 property firms, including 28 listed companies, fell to 65.6 points from 68.9 in the previous quarter.

The developers were concerned about the country's political problems and the interest-rate hikes that will affect purchasing power, the research house said.

By THE NATION
From : THE NATION : Oct 14, 2010

Outrigger consolidates into Phuket

2010-10-07T22:42:00.000+07:00

Outrigger Enterprises Group has consolidated its Australia and Fiji operations into its Asia office in Phuket. Earlier this year, Outrigger selected Phuket as its ROH (Regional Operating Headquarters) under a Thai government program that grants concessions for companies that obtain the status.

Outrigger currently has two properties open in Australia – Outrigger Twin Towns Resort between Tweed Heads New South Wales and Coolangatta and Outrigger Little Hastings Street Resort & Spa in Noosa, Queensland, and one property in Fiji – Outrigger on the Lagoon on the Coral Coast, Viti Levu, Fiji. Darren Edmonstone, Outrigger’s senior vice president-Asia, will oversee the consolidated office located in Phuket.

“Outrigger’s present Asia regional office is well positioned to realign the management of Outrigger’s operations in Australia, Fiji and Asia and this move will result in better coordination between all properties as we continue to grow our presence in this region,” said Edmonstone.

Outrigger currently has two properties open in Asia – O-CE-N Bali by Outrigger in Legian, Bali and Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas in Phuket – and has signed management contracts for three other hotels in Asia – Outrigger Panorama Bali Resort and Spa in the Bukit, Bali; Outrigger Clearwater Bay Resort and Spa in Sanya, Hainan Island, China; and Outrigger Vinh Hoi Bay Resort and Spa in Quy Nhon, Vietnam. The company is also in discussions for additional properties in Phuket, Phang Nga, Koh Samui, Pattaya and Bangkok in Thailand; the Maldives; Vietnam; China, Korea, and India.

“We have grown quickly in the few years that we have been in Asia and are rapidly accelerating our expansion into other areas,” said David Carey, president and chief executive officer of Outrigger Enterprises Group.

By Byron Perry
From : www.property-report.com : Oct 07, 2010

DSI to Probe Land Ownership on Racha Island

2010-09-30T20:54:00.000+07:00

The department of Special Investigations is to probe ownership of a land title deed on Racha Island, off Phuket, that local people have called into question.

Notification that the DSI is to become involved came in dramatic fashion in a telephone call from Bangkok yesterday as the Standing Senate Committee on Corruption interviewed a Racha Island leader at Provincial Hall in Phuket City.

The leader, Sarit Jandee, said a plan by the developers of the Rayaburi Resort on the island's Ao Siam beach would mean closure of a traditional walking track that had been in use for at least a century.

He said he could not understand how a land title could exist to any portion of Racha Island when the island had been left off old maps of Thailand. At one stage, the Thai Navy had wanted to put a base there.

''We have lived on the island for a very long time and even our family was not offered land title,'' he said. ''The title deeds appear to have only emerged in the hands of rich and powerful people.''

He said that the last time the committee came to investigate, they questioned the people who claimed to own the land, but not local people.

Rawai Municipality had ordered construction work on the development to stop, he said.

''Now that the governor has gone and a new governor is in charge, we will have to present our case all over again,'' he said.

The committee's visit to Phuket included trips to two other areas where objections have been raised: a series of billabongs in Mai Khao, northern Phuket, and a yacht marina site on Rat Island, close to the Jumeriah development. Work appears to have ceased at the Jumeirah site.

By Phuketwan Reporter
From : Property Wan : Sep 29, 2010

Phuket Loses The Chedi and Gains The Surin

2010-09-25T22:06:00.000+07:00

One of Phuket's best-known resorts has a new general manager - and a new name is on the way. The Chedi Phuket is becoming the Surin Phuket, and a series of refurbishments will be carried out in phases.

Overseeing the name change and the physical upgrades will be GM Antonio Saponara, who has moved to The Surin (nee Chedi) from the neighboring Amanpuri, Phuket. Both resorts share an exclusive headland close to Surin beach.

Mr Saponara's appointment as GM is effective immediately, while the name change formally takes place on October 30.

The switch in names has been a well-kept secret for almost 12 months as the transformation of The Chedi Phuket to The Surin Phuket was carefully planned.

