Samui Phangan Real Estate December January 2011

SAMUI-PHANGAN

The Definitive Guide to Samui & Phangan Real Estate

December / January 2011 | ISSN 1686-8838

Banyan Villas by PALM CONSTRUCTION Managing BusinessTechnology

Bluechip IT

www.samui-phanganmagazine.com

14/27 Moo 6, Soi Bang Po 1 Koh Samui, Suratthani 84330, Thailand contact us: 077 602 246 - office 087 607 6078 - Mr. Gerd 081 894 4034 - Miss Ae

info@artrium-thailand.com

www.artrium-thailand.com

Artrium Suites The Artrium hotel was located on the mountain at Bang Por, has been designed with outstanding position offering breathtaking 180 degree views with a glorious pool overlooking the ocean.

This development we have aimed to provide affordability with luxury and each room is spacious and well designed, sun terrace, and it was superb with a glorious pool overlooking the ocean. The rooms were spacious, clean and simply furnished and the atmosphere extremely relaxing, a quiet hotel in Bang Por, offer a unique holiday experience, providing peace and tranquility.

ขอพระองคท์ รงพระเจริญ ดวยเกล าด อมขอเดชะ ขาพระพุ ทธเจา้ ้ ้ วยกระหม ้ ่ ้ บริษัท สาตายุ พับลิชชิ่ง จำกัด

For Sale

Mangrove Villa Virtually right on the private Secret Beach, situated on the north eastern tip of Samui. Mangrove Villa is set in its own magical gardens of 800 sq. metres and has its own private pool.

Built Bali style with 3 separate buildings for exclusivity and privacy, fully air conditioned throughout and luxuriously furnished, Mangrove villa sleeps 8/10 with four bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. It could very easily be converted to 5 bedrooms, all with their own on-suite.

It is freehold, with chanote land title and has a Thai Ltd company.

Viewing is essential to capture the magic of this villa and location. Holiday lettings also available.

Reduced from 19.5 million THB to 17.5 million THB UK contact phone: +44 1778 341220 Email: geoffrey.fyfe@btinternet.com Samui contact: Advance Interdevelopment (Khun Bee) Phone: +66 (0) 8 1374 0014, For more details, please see our website

www.kohsamuiholidays.co.uk

MANDALAY SAMUI HAS EXTENDED ITS BUSINESS TO INCLUDE A PROPERTY CONSULTANCY SERVICE.

Mandalay Samui Developments & Consultancy With fusion of living, leisure and nature, we are creating the ultimate lifestyle feeling. We offer ONE STOP SOLUTIONS for developers, investors and private equity funds in terms of Design, Feasibility Studies, Realisation, Marketing and Management for predominantly luxury villas and property investments throughout Koh Samui.

Knowledge, Creativity, Insight, Integrity and Strategy.

+66 85 797 0477 mandalaysamui.com

ISLAND UPDATE

SWIMMING AGAINST THE TIDE N ovember brought serious flooding to Koh Samui and although the local government had made contingency plans, the sheer volume of water (the heaviest downfall in 10 years) proved too much to cope with. Senior members of local government waded through the water to help stranded residents and tourists in the worst hit areas. Based on the experience, this year's monsoon will provide a benchmark for investment in future flood controls.

The recent floods were understandably worrying for many island residents, less so for others, who simply had to endure power cuts and temporary disruption to their daily routine. There were no serious injuries or loss of life and compared to the situation in other provinces in the country, Samui was less badly affected. Damage to tourist facilities was an obvious concern, and the initial focus of new measures is likely to be in the island's main tourists centres. But the island's local communities also suffered and this is also a key concern for the local government.

Particularly bad floods occurred in the area around the lake in Chaweng, where boats were launched to rescue stranded residents or drop off supplies to those who chose to wait out the rain in their water logged homes. Khun Ramnet Jaikwang, Samui's Mayor, Khun Sinn Muensilp Poolsawat, his senior advisor and other local officials spent several days in the area, often up to their waist in water. They commandeered vehicles to transport tourists out of the flood zone, helped direct traffic

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to prevent congestion on important escape routes and even used a Jet Ski to reach victims of the flood. "The situation was very difficult, especially on the first few days.

Tourists had no idea how to get out, so we organised transport as best we could," explained Khun Sinn. "In the future we plan to set up a volunteer force for such emergencies. But this time we simply had to respond in whatever way possible. Of course, people were upset, but many people also appreciated our help and it's important to understand that dealing with these situations properly requires serious planning and investment."

Unrestrained development over the last few years has completely transformed the way rainwater flows from the mountains to the sea on Samui. This, combined with widespread construction along the island's roads has created a completely new network of channels that is very difficult to track or control. Rainwater rushes to the lowest point inland, and from there finds its way to the sea, but in places where no routes remain, the water is trapped and flooding ensues. "The natural channels that used to exist have been blocked in many areas of the island, so now we have to look at ways to redirect it," continued Khun Sinn. "This is an expensive undertaking and we plan to use some of the new budget from Bangkok to build larger underground outflows and also add emergency valves, but it will take time to implement. Although we managed to direct a lot of water to places like Chaweng Lake last month, the existing pipes and drainage channels simply weren't large enough."

Of course, when extreme situations occur, people tend to focus on them. But the current administration on Samui is also working on a range of other infrastructure issues in the coming year. The widening and improvement of the airport access road is now well under way, and Bangkok Airways have agreed to be involved in the beautification process. The slip road to Chaweng from the main Ring Road will also be asphalted and structural repairs to smaller thoroughfares will take place island wide.

The island's ailing incinerator is also in the process of being repaired. Sealed landfill sites have been built to manage waste in the meantime and garbage is now being separated at the site with a view to implementing recycling measures. The government is also keen to reduce the amount of waste produced to lower the strain on the incinerator, so a campaign is planned to encourage more responsible approaches to recycling in the home.

"This government was elected by the local people to deal with a range of issues that affect the island. It's a difficult process, especially with the problems we were left by previous administrations and the lack of funding Samui receives. But in the last two years we have already made some valuable, long lasting improvements and we certainly plan to do our best to continue. As Samui people, we are happy to show our commitment to the island and we hope that other members of the community will help us face the challenges ahead with similar energy and pride.�

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ARBITRATION UPDATE

Enforcement of

THE AWARD

One of the major advantages arbitration has over litigation in national courts is that in general it is easier to enforce an arbitration award in another jurisdiction than it is to

12

enforce a court judgement in another jurisdiction. In some regions, such as the European Union, it may be relatively easy to enforce a court judgement made in a country within the European Union in another country within the European Union but as a general rule national courts do not recognise and enforce foreign court judgements so, for example, a Canadian court may not recognise and enforce a court judgement made in the Thai courts.

It is important to be able have an award / judgement recognised in foreign jurisdictions to a) prevent the other party from re-arbitrating or re-litigating a dispute in another jurisdiction and b) for the winning party to be able to seize the assets of the losing party in a foreign jurisdiction. It is quite common for a losing party to have no assets, or only limited assets, in the country where the arbitration takes place and if the award / judgement cannot be enforced in the jurisdiction where the losing party has sufficient assets the winning party will only have a hollow victory.

UK whereas it may take several years to enforce an award in Thailand.

Normally when enforcing an award in a foreign jurisdiction the minimum requirements would be to have the award and the arbitration agreement translated into the local language by a certified translation service, however there may be other additional requirements in some jurisdictions as a requirement of the local court procedure rules.

Summary

Before commencing arbitration or litigation proceedings you must consider whether the other party has sufficient assets to comply with the award. When considering arbitration proceedings you should also consider whether the other party has assets in a foreign jurisdiction and, if so, you should check and confirm both the country where the award is made and the country where the other party’s assets are have both signed and ratified the New York ConvenThe reason why arbitration awards are relatively easy tion. This can be checked on the UNCITRAL website to be recognised and enforced in foreign jurisdictions atwww.uncitral.org/uncitral/en/uncitral_texts/arbitratio is the result of the New York Convention on the n/NYConvention_status.html Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards 1958. The New York Convention is recognised as most of the most important convention regarding arbitration and to date 145 countries around the world from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe have signed the convention. Under the convention the countries that have signed the convention agree, in general, to recognise and enforce foreign arbitral awards made in another country that has also signed the convention.

Even though the countries that have signed the convention have agreed to recognise and enforce foreign arbitral awards it should be borne in mind that it does not always take the same amount of time to enforce awards in different jurisdictions; for example it may only take six months to enforce an award in the

13

For more information on arbitration and dispute management contact the offices of Charndell 02 514 9170 to 71 vsmith@charndell.com www.charndell.com

LEGAL UPDATE

5

LEGAL TIPS

in Koh Samui & Koh Phangan With the imminent arrival of high season, Koh Samui and Koh Phangnan anticipate a significant increase in the number of visitors and a corresponding increase in the number of real estate transactions as visitors seek to acquire a more permanent presence in paradise. Christian Glanville, Partner in the law firm Limcharoen, Hughes & Glanville (Samui) sets out five “Legal Tips” for potential investors to consider when investing in real estate in Koh Samui and Koh Phangnan.

buyers to finance the build, it is important to establish what the consequences will be if the developer fails to sell out the project or existing buyers are unable to maintain payments.

If a development is “branded” by an internationally recognised brand, it is important to check the terms of the agreement between the developer and the brand 1. Check the Developer in Off-Plan Transactions and to determine the consequences of the brand terminating the agreement with the developer and It important make independent enquiries into the rendering the project “unbranded”. identity and substance of the property developer in off-plan real-estate transactions. Investors should 2. Check the land consider asking the developer to provide a resume, setting out its prior experience in the real estate It is important to avoid assumptions with regards to sector, whether in Thailand or overseas, and listing the legality of the title to the land that the investor is previous projects which have been completed by the seeking to acquire an interest in. The existence of a developer. Investors should consider making number of previous owners does not automatically independent third party enquiries to corroborate the mean that the land has good title. Land Titles in information provided by the developer, such as Thailand require professional review of original land visiting completed projects. title documents actually physically present at the relevant land office to determine whether or not the It is also important to ascertain how the developer seller actually owns the land and whether or not there intends to finance the construction of the project, if the are any encumbrances registered over the land. developer is relying solely upon deposits paid by 14

The history of the land title underneath the property should be thoroughly reviewed by a legal representative and a comprehensive report should be issued with a clear opinion on the quality of the land title. It is important to establish whether or not the land has full legal rights of access both on foot and by vehicle and access to the electricity grid, water supply and drainage. Careful consideration must be given to the zoning, environmental and planning restrictions which apply to the land.

The Sale and Purchase Agreements should also clearly stipulate who shall be responsible for taxes and registration fees relating to the transfer of the legal interest in property and stipulate the consequences of a breach of the Agreement by either party.

It is important for potential investors to be aware that with limited exceptions, there is a general prohibition against foreign investors acquiring ownership of freehold land in Thailand. Foreign investors can legally acquire a condominium unit “foreign freehold� long leasehold with renewal periods of 30 years renewal; collective ownership leasehold schemes (where owners committees share indirectly the freehold interest through corporate management structures) and in select and qualified circumstances, through investment into Thai companies (subject to strict qualifying criteria). As an additional protection, investors should be aware that foreigners can legally own buildings in Thailand.

5. Avoid Surprises Through Research and Understanding

All significant verbal representations or assurances made by the seller/developer should be expressly incorporated into the terms of the sales contracts so as to minimize any ambiguity as to what was agreed Litigation checks should be conducted against the between the parties. land owner (and the authorized director of the land owner if the owner is a limited company) to ascertain Investors can protect beneficiaries, reduce tax if there is any issue with the property or the individuals liabilities and have a more saleable set of documents selling the property which could affect the sale. relating to their investment through the effective negotiation of the terms of the Sale and Purchase 3. Check the Legal Structure Agreement with the seller/developer.

Foreign investors into real estate in Thailand must acknowledge and adapt to the difference in law and commercial practice in Thailand. Being prepared is an essential part of a safe investment. Finally, whilst advice from friends who may already have acquired an interest in property in Thailand can help, it is always prudent to instruct independent legal advisor to guide you through the differences in law and commercial practice and assist you to understand the nature and potential hazards of the intended investment.

It is important for a foreign investor to ensure that the legal structure of the project complies with Thai law, maximizes the investor’s legal protection and is appropriate to the purchase transaction in question. It is also important to ensure that the legal structure actually works, for example, in long term lease structures, very careful consideration must be given to the lease renewal provisions to ensure that the risks of the lease not being renewed at the end of the first 30 year registered lease term are minimized.

4. Check and Negotiate the Terms of the Sale and Purchase Agreement The Sale and Purchase Agreement should clearly set out the key terms of the agreement between the parties including the price, payment terms, description of the property and the interest acquired and provisions relating to the registration of the legal transfer of ownership to the buyer.

15

This article was written by Christian Glanville, Partner of Limcharoen Hughes & Glanville (Samui)) for further information, please contact our Koh Samui offices on 077 246 185 or e-mail Christian@Limcharoen.com.

Other offices located in Bangkok, Phuket, Ho Chi Minh City and Bali.

