Rem December 2013

Page 1

REm

THE quality MAGAZINE WITH SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

The Riviera Luxury showroom now open

Issue 151 | December 2013 | www.remthai.com

เรียล เอสเตท แม๊กกาซีน ไทยแลนด์




who is who • commentary

Managing Director Dave Buckley Tel: 087 988 0799 dave@remthai.com Publisher/Editor Mesiya Watson may@realestatemagazinethailand.com Sales and Marketing Wongduan Roberts Tel: 087 535 8096 duan@thailandpropertymagazine.com or realestatemag@hotmail.com or dave@remthai.com Office/Accounts Tel: 038 406519 or 08 6335 2474 dear@thailandpropertymagazine.com Web address www.remthai.com Artwork, Design & Layout Tel: 086 833 2543 (Khun Third) Publisher Pattaya Property Consultants Co Ltd 21/27 M5 Soi Nern Plub Waan Nongprue • Banglamung Chonburi 20150 Tel: 038 406519 or 08 6335 2474

Our team

Since 2001 – Thailand’s first English language property magazine

Time of good cheer I’m in a bit of a “bah, humbug” mood at the moment as Scrooge might say and I would prefer that I wasn’t. The fact is that I’ve had man flu (is there such a thing as woman flu?) for four weeks now and it’s getting me down. Trips to two different hospitals, time on a drip, more pills than I can count, a point down the throat

Dave Buckley talks about how he’s struggling to get into the spirit of Christmas

inhaler plus stuff to spray up your nose – you name it, I’ve had it. Yet still the phlegm keeps coming like I’ve started a small, private factory. Too much information? Yes, okay, sorry if you are reading this over your cornflakes. So why all this self-pity? Well, is it just me, or does having flu (or whatever it is that I’ve got) get you down more when you are living in a hot country? It’s my contention that it does if you are used to cooler climes. Give me a dose of flu back in the UK and I wouldn’t thank you. But, at least if the weather is cold and dull

I seem better able to cope. Swapping straight from 30-degree-plus heat into air-conditioned rooms really saps my strength and energy – what little I have. It’s miserable! So I’m finding it a little difficult to get into the Christmas spirit which is a shame as I really like to enjoy this time of year. But I can console myself with this thought: If I can get shot of the ailment in the next couple of weeks I will be able to enjoy the warm weather again, which is more than I can say for relatives back in the UK.

Publication Licence Number 2/2549 Disclaimer: All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the editor. The publishers are not responsible for any error contained within the magazine. The publishers also accept no liability for the accuracy of statements made by the advertisers or writers. The views of correspondents are not necessarily those of the magazine. Articles are produced containing up-to-date information to the best of our knowledge. However, we accept no liability for information contained within any article.

It seems that British folk are about to experience the worst weather conditions in more than 60 years – that’s my whole lifetime. Did you detect a note of glee in the paragraph above? A touch of the “heh, you couldn’t understand why I wanted to live in Thailand but now you’re about to find out?” My old newspaper, the Daily Express, has reported that weather experts in the UK are predicting 100 days of heavy snow which would make it the worst winter since 1947 which holds the dubious record of being the coldest on record for the UK. Indeed by the time you read this the polar winds may be starting to bite there and bets on whether it will be a white Christmas will almost certainly stop being taken by the bookies. Ahhh, a white Christmas! Great when you see pictures of it or watch it in a sentimental film. Not so good when you are in the middle of it.