A short statement from The Chedi-Surin last night has finally declared a new beginning for a destination that resonates with Phuket's upmarket visitors.

The Chedi brand, in place for almost 15 years, went with the former management company, General Hotel Management Ltd, when they and the owners parted company in an amicable ''divorce'' about 12 months ago.

The resort's owners, Surin Bay Company Ltd, have been self-managing since.

Mr Saponara was Hotel Manager at Amanpuri, Phuket. Before moving to Thailand, he was Food and Beverage Manager at The Chedi, in Oman. The media release says that Mr Saponara ''comes with an extensive background in food and beverage and has worked in world class destinations including The Dorchester and Claridges in London and at Emirates Towers Hotel in Dubai.''

A detailed program for the renovation of the resort has yet to be announced, but work is expected to commence in June or July next year.

About The soon-to-be Surin Phuket, the media release has this to say: ''Gracefully rising up a hillside overlooking the Andaman Sea above the white sand Pansea Bay Phuket, are 108 cottages of The Surin, Phuket. Each of the Thai-style villas - linked by steps and walkways - offer private verandas, sun decks and teak floors.

''Other features of the resort include a dark-tile swimming pool that sits just off the beach, a spa with both indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, a range of water sports and tennis, three restaurants and two bars.''

By Alan Morison
From : Property Wan : Sep 25, 2010

Khaolak Land for sale 1,350 sqms.

2010-09-15T11:59:00.007+07:00

Land for sale 1,350 sqms at Khaolak, address 11 Moo.2, Tambol Lamkant, Amphur Thaymuang, Phang-Nga 82210.

Detail : Price 8.2 million baht, located near Merlin Beach Khaolak. Only 200 meter from the beach. Good location for the restaurant, Hotel, Houses or Luxury Villas.

Near two restaurants and many 4 to 5 stars hotels. This area is growing (developing) very fast, there fore,this is a very good offer for the investment and you will get good benefit at the short period.

Contact ; Mr. Beam +66870505577.

...

Seafood restaurant at Khaolak for rent

2010-09-14T21:36:00.005+07:00

Seafood restaurant Baan Rim Lay at Khaolak for rent 3 + 3 years contract. Address 11 Moo.2, Tamboon Lamkant, Amphur Thaymuang, Phang-Nga 82210.

SALE PRICE : First three years 2,400,000 Bahts + 35,000 Bahts per month. Second three years 2,600,000 Bahts + 35,000 Bahts per month.

Ban Rim Lay, more than 100 seats, is well known seafood restaurant and located just on the Merlin beach (very good location).

Ready to open. Price included everything you need for opening and runing the business on the Merlin Beach.

The property offers ;

- Total seats is more than 100 (Outdoor seats, Bar, under the roof seats and airconditionn seats)
- Fully furnished
- Kitchen fully equipments
- Very nicely decorated

- Contact: Mr. Beam +66870505577.

Alternative Ownership Conference coming to Phuket

2010-09-13T20:51:00.000+07:00

The Alternative Ownership Conference for Resorts and Hotels – Asia Pacific (AOCAP) organised by Absolute World Group will run October 10-12 at Millennium Resort Patong in Phuket, Thailand. The conference aims to highlight the growth of alternative ownership in the Asia Pacific region as a new revenue stream for hotel owners and property developers.

A recent study on shared ownership by hospitality consultant C9 Hotelworks reported a vacation ownership sales volume of THB722 million (US$23.48 million) and fractional property revenue of THB112 million (US$3.64 million) in the first half of 2009 in Phuket. The report also found that 2007-2009 saw 22,410 Vacation Ownership units and 70 fractional real estate units sold on Phuket. The market in Thailand has grown since with a number of new Vacation Ownership and fractional offerings in Samui, Hua Hin, Pattaya and Phuket, while growth in the region continues specifically in Singapore, Malaysia and Bali.

“Following the success of the inaugural AOCAP conference in 2009, we are excited to announce AOCAP 2010 will take place 10-12 October in Phuket. Our goal is to introduce more delegates to the benefits of Alternative Ownership,” said Bryan Lunt, Chairman and CEO Absolute World Group, founding sponsor of AOCAP.