TAX UPDATE

Capital Gain More Than Your Company Bargained For What people commonly suspect in the Thai real estate market is that if a company sells immovable property such as land it is subject to a specific “capital gains tax” or that the sale of that land is taxed at the corporate selling company in the accounting period when the sale income tax (“CIT”) rate of 30%. However, this is not took place, companies in Thailand pay tax only on the necessarily the case. net profit. Section 65 Revenue Code (“RC”) defines "net profit" as the result of income from business or arising Firstly, even though it is true that a “gain” realized on the out of business in one accounting year, less certain sale of immovable property must be recognized by the expenses. In other words: the “net profit” of the whole

16

accounting year is the basis of taxation and not a single only one million Thai baht. In 2010, Company A sells the taxable event, such as the sale of immovable property. land for three million Thai baht. The actual realized profit in such case is one million Thai baht, and the CIT "should Also, the amount of tax payable further depends on the be" approximately three hundred thousand Thai baht. classification of the selling entity. The corporate income However, because Company A declared that they tax rate in Thailand is generally 30%. However, this rate originally bought the land for one million Thai baht, the is reduced for so called "small and medium sized actual CIT Company A will have to pay is approximately enterprises" (“SME�). SMEs are taxed on a progressive six hundred thousand Thai baht. scale. The tax rate for an SME is 15% for the first one million Thai baht in profit and 25% for the profit between Therefore, a corporate purchaser of an undervalued plot one and three million Thai baht. The profit exceeding of land should be very much aware that by undervaluing three million Thai baht is then taxed at 30%. Please note such purchaser takes over the corporate income tax that there are several special conditions when computing liability of the corporate seller (in addition to the net profit or loss such as, exemptions, bad debts or purchaser's own legal and tax liability); and that is depreciation. certainly far more (or perhaps "less") than bargained for.

Now it is likely that the most substantial transaction cost on the sale of land by a company will be the resulting CIT. For more information contact DUENSING KIPPEN In order to avoid this (and other) costs, some sellers Tax and Law +66(0)76 615 554 have occasionally resorted to "under-declaring" the sale samui@dktaxandlaw.com price of land when they transfer it. Obviously, such www.dktaxandlaw.com behaviour is illegal. For one, the seller of such land clearly evades corporate income and specific business taxes.

However, also the buyer of such undervalued land will be committing unlawful tax evasion. When a corporate entity sells an immovable property, a "withholding tax" at the rate 1% of the sale price is required to be "deducted" from the sale price and paid to the authorities on transfer.

The legal duty to withhold and pay this tax is the buyer's.

A surcharge on the late or inadequate payment of the withholding tax at a rate of 1.5% per month of the late paid amount is applicable.

Furthermore, such undervaluation is also highly ill-advised from the commercial standpoint of the corporate buyer. Since the land will be booked into the accounts of the buying entity at the undervalued amount any subsequent sale of such land will result in a higher taxable event than it would have without the undervaluation on the initial purchase of such land. For example, hypothetically (very generalized and simplified): In 2005 the Company A actually bought the land for two million Thai baht but the purchase is declared to be for

17

Jerrold Kippen & Olaf Duensing are senior partners at DK TAX and Law, specialists in real estate related tax and legal issues in Thailand.

CONTENTS Living on Koh Samui & Koh Phangan 38 39 42 138 139

14

Koh Samui Map Living on Koh Samui Personal Profile: Creative System Projects Koh Phangan Map Living on Koh Phangan

Property 10 12 14 16 50 54 55 82

Island Update Arbitration Update Legal Update Tax Update Developer Profile: Banyan Villas Villas Letting Villas Letting Agents Building a Home

Legal Tips

116

92 93 94 96 98 100 102 104

Land Title Deeds Chanote Land Title Tips for starting a new Tips for starting a new Tips for starting a new Tips for starting a new Tips for starting a new Visa and Work Permits

business: business: business: business: business:

English Chinese German Russain French

House & Home Tips

122

40 Shopping 114 Architect's Talk: Drainage Systems

116 Interior Tips: Kitchen Design 118 Garden Guide: Tropical Composting 120 Home Maintenance: Mattress Hygiene Island Life 78 122 150 152 154

Main Feature: Building On The Year Past Smart Samui: Professional Photography Expo: Expanding Blue Chip Success Green File: Bed Bugs Island Life

68 70 72 84 159

Advance Inter Development Palm Creek Residence Bang Por Villa Lamai Villa The Park Samui: Tropiculture

Koh Phangan Developers and Estate Agents 136 Thong Nai Pan Estate 140 Koh Phangan Holiday Homes 142 Sage Land & House

Home Directory

Legal & Accounting Services

156 Home Directory

86 90 105 107

Koh Samui Developers and Estate Agents 2 4 6 7 8 9 18 30 32 33 34 35 44 56 58 66

Artrium Suites X2 Residence Koh Samui Country Club Beach Republic Mangrove Villa Mandalay Samui Developments Palm Group Asia Laan Dara Samui Ocean 11 Phathong Residence Ban Sweet Coconut Choeng Mon Village & Resort Samui Villas and Homes The Emerald Tongson Horizon Homes The White House

IPM Samui Limcharoen Hughes & Glanville DFDL Mekong Legal & Tax Advisers Charndell Dispute Management Services

Finance Services 23 GFS Australasia Architect & 3D 64 SIL Architects Audio Visual Interior Design 110 AV Installation System 111 Creative System Projects

CONTENTS Properties Services

Security

22 36 65 106 126 128 129 146 147

124 B-Smart Systems

Managing Samui Infinity Home Management Blue Chip Wireless Botanical Designs SunFlex Asia The Stone Doctor Nite Stone Eco Pest Samui European Rain Guttering

Interior Design

Construction & Project Management 18 31 49 76 89 140 164

Palm Construction Blue Building RS Built Tropical Builders Samui Island Maintenance Service:SIMS P&W Associates Construction Management Samui Villas & Homes

87 I.P.M. Samui 108 Surat Baansuy 125 Eternal Flame

Photography

Kitchen & Hardware

Leisure Samui

86 I.P.M. Samui 112 Kitchen Studio 127 Häfele

88 148 158 160 162

Sport Engineering 130 Seara Sports Swimming Pools 132 CP Pools 133 Desjoyaux Pools 134 TSP Swimming Pools

144 Fantasy@work

Tesco Lotus 100 Degrees East Dive Team Dancing Crab BBC Café Art X Centric Gallery

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Disclaimer: All the information, discussions and opinions contained herein are not to be a comprehensive study nor to provide advice, legal or otherwise and should not under any circumstances be used as a substitute for specific advice, legal or otherwise, in respect of individual situation and circumstances.

Welcome to the final edition of Samui Phangan Real Estate Magazine for 2010 and the first of 2011.

It's been a challenging year for the property sector on Samui, yet despite a slow down in sales, the island has also seen a lot of new improvements and developments.

In this issue we showcase the impressive Banyan Villas in Bophut Hills, a top quality development by Palm Group Asia, featuring 15 attractive villas designed to provide the ultimate luxury, with light, airy and spacious living spaces.

There's also an interview with Creative Systems, a professional audio visual company based on Koh Samui and the latest on Bluechip IT, the island's top service provider.

Property professionals and those connected with industry say they expect 2011 to bring more interest and investment to Samui. We look forward to covering new developments and offering our continued support to the island's best businesses.

นิตยสารสมุย-พงันเรียลเอสเตท ขอตอนรับคุณผูอานที่รักทุกทาน สูฉบับสุดทายของป พ.ศ. 2553 และฉบับแรกของปพ.ศ. 2554 คะ เราคงไมอาจปฎิเสธไดวาปพ.ศ. 2553 ที่กำลังจะผานพนไปในอีกไมกี่เดือนขางหนานี้ นับวาเปนปที่ทาทายสำหรับภาคธุรกิจอสังหาริมทรัพยของเกาะสมุยเปนอยางมาก เนื่อง จากมูลคาการซื้อขายที่ลดลง แตอยางไรก็ดี เรายังคงเห็นเกาะสมุยของเราพัฒนาไปในทาง ที่ดีอยางตอเนื่อง และมีแนวโนมจะเพิ่มสูงขึ้นอีกในอนาคต นิตยสารสมุย-พงันฉบับนี้ เราขอแนะนำโครงการบันยันวิลลา บอผุดฮิลล หนึ่งในโครงการ คุณภาพระดับท็อปของกลุมบริษัทปาลมกรุปเอเชีย ซึ่งประกอบดวยวิลลาสุดหรูจำนวน 15 หลัง ที่ไดรับการออกแบบตกแตงใหหรูหราอยางถึงที่สุด พรอมพื้นที่นั่งเลนที่ใหแสงสวาง และโปรงโลงสบายเปนพิเศษ นอกจากนี้เรายังมีบทสัมภาษณพิเศษจาก บ.ครีเอทีฟ ซิสเท็ม บริษัท Audio Visual ระดับ มืออาชีพของเกาะสมุย และ บ.บลูชิป ไอที บริษัทใหมลาสุด ซึ่งจะกาวขึ้นมาเปนผูนำดาน เทคโนโลยีบนเกาะสมุย ผูเชี่ยวชาญดานอสังหาริมทรัพยและผูที่เกี่ยวของหลายทาน ตางคาดหวังวาปพ.ศ. 2554 ที่กำลังจะถึงนี้ จะเปนปที่นำมาซึ่งความสำเร็จดานการลงทุนมากขึ้นอีก เราทุกคนมุงหวังที่ จะมีโอกาสไดนำเสนอโครงการการพัฒนาใหมๆพรอมทั้งใหการสนับสนุนธุรกิจทั้งหลาย บนเกาะสมุยอยางตอเนื่องในอนาคตคะ

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LAMAI: Sea view Land for sale Chanote title 2337 sqm.

The land is only 250 meters from the beach, and 1.5 km. from Lamai center, You can use the land to build the villa of your dreams, or otherwise you can divide the land in 4 plots and build a 2 bedrooms villa on each plot.

7,000,000 Thai Baht (THB)

LAMAI: 4 plots Land for sale Chanote title in an amazing coconut palms garden.The land is only 650 meters from the beach, and 2.5 km. from Lamai center, The plots vary in size, starting from 645 sqm. to 885 sqm., From 1,500,000 to 2,000,000 Thai Baht (THB)

LAMAI: Luxury 360 sqm. 3 bedrooms villa for sale, with swimming pool and suggestive sea view; the land plot is 830 sqm. Spacious roofed terrace with a panoramic view, circular shaped swimming pool with Jacuzzi area and pool bar.

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157/12-14, Moo 1, Bophut, Koh Samui, Suratthani, Thailand Phone: +66 (0) 77 430411, Fax +66 (0)77 430412 Diego Frigo Mob. +66 (0) 870461314, diego@samuibluebuilding.com www.samuibluebuilding.com

RESTAURANT & RESIDENCE

ocean eleven 24 Moo 4, Bophut, Bangrak Beach, Koh Samui Suratthani 84320 Thailand Restaurant Tel +66 77 245 134 Residence Tel/Fax +66 77 961 784 info@o11s.com www.o11s.com

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Houses for Rent/Sale Secure, private complex(near Samui airport), large communal, swimming pool, gym, sauna, 1-4 bedroom houses, several brand new, fully furnished, some with sea view.

Rent starts from 9,000.- per month Sale starts from 4 Million THB (House&Land). References available from existing clients.

All direct from owner- smooth transaction guaranteed.

Contact: Khun Jeed, Mobile + 66(0) 89 813 5715 Phathong Residence 23/3 moo 4, Bophut, Koh Samui, Suratthani 84320. Thailand info@samuitropicalland.com ,www. samuitropicalland.com

Ban Sweet Coconut House Detail Project Name Location House Style Land size No. of houses No. of Bedrooms No. of Bathroom

: Ban Sweet Coconut : Big Buddha : Thai Style / Tropical Garden : 273 sqw. / 1,092 sqm. : 4 houses : 10 / with Air conditioning : 12

Living Room Kitchen Pool Satellite Internet

: Fully furnished : Fully equipped : Sharing pool size: 4 x 6 m : Yes : Yes

Original Price: 30,000,000 baht

Special Price: 23,500,000 baht

www.samuirelax.com

Tel: +66 (0) 895 009 800 E-mail: info@samuirelax.com 34

Choeng Mon Village & Resort Location: Choeng Mon Chaweng Road From Chaweng 10 minutes, from Air Port 10 minutes, from Choeng Beach 5 minutes Single house one storey, 50 Sq.Wa (200 SQ.M), 2 bed room, 1 bathroom, outdoor shower, Living rooom, Kitchen

Price: 2,600,000 baht

www.samuirelax.com

Tel: +66 (0) 895 009 800 E-mail: info@samuirelax.com 35

Koh Samui Map Living on Samui Shopping Personal Profile Developer Profile Holiday Villas

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Living on Samui There is a fast growing expatriate community on Koh Samui, with people moving from Europe and beyond to escape the stresses of western life.

Thailand is known as one of the most welcoming countries in the world and as Koh Samui has developed over the years it has gradually begun to offer all the comforts of home, but in a tropical island location.

Living on Samui is easy; the island now offers a range of excellent locations for shopping, including two large, well stocked supermarkets: Tesco Lotus, Big C and Tops. In fact, with all the modern conveniences now available it's sometimes easy to forget you are in Thailand at all. New shopping malls and entertainment centres are on the way, and Western treats like good wine and imported food that foreign residents may have once missed, are now readily available.

People who live on Samui enjoy a vast choice for wining, dining and entertainment. Thai food of course abounds, and is both tasty and extremely good value. There is also a huge choice of international cuisine with everything from fine French cuisine to fast food chains. For those who like drinking and socializing, many Western style pubs and clubs not only serve local alcoholic drinks but also offer many favourite international brands. A number of bars also show live international sporting events, so it's possible to enjoy a cold beer in the sun whilst watching your favourite football team play in the cold wind and rain back home.

Of course Thailand wouldn't be the same without its people. It is mainly because of their friendly nature that foreign visitors keep coming back and end up living on Samui. Most local people speak a certain amount of English, which means that speaking Thai is not necessary, although life becomes much easier if you do make the effort. Don't expect tobe living an authentic Thai life though; around 80 percent of the population on the island is made up of visitors or expats.

Samui is fast becoming a comfortable, sophisticated haven in the sun, but it is also important to remember that there are significant cultural differences that may cause frustration. Local people enjoy a relaxed approach to life, and this can take some getting used to. As long as you are prepared to meet the local people half way, living on their tropical island can be a pleasure indeed.

