Bangkok Bank provides Baht 1.5 billion for Sansiri projects

Bangkok Bank’s Senior Executive Vice President Chansak Fuangfu (4th from right) and Executive Vice President Rushda Theeratharathorn (2nd from left), along with Sansiri’s Chief Executive Officer Apichart Chutrakul (4th from left) and President Srettha Thavisin (3rd from right) have signed a loan agreement valued at Baht 1.5 billion. The funds will be used to develop three residential projects including ‘SARI Sukhumvit 64’, an 8-storey condominium project with two buildings totaling 192 units, ‘The Base Rama 9-Ramkhamhaeng’, a 35-storey condominium totaling 923 units, and ‘Town Avenue Rama 2 Soi 30’, a 5-metre wide frontage townhouse project with public space of 170m2 totaling 120 units. The three projects have already received strong interest and attention from customers.
 

Construction deal signed for Amari Residences Pattaya development

(From left): Project partner Kobi Elbaz and Nova Group President Rony Fineman pose with Managing Director Nuttapong Intuputi and Director Vutikorn Kamolchote of the Lock-BUILD GROUP following the signing of the construction contract.

The Nova Group Plc held a contract signing ceremony on May 14 with Lock-BUILD GROUP to be the construction company for the new Amari Residence Pattaya project to be developed on an area of approximately 2 Rai on Pratumnak Hill.

Piling work has already started and Amari Residences is scheduled to be completed by the last quarter of 2014. The project will consist of a 35 storey building with 278 units, and will managed by Amari. 70% of the units have already been sold.

Rony Fineman, President of The Nova Group, said, “We are very pleased to have Lock-BUILD GROUP as our construction company. I have seen many of their completed projects, they build with passion, speed and attention to detail and I am sure that Amari Residences will be a building we can all be very proud of.”

An artist’s impression of the Amari Residence Pattaya on Pratumnak Hill.

CBRE Thailand sweeps 8 awards at Asia Pacific Property Awards 2012

Representatives of CBRE Thailand led by David Simister, 3rd left, are presented with the awards April 27 at the JW Marriott Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

CBRE Thailand won the distinction of being the most awarded office in the Asia Pacific region at the Asia Pacific Property Awards in association with HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors Asia. The award gala dinner was held April 27 at the JW Marriott Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The company received five 5-star awards at the national level for Best Consultancy, Agency, and Website in Thailand. CBRE Thailand then went on to compete at the Asia Pacific level with International Property Consultants throughout Asia Pacific including Australia, Japan, North and South East Asia. At the Asia Pacific Level, CBRE Thailand won Best Real Estate Agency and Best Property Consultancy in competition with Savills, Colliers, and Jones Lang LaSalle. The other five-star winner in Thailand was Hunter Sotheby for their Phuket website.

In 4 years of CBRE Thailand competing at the International Property Awards, this marks up a total of 29 awards including Best International Commercial Website worldwide.

“We are very pleased to be recognized as the leading property agent and consultant and pleased that we won these awards in open competition with our major competitors throughout the region,” said David Simister, Chairman of CBRE Thailand.

Mr. Simister thanked all of the 1,081 CBRE Thailand staff for their commitment to high standards and hard work which produced the results.

Aliwassa Pathnadabutr, Managing Director of CBRE Thailand noted that the attention and effort put in across the board by both the agency and professional staff and their close working relationships were key to their market position. She also commented that in recent years the importance and development of electronic marketing, particularly the website was integral to the results and performance obtained.

CBRE colleagues in the region also competed in the awards and the Philippines office - which entered for the first time - received four 5-star awards out of four entries and went on to win the Best Lettings Agency in Asia Pacific. In total, CBRE took up 19 awards in the Asia Pacific region, at the national and Asia Pacific levels.

The International Property Awards have been sponsored in the past by both CNBC and Bloomberg Television and this year for the first time by HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad and the RICS Asia. The awards are the largest and most prestigious awards granted on the international circuit. CBRE Thailand will be going forward as a representative for Asia Pacific for Best International Real Estate Agency and Best International Property Consultancy, competing against competitors worldwide at the International Property Awards Gala Dinner to be held later in the year.

