PHUKET 'n MORE ISLANDS

[BKKinTO]

I think Disneyland should come to operate in Phuket.

[Chad]

I think Disneyland should come to operate in Phuket.


That would take upp the whole area of the island!!>....:D:D:D

[Chad]

Similan island is so beautiful. so now Phuket will have at least 3 new shopping centers, Central Phuket Festival, Juncylon, and the Chao Fah Night Bazaar.:)

yep, and there are 2 that just opened, BIG and Tesco.....Makro is now also Under construction....:cool:

[Chad]

Phummisak offers Chao Fa City as ICEC site


PHUKET: In what appears to be an attempt to break the deadlock over where to site the International Exhibition and Convention Center (ICEC), Phummisak Hongsyok has offered to earmark 200 rai of his recently announced Chao Fa City development for it.K. Phummisak, former Mayor of Phuket City and Managing Director of Anuphas & Sons, which owns the land where Chao Fah City will be built, told the Gazette today that his company was prepared to set aside the 200 rai, but that he was waiting for others in the private sector to help make the ICEC a reality, thereby cutting out all government involvement.

"We don't want to invest in the project by ourselves," he explained. "Ideally, we would prefer just to be the landlord, but we might invest in the project [in other ways]. Anuphas might itself become an investor, putting the land - which K. Phummisak values at 4 million baht a rai - into the project in place of cash.

"I have already discussed this with interested investors, but I have yet to hear any definite answers," he added."The 200 rai could accommodate facilities for about 10,000 conference delegates and have [plenty of] space for parking, depending on the design of building," he said.

The ICEC project has ground to a halt since the provincial government, with Bangkok's backing, announced last October that it had settled on Saphan Hin as the site, despite overwhelming public preference for Mai Khao.With the Phuket Provincial Administration Organization being controlled by Democrats, silence has fallen over the project, with the exception of a proposal in May by Phuket Governor Udomsak Usawarngkura that Koh Maphrao should be considered as a site for the center.


Source : Phuket Gazette : Jul 16, 2004

[Chad]

Phummisak reveals plan for new town


PHUKET: Phummisak Hongsyok, having stepped down as mayor of one town – Phuket City – is now planning to build his own town: a community glorying in the name of Chao Fah City.

The new town will rise on 1,510 rai of currently empty land between the Prince of Songkhla University campus and Kwang Rd.

K. Phummisak, Managing Director of Anuphas and Sons Co Ltd, told the Gazette today that his top priority will be to ensure the entire project is well planned.

“In the draft master plan, we have already separated the area into zones for different functions, such as residential, resorts, shopping and perhaps a university. We plan to build a place that has a high quality of life,” he added.

“Some business people interested in leasing land in the development have already contacted me.

“The first project will be the development of the Phuket International Night Bazaar on 170 rai, with entertainment venues and a shopping area. We will be launching this officially in Bangkok on Wednesday,” he added.

An in-depth report on the new town will appear in the Gazette issue of July 24.


Source : Phuket Gazette : Jul 16, 2004

[Taipei101]

Sounds good. A new city.

[BKKinTO]

That would take upp the whole area of the island!!>....:D:D:D

wouldn't that be nice to have undeveloped lands to be a Disneyland. Now Phuket will become a greatest city in Thailand.

[thaiman]

Lanta Island, Krabi

http://www.andaman-highlights.com/images_impressions/lanta_ko_rok_sanjao_beach1.jpg

http://www.andaman-highlights.com/images_impressions/lanta_ko_rok_sanjao_beach2.jpg

http://www.andaman-highlights.com/images_impressions/lanta_diving11.jpg

http://www.andaman-highlights.com/images_impressions/lantapalace_mueller.jpg

http://www.andaman-highlights.com/images_impressions/lanta_gooddays_beachfront.jpg

http://www.andaman-highlights.com/images_impressions/lanta_nationalp.jpg

[Taipei101]

Build the airport at Koh Samui.

[Chad]

Build the airport at Koh Samui.


Funny thing actually, There already an Airport in Koh Samui !!!, Southern Thailand 2nd Busiest Airport too and the 2nd Samui Airport is now pending on approval from the government...:eek: :D

[Chad]

Phuket International Airport :

http://img56.photobucket.com/albums/v171/chady/136767759SGgvJC_ph.jpg

Interior :

http://img56.photobucket.com/albums/v171/chady/148703580xoYdEq_ph.jpg

[Chad]

Thomas Cook has just landed :

http://img56.photobucket.com/albums/v171/chady/107090884KvXgSr_ph.jpg

Thai Airways fleets :

http://img56.photobucket.com/albums/v171/chady/107090926MGnENp_ph.jpg

Looking towwards to the inner island :

http://img56.photobucket.com/albums/v171/chady/130950291nlTdyw_ph.jpg

[kiku99]

those pictures of Lanta are beautiful. no wonder people like to visit Phuket. :)
Phuket airport already looks okay, maybe modernize it up a little and it will be perfect.

[rayman]

phuket airport looks like donmuang interior and exterior

[Chad]

Phuket International Airport :

http://img56.photobucket.com/albums/v171/chady/136767759SGgvJC_ph.jpg

Interior :

http://img56.photobucket.com/albums/v171/chady/148703580xoYdEq_ph.jpg


U r so right Rayman, just the roof color that's actually obviously diifferent to me...:D, probably built about the sametime?

[Chad]

A Marina in Phuket :

http://img56.photobucket.com/albums/v171/chady/109665004UXxiNb_ph.jpg

[BKKinTO]

Nice Marina indeed

[Chad]

I really like those flowers hanging down the terrace....:eek:

[Chad]

Korean telecoms giant enters Phuket IT market

PHUKET: South Korea’s largest fixed-line telecommunications provider, KT Corp, has entered the Thai IT market with a 98-million-baht deal to install 5,000 ADSL ports, providing broadband Internet access, in Phuket.

The contract is part of the TOT’s expansion of Internet services, a key component of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Ministry’s push to make Phuket an “ICT City”.

Speaking at the official launch on July 14, Aran Permpiboon, Senior Executive Vice-President and Acting President of the TOT, said, “We will be installing 5,000 ADSL ports and an additional 19,530 telephone numbers. With Phuket as a tourist destination and the variety of businesses here, this project will boost the local economy by at least 15%.”

He said that the improved ADSL services will also aid the development of services that are not directly dependent on Internet services, such as medical treatment and e-education.

Yong-Kyung Lee, President & CEO of KT Corp, said, “It’s important to have the participation of the private sector in this kind of project. In Korea, the government’s contribution is mainly [in the form of] the promotion of broadband uses and access to the Internet backbone, but we need participation from the private sector as well.”

Mr Lee explained that KT’s entry into the Thai IT market is part of the company’s push into other markets abroad. “We have incorporated companies in Russia, China, Japan and the US and have also contacted officers [to set up operations] in India and Vietnam,” Mr Lee explained. “We have just started working with Thailand, and if it’s successful we expect to work together more in the future.”

Jetsak Bunsuya, Vice-President of the TOT’s Southern Region Operations Department, said that the TOT plans to have 200,000 ADSL ports around the country by the end of the year, with Phuket being the first province to be upgraded.

“The ICT Ministry plans to have a million ADSL ports installed in Thailand by the end of 2005,” he said, adding that it is expected that half of the ports will be provided by the TOT and the other half by the Communications Authority of Thailand (CAT), though the deal has yet to be confirmed.

“Although there is a large demand for ADSL in Phuket, it’s not that easy to provide because it needs a large amount of funding,” he said.

K. Jetsak also said that KT’s involvement will initially be restricted to installing and operating broadband services. Whether it will join the ranks of Loxinfo, KSC and CAT as an Internet Service Provider (ISP) is still under negotiation.

“We expect them to be an ISP for broadband Internet access in Thailand because they have a lot of experience and are experts in this technology,” he said. “KT offers solutions and applications for broadband access. However, we are still discussing whether they will be [able to go into business as] an ISP or not.”


Source : Phuket Gazette : Jul 17, 2004

[Chad]

PHUKET RACE WEEK

http://www.huahintoday.net/newman/gfx/news/regattaPhuket.jpg

UP TO FIFTY BOATS FOR THE INAUGURAL ‘PHUKET RACE WEEK’

The inaugural Phuket Race Week, Asia’s newest regatta, is being held from 10 – 17 July, 2004, presenting a full week of international-standard yacht racing for a wide range of yachts — from the highly competitive top racers all the way to live-aboard cruisers and charter boats.

Phuket Race Week has gone for a number of firsts. The time of year – during the Southwest monsoon – may mean a touch of rain, but it also virtually guarantees consistent breezes.

Hosted by the stylish Evason Phuket Resort on the island’s Southeast coast, and supported strongly by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), courses are set so that racing will take place just offshore the host resort, and both start and finish lines are within sight of land-based spectators. Weather permitting, at least one passage race will be included.

The Phuket Race Week regatta strives to make its mark on the international circuit and is organised and managed by the experienced King’s Cup Regatta and Phuket Boat Show team from Image Asia and is staged in co-operation with Phuket's Ao Chalong Yacht Club — a thriving yacht club with its own club house and regular racing programme. Run under International Sailing Federation (ISAF) rules, Phuket Race Week has New Zealand’s John McLennan as international PRO, leading a team of international race management professionals.