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SHOPPING

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1 Oil Paintings: by Art X Centric Tel. 086 726 8482 2 Chinese Lantern: by Eternal Flame Tel. 089 772 1589 3, 4, 8 Candle Holders: by Eternal Flame Tel. 089 772 1589 5. Stone Floor Decoration: by Nite Stone Tel. 077 247 769 If you have any new products to display in our magazine please contact Samui-Phangan magazine sales.

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6 Shell Mosaic Jar & Candle Holder: by Eternal Flame Tel. 089 772 1589 7 “Swan” Chairs - Ideal for lounge & waiting areas: by Aviva Décor Tel. 02 685 3661-3 9 Moroccan Lantern: by Eternal Flame Tel. 089 772 1589 10 “Wave” Hammock - Your favourite place to chill: by Aviva Décor Tel. 02 685 3661-3

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PERSONAL PROFILE

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RSBuilt are a Construction Company based in Koh Samui Thailand.

What stands out is our high level of service – it is as comprehensive as you could expect to find anywhere in the world.

Our team draws its experience from both Thailand and around the World.

We have a broad range of specialisations within the construction market.

A wealth of experience with new home builds, villa development, refurbishments right up to full large scale resort development.

RSBuilt pride themselves on the closest working relationship with their customers.

17/9 Moo 1, Bophut, Koh Samui, Suratthani 84320 Thailand Tel/Fax: 077 602 412

rupert@rsbuilt.com

steve@rsbuilt.com

+66 (0) 862 710 156

+66 (0) 879 945 034 49

Renting a Private Villa Information provided courtesy of Samui Villas and Homes LTD

same or better facilities than a resort, but with the bonus of privacy and the freedom to choose a bespoke vacation."

SVH pioneered the concept of full service villas on Koh Samui, an approach that has now become an industry standard. Private villas come with a team of staff to clean, prune and take care of guest requests, while the low cost of provisioning means it can actually be cheaper to have meals prepared in-house by a personal chef than to eat out every evening. Self catering is also an option that appeals to many guests, particularly on Samui where shopping for food is The Cove as easy as it is back home. This makes the overall cost of renting a villa surprisingly Koh Samui is becoming one of the competitive. private villa capitals of South East Asia, matched only by places like Bali and One thing that gives Samui Villa and Phuket in terms of the sheer number of Homes a serious edge over the competition luxury private residences for short and when it comes to villas rentals in South long term rent. As a result, agencies East Asia is that 90% of the properties in abound and competition is fierce for their portfolio are located on the beach. owners hoping to generate and income This makes them popular not only for from their property while they are not in families but also for people in search of a residence. Fortunately, the concept is dream wedding location or special celebrataking off worldwide, so demand for tion. "The wedding business has helped us these personal retreats is on the increase. enormously during the recent downturn," explained Birt. "The option to get married John Birt is Chief Executive Officer for in your own private beach residence is Samui Villas and Homes Ltd, the island's definitely high on most people's wish lists. biggest and most successful villa rental and On Samui, you're spoilt for choice." management company. He believes that even with last year's economic slow down, Of course, designs, facilities, locations and people increasingly see villas as an attrac- therefore prices for villas vary considertive holiday option. "It's no more expensive ably, with super luxury 5, 6, even 10 to rent a villa than stay in a good hotel," he bedroom palaces costing anything from said. "Families don't mind sharing a two to five thousand dollars per night. But property if it means they can enjoy a more there are also plenty of mid-range options personal, independent holiday experience. and these still boast special touches like Most of the villas on our books offer the private infinity pools, dedicated TV 54

Vi l l a M i a

lounges and outdoor bathtubs overlooking the views. With a little research, sharing with friends you can enjoy all these privileges for as little as $50 a night each.

looks set to grow and diversify. An evolution that may eventually see Samui leading the pack when it comes to personalised, luxury holiday services.

For vila owners and property investors, of This article is provided courtesy of Samui course, being able to compete with resorts is Villas and Homes Ltd a major factor and as people look for more options and offers, the private villa market

Villa Letting Agents Name Advance Inter Development Advantage Holiday Villas Bam Buh Dream properties Halcyon Samui Properties Horizon Homes Kalara International Properties Kohabitat Property Koh Samui Land & Homes Koh Samui Properties KP Properties Laem Sor Village Namuang House Pai Leam House

Tel. 077 081 086 089 077 077 077 077 089 077 077 081 089 085

231 625 892 6372 061 4280 289 0025 427 311 417 005 246 100 430 399 474 1837 230 606 377 018 406 1065 772 1589 782 4910

Name Phathong Residence Plumeria Place Residence Rent Samui Sage House & Land Samui Beach Village Samui Diamond Properties Samui Escapes Samui-Phangan Properties Samui Villas and Homes Thailand Retreats The Park The Phufar Residence The Sea TIC

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Tel. 089 077 077 089 086 087 077 081 077 077 081 081 077 077

813 5715 430 043 430 399 016 9750 2667572 895 4132 245 136 979 0679 430 326 427 774 683 4592 5359100 961 982 247 710

The Emerald Tongson The Emerald Tongson Development results from a vision to create an innovative design with iconic modern, yet tropical architecture in an environmentally sensitive haven. This exclusive ocean front compound of only four 2 bedroom pool villas along one of the most inspiring shore lines of Choengmons Tongson Bay presents a new cool approach to exclusive pical living. tropical The latest generation of ECO friendly architectural LED and fiber optic lighting contribute to up to 80% in energy savings.

Mineral treatment of the pool water eliminates the extensive use of toxic and corrosive chemicals

Features: res: • Car park with 4 lots • Common entrance lounge • Built to marine environment standard • Low consumption LED light features • Copper/Silver mineral pool treatment • Total villa size: 200-220m2

Original Real Estate co.,ltd.

JMan Marina Co Ltd Mobile: +66 (o) 8 1893 5996 www.jman-marina.com Email: info@jman-marina.com 8/10 Moo 5 Bophut Koh Samui 84320 Thailand Original_nikhomrat@hotmail.com

PROUD TO BE A MEMBER OF

Internat ionally Licensed Agent

HS0304

Featured Listing

This villa occupies a lofty position on a steep coastal vantage point with spectacular sea views.

This is just one of 36 individual privately owned pool villas located within a five-star resort. The property consists of two double storey pavilions, four bedrooms (the spacious master bedroom suite is located above the main living area and is accessed by a stairway), an open plan living area with a fully equipped Western kitchen, dining and lounge areas. Double sliding glass doors open onto the stone terrace with a private infinity edge swimming pool and feature pool bar.

Onsite facilities include private beach (walking distance), restaurant, spa, kids club, fitness centre and communal pool. This is a great investment property in a very convenient location.

Price: 33 Million THB

Location: Choengmon For more information please contact: 10/11 Moo 5, Bophut, Koh Samui, Suratthani, ni, Thai Thailand, 84320, Tel: +66 (0) 77 41 417 005 Fax: +66 (0) 77 417 007 Email: info@hor info@horizonhomes-samui.com www.horizon www.horizonhomes-samui.com s-sa

Office: +66 (0) 77 417 005 58

Prop Pr ro r ope ert rt ies ies fo or r ssal ale These 2-bedroom semi detached units are located in a very convenient area, within walking distance from the nearest beach, bars and restaurants. Each unit is approximately 90 m2 (living area), comes fully furnished and has access to 2 large communal pools. Facilities include fitted European style kitchen, air-conditioning, 24-hour security, Cable TV & ADSL Internet.

Rapid rental returns are to be expected. There is only one unit left at the price of 4.2 Million THB! HS0079

Location: Bophut Price: From 4.2 to 5 Million THB

Nice property built on a 900 sq.m plot of land, in a convenient area. Part of a cozy development, this property features a main residential unit w/ three bedrooms (including the master one en suite) and a spacious living room with direct access to the terrace. On a lower level is the freeform swimming pool and landscaped garden. On the side of the pool are two salas that could be used for car park and lounge. 5 minutes from the beach & 10 minutes from Chaweng.

Location: Bang Rak Price: 7.5 Million THB

HS0247

This 2-bedroom brand new property consists of two main residential units with a swimming pool in between. The property is standing on a 400 m2 land plot, features a cozy interior design and is sold fully furnished. The first residential unit, as you enter the property, consists of an open plan living area and fully equipped kitchen while the second one has two bedrooms w/ fitted wardrobes and bathrooms en suite. The property can be sold with a Thai limited company and is located less than 2 km from the beach.

Location: Lamai

HS0282

Price: 8.5 Million THB

This stylish, modern home is secured within a tropical walled garden and is ideally situated within walking distance of the nearest beach and restaurants. The property is exceptionally well maintained and boasts tasteful interior design. It is comprised of two bedrooms en suite and a large living area open-plan to a newly fitted Western style kitchen. The outdoor area mostly consists of a superb 10m x 5m swimming pool & outdoor shower.

A Thai sala, pond with waterfall and a shaded lounging/dining area all create a functional outdoor living space.

Location: Bophut

HS0300

Price: 15.2 Million THB

This 2-storey, 6-bedroom property is located in the heights of Bophut and features amazing panoramic sea views. On the ground floor, there is a living/dining and kitchen area plus 2 bedrooms sharing 1 bathroom. The first floor has been designed so it could be used as a self-contained floor, comprising of 4 bedrooms (currently 2 rooms are being used as bedrooms while two others are being used as store rooms), and a second spacious living room and kitchen. The outdoor area features a 10 * 5-metre swimming pool plus Jacuzzi, landscaped gardens and sala.

Location: Bophut

HS0181

Price: 25 Million THB

Set within a peaceful and scenic yet easily accessible location this large plot of land comes with 2 Chanote land title deeds measuring 1,600 and 1,000 m2 respectively.

The gentle slope and full infrastructure ensure a straightforward and cost effective platform for building 1 or 2 properties with spacious grounds. West facing views overlooking Angthong National Marine Park provide the perfect orientation for stunning sunsets. This land is located very close to Samui’s capital town Nathon which has an array of shopping and dining options as well as being the main ferry link to the mainland.

LS0247

Location: Bang Makham Price: 5 Million THB, negotiable

Office Mobile: +66 (0) 85 660 2794 59

P rop e rt i e s f or R ENT This brand new 3-bedroom, 4-bathroom contemporary villa is part of Horizon Villas Community, located at walking distance from Choengmon Beach. Its unique design offers stunning ambience with utmost consideration to privacy. Featuring a 15-metre infinity pool and waterfall, this villa is perfect for a relaxing holiday. All bedrooms have bathrooms en suite, air-con and fans while the whole property is exquisitely furnished and decorated. A gas BBQ, free WiFi, safety Box, Satellite TV, sound system, shady sala, gourmet kitchen have all been included for the ultimate guest comfort.

Location: Choengmon Rate: From 295 USD / night

AHV0015

Located within the exclusive Horizon Villa community, this 3-bedroom Balinese style villa has expansive views overlooking Choengmon Beach which is just a 5-minute walk away. The master & 1 guest bedroom have sea views. All bedrooms have bathrooms en suite. The main building has an open plan Western kitchen, guest bathroom, dining & living area. A mood lighting system provides the ambience whilst a plasma TV with UBC connection & music system provides the entertainment. All rooms lead to the terrace surrounding the pool. The villa is decorated & furnished to a high standard and is equally suited to indoor & outdoor living.

Location: Choengmon Rate: From 350 USD / night

AHV0061

This beautifully furnished villa has been designed in order to maximize outdoor living with a huge terrace overlooking a private 12 x 6 m pool, Jacuzzi and sala (outdoor lounge). The master bedroom boasts a beautiful 4-poster bed, private terrace, walk-in dressing room with bespoke furniture and en suite bath tub.

Bedrooms # 2 and 3 have a super king size bed and a patio leading out to the pool. A large split-level open plan living space with flat screen TV, DVD, satellite TV and I-pod hub compliments the property. The dining area has an elegant dining table with seating for 6-8 persons and there is also a fully equipped Western kitchen.

Location: Chaweng Rate: From 4,800 THB / night

HV0148

This superbly appointed villa consists of 4 bedrooms & 4 bathrooms as well as a very spacious open plan living, dining and kitchen area. It offers great sea views to Koh Phangan from two of its bedrooms, the large terrace, sala and BBQ area as well as the 75 m2 swimming pool. The master bedroom is located on a higher level and features a Jacuzzi on its private terrace. There is wireless Internet connection throughout the property and television in all the bedrooms and the living room. A broad range of services such as daily cleaning, chef, car rental with/without driver can also be arranged upon request.

Location: Bophut Rate: From 9,600 THB / night

HV0031

Influenced by a fusion of Asian and contemporary Western design while incorporating the natural landscape and vegetation, this sea view villa really succeeds in bringing inventive architecture to a unique height. This villa is designed to optimize space, privacy and will give you the taste of a luxury and exclusive lifestyle. Designed for family and /or a group of friends, this amazing estate can accommodate up to 10 adults and 3 children (6 bedrooms) and is divided in 5 buildings around a swimming pool, kid's pool and huge outdoor terrace. The villa is a truly exceptional villa with a unique layout enhanced by an exquisite collection of antique furniture and artwork.

HV0145

Location: Chaweng

Rate: From 12,650 THB / night

This luxury beachfront villa offers a very spacious and contemporary design incorporating 3 large bedrooms en suite. The entrance leads through a private courtyard into an open living/dining room & a fully equipped European kitchen. Folding doors open from the living room to a spacious terrace and private pool. A spiral staircase leads up from the pool to another large terrace with sea views. Common facilities include a 30-metre long beachfront pool. The villa also features A/C throughout, Internet, TV & DVD player in living room and master bedroom, daily maid service and airport transfer. Extra services can be arranged on request.

HV0133

Location: Bang Por Rate: 12,960 - 19,440 THB / night

Office: +66 (0) 77 417 005 60

Horizon Homes Presents Horizon Villas

Horizon Homes welcomes you to the showcase properties of their flagship development, Horizon Villas. Horizon Villas will become one of the most sought after developments in Asia.