This year’s conference will feature speakers from companies including Perspective International, The Registry Collection, RCI, Interval International, and the Australian Timeshare and Holiday Ownership Council. Workshops are planned in both English and Thai, and practical forums will be implemented using case studies. Networking opportunities have also been scheduled in the evenings giving delegates the chance to share experiences with others in the business.

By Byron Perry
From : Property Report : Sep 13, 2010

Phuket property market to see continious improvement

2010-09-07T21:20:00.000+07:00

Phuket’s residential property market has shown signs of improvement in line with the global economic recovery, according to new research from Knight Frank Thailand. The company’s Managing Director Phanom Kanjanathiemthao said the market should see continuous improvement if not affected by any future political turmoil.

He said: “Although the market was slow in the second quarter due to the political situations, there was no new supply launched so it didn’t affect the market much. However, foreign investors and buyers have started making more inquiries for villas during the past two months”.

Phanom added that most villas in Phuket were not pre-built, so therefore helped reduce the chance of oversupply in the market. The research noted that prices dropped 14 per cent in the first quarter - from an average selling price of THB59 million (US$ 1.89 million) during the previous year to THB50.3 million (US$ 1.6 million). That was also as a result of political uncertainty which forced villa owners to reduce their prices to attract buyers.

In terms of the condominium market, the supply during Q1/2010 was 4,686 units, up 65 units from the end of last year. New projects were small developments with one- and two-bedroom units, while the average selling prices were slightly increased from THB88,885 (US$ 2,841) per sqm to THB89,113 (US$ 2,849) per sqm.

“The increase in price doesn’t sound reasonable when compared to the slowdown in Phuket property market, however from our survey we found there was a number of condo transactions from time to time. The condo market seems to be in a better shape that the villa market,” added Phanom.

He believed political stability will help regain investors’ and buyers’ confidence – not only for Phuket market but for Thailand as a whole. Moreover, the local economies of Phuket’s main condo and villa buyers, such as Singapore, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, England and Russia, are on the rise.

“This allows buyers in those countries to feel more confident about buying holiday homes in world famous tourist destinations such as Phuket. In addition, an increase in direct flights to Phuket, as well as an expansion of Phuket International Airport which is schedule for completion in 2013, will be positive factors to the market. The strong baht and high interest rates should not affect the villa and condo markets in Phuket much, as most villas are sold in US dollars and most buyers tend to buy properties in cash rather than getting loans from financial organisations in Thailand,” Phanom concluded.

By Kanchana Paha
From : Property Report : August 31, 2010

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2010-09-02T18:16:00.007+07:00

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Phuket’s West Sands enters the timeshare market

2010-08-30T20:08:00.000+07:00

Phuket’s West Sands resort has partnered with Interval International to make its debut in the timeshare market.

Tucked in 48 lush acres with its own 500 yards of private beachfront, the property is situated on Mai Khao Beach on Phuket’s favoured west coast. The studio, one-, and two-bedroom units range from 92 to 167 sqm, and the three-bedroom units measure 335 sqm. The residences have been designed to have minimal impact on the environment and all feature European-style kitchens and bathrooms, as well as balconies with views of the pool, gardens or the Andaman Sea.

Owners and guests also will have access to West Sands Water World, one of the largest water parks in Asia with seven themed ‘worlds’.

“We are very pleased to have added West Sands Phuket Beach Club to our exchange network,” said Joe Hickman, Interval International’s Asia Pacific Executive Director in a statement. “Along with its high design standards, the eco-friendly development will contribute to preserving the environment and to more enjoyable and economic living.”

“Phuket is well established as a premier vacation destination and West Sands matches its natural beauty with all of the modern amenities essential to enjoying life to the fullest,” said Barry King, Project Director of West Sands Vacation Club. “Choosing Interval as a partner matches its global experience in the field of vacation services with our local market and product knowledge. We are delighted that West Sands will be part of Interval’s network of quality vacation resorts.”

Bill Barnett of The Phuket Insider in his story about West Sands’ move into the timeshare sector, said: “Using a points based versus time/week interval scheme, the new entry looks to provide alternative to Laguna Holiday Club, Marriott Vacation Club and Absolute World. There remains speculation that a large scale Thai based hospitality group will be launching their own program in the near future as well.”