Addressing the thorny issue of classes, particularly the hurdle of attracting locally-based or visiting cruising boats, Phuket Race Week introduces ‘Club Class’ – a class for keelboats participating with the owner onboard, cruisers that do not normally race (so may not have a valid International Rating Club, or IRC, certificate), and for charter boats who prefer a less competitive fleet. Then there’s ‘Charter Class’, racing under the IRC Handicap system, for any yacht chartered for the regatta and not crewed by the owner.

There is also an option for those who can’t get their own boat to Phuket for Race Week: Charter company Sunsail has available for charter six identical, brand-new boats – Jeaneau Sun Odysee 35s. Participants who charter one individually can opt for either Club Class or IRC. If they get a group together to charter four or more, the organisers will create a one-design class just for them. A unique opportunity to race against friends or colleagues.

Andy Dowden, director of Image Asia Events - the event organiser, indicated that solid entries had already reached 34 boats, with at least that many again showing strong interest.

Race Week entries to date include some notable names. Ulumulu (formerly Luna Nuova) and Karakoa will be there. Former King’s Cup winners Radab Kanjanavit’s Cedar Swan, Mark Pescott’s Summersalt and Michel Arnulphy’s Cyrene lead what promises to be the biggest multi-hull fleet to cross an Asian regatta’s start line. Stuart Harrison’s Panic will challenge all four Phuket 8 Sport Boats in a competition well worth scrutiny now that Pla Loma’s Keith Moore has joined the little guys.

On the social side, Phuket Race Week plans to break the regatta party convention. Evason’s stunning ‘Into the Beach’ waterside party area is the focus of all off-the-water activity. A 5-star regatta bar offering post-race drinks at regular pub prices, a big screen showing raw footage of the day’s racing and computer screens carrying results will blend seamlessly with the prize-givings and parties – all in the one area.

Source : Hua Hin Today : Jul 15, 2004

[BKKinTO]

Lots of thing going on in Phuket. Love to see the internet user rate higher.

[Taipei101]

Thailand has many internet users.

[Taipei101]

U r so right Rayman, just the roof color that's actually obviously diifferent to me...:D, probably built about the sametime?

The signs look like the ones at Don Muang, hope these would be much different at Suvanabhumi though. :) :)

[Chad]

The signs look like the ones at Don Muang, hope these would be much different at Suvanabhumi though. :) :)


I believe u can figure that they are different...;)

[Taipei101]

^ They look very similar though.

[Chad]

OH really?...The 2ns BKK Int' Airport and Don Muang looks similar?...OMG !!! :eek: :eek:

[Chad]

French orchid blooms in Phuket

http://img56.photobucket.com/albums/v171/chady/190704_yourmoney06.jpg
L'Orchidée features just 28 villas carefully integrated with the lush garden setting near Patong beach.


Engineering expert answers challenge of difficult but spectacular Patong site


Move over, big developers Here comes a Frenchman with ambitious plans for Phuket. Jean-Claude Guillet is building a villa project to the north of Patong beach called L'Orchid´e, or orchid, Residences.

Construction is well under way and one can visualise a very pretty finished picture, if a rather pricey one. The smallest villas will cost 19.5 million baht and the largest 53 million.

What appeals most is the location at the end of Patong beach where all the action is. Life can sometimes be dull in a quiet corner of the island with just the view to beguile you.

It is a difficult site to develop given its steepness. But Mr Guillet, a construction engineer, has worked on major World Bank projects in Vietnam and Cambodia, according to Stephen O'Brien of Knight Frank Phuket, the agent and manager for the property.

Also helping Mr Guillet is his wife who is an architect, and a nephew who is the marketing manager.

http://img56.photobucket.com/albums/v171/chady/190704_yourmoney07.jpg
The vanda two-bedroom side=by=side willa contains 239 square metres of space including 73 square metres of terraces, and is priced at about 19.5 million baht.

Remarkable too are the details. For instance there is normally one air-conditioner in the bedroom but here two will be installed, the walls are a double layer of brick which is good for insulation, and the foundation goes all the way to bedrock which is unusual for Phuket. The roofing material is a unique product imported from the US called Fibercrete, which is fibreglass mixed with concrete, and from a distance it looks like wood but unlike wood does not have to be replaced every five years.

The attic will be insulated to keep it cool and there will also be a skylight to filter light down. There will be 150 square metres of space without any beams because the structure is not concrete but steel, thus making it unnecessary to have concrete posts in the living area. Receding walls in the estate will be covered with landscaping so that people will not see the concrete and rock _ just the greenery blending well into the surroundings.

There are only 28 villas, one having been cancelled in order to maintain a watercourse that runs during the rainy season. Some forest trees, a few of them a hundred years old, will be left to enhance the beauty of the site.

And who will be the owners? To go by current market conditions they are likely to be buyers from Hong Kong, who account for 55% of Phuket's foreign market, and Singapore, another 25%.

"In Hong Kong and Singapore they do a lot of leasing. This is not something unusual for them. But North American people are not used to the idea of leasing, so a lease in Thailand is scary for them," Mr O'Brien said.

Two years ago there was a lot less on the market in the upscale villa segment and it was also selling more slowly. At that time, for every 3.2 villas on the market there was one sale but today the figure has declined to 2.7 villas per sale.

Mr O'Brien also maintains that there will never be an oversupply in Phuket because developers there do not build on speculation.

The violence in the three southernmost provinces has affected sentiment because it has been blown out of proportion by the media in Hong Kong and Singapore, he added. "I wouldn't say people are not going to buy but they are delaying their purchase. It is unfortunate the way this has been reported by the media in Singapore and Hong Kong. They truly believe we are all getting our throats cut."

Even though the outlook is a bit stormy right now, L'Orchid´e Residence has recorded six sales in two months, mostly to well-heeled Hong Kong buyers.

However, for local buyers who find L'Orchid´e too rich for their tastes, Land & Houses Plc is also a significant developer on the island and offers products more within the reach of average homeowners.



Source : Bangkokpost : Jul 19, 2004

[Chad]

Chao Fah to expand



After launching the first phase of Chao Fah City, a 300,000-square-metre retail complex known as the Phuket International Night Bazaar, the developer Anuphas & Sons Co says it will turn another 50 rai of its 1,500-rai site into an auto centre next year.

"Apart from being a real estate developer, we're also an auto dealer in Phuket, distributing vehicles by Honda, Mazda and Ford, for example. So the next phase of Chao Fah City is to add our own automobile centre to the compound," said managing director Phummisak Hongsyok.

Chintana S. Daengdej, managing director of Phuket Night Bazaar Co, developer of the retail centre in Muang district, said she expected up to 50% of the 10,000 retail units in Phuket Night Bazaar would be rented out to small and medium enterprises and that up to 3,000 businesses would fill the three-billion-baht site's retail space.



Source : Bangkokpost : Jul 19, 2004

[Chad]

Giant Buddha gets go-ahead

http://img56.photobucket.com/albums/v171/chady/bull7202004-3558-1.jpg
At the site, a model gives some idea of what the Mingmongkol Buddha
will look like when complete.



KARON: Construction of the controversial Mingmongkol Buddha image atop Nakkerd Hill will resume next month, now that the Royal Forest Department (RFD) has issued a paper authorizing work on the project to continue.

The authorization stipulates that the project remain in compliance with the original plan and that steps be taken to minimize further erosion at the project site.

Work on the project was halted nine months ago after it was deemed to have exceeded its original scope and for violating the ban on the construction of permanent structures above 80 meters. The ban went into effect in 1994 in an effort to halt just the kind of erosion that the project has caused.

Originally authorized to consist of no more than a single brass Buddha and some bathrooms, the project quickly mushroomed to include a large sala and several other structures designed to accommodate the needs of “pilgrims” and those making donations to fund construction.

Under a new design the image will be 45 meters high, and 25 meters across at its base. It will be made of reinforced concrete and covered with gold leaf.

The image is expected to be particularly spectacular around dusk, when it will reflect the dying rays of the sun. Promoted as the world’s largest gold-leaf-covered Buddha image, it is expected to become a major religious icon and tourist attraction for Phuket.

At a ceremony at the project site on Saturday, Phuket Prison Chief Panya Panatnachee presented the RFD permission paper to Suporn Wanichkul, head of the Mingmongkol Buddha project committee.

The RFD permission paper stipulates that construction now be limited to the Buddha image itself. Additional structures, including a large temporary sala and numerous places for devotees and tourists to make merit and give donations, must be removed from the site once the Buddha image is completed. The RFD paper also stipulates that trees be planted in the area to prevent further soil erosion.

K. Suporn said his committee was satisfied with the state’s decision and said that full-time work will resume in August. He said that herbs and native trees would be planted in the area.

It was not reported if these will be of the same species as the stands of virgin forest that were felled to make way for the project and the access road leading to it.

However, K. Suporn said his committee intends to continue lobbying the government for the right to build more permanent structures at the site, “should they be required to meet the needs of tourists who visit the site”. These would included accommodation for monks and a permanent sala, he said.

In fact, a brochure soliciting donations for the project, which is still being widely distributed in Phuket, reads, “There will be a meditation center when the development is completed.”

K. Suporn added that the project will be completed within two years.

“Money collected [from donations by "pilgrims" and tourists] will pay for the upkeep of the image,” he said.

