Europe´s oldest luxury hotel brand has announced plans for the opening the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok in June.

Europe's oldest luxury hotel brand has announced plans for the opening the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok in June.

The five-star luxury city resort, located adjacent to the Siam Paragon complex in the heart of the Thai capital, boasts 303 rooms and suites in addition to 98 serviced apartments.

General Manager Thomas Klippstein said that the property will combine Kempinski's trademark European sophistication and refinement with the finest of Thai hospitality standards. He said: "We aim to bring together the best of East and West and create an opulent sanctuary in the heart of the city. The Siam Kempinski will deliver a superlative hotel experience for leisure and business guests."

The Siam Kempinski is a THB4 billion project which is owned by Kempin Siam Co. The hotel will initially target Asian travellers but is also expecting business from Europe, the Middle East and further afield.

Jee Hoong Tan, Director of Sales and Marketing, added the hotel also expects to attract business from the local market through weddings and the MICE industry. Room rates will start at THB7,900 plus tax.

The hotel will showcase its standards and traditions in outlets such as the Brasserie Europa, for European fine cuisine, the Sra Bua Thai restaurant, the T Lounge, serving the finest teas from around the world as well as cocktails and champagne, and the 1897 bar, named after the year that Kempinski first started business in Berlin.

Bangkok Property
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Private Jet & Helicopter Charters Thailand

 
 
 
 

Le Kiri Luxury Beach Villas Krabi

 
 
 
 

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Thailand Furniture Packages

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Krabi Real Estate

Thai-Real.com private jet and helicopter charters

Thai-Real.com private jet and helicopter charters can carry you efficiently from places 1,000's of miles away or just a short hop from Koh Samui out to a private island of your choice.

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Thai Real Estate

Situated on a private headland overlooking the clear waters of the Andaman Sea and Kamala Bay, Kamala Beach Estate is the perfect location for holiday makers in search of relaxation, autonomy, privacy and security.

The Oceanfront Villas, Beachfront Villas and Oceanfront Apartments offer panoramic views across Kamala Bay to the rolling mountains surrounding the village of Kamala. The white sandy beach of Kamala is only a short walk along the ocean front.

The fully serviced Oceanfront Villas and Oceanfront Apartments are set amongst lush tropical gardens and swimming pools. Short and long-term guests are afforded the perfect holiday location allowing for self sufficiency within the spacious surroundings of the Estate while Broadband keeps you in touch with the outside world. Alternatively, sample the many local eateries, sporting and beach activities, or day trip destinations that Phuket has to offer.

Rockfish Restaurant located on the Estate offers Thai and International cuisine served on the terrace overlooking Kamala Beach, or delivered to your villa "room service" style. The Estate's friendly staff are available to arrange your day trip, sporting, child-minding and transport requirements.

Phuket Real Estate
Phuket Villa Rentals

Luxury Beach Villa between Koh Chang and Koh Samed

This one of a kind villa sits on mainland Thailand directly between Koh Chang and Koh Samed just a shrt drive from Pattaya. Designed by the current owners who both work as architects as a minimalistic property.

Set on a huge 3 rai private plot owners of this villa will enjoy a huge landscaped garden which leads down to your own private beach, perfect for both complete privacy or proudly hosting for a number of guests.

Built around 3 years ago this property has a total of 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, complete in built western kitchen and 4x11m infinity pool. There are also staff quarters and a large double garage.

Large beach villa near Pattaya
pattaya Real Estate
Thailand Real Estate

Donald Trump Joint Venture in Bangkok

The American property billionaire Donald Trump will join in the investment and development of a new luxury retail plaza with Gaysorn Group on the four-rai plot that used to house the Narai Phand handicraft centre in central Bangkok.

An industry source said Mr Trump flew to Bangkok last month to talk with a Gaysorn executive about the site while Charn Srivikorn, director of Gaysorn Holdings, just returned from the United States last week.

''It's likely that Mr Trump will co-invest in this project. He will also co-design this new luxury shopping mall,'' said the source, asking not to be named.

The project at the Ratchaprasong intersection, Bangkok's prime retail site, is intended to compete with two direct rivals nearby, CentralWorld and Siam Paragon.

