REALESTATE e n i z a g a m thailand
Unixx
South Pattaya
show suite opens this month See Page 12 Issue 135 • August 2012
เรียล เอสเตท แม๊กกาซีน ไทยแลนด์
2•REm•Issue 135•08/2012
who’swho
Managing Director Dave Buckley Tel: 087 988 0799 dave@thailandpropertymagazine.com Publisher/Editor Mesiya Watson may@realestatemagazinethailand.com
Our team
Since 2001 – Thailand’s first English language property magazine
Casting the net wider I have never totally got to grips with the worldwide web. It’s
Sales and Marketing Wongduan Roberts Tel: 087 535 8096 duan@thailandpropertymagazine.com or realestatemag@hotmail.com or dave@thailandpropertymagazine.com Office/Accounts Tel: 038 406519 or 08 6335 2474 dear@thailandpropertymagazine.com Web address www.remThai.com www.realestatemagazinethailand.com Artwork, Design & Layout Zen Grafix • Tel: 038 406519 Publisher Pattaya Property Consultants Co Ltd 21/27 M5 Soi Nern Plub Waan Nongprue • Banglamung Chonburi 20150 Tel: 038 406519 or 08 6335 2474 Fax: 038 041158
probably an age thing. But this month I hope you will be able to visit a new whizzbang website for this magazine under the url of www.remThai.com Yes, kicking and screaming, I’ve been dragged into the modern era by friends and business acquaintances who
Dave Buckley looks at a the influence the worldwide web is having on everyone – including Real Estate Magazine
persuaded me to get someone to do a proper job for the magazine’s online presence. It should be said that I’ve never doubted the power of the web; it’s just that I’m a words on paper kind of guy. When I worked at the UK’s Daily Express newspaper all those years back the stories were still set in hot metal and I developed the ability to read type upside down and backwards when pages were perched in a “form” on a big metal bench call “The Stone” in front of me. I admit, it’s not a lot of help to me now! So I’ve accepted that publications no longer need to be set in hot metal and that the existence of the web has made the job of researching articles infinitely more simple. REM has a new website and I hope the magazine’s clients and readers will view its introduction as added value. I’m 200 per cent pleased about the site because many clients tell me that they make the majority of their initial
contacts on the web, so it’s obviously the place to be. But, speaking about contacts reminds me of a tale I heard the other day that
Publication Licence Number 2/2549
made me smile. It involves a young local lady and a well known housing development.
Disclaimer: All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the editor. The publishers are not responsible for any error contained within the magazine. The publishers also accept no liability for the accuracy of statements made by the advertisers or writers. The views of correspondents are not necessarily those of the magazine. Articles are produced containing upto-date information to the best of our knowledge. However, we accept no liability for information contained within any article.
She wanted a few changes made to the furnishing so the developer said he would
Copyright © Real Estate MAGAZINE Thailand 2012
4•REm•Issue 135•08/2012
Said lady was interested in a showhouse that was valued at a little less than Bt10m. investigate the cost and get back to her. The lady explained that her man was working abroad earning oddles of cash but she would need to confirm everything with him. The revised cost was agreed and all seemed to be going swimmingly well when the developer casually asked how long the lady and her man had been married. “Oh he’s not my husband,” she replied. “We met four or five days ago on an internet dating site.” Amazingly, no more was heard. I guess the moral of that story is that the web opens up a world of new contacts but it can also disguise a person’s true intent or allow people to be misled. That said, I hope you will visit the website and, by all means, get in touch.
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AAAA Properties 64 A.D Condominium 40 Alan Bolton Property Consultants 96 Amari Residences Pattaya (Nova) 37 Amazon Residence (Matrix) 73 Anaakot Group 53 Atlantis Condominium 23 Best Price Real Estate 32-33 Black & White Properties 20 Big Mango Properties 58-59 CARS Pattaya (map sponsors – Tulip) Inside back cover Centara Grand Residence (Tulip) Inside back cover City Center Residence (Matrix) 74, Back cover City Garden 3 Cliff, The (Nova) 19 Coastal Real Estate 26 Colliers International 65-72 C-View (Heights Holdings) 48 East Coast Real Estate 41 Elegance Condominium @ Cosy Beach 25 Euro Design Furniture Living supplement 9 FARANG Services 4-5 Foodland 91 Global Property (Global Solidor) 56 Golden Homes Real Estate 10-11 Grande Caribbean Condo Resort Pattaya (Blue Sky) 49 Green Field Villas 4 16 Heights Holdings Inside front cover, 1 Laguna Beach Resort (Heights Holdings) 47 Laguna Beach Resort – The Maldives (Heights Holdings) 42-43 Lion Bar, The Living supplement 47 Matrix Group 76-77 Meridiem Park Condominium (Domum) 28-29 Mr Bond @ The Beach 18 Nam Talay (Nova) 35 Neo Condo 21 Novana Residence (Nova) 57 Owners Direct Real Estate 92-93 Palm, The (Nova) 17 Pattaya Exclusive Properties 31 Pattaya Realty 14 Ponard Design & Construction 30 Porch Land (The Feelture, The Prim) Between 40-41 REBA-ES (Real Estate Broker Association) 84-85 REBA-ES / AREA Seminar 89 Serenity Wongamat (Nova) 15 Sixty-Three@12 (Anaakot) 52 SMART Expo 94 Sunset Boulevard (Matrix) 75 Talay Real Estate 38-39 Town & Country Property 8-9 Tropical Dream 24 Vision, The (Matrix) 78 Waterfront Suites & Residences (Tulip) 80, 87, Living supp 5 Water Park Condo 46 6•REm•Issue 135•08/2012
OURCONTENTS
cover story
pattaya
Special deals at grand opening
living (
SEPARATE SUPPLEMENT
)
Cover STORY: They are the group who will Not Fade Away. The Rolling Stones have celebrated 50 years since their first concert. Here’s your
12
chance to win an eBook about them. The new showroom at the Unixx South Pattaya development by Raimon Land opens later this month with some special deals to be had on the day. More than a third of the 1,207 units have already been sold but there are still bargains to be had.
18: OPEN and shut cees – like the Stones local
businessman
and
founder of the Movers & Shakers
Cees
Cuijpers
is celebrating his 50th birthday. We interview him.
40 50
Bravo Thai, the people behind the Vineyard projects just can’t stop winning awards.
8•REm•Issue 135•08/2012
54
Porchland hit the Magnificent Seven with the launch of The Prim Grand Condominium.
Developer Nigel Cornick and his
30: mother’s day soon – and restaurants in
team return to Pattaya with a new
the city’s big hotels are producing offers such as
condo concept on Pratumnak.
Mum’s Eat Free. Find out more in the supplement.
NEWSREPORT
Survey promises important data for Pattaya investors Link with Bangkok will form one of the world’s largest urban centres A leading edge seminar giving the most up-to-date data on the local property market is being staged early this month at the Eastern Grand Palace Hotel. The seminar, Pattaya Property Outlook 2012-2013, starts at noon on August 8, and is presented by AREA (Agency for Real Estate Affairs) in conjunction with the local Real Estate Broker Association – Eastern Seaboard (REBA-ES). This magazine is a media partner of the event. As we went to press the final figures were still being compiled. However, AREA’s findings from March of this year may give an indication of what participants might expect to hear. In March AREA reported that: l Pattaya is now considered the largest urban centre outside the Bangkok Metropolitan Region (BMR). It is around 15 per cent of the Bangkok market. However, its average unit price is even higher than that of Bangkok, Bt3.469m and Bt2.984m respectively. l As of March, there were some 17,053 units of residential and resort
properties available for sale in Pattaya. This does not mean that all these units could not be sold; it simply means that, at the time of the survey, the buyers had not yet bought the units. The total value of units left for sale was Bt59,160m. Pattaya is a multi-functional city. It is a resort destination, a quality residential town for those working in industrial estates in this region and an administrative centre because Pattaya is Thailand’s second largest city. In future, when Bangkok and the Eastern Seaboard are merged as the megalopolis of Thailand, this will be one of the largest urban centres in the world, says AREA. AREA has been conducting surveys of Pattaya real estate on regular basis since 1994. The presentation on August 8 will be the most comprehensive and latest
Boom times ahead as former Miss Thailand promotes Tulip Last month at Centara Grand Central World, it was announced that Khun Pannada Wongphudee (Boom) would become “brand ambassador” for the high profile Tulip Group developers. Former Miss Thailand Khun Pannada will be used for an allnew marketing campaign for the group’s condominium and hotel development, Centara Grand Residence Pattaya. Boom explained she had bought one of the project’s most exclusive units, a three-bedroom duplex with private swimming pool. Soon after she approached Tulip Group vice-president Jason Payne with a view to working with the group. “I contacted Jason about becoming brand ambassador after falling in love with the project,” said Khun Pannada. “Tulip’s projects are outstanding and untouchable in my opinion.” Asked why she would make a good ambassador for the developer her reply was simple: “Because I am a real customer who fell in love with the project, what better recommendation is there than that? I am not being paid to promote CGR, I will be promoting the project because I simply love it.”
realestate e magazin
update on property market situation in Pattaya and will make comparisons with property markets in eight urban centres in Chonburi and Rayong. The presentation in Pattaya will analyse two major groups – resort properties and residential properties. Dr Sopon Pornchokchai, AREA’s president, will head the presentation of the findings. He said: “In addition, we will look at two different locations, namely, by the beach (west of Sukhumvit) and by the hill (east of Sukhumvit). “Different price ranges will also be classified. Participants will know the latest figures on the supply of units and the demands traced from that supply; the rate of sale per month; the expected number of months it takes to complete the sale; price changes and the like “Therefore, this presentation is a must for property investors in Pattaya.” If interested to know more please visit www.trebs.ac.th/English/SUMMARY/ seminar_pattaya.php where you can also register.
in brief • Property news involving some big names... Sorry you missed it, but last month a rare opportunity presented itself for fans of Roy Rogers and his wife Dale Evans when their 67-acre Double R Bar Ranch came up for auction in the US. Included were two homes, a bunkhouse, barn/theatre, a 15-stall stable, a horse track and a number museum collectibles. Sure that Trigger-ed some interest! Also, Robert De Niro finally sold his 1852 NYC townhome after multiple price reductions, Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen also sold their Boston home after three years on the market, and Zsa Zsa is still trying to sell her Bel Air mansion. • CW Asset, the developer of two condominium projects in the Bang Saray area, have reported that sales in the second one, CW Ocean View Condominium, have reached 20 per cent. Fully furnished 30 sqm units start at less than Bt1m.