By Andrew Batt
From : Property Report : August 29, 2010

Phuket Airport Expansion Can Grow to 15 Million

2010-08-26T16:44:00.000+07:00

Expect disruptions as Phuket International Airport undergoes the major expansion that will lift its capacity to be able to handle 12.5 million arriving and departing passengers a year.

The President of Airports of Thailand, Serirat Prasutanond, said today that it might be possible to expand still further, but 15 million would be the upward limit because the airport perimeter was finite.
He was speaking at a special seminar at Central Festival Phuket. To grow to 15 million, existing staff quarters at the southern edge of the airport would need to be demolished.

The size of the airport represents a key brake on how fast and how far Phuket can develop.

Today's seminar was an attempt to listen to people on Phuket before construction begins in 2011, with a development firm yet to be chosen.

The enlargement would be finished in March, 2014. The existing terminal will become the domestic terminal and a new international terminal will be built.

Methee Tanmanatragul, former President of the Southern Chapter of the Thai Hotels Association, put in a plea for Phuket's new airport to be built to top international standards.

The 5.8 billion baht airport should be complete in March 2014, Khun Serirat said.

Tourism industry leaders have urged a strategy to be devised for Phuket's future to match the growth of Phuket to the upwards limits of the airport.

By Chutima Sidasathian
From : Phuket Wan : August 23, 2010

Prime Phuket property remains among the cheapest

2010-08-18T19:04:00.000+07:00

Prices of prime Phuket property are amongst the cheapest of the world’s most popular international homes market according to a new report.

The International Residential Report published by Chesterton Humberts discovered the price of new homes on the Thai island were EUR3,500 (US$4,460) per sqm. Prices for similar homes in Singapore were recorded at EUR16,200 (US$20,650), and at EUR19,500 (US$24,850) in Hong Kong. Monaco remains the world’s most expensive location for property, with prices for a second hand home coming it at EUR45,000 (US$57,350) per sqm.

The report said: “While the Asia Pacific region is largely maintaining healthy growth rates with China and India leading the way, the road to recovery remains bumpy in Europe and North America – a scenario that is broadly mirrored in the respective residential property markets.”

It also noted the millionaire population is rising fastest in the Far East – with Singapore, Malaysia and China all recording growth of 35 per cent, 33 per cent and 31 per cent respectively.

“Several Asian markets, like China and Singapore for example, are already exhibiting signs of overheating. If another bubble is developing, this would indicate a worryingly short cycle from trough to peak and back again although both the Chinese and Singaporean governments have taken decisive action to head off such an occurrence through a combination of restrictions on purchases, tax penalties and increased public land sales,” the report concluded.

By Andrew Batt
From : Property Report : August 16, 2010

Location, location isn't everything, property study finds

2010-08-15T12:37:00.000+07:00

Property developers must identify the key factors driving market demand, as homebuyers are demonstrating that location is no longer the overriding concern, the SCB Economic Intelligence Centre (SCB EIC) says in a new study.

The centre advised developers to find ways to add value to properties as the market heads toward saturation.

According to the study, conducting a hedonic pricing analysis can help to identify features homebuyers are willing to pay for in residential property. SCB EIC collected and analyzed information on 90 single detached housing, 80 townhouse and 75 condo projects including location; distance to rapid transit; size; and amenities.

By some estimates, residential property transactions in the Bangkok area accounted for nearly 70 per cent of property transactions in Thailand, in terms of value, in 2009.

The study found that homebuyers' preference is shifting from single detached houses to condos and townhouses across most household types, in line with changes in the living habits of Thai families.

A majority of the Thai population the figure is expected to be just under 70 per cent in 2020 will continue to reside in rural areas and smaller towns, according to the study. While overall population growth is slowing sharply, what growth there is will tend to occur outside the larger urban centres. As a result, much of the demand for housing in terms of units will occur in rural areas and smaller towns. In value terms, however, Bangkok and its vicinity will continue to dominate, accounting for more than 80 per cent of housing demand.

In unit terms, SCB EIC expects annual demand growth in Bangkok to average about 4.7 per cent over the next 10 years, down slightly from the approximately 5.4 per cent recorded between 2002 and 2007. Annual demand growth in the large urban centres outside Bangkok (including Phuket, Chiang Mai and Nakhon Ratchasima) is expected to average about 6 per cent.

