First Cartoon Network Water Park to open near Pattaya
An artist’s rendering of the
Cartoon Network Amazone water park, now under development in Thailand.
(Photo courtesy Cartoon Network)
The world’s first Cartoon Network Water Park will be
built on the Eastern Seaboard of Thailand and is expected to attract around
800,000 local and foreign tourists per year.
Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific, a subsidiary of
one of the world’s largest media companies, Time Warner, has announced its
plan to construct the large-scale water park in Bang Saray municipality in
Sattahip district. Built at a cost of 1 billion baht (US$32 million) under
the concept of “Cartoon Network AMAZONE”, the water park will feature the
atmosphere of the Amazon Rainforest and popular cartoons characters, such as
Ben 10, the Powerpuff Girls, Johnny Bravo and the Amazing World of Gumball.
The project is expected to be launched at the beginning of 2013.
Bang Saray has been chosen as the ideal site given that
Thailand’s weather is suitable for a water park project and the area is
popular with tourists, many drawn to the coastal city of Pattaya just 15mins
away and only 90 minutes from Suvarnabhumi airport. Attractions in the park
will include a gigantic wave pool, speed-racing slides, rafting, and the
world’s largest interactive water fortress.
“We are very proud to have Thailand as the spectacular
backdrop for the world’s first Cartoon Network-themed waterpark. Thailand’s
reputation as the Land of Smiles and perfect weather will ensure a memorable
visit for guests of all ages.” said Sunny Saha, Senior Vice President and
Managing Director, Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific, Inc.
“Imagine all of Cartoon Network’s dynamic, quirky and
hilarious original characters grabbing their surfboards and taking over the
world’s coolest water park. There will be something amazing for everyone -
from thrill-seekers who love a huge vertical drop to younger kids who are
happy to splash about in a giant wave pool,” he added.
The project is being developed in conjunction with Amazon
Falls, an attractions and resorts developer in Thailand. The first phase of
construction is already under way. Once completed, the water park will cover
an area of 35 rais.
Cartoon Network is a world famous cartoon channel,
especially in the Asia-Pacific region. The Cartoon Network channel is viewed
by more than 63 million households while its website records a monthly page
view of 5 million. (Source NNT)
|
|
|
5555 - A lucky number for Atlantis owners
In Thai the number five is pronounced ‘ha’, so 5555 should be
a good omen for a lot of fun at the Atlantis ‘1 Million Baht Give Away
Party’, which is scheduled for 5th
May 2555, (2012) - 2555, being the Thai calendar year.
Anyone who knows both Thai and Chinese culture will
understand the importance of dates to people from this part of the world,
who very often organize business meetings, product launches and even
deliveries around the lucky days according to the advice from monks and the
stars etc.
So it comes as no surprise that with the Atlantis project
due to begin building in May, and the sales almost completed by then, that
this day, 5th May, was chosen to
celebrate with a lavish party at Centara Grand Mirage Resort.
Artist’s
renderings of the Atlantis Condominium.
Everyone who buys a unit in Atlantis before the 5th
May 2012 will have a chance of winning one of the great prizes on offer, the
main prize being a Ford Fiesta Sport Special Edition, worth 720,000 baht.
There are also three different Honda motorbikes, some Apple iPads, Samsung
flat screen TV’s, gift vouches to use at Centara Grand Mirage Resort, and
quality bottles of wine to be won.
Atlantis developers, Blue Sky have promised a great
evening with the fun beginning at Centara at about 7 p.m. There will be
entertainment and music provided throughout the evening.
Atlantis Condo Resort Pattaya sales office opened in
October 2011 and over 900 of the 1,038 units have been sold in just 6
months. The initial construction starts in April with the first of the
concrete foundations due to be going in during May.
Spokesman for the project, Marketing Manager, Charlie
Warner said, “A combination of good location close to the beach, together
with amazing onsite facilities, excellent design and competitive pricing and
payment plans has made this project a very attractive proposition for both
Thai and foreign buyers”.