For the well read ... 08/2012•Issue 135•REm•9
COVERFEATURE
Special offers as show unit
T
he show unit for Raimon Land’s Unixx South Pattaya project will open later this month and, as is customary at such events, the company will be offering special incentives to buy. More than one third of the 1,207 units are already sold but the opening of a show unit usually produces another surge in sales. “We will be making special offers over two days – August 25 and 26 for existing owners and Raimon Land clients,”
14•REm•Issue 135•08/2012
said Raimon Land spokesman, Piaras Moriaty. “On the first day (Saturday) we will have an opening ceremony.” Both event days will be accompanied by food and drink to mark the show unit’s opening. Standard one-bedroom unit The unit itself will show the standard 34.5sqm one-bedroom apartment which forms more than half of the availability in Unixx South Pattaya. Customers will have a choice of four themes and samples of the
different colours and materials will be on show. The units have been designed to make the very most of the area available and those who wish to copy the show unit can have a furniture package made available at extra cost. “We believe we have an amazingly good design which allows the units to be spacious and luxurious,” said Piaras. The project will be in the Pratumnak area about halfway up the hill from the end of Second Road as you head towards the
King Rama IX Royal Park. When the project went on sale at the end of 2011 there were units available at less than Bt1m. Now the least expensive unit is at around the Bt1.3m, “which is still very competitive for the area,” said Piaras. “Views over the bay are more expensive than mountain views as you would expect,” he added. Resort style Unixx South Pattaya will be built on seven rai of land and the aim is that it will be more like a resort
opens
than simply a condo complex. With amenities spread over four rai of lush gardens and tropical vegetation, the offerings include multiple swimming pools, sports and recreational facilities, children’s playground, secluded outdoor barbecue areas and meditation pavilions for the exclusive use of condominium owners. Demand is driven by first home buyers living and working full-time in Pattaya as well as second home buyers. The latter includes weekend getaway buyers from Bangkok and neighbouring areas as well as executives living in Bangkok but working part-time in Chonburi region. Starting soon Construction of the Bt2.95bn project is expected to start in the first quarter of 2013. Unixx South Pattaya is financed by Thanachart Bank. Interested parties can go online at www.unixxcondo. com, or, of course stop off at the soon-to-open show unit and sales office on Pratumnak Road. l For more information visit www.raimonland.com. Ω 08/2012•Issue 135•REm•15
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SPECIALFEATURE NEWSREPORT
Coastal opens second office Real estate firm decides the time is right to tap into the city’s shift south
A
t present new projects are spread fairly evenly throughout Pattaya. But there is little doubt that the area to the south of the city offers the biggest scope for future development thanks to the greater availability of land and improved accessibility thanks to new roads. So it is only natural that more and more brokers are taking a good long look at the Jomtien and Na-Jomtien areas. But Kevin Mattson, managing director of Coastal Real Estate, is not just looking. He decided a few months back that the time to act was now. Kevin has taken a new, large (100sqm interior) office in Soi 7, one of only two sois in the area that link the new Second Road with Jomtien Beach Road. Already open The office is already open and ready to accept potential clients. Just a few finishing touches are still required. “We have had staff in here since June,” said Kevin, “and I’m very much splitting my time
between here and our first office in Soi Diana close to Buakhow.” The difference in office sizes is marked. Kevin concedes that the Soi Diana office is small but he is content to retain it as it attracts good walk-in traffic and is well placed for many condos that are popular with renters. He hopes that the choice of Coastal’s second office location will also attract walk-ins though he admits that tourism in Jomtien seems more seasonal. “Even so, we are not so reliant on walk-ins since
we got our website (www. coastalrealestatepattaya.com) launched and are getting lots of hits,” said Kevin. Wanted to expand Kevin said: “I was influenced by all the developments going on down here. I knew I wanted Coastal to expand into this area. Before we mainly did business in central and eastern areas.” Kevin was driving around the Jomtien area when he spotted the office at the front of the Jomtien Thip Condotel.
“We were not in a rush to find premises but I got interested in it mainly because of its size and the fact that it was in a cut-through soi,” said Kevin. “Only Soi 5 (Immigration) also cuts through to the beach in the immediate area. “I think that it’s important that we have exposure here and now we are only two or three minutes away from several new projects. We have taken a lease that’s a little less than five years.” Custom-made fittings Coastal took over the office in April and one only has to look at the custom-made office fittings and decoration, picking up on their corporate blues, to sense that they are there for the long haul. When we did an article on Coastal 18 months or so back Kevin said he was keen to expand but not just for the sake of it. The time and location had to be right. “I’d like to think that the new office is a reflection of Coastal’s success to date and an indication about how we treat our customers,” Kevin concluded. Ω 08/2012•Issue 135•REm•29
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newsREPORT
in brief • The imminent introduction of REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) in Thailand will be a major development for the property investment market and is expected to be greeted by keen investor interest, say Colliers.
Movers & Shakers say thanks to Tulip Founder of the Movers & Shakers Corporate Charity Network Cees Cuijpers (MD of Town & Country Property), is pictured (left) handing over two plaques to his longtime friend Kobi Elbaz. The plaques are in recognition of the support supplied by Kobi’s company, the Tulip Group, which sponsored six events in Bangkok. l Cees hits a half century! See Pattaya Living supplement.
32•REm•Issue 135•08/2012
• Myanmar’s new investment law, expected soon, is likely to open the country to foreign engagement. “Myanmar constitutes a significant opportunity for Thaibased businesses,” says Colliers chief Simon Landy.
Colliers achieve fast growth in consultancy
Simon Landy (centre), executive chairman of Colliers International Thailand, and his management team recently held a Colliers Open House 2012 at the Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square where they outlined their progress. Colliers International Thailand have firmly established themselves as one of the leading players in the highly competitive property consultancy arena. After just five years in business, Colliers expects to achieve record turnover this year based on strong growth in its core consultancy and transaction-based businesses. “Since setting up in 2007, we have averaged a growth rate of some 44 per cent per annum,” according to executive chairman Simon Landy. “This compares
very well against the industry average of around 10 per cent for the same period.” The company is on course to achieve more than 40 per cent growth again this year. “Our core strength is in consultancy and our core philosophy is to give honest, reliable advice to clients,” said Mr Landy. Since opening in 2007, Colliers has grown to a staff of around 200 professionals and has opened satellite offices in Pattaya and Hua Hin.
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MYSTERYcolumnist
This month our insider ponders the effect the large number of new projects springing up will have on the overall property market. Owners of older units are already experiencing problems adjusting to competition from the new “kids” on the block ...
Unrealistic requests and nuisance value! By undercover AGENT
I
think as real estate agents here in Pattaya we are used to experiencing things that can be a little bit unusual. One of the most common things that I come across is unrealistic demands from tenants both on long-term and short-term rentals. In the last few of months I have experienced several of these demands and would like to share some of them with you – hopefully you will find them as amusing as I do. Recently I showed a client a budget, one-bedroom condo in the Jomtien area. The client had explained to me that he was looking “long term”. He explained to me that he liked the condo but had an issue because there was only one air 36•REm•Issue 135•08/2012
conditioning unit which was in the bedroom. He asked for another to be installed, but it had to be “very powerful one because Thailand was too hot” and in return he would sign a three-month contract! Sadly, the cost of the air conditioning unit was more than the owner would have received in rent! Amazingly, the client still rented the condo and seems very satisfied! Tight budget On a similar note I had a customer looking to rent a small house in East Pattaya. His budget was quite tight but we managed to find him something that met his requirements. After around a month we got a call
‘‘ He was
thinking of
moving out unless the
owner agreed to fully
insulate the house.
telling us that he was thinking of moving out unless the owner agreed to fully insulate the house as his electricity bill was too high! Furthermore he would be seeking legal advice if the owner did not comply within 21 days! Not surprisingly the owner refused and I believe the tenant is now back in his home country, minus his deposit! Catering for all nationalities can be another problem especially when it comes to television! A few months ago now I had a customer requesting a particular French channel. I said I would see if any of the local providers had this channel. All were unaware of the channel I was talking about so I checked on Google. It was actually a regional French station only
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available in a small area of France, never mind Thailand! Disappointed, the customer decided he could watch the programmes via the internet! Another tenant who had been staying in a condo for a long time rang to complain about the mildew build up in his shower. I explained that it could be easily removed with a good clean and perhaps some suitable products. He was disgusted by this suggestion and felt that the owner should come and clean his shower – which incidentally was in a far worse condition than when he moved in! Reluctantly, the tenant agreed but deducted the price of the cleaning products from his next rent; less than Bt100 – much to the amusement of the owner! Could work start later? I recently received a complaint from a juristic office at a condo regarding a tenant who was becoming a bit of a nuisance. Every morning he was going to the office to request that some building work across from the building start after 11am as he liked to go out and it was affecting his sleep! Not only did he do this every morning but he backed it up via email demanding a reply to his emails and if he did not get one would chase the matter further. The juristic officer said he was wasting around one hour of their time each day! I went to see the man to explain that the building work was actually by another developer and there was very little we could actually do. He said he
‘‘ Reluctantly, the tenant
agreed but deducted the price of the
cleaning products from his next rent; less than Bt100 – much to the amusement
’’
38•REm•Issue 135•08/2012
of the
owner!
knew this but was just looking for a discount! We get many strange requests. A while ago we rented a house to someone with a private swimming pool. It was the hot season so naturally assumed that he wanted it cool off after a hard day, well, doing nothing! A month or so after he moved in I got a phone call, in broken English, explaining that there was a problem with the swimming pool. I went to house to try and find the problem and he told me that it was a problem with the water heater. I assumed that he meant in the shower but in actual fact he meant he wanted it fitting to the pool! A natural request in 38° heat! I decided it was probably better not to mention this complaint to the owner for fear of his response! A request I got recently was from a new tenant asking me politely if I could talk to the owner about getting new equipment installed in the gym. From the outside this might seem reasonable. However, it was a brand new condo. ‘Reasonable’ requests I tried to keep the customer happy explaining that committees decide how money is spent within a building and it is not down to one individual. Undeterred he asked how he could join the committee as he felt that this was reasonable request. Again a reasonable action apart from the fact that he was only renting for one month! A common trait with these – and without wanting to generalise too much – is that they usually come from tenants renting the budget properties
but expecting to live in the height of luxury, that perhaps they experienced 10 years ago. I recently had a customer who rented a budget condo. The condo was small and clean but did lack a few modern conveniences. No soap holder My customer rang one day to explain that he needed a soap holder fitting in the shower as it was causing him “big problems”. I assumed that he was joking and suggested he find a nice, 5’2” local who may be able to assist with task! Sadly he wasn’t amused but continued to rent so perhaps he did listen to my advice in the end, or maybe it just wasn’t “a big problem”. Check-ins are stressful for many people coming here on holiday – especially if they have not been to Pattaya before. A common theme that I have touched upon before is the fact that we are not a hotel service and condos and real estate agents don’t really offer the same level of service. It is not uncommon for a customer to ask that we meet them personally either at the condo (at 2am!) or go and collect them from the airport – at no extra charge of course! Generally the customers and owner we meet are friendly, pleasant and helpful. These are just a few small stories about things that happen to real estate agents on a daily basis. It may annoy us at the time, but we have many laughs after the event and really need to thank these people for brightening up our days! As always space is short, so until next time, keep enjoying the Land of Smiles!
