Thailand Property Report - June 06 - News.
The
coast with the most. Is Krabi taking off ? Excerpt from an article
written by Steven King
It was the addition of the international section of Krabi Airport
that finally opened up the region in the minds of developers.
International flights to Sweden and Singapore have helped raise
the profile of Krabi as well as bring in an estimated 4,200 extra
tourists per month. Further international destinations are expected
to be added for the next high season including Hong Kong, Malaysia
and some European capitals. There are also a large number of domestic
flights available from Bangkok or Phuket through Air Asia, Thai
Airways and Tiger Airways that have added to Krabi’s growing
number of visitors.
In 2005, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra created the “Andaman
Paradise” strategy that aimed to revive tourism and development
in the tsunami-hit southern provinces of Phuket, Phang Nga and
Krabi. Krabi was especially highlighted as a “charming and
tranquil eco-tourism centre.” Property developers seem to
have heeded this emphasis as a method of not only development
but also of marketing.
“Krabi is one of the least developed Thai resorts, yet
benefits from an international airport, excellent infrastructure
and fantastic scenery and ocean views. It is not overdeveloped
and has retained much of the original charm of Southern Thailand,”
Savills´ Collins said.
Concept seems to be key for developments in Krabi with the surroundings
being almost equally as important as the actual buildings themselves.
Pavilions, Gordon Oldham’s Hong Kong-based boutique hotel
and property development group, has turned its focus to Krabi
as the sight of their next “Intimate Escape”. The
success of Bali Pavilions in Sanur and Phuket Pavilions in Bang
Tao Bay led the group to what they see as an up and coming destination.
Pavilions Sales & Marketing Director Karie-Ann Carpenter,
explained how Krabi fitted into the Pavilions concept: “Pavilions
Resorts chose the Krabi region for its pristine and unique landscape.
The surrounding cliffs, jungle, powdered white sand and crystal
water are four elements that our architects have mirrored in the
design of the resort. I would describe the innovative design of
Krabi Pavilions as ‘landform architecture.’”
Fuelled by the success of Bali and Phuket Pavilions, there is
already considerable market interest in the project which they
are currently preparing to begin construction on. It should be
completed by late next year although it is doubtful that by that
time any of the residences will remain on the market. Carpenter
said units will become available for sale by the end of July and
interest is expected to be high.
The largest of the current developments is Asian Tropical Home´s
“The Cove at Krabi”. The 177-acre project is expected
to include over 325 Villas, 240 apartments and a 250-room resort
hotel as well as containing over a kilometre of beach. There will
also be four swimming pools, a tennis court, gym, driving range,
full-sized football pitch as well as a number of restaurants,
bars, shops and a supermarket.
“Initially the project was to be on a smaller scale but
sheer demand forced us to rethink and expand the development,”
Andrew Hyde, Regional Sales Manager for Asian Tropical Homes said.
“Despite being one of the largest developments on plan in
Krabi we are committed to maintaining a strong emphasis on the
environmental attraction of the province.”
“With relatively low property values, we expect Krabi will
become one of the fastest growing new Thai markets,” Robert
Collins said. “There is a lot of land available and demand
may be expected to skyrocket over the next few years. As Phuket
and Samui land and villa values are exhibiting such aggressive
upward trends it is only expected that Krabi will follow.”
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