Located near Choengmon Beach Villas built by Horizon Homes, unrivalled in finish Includes: Gym, Restaurant, Tennis Court, Wireless internet, Three phase underground electric, 24 hour security An expected ROI of 8% per year based on holiday rentals

Starting at 11.5 million THB 61

Horizon Villas

Horizon Villas.

Horizon Villas is located on an elevated 8 hectare (43 Rai) site just minutes from the scenic Choeng Mon beach, with easy access to Chaweng and the Airport. The site has been carefully laid out to ensure every sea view plot takes best possible advantage of the sea views.

Each villa designed to the individual needs of the owner The villa plots are sold to buyers who design in conjunction with our architects the internal layout to suit their own needs and create their ideal holiday or investment home. Typically the villas have 3 to 5 bedrooms with luxury en-suite bathrooms, European-style kitchens and infinity pools. Horizon Villas keeps overall control of the external appearance to ensure the development blends into the surrounding landscape.

Exceptional standard of construction and finishing The style and quality of Horizon Villas sets it apart from other developments, making it a must see investment opportunity. The quality of the kitchen and bathroom fittings, floor and window finishes will be tailored to your individual needs and are all to a high European standard.

Clubhouse facilities The Horizon Villa Clubhouse provides excellent leisure facilities for all residents, including a restaurant, fitness centre, tennis court and children’s play area.

Guaranteed high quality construction for your peace of mind Each villa in the development comes with a five year construction guarantee and 20 year roof structure guarantee. You are also assured of the development’s future security, because it is one of the very few on Samui to hold a full government development licence and Chanote land titles, giving you piece of mind.

Office: +66 (0) 77 417 005 62

Testimonials “We chose Horizon Homes development at Choengmon after much research. The quality of the build was of great importance to us, and we have been delighted with the end result. Our only problem is that we do not ever want to leave the little bit of paradise that is our home on Samui.”

John &Wendy Howe "My wife and I purchased an 'off plan' Garden Villa through Horizon Homes after thoroughly researching the Koh Samui real estate market and meeting with numerous agents. Since then our garden villa was completed to a higher standard than we hoped for and has proven to be a very good lifestyle and rental return investment. For anyone interested in investing in Koh Samui we would not hesitate to recommend Horizon Homes” Homes

Ian & Fay Hamilton

10/11 Moo 5 5, Bophut Bophut, Koh Samui Samui, Suratthani, Thailand, 84320, Tel: +66 (0) 77 417 005 Fax: +66 (0) 77 417 007 Email: info@horizonhomes-samui.com www.horizonhomes-samui.com 63

SIL Company Limited

THAI-EUROPEAN

ARCHITECTS

Architecture, Engineering and Project Management www.sil-architects.com info@sil-architects.com +66 (0) 836 909 700 10/11 Moo 5, Tongsai Road, Bophut, Koh Samui, 84320 Suratthani

THE WHITE HOUSE

LOCATION • LIFESTYLE • SEA VIEW • WOW FACTOR

y t r e p o r hot p ASKING PRICE THB 17,600,000 ( OR NEAREST OFFER)

The White House ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Stunning Sea Views 3 Bedrooms/3 En-Suite Bath/Shower Rooms (2 with Jacuzzi’s) 2 Guest W/C’s Living/Dining Room Designer Western Kitchen Home Office Private Pool Landscaped Gardens Off Road Parking 920 Sqm Chanod Titled Land

A uniquely designed property that is conveniently located half way between the commercial centres of Chaweng & Lamai, on the Eastern coast of Koh Samui. Set within the same tranquil complex as a well known branded resort, the new villa owner will be able to take full advantage of the resorts many facilities which are located a 2 minute walk away. In addition the resort will also be able to rent out your property in your absence should you wish them to do so. The villa is accessed via a sweeping driveway that leads through the resort to the villa itself. A charming beach is located within walking distance of The White House, whilst an array of cliff top restaurants are also located within a short drive as is the new 18 hole golf course and the Samui shooting range.

The White House impresses as soon as you walk through the front door and absorb the stunning sea views via the Living/Dining areas, cleverly designed, each bedroom also benefits from sea views. The pool level bedroom has been designed to be a self contained rentable unit and can be accessed without the need to walk through the villa itself.

With a tropical environment in mind the current owner of The White House created a villa with lifestyle in mind that can be equally enjoyed both indoors and out, making this the perfect property for year round residential and holiday letting purposes.

For more information please contact: Horizon Homes10/11 Moo 5, Bophut, Koh Samui, Suratthani, Thailand, 84320, Tel: +66 (0) 77 417 005 Mobile: +66 (0) 879 77 66 15, +66 (0) 862 82 27 94 Email: info@horizonhomes-samui.com www.horizonhomes-samui.com

a l l i V g n i n n u t S For Sale

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Delightful property built on a half Rai of land overlooking the stunning view of Bang Po beach over to Koh Phangan. Occupying 1000 sqm of living space this luxury house features it’s own waterfall and sizeable infinity pool with Jacuzzi. The property is protected by a state-of-art security and camera system 5 Bedrooms (3 with En Suite Bathrooms), 3 Bathrooms, 3 Living Rooms, 2 Kithens, 1 Dining Room, 1 Pool Room, 1 Gym, 1 Office, Carport for two cars, Twin Motorbike Garage, Maid’s Quarters, Sold fully furnihed

Price on Application

+66 (0) 8 1341 4755 75

Main Feature Building a Home

MAIN FEATURE

Building onTHE YEAR

PAST

The property market on Koh Samui has faced challenging times in 2010, with many firms struggling to survive in the face of a global economic slowdown.

Yet despite the worrying drop in sales volumes, construction has continued on many projects through the year and many developers are now seeing an increase in enquiries. Diverse target markets, wide reaching sales and marketing strategies, plus Koh Samui's enduring appeal as a holiday and second home destination, mean the signs for 2011 remain positive.

Market influences Although companies were forced to lower their price points in 2010 to make back capital investment and generate funds, the actual new supply of properties on the island increased more this year than in any previous 12 months. In many ways, 2010 saw the emergence a buyer's market on Samui and some savvy investors took advantage of this fact, picking up properties at favourable prices with a view to combining medium term capital growth with short term rental yields.

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This year also saw major growth in the low rise condominium sector, perhaps a reflection of the type of buyers now considering Koh Samui. Most units being built and offered to foreign investors are within resort style developments, where owners have the option to join a rental pool. Although such investments are prone to fluctuations in tourist arrivals, they generally offer management options and the possibility of short term ROI, which appeals to second home buyers without the funds to maintain a property independently for the long term. New ideas like fractional ownership have helped Samui ride the economic storm. Investors can buy property without assuming the burdens that often come with individual ownership, while enjoying the services and amenities of the resort when they are in residence. This form of real estate ownership is especially attractive to those who only want to make use of a holiday home for only a few weeks or months a year.

Island Accolades Despite the slow market, Koh samui continues to draw respect and attention. New and established businesses on the island have introduced a number of concepts that have helped Samui move forward. The Thailand Property Awards are always a useful measure of the industry's success. Now in their fifth year, they are governed by strict regulations and based on nominations by the general public and industry experts. Submissions are judged by a panel of professionals and include site visits for the top short-listed developments in each category. The awards are therefore highly coveted by real estate agents, property developers, interior designers and architects in Thailand's residential real estate industry and at the recent ceremony in Bangkok, several Samui companies received these prestigious awards.

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Samui Villas and Homes were named Best Agent Samui for the third time, while Best Condo Development (Samui) went to the Samui Emerald and Conrad Samui picked up Best Villa Deveopment.

Nominated for the award of Best Shared Ownership Development alongside shortlisted candidates that included the exclusive Banyan Tree and highly regarded Absolute Bangla Suites, the judges named Beach Republic the winner. Upon being presented with the award, Robert Pestello, Beach Republic’s Director of Sales was quoted as saying: “We have worked hard to create a development that is truly unique and special. We always knew that we had a great product at an extremely attractive price. For this to be recognized by our peers and industry professionals at Thailand’s premier Property Awards – especially considering the strength of the other nominees."

Improving Infrastructure Although heavy rains brought bad flooding in November, the government has made significant improvements to the island's infrastructure in the past 12 months. New tarmac roads have made travelling around the island smoother and easier, with better access roads to major locations like the airport now all but complete, plus new drainage and repair work being undertaken in some of the island's less accessible areas. Of course, there's plenty more work to be done. The incinerator needs repairing or even replacing, water collection systems need upgrading and electricity cables need re-enforcing and stabilizing. All this is expensive, but the current government has already secured extra funding from Bangkok, so further improvements are scheduled in the coming year that will further enhance the lifestyle of both local residents and visitors.

On the environmental side, Samui still needs to address some important issues and learn from other destinations where natural resources have been successfully preserved and protected. Projects like the Coral Regeneration programme, building Check Dams to channel water during heavy rains, cleaning the island's canals and initiating green initiatives in its schools, provide a valuable starting point for the community at large to take greater responsibility for Samui's natural resources. Sustainable development not only benefits nature, but in a world increasingly aware of its green credentials,

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it also attracts visitors and investors, giving the island an economic, as well as an ecological advantage.

Regulating development Recent launches in the hotel and property sector on Koh Samui offer a clear sign that the island has moved into a new phase of development. Global brands, international agencies, and developers with a proven track record of success have moved in to replace many smaller, speculative companies that often relied heavily on off-plan sales to complete their projects. Tales of buyers being hoodwinked, companies going bankrupt and land being reposessed by the authorities no longer make the headlines. Reputable businesses are slowly establishing a strong presence around the island and subsidiary services are following suit. As the market recovers, it is essential for Samui to hold on to and develop a lasting reputation for fairness and best practice. This will attract more investment and at the same time create a more stable, reliable business environment in the long term. Regional investment interest is growing to bolster the more established foreign sources of capital, but this can only be sustained with adequate checks and balances in place to avoid any scandals or negative publicity.

Restrictive foreign ownership laws remain a major obstacle for the property market in Thailand, but with leasehold agreements now becoming more accepted by international buyers and the abovementioned shared ownership schemes attracting new investment, the options for purchasing property are becoming more diverse and legitimate every year. The official establishment of the Samui Court this year was an important development for the island as it provides a basis for an acceptable legal framework that investors feel comfortable with. By maintaining legitimate processes and following correct procedures, businesses on Samui will attract more capital and also help build the island's reputation as a safe place to invest. Unscrupulous developers can no longer be tolerated if Samui is to reach its full potential as a high-end, tropical retreat.

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BUILDING A HOME

Choosing a Reliable Agent Whether you choose to live in a gated development, purchase a stand-alone home, or for the even more adventurous, buy a piece of raw land on which to build your future dream house, you will be in need of the services of a good real estate agent. Choosing the right agent is essential as a reputable firm with good local contacts can help you avoid many of the pitfalls that a less informed buyer might encounter.

There are now so many different agents on the island, it is difficult to choose between them.

Ideally though, your agent should be able to demonstrate a solid background in the industry and offer examples of successful deals they have handled that are similar to your own plans.

It is also vital that your agent has good local connections with Thai partners and the authorities. Paperwork and local procedures can sometimes be daunting, but if you have the services of a quality agent with good local knowledge, almost all of the potential stumbling blocks can be swiftly traversed with little or no headaches for you, the buyer.

It is vital, for example that you know you are buying or leasing the right type of land. There are various different land titles, the most sought after is the 'Chanote' title. This indicates that the land has been officially surveyed with the use of GPS and its boundaries are now fixed.

Be warned that buying land without professional help could mean purchasing what looks like a bargain piece of land that may turn out to be unusable due to the land title. Other pitfalls include road access and the availability of utilities such as electricity and water, not to mention the processing and checking of legal documentation and ownership rights.

Once you have found a property, you will have to consider the various purchase options carefully. Foreign individuals may own a property on a renewable 30-year lease, but in the past, many opted to set up a Thai company in order to purchase the property freehold. The latter is less easy than it was a few years ago, but your agent should have a full understanding of both procedures and will be able to explain the pros and cons. Owning a Thai company involves legal and tax issues that you should be well aware of before pursuing this avenue.

With so many things to consider, it is easy to see why the services of a good and reputable agent are not just advisable, but essential. By working closely with them to find the solution that best suits your needs, you should enjoy a smooth and painless experience when setting up your new island home.

Building a Property Having a home built to suit your own tastes and needs can be a cost efficient, not to mention rewarding experience. It does take time, patience and energy however, and you need to be absolutely certain that the people you employ to build the property are capable of delivering the house you have in mind.

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Once the land is purchased and ready for development, thoughts can turn to the design of your house. Of course, you can be as involved in the design process as much as you wish, from merely requesting certain facilities or features all the way to designing the floor plan in its entirety. Either way, your ideas will have to go through a certified architect in order to ensure the plans are both practical and legal. Many laws exist in Thailand to ensure that buildings do not move too far away from Thai cultural traditions. Once the architect has completed your official plans, your builder, if you have already secured one, should then be able to work out a detailed quote to construct the property to the specifications.

When choosing a builder, don't be afraid to ask for references. Some contractors may even offer to take you around some of their previous projects so that you can see the quality of their work and perhaps gain some inspiration for your own home. Several contracting companies are foreign run or employ foreign representatives, which can save time and confusion due to communication problems. It is always good to try and strike up a rapport with the Thai partners and staff too though, as their local knowledge will often prove invaluable.

Once you have chosen your contractor, as always make sure your investment is protected by the correct documentation. It would be advisable to have an independent law firm check any paperwork for potential grey areas. If you have ever had a home built in the West, you would have received certain assurances from the building company, including an agreed schedule for completion, a performance bond and a warranty on the finished product. Providing such guaraantees is not always common practice in Koh Samui so the kind of guarantees you are offered should have a significant bearing in your initial choice of construction company.