Mr Trump may buy shares in Gaysorn Land Asset Management Co Ltd (Glam), a joint venture between Gaysorn Group and the Hong Kong property firm Hong Kong Land, by buying stakes from the Hong Kong side.

In July 2008, Mr Trump's eldest son Donald Trump Jr told the Dubai-based daily English-language newspaper Gulf News that ''the Middle East and Asia will provide opportunities for growth in future''.

The executive vice-president of the Trump Organisation viewed Bangkok as one of the emerging markets, saying ''We're looking at a lot of the Pacific rim area. [In] Thailand, we've spent a lot of time looking in Bangkok.''

The portfolio of the Trump Organisation, renowned as an international developer of deluxe properties, includes office buildings, hotels, condominiums, casinos, golf courses and country clubs, mainly in major cities in the US.

It is developing Trump International Hotel & Tower at The Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, launched last year with an average price of US$2,450, equivalent to 905,000 baht per square metre.

According to the property consultant Colliers International Thailand, Gaysorn Group this year bought the Narai Phand site from Phahonyothin Group for a 30-year leasehold.

The company plans to develop three components: retail, serviced apartment with 178 six-star units managed by Starwood, and high-end residences with 30-year leasehold contracts.

Colliers managing director Patima Jeerapaet said the project was expected to be completed in 2010.

In the future, there would be an extension from Gaysorn to Amarin and CentralWorld to provide convenience for shoppers, who are equally divided between Thais and foreigners.

Late last year Gaysorn bought back Amarin Plaza, which had 7.5 years remaining on its leasehold, from Erawan Ratchaprasong Co Ltd at 300 million baht. The saleable area at Amarin Plaza is approximately 26,000 square metres with about 400 shops.

''Gaysorn wants to renovate Amarin Plaza and upgrade it to be a luxury complex,'' Mr Patima said. ''Unfortunately 40% of the tenants still have the remaining lease of 7.5 years so the plan is still pending until the leases expire.''

Besides 26,000 sq m at Amarin Plaza, Gaysorn Group has Gaysorn Plaza, managed by a joint venture with Hong Kong Land, with 12,600 sq m, compared to lettable space of 400,000 sq m at CentralWorld and 250,000 sq m at Siam Paragon.

Gaysorn also plans to develop luxury villas for sale at Cape Paradise on Patong Beach in Phuket, comprising 20 villas priced at around 100 million baht each. The show unit will be finished by the end of the year.

Thai Real Estate
Bangkok Property

private Villa In Gated Estate Ao Nang

This private Krabi villa is set within a private gated community of just 4 villas just 100 metres back from the pristine Ao Namao beach. This is a very peaceful area yet just a 5 minute drive to the main tourist spot of Ao Nang.

The owner has watched this home grow from the ground following construction all the way through to ensure it was finished just the way they liked it. Set on 950sqm of land, you can enjoy 430sqm of living space wrapped around your own private swimming pool.

We are able to market this property at under the market value due to the current strength of the Thai Baht and the owner relocating back to the UK.

Krabi Real Estate
Thailand Property

Istana Luxury Villas Phuket, Thailand

In coming up with the design for the Istana project the developers came up with a new term 'FOO' which means 'Feeling Of Oppulance'. Throughout the architectural process each minute detail was considered making sure it passed the new 'FOO' standard.

Following such strict criteria has resulted in one of the finest developments seen in the Thai real estate market today. With just 19 villas set on a huge 24 acre site you are guaranteed to feel like royalty when staying in any ofthe villas.

Care has been taken to ensure maximum privacy from any neighbours and that your villa fits perfectly into the contour of the plot that it lives in.

Only the finest products have been used to finish these homes so contact us today to find out how you can become an owner while there are still some available

While the residents of Chiang Mai are breathing a sigh of relief that the Ratchaphruek Royal Flora festival is now over, developers have enthusiaticly noted the windfall some made from the city's biggest influx of tourists ever. With 3,000,000 visitors in 3 months it demonstrated the very real future of this northern tourist centre, as well as the possible effect it's likely to have on the property market.

Construction of a 22 storey Le Meridien hotel that has been changing the face of Chiang Mai's Night Market area. When it's complete in 2008 this enormous high-rise will join big names such as Shangri-La, Mandarin Oriental, Sofitel, GHM (Chedi) and Pan Pacific, along with the Dusit Group's new D2 concept and the long-established Four Seasons.