Demand for condos is being driven by changing lifestyles and household types, whereas demand for single detached houses is largely a result of growing incomes. While growth in the market for townhouses should slow significantly in Bangkok, SCB EIC said, it is expected it to outstrip other segments elsewhere Bangkok.

By bperry
From : By The Nation : August 3, 2010

Laguna Phuket sells Dusit Thani for THB2.6 billion

2010-08-12T10:52:00.002+07:00

After deliberation from its board of directors, Laguna Resorts and Hotels in Phuket, Thailand has sold the Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket Hotel on its property for THB2.6 billion (US$81.3 million). The buyer is none other than Dusit Thani Ltd, which was the successful bidder in a closed bid tender.

The Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket is a 226-room 5-star luxury hotel on six contiguous land plots totaling 33.66 rai. Facilities include six restaurants, four conference rooms, a business centre, spa, swimming pool, and fitness centre.

In details released to the Stock Exchange of Thailand, Laguna Resorts and Hotels (LRH) revealed that it planned to use the proceeds from the sale to invest in a property outside of Thailand, repay bank loans, and/or pay dividends. The overseas investment is aimed at reducing the amount of interest LRH has in Phuket which currently forms the majority of its income. In 2009, 82% of LRH’s revenue came from its operations in Phuket.

“The global financial crisis which started in 2008 and the ensuing global recession severely impacted the tourism and hotel industry in Thailand as a whole and LRH’s hotels and other tourism related businesses in Laguna Phuket were not spared,” said an information memorandum from LRH directors Michael Ramon Ayling and Stuart David Reading to the president of the Stock Exchange of Thailand.

The sale must still be approved by LRH’s shareholders at a meeting that will take place September 29, 2010. If that happens the transaction is expected to be completed on November 30, 2010 and no later than December 30, 2010.

Jones Lang Lasalle Thailand was appointed the exclusive property advisor and marketing agent for the disposition.

From : Property Report : August 10, 2010

Thailand remains commited to new property tax

2010-08-09T21:17:00.000+07:00

The Royal Thai Government remains committed to implementing a proposed asset tax that will affect property owners across the country said Finance Minister, Korn Chatikavanij, at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand, Wednesday.

The proposed bill has been approved by the cabinet and is currently being vetted by the Thai Attorney General, but is unlikely to be submitted for parliamentary approval until the next session, he revealed. Only then will the exact details of the proposed bill be made public.

The tax has raised concerns amongst foreign and domestic property owners that the bill will erode Thailand’s investment potential. Acknowledging that the tax will certainly face opposition, Korn remains adamant that it is necessary as part of wider tax reforms to distribute the tax burden more equally across the country.

Arguing the need to rebalance the “very unfair distribution” of tax that is currently based on income, not wealth, Korn explained that the Bank of Thailand’s proposed minimum property value would exclude 90% of property owners in Thailand, but in doing so, only 10% of tax revenues.

The proposed bill will enforce incremental increases on land and buildings ranging from 0.5 to 2% with the tax expected to act as leverage on property owners with unused plots to release more land onto the market, fuelling further investment and economic growth.

The government aims to collect at least THB20 billion a year, the same as the land development and land and building taxes, the two existing laws that would be replaced by the new property tax.

Approximately 90% of tax revenues are currently derived from taxes on employment, effectively penalising the poorer rural and urban labour force that the country relies on for its continued economic growth and who have been at the centre of Thailand’s ongoing political power struggles since 2006.

Though the current ruling Democrat party faces possible dissolution in the coming months for receiving an illegal donation and mis-use of funds, Korn expressed confidence that support for the tax would transcend any potential changes in government.

By OJFall
From : Property Report : August 5, 2010

Thai resorts still attracting investors

2010-08-05T09:41:00.001+07:00

The resort investment market remains strong in Thailand despite political unrest and the global downturn.

There were two resort transactions in the first half of 2010 in Thailand. Novotel Beach Resort Panwa Phuket was sold by Natural Hotel Panwa Co Ltd and Koh Samui’s Baan Taling Ngam Resort, which was marketed by Jones Lang Lasalle, was sold in May.

According to Jones Lang Lasalle, US$1.3 billion was invested in hotels in Asia Pacific in the first six months of 2010 – US$748 million or 58 per cent of which was generated in Asia. Japan and China were the main sources of transactions in Asia Pacific.