A performance bond is a guarantee issued by the contractor's bank to secure any advance payments you have made. When building on Koh Samui, you will likely need to pay an initial deposit in order for the builder to obtain materials and retain a workforce. Thereafter, you will pay an agreed amount of instalments, which will likely be tied in with certain pre-agreed stages in your home's route to completion. The initial deposit, which could be around a quarter to a third of the total amount, will remain unsecured if no performance bond is issued.

In terms of warranty, you should insist on at least twelve months coverage from the completion date. This should be plenty of time for any major building defects to become apparent and resolved at the cost of the building company.

With the plans cleared, the paperwork checked and your deposit paid, building can commence. If possible, it is a good idea to make regular visits to your property during the construction phase. This is perhaps the best way to avoid problems or a misinterpretation of your wishes and also means building good relations with the workforce. It will establish your authority as the paying client and seeing your property gradually come together is almost as rewarding as the first night you'll spend in your new tropical home.

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IPM Samui is proud to announce our new range of home furnishings to perfectly complement your villa.

The common names: Coconut inlay, Bamboo, Water hyacinth are still available, however, if you wish to view a refreshingly new style of furniture and home furnishing accessories, including kitchens, wardrobes and internal doors, then a visit to our showroom is a must!

Never before seen in Samui, but available exclusively from IPM SAMUI, is a unique new range of finishes: Water resistant MFC, high gloss 3D acrylic and Lacquer finishes, are available on all of our products, not to mention our range of soft home furnishings and hand crafted solid wood products, custom designed for your living space.

Our catalogue is too extensive to list here so please contact us directly for more information or, Why not call into our showroom to see the complete range of furniture

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P.O. Box 16, Maenam Post Office, Koh Samui, Suratthani 84330 Thailand Tel. +66 (0) 81 8944093 boom@ipmsamui.com www.ipmsamui.com

SIMS Co., Ltd. Property Services • Property Inspections • Snagging Lists • Defect report • Villa management • Maintenance services • Consultancy

SAMUI ISLAND MAINTENANCE SERVICES Business address; 77/3 Moo 6, Ban Bang Por, Maenam , Koh Samui , Suratthani ,Thailand 84330 +66 (0)8 5783 1445 E-mail simssamui@gmail.com

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LEGAL

Land Title Deeds in Thailand There are two main types of land ownership in Thailand which we should explain

Rights of Possession Firstly there is the right of possession, for example, land that has been used by a family for generations to the benefit of the land and they have possession rights of the land under the civil and commercial code. Such titles are Sor Kor 1,Tor Bor 5 , 6 or Sor Por Gor 4. These titles basically are only family possession rights and generally only used for farming. These titles can not be bought or sold and no building rights or legal acts would be allowed on the land. I do know of cases where families being in possession of certain pieces of land for generations have been able to upgrade them to regular land title deeds but this is not generally the case and any serious investor would not normally give any credibility to these titles of possession.

Rights of Ownership Usually we are looking for land title deeds giving right of ownership not possession. Here there are basically three title deeds:- Chanote, Nor Sor 3 and Nor Sor 3 Gor. The most sought after titles are the Chanote and the Nor Sor 3 Gor as both these titles have legal documents of Rights of Ownership and can be sub-divided into smaller plots and planning permission and any such legal acts can be carried out immediately on the land.The only difference with the Nor Sor 3 is that although legal documents are issued for the land it has not been accurately surveyed which can lead to problems in verifying actual land area. And if any legal act is to take place on this land it must be published for at least 30 days.

As we have been saying all the way through if it is not clear 100%, seek the advice of a legal professional in this field, as there are also many other issues that are important to consider such as servitude, access and rights of way.

Land Measurement & Survey Land in Thailand is measured in Rai, Ngan and Talang Wah. • 1 Wah= 4 sqm • 1 Ngan= 100 Wah or 400 sqm • 4 Ngan= 1 Rai or 1600 sqm In comparison to Western Standards: • 2.50 Rai= 1 Acre • 6.25 Rai= 1 Hectare

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Tips for starting a new business Are you planning to start your own business for the first time in Thailand? If so, we hope this useful information will help put your business on the right track.

The simplest and easiest sort of company for foreigners to form with a small business is a Thai Limited Company. In Thailand, a Limited Company is a company with up to 100 shareholders, who share the same business purpose and is formed with a Capital divided into equal shares.

Getting started To set up a company, you must first have the memorandum that can be acquired at the registration office. To properly register, you are required to provide the authorities with details of your company and list a minimum of three shareholders (who can either be Thai or foreign nationals or both). At least seven days after you first approach the department, you can call a shareholder's meeting to reach an agreement on the purpose of your business and set up the company's operational rules.

Having agreed on the purpose of your business, you can then apply for business registration at the same department. If you cannot agree on company rules, you can refer to those stated in the Civil and Commercial Code's partnership and companies section.

Shares Besides the issues of business registration, you must also make sure that your company's shares are worth no less than 5 baht each. These shares can be transferred or even sold if the company has no regulations on this matter.

Every shareholder must be given a share certificate, a document that guarantees their status as a shareholder. Should anyone wish to transfer their shares to another party; they have to fill in the share transfer form that confirms the deal between the transferor and transferee.

The company also has to have in its possession a register of shareholders that contains a record of all the company's shareholders. The book is evidence that will identify the company's shareholders.

Shareholders and Chairperson A Limited Company's shareholders can be either Thai or foreign nationals or both, but the percentage of shares held by foreign national plays a significant role in determining the nationality of your company, which may impose serious limitations on the company's rights, such as landownership.

If less than 49% of your company's shares are held by foreigners, your company is considered a Thai company. However, if foreign nationals hold more than 49% of the shares, your company is a foreign company.

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The significant differences between Thai and foreign companies operating in Thailand lie in their rights to buy and own properties or other businesses. It is therefore important, especially for those in real estate and development businesses, to know and remember that unless your company is Thai, you are restricted in the ability to possess and obtain land and property in this country without an exemption granted by the government.

Foreign companies are also restricted to certain activities and to proceed with certain operations the company will have to apply for permission from the government. In such instances, applications will be considered case by case. They will also face tough scrutiny and strict restrictions on their right to operate and ability to run their business. These companies will be treated in the same way as foreign nationals seeking jobs in Thailand.

If you are registered as a Thai company, you are automatically granted the right to purchase and own properties and other business and will be treated the same way as a Thai citizen.

However, according to new legislation that has recently come into effect, the Land Department's staff are now required to thoroughly investigate your Thai shareholders' sources of income. Thai shareholders in a company wishing to purchase properties in Thailand have to declare their income and provide the authorities with evidence that proves their ability to co-invest with other foreign shareholders in the same company. Only those successful in convincing the authorities are granted the right to purchase and possess land.

Companies with approval from the Land Department can then proceed with their applications for land title deeds or other certificates of use and possession.

Little things that matter A company limited has to have its own board of directors to act on behalf of the company.

This panel will, however, act under the regulations and agreements approved by the shareholders. Appointing directors or removing any of them requires shareholders approval.

At the end of the company's financial year, within five months, it shall be the duty of the company to present the balance sheet to the Department of Business Development (DBD).

If your company fails to present the balance sheet, the company will be fined up to 50,000 baht and the company's board of directors may also be fined up to 50,000 baht. If the committee refuses to pay the fine, the police can appeal to the court for a warrant and file a lawsuit against the resilient parties. Withdrawal of the company's business registration is also another penalty the company may face, should they not provide the authorities with the necessary statement.

Information courtesy of Khun Surin Puangpakdee Senior Lawyer NSP&Laws Firm

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法律资讯

苏梅岛-帕干-创业提示 你打算开始首次在泰国创业嗎？ 如果是这样，我们希望提供有用的信息幫 助您的企业在正确的轨道上前進。 外国人最简单和最容易的一种小型企业公司形式是泰国有限责任公司。 在 泰国，有限责任公司是一种可以拥有多达100个股东，共享相同的商业目的 ，并形成资本分摊的一种公司形式。

設立公司入门 成立一个公司，你必须先有已經註冊的公司章程备忘录。 要正确註冊，您 需要向当局提供贵公司的资料和至少3名股东的详细清单（可以是泰国或外 国国民或两者皆可） 。在您向当局提供资料的至迟7天之后，您可以召開第 一次的股东会议去达成股东协议，並设立公司的业务规则。 在达成股东协议之后，您就可以在同一註冊單位申请商业登记。 假如您不 同意某些公司规则，你可以將條文提交到民事和商用法庭的合伙关系与企业 部門申请裁決。

股票 除了商业登记的问题，你还必须确保您的公司的股票价值不低于每股5泰铢 。如果该公司没有硬性规定这一條文，这些股票可以转让，甚至出售。 每名股东必须给予份额证书，一份保证他们作为股东的身份文件。 如果任 何人希望他们的股份转让给另一当事方，他们必须填写转让人和受让人的股 权转让确认书。 该公司还须拥有其股东登记册，其中包含所有公司股东的记录。 而此证书 将表明並确定该公司股东的身份。

股东和主席 有限公司的股东可以是泰国或外国国民或两者並存，但由外国国籍股东所持 有的股份比例将决定该公司的国籍，这可能严重限制该公司的权利，如土地 所有权。 96

如果不到49 ％的公司股份由外国股东所持有，您的公司被认为是泰国公司 。 但是，如果外国股东持有超过49 ％的股份，贵公司則是一家外国公司。 在泰国，泰国和外国公司之间差别最大的是在于他们购买和拥有房地产或其 他企业的权利。 因此，重要的是，特别是对那些在房地产和地产開发的企 业，要了解和记住，除非你的公司是泰国公司，依據政府規定，除非政府給 于特权，在这个国家你是無法取得并拥有房地产的。 外国公司也受限于特定的商业活动及行为。在进行某些业务，该公司必須申 请政府批准。 在这种情况下，申请将被视为个案。 他们也将面临严密的監 督和严格的检查。 这些公司的限制等同外国公民在泰国工作者。 如果您是注册为泰国公司，你就立刻拥有购买和持有房地产或其他企业的权 利，其权利視同泰国公民。然而，根据新的立法，最近已开始生效，国家土 地部门的工作人员现在必须彻底调查您的泰国股东的收入来源。一家公司的 泰国股东如欲购买任何资產必须申报其收入，向当局提供证据，证明他们有 与其他外国股东共同投资的能力。 只有得到当局批准者有权购买和拥有土 地。得到国家土地部门批准后，公司即可以着手申请土地所有权凭证或其他 合格证书的使用和拥有。 其它重要事项 有限公司須拥有自己的董事会代表公司的名义行事。董事会須遵照股东批准 的条例和协议行事。股东則拥有董事的任命及調動权。 在结束该公司的财政年度后， 5个月内，该公司有义务提報公司財務報表給 工商发展局（Department of Business Development） 。未提報公司財務 報表者，该公司将可能被罚高达50,000泰铢的罚款，连代公司的董事会也可 能被罚款高达50000泰铢。 如果任何委员会拒绝支付罚款，警察可以向法院 诉请逮捕令，并控告拒付方。如果公司不向当局提供必要的報表文件，撤销 该公司的商业登记則是另一種公司可能面临的处罚。

Translation courtesy by of Jade Fang 本资料中文翻译 方良玉 +66 (0) 8 1893 8366

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Visas and Work Permits I have recently been asked to clarify the way the Thai system works with visas and work permits if you are opening a company here and would like to have a work permit.

Firstly I must point out that each Thai province does follow slightly different guidelines and my information does in no way substitute you actually having a legal consultation with a reputable lawyer's company if you actually intend to work.

There are those that believe the little they would do in reality would make a work permit hardly worth the trouble. This is a big mistake and one that could cost you more problems than you would believe. The Thai Immigration takes cases of foreigners working without a work permit very seriously and the penalties are harsh. If you are here on a tourist visa you cannot in any way participate in a job.

So let's have a look at what's actually required to apply for a work permit. Firstly you need to have a business class visa which in most cases will have to be applied for at a Thai Consulate outside of Thailand. There have recent changes to the system, whereby smaller Thai embassies such as the one in Penang, Malaysia, have stopped issuing multiple entry visas.

Initially there were those who whispered that the only way to arrange these multiple entry visas was for the individual in question to return to their home country and obtain the visa from their local Thai embassy.

This however had been proved to be incorrect with the embassy in Kuala Lumpur still issuing multiple entry visas until recently, but currently the situation remains in a state of flux with even legal profession als unsure as to the long term guidelines. We therefore strongly advise obtaining up-to-date legal advice well in advance of pursuing your visa run, to ensure you are fully equipped with the documentation currently required for your business visa.

Those working in Samui who earn a salary of 50000 Baht per month however, shouldn't have to face these visa run hassles, as they're entitled to a business visa that only needs to be renewed once per annum at an immigration office. Further details of this scheme can be obtained via a legal professional or at the local immigration office in Na-Thon. Either way, once you have the correct visa, you'll be able to apply for or renew your current work permit.

Once again there are procedures required for this, which your legal professional will prepare for you.

This process might seem tedious, but it is nothing unusual, with every country having its own procedures and legal applications. Thailand is no different and don't be fooled by the laid back and casual attitude of many Thai people on the island, as this is no reflection of the order required in any formal legal requests such as visa or work permit applications. When it comes to legal matters you need to ensure you follow the correct procedure and can produce the appropriate paperwork. All in all, it is easy to see why the services of a professional and thorough legal company are invaluable, saving you much confusion, stress and potentially time and money.

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Koh Samui Office: 115/49 Moo 6 Bophut, Koh Samui Surat Thani 84320 Tel: +66 (0) 77 484 510 +66 (0) 77 430 689-90 Fax: +66 (0) 77 427 686 Email: samui@dfdlmekong.com

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● Mergers and Acquisitions Bangkok Office:

● Energy and Infrastructure ● Project Finance

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9th Floor, The Dusit Thani Building 946 Rama IV Road, Silom Bangkok 10500 Tel: +66 (0) 2 636 3282 Fax: +66 (0) 2 636 3290 Email: Thailand@dfdlmekong.com

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Kitchen Studio European Style Kitchen Furniture Kitchen Bathroon Wardrobes Pattaya Phuket Samui

Architect's talk Interior Tips Garden Guide Home Maintenance Smart Samui

INTERIOR TIPS

Intelligent Kitchen Design Welcome to the first in a new series of articles where I will take you on a tour of some fabulous interior spaces we have created for some of our clients.