Atlantis unit prices start from 1.3 million baht for
34.5sqm one bedroom units, up to 4.9 million for a 69sqm, 2 bedroom unit;
all fully furnished. Facilities include a lagoon swimming pool featuring a
full size wooden galleon that is the clubhouse and sundeck plus five
Jacuzzis, waterslides, children’s submarine playground, a huge waterfall and
wooden footbridge across the 2,600sqm pool.
|
|
|
Variety Hotels launches a new
boutique property in Phuket
Earlier last month Variety Hotels announced the opening
of Narry Hotel Patong, a 44-room boutique hotel located in the heart of
Phuket. Situated in the lively entertainment district of Patong and just a
minute’s walk to Patong beach, the hotel is literally surrounded by
shopping, restaurants and bars, as well as a variety of entertainment
venues.
The hotel itself offers a modern design with 44 rooms
ranging in size from 22-58 square meters, with categories from standard
rooms all the way up to 2-bedroom apartments for both short term and
long-stay guests. Each guest room incorporates the use of bright colors and
optimizes space with an open style layout.
In addition, a sister hotel, the Narry Hotel Nana, will
be opening in the heart of Bangkok in mid-2012. Located on Sukhumvit Soi
11/1 and just a minute’s walk from the Nana BTS Sky Train station, the hotel
will offer 52 rooms with amenities similar to Narry Hotel Phuket.
Both properties are represented by Variety Hotels, a
boutique hotel company based out of Bangkok. Variety hotels, coupled with
its parent company, The Unique Collection of Hotels & Resorts, represents 17
boutique hotels and resorts throughout Thailand in destinations such as
Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Krabi, and others. The core
mission of the company is to offer its guests unique experiences in unique
destinations, while highlighting the culture, charms, history and customs of
the local region.
|
|
Ombudsman says over 100 million rai of land owned by foreign nationals
The Senate Standing Committee on Economy, Commerce and
Industry has held a seminar on foreign property ownership in Thailand while
citing the growing number of Thais holding lands on behalf of foreign
nationals as its main concern.
At the Senate committee’s seminar, which took place at
Government House, Ombudsman Sriracha Charoenpanich revealed two main
concerns threatening national security – the first being drug abuse, which
is an issue undermining the productivity of the nation’s human resources in
the long run, and the second being the rising trend of foreign land
ownership through Thai nominees.
According to reports, one-third of properties in
Thailand, estimated to cover 100 million rai of land, are secretly owned by
foreign nationals. Mr Sriracha said the illegal acquisition of land through
loopholes in the law has long been practiced as it can increase foreign
investments and stimulate the economy.
Due to the 1997 economic crisis and the subsequent
downturn in local property market, the law was amended so that foreigners
with a capital of at least 1 million dollars can obtain a special right to
own lands. The Ombudsman elaborated that 90 percent of beach-front
properties in Rayong, Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chon Buri now belong to
foreign investors.
He said that foreign land ownership can be achieved
through various means, such as marriage with Thai nationals and
establishment of a domestic company. Legally, the total foreign ownership of
a company cannot exceed 49%, but in practice, it is often found that more
than 51 percent of the shares belong to Thai nominees appointed by
foreigners.
Mr Sriracha thus recommended an amendment to the law
controlling foreign real estate ownership as well as an increase in property
tax to drive up the use and the value of land. He also added that
collaboration between the Anti-Money Laundering Office and the Department of
Special Investigation is needed to solve the issue in a sustainable manner.
(NNT)
|
|
Nominations now open for Thailand Property Awards 2012
Nominations are now being accepted for the
2012 Thailand Property Awards, regarded as the kingdom’s largest and most
prestigious annual real estate event.
The seventh edition of Thailand Property Awards
introduces seven new categories – five in agent awards and new additions in
the Eastern Seaboard and Phuket, with “Best Boutique Condo” categories. The
judging criteria for the new agent awards will also include agents’ online
presence and marketing efforts.
“The new additions are a recognition that the property
market in Thailand is continually expanding and diversifying,” said Terry
Blackburn, CEO of Ensign Media, the organisers of the event. “The range of
new projects and developments in various locations around the country is
setting new standards. We have extended the awards categories to ensure that
companies in every sector are given the opportunity to be recognised for
their achievements and levels of quality.”