Both the Hyatt and Banyan Tree are rumoured to also have future plans in this city, once regarded as a quaint guesthouse venue in the north of Thailand. Yet just three years ago only one of these existed. The question on the minds of many in the hospitality industry is whether this sudden flood of luxury rooms will be sustainable? The question on the minds of realtors is: how much is it going to inflate property values?

But these are big names with big money and they certainly would have done their homework before moving in. The fact that several have simultaneously gone ahead sends out a very strong signal that Chiang Mai's tourism is not only set to increase but go markedly upmarket as well. As we have seen in other tourist centres, it tends to set off a buying and development spree in the adjacent areas, and this has already become evident.

According to several opinion leaders we spoke to, the single biggest catalyst has been the announcement by the ousted Thaksin government to develop a large convention centre as part of the deposed prime minister's grand tourism design for his hometown. Although those plans may now be on hold, the current tourism minister assured a local hotel manager recently that it would still go ahead. But even without it, the improvements to infrastructure and tourist profile are having an effect. The completion of an international air terminal and the publicity from the Flora Expo have raised the city's profile. The hospitality industry seems bullish, and this has been demonstrated none more clearly than the creation of the Dhara Dhevi in San Khampeng. This 60 rai Lanna and Burmese-themed masterpiece under the Mandarin Oriental banner is an extraordinary work of art featuring purpose-built temples and palaces from long gone kingdoms. It ranks as one of Thailand's most ambitious hotel projects and is aimed firmly at the super rich. Even if the city has yet to attract that kind of tourist numbers, it's an excellent confidence booster for Chiang Mai as a destination, attracting gob-smacked travel journalists and TV crews.

Another bold move is that of the uber-trendy D2 boutique hotel in the heart of the Night Bazaar area. Developed as a pilot project, it signals a new direction for the Dusit Group which specifically chose Chiang Mai as a more accurate litmus test for its funky new hotels. It's targeted at urban hipsters, and is a counter move to the usual Lanna style and soft-adventure sales pitch. The attention to stylised detail is refreshing and it detracts from the hotel's position among street-side vendors and girlie bars. But the decision to develop a renovated hotel in this bustling area was a shrewd one considering the recent hike in property prices since the TCC Group snapped up a clutch of properties here. Their recent acquisitions include the Kalare Centre, Chang Klan Plaza, Anusarn Market and Panthip Plaza, as well as building the new Le Meridien which will occupy one of the city's prime corners.

Nearby is another chic new hotel, the Chedi, and we spoke to GM Eleanor Hardy about her impressions of Chiang Mai's outlook. A relative newcomer to the North, Hardy feels confident of the city's appeal, provided it doesn't try to copy Phuket, and lose its charm in the process. The Chedi itself is an interesting property case study, for it incorporates the former British Consulate building � a grand colonial edifice that occupies an enviable position besides the Ping River. Other new hotels, such as the popular Tamarind Village, have incorporated historic or neo-Lanna buildings into their development to retain the character of this 700-year-old city.

But the coveted riverfront position also proved disastrous when unprecedented floods in 2005 wrecked the hotel's ground floor and basement installations, six weeks after it opened. The deluge might have had a profound effect on property in the area but the enormous Shangri La going up further down Chang Klan road has buoyed confidence, and the recent opening of a Lacoste outlet is evidence that posh retailers rate this street's potential. Hardy sees the floods as a freak one-off and is confident in their future. "When the big marketing machines of the Sofitel and Le Meridien kick in, it is hoped all of Chiang Mai will benefit," she says.

The most famous of Chiang Mai's luxury hotels is undoubtedly the Four Seasons, out in Mae Rim. Frequently mentioned as one of Asia's best hotels in travel magazines, the hotel was a pioneer in the luxury concept more than 10 years earlier. It's set around rice terraces and offers a complete hideaway experience that has attracted the likes of Hilary Clinton, among others. It also offers an interesting benchmark on what happens to property in the area. A serene lakeside housing project was subsequently developed across the road and trendy galleries and coffee shops gradually filled the pretty rural road adjacent to the hotel. A little further down, a futuristic luxury development named Baan Azaya is marketing itself as a "unique investment opportunity."