If you have been following my previous articles you should have gleaned some knowledge of what to look for in any given space to provide the right ambiance and harmony. So lets take a quick look at these pictures and get down to the basics of how it all works. I have chosen the kitchen as a starting point as I find this is the most challenging of work spaces to design. With this project we were lucky enough to have an owner with a definite scope of what they were looking for in addition to a well defined existing, large open plan layout. First off we wanted to check on the locations and positioning of appliances and movement of people in our work spaces. This property comprises of a series of villas surrounding a large pool and a main building complex with common areas for guests, namely: kitchen, lounge, AV room, gymnasium and library with a staff kitchen adjacent and a separate penthouse suite above. Therefore the main kitchen space (the topic of this article) becomes quite a focal point for guests who will come together to share this area for light meals and special occasions if they wish to cook, rather than a more commercial cooking area as the staff kitchen adjacent is.

Overall To begin with lets look at the overall layout and get a feel for how it will all work. Whenever I design a space I will generally go through the motions of using the space to ensure the functionality first. The owner’s brief was to have a central island unit which will act as a preparation area for food as well as the cooking area, so an easy clean stainless steel work surface was the first specification. In addition we had enough space to incorporate a small overhang on one end to act as a spot for guests to sit and enjoy a glass of wine and conversation whilst you are cooking without getting too close to the mess.

Island cooking works well when you have a big space so there was no hesitation in installing a long cook top to maximize the usable cooking surface rather than a group of burners where the pots and pans can jam together. Of course we also need good lighting as well as extraction so the hood is as wide as the burner with 4 built in halogens. The overhead glass shelf was added to provide some interest as well as an extra storage area for cooking oils etc to keep the bench clear. Directly behind is the oven and microwave, built into the wall units and a double door refrigerator and tall storage cabinet for food. Try to keep appliances up at a convenient level if possible in your kitchen design, the traditional below bench oven won’t do your back any favours! Directly below the cooker hob is a drawer unit to house the cooking utensils and pots and pans, so everything around this area is in easy reach.

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Preparation We had a huge window running the full width of the room to provide good light and ventilation for this space, so it was only natural we should have the sink in this area. We kept it down one end towards the cooking area and added a pull out garbage bin next to it for convenience when cleaning and preparing foods. We also snuck a dishwasher in here for convenience and integrated everything with the cabinet panels to keep the look contemporary.

For a bit of fun we also added a little texture with the granite work top here by having a sand blasted finish rather than polished. It’s a little more difficult to keep clean, but because this is the guest area it won’t see as much traffic as the staff kitchen out back so will be fine. The back of the island behind the cooking area provides a great surface if you are preparing food with the stainless steel top, so we added drawers again with knives and forks in the top with plates under.

General storage There was also a long wall directly facing you as you walked into the room from the dining area. Because it was visible a lot of the time when the door was open the owners wanted to make this area a little special so we hung the cabinets off the wall to enabled us to include some under cabinet lighting for effect and gave the area a lighter feel. Again drawers were used to store all the plates and bowls etc for the dining area, after all who wants to rummage around in the back of a cabinet when you don’t have too? The serving area from the staff kitchen was also at one end here, so with the addition of some overhead light shelves in the glasses cabinetry it made this area very functional.

Breakfast coffee With a funky corner over by the sliding door left, the owners couldn’t resist the temptation to add a little colour here. This time we raised the cabinet up on legs and added a step in the front to maximize the limited area so we could use the drawers again. A glass splash panel was also added to stop anything falling over the back of the unit and a black and white swirled marble was used to complement the bright orange cabinet fronts.

Materials Throughout the kitchen although we managed to keep the look interesting as we worked our way around, some things we used as mandatory for longevity of design. All of the drawer and door fronts were either a 2mm acrylic high gloss water proof coating or frosted glass. All cabinets were kept up off the floor with metal legs or aluminium plinth for ease of cleaning. Handles were also integrated into the cabinets so there was nothing sticking out to catch on clothing as you passed by. All cabinetry was made using a water resistant fire resistant MFC board especially designed for humid climates and all of the drawer units were designed and approved to withstand up to 50kg loads.

Article & Photos courtesy of Brianna Taylor I.P.M. Samui +66 (0) 81 894 4093 www.ipmsamui.com

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GARDEN GUIDE

Tropical Composting The word “compost” basically refers to a mixture of decomposed organic materials used for enriching and aerating soil.

The basic process involves making a collection or loose pile of organic matter and keeping it well aerated and moist so that it decomposes. Most garden refuse is too poor in nitrogen to rot quickly, so nitrogen rich materials are added to the mix to speed things up and increase the overall nutritional value. When this is done properly, the tiny micro-organisms that rot the material have top potential for growth.

and remains so for a fortnight or more. Under these conditions many harmful organisms are destroyed.

There are many ‘recipes’ for compost heaps. One simple method is to stack the heap in layers of garden and household waste, about 20 cm in thickness. On top of each layer, place a thin application of cattle dung along with a liberal sprinkling of wood ash dissolved in water.

When a compost heap is properly made, and a sufficient The most common materials available for piling onto your amount of nitrogenous matter added, decomposition soon compost heap are: cut grass, leaf sweepings, clippings or becomes so rapid that the interior of the heap becomes hot pruning from hedges and shrubs (young and succulent are

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best), dead weeds and other plants which have been pulled up from the garden. It is best to mix the greener with the dead, harsher materials as the greener will decay more rapidly and assist in breaking down the more fibrous matter.

this size can be made and can be kept tidy by surrounding it with a length of galvanized chicken wire mesh. This will prevent the material from escaping in the event of high winds or heavy rain. Test how the decomposition is progressing by pushing a smooth dry stick into the heap, leaving it there a while, and then touching it with the hand to feel the heat. It should be hot and moist but not soggy. During rainy season it is advisable to cover the pile with something to keep moisture out. On the other hand, if the mixture becomes too dry, the decomposition may stop altogether, so test it regularly.

Palm fronds are notoriously difficult to decompose but can still be used if you have the time and equipment to shred or finely chop them. It is also possible to use domestic refuse, such as waste food of all kinds - fruit rinds, rotten fruit, coffee grinds, tea bags, old vegetables and other such material.

This is a convenient and environmentally sound way to productively dispose of kitchen waste. Be sure when using this type of material, to cover it immediately to prevent flies After about 15 days the temperature usually falls to almost breeding on it. atmospheric range. It is at this time you should turn it and repeat the layering process, enabling decomposition to fire Paper, which has been contaminated with food, cannot up again. It should be repeated as many times as needed, ordinarily be re-cycled, but it can be composted. In fact any but usually, in a tropical climate, the rotted material is in a paper waste from your home such as newspapers, office sufficiently decomposed state after six to eight weeks from waste, pizza boxes etc. can be soaked in water to soften and the beginning of the process. added (proportionally) to your compost heap. Plastic coated paper items, however, such as brochures, cannot be Well-rotted compost is easy to mix with garden soil and as composted. plant food it can be absorbed quickly. You for this purpose in heavy soils as it has a more lasting effect on aeration. As well Cattle manure is available locally from most garden as using your compost for soil preparation, when preparing nurseries and is inexpensive at around 60 – 80 Baht for a beds for planting it can also be forked into the surface soil burlap sack. It’s a good idea to soak the amount you need for around established plants, or used as mulch on the surface. a couple of days in a container before layering it onto the heap. Large oval cement mixing buckets are good for this Build your compost heap as far away from the house as purpose. possible and away from trees. Tree roots will grow into the compost heap and steal the nutrients from it.

The size of the heap is governed by the space available.

Some large gardens may allow for a good-sized heap of 3 x Composting is an easy, all natural way to add nutrients to 3 metres. No heap should be more than 1.3 metres high. Too your garden and help, if just a little, ease the load on our high and air will be prevented from penetrating the bottom landfills. layers by the weight above.

Information provided courtesy of Botanical Designs In a small garden, a compost heap of one half or one third of www.botanical-designs.asia

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HOME MAINTENANCE

COMMERCIAL HYGIENE SERVICE by

Clean-Top

The mattress is the dirtiest household item we come into close contact with during our lives.

We clean everything we own: ourselves, our clothes, the floors, walls, counters, sinks, bathrooms, carpets, drapes, also our cars, phones and even pets. Yet we never clean our mattress. Changing the sheets, allergy mattress covers or protective bedding will not necessarily keep your mattress sanitary. In fact, covers will have more of an adverse effect, because of the lack of oxygen, which encourages bed bugs.

Can you imagine sharing your bed every night with thousands of dust mites? You may very well be already.

House dust mites, bacteria, viruses and spores find ideal living and breeding conditions in mattresses. Even the most substantial bed sheet can not protect against these micro-particles. Mite excrement can easily get into your mouth and nose. House dust mites thrive in mattresses in large numbers, as many as one million in a double mattress, producing significant amounts of mite excrement. This mixes with dust, which is churned up with every movement, entering the mouth, nose and eyes and settling on the skin. This can soon cause house dust allergies, which are accompanied by itching, inflammation of the mucous membranes and even bronchitis.

The Mattress Cleaner generates high frequency waves, effectively loosening and pulverizing the dirt particles inside the mattress. The particles are then removed using a specially designed vacuum. An Ultraviolet UVC Germicidal lamp is then used to destroy the remaining pathogenic organisms. Clean-Top sterilizes mattresses without the use of chemical agents, protecting fabrics regardless of material, making 120

it ideal for all types of mattress. The cleaning process is noise-free and produces no residual dust.

During the process, mattresses can conveniently be left in the bed frame. Depending on mattress size, the cleaning process takes only fifteen to twenty minutes.

Otto Portz holds a master's certificate in commercial hygiene services and has over forty years experience in Germany. Amongst his company's extensive client list is the German Parliament building in Bonn. He has been living on Koh Samui since 2004. Clean-Top offers professional know-how and high tech equipment for a healthy and good night's sleep. They also offer free test cleaning services to hotels.

Contact: Otto Portz 081 1348519 or Khun Nok 086 2990875, E-mail: mattress_cleantop@hotmail.com

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SMART SAMUI

PHOTOGRAPHY Makes the Difference

Fantasyatwork.com is a professional photographic company that's been in business for 25 years. Based in Thailand with branches on Samui and Phuket, the company offers high standards of Real Estate and Hotel Photography, respecting the corporate image consistency and identity in different villas and resorts.

Working with name brands such as Conrad, Hilton, Anantara, Orient Express Hotels, and more. Claudio Cerquetti the Managing Director says, "We are hired by five star resorts as well as top real estate projects. For this reason, in order to keep our international standards we necessarily need to use state of the art equipment and update them very often. We spend an average of 100.000THB/month improving our tools: top quality cameras and lenses, 8 different HDs of 4 terabytes each, and five Macintosh workstations for post production”.

In advertising photography for marketing and communications, computer post production and a moderate digital touch-up are essential to boost sales. A good visual image enhances the natural beauty of a model. In all advertising campaigns in any magazine, all the images are digitally “cleaned” and fine tuned.

"It is only with a 21 Megapixel camera like our last Canon Mark IIII Digic Plus 21Megapixel, noise reduced to 25.000Iso that is possible to create panoramic images," explained Claudio. "High resolution images can be printed on a twenty meter billboard (the file to be processed can also be2 Gigabytes 350Dpi) or we can crop a detail from the main shot and decorate an exhibition booth with a gigantic photo that covers all its walls - as we did for Baan Taling Nagm Resort at the last Bangkok TTM Show."

Virtual tours are another product offered by Fantasyatwork. Panoramic images with an animated 360 degree interactive view. Potential buyers are given the impression of actually being there and walking around the property or turning their heads to have a look around. You can even zoom in and out. Smooth Virtual Tours are obtained by stitching together photos manually in order to reduce any kid of geometrical or perspective distortion. A minimum of 75 high resolution images (60 Megabytes each) are taken in the real environment, enhanced with 23 spotlights and then also with computer post production. To achieve that Claudio uses Macintosh graphic stations with 8 Gigabytes of Ram and the latest software such as Photoshop CS5 and Image Shock for networks with a plug in specifically manufactured by the Software Factory.

It is not by chance that the main global hotel groups on Koh Samui choose to work with Claudio Cerquetti and his team. After all, high quality photos sell high quality products all around the world. For an audience of online clients, regardless of the actual look of a property, whoever has the better photo wins. "People back home can't compare the real product, only the photos," says Claudio. "Whoever offers the best image therefore gets the booking.".

Fantasyatwork helps you display any product in its best light. The company has been doing this daily since 1984. For more information, visit www.fantasyatwork.com or email fantasyatwork@yahoo.com

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Eternal Flame Light Light at at the the end end of of the the Tunnel Tunnel

Natural Lamps, Candle Candle Holders, Holders, Candle Candle Lights, Lights, Unique Unique handmade handmade gifts gifts Bangrak, Koh Samui, Suratthani, Thailand M: 08 9772 1589, 08 1374 0014 Face Book: eternalflamesamui

Professional Aluminium Door And Window Systems Folding Doors • Slide & Turn Doors • Sliding Doors • Windows • Screens

Entirely New Views

SUNFLEX ASIA LTD. 52/12 Moo 3, T. Bophut, A. Koh Samui Suratthani 84320 office-samui@sunflexasia.com www.sunflexasia.com Tel: +66 (0) 77 414 412 Fax: +66 (0) 77 414 413 Mobile +66 (0) 8 1797 4399

H채fele (Thailand) Limited H채fele Design Studio (Bangkok) 57 Soi Sukhumvit 64, Sukhumvit Rd., Bangchak, Phrakanong Bangkok 10260 Telephone: (02) 741-7171 info@hafele.co.th www.hafele.com

Samui Showroom 20/2 Moo 1, Taling Ngam, 84140, Koh Samui, opposite land office Tel: 077 423 073 Fax: 077 423 073 Mobile: 081 893 4935 updatesm@samart.co.th

The Stone Doctor Specialist European stone-care products and services Restoration Maintenance

Sealing/Protection Cleaning

All your maintenance, protection & cleaning needs for natural and manufactured stone.