The gala ceremony and dinner, which last year attracted
over 550 guests and was attended by Thailand’s Deputy Minister of Finance
–Viroon Tejapaibul, will be held on October 13th, 2012, at the Dusit Thani
Hotel in Bangkok, during which this year’s winners will be announced.
Nominations close on April 18, 2012. Nominations are
welcome from members of the public as well as from those within the industry
To nominate and view the criteria for each award category, please visit
www.thailandpropertyawards.com.
|
|
Matrix opens ‘Art on the Hill’ showroom; announces new project in Pattaya
The Matrix Development Company is seldom far from the
headlines when it comes to new development projects in Pattaya, and the
company recently had the pleasure in opening to the public its showroom for
the unique ‘Art on the Hill’ development on Pratamnak Hill.
Matrix drew on post-modern art influences when they
created this new 159-unit project and the company, which recently landed a
gold medal from the Overseas Property Professionals organization in London
for designing quality projects with advanced materials, has created a
condominium complex featuring white backgrounds with black vertical and
horizontal lines and multicolored designs.
Each of the seven unit designs also reflect
post-modernistic touches, from the choice of available furniture to
innovative use of space. Matrix placed 104 of the 159 units up for pre-sale
and said that as of 1st March 99 of those condos had
already sold.
The Art on the Hill show suite is
now open on Pratamnak Hill, Soi 5.
Located on Pratamnak Soi 5, the location is peaceful with
a swimming pool on the eighth floor. The showroom is now open daily for
potential buyers and those interested in finding out what ‘Art on the Hill’
has to offer.
Following on fast on the heels of ‘Art on the Hill’,
Matrix is also about to begin construction of its Amazon and Vision projects
and has recently announced a new development in the heart of Pattaya, the
‘City Center Pattaya’, which aims to provide high class but affordable
living accommodation for those wishing to reside closer to the city
confines, a market segment where currently, demand far exceeds supply. The
development will feature three low-rise buildings with a large swimming pool
and lap pool accentuated by palm trees to give a tropical feel. Units can be
purchased separately or can be combined at no extra cost.
We hope to provide more information on ‘City Center
Pattaya’ in forthcoming editions of this publication and in the meantime,
interested parties can go to website: www.matrix-developments.com.
(By Vittaya Yoondorn/Pattaya Mail)
|
|
Chulalongkorn University to spend THB1.8 billion on new mall
Chulalongkorn University is prepared to demolish Lido
Theatre and transform the area into a new shopping mall.
According to the university’s Property Management Office,
an area of around 7-8 rai surrounding Lido Theatre will be transformed into
a new shopping mall after leases granted to Lido and other shops in the area
expire in 2013. The university plans the construction of the new mall to
begin in early 2014.
Currently the university is developing the Siam Square
One project which is located next to Lido. The project is expected to finish
in December next year.
The Property Management Office said that the university’s
land plot on Rama 1 Road is the prime spot for shopping malls. After Siam
Theatre was burned down during the political unrest, the university has
changed it to a shopping complex under the Siam Square One project. The
planned transformation of Lido Theatre and its surrounding area including
the adjacent Scala Theatre constitutes the second phase of development of
this land plot. (NNT)
|
|
Thailand, China agree joint working committee on high speed rail development
Thailand and China have agreed to establish a joint
working committee to implement a high speed rail project after the two
countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recently to facilitate
transport development in the region.
China wants to develop a railway route connecting Kunming
in southern China with the Lao PDR and Thailand, as regional economies are
growing constantly and a large number of Chinese visit Thailand, said Deputy
Transport Minister Chatt Kuldilok, who oversees the State Railways of
Thailand (SRT).
In the talks, the two sides agreed to set up a working
committee to implement the project.
China announced its readiness to support surveying and
design and provide technical assistance after the Thai government stated its
clear policy to develop the first Bangkok-Chiang Mai high speed rail route.