Major new property event for Bangkok

Thailand will at last host its own major International real estate exhibition when the Thai + Overseas Property & Lifestyle 2012 event opens on November 9th-11th at the prestigious Bangkok Convention Centre.

Thai + Overseas Property & Lifestyle 2012 will take place at the Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld on November 9-11.

This new three day exhibition which was announced last month, has already attracted considerable interest from both local Thai based developers plus a number of overseas realtors representing France, England , Spain, Turkey and from across Asia.

The Thai + Overseas Property & Lifestyle 2012 event is being organized by Blue Mango Publishing Company in association with Thailand Tatler and is sponsored by Property Report, Asia’s leading magazine for luxury real estate. Mike Bridge who previously helped launch the successful Homebuyer Shows in England and the Worldwide Property Shows in the Middle East and Asia is the show’s creator.

Nigel Oakins, Chairman of Blue Mango said, “We are very excited to be involved in this new event, and will use Thailand Tatler magazine and our popular social media networks, to promote the exhibition and its exhibitors to our large number of affluent readers.”

Terry Blackburn CEO at Ensign Media added, “We have seen huge growth and diversity in the Thailand real estate market since we launched eight years ago, so are delighted to be supporting this event. We are also pleased to be including special promotion for the ‘Thailand Property Award’ winners at the show and will organize a full seminar program to be hosted by Property Report’s editor Jules Kay.”

Mike Bridge the show’s organizer said, “Thailand offers overseas exhibitors an excellent opportunity to seek new opportunities in a growing market, while our event will also provide local developers and their realtors with a first class exhibition in a luxury venue, right in the centre of the city.

“Thailand’s economy is in a strong position, and Bangkok itself has numerous 5 star developments being launched onto the market in and around November. We therefore feel that the timing is right, and with our two first class media partners, we can expect Thai and expat investors and buyers to embrace the Thai + Overseas Property & Lifestyle 2012,” added Bridge.

The exhibition will occupy approximately 3,000m2 of exhibition space and break out suites at the Centara Grand at the Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld. The venue hosts a number of top consumer and trade exhibitions conferences and concerts and has over 3,500 car park spaces and is served by the cities popular SkyTrain.

For more information check out the show’s new website at www.topl2012.com.

Thai tourism to get massive boost from its first, globally branded themed waterpark

Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) are joining forces to welcome the country’s first globally branded themed waterpark, Cartoon Network AMAZONE. The park is now under construction at Bang Saray, just outside Pattaya.

At an event held May 23 at the Bangkok Arts and Culture Centre, the very highest levels of government showed their support for Cartoon Network AMAZONE. Capt. Anudit Nakhontap, Minister of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT), said, “We share the joy of all Thai people that this wonderful new project will not only be a world first for Thailand but it will also provide a new adventure for tourists, both Thai and from overseas.

Soumitra “Sunny” Saha.

“Cartoon Network AMAZONE further reinforces Thailand’s position as the leading tourism destination in the region. It will also be an inspiration for other far-sighted investors to bring similar new projects to our shores, in line with government’s policy to promote tourism.”

Varaporn Choeysa-ard, Executive Director, Investment Services Center, BOI, added, “This is an enormous opportunity for Thailand to lead the world in terms of tourism product and infrastructure, and partner with one of the greatest names in global entertainment.

“The substantial investment in the first phase of Cartoon Network AMAZONE is creating hundreds of jobs and is further cementing Thailand’s standing as a world-class tourism investment destination.”

The new park is scheduled to open in 2013 and is being hailed as a symbol of Thailand’s new generation of tourism destinations, combining international appeal with the country’s natural attractions.

Borisut Prasopzup, TAT’s Eastern Region President, said Cartoon Network AMAZONE will become an instant magnet for international tourists and offer the domestic market a unique new destination. “We are delighted to welcome Cartoon Network AMAZONE to become a headline attraction in Thailand’s already diverse tourism offering,” he said.