Source : Phuket Gazette : Jul 22, 2004

[Zimoune]

Chalong Seaview: 41 villas on 63 rai
http://www.chalong-seaview.com/images/Type-A-small-1.jpg

Sri Panwa: 44 villas on 57 rai
http://www.charnissara.com/images/sripanwa/typeb_full_02.jpg

Rawai Villas: 18 villas on 18 rai
http://www.coraltreeproperties.com/a_perspective.gif

Samsara: 14 villas on 15 rai
http://www.exclusivehomes-phuket.com/image_listing/samsara2.jpg

Jomchang: 11 villas on 25 rai
http://www.phuketland.com/jomchang/images/photo/villa_view_main.jpg

Acqua: under plan
http://www.alilahotels.com/images/upload/articles/images/Dayshot1.jpg

Kamala Orchid Estate: 7 villas on 7 rai
http://www.kamala-orchid-estate.com/images/photogallery01tn.jpg

The Plantation: 24 villas on 45 rai (has some apartments also)
http://www.theplantationphuket.com/upload/image/Live/P34L1/villa2_big.jpg

Katamanda: 44 villas on 28 rai (has some apartments also)
http://www.katamanda.com/images/mynah.jpg

Villa Santi: 28 villas on 18 rai (has some apartments also)
http://www.phuket-villa-santi.com/images/Image-02.jpg

Maan Tawan: 13 villas on 16 rai (has some apartments also)
http://www.u5uk.com/you/maan/images/artimg/HYQJA-5/villa-perspect.jpg

Layan Estate: 18 villas on 30 rai
http://www.layanestate.com/images/3bed/3.jpg

Vichuda Hills: 7 villas on 14 rai
http://www.vichudahills.com/images/villa/villa_typea.jpg

Saan Tan: 20 villas
http://www.sai-taan-phuket.com/images/rendering1.jpg

The Residence: 21 villas
http://www.exclusivehomes-phuket.com/image_listing/richmond1.jpg

Surin Heights: 12 villas
http://www.exclusivehomes-phuket.com/image_listing/surin_heights1.jpg

Orchidee Residence: 31 villas on 22 rai
http://www.exclusivehomes-phuket.com/image_listing/lorchidee3.jpg

Royal Phuket Marina: 12 villas on 190 rai (has apartments, retails and marina)
http://www.exclusivehomes-phuket.com/image_listing/rpm3.jpg

Phuket Pavillon: 9 villas
http://www.phuketpavilions.com/images/img_fac_01.jpg

Sirinthara::6 villas on 4 rai
http://www.erawana.com/images/type-Asirin.jpg

Laguna Residences: "unlimited"
http://www.exclusivehomes-phuket.com/image_listing/laguna1.jpg

.... and other projects I guess... just to see how Phuket gonna look like soon :)

[kiku99]

The image is expected to be particularly spectacular around dusk, when it will reflect the dying rays of the sun. Promoted as the world’s largest gold-leaf-covered Buddha image, it is expected to become a major religious icon and tourist attraction for Phuket.
another great icon. i would love to go see it.:)

btw, those villas look very nice and pricey.

[Chad]

Chalong Seaview: 41 villas on 63 rai
http://www.chalong-seaview.com/images/Type-A-small-1.jpg

Sri Panwa: 44 villas on 57 rai
http://www.charnissara.com/images/sripanwa/typeb_full_02.jpg

Rawai Villas: 18 villas on 18 rai
http://www.coraltreeproperties.com/a_perspective.gif

Samsara: 14 villas on 15 rai
http://www.exclusivehomes-phuket.com/image_listing/samsara2.jpg

Jomchang: 11 villas on 25 rai
http://www.phuketland.com/jomchang/images/photo/villa_view_main.jpg

Acqua: under plan
http://www.alilahotels.com/images/upload/articles/images/Dayshot1.jpg

Kamala Orchid Estate: 7 villas on 7 rai
http://www.kamala-orchid-estate.com/images/photogallery01tn.jpg

The Plantation: 24 villas on 45 rai (has some apartments also)
http://www.theplantationphuket.com/upload/image/Live/P34L1/villa2_big.jpg

Katamanda: 44 villas on 28 rai (has some apartments also)
http://www.katamanda.com/images/mynah.jpg

Villa Santi: 28 villas on 18 rai (has some apartments also)
http://www.phuket-villa-santi.com/images/Image-02.jpg

Maan Tawan: 13 villas on 16 rai (has some apartments also)
http://www.u5uk.com/you/maan/images/artimg/HYQJA-5/villa-perspect.jpg

Layan Estate: 18 villas on 30 rai
http://www.layanestate.com/images/3bed/3.jpg

Vichuda Hills: 7 villas on 14 rai
http://www.vichudahills.com/images/villa/villa_typea.jpg

Saan Tan: 20 villas
http://www.sai-taan-phuket.com/images/rendering1.jpg

The Residence: 21 villas
http://www.exclusivehomes-phuket.com/image_listing/richmond1.jpg

Surin Heights: 12 villas
http://www.exclusivehomes-phuket.com/image_listing/surin_heights1.jpg

Orchidee Residence: 31 villas on 22 rai
http://www.exclusivehomes-phuket.com/image_listing/lorchidee3.jpg

Royal Phuket Marina: 12 villas on 190 rai (has apartments, retails and marina)
http://www.exclusivehomes-phuket.com/image_listing/rpm3.jpg

Phuket Pavillon: 9 villas
http://www.phuketpavilions.com/images/img_fac_01.jpg

Sirinthara::6 villas on 4 rai
http://www.erawana.com/images/type-Asirin.jpg

Laguna Residences: "unlimited"
http://www.exclusivehomes-phuket.com/image_listing/laguna1.jpg

.... and other projects I guess... just to see how Phuket gonna look like soon :)

GREAT SUMS !!!...I'll add more soon,,.....:okay:

[Chad]

[i]Maan Tawan : 28 luxurious and exclusive homes

http://www.cbre.co.th/images/maantawanmap1.jpg

http://www.cbre.co.th/images/maantawanvilla1.jpg
5 Bedrooms Villas

http://www.cbre.co.th/images/maantawanwaterside1.jpg
Waterside Villas

http://www.cbre.co.th/images/maantawanap1.jpg
Apartment and Penhouses

[Chad]

ภูเก็ตมารีน่า ผุดท่าเรือยอชท์ รับลูกค้า'เศรษฐี' ระดับโลก

นักลงทุนจากเกาะอังกฤษ เปิดตัวภูเก็ตมารีน่า เนรมิตคอนโดหรู รีเทลเทนเมนท์ - มารีน่าใหญ่สุดในเอเชียมูลค่า 6 พันล้านบาท หวังดึงเศรษฐีทั่วโลก นำเรือยอชท์ จอดแทนมาเลเซีย หลังรัฐบาลปรับนโยบาย งดเก็บภาษีเรือยอชท์ และลดภาษีสินค้าฟุ่มเฟือย เพิ่มศักยภาพภูเก็ต ดูดนักท่องเที่ยวไฮเอนด์จากทั่วโลก

นายกูลู ลาวานี ประธานบริษัท ไบนาโทน เทเลคอม กรุ๊ป บริษัทผู้ออกแบบพัฒนาและผลิตอุปกรณ์โทรคมนาคม ในประเทศอังกฤษ เปิดเผยถึงโครงการสร้าง รอยัล ภูเก็ตมารีน่า ว่า เป็นการลงทุนสร้างโครงการหรู เพื่อเจาะกลุ่มเป้าหมายเศรษฐีจากทั่วโลก ที่ล่องเรือยอชท์เป็นงานอดิเรก

โดยเน้นเฉพาะเรือขนาดใหญ่เกินกว่า 20 เมตรขึ้นไป ซึ่งปัจจุบันนิยมแวะจอดที่มารีน่าบริเวณเกาะลังกาวีของมาเลเซีย เพราะแต่เดิมการเก็บภาษีเรือยอชท์ ของประเทศไทย สูงมาก ถึง 200% แต่ทางมาเลเซียไม่ได้เก็บภาษี ในอดีตเจ้าของเรือยอชท์ จึงนิยมใช้บริการท่าเรือในมาเลเซียมากกว่า

อย่างไรก็ตาม ล่าสุดรัฐบาลไทย เล็งเห็นเม็ดเงินจากเจ้าของเรือยอชท์ ซึ่งจะนำเงินมาใช้จ่ายในการซื้อสินค้าและบริการด้านการท่องเที่ยว จึงได้ลดภาษีเรือยอชท์ลงเหลือ 0% แล้ว ส่งผลให้ โครงการรอยัล ภูเก็ตมารีน่าเห็นศักยภาพการลงทุน

ทั้งนี้ ได้เริ่มก่อสร้างโครงการ รอยัล ภูเก็ตมารีน่า ขึ้น บริเวณชายฝั่งด้านทิศตะวันตกของเกาะภูเก็ต บนเนื้อที่ 190 ไร่ โดยใช้เงินลงทุนกว่า 6 พันล้านบาท แบ่งการก่อสร้างเป็น 3 เฟส โดยเฟสแรกจะเริ่มสร้างมารีน่าหรือท่าจอดเรือส่วนตัว ในส่วนที่ติดกับทะเลก่อน และห้องพักแบบวิลล่า กับร้านค้าในส่วนที่อยู่ในกลุ่มของความบันเทิงและพักผ่อน จะเริ่มดำเนินการในเดือน ธ.ค. นี้

