Baht strengthens- real estate suffers

The rapid increase in the US dollar and Thai baht exchange rate has largely been explained as weakness of the US dollar around the globe, and more recently by continued inflow of foreign capital to Thailand (particularly via the stock market). Thai baht strength has not only become a major concern for exporters, but also has implications for Thailand´s real estate sectors."If overseas investors decide to acquire real estate assets in Thailand now, they may have to pay approximately 8% more, comparing to the beginning of the year, due the baht appreciation," Mrs. Suphin said.