Khun Aliwassa Pathnadabutr, Managing Directorof CB Richard Ellis Thailand, has stated that at a time when fixed deposits earn interest at only 2.5%, buying residential property can generate a far healthier return.

Residential projects at resort destinations, such as Samui, have seen strong demand. Investors buying property here can expect a return on their investment at an average of 7% a year and, if they sell the property within one or two years, then the returns can be even more significant.

Kasikorn Bank's first Senior Vice-President, Khun Chatchai Payuhanaveechai, has supported this by confirming that buying a well-located property is better than making a long-term deposit in the bank. It’s believed that high inflation and low interest rates make buying residential property a good investment choice.(Read more)

Agencies are currently working to develop new water-tourism projects that are designed to attract more tourists and investors.

The Tourism and Sports Ministry, the Transport Ministry’s Marine Department and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) have recently been discussing the development of various projects.

Once the projects have been agreed, the committee, with representatives from each department, will submit proposals and budgets to the Cabinet for approval.

The first proposed project involves opening up water-transport routes between the East and West coasts. Cargo, trucks and cars will be able to move between Pattaya, Laem Chabang, Chantaburi, Koh Chang, Samui, Hua Hin, Cha-am and Pran Buri. (Read more)

Finance Minister, Dr. Surapong Suebwonglee, announced that as part of this government’s plan to stimulate the property market it is now considering allowing greater foreign ownership in property firms and extending leasehold periods beyond 30 years. “This has been discussed quite seriously over the past two to three months. We need to think about the percentage of shareholding and leasing access compared with the number of years. The crisis that we have had in the past two years led us to think and look at a new paradigm.” (Read more)

The Koh Samui International Regatta’s organisation team is working to ensure another great event between 1st and 7th June.  The entry list includes an increased number of hot yachts and there’s a growing air of anticipation that we’ll see a fitting season finale on the Asian Yachting Grand Prix Championships.

The 7th Samui Regatta will have one of the best fleets ever participating in this event with a line-up of top sailors from Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai and Thailand. Competition is expected to be tough with premier yachts like Jelik, Foxy lady IV, Blauwvoet, Full Metal Jacket, Quantum Racing, Ichiban, Ambush, Happy Endings and Sumatra being just a few of the international participants. (Read more)

The All-Stars football team will be taking part in the Bangkok Masters soccer tournament between 31st May and 1st June. This year the event is sponsored by The Royal Samui Golf and Country Club and is made up of football legends Ian Rush, Peter Reid and Viv Anderson, along with an expert contingent from ESPN, such as Paul Masefield, Shebby Singh and Andrew Lecci. And completing the team is a number of ex-footballers from teams such as Middlesbrough and Aston Villa; there may be a couple of other surprises in there too (Read more)