Aloft Going to Thailand

Aloha! Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.® (NYSE:HOT) and its much-anticipated new lifestyle brand, aloftSM hotels, announced today that aloft is partnering with TCC Land Leisure Co., Ltd. a wholly owned subsidiary of TCC Land Co., Ltd. to open an aloft hotel in Bangkok. aloft Bangkok-Silom will be the first among ten hotel projects, both domestic and overseas that TCC Land Leisure and Starwood mapped out following an MOU signed last month.

Real Estate Brokers Association announce training course for Realtors to be held next year in Bangkok.

On Saturday Afternoon at the Marriott Resort and Spa in South Pattaya, a press conference was held by the Real Estate Brokers Association (REBA) of Thailand Eastern Seaboard led by Dr. Somsak, who is the president of REBA Thailand and Khun Paisan, former President of REBA Thailand. An announcement was made that a 7 day training course for Real Estate Brokers will be held at the Shangri La Hotel in Bangkok between 21st and 27th January 2008. This very intensive international real estate training course will be attended by real estate professionals from all over the world with 25 American real estate professionals already signed up for the course. Those who attend and pass the course will be Certified International Property Specialists. The course will provide valuable information on working with clients from around the world and tools needed to present investment information to international clients. The cost of the course is 1,500 US Dollars and for more information you can contact the Real Estate Brokers Assocation in Bangkok on 02 679 3255 or email reba_rb@yahoo.com

Phuket real estate resilient

Phuket is experiencing a buzzing low season with hotel occupancy rates up 20%-30% from last year. The term ´low season´ may no longer be applicable based on visitor arrivals in the past several months. "During a recent site inspection with a group of Middle Eastern investors, it was impossible for them to extend their trip due to lack of hotel availability. Quality hotels such as Trisara and Twin Palms were fully booked during a time that is traditionally the low season," according to Mr. David Simister, Chairman, CB Richard Ellis Thailand.

As safe as houses?

Tighter Bank of Thailand monetary policy in 2005 and softer domestic activity growth have dampened house prices of late, but interest-rate cuts this year ought to lead to some improvement, especially as Thailand does not have the after-effects of a bubble to weigh on the residential property market.

Although housing markets have had common global drivers in recent years, this does not mean that the US housing slump will be repeated elsewhere. There are global problems enough to worry about, as US consumption slows and credit markets exhibit volatility. Adding a global housing slump to the list of world economic problems seems unnecessary.

A higher design at Aqualina Samui

As Koh Samui becomes an ever more sophisticated destination for property buyers, new design concepts are beginning to emerge that match and even exceed the progressive ideas on display in more established destinations like Phuket and Bali. Aqualina Samui is one such project, and will exemplify an almost futuristic approach to design with function emphasized over form and special features such as grass-planted roofs and ultra-spacious living areas. With Gary Fell´s GFAB team as master planners on the project, it comes as no surprise that the designs challenge traditional living concepts in favour of more energy efficient, practical spaces. A seamless spill over from architecture to nature breaks down the definitions of interior and exterior, and a considered use of glazing invites the surrounding views inside.

Hong Kong first for Thai developers

The key reason for why Hong Kong buyers are in the market and will continue to be the dominant force is simply the proximity and connectivity value offered here,” said Nick Anthony, managing director of Indigo Real Estate. “Phuket is the main destination for alternative second homes and for those considering second homes with the potential to become primary residences. It’s also a momentum-driven market. Someone will buy a house and then tell 20 friends to also buy.