“Well located resorts in Thailand continue to receive serious interest from both domestic and international investors. This reflects the positive investor’s confidence in the long term prospects for Thailand’s tourism market despite the present challenges facing the industry,” said Tom Oakden, Senior Vice President Investment Sales of Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels.

Phuket, for example, experienced a 25 per cent occupancy growth for the first six months of 2010 with a corresponding 2.5 per cent increase in average room rate according to figures from STR Global.

“Resort destinations like Phuket, Koh Samui, Pattaya and Hua Hin continue to attract interest. Investors looking to acquire assets or development land in these markets include Thai and Asian based hotel companies, high net worth individuals or family companies.” Mr. Oakden added that “With the successful sale of the resort in Koh Samui and the sale of other resort properties in Asia over the last six months, this represents a marked difference compared to 12 months ago when sentiments were extremely cautious and investors were adopting a ‘wait see’ attitude. With growing investor confidence and rising demand for resort assets throughout the region, this bodes well for owners who offer properties for sale in the second half of 2010,” said Andrew Langdon, Senior Vice President Thailand of Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels.

By bperry
From : Property Report : August 4, 2010

Phuket hillside law change enacted earlier than expected

2010-08-04T06:53:00.003+07:00

EXCLUSIVE: A Phuket environmental regulation change affecting construction on hillsides has gone into effect two months earlier than expected, sending environmental consultants into a tizzy.

The changes to Specification of Environment Protection Areas and Measurements in Phuket B.E. 2553, which were explained in an article in the July issue of Property Report South East Asia, were expected to be enacted on September 30. But lawyer Kammalard Urapeepatanapong of Baker & McKenzie says the law was published in the Government Gazette July 30 and came into effect July 31.

The law applies more stringent restrictions to building on hillsides, enforcing a height limit and increasing the amount of green space per plot of land. Many currently existing hillside villa developments in Phuket would not be allowed under the new rules.

Environmental consultants are now having to re-write proposals that they might have tried to submit before the law change was expected to happen.

Under the old rules no structure could be built on gradients, or slopes, more than 35 per cent. The changes increase that to 50 per cent – but with more stringent regulations.

Firstly, new height limits are imposed on structures – for areas on hillsides with gradients from zero to 20 per cent the limit is eight metres, for hillsides with gradients of 20 to 50 per cent the limit is six metres.

Secondly, increased open space requirements have been implemented. Buildings in an area with a gradient of between 20 and 35 per cent has an open space requirement of at least 70 per cent of the total property. For buildings in an area with a gradient of more than 35 per cent, the open space requirement is at least 75 per cent of the property. At least 50 per cent of the open space area is also required to be “green area”.

Finally, buildings in a 20 to 35 per cent gradient cannot be built larger than 90 square metres and the area of the land must be at least 100 square wa. Buildings in a 35 to 50 per cent gradient area cannot exceed 80 square metres in size and the area of the land must be at least 120 wa.

By bperry
From : Property Report : August 2, 2010

Phuket and the Taj Exotica: A Romance For Our Times

2010-08-03T06:52:00.000+07:00

News Analysis
The saga of Phuket's long-anticipated Taj Exotica Resort continues to evolve slowly, with every turn of the page highlighting the present romance between money and nature, and whether the two can ever be blissfully married to everyone's satisfaction.

Indian weddings are embraced with glee on Phuket, bringing as they always do an instant rush of large numbers of guests carrying substantial quantities of money. The Phuket pre-nuptials involving the Taj Exotica, though, make for no ordinary Indian wedding, and the still unconsummated co-joining is about as far as one can get from what could be termed a marriage of convenience.

Indeed, this blending of cash and nature is becoming a very long romance. There's a lot of puckering up being done, but with only a partial commitment.

The Taj is a great Indian brand, standing a full doorman's turban above most others. It's redolent of all that is classy about having a cultural icon as a moniker, your own private jet company and a tagline that reads ''Hotels, Resorts and Palaces.''

Phuket is a little different to imperial India, however, and the latest news is that the Indian Hotels Company, which owns the Taj group, is ''re-assessing the product mix'' for its project close to Phuket.