According to the MoU, there is no obligation that only
China can invest in the Thai high speed rail project, and no commitment that
Thailand must use technology from China, said minister Kuldilok,
Thailand will begin a feasibility study, expected to take
3 to 4 months as the SRT has already initial information. The design process
will take another six months. The ministry of transport plans to start
construction within this year.
The Transport Ministry is discussing with the Finance
Ministry about investment needed for the project. Finance ministry officials
will determine whether the ministry will seek loans by issuing bonds or
overseas loans with low or zero interest rates. (MCOT)
|
|
Century Poll on residential
demand in Bangkok
Thailand’s first property poll
focuses on the aftermath of last year’s ‘Great Flood.’
Century 21 Affiliates Thailand, in
collaboration with Thammasat University’s Faculty of Architecture and
Planning (APTU), is launching Thailand’s first property poll, under the
theme ‘Residential Demand after the Flood’.
The poll is aimed at exploring how Thailand’s historical
flood affected new homebuyers and at informing the general public, property
developers, and the government sectors of the aftermath of the flood crisis
on the local property market.
According to the poll, 63% of the respondents stated the
flooding did not affect their criteria for new homes, while 34% said
flooding became a decision-making factor to consider when buying a house.
When asked about their expectation of the government’s
post-flood assistance, over 51.20% of the respondents said the government
needed to devise a long-term flood prevention measure. 48.30% said
commercial banks should issue lower interest rates for mortgage loans. 33.8%
said property tax rates and fees should be lowered following the flood. The
government’s effectiveness in implementing supporting measures to prevent
future floods is seen as a key concern for most of the respondents.
According to Chana Nanthachantule, Managing Director of
Century 21 (Thailand), the public opinion poll reflected a variety of issues
stemming from the flood crisis, including how the flooding affected new
homebuyers’ criteria for property.
He said the company is planning to submit the data to
related public agencies and hoped this data will raise awareness concerning
the public’s altered perception of the Thai property market.
When asked if the government’s future flood policy would
be affected by the release of the poll, he said he hoped relevant governing
bodies would keep this data in mind when planning and implementing changes
in the city’s infrastructure and the flood protection system.
Century Poll asked 1,214 male and female residents from 3
provinces, namely Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani, whether last year’s
floods were factored into their decisions when purchasing future property
and what post-crisis measures are needed from public sectors.
Century 21 and APTU will join hands in launching new
property polls on a monthly basis. (NNT)
|
|
Benchmark introduces ‘Open House’ sales to the Pattaya property market
Pool villa, Pratumnak.
In an effort to boost housing sales in the
Pattaya market well-known local real estate brokering company, Benchmark
Asia Property Co., Ltd. has introduced a popular method of real estate sales
practiced overseas. Benchmark believes that the “Open House” method they now
offer will suit the selling of high-end houses in popular and prime areas
where there is sufficient walk through traffic.
To initiate this relatively new marketing method to
Pattaya market they have already organized 2 “Open House” events in the last
couple of weeks. The first was held at View Talay Villas Jomtien where there
were quite a number of visitors who came to view the large 3 bedroom pool
villa which was on offer for sale or rent. The second event was held in the
popular Pratumnak area where a two storey luxurious pool villa was on offer.
The main benefit of these types of events is that they
enable potential buyers to view the properties in their own time but also
allow them to get all the details from the agent and make a fully informed
decision conveniently. Benchmark’s owner, the experienced real estate broker
Gareth De Silva, and marketing manager Michael Theron, invite sellers who
wish to arrange similar events to contact them on 038-304-133 or
081-7929486, or Email: [email protected].
|
|
Centara to manage and rebrand Koh Chang Tropicana Resort
Pool view at the Centara Koh Chang
Tropicana Resort.
Centara Hotels & Resorts will from 1 April
2012 assume the management of the existing Koh Chang Tropicana Resort & Spa,
located at Klong Praow Beach, on Koh Chang, Trat Province.
The property will then undergo extensive renovations and upgrading, while
continuing to remain open to guests, and on 15 October this year will be
rebranded as Centara Koh Chang Tropicana Resort.