“With more than 20 million foreign tourists expected in 2012, we believe the opening of Cartoon Network AMAZONE will further promote the country to international audiences. We will offer our full support to the developers and to Cartoon Network to help with marketing the new themed waterpark and ensure that all of the key target audiences are aware of this excellent new opportunity.”

Cartoon Network AMAZONE takes its theme from the lush Amazon Rainforest while infusing the world’s most popular animated series and cartoon heroes including Ben 10, The Powerpuff Girls, Johnny Bravo and The Amazing World of Gumball.

The waterpark will feature exciting signature attractions including a gigantic family wave pool, a winding adventure river, speed-racing slides, family raft rides and one of the world’s largest interactive water-play fortresses for kids.

Sunny Saha, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Entertainment Networks, Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific said, “We are extremely grateful to the people and government of Thailand for the tremendous support of this waterpark project. Thailand, as a world-class tourism destination, shares many of the same attributes as Cartoon Network. We both celebrate friendship and family, and both inspire fun and adventure with unique and entertaining experiences. We are very proud to have Thailand as the spectacular background for Cartoon Network AMAZONE.”

The trendsetting waterpark is being developed by Thailand-based attractions developer Amazon Falls Co., Ltd.

Liakat Dhanji, CEO of Amazon Falls Co. Ltd, said, “We are thrilled to have received the unparalleled support of both BOI and TAT and believe their confidence in our project will help to ensure it is a success. Thailand is one of the world’s most compelling tourism destinations and the addition of this new type of resort destination will add a new dimension to the country’s already formidable tourism product offering.”

Cartoon Network AMAZONE’s first phase, which involves an initial investment of over 1 billion baht, is being constructed on a prime site covering 14 acres on the coastal plain at Bang Saray. This beautiful village has for decades been favored by both Thai and international visitors as a preferred holiday destination.

The themed waterpark aims to attract more than 800,000 visitors in its first full year of operation and is part of Chonburi Province’s renewed drive to be the leading tourism destination in Thailand, after Bangkok.

Quality Homes launch Trust Residence condo project in Naklua

Pairoj Wattanarodome, MD of The Confidence (5th from left) poses for a photo with the sales staff of The Trust Residence Central Pattaya.

The Quality House Group launched its Trust Residence condominium project last month with plans to build 660 affordable units in Naklua.

Pairoj Wattanarodome, managing director of Quality sub-company The Confidence, and Government Savings Bank Executive Vice President Suwat Chantarathachen opened reservations for the Soi Paniet Chang development on May 19.

Trust Residence plans three eight-floor buildings with furnished units running from 22.6 to 29.1 sq. meters. The grounds, 38% of which will be covered by greenery, will offer a swimming pool, gym and rooftop park. Prices start at 979,000 baht.

Security has been made a priority with executives promising electronic card access, CCTV and on-site security guards around the clock.

Pairoj said Trust offers a central location and a design that mixes traditional condominium layouts with those of luxury resorts. He said greenery will cover 38 percent of the property.

Pre-sales have reached 40 percent, he said, mainly due to the development’s central location and attractive pricing structure, and added that construction is set for completion in August 2013.

For more information call 038-416-700, or 038-045-2244, or visit the website at: www.theconfidence.co.th.

(By Warunya Thongrod/Pattaya Mail)

Prospective buyers find out more about the new project.

Marriott International expands in Thailand with three stunning new hotels

Marriott International to debut three new hotel properties in Thailand this year.

Marriott International plans to further strengthen its position in Thailand with the opening of three new properties this year. The Rayong Marriott Resort & Spa, The Bangkok Marriott Hotel, Sukhumvit and the Sukhumvit Thonglor Marriott Executive Apartments Bangkok will all open in 2012 bringing Marriott International’s portfolio to 16 hotels in the country.

Marriott International currently operates a portfolio of world-leading hotels and brands in the country including the world-class JW Marriott hotels in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket and Khao Lak, the stylish, lifestyle Renaissance-branded hotels in Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Samui, and the award-winning luxury retreat, Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Krabi, among others.