Four Seasons general manager Andrew Harrison, is cautious about the expansion. "We need the airflow, particularly from cities in China and India," he says. He also shares the cynicism of many about Chiang Mai's ability to step up to the challenge the boom is creating. For instance, guests staying at the Dhara Dhevi's US$500 a night rooms first have to be limosined past a shambolic road construction debacle that has been mired in incompetence and graft for the past two years. "If Chiang Mai goes upmarket," Harrison says, "it cannot exist with screwed up pavements and the Night Market the way it is now."

"We have to be careful this five star tourism is matched by city services, otherwise we won't survive at this level if we don't keep up."

But even if the public sector displays a typically lackadaisical northerner's approach, the private sector isn't waiting around. Sunday Night's walking street has breathed new life into the property along Ratchadamoen street. The opening of the smart new Kad Klang Wieng "cultural arcade" is evidence of the gentrification going on in these areas. In February last year, Property Report documented the emergence of Nimminhemin street and since then parts of this "avenues" suburb have become barely recognisable with trendy new arcades and modernist coffee shop facades. Property prices on this street have become almost unaffordable for residential use, but it wasn't always like this. The Amari Rincome, Chiang Mai's oldest surviving luxury hotel, occupied the corner with Huay Kaew road at a time when cow pastures comprised much of the adjacent land. Former GM, Marc Dumar, who has witnessed 19 years of changing Chiang Mai, was responsible for managing their property on the adjacent soi 1 with its humble shop houses. Today it is one of the most exclusive retail streets in the city, thanks to the annual Nimminhemin Arts and Crafts Festival which has turned the entire area into a home decor Mecca.

Dumar is now overseeing the opening of the city's newest luxury hotel, the Sofitel. Set to open in March, it too has a riverside location and meets all the expectations of modern upmarket Asia travellers. He has one major advantage too, the hotel is owned by the progressive mayor Boonlert Buranuprakorn. There was a previous wave of hotel development in the eighties, he explained. Big names have come and gone but he believes this time around the development is more genuine. "We need more sports and cultural events to keep the momentum going."

"The Royal Flora expo proved we can handle three million tourists, it was mostly well organised and it filled up the lower-end hotels, which pushing more foreign tourists to us." Indeed, numerous opportunist developers completed condos in time to rent them out for short stays during the unprecedented flood of tourists.

And herein lies the real secret for smaller investors and developers. A surprising fact to emerge was the lack of luxury serviced apartments in the city. Twin Peaks, developed by Siam Zokie and aimed at the Japanese ex-pat crowd, is one of the few luxury modern condos in the city. Not surprisingly it sits right beside the new Shangri-La, and hasn't had trouble selling despite the 'luxury price tags'. While many small boutique hotels are opening up on quiet sois, more and more visitors are coming back to Chiang Mai to spend months, not weeks here during the winter months. One of the hotel GMs we interviewed expressed frustration over the shortage of high-end condos in the city, and pointed out that several of the hotel's guests had since returned and settled here. If they can afford five star rooms, they'll certainly be looking for new, comfortable, luxury-priced serviced apartments. We had difficulty finding suitable suggestions other than the newly opened Frangipangi, tucked away quietly behind the historic Wat Chiang Man. Competitively priced compared to the hotels, yet offering a similar level of comfort, it seemed an ideal answer for the upmarket guests that Chiang Mai is forecasted to attract.

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Krabi Province has the distinction of being home to Thailand's oldest human settlement. Even in prehistoric times people were attracted to this region's diverse real estate offerings.

In the 13th century Krabi became a thriving sea port that saw traders from India, the Middle East and China, many who were so enamored with the area's natural beauty and fertile soil they made it their home.

Today foreign investors and home buyers are starting to discover the charm of this dramatic and unique 4,709 square kilometer province located on the south western Andaman Sea coast, surrounded by provinces Phang Nga to the north, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani to the east and Trang to the south.

The region's appeal is easy to understand: Krabi is one of the most geographically stunning and ecologically diverse places on the earth with breathtaking, 1000-feet limestone karsts jutting from pristine rainforests and ancient mangroves. The province also boasts one of Southeast Asia's best marine-related activity areas with 132 tropical islands dispersed among some of the world's top-rated dive sites and year-around safe anchorages.

Krabi government officials understand it is only a matter of time before the world discovers their province. They've been gearing up for the arrival of new homebuyers for the past five years, beefing up roads, electrical grids and telephone, water and sewage systems.

