Thailand’s return to democracy after a 15 month military rule has already had a positive impact on the property market. There have been a notable number of deals completing during high season in Phuket as well as more visitors to the sole agency projects. The newly elected government has begun to take initiatives toward a more open and favorable policy for foreign property investors. It has already taken away the 30% capital control which is thought to support bringing back foreign investments.

Property financing for foreigners in Thailand is available now. When we buy a property back home, one of the first things coming to our mind is financing. Even for those who have enough funding and liquidity for owning a property, financing is often perceived as a way of leveraging investments. For buyers with less access to funding, financing is an unavoidable vehicle they utilize to own that dream home. Considering this, Thailand is the same as any other countries.

Most of the financial institutions in Thailand offer loans for property purchases to Thai citizens and companies centered on similar criteria we are familiar with in our home countries. However, the similarities do not extend from there for most foreigners buying property in Thailand.

The issuing of the new tax incentive package is also an attractive move for the market interested in property purchases. This is anticipated to fuel market sentiments on both the demand and supply sides. Property Transfer fee will be decreased from 2% to 0.01% and Specific Business Tax for property transactions will be decreased from 3% to 0.1%.

Reliability in the market could be improved further by longer lease terms, stretching from the current 30 years to 90 years. The beginning of business lending to foreign property investors should also be considered by the government. Policies like these would enable Thailand to keep pace with its emerging neighbors, Vietnam and Malaysia, relating to property purchase terms. So, more encouraging outlook is expected for the Thai property market in 2008 than in 2007.

Since the December election, foreign investors have shown increased interest in property purchases. Established developments have witnessed a particularly alive high season. Newly awarded projects have also met with a positive response by foreigners in Thailand.

A similar trend is witnessed in Samui with a clear rise in visiting and purchases of resort properties. With surge in flight schedules, further demand will be anticipated in Samui. The Samui market for luxury villas is closing on Phuket, with the establishment of international hotel brands wooing quality tourism. Samui used to be a less favored beach destination, but this is not at all the case now as it is emerging rapidly as a beach destination. Lots of high net worth investors are now increasingly keen.

The Treasury Department’s recent land value appraisal displayed that land values in Phuket have rose by an average 160 per cent over the past four years, with Samui prices following closely. The steady rise in land prices on Thailand’s coast points to the confidence in the market and its long term prospects. If you are ready to forget the unfriendly past of Thailand and show renewed faith you are set to benefit.

On going, an investor may require paying income tax on an income he attains from his investment property in Thailand but may be quite happy to realize that there is presently no capital gains tax in Thailand. There is also a Land Tax and Structures Usage tax that an overseas investor may have to pay on their property assets but both are very much affordable. Wise foreigners in Thailand always go for the right choice in property purchases and this is definitely one among them.

Tags : Thailand, Thailand Property

Offering a staggering array of activities, Thailand is firmly established as the Asian destination of choice, the infrastructure is such that traveling the length and breadth of the country is easy, cheap fast and reliable. Vacationers’ minds are put at ease with world class hospitals, extremely low crime and amenities to match any country in the world. From Bangkok, guests are spoiled for choice when it comes to luxury villas for rent. Stunning locations are within hours of the capitol making weekend breaks very popular these days, High flying professionals can fly in from Hong Kong and be relaxing beside their private pool a their Thailand villa in no time, and enjoying the Thai pace of life.

Thailand Villas are attaining a global reputation for luxury, quality and value. Luxury villas in Phuket are on the same level or above of anything anywhere in the world, and regularly feature in magazines and newspapers as promoted as the peak of living. When choosing a luxury villa guests must decide whether they want solitude or a more hectic atmosphere with hustle and bustle of street markets and beach activities. Luxury villas on the east coast offer the kind of peace and quiet that is more akin to Samui or Krabi. There is a sense of remoteness here, with traditional Thai fishing villages, and quiet serene beaches dotted along the coast.

It is not just the luxury villas that people are drawn too. The Andaman coast is certainly one of the most striking areas, and Phuket is famous for its beauty and wealth of attractions. Southern Thailand stands apart from the rest of the country as being more tropical. It has the highest rainfall, giving a deeper green to the vegetation, while the geological make up of sheer limestone formations adds drama to the landscape.

Thailand also has a reputation as a golfing paradise with a wealth of world class courses that have attracted many of the best pros over the years – including American-Thai Tiger Woods. Thailand frequently stages the Johnnie Walker Super Tour and other Asian classics attracted by the excellent course facilities and clubroom accommodation found across the kingdom. These are all available to our customers and despite the top-notch conditions a first-class round of golf is possible for about US$60 to US$70.

The six provinces along the Western coast are characterized by the Andaman sea which has numerous excellent coral reefs making it a paradise for divers. The water is warm year round and so is always comfortable to swim in. The Similan islands are rated amongst the top dive destinations in the world as are the climbing sites in Krabi province meaning that vacationers will never be bored with what is on offer.

Tags : Thailand, Thailand Travel

Krabi is a holiday paradise for the whole family and includes the unmissable Phi Phi island, relaxing beach resorts of Lanta Island and stunning scenery of Railay beach and Ao Nang.

Krabi is a family destination, unhurried and unpretentious, with resorts that are protected from the usual tourist hustle and bustle, yet within close proximity to Krabi’s international airport. Krabi offers world class diving, kayaking and rock climbing to match its top quality resorts and restaurants. It’s all part of Thailand’s fabulous hospitality, which is why we’re called…

“The Land of Smile”

Population
Cave paintings and artifacts found around Krabi indicate that the area has been inhabited since prehistoric times.

Today the people of Krabi represent a mix of three different ethnic groups who came to settle from other regions. It is said that each ethnic group has written a page in Krabi’s rich history.

The origins of the Chao Ley or “Sea Gypsies” are unknown. Living mainly on the islands, these nomadic people live in small settlements and earn their living from fishing, collecting shells and diving.

They still retain their own language and beliefs and spiritual worship is still strong in the community. Although overexposure to tourism, and inevitable assimilation with mainstream culture is unfortunately threatening their small communities.

Some of their traditional ways are preserved the yearly sea gypsy sailing ritual held in May on Koh Lanta, Koh Pu and Koh Cha and various ceremonies still celebrated within the community.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, immigrants from southern China flocked to Thailand in search of work. Many assimilated into Thai society but their descendants still retain their Chinese heritage and are prominent in the business community. Many still speak Chinese dialects, have Chinese (and Thai) names, and observe Chinese rituals and religious beliefs which form part of the local culture.

Krabi is also home to many Muslim communities, due to its close proximity to Malaysia and strong ethnic ties with the border provinces, providing a rich diversity to the area.

Tags : Thailand, Thailand Travel