Prices From 2.7MB Tel. 038 252 996
www.thelegendpattaya.com
newsREPORT
The Prim Grand Condominium T
he Porchland company have launched their seventh project just a month after we reported the official launch of their sixth. No 7 will be called The Prim and it will be built on a 300 sqm plot in Soi 12 Naklua. A spokesman for the company describes it as: “Luxurious, charming and unique in Modern Oriental style. “The concept behind it is ‘peace and happiness in one’s own private space’.” Ready-to-live-in The Prim Grand Condominum will rise to eight storeys and have 64 units. There are six different rooms sizes with the smallest 40/45 sqm. Starting prices are from Bt2.2m. The spokesman added: “It will be a peaceful place with all facilities such as swimming pool, fitness, sauna, restaurant, 24-hour security with CCTV. “Also we are near to the beach, the Sanctuary of Truth, shopping malls, Baan Sukawadee, the university, and hospitals.” l For more information call Porchland on 082-4031999 / 082-4032999/082-4033999 • Email: move@theprimpattaya.com. Management by Porchland Group.
42•REm•Issue 135•08/2012
eastcoast@thaiproperty.com • www.thaiproperty.com view talay 3 Pratumnak Hill Condo size: 97 sq.m 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms Direct beachfront
Bright, airy unit Euro kitchen Fully furnished Long term only
rent: 24,000 BT/month jomtien complex Jomtien Condo size: 198 sq.m 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms Euro kitchen
Penthouse unit Newly renovated Stunning views In foreign name
sale: 14m bt/rent: 60,000 BT/month wongamat exclusive place Wongamat Land size: 18 sq.wah House size: 200 sq.m Euro kitchen Fully furnished
3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms Easy access to beach In company name
sale: 4.5m bt/rent: 35,000 BT/month c’est palai Jomtien Land size: 290 sq.wah House size: 850 sq.m Modern Thai concept Great lifestyle home
7 luxurious bedrooms 10 bathrooms Must be seen In company name
saLE: 65,000,000 BT
Jomtien
038 267 030-1 • Pattaya 038 723 615-6
SPECIALFEATURE
Wong Amat Tower is heading for the Heights!
I
don’t often drive past the site of Heights Holdings’ Wong Amat Tower because it’s not on the way to anywhere, writes Dave Buckley. Go past it and a few hundred metres further down the road you come to a dead-end. All you can do is spin around and go back. And that is my (admittedly weak) excuse as to why I have been unaware of the progress that has been made there. But progress there has certainly been since I last visited which was for the launch party. Two floors a month As you can see above, Wong Amat Tower (say WAT!) is now progressing quickly. By the time you read this it looks certain to be up to the 10th floor with future progress projected at two floors per month. WAT will be 38 storeys when finished so you can do your own maths about when it is likely that the skeleton will be complete. 46•REm•Issue 135•08/2012
HH have engaged the internationally acclaimed the Lock-BUILD Group, for WAT. They are not hanging around. Architectural work has commenced on the lower floors, with the ground floor swimming pool set. Brick-laying and plumbing work has commenced in the lobby area, business centre and the sixth floor. Of course WAT is not the only HH project currently being built in the Naklua area. The company also have Club Royal where final touches are being made at Phase 1 (Buildings A and B) while Phase 2 (C and D) is set to start construction at the end of the month. The lagoon pool and lush tropical landscaping between Buildings A and B is complete, along with all wooden decking and seating areas. Building B is approaching completion at a lively pace, with all plastering work now complete and painting of the exterior
building more than half done. All aluminium window and balcony frames are in place, as well as glass fittings for windows and balconies of all apartments in Club Royal B. Tiling complete Internal fit-outs of all units have started, with tiling work now complete. Work on the lobby and lift area is almost there, with stairwells and corridors due to finish by the end of this month. A spokesman for HH said: “In addition to the above we are delighted to report that contracts have been finalised for the start of construction of Club Royal Building C, the Waterpark Condominium and Laguna Bay 2. “All three buildings will be breaking ground any time now with renowned building firm Siam Construction selected as primary contractor. “Siam Construction have developed an excellent relationship with us in recent
years and are well known across Thai real estate for their efficiency, quality control and professionalism. “ He added: The Siam team have produced excellent results at Laguna Bay since the project broke ground last December 2011 with completion expected at the end of this year – well ahead of the April 2013 scheduled delivery date. “They have also made rapid progress on Park Royal 3 Building B – where delivery of apartments started last month – and Club Royal Building B, on track for completion this September.” l Pre-launch sales of HH’s brand new resort development, Laguna Beach Resort 3 – The Maldives, continue to gather pace ahead of the full launch this month. For details of early-bird investor deals available - contact info@heights-holdings.com or call +66 85 282 6454.
Top pictures: When these photographs were taken work had begun on the 9th floor of the Wong Amat Tower. By the time this magazine appears the building is expected to at least be on the 10th. “Construction is moving swiftly so we might well be more advanced than that,” said a spokesman for HH.
The lagoon pool and stunning landscaping between buildings A and B at Club Royal Phase 1. Progress on Building B (right) continues at pace.
08/2012•Issue 135•REm•47
SPECIALFEATURE
Bravo for Bravo Thai Their Vineyard projects keep winning award after award!
A
wards are strange things! They seem to provoke diverse reactions in people. Some seek them; others shun them. I guess the people behind the Bravo Thai developments sit just about halfway between these two camps. They don’t go out of their way to pursue awards. But, if one is going to come their way, they are not going to do a Marlon Brando (for the Oscars) and turn it down, writes Dave Buckley. In the past couple of years the company, which recently launched their third phase The Vineyard III – La Résidence, have picked up two major awards for their first two developments (see panel alongside). I visited their second phase just a few weeks back and, once you step through the door of one of the homes, it is easy to comprehend why they have received this recognition. Attention to detail Put simply, as you can see from the pictures on the facing page, they do everything well with no sacrifices for cost over quality and with every attention to detail. The term “tailor-made” crops up frequently when talking to Bravo’s managing director Terrance Allen Collins (Terry to friends). The approach is uncomplicated: provided buyers like the overall concept, Bravo is more than happy to come up with a bespoke package to help them personalise their home. Example? Terry has some canvasses on the wall behind his desk that are a mixture of painting and sculpture which creates a pleasing 3-D effect. When one of his buyers made admiring comments about them, he agreed to put a copy in the house the woman had bought. 52•REm•Issue 135•08/2012
“They are professional people who know they are getting quality and are prepared to pay for it.” Buyers include a professor, a doctor, a dentist, an investment banker, a lawyer and executives from the oil industry. “We will even have a Michelin chef moving in,” said Terry. “I’m hoping I can persuade him to get involved with phase III where we will have a coffee shop/restaurant. But nothing has been agreed yet.”
Terry with the two award certificates. In the past few years Bravo Thai Lifestyles has won: l Highly commended – 2012-13 International Property Awards Asia Pacific for Property Single Unit Thailand; and ... l Highly commended – 2011 Thailand Property Awards for Best Villa Development (Eastern Seaboard). Terry said: “For me the Property Awards Asia Pacific are the ‘Oscars’. I was very pleased and proud – make that ecstatic – when we featured in them. “We were one of only three Pattaya properties to gain awards – the other two were the Hilton for best hotel and the Royal Cliff for best convention centre. Both were highly commended so we were in good company. “Plus we were the only housing development in Thailand – not just Pattaya – to even get nominated; the other two were condos.” That said, personalising a home the Bravo Thai Lifestyles way is not just about the odd wall decoration. It’s much more than that. Sure they have a basic model that includes items such as a top-notch European-style kitchen, built-in wardrobes and vanity units but that just scratches the surface of what they can provide They can also put in pools,
spa baths, spiral staircases, smarthome technology – you name it! Of course, it should be made clear that there are cost implications if you seek substantial changes and additions to the basic design which, to me, looks excellent, anyway. Prepared to pay for quality “The customers we attract understand this,” said Terry.
Food delivery service The Vineyard III will also contain a communal fitness centre and pool, though most of the houses will have their own pool. “We aim to have a food delivery service with produce such as fresh bread brought to the door on a daily basis,” said Terry. In total there are 18 parcels of land but it is likely there will be slightly fewer dwellings as some have indicated they would like their home to be on a double plot. Prices on The Vineyard III – La Résidence start at Bt9.9m going up to around Bt20m+. Much depends on the degree to which buyers wish to influence the design. There are four house styles named, aptly, after popular wines. In ascending price order they are Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigiot and Champagne. A showhouse for the Pinot Grigiot is already available for viewing on Phase II. Construction work on Phase III is already underway just a short hop away from the first two. Will the award winning continue? “Who can say?” said Terry. “But I know we have been nominated for next year’s International Property Awards Asia Pacific – next time for the project overall, this award was for best single unit. And we hope to be nominated in the Thailand Property Awards, too.” Ω
08/2012•Issue 135•REm•53
theinterview newsREPORT
Back in the mix Nigel Cornick looks set regain his place as a key player in the Pattaya property scene following the announcement of his company’s new Bt2bn project on Pratumnak. It’s as if he has never been away – and there’s a big case for saying that he hasn’t ...
Y
Nigel Cornick is pictured with Khun Jaree Wuthisanti, Krung Thai Bank senior vice-president Corporate Banking Group, at the signing ceremony to mark Kingdom Property securing financing from the bank for the Southpoint project.