This will be the first property on Koh Chang for Centara, who do however
operate the Centara Chaan Talay Resort & Villas Trat, which is on the
mainland facing the island.
“We believe Koh Chang has great potential for growth as a quality tourism
destination, and we are delighted in the confidence that the owners, Koh
Chang Tropicana Resort & Spa Co., Ltd. and Tropicana Resotel Co., Ltd., are
placing in us in awarding us this management contract,” said Suthikiati
Chirathivat, Chairman of the Board, Centara Hotels and Resorts.
The resort’s beachfront restaurant.
“Rebranding the hotel as a Centara resort will place us very firmly at the
forefront of this very important tourism market.”
Koh Chang Tropicana Resort & Spa is a low-rise resort set in beachside
landscaped gardens and featuring157 guestrooms and suites.
There are two swimming pools, a spa with a full menu of facial and body
treatments, and a beachfront restaurant serving Thai and international
cuisine.
The renovation and upgrading programme will include the guestrooms and the
lobby, while the spa will become Centara’s own-brand Spa Cenvaree, and a
Kids’ Club will be added.
Meetings and incentives will also form a significant part of the marketing
mix, as the resort has its own dedicated meeting room that can hold between
80 and 240 persons, and which is equipped with full professional visual and
sound equipment.
Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading operator of hotels, with 38
deluxe and first-class properties covering all the major tourist
destinations in the Kingdom. A further 17 resorts in the Maldives,
Philippines, Vietnam, Bali Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Mauritius Indian Ocean,
brings the present total to 55 properties.
Centara Hotels & Resorts also operates two state-of-the-art convention
centres in Bangkok, and one in Udon Thani in northeastern Thailand. For more
information visit website www. centarahotelsresorts.com or Facebook:
www.facebook.com/centarahotelsresorts.
|
|
Holiday Inn Resort Cha-am
re-launches after refreshment
The new lobby at the Holiday Inn Resort
Regent Beach Cha-am.
Holiday Inn Resort Regent Beach Cha-am, an
internationally branded resort on Cha-am beach, has been re-launched
following the completion of a THB 100 million resort refurbishment. More
than 150 guests from the government and private sectors in the tourism
industry were given a very warm return welcome in a house-warming party on
the beachfront property last month.
“I am very proud to introduce this refreshed
home-away-from-home property in this iconic destination of Petchburi,” said
Piyaman Tejapaibul, Managing Director, Regent Group and Holiday Inn Resort
Regent Beach Cha-am. “With Holiday Inn’s world-class reputation, I believe
our experienced management team and colleagues will take the resort to the
next level of success.”
The refurbishment programme at the luxury resort included
an update of the amenities and a focus on maintaining seamless hospitality.
The 40-acre grounds cover lush landscaped tropical gardens and an
architecture encompassing both contemporary and Thai traditional designs
with state-of-the-art facilities.
Each of the 560 rooms has a spacious balcony and is
designed with every convenience for resort-style living. The resort also
offers a wide range of holistic Thai and western massage treatments at its
signature Tea Tree Spa. Guests can enjoy a wide selection of local
specialties and international cuisines in the three on-site restaurants and
bars. In-room features include a choice of soft or firm pillows, Internet,
and comfortable work spaces.
Holiday Inn Resort Regent Beach Cha-am has 19
multi-purpose function rooms, both indoor and outdoor, to accommodate
various social and MICE events with groups of 20 to 2,000 delegates. The
resort has been selected as a venue for many national and international
functions, such as the 15th Asean Summit in 2009, WGC World Golf
Championship in 2010, and TPAA Thai Physician Association of America in 2011
|
|
CPN to launch 7 new projects worth Bt 25.3 BN
Models stand next to a billboard
showing CPN’s new retail development projects for 2012-13.
Central Pattana Public Company Limited
(CPN), Thailand’s largest retail developer, is looking to make a big impact
on the Thai retail industry by announcing 7 new projects for 2012 and 2013,
with a combined value of 25.3 billion baht.