โดยเมื่อโครงการแล้วเสร็จ สามารถรองรับเรือยอชท์ ขนาด 20 เมตรขึ้นไปได้ 350 ลำ และมีสถานที่พักทั้งคอนโดและวิลล่า ติดท่าจอดเรือยอชท์ ลักษณะเป็นอ่าวปิดออกสู่ทะเล 400 ยูนิต รวมทั้งส่วนร้านค้า ที่จำหน่ายสินค้าฟุ่มเฟือยลดภาษี อาทิ อัญมณี เสื้อผ้าแบรนด์ชั้นนำ กับสปาครบวงจร โรงแรมระดับ 5 ดาว บนเนื้อที่ 15,000 ตารางเมตร หรือที่เรียกว่า รีเทลเทนเมนท์

เศรษฐีจองแล้ว 22 ยูนิต

นายกูลู กล่าวว่า ตั้งแต่เปิดขายโครงการ มียอดสั่งจองคอนโดมิเนียม และวิลล่ารวมกันแล้ว 22 ยูนิต เป็นของคนไทย 4 ยูนิต และชาวต่างชาติอีก 18 ยูนิต ราคาเริ่มต้นที่ยูนิตละ 10 ล้านบาท และลูกค้าจะได้รับสิทธิเป็นสมาชิกรอยัล ภูเก็ตมารีน่า คลับ ซึ่งสามารถเดินทางไปพักผ่อนบนหาดส่วนตัวที่เกาะนาคา ได้ด้วยเวลาเพียง 10 นาที

นายกูลู กล่าวต่อว่า รอยัล ภูเก็ตมารีน่า จะเป็นมารีน่าที่ใหญ่ที่สุดและทันสมัยที่สุดในเอเชีย และนำรายได้เข้าสู่ประเทศไทยมหาศาล จากการใช้จ่ายเงินซื้อสินค้าและบริการ ระหว่างที่จอดเรือท่องเที่ยวอยู่ในประเทศไทย ตลอดจนรายได้จากค่าดูแลรักษาเรือยอชท์ขนาดใหญ่ ที่มีราคาสูงมาก

โดยรวมแล้วประเทศไทยมีโอกาส เพราะค่าใช้จ่ายในเรื่องค่าน้ำมัน ค่าสึกหรอ เมื่อรวมกับการลดเก็บภาษีแล้วจะทำให้ค่าใช้จ่ายในการดูแลรักษาเรือ ต่อวันในประเทศไทย ต่ำกว่าประเทศอื่นๆ 60-70%

"ขณะนี้อยู่ระหว่างเลือกเชนโรงแรมสากลระดับ 5 ดาว ที่จะเข้ามาบริหารในส่วนของห้องพักและโรงแรมที่มีอยู่ 2 แห่ง ส่วนสปาครบวงจร จะใช้เชนสปาของอนันดาสปา ซึ่งเป็นสปาอันดับ 1 ของโลก เป็นเชนจากประเทศอินเดีย" นายกูลูกล่าว

สำหรับจุดเด่นของโครงการ รอยัล ภูเก็ตมารีน่า อยู่ที่ท่าจอดเรือยอชท์ ที่เป็นส่วนตัวและตั้งอยู่หน้าห้องพักทุกห้อง และการที่ก่อสร้างอยู่ทางฝั่งตะวันตกของเกาะภูเก็ต จะทำให้สามารถล่องเรือยอชท์ออกทะเลได้ตลอดทั้งปี เพราะสภาพอากาศ มีความแปรปรวนน้อยกว่าทางฝั่งอื่นๆ ของเกาะ

นายกูลู กล่าวต่อว่า มีเศรษฐีชาวต่างชาติที่อยู่ในวัยเกษียณอายุจำนวนมาก ที่ชื่นชอบประเทศไทย โดยเฉพาะเกาะภูเก็ต ดังนั้น จึงเป็นโอกาสดีในการลงทุนสร้างที่พักผ่อนแบบพำนักระยะยาว และภูเก็ตก็มีความพร้อมในสาธารณูปโภคพื้นฐานทุกด้าน

ขณะเดียวกัน แหล่งท่องเที่ยวก็มีความสมบูรณ์และงดงาม เทียบเท่าแหล่งท่องเที่ยวชั้นนำในโลก อีกทั้งยังสามารถเดินทางได้อย่างสะดวกสบาย เพราะมีสนามบินนานาชาติ ดังนั้น จึงไม่ยากที่จะทำให้ภูเก็ตกลายเป็นศูนย์กลางการเดินเรือยอชท์ และประเทศไทย ก็จะได้รับประโยชน์ ในการสร้างภาพลักษณ์ของประเทศแห่งการท่องเที่ยว ระดับไฮเอนด์อีกด้วย

สะท้อนภูเก็ต แหล่งท่องเที่ยวชั้นนำของโลก

นายร็อบบี้ จิลคริสต์ ประธานกรรมการ และผู้อำนวยการบริหารฝ่ายสร้างสรรค์บริษัท ครีเอทีฟ อินเฮ้าส์ จำกัด เอเยนซีโฆษณาของโครงการกล่าวว่า ครีเอทีฟ อินเฮ้าส์ ได้สร้างสรรค์แคมเปญโฆษณา และสร้างแบรนด์ครบทุกรูปแบบ อาทิ โบรชัวร์ เอกสารประกอบการขาย ไดเร็คเมล์ เวบไซต์ ตลอดจนผลิตวิดีโอ บิลบอร์ด และวัสดุอุปกรณ์อื่นๆ ที่ใช้เพื่อโพรโมตโรงแรมทั้งหมด

?เมื่องานสำเร็จ โครงการใหม่นี้จะกลายเป็นโครงการแรกในธุรกิจแนวนี้ของภูเก็ตและภูมิภาคนี้ พร้อมมอบความเป็นเลิศที่มีเอกลักษณ์พิเศษเฉพาะตัว ทั้งด้านไลฟ์สไตล์ที่อยู่อาศัย โอกาสของร้านค้าย่อย และความบันเทิงในบรรยากาศแบบมารีน่าแท้ๆ สื่อถึงความรู้สึกของการค้นพบดินแดนในฝันก็เป็นได้ เราสร้างแนวคิดหลักคือ ?Remember the First Time? เพื่อจับความรู้สึกอันแรงกล้าของผู้บริโภคมีระดับ? นายจิลคริสต์ กล่าว

พร้อมกันนี้ เขาย้ำว่าการเปิดตัวอย่างเป็นทางการของโครงการรอยัล ภูเก็ต มารีน่า ในครั้งนี้สะท้อนถึงความมั่นใจต่อจังหวัดภูเก็ต ในฐานะแหล่งท่องเที่ยวชั้นนำของโลกสำหรับตลาดระดับบน และความสามารถอย่างต่อเนื่องของไทยในการดึงดูดการลงทุน ซึ่งสอดคล้องกับเป้าประสงค์ของประเทศในปัจจุบัน


Source : Bangkok Business News : Jul 24, 2004

[Chad]

22 Units has aalready been sold.....already?!??!...:eek: :eek:

But well, seems like the price is kinda reasonable, 10 Million each since most villa-propery in Phuket are around 40 Miilion Baht or 1 Million USD....:)

[BKKinTO]

Phuket is getting more luxury.If I have a land there I would ask for those high end name brands to come and open their outlets there.Like an avenue.Must be cool !!

[Zimoune]

Phuket is now expanding to the east coat... lots of recent new developments for those who want to escare tourists from Phuket west coast. New marina, new golf course, Phuket is definitevely expanding its activity and becoming more luxurious..

[Chad]

Yeh, Phuket has becoming more and more expensive..., Everage Thai's bank-saving is the highest in Southern Thailand...:okay:

[Chad]

Raimon Land investes Baht 150 million in two Phuket residential projects


The CEO of Raimon Land Plc., Mr. Nigel J. Cornick today announced the acquisition of two residential projects in Kata Noi, Phuket. The first investment is the purchase of the Katamanda Garden apartment development from Katamanda Gardens Co., Ltd. The development, occupying approximately 5 rai of land immediately behind Kata Noi Beach will comprise 33, 1,2 and 3 Bedroom residential units ranging in size from 108mฒ to 300 mฒ. The project will be set in lush landscaped gardens with extensive water features. In additional, there will be a retail component serving the needs of the residents.

Source : www.Raimonland.com

[Chad]

[i]Woodlands Villas : Starting from 3-5 bedrooms, 2-3 Million USD

http://woodlandsphuket.com/artistic-house-renditionc.jpg

http://woodlandsphuket.com/final-Master-plan-X.jpg

[Chad]

Sunset Residence : Apartment 64-70 Sq.m, 300 000 USD

http://www.sunsetresidence.com/g3/Picts/pict1.jpg

http://www.sunsetresidence.com/g3/Picts/pict2.jpg

http://www.sunsetresidence.com/g3/Picts/pict4.jpg

http://www.sunsetresidence.com/g3/Picts/pict6.jpg

http://img56.photobucket.com/albums/v171/chady/PHU.gif

[Chad]

Vichuda Hills : sold out

http://www.phuketdir.com/vichudahills/vichudahills-01.jpg

http://www.phuketdir.com/vichudahills/vichudahills-02.jpg

http://www.phuketdir.com/vichudahills/vichudahills-03.jpg

http://www.phuketdir.com/vichudahills/vichudahills-04.jpg

http://www.phuketdir.com/vichudahills/vichudahills-05.jpg

http://www.phuketdir.com/vichudahills/vichudahills-06.jpg

http://www.phuketdir.com/vichudahills/vichudahills-07.jpg

http://www.phuketdir.com/vichudahills/vichudahills-08.jpg


http://www.vichudahills.com/images/view-from-top-hill-to-sea.jpg

http://www.vichudahills.com/images/map_big.jpg



***[b]April 2004 : Only one villa left for sale ! The new phase is now under development : Vichuda Lake with 11 prestigious villas.