With each turn of the page, the plot thickens.
Just what this ''reassessment'' means Phuketwan has been unable to clarify. The people at Taj HQ seem hesitant to say too much. However, we have established that there are two separate issues involved in the effort by the Taj to build on Koh Lon, an island in a marine conservation zone which happens to be just a short ride from Chalong pier by longtail boat.

Somewhat miraculously, despite Phuket's rapid development (some would say overdevelopment) Koh Lon has remained remarkably tranquil, occupied only by one small resort and about 200 villagers, who are scattered across the island and have maintained their traditional lifestyle, until now.

The plan for construction of the Taj resort passed the Phuket Governor's special committee on the environment earlier this year, Phuketwan has learned. But the associated project, a pier, has not. What does this mean?

The Taj Exotica Phuket began as 79 private villas and was modified to be a 79-key resort with 19 villas, which is the version that met with the approval of the governor's committee. However, if the Taj now ''reassesses the product mix,'' it may have to resubmit the new option to another meeting of the governor's committee.

For years now, coffee table magazines on architecture and design have celebrated the imminent arrival of the Taj, noting its commitment to quality and expense. It will certainly set new standards in luxury, eventually.

Yet a willingness to spend does not appear to necessarily create any alternative, if no pier is approved for the project. Marine experts fear construction of a pier could cause substantial damage to the island's precious marine environment of reefs and living coral beaches.

There is a large pier at the other end of the island, constructed in less restrained times, and the Taj could use that pier to land its construction materials for the resort, whatever its final mix of buildings.

But there is no road from one end of the island to the other, or anywhere else for that matter. The villagers make do with motorcycles and the existing walking tracks, and are content with what they have.

A road would have to meet with their approval.
One source in a snorkel mask tells us that the best parts of the surounding reefs have actually already been blown away by dynamite, used by local fishermen to incapacitate their prey, up until recent times.

It's probably also true too that a floating pier, which some have suggested as a solution, would cause more damage by striking and rubbing away the precious beach corals faster than any new and permanent above-water pier.

Yet beyond the issues surrounding construction, if guests want to come and go to the Taj Exotica around the clock, coping with early and late flight arrivals, with the need to enjoy Phuket's nightlife and other adventures, how will they access Koh Lon without damaging the island's coral beaches?

The governor's special committee was created last year to overcome the ease with which previous environmental safeguards were circumvented.

Having now approved the resort but not the means by which it can be constructed, or operate, the committee leaves Phuket's romance with the Taj high on anticipation of the next pucker and embrace. Will it be fleeting, or final?

By Alan Morison and Chutima Sidasathian
From : Phuket Wan : August 2, 2010

Phuket will keep 80 metre height limit

2010-07-31T22:05:00.000+07:00

Some properties on Phuket have been sold at increased prices in the belief that the island-wide 80-metre limit on building will expire on September 30, the head of Phuket's Natural Resources and Environment Department, Ong-art Chanachanmongkol, said today.

However, regulations from October 1 will retain the limit on building above 80 metres on Phuket, he said. The regulations are subject to review every two years, he said.

And in a change that will tighten the property industry on Phuket, the new regulations are expected to oblige all consultants to register and be tested before being licensed to apply environmental assessments and impact studies.

''The law will remain unchanged from October 1 in regard to the 80-metre limit,'' Khun Ong-art said. ''If anything, there will be more protection for Phuket's natural environment.''

Real estate speculators are inclined to believe that once the pressure on land below 80 metres produces price rises that make sales prohibitive, the limit, imposed to protect Phuket's natural environment, could be lifted to 100 metres or 120 metres, or be removed entirely.

Khun Ong-art says the 80-metre limit is unlikely to ever be lifted. He believes local council authorities need to be empowered to prevent more breaches of the height limit.

At present, the local authorities have to inform police about breaches of the law. Local authority directors should be given the power to stop illegal construction and make arrests, Khun Ong-art said.

By Chutima Sidasathian
From : Phuket Wan : July 28, 2010

Phuket property partners for U.S. exposure

2010-07-26T07:44:00.001+07:00

PATV Global has been selected to serve as the exclusive marketing and sales firm for a Phuket villa development in the United States.

Villaguna Residence and Spa is a “premium property investment opportunity”, consisting of 33 luxury villas and 8 beach front suites located on the east coast of Koh Yao Noi Island.