Support from bank Kingdom Property’s has secured financing for its Southpoint development from the Krung Thai Bank. Kingdom Property chief executive Nigel Cornick said he was delighted to secure the funding through Thailand’s largest financial institution, an important element for the success of the development as it clearly demonstrated the financial viability of the project to buyers and investors. “In granting this financing Krung Thai Bank has demonstrated their faith in Kingdom Property’s management and as a developer with the skills and experience required 56•REm•Issue 135•08/2012
to deliver a condominium project of this magnitude.” Krung Thai Bank senior vice-president Corporate Banking Group 1, Jaree Wuthisanti, said the bank was confident the project would be a success given the strong fundamentals of the destination and the developer. “We have tremendous confidence in Pattaya and the Eastern Seaboard as an area of significant growth – and we believe that Kingdom Property has all the executive skills and expertise to make the very most of the buoyant market and build a high quality condominium,” said Ms Jaree.
ou don’t have to be in the company of Nigel Cornick very long before you work out that here’s a man who is relishing being back in the Pattaya property development mix, writes Dave Buckley. With the recent announcement of his Kingdom Property company’s Bt2bn project on Pratumnak he’s got “some skin in the game” again and you sense that he is champing at the bit to get things moving. “We start pre-sales in August but the official launch is scheduled for November when the show unit should be finished,” he said. “We have our EIA (Environmental Impact Accessment) submission in and we are confident that over the next three months that will be passed. So we are looking to break ground at the same time as the official launch.” Since resigning from his chief executive post at Raimon Land in 2009 Nigel has been heading Binswanger Brooker Thailand, a Bangkok-based full service real estate firm with a strong reputation for its market research. Shares exchange I spoke to Nigel just the day after he formally severed his link with Binswanger. An amicable shares exchange involving Binswanger allowed Cornick to gain a 49 per cent shareholding in Kingdom Property. His two Thai partners hold the balance. “While at Binswanger I was very much in touch with what was happening in Pattaya. I have been involved in the city since Raimon did Northshore back in 2004,” he said. “Pattaya is a city that can only grow south. That’s were large
tracks of land remain available.” He was referring to the land opened up by the advent of the new Second Road in Jomtien. But Kingdom’s first step into Pattaya will be on Pratumnak Hill very close to the projects, The View @ Cosy Beach and Cosy Beach View. “We’ll be in the same soi but on the opposite side,” said Nigel. The new project will be called Southpoint – echoes of Northpoint which was launched during his time with Raimon. Two towers, 650 units It will comprise two towers of 20 and 28 storeys with 650 units which will vary in size to include 30, 40, 60 and 90sqm apartments. Southpoint will have an entry level price of around the Bt1.5m mark. The specification will be “much in line with that offered in Northshore” and the plot is four rai of freehold. “There will be more of the smaller units in Southpoint because that’s where the market is right now. I think developers have to accept that to sell bigger units you need to be right on the waterfront,” he said. Cornick is a big believer in views over water and many of the units in Southpoint will enjoy this. “At present we are negotiating a deal which would mean our next project will be right on the waterfront,” he said but, understandably, he declined to elaborate further. The game plan for Kingdom Property is that it will launch at least one substantial project per year for the foreseeable future. “We hold reasonably sizeable capital and I see one project a year as being not too difficult a task to achieve,” he said.
Nigel returns to the Pattaya property developers mix with a formidable tried and trusted team behind him. Here he is seen with two members of that team – Colin K Okashima, landscape architect, and Stephen Odell, architect. Kingdom will focus on Pattaya. “We aim to take a substantial market share. I believe the city is vibrant enough to support our aims,” said Nigel. “We will be seeking better than average sites. I believe we can access sites that may prove beyond the reach of other developers. Sites that are perhaps not even on the market.” Cornick has been involved in the Thai property market for the past 21 years. “I think I have the insight into what it takes to do a deal,” he said quoting buying the Cambodian Embassy in Bangkok and turning it into 185 Ratchadamri as a prime example. He is also especially proud think that by choosing top quality sites and offering a top quality
product, we will not be troubled of his involvement in another double tower project – The River – which has been the forerunner in the substantial development of Bangkok’s Chao Praya river since its launch in 2007. Was he was concerned that perhaps too many units would come on the Pattaya market at the same time. “I think that by choosing top quality sites and offering a top quality product, we will not be troubled,” he said. “I’m a big believer in the saying ‘cheap no good, good no cheap’.” Southpoint will see a reuniting of an experienced development team including landscape designer and sculptor Colin K Okashima,
I think that by choosing top quality sites and offering a top quality product, we will not be troubled. I’m a big believer in the saying ‘cheap no good, good no cheap’.
architect Stephen O’Dell of SODA, The Beaumont Partnership who are responsible for master planning and engineering specialists Meinhardt. Construction will be by the Bouygues company who Nigel has collaborated with many times previously. Perhaps it’s not surprising that the project has secured financial backing from Krung Thai Bank, given who is involved. Astute investors Nigel added: “I think that astute investors will understand what we are offering. They will see the design, the quality of the personnel involved and the materials used and comprehend they will be buying into something that is almost maintenance-free. “I don’t see that in other developments. At times I wonder how developers can deliver for the (low) prices that are charging. I think it’s becoming increasing hard to deliver good product and returns for these figures.” Cornick feels that in some areas
of the city “the opportunity for capital appreciation is not so great” which is why he is happy their first project will be on Pratumnak. “Environmental changes to the city plan means that in future it will be less easy to develop high density projects in some areas (Pratumnak being one of them).” We spoke a little about levels of tourism in the city. Nigel said: “I expect tourism in Pattaya to develop into a 12 months-a-year business. I see Indians coming here on incentive packages that probably make it cheaper to holiday here than in their own country. They come here and load up with their TVs and electrical goods and go home happy. “I think Indians, Chinese and Russians will continue to drive local demand for accommodation. Then, when you look at a company such as Hemaraj buying a large tract of Koh Larn (228.15 rai) to develop a fully-integrated resort, I see no reason to be pessimistic about the future of Pattaya.” Ω 08/2012•Issue 135•REm•57
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regularcolumnist
American journalist and property investor Bart Walters has been living in Thailand for 11 years, first in Bangkok, then in Phuket and now in Pattaya. Bart publishes his inside views on Pattaya and its property market in various print and online publications including International Living and Escape America. He can be contacted at bkkbart@gmail.com
Who stole my bike?
A
little more than 20 years ago my youngest son came running into the kitchen at breakfast in a panic with hot tears streaming down his face and painfully bawled: “Dad, someone stole my bicycle!” In between convulsive breathes be recounted his awful discovery. He’s woke up, brushed his teeth like a good boy and gone to the front porch where he’d left his trusty steed. “And it’s just gone … it’s just gone!” I could feel his outrage. I could imagine he felt violated. And he was waiting for me to say something … to formulate a plan to get his bike back … to punish the low-down horse thief. It was the first time I remember ever getting the urge to impart a lesson I’d learned from my parents. I donned a façade of calm and reason and said: “So, your bike has been stolen; whose fault is that?” “It’s gone … it’s just gone … don’t you understand?” he kept repeating.
62•REm•Issue 135•08/2012
‘‘
By bart walters Again, in my all-knowing voice I queried: “Where did you leave it last night?” “On the front porch dad … just like always.” “Didn’t I tell you to put it in the garage? Didn’t I tell you someone would steal it?” He was as incredulous as a nine year old can be. “Dad, are you saying it’s my fault the bike is gone? Someone took my bike and you’re saying it’s my fault?” I remembered being in his shoes, I felt compelled to explain it just like my mother said it to me. “It takes two people to steal a bike,” I told him. “It takes one guy to leave it in an unsecured place and another to take it. It is at least half your fault.” I ceremoniously crossed the kitchen to the door leading into the garage and opened it. Turning on the light I proclaimed perkily: “Oh look … your brother’s bike is still here.” I doubt if there is a person walking this planet that has not learned this lesson the hard way at least once.
It takes two people to
steal a bike. It takes one guy to leave it in
an unsecured place and another to take
’’ it. It is at least
half your fault.
You can be outraged, you can call the authorities and you can plot revenge, but your stuff is gone and it will not be returned. In ancient Rome, a chariot thief would have been caught, drawn and quartered. In medieval times, the culprit would be stoned to death and his head mounted on a stick outside the city walls. I believe the policy in the ancient Arab world is to cut off the larcenous dog’s hand. But we live in modern times. Asset protection and justice for law breakers is a little less cut and dried. In my home country, investigations would be conducted, lawyers appointed and an endless argument centering on the very definition of “bicycle” would ensue. But, very rarely will the victim get his bike back. So, let’s set this lesson in the here and now. When you’re in Thailand and contemplating entering into a business agreement … say a property purchase for example … how do you keep someone from stealing your bike? It doesn’t matter if you are buying, building or trading; at some point your assets will be exposed. Is it possible to protect yourself? To answer this question I’m afraid I’ll have to employ the most over-used phrase in Thailand … “Up to you”. Thai law is based on the English system. While researching this article I call upon an old friend. He is a real lawyer. When I say that, I mean a graduate from the prestigious Columbia University in the US. He is a consultant for the most celebrated law firm in the kingdom. He is in court and absorbing the Thai
legal machine on the front lines every day of the week. When I asked him for the most important concept to grasp regarding Thai law, he said: “That’s easy … the letter of the law.” In my home country, lawyers can argue the “spirit” of the law; but not in Thailand. “The rules are clear … the law is absolute,” he said. To illustrate how things can get legally sideways in Thailand, I’ll offer two true stories. Both are situations I have intimate knowledge of. Hopefully my readers will get the point … “put your bike in the garage”. That’s not my bike When I first came to Thailand, I lived in the tropical paradise of Phuket; a place that’s easy to fall in love with. After a few months the urge to purchase a place of my own grabbed me and I started shopping for a condo. One of the first agents I met was a slick-talking Canadian named Ben. Ben was a long time expatriate with a Thai wife and kids. He ran a small real estate brokerage in Rawai. When I say small, I mean him and his charming sister-in-law Lek. Ben and Lek were friendly and knowledgeable, with an impressive list of clientele to support their claim to be “property experts”. One of the first condos they showed me was a sweet little two bedroom a stone’s throw to idyllic Nai Harn Beach. I made up my mind, negotiated a price and set the wheels of purchase into motion. Ben explained to me that this condo was not for foreign
‘‘ The last
payment was
collected, the taxes paid
and I took my suitcase full of money to
Bangkok where I gleefully regaled compatriots
’’ with my story of success.
Above and left: Views of the idyllic Nai Harn Beach area in Phuket where Bart bought a condo and later purchased a plot for a significant discount.