“We are delighted to be expanding our footprint in Thailand and bringing these three wonderful new hotels to the country,’ explained Craig Smith, chief operating officer, Marriott International, Asia. “We have had a long relationship with Thailand having opened our first hotel here, the JW Marriott Bangkok, some 15 years ago. It is great to be able to bring these new hotels to Thailand which we feel will have a very positive impact on both domestic and international travellers to the country.

“We are totally committed to Thailand for the long term, and in addition to these three hotels we will continue to grow in Thailand with a further five hotels set to open in the next three to four years, “ he continued.

Rising over Bangkok’s premier lifestyle district of Thonglor, the Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit will be perfect for business travellers, weekend getaways and families, with a great mix of leisure and business facilities, ideally located close to the BTS Skytrain station.

With 296 exquisite guest rooms and suites, the hotel will feature three superb restaurants, bars and lounges, four meeting rooms and a Grand Ballroom. The iconic building will offer sweeping views of the city and will also host a stunning rooftop bar and restaurant.

Located on the popular Mae Phim beach in the resort area of Rayong, the 206-room Rayong Marriott Resort & Spa will be located on a beautiful stretch of coastline offering aspects of both picturesque mountains and stunning ocean views.

The hotel will feature a Grand Ballroom along with five additional meeting rooms with extensive outdoor group space overlooking the tranquil landscape of the Gulf of Thailand. With the ability to host lavish weddings, meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions, the hotel is expected to become an immediate favorite for MICE, events and meetings customers. Offering a total of 7,120 square meters of total meetings space, the hotel will be fitted with LCD projection and state-of-the-art technology for successful and memorable functions and events.

Sukhumvit Thonglor Marriott Executive Apartments Bangkok, which will be located in the same building as the Bangkok Marriott Hotel, Sukhumvit will offer the conveniences of a full service 5-star hotel with the space, ambience and privacy of residential living.

Marriott Executive Apartments are furnished with a fully equipped kitchen and are appropriate for any length of stay. Located in the heart of Bangkok’s upscale residential district, the Sukhumvit Thonglor Marriott Executive Apartments Bangkok will offer 74 units comprising one- two- and three-bed room apartments.

“We are delighted to be expanding the number of hotels we offer in Thailand and to be showcasing a new Marriott Executive Apartment in the city, as well as bringing our internationally branded hotels to the beautiful beachside area of Rayong,” explained Philip Bryson, Area Vice President South-East Asia for Marriott International.

“These hotels will appeal to business and leisure travellers from across Thailand and internationally and offer world-class service and facilities in locations were we have not previously been able to offer our hotels. It is great to be able to announce such strong growth in Thailand and to be able to bring a new level of hotel to Rayong, that we believe will really help to put the destination on the international map,” added Bryson.

Biggest riverfront shopping venue in Asia opened in Bangkok

Asiatique the Riverfront, the largest riverfront shopping venue in Asia, was officially opened at the end of April.

Located on Charoen Krung Road, the shopping venue has a 300-meter stretch facing the Chao Phraya River, with a total of 80,000 square meters of usable space. The first phase of the project is located on 44 rai of land.

It is built under the Life Museum concept, taking visitors back to the past, while decorations combine the hints of modern living. The design of Asiatique was influenced by the architectural style during the reign of His Majesty King Rama V, indicating the rise of the era in the past. Charoen Krung was the main trading venue in that period. (NNT)

Bangkok transforming into a ‘heaven-like city’

During this year’s Architect ’12 event, Bangkok Governor M.R. Sukhumband Paribatra delivered a speech titled ‘Bangkok, the City of Angels’, in which he described how His Majesty the King’s philosophy could be adopted to remodel the capital of Thailand into a heaven-like city.

In his statement, the Governor said the objective of such a transformation is to celebrate His Majesty the King’s 85 birthday anniversary this year. 34 relevant organizations in Bangkok will combine their efforts in making it happen. M.R. Sukhumband said he would apply His Majesty the King’s advice, which was presented in 1994, in his attempt to improve Bangkok.