[Chad]

Vichuda Lakes, Vichuda Hills Phase II : 16 Villas, 1-3 Millions USD- 4 Units Remain

http://www.vichudalake.com/images/perspective_big.jpg

http://www.vichudalake.com/images/lake-perspective-big.jpg

http://www.vichudalake.com/images/masterplan_big.jpg

[Chad]

[b]Baan Prang Thong : 49 Housing units, Starting from 300 000 USD

http://www.banprangthong.com/images/desib_01.jpg

http://www.banprangthong.com/images/desib_02.jpg

http://www.banprangthong.com/images/proj_b10.jpg

http://www.banprangthong.com/images/masterps.gif

http://www.banprangthong.com/images/hktmapsm.gif

[Chad]

Rawaii Villas, 20 Villas from 1.5 Millions USD- 8 remaining left

http://www.phuketland.com/rawai-villas/a_perspective.gif

http://www.phuketland.com/rawai-villas/b_perspective.gif

http://www.phuketland.com/rawai-villas/c_perspective.gif

http://www.phuketland.com/rawai-villas/d_perspective.gif

http://www.phuketland.com/rawai-villas/3d_wide1small.jpg

http://www.phuketland.com/rawai-villas/siteplan.gif

http://www.phuketland.com/rawai-villas/map1.gif

[Chad]

Surin Height, 11 Villas from 3 Million USD

http://www.phuketland.com/surinheights/images/v7-final.jpg

http://www.phuketland.com/surinheights/images/daytime.jpg

http://www.phuketland.com/surinheights/images/img_map_17.gif

[Chad]

East Coast Ocean Villas, All 16 units in Phase 1 are now sold out. Phase 2 (16 units/final phase ) are now for sale from 250 000 USD

http://www.phuketland.com/eastcoastvillas/images/img_about_12.jpg

http://www.phuketland.com/eastcoastvillas/images/img_map_02.gif

[Chad]

Kamala Hills, 12 Units from 100 000 USD :

http://www.phuketland.com/kamalahills/index_files/elevation_1.jpg

http://www.phuketland.com/kamalahills/sales_files/phasingweb.gif

http://www.phuketland.com/kamalahills/apartments_files/sitemap.jpg

http://www.phuketland.com/kamalahills/location_files/kamalahillsmapb.jpg

[Zimoune]

wish they gonna move office buildings there soon§§§!

[Chad]

Phuket Pavillions Hotel and Villas, Only nine three-bedroom villas are available for sale in this exclusive development. Pavilions, the resort, will operate with a further 21 one-bedroom private pool villas which will greatly support the marketing and enhance the returns of the 3 BR villas on behalf of owners who opt for the villa management program.

Phuket Pavilions is now under construction. Infrastructure works and site preparation are underway and onsite management/marketing offices are now complete. The full resort and all villas are scheduled for completion at the end of the first quarter of 2005.

The 3 bedroom (665sqm) villas with pool are offered at the pre-launch price of 16.5 million Baht or approximately USD 420,000 or Euro 339,000.



http://www.phuketland.com/phuket_pavilions/images/img_fac_01.jpg

http://www.phuketland.com/phuket_pavilions/images/popup/masterplan.gif

Hotel :

Phuket Pavilions Hotel

Opening April 2005


The Phuket Pavilions hotel, comprises of 21 individual stand-alone villas (Pavilion), all with a 4m x 12m swimming pool and all overlooking the Andaman Sea with stunning ocean views.

Each suite has over 1,050 sq ft of covered area with large decks, terraces, garden areas and a sala next to the swimming pool.

Each Pavilion sits in a site area of 3,500 sq ft. In keeping with Bali Pavilions each will have complete privacy and more space than any other product available in Phuket or indeed Thailand.

http://www.phuketland.com/phuket_pavilions/images/img_hotel.jpg

http://www.phuketland.com/phuket_pavilions/images/img_hotel_03.jpg

http://www.phuketland.com/phuket_pavilions/images/map_01y.gif

[rayman]

surin heights looks really really wonderfull must be really really expensive there I bet

[rayman]

its nice to have these luxury houses around phuket, and then add some nice looking glass highrises in phuket town as the commercial area of Phuket+ a monorail, that would make Phuket really nice and look developed to the max, like singapore or dubai.

[Chad]

its nice to have these luxury houses around phuket, and then add some nice looking glass highrises in phuket town as the commercial area of Phuket+ a monorail, that would make Phuket really nice and look developed to the max, like singapore or dubai.


Nah, the sensation of relaxation inn sunny Andaman Pearl would be long gone ferever.

[Chad]

Asia’s world-class marina to open soon

G RANGANATH staff writer

HERE’S a love story of a different kind! Between an overseas Indian billionaire and Phuket — one of the world’s famous tourist destinations known for its pristine beaches with sparkling waters.

A sailing aficionado, the billionaire explains: “Exploring new destinations has been my hobby since 1970. Sailing around islands in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean was my favourite leisure activity. Then, in 1991, someone suggested that I visit Phuket. I flew down to the island with my family. Stunned by its beauty, I fell in love with it. Thus, my love story started, and from then on, I have been a regular visitor. I have decided to retire in Phuket and spend rest of my life there.”

“After travelling round the world for more than 40 years, I’ve concluded that Phuket is the best holiday destination, which is known for its crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, beautiful islands and year-round sailing climate. Beyond doubt, it is better than many, many islands in the Caribbean or the Mediterranean,” he further said.

Gulu Lalvani, pictured above, the man in question, is chairman of Binatone Telecom, the world’s second largest manufacturer of digital cordless telephones.

His “love” for the island’s irresistible combination of natural beauty, golden beaches and rich culture has prompted the billionaire, who was ranked eighth in Britain’s Richest Asians List — 2003, to conceive a mammoth investment project. His “13-year-old love story” finally saw him launching Royal Phuket Marina (RPM) — Asia’s first world-class marina, residential, retail and entertainment complex on the pristine eastern coast of Thailand’s paradise island.

Set on 190 rai of land, RPM will have 400 marina condominiums and luxury villas. It will also have a shopping arcade, ayurvedic spa, yacht club and a cinema.

Many residential units will have private doorstep berths for mooring boats and yachts. The marina can accommodate a maximum of 350 yachts. The first phase of the project involving 100 residential units is scheduled to be completed in December. The condominiums and villas are priced in the 9.95-68 million baht range.

Asked how he conceived the mammoth project, 65-year-old Lalvani says, “I wanted to create something that Phuket will be proud of. There is no such marina on the island with all the facilities. Hence, I decided to develop one.”

The UK-based businessman, who played an instrumental role in convincing the Thai government to reduce import duty on yachts from as high as 220 percent to zero, says, “I convinced Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to reduce the duty only in the interest of the island. No sooner was it brought to zero, than millions of dollars began coming in. Now, it is boom time in Phuket. Opportunities are tremendous for businessmen, especially retailers. If big yachts sail to Phuket, the island will undoubtedly become the biggest beneficiary, earning lots of foreign exchange. In all probability, the value of properties will surely double in the next two or three years. Hence, it is wise to invest in Phuket now.”

Along with Udomsak Ussavarangkura, governor of Phuket, Lalvani launched the mammoth residential, retail and entertainment complex amid pomp and gaiety at Conrad Hotel on Saturday in the presence of the town’s elite.

Source : Business Daily News : Jul 26, 2004

[Chad]

Phuket rides wave of success for yachting businesses

Business Day


EVER since the import duty on yachts was abolished, Phuket has become the most sought after destination for investors, Thais and foreigners alike, looking at developing marinas with residential and entertainment complexes.

As of now, there are two marinas on the eastern coast of Phuket.

The Yacht Haven, owned by the Phatraprasit family, is located on the northeastern coast of Phuket on Phang Nga bay. The Phatraprasit family bought 500 rai to develop residential, luxury villas, hotels and resorts as part of Yacht Haven.

The second one – the Boat Lagoon is both a marina and the largest facility for repairing boats and yachts.

British-based Gulu Lalvani over the weekend launched a six-billion baht Royal Phuket Marina on the eastern coast of the island.

In the pipeline is another marina on the northeastern part of the island near Ao Po, which will soon be set up by a group of Thai-Malaysian investors led by Premchai Karnasuta, managing director of Italian-Thai Development Plc, and former finance minister Tarrin Nimmanahaeminda. The group bought a large chunk of land in Ao Po to develop the project. – Business Day

Source : Business Daily News : Jul 26, 2004

[Chad]

Andaman land boom

Somluck Srimalee


Prices in Phang Nga and Krabi skyrocket over past 12 months

Property investment is booming in Krabi and Phang Nga, neighbouring provinces of Phuket, with land prices increasing by more than 100 per cent since the start of this year.

"Last month, a local investor bought 60 rai of land from the Financial Sector Restructuring Authority (FRA) for Bt80 million. Last week this investor sold this same plot of land for Bt120 million, making a profit of Bt40 million in three weeks," said Samacha Potavorn, the governor of Phang Nga.