The new projects include the new Centara Udon Thani Hotel
(January 2012), the new Central Plaza Udon Thani (soft opening on 27 March
and grand opening in 26 April 2012), Central Plaza Lampang (December 2012),
Central Plaza Ubon Ratchathani (April 2013), Central Festival Hat Yai
(October 2013) and Central Festival Chiang Mai (November 2013), which will
raise CPN’s combined gross floor area from the current 4.2 million square
metres to over 5 million square metres by the end of 2013, and help
reinforce the company’s status as Thailand’s number one retail developer.
Kobchai Chirathivat.
Kobchai Chirathivat, CPN’s President & CEO, said: “CPN
sees the growth potential of major cities across Thailand and realizes that
by investing in retail projects in such strategic locations, the company can
greatly impact these provinces and complement them. CPN aims to bring
globalization and urbanization to these potential cities and help raise
their value and boost community spirit.
“By developing and operating new shopping malls in these
provinces, CPN will be maintaining a diversified investment portfolio and
helping to spread economic growth and create jobs in areas it operates its
business”, he added. “The seven new projects are all located strategically
in areas where purchasing power is high.”
Although Thailand had to face tough challenges during the
recent severe flooding, CPN still experienced success with the launch of
four new projects – Central Plaza Chiang Rai, the new Central Plaza Lardprao
whose renovation took only six months, Central Plaza Phitsanulok and Central
Plaza Grand Rama 9, which is the first shopping mall to be connected to an
underground station.
“Over the past year, CPN has revolutionized the Thai
retail sector by applying the latest innovations to its planning and
operations, including design, marketing and corporate management,” said Mr.
Kobchai. “We have received over 50 awards and recognitions from both local
and international organizations. Thai people can be proud of the fact that
shopping centres in this country can compete with those in other countries.”
Currently CPN is no longer competing only against local
companies, but also against major retail developers who have chosen to
invest in Thailand. CPN’s investment in these 7 major new projects aims to
highlight the company’s status as Thailand’s number one retail developer
which is well on its way to becoming a globally recognized company. CPN is
confident that each and every one of these projects has excellent growth
potential and will definitely help revolutionise the Thai retail industry.
Central Plaza Chiang Mai Airport.
|
|
Three new residential agency appointments for Jones Lang LaSalle
Jones Lang LaSalle has been appointed as
sole leasing agent for three residential projects in Thailand. These include
Nchantra in Phuket, Sirisa Residence in Pattaya and Sarasini Residence in
Bangkok.
Suphin Mechuchep, Managing Director of Jones Lang LaSalle
Thailand, said, “In mid-2011, we made a major move to expand into the
residential project sales business by building our Residential Sales teams
in Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket. Our investment has become fruitful as
reflected by the sole agency appointments that we have won in the three
cities.”
Nchantra is a beach-front residential development located
in the east coast of Phuket offering 42 pool villas and penthouses for sale
on a freehold basis with prices starting from THB 14 million. Sirisa
Residence in Pattaya features 440 condominiums with a total project value of
THB 1.1 billion. Sarasini Residence in Bangkok is a boutique low-rise
condominium development located on Sarasini Road offering 54 units with an
average price of THB 120,000 per sqm.
“The luxury residential markets in Thailand’s major
cities like Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket have faced a number of challenges
over the past years, including a fast growth of new supply and lower demand
from overseas buyers following the global financial crisis and in the most
recent case, the ongoing debt crisis in the Eurozone,” said Mrs. Suphin.
“However, fundamentals in these markets remain strong.
While supply growth has slowed in response to slower demand of buyers from
Americas and Europe, Thai buyers have remained active. In addition, there
remains continued interest from Asian buyers. All these have helped sustain
growth of these residential markets,” she added.
“Nonetheless, as the market environment has become more
sophisticated, with both local and foreign buyers becoming more cautious
when making a buy decision, developers need to work harder to ensure buyers’
confidence. And this is where our strong global brand and professional
Residential Sales teams on the ground come to play,” Suphin concluded.
|
|
Preeda Real Estate launches
new condo project in Bangkok
Preeda Real Estate announces the
launch of its GRENE Chaengwattana development, March 13, 2012.