In terms of safety, 200,000 CCTV cameras will be installed across Bangkok to make sure that the crime rate will decline while building regulations will be strictly enforced to assure the safety of occupants.

Other areas of improvements include basic infrastructure, transportation system and public health services. Public campaigns will be accelerated to promote energy saving. Bangkok residents of all ages will be encouraged to ride bicycles instead of using their cars.

Later on the same day, Deputy Bangkok Governor Theerachon Manomaiphiboon delivered a speech on flood prevention in Bangkok and its vicinity. According to him, the water management plan is also based on His Majesty the King’s guidance.

There were also discussions about city planning, natural disasters and drastic weather patterns in Thailand. They were hosted by Mr. Theerachon, Associate Professor Manop Ponsatat, who is an expert on city planning and Associate Professor Seri Suparatit, a flood expert from Rangsit University. The discussions were intended to help prepare Bangkok for the worst case scenarios.

The seminar was also held to raise awareness and understanding of the general public about the current concerns and what Bangkok was planning to achieve. (NNT)

Full speed ahead for Raimon Land’s 185 Rajadamri

Construction is rapidly progressing at 185 Rajadamri, Raimon Land’s high-end freehold project in Bangkok.

Construction activity at the prestigious 185 Rajadamri is now in full swing, as leading luxury developer Raimon Land has announced its latest sales figures. Situated right across the Royal Bangkok Sports Club (RBSC) along Rajadamri Road, the last free-hold landmark is now emerging in one of the city’s most exclusive neighborhoods.

With the basement’s columns, retaining walls, lift shafts and stair halls fully installed, the building is now poised to rise at a steadfast pace. Currently, floor slabs are being posed on the 5th floor, while concrete works climb to the eighth level. Scheduled for completion in late 2013, 185 Rajadamri’s state-of-the-art design promises legendary living for the city’s elite who will enjoy the spectacular views offered by the RBSC, Lumpini Park and Bangkok’s skyline.

Raimon Land Chief Executive Officer Hubert Viriot said: “We can now see the rapid ascent of 185 Rajadamri, a sought-after address in a historical area. We have sparked the interest of new buyers, among them well-known families from Bangkok’s high society, who look forward to being part of this privileged neighborhood through freehold ownership. Our sales figures are also on the rise, with 156 units now sold, representing 60.2% of the project, for a total of 4.7 Billion Baht.”

Bouygues-Thai Managing Director Jean-Marie Verbrugghe, said: “Our collaboration with Raimon Land for this exceptional project is off to an excellent start. The company’s proven track record of delivering exactly what is promised ensures that this residential building in a significant site will become a landmark of the future.”

Raimon Land has secured for the project 2.79 Billion Baht in credit facility from Bank of Ayudhya (BAY), one of Thailand’s leading financial institutions. 185 Rajadamri occupies a land area of 4 rai and will feature a mix of unit choices, from 1 to 4 bedroom luxury units to duplexes and penthouses.

Potential homeowners and investors are invited to visit the 185 Rajadamri show suites and sales office, now open seven days a week, to get a true feel of superlative living.

June sales promotion for UNIXX

Raimon Land is offering a free 1-night stay at their exclusive private residence club at Northpoint Pattaya to any prospective buyer(s) who attend a sales presentation for their new UNIXX development in south Pattaya.

Launched earlier this year, Raimon Land’s exciting new project is selling quickly with the company offering easy payment terms from as little as 7,000 baht/month. The development will feature spectacular resort-style facilities and fabulous views of Jomtien and Pattaya beaches.

For more info, visit www.raimonland.com.

Land in Silom most expensive in Thailand

The Treasury Department has released a new list of land price appraisals, citing Silom as the most expensive area in Thailand. The new price appraisals are effective from July 1st onwards.

Deputy Finance Minister Wirun Techapaiboon said the ministry has told the Treasury Department to enforce the new price appraisals on July 1st this year until 2015. The new price was scheduled to be enforced in January this year, but was delayed by another six months due to the flood crisis in 2011. He said the ministry will no longer delay the enforcement of the new price appraisals given the situation in the nation has returned to normal now.