The value of land transactions in Krabi and Phang Nga hit Bt5 billion in the first half of this year, Governor Amnuay Sa Nguannam of Krabi and Governor Samacha said in an interview with The Nation.

Together with Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga comprise the Andaman Triangle, a location for marine tourism and the gateway for trade to South Asia. Each year about five million foreign travellers visit these three provinces, making them the hottest destinations in Thailand.

Samacha said that investors from Phuket, Bangkok and abroad have been buying up Phang Nga properties as they plan huge investments in the hotel and resort sector.

The buying spree took off last year, following in the footsteps of Krabi, as property prices in Phuket became too high.

"This has driven up the land prices in Phang Nga by more than 100 per cent in the first half of this year," Samacha said.

He added that a number of investors plan to construct resorts and hotels in line with the government policy to promote the three provinces as world-class marine tourism destinations by 2007.

Within three years, the governor believes that Phang Nga will have hotel accommodation of up to 10,000 rooms, or double the present level. In 2002, Phang Nga had only 2,500 hotel rooms.

That means investors would expand their investment by Bt5 billion in the next three years for resort and hotel construction in the province, Samacha said.

Somkeart Sangrung, chief of the Land Department of Phang Nga, said that the department recorded land transaction fees of Bt129 million in the first half of this year, indicating the value of land that changed hands was worth up to Bt2 billion, compared with land transaction fees of Bt93.7 million in 2003.

Investors include an owner of Phuket Acadia, the Amari Group and hotel chains from Europe that declined to be named, Somkeart said.

Currently, Phang Nga has one luxury hotel - the Sofitel Magic Lagoon Resort & Spa.

Sofitel Magic Lagoon Resort & Spa is owner by Turkish investor Atmacan Zienel.

The hotel was opened last year with 100 rooms available out of a total of 319 total rooms, all of which will be available when the project is completed by the end of this year.

The hotel had a 90-per-cent occupancy rate during the high season last year.

The prime locations for investors in Phang Nga are Takua Pa, Thai Muang and Takua Thung.

Krabi also has also had huge investment over the past two years. Investors have turned from Phuket to Krabi, which is relatively cheaper and also has an international airport and long, beautiful beaches.

Amnuay, Krabi's governor, said that investors have been gearing up to invest in Krabi for two years, concentrating on Ao Nang, which is the prime mainland location to access a number of islands.

But now a number of investors have shown interest in Koh Lanta, a new tourist destination in Krabi province. The investors include the Dusit Thani Group, the Central Group, The Grand Hotel Group and Thai Nakorn Pattana Co Ltd.

Amnuay believes that room accommodation will increase from 9,088 units at the end of 2003 to 11,000 units this year, with new investment of up to Bt3 billion for the construction of resorts and hotels.

Chief of the Land Department of Krabi, Sakwut Chimtinom, said that the official valuation of land in Krabi increased 79 per cent by January 1, 2004, but land transactions increased by as much as 100 per cent in some areas such as Ao Nang and Lanta Island.

Last month Chamroon Chitratsanee, the owner of the Grand Hotel in Bangkok, bought Phi Phi Palm Beach Resort for Bt500 million from Phi Phi Holiday Co Ltd.

Sakwut estimated land transactions in the first half of this year increased by between Bt2 billion and Bt3 billion, based on estimations made from the transaction fees.

Krabi boasts a number of luxury hotels, including the Sheraton, Rayavadee and Twin Lotus. The Central Group is also developing a resort hotel at Ao Rai Lay.

Source : THE NATION : Jul 26, 2004

[Chad]

Andaman area set for tourist boom

Somluck Srimalee


Krabi, Phang Nga and Phuket integral part of government plan to boost visitors

Krabi, Phang Nga and Phuket are aiming to collectively become a world-class marine travel destination and the gateway for trade with South Asia by 2007, in keeping with the government’s ambition to boost Thailand’s visitor arrivals to 20 million by 2010.

Krabi Governor Amnuay Sa-Nguannam said last week that the three provinces would be collectively known as the Andaman Triangle, with specialised characteristics designed to lure up to 11 million tourists annually by 2007, up 100 per cent from five million in 2003.

Krabi will focus on eco-tourism as well as sustainable agricultural and industrial development, he said. Popular destinations like the Shelly Limestone Yard, Klong Tom Hot Waterfall and Emerald Sea will be further developed.

Amnuay said Krabi’s long beaches would be kept pristine by banning commercial enterprises like umbrella rentals.

“Krabi will be different from Phuket because we’ll focus on nature and eco-tourism, not nightlife or large entertainment sites like Phuket Fantasy,” he said. “Our target is the quality tourist rather than the backpacker.”

The province wants to double its current tourist arrivals to three million by the end of 2007 and boost average visitor spending from Bt2,518 a day to Bt3,500.

Krabi earned Bt17.46 billion from tourism last year, compared to Bt15 billion from agriculture and Bt3.2 billion from industry, including palm oil and seafood processing.

Amnuay noted that Krabi, with its deep-sea port, also had the potential to be a gateway for trade between Southeast Asia and India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Middle East.

Phang Nga meanwhile also has plans to become a top eco-tourism destination as well as a regional centre for traditional medicine.

Governor Samacha Potavorn cited the province’s lengthy beaches and beautiful Similan and Surin islands, with their prime diving sites, all of which are protected by law.

“We want to conserve our nature and use sustainable development to enhance the travel business,” Samacha said.

Phang Nga will be the Andaman Triangle’s designated source of water, farm produce and seafood, while at the same time investing up to Bt50 million in a Herbal and Traditional Medicine Centre that will appeal to foreign visitors, he said.

Phang Nga is expecting to earn up to Bt8 billion from tourism by the end of fiscal 2004 in September, an amount equal to its income from agriculture.

The province hosted a million tourists last year, with average spending calculated at Bt1,700 per day. It aims to boost those numbers by the end of 2007 to 2.5 million visitors spending Bt2,000 a day.

Source : THE NATION : Jul 26, 2004

[Chad]

Government plans marina at Chalong


PHUKET CITY: Governor Udomsak Uswarangkura has announced that Phuket province plans to build a marina in Chalong Bay.

The announcement was made during a seminar at the Royal Phuket City Hotel, attended by about 80 participants from both government and private sectors.

Panjit Pissawong, Chief of the Phuket Provincial Commercial Office, told the Gazette that Chalong Bay is the most suitable location for a new marina.

It is already home to the new Chalong Pier and to the “one stop” service that allows mariners sailing into Phuket to clear Customs, Immigration and Marine Department procedures in one place, she pointed out.

K. Pissawong said the marina would be a boon to marine tourism, an industry that is expected to grow swiftly now that import and excise taxes on foreign vessels have been reduced to zero

“To promote marine tourism, we have to attract yachtspeople here by providing marina facilities,” said K. Pissawong, adding that human resources would also need to be developed in order to meet the expected growth in the industry.

“We discussed the idea of introducing programs in marine mechanics at polytechnic and vocational schools in Phuket,” she said.

“The marina project will be initiated by the government, but will also be open for private-sector investment. The Phuket Provincial Administration Organization, as the representative of the Phuket people, will prepare a master plan for the project at a later date,” K. Pissawong added.

A source told the Gazette that the project would include both hotels and a duty-free shopping area.

In a related story, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has announced that it is considering taking space at the Paris Boat Show and is looking for co-exhibitors.

Participation in the event, which will run from December 3 to 13, will cost between US$500 and US$1,000 (20,000-40,000 baht) per company, depending on the number of companies that agree to join.


[b]Source : Phuket Gazette : Jul 26, 2004

[kiku99]

another marina for Phuket. :okay:

[Chad]

Phuket is really booming, atfirst I ddidnt know it's "THIS BOOM"...:eek: :eek:

[Chad]

SF to open Phuket complex

B200m cinema boasts 7 screens, 1,500 seats


SF Cinema City Co, the country's third largest cinema operator, will open a new multi-screen theatre costing 200 million baht in Phuket in early September.

The company's eighth cineplex, with seven screens and 1,500 seats, will be located at the Central Festival Phuket shopping centre being developed by Central Pattana Plc.

The opening will bring the total number of SF screens to 66, with 16,500 seats in total. By the end of this year, SF also plans to open more screens at existing locations at The Mall Ngam Wong Wan and Bang Kapi, bringing the number of screens to 75, with 20,000 seats.

SF's two larger SET-listed rivals, Major Cineplex and EGV, are currently in the process of merging. They will have a combined 27 locations with 234 screens and 56,064 seats, dominating the market with a 70% share.

Suvit Thongrompod, SF Cinema City's managing director, said his company planned to continue spending on new cinema openings, both in Bangkok and the provinces in the future.

The SFX Coliseum Cinema Central Phuket is a joint investment with Coliseum, a film distributor serving southern Thailand. Tickets will be 120 baht from Thursday to Sunday, and 100 baht on other days.

Mr Suvit said Phuket had added potential due to the government's efforts to promote it as a regional tourism hub.

SF Cinema is preparing to list on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, with Asia Plus Securities as its financial adviser.

Source : Bangkokpost : Jul 28,2 004

[kiku99]

Phuket is getting everything new huh. cool.

[Chad]

Getting ready to be a hub..:okay:

[Chad]

Sipa targets B470m budget for 2005


PHUKET CITY: Dr Manoo Ordeedolchest, President of the Software Industry Promotion Agency (Sipa), has announced that the agency will apply for 470 million baht to carry out projects in 2005 to develop the use of information and communications technology (ICT) in Thailand.