The 2004 opening of The Krabi International Airport and the nearly completed super-highway, widening road access from Phuket, through Krabi, to the Malaysian boarder shows that government at all levels consider Krabi to be Thailand's hottest new tourism and long-stay destination.

However, according to local experts, the evolution of Krabi's property market from a 80's backpacker haunt into a true real estate market that compares and competes against Phuket, is still several years away.

"The main issue is transport and infrastructure, this is thought about by not only tourists, but short and long term visitors who have property which they should like to use", says Desmond R L Hughes of Belmont Limcharoen, which has started to represent more clients in regions outside of Koh Samui and Phuket such as the Krabi. "An additional few hours can create a barrier to investment".

Property agents in Krabi province also point to the lack of standard amenities that foreigners typically demand when choosing a second home location such as quick access to world-class beaches, international hospitals, schools, golf courses and shopping centers.

A good example of this is Koh Lanta where you'll find the province's highest concentration of foreign-targeted developments. The Island is wonderland of white sand beaches and turquoise seas but getting onto the island is difficult. Currently passage onto Koh Lanta Yai involves two car ferries (or a passenger ferry in high season) which means the journey between the Krabi International Airport and Koh Lanta can take up to 4 hours - definitely a hard sell to travel-weary Europeans and Asian expatriates wanting instant, tropical gratification. Despite these growing pains, demand from foreign buyers is strong according to Krabi's real estate community. However, finding worthy projects to recommend to potential buyers is proving to be difficult.

"There are very few quality 'developments' to buy in Krabi at this date," says Pierre-Yves Loriers, from Ton Company, who created and built Baan Oriental Villa, Krabi's first luxury Pool Villa project in Ao Nang Beach six years ago. "For this reason people tend to develop their own project. It is more work but the return on the investment is much higher."

But there's no shortage of small, local developers looking for off-plan investors in Krabi province. Locals recommend that buyers proceed with caution.

"Don't be fooled by the large number of new developers selling 'off-plan'", says Jules Gore, Sales Manager of Exotiq Real Estate Krabi who is opening offices in Krabi Town and Koh Lanta later this year. "Many of these projects are being developed by individuals with no development background. Most never break ground."

PROPERTY AREAS OF KRABI PROVINCE

The property areas shown below start in the north of the province (closest to Phuket) on the Phang Na border, heading south down the coast past Klong Muang, Ao Nang, Krabi Town, the Krabi Airport and Koh Lanta (closest to Trang).

Klong Muang, located on the coast in Phang Na Bay this area is currently Krabi's most exclusive spots. The Sheraton Krabi Resort and some higher-end private homes are located here but there are few property options in this area.

Ao Nang / Nopparat Thara Beach / Nammao Beach Ao Nang is the most developed tourist beach area in Krabi. The 3 km Nopparat Thara Beach is just around the corner with less tourism and development. Nammao Beach, a short drive away, has several high profile projects under construction.

Krabi Town, the main Thai commerce area of the province now has several new, inexpensive home projects being built primarily for Thais, although some foreigners are taking advantage of the 2-4 million Baht prices for new homes on the town�s fringes.

Hat Yao Beach, long Beach is 13km of untouched coastline located outside of Krabi Town, past the airport. This new development area is where most new beachfront and sea view residential projects will be launched in the future.

Lanta Island and Smaller Islands.
Koh Lanta has ten sandy beaches and a mountain range that runs down the center of island, creating a haven for new (mostly Swedish) developers. Very few projects are available on the smaller islands but land is still available at pre-electricity prices.

Thailand Resorts Set to Boom?

With the traditional resort property hotspots of Samui, Phuket and Pattaya receiving so much attention from investors in recent years, it's not surprising that prices are skyrocketing and beach front land is becoming scarce.

This means that - as the tried-tested-and-true formula witnessed in global real estate markets dictates - there will always be savvy investors looking to get an early start on the next big thing.

The key to developing in emerging markets is that there has to be some degree of facilities already in place, says Robert Collins, managing director of Savills Thailand.