Marble Granit Slate Sandstone

Sandwash Terracotta Terrazzo Ceramics, etc

Prevent: rust, stains, mildew, algae, and scratches Remove: builders’ residue. incorrect sealants, rust, stains, mildew, etc. Daily care & cleaning products also available.

Tel: 087-2824930, 076-271217 Fax: 076-271218 Email: info@thestonedoctor-asia.com

Before

After 128

D is 2 0 cou % nt

69/93 Moo 5, T. Maenam Koh K h Samui, S Sa i Suratthani, S tth i Thailand Th il d 84330 8

Tel: +66 (0) 77 247 769, Fax: +66 (0) 77 247 768 Mobile: +66 (0) 8 1921 1473 e-mail: nite_stone@hotmail.com 129

Seara Sports Systems Seara Fitness Systems Your Dream Gym Planning Building & Supplying Asia’s Recreational Infrastructure Bangkok Phuket Ho Chi Minh City Hanoi

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CP Pool Koh Samui Swimming Pool System Water Treatment Plant Waste Water Treatment

Desjoyaux Koh Samui Swimming Pool

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44/34-35 M 1 Tumbol Maenam Koh Samui Surat thani 84330 Tel: +(66) 0-7724-7550-1 Fax +(66) 0-7796-1556 Mobile: 089-8737488 (English)

BIO-UV range

for Swimming pools and Spas

The BIO-UV system produces unequalled water quality, comfort and peace of mind.

Simple to use, and with reduced maintenance and after-sales service, in order to optimise its reliability.

This physical water treatment, using UV-C radiation, offers an environmentally friendly concept with no chemical residue toxic for either humans or nature.

The BIO-UV team is at your disposal

E-mail: tsppools@gmail.com, info@tsp-pools.com

Thong Nai Pan Estate sales@thongnaipanestate.com www.tnpestate.com Thailand: +66 (0) 833 918 159 Norway: +47 90 15 70 57

NOW SELLING !

Koh Phangan Map Living in Koh Phangan

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magine for a moment you are in Paradise. Before you lay a breathtaking view of a tropical beach front while around you the jungle comes alive with exotic perfumes and the sounds of rare birds. It is the perfect place for your dream home.

Converting that dream into reality requires established patient craftsmanship. The team at P& W Construction on Koh Phangan has proven when it comes to creating tropical sanctuaries, they have no peers. Located in what is arguably one of the worlds last available and affordable paradises.

Nik and Ian, the people behind P &W are two English builders who came to the island and fell in love with all that it has to offer. As Koh Phangan Holiday Homes a linked company, they were property managers to some of the more prestige homes on the island that were available for lease. This served to release property owners while based in their own countries from dealing with the burden that comes with providing the concierge service that a luxury seeking holiday maker needs.

While villas are normally offered as self contained units, additional services provided by Koh Phangan Holiday Homes including daily maid services, catering when required and a chauffeur service in addition to all the regular services for tours and excursions.

Some villas have live in facilities for a full time domestic staff.

Both KPHH and P&W Constructions are a year round service, their office in Thong Sala retains a fully qualified staff of experienced island constructors and property managers.

Eco Pest Samui, an environmentally friendly option at an affordable cost, for all your pest control needs.

ECOPEST SAMUI We treat all crawling insects, termites and mosquitos.

Please call for a free consultation and quote.

ECOPEST SAMUI Co., Ltd. Mobile: +66 (0) 8 5791 2496 Office: +66 (0) 77 430 508 Email: info@ecopestsamui.com, www.ecopestsamui.com

European Rain Guttering Koh Samui Easy Installment Full Proof Clip lock system No Weilding Required 10 year warranty 6 Colours

We’ll

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+66 (0) 77 245 936 www.100degreeseast.com Highly Recommended by Lonely Planet & Trip Advisor 㫟 㩷Photograph By David Rogers

Expo Green File Island Life Directory

EXPO

Expanding

bluechip Success Bluechip IT is the island's top professional IT service provider.

Now celebrating their third anniversary, and with a skilled new member joining the team, the company goes from strength to strength.

Bluechip IT was started 3 years ago by Matt Cinderey, a Microsoft Certified IT Consultant with over 10 years experience with IBM Global Services. Matt realised there was a niche for him on Koh Samui due to the lack of IT professionals on the ground and as a result set up Bluechip IT. His goal has been to provide European standards of service and professionalism to local businesses. Bluechip IT offers a wide range of services including, wireless internet solutions for hotels, managed office servers and workstation configurations. “The biggest issue we see is the lack of data security management and backup," he explained. "Data is scattered across multiple machines, often with no local security at all. This means any employee on the network can find and access sensitive data. We always recommend a business to have a small server to store critical data. A server doesn’t have to be expensive and its setup can be kept simple. The data is stored on a minimum of two hard drives and an off-site setup is always made. We often see important data lost due to hard drive failure or accidental deletion. Unfortunately we are normally contacted after the event and the data has been lost for good. Good planning

and the correct setup of an office network can keep your important data safe, this really is essential to your business."

Bluechip also offers businesses the ability to control Internet access through hardware network platforms. Matt explains, “It is important to have control over your office internet connection and employee use. Locking out specific websites such as Facebook, Twitter, and blocking music and video sharing on your office network vastly increases network performance and productivity. We have introduced this at a few offices around Samui and we have been very surprised at the results. Initially we monitor the network for a week to see what employees have been doing. We were shocked at one site to report downloads in excess of 150Gb, just in one week! We soon closed that down and probably made a few enemies with their employees at the same time...”

Bluechip is well known for its High-Speed Wireless Internet service on Samui, supplying wireless internet for many hotels and residences throughout the island. Matt is often

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shocked at what other Wireless Internet providers have installed. “It’s incredible the standard of installations we see out there. We are often called in to look at existing wireless installations created by other companies that do not have the same level of knowledge. The mentality seems to be if it works, then it must be OK. This is simply not true. We often see standard indoor wireless access points that are hung outside with no protection from the elements. Samui has a very high humidity and is very close to the sea, the salt air creates a perfect environment for rust which destroys equipment exposed to the elements. These access points are also powered by mains voltages, making this sort of installation very dangerous. I know of one person who was injured by accident after touching an installation like this after it had rained. We also see very bad positioning of the wireless access points; wireless signals travel through glass and doors, but not through concrete. We once visited a site where the wireless antenna had been situated in an alley between two concrete buildings and the owners wondered why they had a low signal. It was quickly moved to a more suitable place.”

electrical engineering at night school to develop his technical expertise, Nick was promoted to the position of Head Field Service Engineer for the Asia Pacific region.

In 2002, whilst working at a trade fair in India, Nick was offered the position of Regional Service Manager and he moved to Germany. As Regional Service manager, he was required to provide technical support and management to distributors of the company’s products. The job again took him on the road to over 30 countries including Russia, former Soviet States, North Africa, Southern Europe and most of Asia to give technical onsite support. With frequent business trips around the globe and twice yearly tips to his home country Australia, Nick found stopovers in Thailand to be a relaxing break.

In 2005 after 9 years with Agfa-Gevaert, Nick decided to move full time to Koh Samui. Whilst on the island he met his wife and they were married in 2007 in a traditional Buddhist wedding. They now share a home on the east coast. Nick doesn’t take life on the island for granted, believing we are all truly blessed to live in this tropical paradise. In SeptemBluechip prides itself on the high quality of their installations. ber 2010, Nick joined the Bluechip team.

They use high specification enterprise wireless access points that are designed specifically for outdoor use. These Bluechip’s clients are some of the biggest names on the access points use special power supplies that allow the island such as Beach Republic, Rocky’s Resort, The Spa company to power them via network cables using a safe low Resorts, Yoga Thailand, Samui Beach Village, Project voltage, whilst keeping the mains supply in a safe location Pacific, Kalara Estates, Tropical Murphy’s and The Ark Bar. away from the elements. The access points have been used Whether your needs are in networking, system managefor over two years now and have withstood both the test of ment, security, or wireless internet distribution, Bluechip IT time and the Samui environment including the high has the answers. temperatures.

Bluechip IT on Koh Samui is celebrating its third Bluechip IT recently introduced a new team member, Nick anniversary this year. As part of the celebration, the Woodward. Originally from Sydney in Australia, Nick started company is offering free wireless installation for all working at the age of 24 as a technician for the International hotels on the island. photographic firm, Agfa-Gevaert. After 3 years of hard work and dedication, Nick was promoted to Head Technician at You can learn more at www.bluechipwireless.com or their Sydney based office. Nick’s responsibilities grew within www.bluechipsamui.com the firm, taking him on frequent trips around Australia to supervise other technicians in the field. After studying

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GREEN FILE

Battling

Bed Bugs

Feeling itchy at night, wake up with small red spots on your body and spots of blood on your bedding? If so, you most probably have an infestation of bed bugs.

Bedbugs (Cimex lectularius) are parasitic insects that feed on human blood and are most active at night, when their victims are lying still for long enough to bite.Bedbugs can cause itchy welts and extreme stress and anxiety in their victims.A bedbug infestation is difficult to treat and best left to experts.

But it can be tackled successfully.

Finding bed bugs in your home has nothing to do with poor hygiene. It takes only one bed bug to hitch a ride on your clothing (furniture, suitcase, etc) and infest your residence. What's worse is that they can live up to one year without drinking a drop of your blood. Feeding takes about 10 to 15 minutes for adults and less for the nymphs; they feed about every three days.

Depending on the conditions, bed bug nymphs can survive for months without feeding. Household clutter can give bed bugs more places to hide, but they are just as likely to infest a 5-star hotel as a squalid dwelling.

Bed bugs are incredibly small and bed bug sufferers may go periods without seeing any insects at all while still experiencing symptoms. Getting a good look at one might be difficult at first, but they are identifiable. They are small, brown, flat insects. They have vestigial wings, which mean that they do not fly. They move around by crawling. The bed bug lifecycle includes the egg, five nymph stages, and then adulthood.

Through the walls of multi-unit residences in large cities, bed bugs regularly travel through apartment buildings and hotels. The bugs can enter the walls through cracks or electrical outlets and then enter other rooms and apartments where they weren’t before, while the residents are completely unaware. Older buildings or those undergoing renovations that have more cracks in the walls, floors and doors are more susceptible to this kind of spread. A good landlord will notify the entire facility of a bed bug infestation because it will be in his or her own interest to eradicate the problem sooner

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rather than later, reducing the number and cost of pest controllers. But you cannot always count on landlords and hotel owners to be forthcoming with information about bed bugs, so it’s good to be in touch with neighbours or others who have stayed in that hotel for reliable information.

Top Ten Bed Bugs Tips 1. Make sure you really have bed bugs, not fleas or ticks or other insects Don’t panic.

2. Eliminating bed bugs, is difficult, but it is not impossible.

Don’t throw out all of your belongings; most of them can be treated and saved. Throwing out belongings is costly, may spread the infestation, and could be unnecessarily stressful.

Think through your treatment options -- don’t immediately reach for the spray can.

3. Be comprehensive, in your approach. Integrated pest management techniques may reduce bed bug populations and limit pesticide exposure to you and your family. If pesticide treatment is needed, it is best to bring in a professional.

4. Reduce the number of hiding places -- clean up the clutter. A cluttered home provides more places for bed bugs to hide and makes locating and treating for them more difficult. If bed bugs are in your mattress, using a mattress/box spring encasements makes it more difficult them to get to you while you sleep. To be effective they must be left in place for a year. Be sure to buy a product that has been tested for bed bugs and is strong enough to last for the full year without tearing.

8. Don’t pass your bed bugs on to others. Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers. If you throw out a piece of furniture that is harboring bed bugs, take steps to destroy the item so that no one else adopts it (along with the bugs!).

9. Reduce populations to reduce bites.Thorough vacuuming reduces populations. Carefully vacuum rugs, floors, under beds, around bed legs, bed frames, and all cracks and crevices around the room. Thoroughly vacuum upholstered furniture. Change the bag after each use so the bed bugs can’t escape. Place the used bag in a tightly sealed plastic bag and in an outside garbage bin, will reduce the 6. Do-it-yourself freezing is not usually reliable for bed bug populations. control. While freezing can effectively kill bed bugs; temperatures must remain extremely low for an extended 10. Turn to the professionals. Hiring an experienced, period of time. Home freezers typically are not cold enough responsible pest control professional can increase the to kill bed bugs. likelihood and the speed of success in eliminating bed bugs from your home. If you hire an expert, ensure it is company 7. High temperatures can kill bed bugs. Raising the indoor with a reputable history and ask them to use an IPM temperature with the thermostat or space heaters won’t do approach (Integrated Pest Management) the job, though. Space heaters must always be used with care, as they have the potential to cause fires and serious For any pest control problems or free consultation burns. Specialized equipment and very high temperatures please call EcoPest Samui 085 7912 496 are required to successfully heat treat a structure. Black www.ecopestsamui.com plastic bags in the sun might work to kill bed bugs in luggage or small items, provided the contents become hot enough (approximately 110oF for at least 3 hours).

5. Frequently wash and heat-dry your bed linen. Wash bedspreads, and clothing that touches the floor to reduce bed bug populations. Bed bugs and their eggs can hide in laundry containers/hampers so clean them when you do the laundry.