Key projects slated for implementation next year include the development of software for small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) in Thailand, and the development of Thailand into the “e-learning” hub of Asia.

Dr Manoo said that Sipa aims to have about 100 private software companies involved in the development of business software for Thai SMEs, using the free, open-source OFBiz suite of programs as a base.

The OFBiz suite includes programs for accounting, production, inventory and order management as well as online marketing and e-commerce tools.

The development of software tailored for tourism businesses is also on Sipa’s agenda, Dr Manoo said, and the agency is seeking participation by private companies.

“However,” he added, “there is a lack of manpower in this field. So Sipa is supporting projects to produce 200 IT workers within a year, and 500 over the next three years.

“Next year, we will spend about 2 million baht each on 200 SMEs,” Dr Manoo said. “We will test the software in parts of a company – for example, in the front office of a medium-size hotel – and help people to use it in a way that makes their business more effective.”

He added that the Office of SME Promotion will choose the companies or hotels that are suitable for the software and support. “We may divide the budget so that 30% is spent in the three ICT cities [Phuket, Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen] and the remaining 70% spent in the rest of Thailand.”

In developing Thailand as an hub for “e-learning”, Dr Manoo said that Sipa expected to develop e-learning software within three years and distribute it throughout Asia.

“We will use animation to motivate children to learn,” he said, adding that this software, too, will be based on open source programs, and will be developed by programmers currently enrolled in Sipa’s free six-month computer animation course.

“We will produce teaching media, such as video clips for teachers and lecturers to download from our website and use. Students will be able to download educational computer games as well,” he said.

The website and the software available from it will cost 40 million baht to create, Dr Manoo said.


[b]Source : Phuket Gazette : Jul 28, 2004

[thaiman]

http://www.andaman-highlights.com/images_impressions/krabi_ogvr_view.jpg

http://www.andaman-highlights.com/images_impressions/raya_02.jpg

http://www.andaman-highlights.com/images_impressions/raya_beach5.jpg

http://www.andaman-highlights.com/images_impressions/raya_diving05.jpg

[BKKinTO]

So nice..THaiman

[kiku99]

beautiful scenery. :) and i guess IT is very booming now. so maybe i should study more about this field then;)

[Chad]

WOW....Those pics looks so..."RELAXATION" !!!...:drool:

[Chad]

beautiful scenery. :) and i guess IT is very booming now. so maybe i should study more about this field then;)


Yep, ICT sounds really possitive both locally and international....:okay:

[Chad]

High-tech cameras to boost security


PHUKET: Provided that the money is forthcoming, 100 security cameras using the latest-generation Internet communications protocol will be installed at 70 points across the island, including the tourist areas of Patong, Karon and Kata, to deter crime and monitor traffic flow.

Manoo Ordeedolchest, President of the Software Industry Promotion Agency (Sipa), told the Gazette, “The idea originally came from the former Phuket governor [Pongpayome Vasaputi] to use closed-circuit cameras to prevent crime and to keep an eye on tourist areas for added security.”

Sipa’s Acting Manager in Phuket, Rattana Wetprasit, added that the system could also be used to keep an eye on traffic.

The idea was floated in 2000, when such a project would have cost 200 million baht. Today, however, thanks to plunging prices of cameras and software, the project is budgeted to cost 45 million baht.

The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Ministry is expected to pay about 20 million baht for the cameras and the network, with the Phuket Provincial Administration Organization (OrBorJor) providing about 25 million baht for a monitoring center.

The cameras to be used will support IPv6 (Internet protocol version 6), a communications protocol which is currently being deployed in the latest electronic devices, including mobile phones and online media players, and which allows greatly improved quality of streaming media.

The proposed use of IPv6 bodes well for technological advancement on the island; if the project gets the go-ahead, Phuket will be the first place in Thailand to use it.

That said, in the US as recently as March this year, use of the protocol for supporting entire networks was still in the final test stages.

Dr Manoo said the cameras will probably be networked initially using cable because current government regulations do not allow use of the high frequencies needed to network them wirelessly.


Source : Phuket Gazette : Aug 2, 2004

[BKKinTO]

Wow !! That's good.

[kiku99]

i know. sounds good for Phuket.

[Chad]

Bid to make Phuket a world-class spa destination


ACHATHAYA CHUENNIRAN

Phuket - As spas in Phuket have become increasingly popular with tourists, provincial authorities want to ensure services are up to international standards to turn the resort province into a world-class spa destination.

Phuket governor Udomsak Assawarangkul said the spa business was a new ``magnet'' to attract tourists and thus crucial to the industry.

``Spas are enticing many tourists to the province and to extend their stays here, boosting the local economy,'' the governor said.

The province recently held a seminar on the spa business.

Both existing spa operators and those interested in setting them up were invited to attend.

The seminar's aim was to promote the spa business and to standardise services within the industry.

Miss Uraiwan Anukul, director of the export promotion centre in the South, said while spa numbers have risen quickly, some services do not meet international standards and need to be improved.

Miss Kornsruang Pirom, chairperson of the Thai Spa Operators Association, said the focus had only been on spa operators with little attention given to spa therapists.

Demand for fully-trained therapists has mushroomed.

The association will launch a pilot project to provide training for spa therapists.

``Professional therapists will make Phuket's spa business famous worldwide,'' she said.

The association hopes to train 30,000 spa therapists next year.

``A shortage of spa staff is a critical issue as a lack of qualified therapists will affect service quality and thus their popularity, she said.

Pakhin Rakthae-ngarm, chairman of the Spa Business Club in Phuket, said trained therapists were much sought after by new and existing spa clubs.

If Phulet is to turn into a world-class spa destination, it should emphasise therapist training, he said.

In Phuket, there are 150 hotel and resort spas and about 30 other day spas.

The business yielded 800-900 million baht in turnover last year.

This amount is expected to rise to 1,200 million baht this year.

Dr Wanchai Satthayawutthipong, chief of Phuket health office, said the authorities' focus should be on improving marketing strategies and promoting spa research.

Herbal plants should be used to produce new spa treatment products, he said.

He said his office was working with the Prince of Songkhla University to develop a spa-management course to support the booming spa business. The course is scheduled to begin next year.

Source : bangkokpost : Aug 3, 2004

[Chad]

K-Tech to float 50m shares at 6-8 baht each in public offering


NUNTAWUN POLKUAMDEE

K-Tech Construction Plc is preparing to list on the Stock Exchange of Thailand at the end of the month.

The construction and engineering company has appointed Ploenchit Advisory as its financial adviser for its planned initial public offering of 50 million shares at a par value of one baht each. Another four million warrants will be offered to directors and employees, with the IPO subscription period set for Aug 23 and 24.

Lead underwriter Ayudhya Securities expects the shares to be priced at six to eight baht each. Total funds raised from the issue are projected at 300 million to 400 million baht.

The float will raise the company's paid-up capital to 235 million baht from 185 million, with the proceeds used to retire debt and for working capital.

K-Tech was founded in 1997 by company chairman Bob Kevorkian, a former managing director of Philipp Holzmann (Thailand) and a 35-year veteran of the construction industry.

The Kevorkian family holds a 44% stake in K-Tech, with other major shareholders including Suprangporn Thumsujrit at 18.92%, the Thailand Equity Fund at 19.92%, Adul Amtavivadhana at 5.14% and Payap Shinawatra at 2.16%.

K-Tech's clients include Carrefour, Central Pattana, Quality House, Tesco Lotus and Royal Phuket Marina. The company specialises in civil engineering projects, shopping centres, high-rise buildings and residential projects.

Mr Kevorkian said the listing would help reduce the company's funding costs and give it access to the capital market for future expansion.

The company currently has 16 projects in hand worth 4.5 billion baht, with another 16.35 billion worth of potential projects over the next two years.

At the end of March, K-Tech had assets of 1.27 billion baht, liabilities of 1.1 billion and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.12 times, which will fall to 1.5 times after the IPO.

Revenues this year are estimated at 4.5 billion baht, up from 2.6 billion last year, with gross margins forecast at 7% to 8%.


Source : Bangkokpost : Aug 5, 2004

[Chad]

[b][i]Chalong Seaview : Price rising from 1 Million USD to 5 Million USD, only two Villas left from 15 : Visit www.chalong-seaview.com

http://www.chalong-seaview.com/phuket-map-1.gif

http://www.chalong-seaview.com/details/Type-A-big-1.jpg

http://www.chalong-seaview.com/details/Type-A1-big-1.jpg

http://www.chalong-seaview.com/details/Type-B-big-1.jpg

http://www.chalong-seaview.com/details/Type-C-big-1.jpg

[Chad]

Gov to talk fast for B2bn


PHUKET: Phuket Governor Udomsak Usawarangkura will have just 10 minutes to propose development projects costing 2 billion baht to Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra during a whistle-stop visit by the PM on August 25.

Speaking after a meeting this morning to prepare for the PM’s visit to Phuket, Provincial Highways Office (PPHO) Chief Wanchai Wattanasiri told the Gazette that the PPHO plans to build underpasses at the Darasamut and the Samkong junctions, with the bypass road diving beneath the roads meeting it at those points.

“Each underpass will be about 200 meters long and four lanes wide. They will cost about 400 million baht each,” he said.

“Overpasses would spoil the beautiful view in these areas even though they would be cheaper than building underpasses,” he added.