ownership and was owned by a Thai company. After a crash-course on how I could command control over this abode, Lek helped me set up the framework of my own Thai company to buy the property. Both Ben and Lek agreed that the traditional method of using nominee shareholders to satisfy the legal requirements would expose me to investigation by the land department. To avoid any trouble, real Thai people that I had met would become shareholders and even paid a stipend. My share of the company was comfortably under the level that normally activates red flags with the authorities, but large enough to control the whole company and all its assets. Lek was a shareholder and codirector with me. The deal was made, the money changed hands and I moved into my new bachelor pad within two weeks. Several months passed and I became familiar with the southern end of Phuket Island. Being a serial property buyer, I stumbled across a deal I simply could not pass up. An old Aussie had bought 2.5 rai of land and was nearly finished building a big house in one corner of the lot. Unfortunately he ran out of money and motivation and I purchased the whole thing at a significant discount. My plan was to finish the big house and live in it while building three more houses for re-sale at a profit. Lek assisted me with the purchase using the same company that held the title of my condo. I dutifully signed paperwork to increase paid-up capital
requirements, appoint an accountant and secured building permits. Within 20 months I’d sub-divided the property, built three really nice houses and sold two of them. I also had a contract and downpayment on my big house and original condo. My little property development scheme was working like a charm. Then one day Lek called me in a severe panic. Her shrill little voice was rambling a hundred miles per hour and I could only decipher the words “land office” and “crackdown”. Apparently, as the regional land office was prone to in those days, some newly appointed official had gotten religion and was zealously pursuing all companies with foreign directors for illegal land development. The last house sale was to be completed in two weeks and Lek was convinced if I walked into the land office in Phuket, there would be big trouble. She was all to pieces, but she did have a plan, so I met her at my accountant’s office that afternoon. Lek’s fiendishly cunning plan was to remove me completely from the company, naming her as sole director, finishing the last transaction and closing the company. It all made sense to me and it seemed like she was sticking her neck out. I thankfully complied. The last payment was collected, the taxes paid and I took my suitcase full of money to Bangkok where I gleefully regaled compatriots with my story of success. A little over two years later, I got an email from Lek that matched the panic level of our conversation previously. 08/2012•Issue 135•REm•63
regularcolumnist
This time the phrase accenting her scrambled diatribe was “Department of Revenue”. According to Lek, I somehow owed an additional Bt8m from my nearly forgotten enterprise. I was incredulous. No matter how many documents I scanned and emailed indicating that the accounting had been approved and proper taxes paid, Lek insisted that I was again “in big trouble” if I didn’t pay up immediately. For the next couple of months I got phone calls and emails pleading her case and threatening ones from her brother-in-law Ben, the greasy Canadian. Now, I’m all for paying my fair share … and God knows an American fears a Department of Revenue … any Department of Revenue … but something didn’t smell right. When I got a happy and cheerful email from Lek indicating that our genius accountant had figured out a way to reduce the amount owed to Bt3m, the stench of a rodent became unbearably pungent. Keep in mind, not a single document bearing an official seal from anyone had been produced. Feeling a bit outnumbered, I called in reinforcements and went to see my lawyer friend. After explaining the situation and turning over all my documents to his crack team of young Thai legal experts, I got a call to attend a meeting. What they revealed to me was shocking. First of all they showed me translated documents regarding the original condo purchase. Ben, the weasel, had collected a commission for his real estate 64•REm•Issue 135•08/2012
company on a condo that actually belonged to him … a fact he had neglected tell me. They also confirmed that my former company did have a Bt3m tax bill that was left unpaid. Then the real shocker came. Ben and Lek had not closed my company as they had said. Instead, they had continued to operate it and run real estate transactions through it, piling up tax debt all along the way. Now they were trying to hang the burden on me. I was getting that old sinking feeling until one of my young lawyers piped up and said: “No problem”. He explained that I had not been a director for more than two years and had no responsibility for these debts. Apparently the law is very clear in this area. I wanted to kiss him on the lips. Ben and Lek’s ill-conceived and poorly executed fraudulent scheme had failed miserably. And, who did I have to thank for it? The letter of the law, that’s who. I’m not sure if the spirit of this law is intended to protect someone in my situation, but it certainly did. I thought my bike had been sent to the junkyard for disposal, but Ben and Lek stole it to commit a crime. What they didn’t realise was that that wasn’t my bike anymore, it was Lek’s. Looking back, I consider myself very lucky to have escaped serious damage. Trust can be a dangerous thing. The lessons to be learned here are simple. Get a firm understanding of the whole company ownership arrangement. When you purchase or
The paintwork is in the process of being replaced at the building in Ban Amphur – five years late.
‘‘ They had
continued to operate the
company and
run real estate transactions through it, piling up big tax debt along the way.
sell a property using this corporate vehicle, transfer the title of the property … do not just transfer shares of the holding company. Most people think this is a good way to avoid transfer fees, but you are leaving your bike on the front porch. Form your own company to secure the property so you know the entire history of the company from beginning to end. When you sell the property, transfer the title to the buyer’s company, close your company and make sure it is closed and owes no taxes. Most importantly, trust only your own judgment or a qualified property law expert with no dog in the fight. In many cases, trust is a by-product of laziness. Put your bike in the garage. Hey lady … that’s our bike The following story is one many experienced property owners in Thailand will recognise. In fact, I’ve written about this particular situation before in an article titled “Counterfeit Condo”. Out on the edge of town on Ban Amphur Beach is a crusty old midrise that shall remain nameless. A little more than six years ago, a friend discovered what he thought was a diamond in the rough. This building got caught up in the currency crash of 1997. Just as this and several other condo developments were coming to market, the bottom fell out of the Baht and all hell broke loose. The building was finished, but many units remained unsold and partially fitted out. It remains
pretty much as it was to this day. There is hardly one flake of paint left on the building and it looks like a malnourished soi dog shivering and cold on the beach. But, two things made this place attractive to opportunistic investors like me. The location cannot be beat. Giant balconies overlooking picturesque Ban Ampur Beach offer a view many present day developers would die for. And, at Bt18,000 per sqm, the deal seemed too good to be true. And it was. The original developer is a Thai family comprised of a senior police officer and his wife. The wife, a slippery old Thai Chinese dragon lady, runs the business. Since the Asian crisis of 1997, she has allowed the building to go into disrepair, but that didn’t stop her from selling many units from her massive inventory and loading the rest up with debt. When I originally met her, she showed me plans for renovation and demonstrated the desirability of the building with name after name of prospective buyers in mid-transaction, snapping up units. The building genuinely looked like it was going to rise from the ashes to be one of the best condos on the beach. I picked out a prime unit with a 70 sqm balcony and set to fitting it out. That was five years ago. Not one action has been taken. Since she, or her family, own controlling shares in the building, it limps along operating as a hollow shell of what it could be, and nothing ever changes. Every owner, Thai and foreign, has had a go
Marvellous views from the balcony of the building in Ban Amphur Bart refers to.
‘‘ Trying to get a bunch of
farangs living in Thailand
togetther to fight for a
cause is like trying to herd cats ... they just won’t come when you call ’em.
at this woman. Lawsuits have been filed, authorities notified and still nothing has happened. It appears that everyone who matters is caught up in her web of influence. Over the years, a small handful of owners who actually live in or visit the building have schemed and plotted to somehow wrestle control of it from her. Several runs have been made to kick her out and hire new management, but all of them have failed. At least a dozen investor types have had a sniff at buying the 100 or so remaining units in her inventory and turning the building around. All of them have done due diligence and ran for the hills with their hands on their wallets. Somewhere along the way, the finance company that owned most of the debt loaded on the dragon lady’s units seized possession of them, but she is still in control. Several attempts have been made to contact this “bank” and try to arrange a turnaround, but to no avail. The owners have remained stonewalled and exasperated. The main problem we owners have is that we are mostly foreigners. Trying to get a bunch of farangs living in Thailand together to fight for a cause is like trying to herd cats … they just don’t come when you call ’em. A total list of all the owners was not available to us, so no rally cry could ring out. The laws governing condo associations in Thailand are very clear about what it takes to throw out management. We simply could never get enough people on our team to come up with the 25 per cent voting
shares to even get a general meeting arranged. Then last year the Bangkok floods came. A building that rarely sees more than five interior lights illuminated was suddenly packed to gills with people fleeing the rising tides in the capital. Owners met in the lobby and around the pool to discuss what should be done and how to go about it. Thais and farangs commiserated and shared their outrage. I’m sure the dragon lady’s ears were on fire. Since that time we’ve received an owners list. Letters have been sent and appropriate authorities notified. We now have the 25 per cent needed to call a general meeting. Suddenly the land office is on our side. Pressure from several Thai officials has been brought to bear on the dragon lady. The last we heard, she had run away and become a nun. A turnaround now seems imminent. It has been a long time coming, but the laws that are in place are finally going to be enforced. We were promised a bike with a new paint job and now we can get one, even if we have to paint it ourselves. And why is that possible? The letter of the law, that’s why. The wheels of justice may turn slowly, but at least they exist – and turn! My message is simple. Thailand is not a monkey republic. There are laws to protect property owners … there is a garage! It is, however, up to us to know where the garage is and not be too lazy to put our bikes in it. Remember, if somebody steals your bike, it’s half your fault. Bart Walters 08/2012•Issue 135•REm•65
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broker & developer directory
A bathroom with a view. An architect’s rendering of the views that will be enjoyed from the Waterfront Suites & Residences.
Your at-a-glance guide to some of the major players in the Pattaya property market. We do not claim this is a comprehensive list of all the brokers and developers who can provide a service but we hope readers will find it helpful.
This section is kindly sponsored by Waterfront Suites & Residences
a g e n t s AAAA Properties Jomtien Plaza Condotel 406/37 M12 Jomtien Beach Road T: +66 (0)38 756 370 F: +66 (0)38 757 015 M: +66 (0)86 144 1312 E: info@aaaaproperties.com W: aaaaproperties.com Principal: Louis J Van den Bergh ACI Enterprise Co Ltd (incorporating ACI Ocean Properties) 672/20 M5 Soi 18, Naklua Road next to Northpoint, Wong-Amat T: +66 (0)38 41 6060 F: +66 (0)38 41 6061 M: +66 (0)81 762 2627 E: info@aci-enterprise.com W: aci-enterprise.com and pattayaoceanproperties.com Principal: Markus Probst Memberships: CRS, REBA (Thailand), REBA-ES, RETS (Thailand), NAR
Property Consultants
All Siam Properties M: +66 (0)87 068 5159 E: info@allsiamproperties.com W: allsiamproperties.com Membership: TREA Anaakot Group Property Consultants 138/1 Moo 12, Soi Chayapruk, Jomtien T: +66 (0)38 231544 M: +66 (0)8780 33329 E: info@anaakot-group.com W: Anaakot-Group.com Principal: Jason Young
The following are among the trade organisation memberships or qualifications held by some of the agents. Note that, in some instances, the qualification is with the individual employee – not the company overall. AIPP: Acronym stands for The Association of International Property Professionals which is a not-for-profit organisation whose aim is to improve the standards of professionalism in the international property market, helping both the industry and the public. Members have voluntarily signed up to follow the AIPP Code of Conduct.
Arise Asia 477/25 View Talay 5C, Thappraya Road T: +66 (0)38 075 610 M: +66 (0)85 228 8911 or (0)89 107 9807 E: info@ariseasia.com W: ariseasia.com Principal: Thanyamai Totharong (Thanya) Memberships: CRS, REBA (Thailand), REBA-ES, RETS (Thailand), NAR Benchmark Asia Property Co Ltd 315/309 M12, Thepprasit Road T: +66 (0)38 304 133 M: +66 (0)81 792 9486 E: info@benchmarkthailand.com W: benchmarkthailand.com Principal: Gareth De Silva Memberships: CRS, REBA (Thailand), REBA-ES, RETS (Thailand), NAR
CIPS: Certified International Property Specialist – this is a members-only group which is for international practitioners of the National Association of REALTORS®. CRS: Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) is the top professional designation awarded to REALTORS® in residential sales. Held by fewer than five per cent of all REALTORS®. NAR: National Association of Realtors is North America’s largest trade association representing more than 1.2 million members. Members can call themselves REALTORS®. NAR also functions as a self-regulatory organisation for real estate brokerage. REBA (Thailand): This is the nationwide Real Estate Broker Association with affiliation to the international Council of Residential Specialists. REBA-ES: The Real Estate Broker Association for the Eastern Seaboard.