"The tourists have to pave the way to the destination," he said. "For these emerging markets, accessibility is the key because the kind of buyers than can afford the more expensive properties are already travelling a great distance to get to Thailand. The last thing they want to do is get into a taxi or bus at the airport in Bangkok and travel another four or five hours to get to a resort and get a ferry ride and another taxi. Developers need to bear in mind how people are going to get to that resort. People will make the effort but it has to be priced accordingly.�"

Property Report took an in-depth look at three destinations that have indeed already laid the groundwork and are now starting to attract major interest from buyers: Koh Pha Ngan, Krabi and Koh Chang.

For those in the know, these resorts are certainly not new destinations on the travel or property trail. But it's only been in recent years that they've been starting to make a name for themselves on a more international scale, as intrepid investors shy away from the pricier traditional hotspot areas. And, notably, the big name property management firms have yet to move in, a sign they still fit under the up-and-coming banner.

Koh Chang development limited With its mountainous jungles, waterfalls, unspoilt beaches and relatively quiet atmosphere, Koh Chang is an eco-lover's dream. Located in the eastern part of the country in the Gulf of Thailand, over 80% of this island is part of the Koh Chang National Marine Park, a fact some say will prevent it from being over-developed with hotels and residences.

The island's western region is where most development is taking place, due mainly because that's where the more picturesque beaches lie.

Siam Royal View was one of the first developers to build a large-scale project on the island; a high-end 360-rai villa and bungalow development north of the popular White Sand Beach. Prices start from as low as Bt2.8 million for a one-suite bungalow up to Bt17.1 million for a 732sqm villa. David Walton, sales and marketing director of Siam Royal View, says the first phase of the project sold out during the high season last year and construction has already begun. One key to the company's success is the accessibility of Koh Chang, he says.

"We'll be offering secure parking for residents on the mainland and a taxi service with our own speedboats specifically for residents. So literally they can be door-to-door from Trat airport to their homes in 30 minutes."

This keeps in line with Savills' Collins comments that high-end buyers aren't interested in lengthy commutes to their holiday homes. Bangkok Airways offers a three flight a day service from Bangkok to Trat. So for Bangkokians, the 45-minute flight makes for an ideal weekend.

"We're very pleased by the fact we've had a very consistent level of inquiry from Thai nationals, a lot of them coming from Bangkok. As a guestimate I'd think that over 50% of sales has gone to Thais, which is very encouraging for us," says Walton.

Other notable developments taking shape on the island include Tranquillity Bay, an exclusive residence comprising 74 one, two and three bedroom condominiums, all of which will be fully furnished. Additionally there will be 10 luxury pool villas.

Siam Royal View's Walton says it's doubtful other large developments will follow in their footsteps, due mainly to the tight restrictions placed on the island.

"If you look at the current projects and current developments already in place on the island, you'd have to say pretty much 10% of the island is already developed or under development. I believe what we'll continue to see are one-off small developments where something effectively has been taken down and replaced. But nothing on a big scale."

Walton says Koh Chang's geography is quite peculiar in that all the developments lie directly on the coast. Because the island slopes to a high point of about 743 meters above sea level very quickly, it doesn't give developers a lot to play with.

"You're not going to get highways built on Koh Chang. It would be impossible in engineering terms and even if it were it would be prohibitively expensive. I think the island is pretty much going to remain what it is, which in my view is a good thing."

Other governmental restrictions will keep the island from becoming too developed. The maximum height allowed for buildings is three stories and anything built directly on the beach front in terms of residential property is limited to one storey only, meaning it sits under the palm fringe.

Also, the island isn't home to rows of nightclubs and bars or the amenities that attract the truly wealthy such as luxury shopping or high-end restaurants. This means that those looking for wild nights in the fast lane would be better off taking their cash west to Pattay. But for those looking for a peaceful and relaxing getaway, few destinations in Thailand can offer a more suitable setting.

High-rollers beginning to eye Krabi Of our three featured destinations, Krabi is perhaps the best known on the global travel circuit, thanks to its international airport and the presence of a few five-star resorts. But it's only been in the past two years that property development in this province has really followed suit � albeit in limited numbers.

Bordering the Andaman Sea, this coastal resort province attracts countless visitors thanks to its natural attractions such as white sandy beaches, coral reefs, caves, waterfalls and giant limestone cliffs. A number of carriers offer direct flights from Bangkok daily, and there are also direct flights from Singapore.

