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Rail and bus transits provide benefits in land values: cities alike, including Hong Kong and Bangkok can capture this property market uplift to attract property investors. The past weekend, Golden Emperor Properties hosted the ‘Bangkok Residence Near Rama 9 New CBD’ to launch Sansiri’s latest property project, XT Huaikhwang, which is only a one-minute walk from Huai Khwang MRT station. The residence not only benefits from easy access to a transit system but additionally lifestyle entertainment faculties and shopping centers. The project is popular among investors from Hong Kong and many attended the seminar to purchase units for both self- use and as an investment.

Photo Above: Golden Emperor Properties Managing Director, Mr. Terence Chan discusses the market trend with investors at the seminar.

Golden Emperor Properties periodically hosts property seminars but also at the same time hosts entertainment events for our clients and friends. On Thursday, we hosted a ‘Thai Sensational’ Cooking Class, guided by Ms. Fu, Head Chef and Founder of Queen’s Kitchen. Ms. Fu shared her cooking secrets into crafting delicious Thai dishes and her dishes were popular among the clients who enjoy the special evening with us in the kitchen.

Phuket is celebrating its most recent award after being named the ‘Second Best Beach in the World’ by business publication US News & World Report.

It continues to win accolades from major international media for its white sands, aquamarine waters and limestone cliffs that attract millions of travellers every year. This island was hailed as “a little piece of paradise” according to the magazine.

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor, Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, said everyone in Phuket, both public and private stakeholders should take pride in this achievement as it demonstrates the island’s appeal as one of the world’s most desirable beach destinations.

“Obviously we are delighted to win this important award. The fact the honour comes from the US News & World Report is even more gratifying given its target audience and readership.

“In the past, Phuket has won several other prestigious awards for its beaches as well, so we are very grateful for the continued recognition.” Mr. Yuthasak added.

Phuket continues to expand its appeal as it tries to shift upmarket. It is also quickly established itself as one of the super-yacht hubs of Southeast Asia, a tropical playground for various groups of tourists who enjoy the island’s charms.

Along with its tropical appeal, Phuket beckons travellers wanting to experience its world-famous cuisine. Phuket was listed by UNESCO as a Gastronomic City in 2015 and will be included in the Michelin Guide Bangkok, Phuket and Phang Nga 2019.

source : THE NATION

Thailand has been a stronghold for automobile manufacturing in the last decade, nicknamed as the ‘Detroit of Asia,’ and currently ranks 12th in auto manufacturing globally and the largest in Southeast Asia. Decades ago, the country imposed an 80% tariff on imported vehicles, protecting its local manufacturing businesses and its leading stance within the region. Today, it is the manufacturing hub for international auto giants including Mazda, Toyota and Ford, all competing for a place in the Southeast Asian market.

Thailand’s Exploding Auto-making Growth

Foreign companies relocating to Thailand are exempted from corporate income taxes as a policy to attract foreign manufacturers and investments. Thailand’s geographical location with easy accessibility to container ports and airports allow the ease of exports. With auto parts sourced then assembled internally in the country and a free trade agreement with neighboring countries, automakers in Thailand pay zero or highly reduced tariffs for its exports.

Thailand is a leading manufacturer in trucks and production is highly demanded even in its domestic market. Small pickup trucks in Thailand leads 2nd place as the most sold vehicles domestically besides its exports to US. Although Indonesia’s manufacturing business and other competing markets have labor costs cheaper than Thailand, the country benefits from having a higher quality and experienced work force with acquired management skills. Comparatively, such factors remain critical in ranking Thailand as a leading auto manufacturing country.

The Future

To keep up with today’s technological advancement, Thailand announced its plan to attract further investments and research in environmentally friendly EV production included in the ambitious Eastern Economic Corridor development worth 45 billion USD. The Federal Thailand Investment Board predicts that the country will produce more than 30 million vehicles by 2020, and increase its current manufacturing ranking to 8th place globally. However, political instability has unsettled investors including its 2006 and 2014 political strife, which has rattled automakers in the past.

In recent years, larger brands have progressively emerged onto the Thai market. The Nation, reported that since 1962, Toyota has produced 100 thousand units in Thailand. Just Auto, an automotive industry new and analysis community, reported that Ford’s Ranger Raptor, will soon begin its production. The Nation also reported that Mazda’s product profit has advanced from the previous year and will increase its production to 65 thousand units in 2018.

Source: United News

Eastspring Investments, a subsidiary of Prudential PLC’s Asian asset management subsidiary has agreed to buy 65% share of Thailand’s leading management company TMB Asset Management Co., Ltd, a subsidiary of TMB Bank Public Company Limited. Eastspring will  have the option to increase its share to 100% in the future.

TMB is Thailand’s fifth largest asset management company with over 10 billion baht of assets under management. In the past three years, TMB’s growth rate reached 26%, a leading rate on the market. TMB’s leading status in the Thailand business sector will reinforce Prudential’s commitment to the Thai market and complement the company’s fast growing insurance business in the ASEAN region.

Prudential Life Assurance (Thailand) Public Company Limited has operated in Thailand for more than 20 years. As of last year, Prudential has provided services to over 1.5 million Thai customers and manages a total of 90 billion Baht of funds on their behalf. Eastspring has a strong proven track as a leading asset manager with 139 billion pounds of assets in Asia for 25 years and its acquisition of TMB will be the 11th expansion project for Eastspring in the Asia region.

Prudential Asia CEO, Nic Nicandrou says, “the acquisition will help establish Prudential’s status on the Thai market. Within the expansion plan, Eastsprings will become a major role player to our insurance fund management business.”