RETS (Thailand): Real Estate Training School (Thailand) – brokers seeking membership of REBA must have staff attend and pass their test. More overleaf
Big Mango Properties Main office: South Pattaya – Soi Big Mango off Third Road T: +66 (0)38 713 118 Second office: North Pattaya – Wong-Amat Residence, 505/1 Moo 5, Soi 16 Naklua Road T: +66 (0)38 725 001 Third office: BNT Building 155/4-6 Asoke Road, Bangkok T: +66 (0)2 258 8421 F: +66 (0)2 258 8420 M: +66 (0)89 685 2198 E: michael@bigmangoproperties.com W: bigmangoproperties.com Principal: Michael Barricelli Bizhouse Co Ltd 324/22 Moo 9 Central Pattaya Road near junction with Third Road T: +66 (0)38 416 322 M: +66 (0)89 0924593 E: info@bizhouseproperty.com W: bizhouseproperty.com Principal: Richard Arthur buythaiproperties.com 308/69 M10 Thappraya Road T: +66 (0)38 251 644 F: +66 (0)38 251 645 M: +66 (0)8 456 210 40 E: info@buythaiproperties.com W: buythaiproperties.com
AGENTS DIRECTORY • Sponsored by Waterfront Suites & Residences • 07-08/2012 • Issues 134 and 135
Alan Bolton Property Consultants Unit C102, 399/9 M10 The Avenue Shopping Mall Second Road near Villa Market T: +66 (0)38 416 728-9 F: +66 (0)38 416 730 M: +66 (0)81 996 2489 E: info@pattaya-property.net W: pattaya-property.net Principal: Alan Bolton Memberships: REBA (Thailand), REBA-ES, RETS (Thailand), TREBS
glossaRY
d i r e c t o r y
a g e n t s
d i r e c t o r y
glossaRY
Coastal Real Estate Office 1: 216/62 M10, Soi 13 (Soi Diana next to Mega-Break) Office 2: 426/1 M12, Jomtien Beach T: +66 (0)38 421 580 M: +66 (0)81 269 0742 E: info@pattayarealestateservices.com W: pattayarealestateservices.com Principal: Kevin Mattson
AGENTS DIRECTORY • Sponsored by Waterfront Suites & Residences • 07-08/2012 • Issues 134 and 135
Colliers International Thailand 519/4-5 Second Road, opposite Central Festival, Pattaya Beach T: +66 (0)38 427 771 F: +66 (0)38 427 772 M: +66 (0)85 2828 120 E: info.pattaya@colliers.com or mark.bowling@colliers.com W: colliers.co.th Principal: Mark Bowling Memberships: RICS Delight Real Estate Co Ltd 308/58-59 M12 Thappraya Road T: +66 (0)38 251 415 F: +66 (0)38 251 416 M: +66 (0)89 542 3041 (Eng/Ger/Dutch) or +66 (0)89 253 8842 (Thai) E: info@delight-realestate.com W: delight-realestate.com Principal: Anne-Marie Adriaans East Coast Real Estate Co Ltd Office 1: 414/19 M12 Jomtien Complex T: +66 (0)38 267 030-1 F: +66 (0)38 267 029 M: +66 (0)81 862 8034 Office 2: 485/4 M10 Second Road T: +66 (0)38 723 615-6 F: +66 (0)38 426 193 E: info@thaiproperty.com W: thaiproperty.com or thaiproperty.net Principal: David Gray Advertisement: Page 41
RICS: Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors – an independent body which regulates the conduct of property professionals and surveyors in the UK and other sovereign nations. RICS provides education and training standards, protects consumers with strict codes of practice and advises governments and business. TREA: The Thai Real Estate Association aims to be the hub of the real estate profession here by encouraging entrepreneurs to operate to standards of quality and ethics; to create the maximum benefits for developers, government and consumers altogether. TREBS: The Thailand Real Estate Broker School provides training for real estate professionals. The course includes real estaterelated laws, broker law, broker ethics, listing and sales techniques, reconciliation techniques, property evaluation, property transfer procedure and tax calculation.
Farang Property Services 223/32 M9, Third Road T: +66 (0)38 052 495 F: +66 (0)38 052 496 M: +66 (0)89 938 7433 E: info@farang-services.com W: farang-services.com Principal: Manfred Ehrenheim Advertisements: Pages 4 and 5 Five Star Villas & Condos Main office: Pratumnak – Tara Court 388/109 M12, Pratumnak Road Second office: Jomtien – B30, The Village Shopping Centre M: +66 (0)81 938 8391 Robert or (0)809 16667 Mesiya E: sales@fivestarvillasandcondos.com W: fivestarvillasandcondos.com Principals: Robert and Mesiya (May) Watson Memberships: CRS, REBA (Thailand), REBA-ES, RETS (Thailand), NAR, TREBS
Global Property Global Solidor Enterprise Co Ltd North Pattaya – 157/142 Moo 5, Naklua Road T: +66 (0)38 427 364 M: +66 (0)82 469 5551 or +66 (0)81 838 1390 E: info@global-solidor.com W: global-solidor.com Principal: Rainer Heinzmann
Golden Homes Real Estate Co Ltd 33/39 M9 Soi Diana Inn T: +66 (0)38 720 892-3 M: +66 (0)86 826 8821 E: info@goldenhomespattaya.com or Ploy1@csloxinfo.com W: goldenhomespattaya.com Principal: Yupaporn Sangpagdee (Ploy) Jomtien Property 315/185-6 Thappraya Road near entrance to View Talay 2 T: +66 (0)38 303 243 M: +66 (0)86 108 6575 E: info@properties-in-thailand.com W: properties-in-thailand.com Principal: Stu Sutton North Shore Property Co Ltd 315/414 M12 Thappraya Road T: +66 (0)38 303 825-6 M: +66 (0)87 833 5066 or (0)86 323 4607 E: info@ns-property.com W: ns-property.com Principal: Mesa Wongsida NT Realty Asia 215/15-18 Second Road T: +66 (0)38 426 242 or (0)38 425 836 F: +66 (0)38 426 243 E: info@nt-realty.com W: realestatethailand.com Philippines office: 11 Malabanias Road Angeles City, Pampagna 2009 T: +63 (0) 45 892 5719 Principals: John Seymour, Tim Bunker, Peter Randall (directors) and Paul Sutton (regional manager) Memberships: REBA (Thailand), REBA-ES, RETS (Thailand), NAR
a g e n t s One Stop Real Estate 219/14 M9, Soi Yamato T: +66 (0)38 710 699 or (0)38 710 725 M: +66 (0)819 454 845 E: onestop@realesthai.com W: real-estate-thailand.com Principal: Mark Welch Memberships: CRS, REBA (Thailand), REBA-ES, RETS (Thailand), NAR Paradise City Property 116/27 M9, Pattaya Klang opposite Big C Extra (formerly Carrefour) T: +66 (0)38 373 966 M: +66 (0)81 761 3238 E: pattaya@paradisecityproperty.com W: paradisecityproperty.com Principal: Gavin Perfect
Est. 2001
PATTAYA REALTY Follow us:
http://on.fb.me/pattayarealty
@pattayarealty
Pattaya Realty 219/1 Tipp Plaza, Second Road T: +66 (0)38 412 301-2 6,968,000 M: +66 (0)89 833 6175(CS5049) orSale(0)89 832 7226 Sale 11,900,000 (HS5005) Central Pattaya - Foreign Name: E: info@pattayarealty.com W: pattayarealty.com (HR1449) (CR3816) Principal: Stuart Daly Memberships: CIPS, REBA (Thailand), VJ Vil age REBA-ES, RETS (Thailand), NAR int size 190 m sq, ext size 540 m sq, 3 beds, 3 baths, fully fitted kitchen, high quality furnishings, Internet, close to local amenities, security alarm, covered car park, 24hr Security.
Brand new condominium in Pattaya int size 104 m sq, 3 beds, 3 baths, fully furnished, fully fitted kitchen, communal gardens, communal swimming pool, car park, 24hr Security.
(HS4959)
Rent 25,000 / month
Sale 6,990,000
Rent 20,000 / month
South Pattaya: int size 55 m sq, 1 bed, fully furnished, fully fitted kitchen, TV, DVD, Hi-Fi, close to local amenities
: int size 225 m sq, ext size 328 m sq, 3 beds, 2 baths, fully furnished, fully fitted kitchen,private gardens, private swimming pool, covered car park, 24hr Security.
East Pattaya :Ext size 420 m sq, 4 beds+ maid's room, 3 baths, fully furnished and kitchen, security alarm, private gardens communal swimming pool, covered car park, 24hr Security.
Rush! Premier Homes RealBeat TheEstate Co Ltd 240/21 Jomtien Beach Road T: +66 (0)38 231 931 M: +66 (0)81 634 2915 E: premier@loxinfo.co.th W: premierinternational.com (HS0247) Principals: Clayton and Supap: Wade Memberships: CIPS, RETS (Thailand), NAR (HR1041)
(CR4944)
Situated on top of Pratumnak hill, Spectacular sea and city view For special pre-launch prices in the highest building in Pattaya!
Baan Balina I
Rent 35,000 / month
Rent 16,000 / month
Contact Us Now
Na jomtien:Bali Style,Int size 300 m sq, ext size 560 m sq, 3 beds, 3 baths, high quality furnishings and fully fitted Euro style kitchen, maid's room, Private gardens, private swimming pool, covered car park, 24hr Security.
Pratumnak:int size 48 m sq, Studio apartment, fully furnished, fully fitted kitchen, beautiful sea views, communal gardens, communal swimming pool, car park, 24hr Security.
Pattaya Jomtien Property 75/49 Soi 5 Immigration, Beach Road, Jomtien (75m from Immigration Office) T: +66 (0)38 756 755 M: +66 (0)85 129 5657 (Thai); or +66 (0)85 667 3687 (English) E: sales@pattaya-jomtien-property.com W: pattaya-jomtien-property.com Principals: Kevin and Chanram Hurst Memberships: AIPP (International) Pattaya Prestige Properties 2/28 Ground Floor, View Talay 7 F: +66 (0)38 059 632 M: +66 (0)870 217 014 E: info@pattayaprestigeproperties.com W: pattayaprestigeproperties.com Principal: Jan Nuyten
Talay Real Estate Co Ltd 240/18 M5, Naklua not far from Dolphin Roundabout on Second Road T: +66 (0)38 362 352 F: +66 (0)38 362 351 M: +66 (0)87 608 1116 or (0)8 0091 5353 E: info@talayrealestate.com W: talayrealestate.com Principals: Namthip Khanjanavisittaphol (Sandy) and Ted T Okuno
GRE
Rent 44,000 / month
Sale 29,000,000 Jomtien: Fully renovated to a very high standard with 4 beds, 4 baths, fully furnished,
fully fitted kitchen, Jacuzzi, large private gardens, private swimming pool, security alarm, covered car park, 24hr Security.