Silom will remain the most expensive area in the kingdom, appraised at 850,000 baht per square wa, a 31% increase from the current price of 650,000 baht.

Land prices on Ratchadamri (from Ratchaprasong Intersection to Khlong San Saeb), Rama I, and Ploenchit Roads will be appraised from around 400,000 baht to 800,000 baht per square wa.

The highest land price in the South will be in Hat Yai District of Songkhla, at 400,000 baht per square wa.

In the North, the most expensive area will be Muang District of Chiangmai, which will go for 250,000 baht per square wa. Meanwhile, Muang District in Khon Kean Province will be worth 200,000 baht per square wa , the highest in the Northeast.

The new appraisal list will cause housing transfer and registration fees to go up in accordance with the new appraised prices. (NNT)

ONYX to launch the first Amari in the Middle East

Amari Doha.

Thailand-based ONYX Hospitality Group has been appointed by Gulf Trading and Contracting Company (GTC) to operate a 120-room hotel in the Qatari capital, Doha. This is ONYX’s first step for expansion in the Middle East for the Amari brand. The property is scheduled to open in September 2012.

Ideally located just 15 minutes from Doha International Airport, the property also boasts a prime position for exploring Doha’s historic and cultural sites, including the Islamic Art Centre and Souk Waqif, ranked # 1 of things to do in Doha by Lonely Planet readers.

“This project will be the first Amari property in the Middle East. It is a significant milestone for us and we plan to bring the personalised guest services and experiences that are a key attribute of the Amari brand to the region,” said ONYX President and Chief Executive Officer, Peter Henley.

The 13 storey property features 120 contemporary fully appointed rooms, including 78 superior rooms, 36 deluxe rooms, and six suites. Each room is stylishly decorated whilst also offering guests the ultimate comfort and luxury. In-room amenities will include LCD flat screen television, a comfortable lounge area, Wi-Fi internet access along with a work desk fitted with an iPod docking station.

Centara expands fast in Pattaya

Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya.

Centara Hotels & Resorts is maintaining a strategy of fast expansion in Pattaya, with three properties currently open and another four in the development phase.

“Our association with Pattaya goes back a long time, as we for many years owned and operated the Central Wong Amat Beach Resort, in North Pattaya,” says Suthikiati Chirathivat, Chairman of the Executive Board, Central Plaza Hotel Public Company Limited.

Suthikiati Chirathivat.

“When we decided to close that hotel and redevelop the site as the Centara Grand Mirage, we were very much aware that with our theme hotel concept we were attempting something that had never been done before in Pattaya, or indeed in Thailand.

“Centara Grand Mirage opened in late 2009, and its success has been nothing short of spectacular. This has been immensely encouraging, and we now regard Pattaya as being one of the key regions for our growth strategy.”

The concept for the Centara Grand Mirage was to create a destination hotel, built to a Lost World theme and based around a huge water park that stretches down to the hotel’s own frontage at Wong Amat Beach.

With 555 rooms the hotel is one of Pattaya’s largest, and the facilities include a large ballroom, a number of meeting rooms, and a spa village.

General manager at the Centara Grand Mirage, Andre Brulhart, says that the occupancy levels during the high season frequently run close to 90 percent, and that even when factoring in the low season and the knock-on effects of last year’s floods, the overall occupancy for 2011 was close to 90 percent.

Thailand TV celebrity Dr Krittika Kongsompong visits the Tulip Group’s Centara Grand Residence booth at the Siam Paragon Luxury Property Showcase which took place in Bangkok from May 10 - 20.

“The strongest of our overseas markets are the United Kingdom and Europe, Russia and North Asia,” he says.

“However, our domestic market is also strong, with the number of Thai guests equal to our largest overseas markets. They come here because the hotel has become so well known throughout Thailand for its dramatic Lost World theme, we are family-friendly with our rooms and our facilities, we are one of the less-than half a dozen Pattaya hotels that has its own beach frontage, and we are of course less than two hours by road from Bangkok.”