Preeda Real Estate, a recently launched
subsidiary of Preeda Construction Co. Ltd., has entered the high-rise condo
market with the announcement of their chic GRENE Condo project on
Chaengwattana Road in Bangkok.
The THB900 million, 22-storey development will
incorporate 376 units in total with prices starting from as little as 1.29M
baht. There are several unit types such as studio (23 square meters),
1-bedroom (32 square meters), 2-bedroom (60 square meters) and Duplex (50
square meters).
The condominium is fully-equipped with amenities such as
a swimming pool and Jacuzzi, sauna, playground, fitness room and a party
room. In addition, the security system is fully-equipped with 24 hour CCTV,
key card access and the proportion of parking area about 49% of the
residential project.
Piyachat Preedanont, Managing Director of Preeda Real
Estate said, “We are confident that GRENE Chaengwattana will be well
received by the young generation customers because the condominium is
situated in an outstanding location, at the intersection of Chaengwattana
Road and Prachachuen Road (along Khlong Prapa). It is very close to
Chaengwattana expressway exit and, in the future, it will be within walking
distance to the Sri-Ratstation of the Pink MRT line. Therefore, the value of
the project will only increase in time.”
Preeda Construction Company Limited is one of the leaders
in construction business with more than 38 years experience in governmental,
commercial and residential projects. The company has been developing its own
residential projects in recent years and at present focuses on the
development of condominium projects in highly-populated areas which are in
high demand.
The company recently completed the ‘GRENE Suthisarn
condominium, which is currently in the process of transferring ownerships to
customers.
|
|
InterContinental opens Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort
(Left to right) Nakaret Butthuam,
Head Butler, Colin Baugart, Mathias Urbaczek (the resort’s first guest) and
Arnaud Girodon, General Manager.
InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam
Resort, the newest property in the IHG Worldwide global portfolio, opened
its doors in February to offer another luxury residential option on Koh
Samui’s tourism map.
Formerly managed by various hotel operating companies,
the resort occupies an exceptional location on the south-west tip of the
island at Baan Taling Ngam. It was Koh Samui’s first ever luxury resort and
opens following a 10-month multimillion dollar renovation project as the
island’s “Grand Dame”.
“We are confident, this well-loved destination is better
than ever as it flies the new flag of InterContinental Hotels & Resorts,”
said General Manager Arnaud Girodon.
InterContinental Samui Baan Taling
Ngam Resort viewed from the private pier.
With breathtaking sunsets and 320-degree vistas across
the famous “Five Islands” and Angthong National Park, InterContinental Samui
Baan Taling Ngam Resort brings with it luxurious accommodations, a private
beach, gourmet dining and signature spa raised 120 meters above sea level.
It is also the island’s only address to offer private
transfers to guests, to and from Koh Samui International Airport by
speedboat direct to its own 150-metre licensed pier.
Set amid 22 acres of lush coconut plantation, the
resort’s 79 guest residences include 12 signature standalone Beachfront Pool
Villas and 17 2-bedroom villas perfect for families and/or groups of
friends. Ranging from 67 to 320 square meters, each boasts a private
balcony, expansive bathroom with soaking tub and waterfall shower, and is
adorned with unique ‘pops’ of colour adding a contemporary edge to the
resort’s strong Thai heritage. 12 signature standalone Beachfront Pool
Villas have their own private sundeck and swimming pool.
Resort facilities also extend to a fully equipped
gymnasium, two tennis courts, a golf practice area, a dedicated yoga sala
overlooking the ocean and a resort ‘inspiration’ centre.
|
|
Construction starts on The Palm, Wongamat Beach
after project receives E.I.A. approval
From left: ITAL Thai Trevi’s
Somboon Kwangthung (Project Manager), Arthit Lochinda (Assistant General
Manager) and Ekachai Phongphua (General Manager) pose with Palm developers
Winston Gale, Simon Swain and Sukanya Gale, plus Sathida Limphasut from CB
Richard Ellis Thailand.
