BANGKOK, Thailand – Koh Samui, one of Thailand’s top tourism destinations, has seen a surge in luxury property investment that is further cementing its status as a world-class hub for both tourism and real estate. According to Colliers International Thailand, mid- to high-end condominiums and vacation homes recorded a total investment value of 14.8 billion baht (US$464 million) in the first half of 2025, marking a 63.56% increase from the second half of 2024.
Most projects are situated near Samui’s prime beaches, for example, Maenam, Chaweng-Bophut, and Lamai, with the market reaching a new record of 449 million baht (US$14 million) for a single villa unit. Foreign investors, particularly from Europe, Russia, and China, continue to be the main driving force.
Under current Thai property law, foreigners may directly own condominium units, but foreign ownership is currently capped at 49% of total saleable area in any given project. The government is considering raising this quota to as much as 75% to stimulate the economy and attract large-scale investors. For villas and vacation homes, however, direct foreign ownership of land remains prohibited yet can be done through long-term leasehold agreements, usually with 30-year terms.
This regulatory framework, combined with strong tourism recovery, is shaping Koh Samui into one of Southeast Asia’s most competitive luxury property markets. (PRD)