Opposite Bangkok Pattaya Hospital East Pattaya:4 beds, 3 baths, fully furnished and kitchen, washing machine, Private gardens, private swimming pool, covered car park, 24hr Security.
Sale 12,950,000
The Regents Superior detached, two storey house, int size 650 m sq, ext 1400 m sq,
4 bedrooms + en suite, 5 bathrooms, fully fitted kitchen + food storage room, Jacuzzi, private landscaped gardens, large private swimming pool, separate self-contained 1 bedroom + en suite guest house with AC, security alarm, covered car park ,electric gate.
Our office address: 219/1 Tipp Plaza, Pattaya 2nd Road. Next to Mike Shopping Center, Nongprue Chonburi 20150
www.pattayarealty.com
Email: info@pattayarealty.com
Rightmove Pattaya 369/1 M9, Units 8&9 PS Bowl, 2nd Road T: +66 (0)38 361 212 M: +66 (0)89 253 5607 E: info@rightmovepattaya.com W: rightmovepattaya.com Principal: Craig Turner Memberships: REBA (Thailand), REBA-ES, RETS (Thailand) Tel:66(0)38 412 301/2 or 089 833 6175 089 8327226
Sallmanns (Eastern Seaboard) Ltd Near Hanaman Statue, Jomtien T: +66 (0)38 252 588 M: +66 (0)87137 0392 E: pattaya@sallmannsthailand.com W: sallmannsthailand.com Principal: Tim Gladwin Seaboard Properties Co Ltd 316/23 Thappraya Road near Food Mart, Jomtien T: +66 (0)38 252 456 F: +66 (0)38 252 457 M: +66 (0)86 129 8281 E: info@seaboard-properties.com W: seaboard-properties.com Principal: Eddie Buehler Siam Properties Main office: 313/27 M10 Pattaya Tai T: +66 (0)38 415 490 F: +66 (0)38 414 693 M: +66 (0)81 861 1907 (Heiner) or (0)81 821 7045 (Porn) Russian: +66 (0)89 245 2890 (Vera) E: info@siamproperties.net or rus@siamproperties.net W: siamproperties.net
Thailand-Property-Gate Head office: 82/9 Langsuan Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Eastern Seaboard office: 449/84, M12, Thepprasit Road W: Thailand-Property-Gate.com E: Stefan@thailand-property-gate.com M: +66 (0)81 835 99 23 Thailiving 306/90-91 M12 Thappraya Road T: +66 (0)38 364 514 M: +66 (0)81 862 7405 E: info@thailiving.net W: thailiving.net Principal: Supaporn Persson (Sara)
Town & Country Property 63/10-11 Pattaya Tai T: +66 (0)38 374 136 F: +66 (0)38 374 137 Russian: +66 (0)84 873 7425 E: info@towncountryproperty.com W: towncountryproperty.com Principal: Cees Cuijpers Memberships: CRS, REBA-ES, NAR Advertisements: Pages 8 and 9
AGENTS DIRECTORY • Sponsored by Waterfront Suites & Residences • 07-08/2012 • Issues 134 and 135
Pattaya Estate Agents (PEA) Car Park, Tesco-Lotus, South Pattaya M: +66 (0)819 458 650 (Thai) or (0)86 080 3098 (Eng) E: info@pattaya-estate-agents.com W: pattaya-estate-agents.com Principal: Sununtha Bun-um (Boom)
Second office: 334/14 Soi Welcome, Jomtien Hotel off Jomtien Beach Road T: +66 (0)38 059 637 Principals: Heiner and Porn Moessing Memberships: CRS, REBA (Thailand), REBA-ES, RETS (Thailand), NAR
E
(HR1306)
(HS4948)
COM L IN
ENTA
AT R
Pattaya Bay Real Estate 405/23 Soi Bongkot T: + 66 (0) 38 374 623 F: + 66 (0) 38 374 623 M: + 66 (0) 811 580 065 ( English) + 66 (0) 807 247 476 ( Thai) E: info@pattayabayrealestate.com W: pattayabayrealestate.com Principal: Mal Patterson
d i r e c t o r y
REAL ESTATE BROKER ASSOCIATION – EASTERN SEABOARD
ticks all Members of REBA-ES are respected
Member companies in REBA-ES are part of an established and respected real estate organisation which has the support of the Thai Government
professional
Clients of REBA-ES members can be confident that they are dealing with honest, reputable and properly trained real estate professionals
ETHICAL
The high standards we set conform to internationallyapproved rules, regulations, strict codes of ethics and dispute resolution policies
INFORMed
Our members network closely, giving all of them access to the Eastern Seaboard’s largest real estate association
For comprehensive property listings and professional real estate consulting contact our members at www.rebaes.com
www.rebaes.com
REAL ESTATE BROKER ASSOCIATION – EASTERN SEABOARD
the boxes ... Sponsoring REBA-ES members John Seymour +66 (0)38 426 242 info@nt-realty.com www.realestatethailand.com
Mark Welch +66 (0)81 945 4845 onestop@realesthai.com www.real-estate-thailand.com
Stuart Daly +66 (0)38 412 301-2 info@pattayarealty.com www.pattayarealty.com
Markus Probst +66 (0)81 762 2627 info@aci-enterprise.com www.pattayaoceanproperties.com
Heiner Moessing +66 (0)89 499 1000 info@siamproperties.net www.siamproperties.net
Rob Watson +66 (0)81 938 8391 sales@fivestarvillasandcondos.com www.fivestarvillasandcondos.com
Gareth De Silva +66 (0)81 792 9486 info@benchmarkthailand.com www.benchmarkthailand.com
Rainer Heinzmann +66 (0)81 838 1390 info@global-solidor.com www.global-solidor.com
Craig Turner +66 (0)89 253 5607 info@rightmovepattaya.com www.rightmovepattaya.com
... if your answer is ‘yes’ to all, check out the REBA-ES brokers in this
You can trust Advert: Zen Grafix
www.rebaes.com
DE V E L O P ERS d i r e c t o r y
Heights Holdings Co Ltd Thappraya Road next to Bruno’s Italian Restaurant Projects: Park Royal I, II & III, Pattaya Heights, Club Royal, Laguna Bay I , II and III (The Maldives), Laguna Beach Resort Jomtien I & II, Laguna Heights, The Peak Towers, Wong Amat Tower, Water Park Condominium and C-View M: +66 (0)85 282 6454 E: oliver@heights-holdings.com W: heights-holdings.com Principal contact: Oliver Nabarro Katalina Co Ltd 396/66 M12, Pratumnak Projects: Katalina I, II and III T & F: +66 (0)38 306 616 M: +66 (0)80 570 44 33 (English and Russian); +66 (0)81 983 00 68 (English, Dutch and French) E: rogge_tony@hotmail.com or albertdewilde@hotmail.com W: katalinaresidence.com Major Development PCL 141 Soi Thonglor 10, Sukhumvit 55, Klongton Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 Local project: Reflection Jomtien Beach Sales office: Jomtien Beach Road, adjacent to Suttangrak Restaurant T: +66 (0)38 233 111 F: +66 (0)38 233 730 M: +66 (0)89 247 7158 E: sales@reflectionpattaya.com W: majordevelopment.co.th Principal contact: Chiddao Promma (Bay) Walk
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o Talo
Domum Holding Co Ltd 391/109 Thappraya Road. Corner of Soi 13, next to Mata Hari Restaurant Project: Meridiem Condominium and Meridiem Park Condominium T: +66 (0) 38 251 464 M: +66 (0) 8888 10311 F: +66 (0) 38 251 733 E: info@domum-holding.com W: domum-holding.com
Modus Group 292/1-2 Moo 5 Soi 12, Pattaya-Naklua, Naklua, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150 Project: Modus Beachfront Condo T: +66 (0)38 225 999 or (0)38 252 635 M: +66 (0)89-092 1333 E: info@moduspattaya.com or 888modus@gmail.com W: moduspattaya.com Principal: Pimpinan Namthep
Noi
CW Asset Co Ltd 212/13 North Pattaya Road Project: Bang Saray Beach Condominium T: +66 (0)38 414 405 M: +66 (0)85 272 8338 (English) or +66 (0)85 272 8228 (Thai) E: info@cwasset.com W: cwasset.com or bangsaraybeachcondo.com Principal: Ms Imorn Luekhamharn Membership: TREA
Global Tower Group Co Ltd Banglamung Soi 16 Project: Paradise Ocean View M: +66 (0)8 222 66 077 E: info@paradiseoceanview.com W: paradiseoceanview.com
Chiyapurk
DEVELOPERS DIRECTORY • Sponsored by Waterfront Suites & Residences • 07-08/2012 • Issues 134 and 135
CSP Projects Chaiyapruk 2 over rail track on left opposite Baan Suan Neramit Projects: Coconut Grove, Coco Palms and Palm Grove T: +66 (0)38 076 285-6 E: md@csp-construction.com W: csp-construction.com Principal contact: Tom Coglan
Matrix Developments 352/202-3 M12 Pratumnak Road Current projects: Art-on-the-Hill, Paradise Park, Sunset Boulevard, The View, The Vision, Amazon Residence and City Center Residence T: +66 (0)38 250 120-1 F: +66 (0)38 250 008 M: +66 (0)87 607 8880 E: info@matrix-developments.com W: matrix-developments.com Membership: AIPP
Soi Kha
Bravo Thai Lifestyle Co Ltd Projects: The Vineyard I, II & III near Lake Mabprachan M: +66 (0)89 8677 969 E: terry@siamdevelopments.com W: siamdevelopments.com Principal contact: Terrence Allen Collins
Dusitpattaya Co Ltd Soi Wat Yan off the Sukhumvit near Ban Amphur Project: Baan Dusitpattaya and Dusit Grand Condo View (Jomtien) T: +66 (0)38 343 586 F: +66 (0)38 343 585 M: +66 (0)81 0584 930 (English and Thai) M: +66 (0)868 486 704 (Russian) E: baandusit@gmail.com W: baandusitpattaya.com or domvtae.su Principal contact: Darwan Bunting (Meam)
Soi Khao
Anaakot Group Development 138/1 Moo 12, Soi Chayapruk, Jomtien Project: Sixtythree@12 T: +66 (0)38 231544 M: +66 (0)8780 33329 E: info@anaakot-group.com W: Anaakot-Group.com Contact: Jason Young
New Nordic Occupies a large area of Pratumnak. Go down Soi 4 and look for the orange signs on the right Current projects: New Nordic Suites, New Nordic VIP Condominium I, II and III and IV are planned T: +66 (0)38 250 025 F: +66 (0)38 306 299 M: +66 (0)89 605 4114 E: sales@new-nordic.com W: new-nordic.com Nova Group Nova Park, 80/164 M9, Soi Sukrudee (Soi AR) near Jameson’s Pub Projects: Amari Residences Pattaya, The Cliff, Nova Ocean View, Novana Residence, The Palm and Nam Talay T: +66 (0)38 415 304-8 F: +66 (0)38 415 309 M: +66 (0)85 282 6454 E: info@nova-thailand.com W: nova-thailand.com Principal contacts: Rony Fineman and Keith Storey Petch Property Development Co Ltd Projects: The Cove and Prima Residence Main office: 44 Soi Sukhumvit 59, Klongton Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 T: +66 (0)27 143 872 F: +66 (0)27 143 871
inside back cover
DE V E L O P ERS d i r e c t o r y
Walk
Road
ing Stree
Ro
t
Be
asit Road
Se
nd
kho
Pattaya Beach Road
ya Road
w
Ro
ad
ral Patta Cent
Sukh
umv
Soi Nern
Plub Waan
it Road
SUPERCENTER
Third
Road
Road
Patt
Ro
ad
Bua
ird
th
Sukhumvit Road
North Pattaya
aya
Roa
d
Theppr
co
Soi Th
SUPERCENTER
Rd.