One of Pattaya’s most talked about new condominium
projects, The Palm at Wongamat Beach, has been given the green light after
the developers received E.I.A. planning permission in February. Initially
the paperwork had been held up following the flooding in Bangkok at the end
of last year that affected the planning department there, but with things
now returning to normal in the capital the stamp of approval has finally
come through.
Construction of the luxury twin tower development began on February 24, with
the piling work being carried out by Ital Thai Trevi, one of Thailand’s best
know and well respected piling specialists who have undertaken many of
Bangkok’s high-profile projects as well as several here in Pattaya.
“This will be our first time working with Ital Thai Trevi and we are looking
forward to building a strong relationship with them over the coming months,”
said Winston Gale, co-developer in The Palm.
From left: The Palm developers
Winston Gale, Sukanya Gale and Simon Swain meet with Cornerstone’s Surakit
Somnustweechai (Project Manager) and Khun Songpon Monsree (Site Engineer).
The time period for the piling contract is 5 months with above ground
construction continuing from then onwards. August will therefore then be the
milestone for the main construction company, Cornerstone, to start building
the main structure which is expected to take 3 years.
Richard Bell, Cornerstones MD said, “I am delighted Cornerstone have been
appointed project managers for such a prestigious development like The Palm.
We have a strong presence in Bangkok and it is good to see Pattaya now
growing at a pace and Cornerstone now being a strong apart of Pattaya’s real
estate expansion.”
Investor interest in The Palm has been strong since day one and much of that
has been down to the work put in by award winning property consulting
agency, CB Richard Ellis, Thailand, who have been handling the sales of the
project since December 2011. With 75% of the 421 units worth approx. 2
billion baht already sold, CB Richard Ellis have now been retained by the
developers as sales agents for a further 12 month period.
For more information on The Palm, go to www.thepalmpattaya .com or
www.cbre.co.th.
The Palm’s CB Richard Ellis team.
|
|
Vietnam residential property market is slowing down
High interest rates are slowing down the
residential property market in Vietnam as potential buyers find it difficult
to get loans, it is claimed. According to Nhaban.com, Vietnam’s biggest real
estate website, buyers cannot get bank financing as interest rates have
soared to 22.42%, one of the highest in the region.
An artist’s rendering shows the
proposed Hoa Sen Apartment building in Ho Chi Min City. Vietnam’s property
market has stalled due to rising interest rates. (Photo/Nhaban.com)
The central bank has increased its refinancing rate to
15% from 9% while lending costs for some businesses are up to 25%. So the
whole market has more or less slowed down despite there being many
purchasers who want to buy but cannot borrow the money.
It is estimated that 29.2 million people in urban areas
and 62.2 million people in the countryside will need property in the next
few years. The real estate market will only recover when loan interest rates
decline, a seminar heard in HCM City in February.
Speaking at an event hosted by Vietstock Communications,
Dr Le Xuan Nghia, vice chairman of the National Financial Supervision
Committee, said though the Government’s efforts to curb inflation have
yielded results, banks’ interest rates have not dropped significantly.
Prof Dr Dang Hung Vo, a former deputy minister of natural
resources and environment, said the real estate market would continue to
face a shortage of capital this year.
The sector should not have high expectations of foreign
investment as foreign investors would only enter the market when they see
property prices drop sharply, he warned. Both Nghia and Vo agreed however
that there was unlikely to be a situation where property developers sold on
the cheap.
Vo explained away the steep price cuts made by some
developers as being due to the poor location of their projects.
The tight monetary policy and oversupply in some segments
have forced property investors to cut prices, but this was not a widespread
occurrence, Nghia said.
Many people are still holding out for high prices, so
foreign investors consider Vietnamese property prices high, he said.
Speaking about possible development opportunities this
year, Vo said the market could improve in the third quarter when banks’
liquidity problems are expected to partially ease and credit would again
begin to flow into it.
The Government has given priority to restructuring the
monetary and banking sectors, and already approved the national housing
development strategy from now through 2020, he said, referring to the need
for more housing to be developed under the strategy.
Nghia predicted the low-priced housing segment to recover
first, by mid-2012 at the earliest. (PR Log)
|
|
|