And for property investors, it has the infrastructure to support its growing popularity. "Krabi really benefits from having the best of the resort airports in the country. It's a new airport that's way ahead anything else," says Savills' Collins. "The road network is practically new throughout the entire area and is way ahead of other locations. This is where Krabi really is ahead of the game. It has the infrastructure in place, what it lacks, if anything, is there isn't enough supply in Krabi."

There are only about seven notable developments being built in Krabi at the moment. Of those, the really high-end ones are Amatapura (represented by Savills), The Cove, LeKiri and Phulay Heights. "It is a coincidence that Lekiri, Krabi Sunset, The Cove and Amatapura launched at almost the same time , says Ekaraj Intravisit, managing director of Le Kiri. "Maybe everyone can see it is time to reveal the charm and beauty of this Emerald to the world's eyes. For me, deciding to buy this land took me a very short amount of time."

Le Kiri features eight spacious villas ranging in size from 606-808sqm. The project is located on the beachfront at Nammao Bay. Prices range from Bt15 to 18 million for villas and Bt7.5 million for Triplex apartments with private swimming pool. Phulay Heights' 52 villas lookout over Phang Nga Bay In Klong Muang.

Krabi's largest project is The Cove, at Haad Yao. More than 1,000 rai is being developed into more than 1,200 residential condos and villas, branded hotels and an 18-hole golf course.

Collins says more development for Krabi is eminent, but there are restrictions in place that will limit the quantity and volume of the developments that can go ahead. "Everyone's looking at Krabi now. In terms of property you can buy, Amatapura is without a doubt the top development. I think Amatapura has the potential to become the role model for krabi in years to come."

This project on Laem Pho features 29 beachfront villas and is 60% sold. It received a lot of attention from Hong Kong buyers following its launch last year and prices range from Bt25-40 million baht.

"We're seeing a strong trend towards Krabi in preference to Phuket these days, and definitely the sales rates for Krabi seem to be slightly better than Phuket," says Collins. "As much as anything the environment is less developed so far and the pricing is reflective of the fact it's a relatively new market and can't match the Phuket market. And I think that's possibly a reflection that Phuket and Samui are overpriced rather than Krabi is cheap."

Koh Pha Ngan learns from Samui The name "Koh Pha Ngan" is by no means foreign to world travellers, but until recently, it was spoken primarily among the backpacker set, drawn to its rowdy all-night Full Moon Parties held every month.

Today, the hippies still come, but the island is opening itself up to high-end property development as well, as more people look to escape the crowds of Samui for Koh Pha Ngan's less crowded beaches and laid-back atmosphere.

Companies such as WOW Properties, KP Properties and Sage Land and House offer a number of residential property development projects and land, most of them situated in exclusive and secluded headland locations with spectacular views and remote locations that certainly rival what many see as the overdevelopment on Samui.

Land prices on Koh Pha Ngan are still comparatively low, and beachfront land is by no means scarce. Prices vary greatly depending on the location, with the average price for hill plots going for about Bt1.5 million while beachfront land goes for an average of Bt4 or Bt5 million, depending on the quality of the land, of course. Land plots with prime views obviously command much steeper prices. There aren't any notable large-scale developments going up as of yet, but many of the island's residents say it's only a matter of time.

"Things are moving but the developers are cautious, waiting to see what happens in the next few months,"said one surveyor who asked not to be named."Compared to Koh Samui our infrastructure is actually a lot better. Koh Pha Ngan has learned an awful lot from Koh Samui. The people in power are quite proud of the fact that we built our roads wide already and with big drains so we don't have to dig up the sides of people's houses to put in the storm drains. Once you get to Koh Pha Ngan, the only place you can really land is Tong Sala, so there's no need for a massive highway network."

The Joys of Satellite Television

by: Briana Liebmann

Satellite television is no longer the television of the future, it is one of the fastest growing forms of television viewing today. Satellite television has come a long way from the days where viewers struggled with large, clunky dishes on the sides of their house. Now, thanks to technological advancement, companies have successfully shrunken those bulky devices down to a compact satellite dish which has more quality and affordability than it's predecessor.

Today, Satellite TV offers an impressive amount of choices for the avid television fanatic. From newly released movies to your favorite sports game, satellite television has the capabilities to take you where you want to go and farther.