Suthikiati says that Centara’s fast progress on opening new properties has been greatly helped by working in close cooperation with two local developers, Nova Group and Tulip Group.

“We have two ideal partners with Nova Group and Tulip Group, and between them we have or are developing six properties at present, with the strong possibility of more to come.

“The six properties range across four of Centara’s five brands, and so we can say that this really is a strategic growth pattern.”

A deluxe room at the newly opened Nova Hotel & Spa Pattaya.

The first of the new properties to open was Nova Hotel & Spa Pattaya, in October 2011, closely followed by Centara Pattaya Hotel in December the same year for the first phase and will open the full completion in July 2012. The hotels are within walking distance of each other on a large parcel of land near to the junction of Pattaya Sai Song and Pattaya Klang Road, a prime location where Nova is developing several hotels and residences.

Austin Robinson, who is general manager of both properties, says that the Centara Pattaya has enjoyed immediate success, running at a high occupancy through a combination of Thai guests and overseas tour groups. The hotel, with its second phase having opened in April, has 152 rooms and suites.

“This is a Centara core brand four-star property,” says Austin. “It is ideal for couples and for families, being within a few minutes of the beach by hotel buggy, and surrounded by some of Pattaya’s best known entertainment and shopping venues.

“About 70 percent of our business is Thai, with most of our overseas guests at present from Europe, India and China.”

The newly opened Nova is part of the Centara Boutique Collection, the Centara brand for the independent minded traveller who prefers a quality hotel on an intimate scale, and has just 79 rooms, all overlooking the hotel pool.

Austin says that although the property is too new to have a recorded occupancy level, he is confident that with a combined marketing operation and close physical proximity, the Nova will enjoy a similar level of business to the Centara Hotel, albeit with a different guest profile.

“One of our Unique Selling Points at Nova is the Spa Cenvaree, which is on five levels of the hotel and offers a range of Dead Sea water and mud treatments that are unique to Pattaya,” he says. “Our early feedback from the markets is that this will be a destination spa, and will drive much of our demand.”

Centara’s developments with the Tulip Group include no less than two Centara Grand properties, the top-of-the-range five-star hotel brand.

Suthikiati says that the first, the Centara Grand Pratamnak will open in the second half of this year.

“The hotel is located on Pratamnak Hill, a very upmarket residential area, and the beach is just two minutes away by foot,” he says. “The design is based on low-key luxury, very much in keeping with the style of the area.”

The second Grand brand property with Tulip is yet another ground-breaking project, this time at Na Jomtien, the area at the far end of the Jomtien beach road that has as yet remained largely undeveloped, but with the recent completion of the new Jomtien Second Road, looks set to become a popular high-end area.

The main landmark in this district is going to be the three towers of the new Centara Grand Residence Na Jomtien, which will include the 200-room Centara Grand Pattaya, with the other two towers branded as Centara Grand Residence and containing 283 privately owned apartment units.

The entire area of the development takes up 3 hectares of land directly on the beachfront, with less than 30 percent of the land being used for construction and the remainder being used to enhance the feeling of green luxury on a grand scale.

The apartments are for sale to private investors, through sole agent CB Richard Ellis, and Centara will manage the entire project.

Suthikiati says this is the first time in Pattaya that investors have had the opportunity to own luxurious condominiums enriched with five-star hotel facilities and services, and that the project has already sold out in many categories, with 95 percent of the new owners so far being Thais.

“We have two Centara Residence & Suites brand properties under development with the Tulip Group,” he says.

“The Jomtien project will be five-star residences, while we also have Centara Avenue Residences, which are four-star category, in Central Pattaya. These also are selling very well.

“We are very much aware that Pattaya’s quality residential market is going to keep expanding, so we have our thoughts on further developments in this sector, and the tourism market for Pattaya is also going to continue strong growth.

“Pattaya is a very important part of Centara’s own development growth, and we are very excited indeed about the potential.”