Vice-Governor Winai Buapradit confirmed that the PM will come to Phuket on August 25, but will stay on the island for only an hour. “The prime minister will arrive at Phuket International Airport at about 2 pm before leaving for Krabi,” he said.

The PM’s “pitstop” in Phuket is part of a tour of the south. On August 25, he will leave Ranong in the morning, stopping at Takuapa and then Khao Lak for lunch, before continuing to Phuket.

K. Winai said, “The plans that will be presented to the Prime Minister will be mostly road construction projects, namely a new road connecting Chalong with Patong, the expansion of Rattanakosin 200 Pi Rd [in Patong] at a cost of about 117 million baht, and the two underpasses on the bypass road.

“In addition, the Phuket office of the Royal Irrigation Department will apply for funding to clear and widen Klong Bang Yai at a cost of about 1.08 billion,” V/Gov Winai said.

However, he added, “I am not sure whether the Governor will be able to present all the proposed projects in the 10 minutes available, or if the Prime Minister will approve funding for any of the projects.”


Source : Phuket Gazette : Aug 5, 2004

[Chad]

Raimon Land investes Baht 150 million in two Phuket residential projects



The CEO of Raimon Land Plc., Mr. Nigel J. Cornick today announced the acquisition of two residential projects in Kata Noi, Phuket. The first investment is the purchase of the Katamanda Garden apartment development from Katamanda Gardens Co., Ltd. The development, occupying approximately 5 rai of land immediately behind Kata Noi Beach will comprise 33, 1,2 and 3 Bedroom residential units ranging in size from 108mฒ to 300 mฒ. The project will be set in lush landscaped gardens with extensive water features. In additional, there will be a retail component serving the needs of the residents.


Source : www.Raimonland.com

[Imperfect Ending]

[b][i]Chalong Seaview : Price rising from 1 Million USD to 5 Million USD, only two Villas left from 15 : Visit www.chalong-seaview.com

http://www.chalong-seaview.com/phuket-map-1.gif

http://www.chalong-seaview.com/details/Type-A-big-1.jpg

http://www.chalong-seaview.com/details/Type-A1-big-1.jpg

http://www.chalong-seaview.com/details/Type-B-big-1.jpg

http://www.chalong-seaview.com/details/Type-C-big-1.jpg

Thats pretty cool... I like the 3rd one

[Chad]

The 3rd one is only 30 Million Baht!!....:D

[Chad]

High-end supply to meet demand


KANANA KATHARANGSIPORN



High-end condominium supply in central Bangkok is now forecast to meet rising demand in the next five months as new supply may be restricted by the construction and zoning laws and stricter project financing approvals, says Kitti Tungsriwong, senior vice-president for finance of Raimon Land Plc.

He said average take-up rates of new condominium units in the inner city bounced back in the second quarter after sluggish sales during the first.

``Homebuyer confidence increased after it weakened in the first quarter in an after-effect of the termination of the government's tax incentives in late 2003,'' he said.

According to the company's research, the cumulative take-up rate for new condominium supply in central Bangkok was 74.8%, representing a solid improvement, while the take-up rate from March to May 2004 dropped to around 70%.

Mr Kitti said the take-up was quite impressive when measured against the surge in cumulative condominium stock, rising from 1,140 units in June 2003 to 2,633 units in June 2004.

The company is now in talks to acquire 10 rai in the central business district for the development of a residential project worth six billion baht next year. The project would be developed under a joint venture with a foreign investor but he declined to give more details.

Mr Kitti added that the company had two new residential projects planned for development in Phuket.

Construction will start in October for the 440-million-baht Katamanda Gardens condominium project which will have 33 units priced between five and 15 million baht. It is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2005.

The other project, Kata Heights, a low-rise residential condo, will cost 800 million baht. Construction will begin in mid-2005 and be completed in late 2006.

Mr Kitti said the company posted a net profit of about 198 million baht in the second quarter of 2004 on revenue of 285 million baht. It is expected to realise revenue of three billion baht by the end of the year.

Source : Bangkokpost : Aug 9, 2004

[Chad]

Nirvana Phutri : Price rising from 14-36 Million Thai-Baht.

http://www.nirvanaphutri.com/images/masterplan1.jpg

Mekala :

http://www.nirvanaphutri.com/images/modelAsmall.jpg

Lakana :

http://www.nirvanaphutri.com/images/modelBsmall.jpg

Busaba :

http://www.nirvanaphutri.com/images/modelCsmall.jpg

Apsara :

http://www.nirvanaphutri.com/images/modelCsmall.jpg

MAP :

http://www.nirvanaphutri.com/images/map.jpg

[Imperfect Ending]

so... whats the difference?

[Chad]

U can actually notice the differents of sizes...:)

[Imperfect Ending]

Oooh I see now...

its late and I think I see the sun coming up :)

[Chad]

Layan Estate : SOLD-OUT

-A lifestyle concept similar to a "Malibu-type" gated community of beautiful landscaped common area in clusive of tropical gardens and pond

-7,600 sq ft. Villa + Gardens on 1 rai from THB 28 Million (Euro $575,000)
-9,300 sq ft. Villa + Gardens on 1.2 rai from THB 32 Million (Euro $655,000)
-Development consists of 18 Villas (11 Sold) are on 30 rai (12 acres) site

http://www.cbre.co.th/images/layanestatempel.jpg


3 Bedrooms :
http://www.layanestate.com/images/3bed/3BRImage3.jpg
http://www.layanestate.com/images/3bed/3BRImage4.jpg

4 Bedrooms :
http://www.layanestate.com/images/4%20bed/4BRImage1.jpg
http://www.layanestate.com/images/4%20bed/4BRImage3.jpg
http://www.layanestate.com/images/4%20bed/4BRImage4.jpg

MAP :

http://www.layanestate.com/images/locationa.gif

Click to see progress updates on each Villa's construction : http://www.layanestate.com/prog4d.htm

[Imperfect Ending]

lucky folks.

[Chad]

"บาร์เทอร์คาร์ด"รุกเปิดสาขาภูเก็ต รองรับธุรกิจเอสเอ็มอีขยายตัวเพิ่ม

ภูเก็ต-นายเกรแฮม เบรน กรรมการผู้จัดการบริษัท บาร์เทอร์คาร์ด (ประเทศไทย ) จำกัด กล่าวถึงการเปิดตัว บาร์เทอร์คาร์ด สาขาภูเก็ตอย่างเป็นทางการ เมื่อเร็วๆ นี้ว่า ในส่วนของบาร์เทอร์คาร์ด สาขาภูเก็ตนั้น ผู้ที่ได้รับสิทธิทางการค้าหรือแฟรนไชส์ คือนายไมเคิล มาสซีย์ โดยเริ่มเปิดดำเนินการมาตั้งแต่เดือนมีนาคมที่ผ่านมา

ทั้งนี้เนื่องจากศักยภาพการเจริญเติบโต และการสร้างเครือข่ายพันธมิตรทางธุรกิจที่มีการยอมรับเป็นอย่างดี จากช่วงเริ่มต้นทางบริษัทไม่มีลูกค้าเลย แต่ปัจจุบันในระยะเวลา 5 เดือนมีสมาชิกได้ถึงจำนวน 50 ราย และสามารถสร้างปริมาณการค้าได้มีมูลค่ามากกว่า 1 ล้านบาท โดยคาดว่าเมื่อสิ้นปี 2547 จะสามารถสร้างพันธมิตรทางธุรกิจได้กว่า 200 ราย และสามารถสร้างปริมาณการค้าสูงถึง 6 ล้านบาท

"ธุรกิจของบาร์เทอร์คาร์ดเป็นธุรกิจที่เอื้ออำนวยให้สมาชิกสามารถแลกเปลี่ยนสินค้าและบริการได้โดยไม่ต้องใช้เงินสด รวมทั้งการสนับสนุนและสร้างความมั่นคงให้กับธุรกิจ โดยมีบาร์เทอร์คาร์ดเป็นตัวกลางในการเชื่อมต่อระหว่างระสมาชิกด้วยกัน ซึ่งปัจจุบันประสบความสำเร็จเป็นอย่างมาก เห็นได้จากการที่สามารถจะขยายแฟรนไชส์ออกมาสู่ตลาดภูมิภาคได้"

นายเกรแฮม กล่าวด้วยว่า กลุ่มลูกค้าหลักของบาร์เทอร์คาร์ดได้แก่ ผู้ประกอบธุรกิจขาดกลางและขนาดย่อม หรือเอสเอ็มอี ปัจจุบันสมาชิกสามารถที่จะซื้อสินค้าหรือบริการด้วยระบบบาร์เทอร์จากเครือข่ายสมาชิก ซึ่งมีกว่า 50,000 รายทั่วโลก มีสำนักงานในประเทศต่างๆ กว่า 130 แห่งใน 16 ประเทศทั่วโลก ในปี 2003 มียอดขายรวมประมาณ 900 ล้านเหรียญสหรัฐ และคาดว่าในปี 2004 จะมียอดขายรวมประมาณ 1.4 พันล้านเหรียญสหรัฐ

ทางด้านนายวรวัฒน์ โรจน์รังษี ผู้จัดการฝ่ายพัฒนาธุรกิจต่างประเทศ บริษัท บาร์เทอร์คาร์ด (ประเทศไทย) จำกัด กล่าวถึงรูปแบบของการเป็นสมาชิกบาร์เทอร์คาร์ดวŭ