Check out tear-off map
Thappraya
ad
ach
ien
mt
Jo
Sou
Shining Light Co Ltd Project: City Garden Pattaya Soi 15, Second Road close to The Avenue T: +66 (0)38 416 690 F: +66 (0)38 724 249 E: info@citygardenpattaya.com W: citygardenpattaya.com
Tulip Group Co Ltd 88/58 Moo 4, Bowin Sub District, Siracha, Chonburi Projects: Centara Avenue Residence & Suites Pattaya (behind The Avenue), Centara Grand Residence Pattaya (Na-Jomtien) and Waterfront Suites & Residences (Bali Hai) T: +66 (0)38 959 180 F: +66 (0)38 959 508 M: +66 (0)83 718 0005 E: jason@tulipgroup.co.th W: tulipgroup.co.th Principal contacts: Kobi Elbaz and Jason Payne
o Talo
Royal Oak Developments / Royal Jomtien Property Services Co Ltd Projects: Acqua Condominium, The Gallery, SP Townhomes, SP Villages I-V, The Urban, The Urban Suites and Acqua T & F: +66 (0)38 231125-6 M: +66 (0)86 323 1908 E: theurbanproperty@gmail.com W: thegallerycondo.com, theurban pattaya.com, theurban-property.com Principal contact: Thanyarak Meesuk
Tropical Dream Pattaya Co Ltd Showroom Pratumnak Road, Soi 6 Projects: Tropical Dream I and II T: +66 (0)38 252 299 F: +66 (0)38 252 209 M: +66 (0)82 202 0880 E: tropicaldreampattaya@gmail.com W: tropicaldreampattaya Principals: Gery Kis and Sylvie Schäffer
Noi
Ratanakorn Asset Co Ltd 300/6 M10 Pattaya Tai Current Projects: Life Star City Tower, Pattaya Klang Center Point, Ratanakorn Park View, Ratanakorn Villages 12 and 13, R-Con Residence, TW Garden Hill, TW Jomtien Beach Resort, TW Park View, TW Wong-Amat Beach Resort Condominium, Vela Casa. T: +66 (0)38 421 534 or +66 (0)38 421 274 M: +66 (0)81 762 6080 E: marketing-ratanakorn@live.com W: ratanakorn.com
Chiyapurk
DEVELOPERS DIRECTORY • Sponsored by Waterfront Suites & Residences • 07-08/2012 • Issues 134 and 135
Raimon Land PLC 22nd Floor The Millenia Tower, Bangkok Projects: Northpoint, Zire Wong Amat and Unixx South Pattaya T: +66 (0)26 519 601 M: +66 (0)81 3717 888 E: info@raimonland.com W: raimonland.com Principal contact: Piaras Moriarty
Town & Country Property 63/10-11 Pattaya Tai Projects: The Meadows, The Residence and Whispering Palms F: +66 (0)38 374 137 Russian: +66 (0)84 873 7425 E: info@towncountryproperty.com W: towncountryproperty.com Second office: B23 The Village Shopping Centre, junction of Sukhumvit and Soi Chaiyapruk Principal: Cees Cuijpers
Soi Kha
Poompatta Co Ltd 450 M9 Nongprue, Chonburi 20150 Project: Patta Village T&F: +66 (0)38 371 555 E: info@poompattapattaya.com W: poompattapattaya.com
The Siam Oriental Trading Co Ltd 267/4 M12, Pratumnak Projects: Siam Oriental Condominium, Siam Oriental Garden, Siam Oriental Twins T: +66 (0)38 250 873 M: +66 (0)84 872 1272 E: sami.sarajarvi@gmail.com W: siamoriental.com Principal contact: Sami Sarajärvi
Soi Khao
M: +66 (0)89 991 1999 Sales office: 193/1 M5 Naklua Road T: +66 (0)38 428 284 or (0)38 428 595 E: info@ppd.co.th W: ppd.co.th Principal: Itthi Chavalittamrong
Vistas Development Chateau Dale Complex, Jomtien Projects: The Peak Towers (solo), Park Royal II and Water Park Condominium (in co-operation with Heights Holdings) English: +66 (0)87 803 3329 Thai: +66 (0)740 8999 Russian: +66 (0)80 826 6992 E: sales@vistasdevelopment.com W: vistasdevelopment.com Principal contact: Menachim (Meny) Borenstein Tudor Villas Co Ltd Showroom Pratumnak Hill, Soi 2 Projects: Tudor Court Condominium M: +66 (0)81 863 0201 E: tudorvillas@yahoo.com W: tudorcourtthailand.com VKK Real Estate Co Ltd Sukhumvit 87 just before the rail track and the new road Projects: Porchland I, II, III (The Blue Residence), IV (The Time), V (La Santir) and VI (The Feelture) T: +66 (0)38 757 375-7 M: +66 (0)82 444 1147-8 E: theblue@porchland.com W: porchland.com VSPN Property Co Ltd 162 Moo 2, Sukhumvit Road (next to soi Banglamung 16), 500 metres past Kratingline Tri-junction Project: Seabreeze Villa Pattaya M: +66 (0)84 460 5335 E: seabreeze_villa@hotmail.com W: vspnproperty.co.th Principal: Ukarin Kerdkitsadanont Wandeegroup (Thailand) Co Ltd Thappraya Road on the left as you go up the hill towards Jomtien Project: The Touch® T: +66 (0)38 364 321 E: info@wandeegroup.com W: wandeegroup.com Principal contacts: Mario Kleff and Nittaya Wongsin Wise Power Land Co Ltd City Office Tower 1, Rama 3 in Bangkok Project: La Royale, Na-Jomtien T: +66 (0)26 826 255 E: info@wiseassetgroup.com W: wiseassetgroup.com
inside back cover
REAL ESTATE BROKER ASSOCIATION – EASTERN SEABOARD
in association with area – agency for real estate affairs are proud to present a leading edge seminar
pattaya property outlook
2012-2013
on august 8 at eastern grand palace hotel (Noon-5pm) Gain a better understanding of the up-to-date market position as recently surveyed for investment purposes with: l An In-depth analysis of residential properties including single houses, duplexes, townhouses, shophouses, condominiums and land plots in eight price ranges l The most comprehensive survey conducted covering 650 projects: 250 projects are in Pattaya City, 330 projects are in six other urban centres in Chonburi and 70 projects in three urban centres in Rayong. l The most up-to-date survey conducted as of July 2012 for Pattaya and March 2012 for the other regions. The report will be presented by by Dr Sopon Pornchokchai, PhD D.FIABCI CRS MRICS, President, Agency for Real Estate Affairs (www.area.co.th). Followed by a panel discussion by renowned local experts on the Pattaya market.
call +66 2 295 3905
or visit www.trebs.ac.th/English/SUMMARY/seminar_pattaya.php to register Participation: Baht 850 per person including handouts and refreshment. Comprehensive research paper: Baht 4,000 per copy.
REALESTATE ine magaz Media partner
www.rebaes.com www.area.co.th
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guestcolumnist
This article was compiled by Mike Bridge who combines his in-depth knowledge of the property show business and his current interest in the Russian market. He is editor of Thai Golf (www.thaigolf-news.com) and Asian editor of International Residence (www. internationalresidence.ru). Mike is also organiser of the Thai + Overseas Property & Lifestyle 2012 (www.topl2012.com). He can be contacted on mikebridgeceo@gmail.com
Russian middle classes are now buying abroad
R
etail sales in Russia are enjoying a compound growth of 18 per cent and are valued at around US$0.584 bn annually. Russia parliament recently reported robust first quarter growth of 4.9 per cent that far outpaced last year’s performance and showed a surprising degree of consumer confidence lacking in other corners of Russia. Against this background the man in the street fears that the overall system is not to be trusted, resulting in large sums of cash leaving the country. New figures released by one of Russia’s top central bankers showed the equivalent of $42bn has left the country in the first four months of the year, and a lot more will follow. Capital outflow “Capital outflow continues to be a serious problem for the Russian economy,” the Central Bank’s chairman, Sergei Ignatyev, told
‘‘ The Russian middle class is enjoying life with salaries increasing, inflation falling, low utility costs and general taxation at a mere 13 per cent
’’
By mike bridge Russia’s lower house of Parliament. There is a massive growth in interest in buying property abroad. Russia’s capital flight of more than US$80bn last year is on pace to being matched again after the figure hit US$35.1bn in the first quarter of 2012. It is estimated that more than US$12bn is likely to be spent by Russians on overseas real estate in 2012. Property shows, magazines and internet sales across Russia are booming as a result. A leading Russian property marketing company, aiGroup, organise 10 leading overseas property exhibitions a year. They saw a dramatic increase in visitor traffic with more than 27,400 potential buyers visiting their Spring Property Shows in Moscow and St Petersburg. The group also publishes International Residence magazine twice a year, covering only overseas real estate. Since the magazine’s launch in 2004, it has now grown to in excess of 140 pages, attracting
more than 100,000 regular readers, and is widely regarding as the leading source of quality information for overseas investments. Svetlana Andryukina, editor of International Residence said: “Russians, especially the middle class, are now driving the market for overseas investments. Despite what may be portrayed in the press, the Russian middle class is enjoying life with salaries increasing, inflation falling, low utility costs and general taxation at a mere 13 per cent. Staggering number of visitors “The result is a continued increase in disposable income and Property Abroad is now high on their lists as the staggering number of visitors to the major property shows indicates.” In most foreign markets property developers and realtors can attract business using traditional methods; however, dealing with the Russian market is totally different. Language is a major issue, and the country is so vast it spans seven different time zones! Kim Waddoup CEO at aiGroup said: “We spend a significant amount of time assisting new clients keen to break into the Russian market, with seminars on how to attract Russian investors, to advice on marketing in their language. “There is undoubtedly a massive potential here, but developers need to promote their brands through regular advertising and marketing before they are likely to gain the confidence of the serious investors. We offer advice, will translate copy into Russian and will support clients when they arrive at our exhibitions too.” 08/2012•Issue 135•REm•89