In a statement PATV said: “The idyllic waterfront setting facilitates a secluded tropical experience within an hour of Phuket’s urban areas. It’s only a 40 minute boat ride to Phuket’s Boat Lagoon Marina and a 10 minute sea plane trip to Phuket International Airport. In a setting that combines serenity and accessibility, the development is destined for healthy capital appreciation, and the added potential of rental income makes this an investment opportunity not to be missed.”

Raymond Nguyen, CII Naiharn President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “The appeal and vision of Villaguna Residence and Spa is attracting more vacation home buyers than ever to this area. We recognised the needs of a sales team with a wide network to market our vision to the increasing number of interested property investors and vacation home buyers throughout the U.S., and those who want to be a part of the Villalaguna Residence and Spa lifestyle. PATV Global is the ideal partner to lead our marketing and sales effort.”

Paulina Ngo, Managing Director of PATV Global, added: “We are delighted to partner with the Villaguna Residence and Spa team, and look forward to marketing their exceptional properties to highly affluent customers who know Asia and Thailand in particular, and are eager to acquire a second home for private or investment purposes.”

By Andrew Batt
From : Property Report : July 25, 2010

Village at Coconut Island adding villas

2010-07-24T07:07:00.000+07:00

The Village at Coconut Island, a villa resort on a small island off the coast of Phuket, is undergoing its second round of development after a loan by the state-owned Islamic Bank of Thailand.

The resort is currently closed while building is underway. Construction will be finished and the resort will re-open by November.

Chris Gordon, managing director of the resort, is leading the construction of 78 two-bedroom pool villas and 116 jacuzzi suites overlooking Phang Nga Bay. All but five of the 44 villas in the first phase of construction have been sold for prices of THB20 million to THB45 million (US$620,139 to US$1,395,169). The jacuzzi suites will be aimed at the rental market.

The resort is also constructing a new restaurant and waterfront bar, spa, two all-weather floodlit tennis courts, a business conference centre, and a New York-style deli.

By bperry
From : Property Report : July 23, 2010

Phunaka Condominiums swinging into action

2010-07-22T21:28:00.002+07:00

Green Mountain Co. will soon launch the Phunaka Condominium project, a 160-unit development on Phunaka Golf Course in the Kathu area of Phuket.

The Phunaka Condominiums will feature a gymnasium, pro-shop, minimart, sports bar, and, most importantly, the golf course, which is floodlit until 10pm daily for late night rounds. In purchasing a condominium owners will automatically get a 30-year membership to the course.

The developers are also promoting the fact that a road over the mountains connecting Kathu with the nightlife and shopping area of Patong is currently under construction.

Freehold condos start at THB4.2 million (US$130,091), which the developers says is competitively priced in order to receive a commitment to purchase on 30% of the project before building begins. Construction is expected to take 18 months. The condos have not officially been put on the market yet, but four have been sold.

By bperry
From : Property Report : July 20, 2010

Limited supply in Phuket holds prices

2010-07-19T19:51:00.000+07:00

Phuket’s supply of condos and luxury villas remained fairly static in the first quarter of 2010, according to a recently released CB Richard Ellis report.

Approximately 88 per cent of completed condos and apartments in Phuket had been sold by the end of the first quarter of 2010, according to the report. Only one new condominium project was completed on the island during the quarter raising the amount of units to about 3,000, an increase of only 0.3 per cent quarter-on-quarter. In Q1 2010, the average asking price of a condo unit was about THB 116,000 per square metre in Phuket.

Two villa development projects were completed in the quarter, raising the stock 0.86 per cent quarter-on-quarter to 3,600 units. CBRE estimated that 77 per cent of completed luxury villa stock had been sold by the end of the quarter, with an average asking prices of THB 139.3 million.

The report said that Phuket pricing continues to hold firm, driven by limited supply and the general strength of the region.

By bperry
From : Property Report : July 18, 2010

Beachfront land for sale, Lanta island : Krabi

2010-07-13T19:54:00.000+07:00

Beachfront land for sale, with 6 Thai style houses. Klong Kong Beach,Lanta Island, Krabi. Chanote title area 5.5 rai. Beachfront 60 m. width,with pool and furniture. for sale 33 million baht.Call us for more information.

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