What makes Satellite TV so different than basic cable? Just one viewing experience would reveal a sharper picture quality and much larger selection of channels along with helpful customer service and reasonable prices.

When shopping for the best satellite TV retailers, be wary of scammer's advertising "Free Satellite Television" promising the best deals, installation, subscriptions and many more unbelievable promotions. If a website offers you a deal which seems too good to be true. Most likely, it is.

In order to insure a legitimate company, go with a satellite TV provider with a positive and well-known reputation.

Shopping online for satellite TV usually proves advantageous to customers through free gifts and exclusive promotions offered only online. Go ahead, take advantage of the offers and convenience of ordering online. Just remember to take caution as with any other online purchase. Here are a few tips to discern a great provider from a scammer:

1. The longer the satellite TV provider has been in business, the better.

2. Check to see if the web page is security enabled.

3. Beware of hidden fees.

4. Guarantees are always a plus.

5. Customer service is readily available and easily accessible.

About The Author

Briana Liebmann is an original content writer for http://www.youseekit.com which features original articles on a variety of topics.

To see the original article, go to http://www.youseekit.com/satellite-tv/htm.

youseekit@gmail.com



Improving your home and your life only at Home Improvement Idea : http://home-improvement-idea.blogspot.com

Buying an Island in Thailand

Thai Real Estate - Ownership of a Thai Island

Ownership Structure

Option 1: Freehold as a Thai National
Option 2: Freehold via a Thai limited company with minimal Thai shareholders
Option 3: Leasehold. The maximum lease that can be registered at the local land offices is 30 years so a contract has to be drawn up with automatic renewals every 30 years.
Option 4: If a large development is going to take place with a large investment then a BOI can be applied for from the government (Board of Overseas Investment). This is headed up by the prime minister to encourage overseas investment. It is quite common in the tourist sector.

Land titles – all titles are transferable

Chanote: This title is fully buildable and measured exactly via GPS
Nor Sor 3 Gor: As above but measured with a tape measure rather than GPS
Nor Sor 3: An old title as above measured roughly
Sor Kor 1: Farmland that is owned by an individual
Por Bor Tor 5: Farmland that is owned by the government with the right to use if taxes are paid against the land.
Government land or green zone: It is common to find a percentage of this on most islands and it works well as it keeps a lot of the island natural. You can build non prmanent wooden walkways and salas through this land.

Land Measurements

1 rai = 1,600 sqm
1 nang = 400 sqm (4 to a rai)
1 talang wah = 4 sqm (400 to a rai)

Building Regulations

Within 10 metres of the front of the land no permanent structure can be built
Between 10 metres and 50 metres all buildings must be a maximum of 75sqm in size and 6 metres high.
From 50 metres back all buildings must be a maximum of 2,000sqm in size and no more than 12 metres in height.

The same applies to all Thailand Real Estate with the exception of licensed condominium developments where foreigners have the option to own a freehold in their own name.

The Faucet: A Deciding Factor

The Faucet: A Deciding Factor

by: Matthew Noel

In the design of your new kitchen, the faucet can be one of the largest, most critical aspects of it all. In many cases, you will find that a beautiful one can be the completion of a beautiful kitchen. But how should you decide and what should you look for in the ones that you consider? If you walk into any home improvement store, you are likely to find many to choose from. It can become overwhelming even.

Even though it can be somewhat difficult for you to find the faucet that you know is perfect this is only because you have so many choices. It works well to look at several key points when choosing the right one.

• First, look at the metals used. For most, stainless steel is the best choice because of its ability to stay clean and to resist rusting. But, it is not your only option. For example, you may want to think about options such as copper as well. This can make a grand statement!

• And, that is the next thing to consider. Do you want the faucet to make a statement about your tastes or be simplistic? Do you want it to stand out or to simply fit in? Consider options that fit these needs.

• You should also consider the style and design of the element as well. For some, necessity is all that matters. Even so, you can have a great looking choice that is quite functional.

• The bottom line, though, is that you should choose the one that fits your needs the very best. It should feel right, look right and be what you want it to be.

The faucet that you choose can show your personality and style, or not. It can be whatever you want it to be as long as you love it!

About The Author

Matthew Noel

For more information please see http://www.faucet-deals.co.uk



Improving your home and your life only at Home Improvement Idea : http://home-improvement-idea.blogspot.com