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ISLAND LIFE

Beach Republic Named Best Shared Ownership Development at the Thailand Property Awards 2010 6th November, 2010 Bangkok, Thailand Beach Republic, the ocean club, resort and residences located on the island of Koh Samui was named the Best Shared Ownership Development at the prestigious Fifth Annual Thailand Property Awards held November 6th at the Grand Hyatt Erawan in Bangkok. The awards ceremony and gala dinner was attended by over 500 VIP guests comprised of the industry’s premier agents, developers, and architects.

The Thailand Property Awards are recognized as the industry’s premier awards event and celebrate the best of the best, showcasing the residential real estate industry while assisting in promoting the quality of Thailand's real estate, construction, architectural and interior design. The awards are highly coveted by real estate agents, property developers, interior designers and architects. This year there were over 1,400 entries across the 29 categories.

Nominated for the award of Best Shared Ownership Development alongside shortlisted candidates that included the exclusive Banyan Tree and highly regarded Absolute Bangla Suites, the esteemed panel of judges named Beach Republic the winner.

Finding the development to be a unique concept with a most innovative use of space, excellent location and very good value for money, the judges were also impressed by the strength and attractiveness of the brand.

Upon being presented with the award, Robert Pestello, Beach Republic’s Director of Sales was quoted as saying:

Nominated alongside shortlisted candidates that included the exclusive Banyan Tree and highly regarded Absolute Bangla Suites, the esteemed panel of judges named Beach Republic the winner.

“We have worked hard to create a development that is truly unique and special. We always knew that we had a great product at an extremely attractive price. For this to be recognized by our peers and industry professionals at Thailand’s premier Property Awards – especially considering the strength of the other nominees – makes everyone here extremely proud.

I want to thank the judges for taking the time to visit the resort and learn more about what we have to offer and I want to thank the team at Beach Republic for helping to make this award possible.”

Fractional ownership at Beach Republic allows an individual to purchase real estate without assuming any of the burdens that often come with sole ownership. All owners enjoy the various services and amenities of the deluxe resort.

This form of real estate ownership is especially attractive to those who want to make use of a holiday home for only a few weeks or months a year.

Increasingly it is also attracting investors who see returns via rental income and capital appreciation.

The brainchild of British real estate developer Tim Dean-Smith, Beach Republic opened in early 2009 and consists of 39 private pool villas, deluxe suites, and penthouse sky pool villas. The ocean front beach club plays host to world-class entertainers, Samui’s most highly rated Sunday Brunch, and a unique weekly line up of events. Plans for expansion throughout Thailand and to other locations in South East Asia are currently underway.

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Chill in Chaweng "Laan Luang" is a new chill bar and live music venue in Chaweng that re-captures the spirit of the beach. An excellent venue for a party or celebration, you can combine great music, a wide selection of drinks, excellent Thai and Vietnamese food in the ultimate "organic party".

There's a DJ booth and chill out music for lazy sunsets, then later in the evening the night lights up with eclectic tunes and a relaxed party atmosphere. If your planning a special gathering the venue even provides it's own photography service to capture the moment for absent friends.

Open from 6pm to 2 am. Tel +66(0) 81 536 4782

~Shambala Reborn~

Samui's favourite backpacker pad may be no more, but the secret of Shambala lives on in Bang Rak at the new Shambala Restaurant, a cosy, Thai-style eatery conveniently close to the Big Buddha Piers.

All the Shambala favourites survive on the new menu, including the world famous Massaman Curry and the original Shambala Pizza Pancakes. Some new additions add rich, authentic Southern Thai flavours to the scene, with Chefs Pom and Pun offering all their special recipes at the usual affordable prices.

Cool decor, great food and a welcoming smile. The essence of Shambala on a plate in Bang Rak. Take Away service also available.

Opposite Cosmic Bar. Tel. 0835045504 155

HOMES DIRECTORY PROPERTY DEVELOPERS/ ESTATE AGENTS ADVANCE INTER DEVELOPMENTS ADVANTAGE PROPERTY AMANDARA CONDOMINIUM AMERA KOH SAMUI BY SAWADEE GROUP ANGTHONG APARTMENTS AQUALINA SAMUI ARTRIUM SUITES BAAN FAA SAI BY ANGTHONG HILLS BAAN RAK TALAY BAMBUH BANGPOR VILLA BAN SWEET COCONUT BEACH REPUBLIC CD&P CHAWENG SILA COUNTRYSIDE PROPERTY DD EVOLUTION DHEVATARA PROPERTY DREAMCOAST DEVELOPMENTS DREAM PROPERTY ECO REAL ESTATE ASIA EXOTIQ REAL ESTATE FIRST CHOICE PROPERTY FLAMINGO RESIDENCE FUNCTION HOMES GREEN CORE HALCYON SAMUI PROPERTIES HORIZON HOMES IN ASIA INFINITY IPM SAMUI KOH SAMUI LAND & HOME KARMA SAMUI KOHABITAT PROPERTY KOH PHANGAN HOLIDAY HOMES KOH SAMUI PROPERTY KP PROPERTY KALARA INTERNATIONAL PROPERTIES KIRIKAYAN LAAN DARA SAMUI LOTUS TERRACES MANDALAY GARDEN MANGROVE VILLA MINI GOLF PALM CREEK RESIDENCE PALM GROUP ASIA PLAI LAEM VILLAS PEARL PROPERTY PHATHONG RESIDENCE PLANTATION HEIGHTS PLATINUM ASIA PROPERTIES PLUMERIA PLACE PROJECT PARTNER PROPERTIES RENT SAMUI.COM ROYAL SAMUI HEIGHTS SAMRAN GARDENS SAMUI PHANGNAN PROPERTIES SAMUI QUICK SALE SAMUI SANCTUARY SAMUI ESCAPES PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SAMUI VILLAS & HOMES SAGE LAND & HOUSE SAMUI BEACH VILLAGE SAMUI DIAMOND PROPERTIES SAMUI PRESTIGE HOMES SHAMBALA SINTHORANEE PROPERTY RENT SAMUI TALING NGAM TROPICAL VILLA THAI PROPERTY THAILAND RETREATS

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THE EMERALD THONGSON THE MANDALAY VILLAS THE PLACE THE PHUFAR RESIDENCE THE POOL APARTMENTS THE ROYAL MOUNTAIN THE SEA KOH SAMUI THONG NAI PAN ESTATE TIC TROPICAL HOME VILLA SOPHIA & VILLA COCONUT WHITE HOUSE WOW PROPERTIES X2 RESIDENCES YUM YUM HOUSE

081 893 5996 085797 0477 077 430 410 0815359100 081 683 4592 081 956 1636 077 961 982 083 391 8159 077 247 710 082 179 3933 087 823 7371 081 866 3065 081 079 2642 082 495 2525 084 746 2057

LEGAL SERVICES LIMCHAROEN HUGHES & GLANVILLE BIG BUSINESS BLUMENTHAL RICHTER & SUMET CHARNDELL DISPUTE MANAGEMENT IPM SAMUI DFDL MEKONG (MCEVILY & COLLINS) MANIT ASSOCIATES NAT ACCOUNTING NAI ANDREW PARK NSP & LAWS FIRM QROPS SUKHOTHAI INTER LAW VITTAYA BUSINESS LAW OFFICE WONDERFUL SERVICES

077 246 185 077 413 764 077 231 732 02 514 9170 081 894 4093 077 484 510 077 458 135 077 246 249 081 830 4462 077 458 204 086 662 3210 077 430 642 077 484 470 081 086 5141

LIGHTING SYSTEMS FIBER OPTICS IHOMES KUNINI: FUTRONIX

077 448 077 081 170 0201 077 230 839

HOME & DECOR AMBERELY FURNITURE BEAUTIFUL WORLD CERA ETERNAL FLAME ORIENTAL LIVING SALAK THAI SEASIDE DÉCOR SURAT BAANSAUY

077 430 329 081 956 0337 077 247 805 089 772 1589 077 247 675 077 234 368 083 390 3711 081 691 1719

SECURITY SYSTEMS BSMART SYSTEMS KUNINI IHOMES

077 248 362 077 230 839 081 170 0201

AUDIO VISUAL INTERIOR DESIGN AV INSTALLATION SYSTEM AVIVA CREATIVE SYSTEM PROJECTS TECHWORX PROJECTS

089 971 5775 02 685 3676 080 698 6811 077 961 910

GARDEN & LANDSCAPE BOTANICAL DESIGNS LANDSCAPING HELICONIA LANDSCAPE GARDEN MAYAN LANDSCAPING

084 315 9742 081 090 5489 087 895 6396

KITCHEN HARDWARE FRANKE KITCHENS . .

H A FELE

156

02 236 9777 077 423 073

I.P.M. SAMUI KITCHEN STUDIO RS VENTURE

081 894 4093 077 423 073 02 662 3571-3

SWIMMING POOLS CP POOL DES JOYAUX JD POOLS PURA POOLS TSP POOLS

077 430 034 077 247 588 077 427 356 077 960 565 077 234034

DESIGN SERVICES 3D ARCHITECT ARCHITECTUAL VISUALISATIONS ARCHVIZ ASIA BOTANICAL DESIGNS LANDSCAPING FIRST CHOICE ARCHITECTURE LIGHTHOUSE CREATIVE DESIGN MEEPAIN DESIGN OPEN DESIGNER SAMUI GRAPEVINE SIL ARCHITECTS

077 238 962 077 247 862 080 620 9964 084 315 9742 081 893 8521 077 458 247 089 161 5947 089 890 4960 080 620 9964 083 690 9700

PHOTOGRAPHY CHRONOS DYNAMICS CLAUDIO / FANTASYATWORK.COM ORIENTAL LIVING SKYCAM ASIA

081 894 4513 087 270 4972 077 247 675 081 170 0201

HOME SERVICES AUTOMATIC GATE CERIS LAFARGE ROOFING ECO PEST CONTROL EUROPEAN RAIN GUTTERING FAR THAWEE PORN INFINITY HOME MANAGEMENT JOHNSON HEALTH TECH NITE STONE SAMUI MASTER WATER SEARA SPORTS SIMS SUNFLEX ASIA THE STONE DOCTOR

081 892 1066 02 586 5600 085 791 2496 077 423 073 077 245 570-1 077 426 608 076 304 040 077 247 769 077 427 726 076 355 040 085 783 1445 077 414 412 087 282 4930

HAPPY ELEPHANT PALM CONSTRUCTION P&W CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT RS BUILT SAMUI VILLAS & HOMES SEA B.C. TROPICAL BUILDERS MAINTENANCE SERVICE MANAGING SAMUI SQUEAKY CLEAN WINDOWS

BANGKOK AIR WAYS 077 422 512-9 BLUECHIP INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 089 651 0020 FIREWORKS SAMUI 087 263 4371 GOOGLE GURA SAMUI 084 377 7623 SAMUI RESCUE 077 421 444/087 263 4371 TESCO LOTUS 077 245 400 TS-TEAK 081 893 4933 LEISURE SAMUI 100 DEGREE EAST DIVE CENTER ART X CENTRIC BAAN TALING NGAM RESORT & SPA BABYLON BBC CAFÉ BLUEWATER INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL DANCING CRAB HAVELI INDIAN CUISINE HARLEY DAVIDSON BANGKOK IDIVE THAILAND KUDOS RESTAURANT MAGNOLIA SPA OCEAN 11 OCEANS ELITE CHARTERS PAUL ROPP SAMUI SEA BREEZE RESTAURANT SENSEDAYSPA

077 295 316

FINANCE SERVICE GFS AUSTRALASIA

080 535 1725

INSURANCE SERVICES CT TRADING INSURANCE ENSURE ASIA

038 420 618 077 417 015

PROJECT MANAGEMENT DMA PROJECT SOLUTIONS STERLING PROJECT MANAGEMENT TRI ASIA PACIFIC (THAILAND)

085 790 1520 089 724 8511 077 430 303 02 686 3413

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES BLUE BUILDING EXIM STUDIO

077 430 010 087 013 7650

OTHER

ENGINEERING SERVICES EASTERN TECHNICAL ENGINEERING

077 422 651 077 425 548 077 238 182 086 271 0156 077 430 326 077 960584 077 602 262

077 430 411 02 934 7921

157

077 245 396 086 726 8482 077 429 100 085 792 8806 077 425 089 077 484 548 077 425 519 082 8183 416/417 02 934 4855 077 484 737 081 895 0734 077 601 133 077 245 134 077 427 244 086 270 3060 077 245 255 077 246 295

A

new restaurant has recently opened in the Big Buddha area of Samui called the Dancing Crab. Its location is right on the beachfront overlooking the actual golden Big Buddha. The name itself comes from the small community of little fiddler crabs on the beach just next to the restaurant. They have one large oversized white claw and the local Thai people call them dancing crabs because they consider it similar to the way traditional Thai dancers hold their hands. Depending on who you talk to they are called Bpuu ManoraManora is a variety of Southern Thai Dancing or Bpuu Raam Thai which is generic for all Thai Dancing. This great restaurant is a new venture from Mark Cullmore of the well known BBC CafĂŠ and you will find the food and staff as good as you would have expected at BBC.

The restaurant has a wide variety of seafood available in a fantastic setting and some special Dancing Crab dishes. Only the freshest ingredients are used, so while they want to satisfy all tastes it could be that sometimes a certain variety is not freshly available. Specialties of the restaurant are some of the secret sauces that go so well with the various crab dishes. These sauces are specially prepared for the Dancing Crab restaurant on Samui and cannot be found anywhere else on the island. You will find the location about 100m after the Big Buddha entrance, look out for the Dancing Crab and BBC signs.

Tel +66 (0) 77 425 519 www.dancing-crab.com

The Park Samui Sold as condominium with direct foreign ownership Koh Samui

BBC Restaurant / รานอาหาร บีบีซี The Best Sunset Restaurant on Koh Samui Big Buddha Beach

Tel : 077 - 425089

www.bbcrestaurant.com

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