2 REM 12/2013

Yep, on balance give me the warm weather and I’ll struggle with the flu. Copyright © Real Estate MAGAZINE Thailand 2013

Have a good Christmas and a great New Year everyone!


news • property

Topping off … a serious milestone Raimon Land hits the mark with Zire Wongamat

T

here are all kinds of thresholds and milestones when it comes to the concept-to-concrete construction of a high-rise. In a business community obsessed with progress and completion we are constantly witnessing “ground breaking”, “ribbon cutting”, “title transferring” and other myriad signposts of an advancing project. Some of these milestones are real and some contrived. On Saturday, 10 November, Raimon Land conducted a ceremony I was not familiar with called a “Topping Off” at Zire Wongamat. The project … or I suppose I should now officially call it a “building” … is on Wongamat Beach right next to Raimon Land’s other premier highrise, Northpoint. Zire is actually two buildings. The South Tower is closest to the water and rises 57 floors. The North Tower is relatively shorter at 37 floors but does not suffer an impeded view as Zire is built on a point of land snuggled between Pattaya Bay and Naklua Bay. When finished, Zire will be home to 480 units designed by the heralded architecture firm SODA. All of the upper crust of Raimon Land’s management were present to

dig shovels into ceremonial buckets of concrete. As the flashes went off and the shutters clicked, I took some time to question some of the Raimon Land rank and file that were instrumental in getting the project this far. Interesting fact Simon Derville, Raimon Land’s Director of Business Development, let me in on an interesting fact about Zire. He said that originally, the North Tower was planned to hold all the Thai ownership quota units and the South Tower foreign ownership. The strategy being that the South Tower would be considered more desirable and attract the higher price tag paying foreigners. “This strategy was ineffective and unnecessary,”

said Simon, as the 90 per cent sold project has been purchased by 75 per cent Thai owners. A representative of the builder, Pre-Built Construction, enlightened me on the significance of the “topping off” of a building like Zire. “Topping Off,” he explained, “refers to the status of the actual raising of a building. We are now at a point where the roof and all beams are in place. The building will get no taller and all the work to come will be concentrated inside and around these two structures.” This is a significant milestone indeed as Zire was just launched in January 2011. To come this far this fast is a testament to Raimon Land’s commitment to hit its marks. | Bart Walters

The Venetian Signature Condo Resort Pattaya planned for Na-Jomtien got off to a good start when it staged a sales gallery opening celebration weekend on November 23-24. Among the opening incentive offers were trip to the Venetian hotel in Macao where every room is a suite. The Venetian condo’s tagline is a “Symphony of Living” and to underscore that they provided musical symphony including opera and ballet on the opening nights. Food and drink with a strong Italian theme was in plentiful supply to demonstrate the Venice influences. As you can seen alongside the architecture is very Venetian in style and the resort will have nice touches such as gondola rides on the lazy canal.

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Big opening weekend for Venetian project


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advertisers • page numbers

A+ Property Exhibition Centre 42 AAAA Properties 85 Acorn Distribution 82-83 Acorn Gastropub 84 Aeras (The Urban) 32-33 Arcadia Beach Resort (HH) 61, 63, 65 ASAP Yacht Chandlery 91 BBX Barter Company 88 Beach Properties 100-101 Centara Grand Phratamnak Pattaya (Tulip) 56 Centara Grand Residence (Tulip) 54-55 City Center Residence (Matrix) 25 Coastal Real Estate 95 Colliers International 34-35 Compass Real Estate 39 Cosy Beach View Between pages 72-73 Cube, The (Tudor Group) 22-23 C-View (Heights Holdings) 67 Del Mare (Porch Land) 24 East Coast Real Estate 41 Elegance Condominium @ Cosy Beach 73 Euro Design 81 FARANG Services 4-5, 7 Global Property (Global Solidor) 99 Golden Homes Real Estate 10-11 Golden Tulip Hotel & Residence (Tulip) 50-51 Green Field Villas 5 86-87 Jones Lang LaSalle 75 Ladybird Pattaya International Kindergarten 77 Laguna Beach Resort – The Maldives (HH) 69 Masters, The Inside back cover Mosaic, The 37 Nam Talay (Nova) Facing 24 Ocean Pacific (Nova) 1 One Stop Real Estate 47 Paradise City Property 16-17 Pattaya Channel 89 Pattaya Realty 14 Pattaya Realty Commercial 15 Porch Land Between 40-41 Real Estate Broker Association 108-109 Rightmove Brokers 29 Riviera, The – Wongamat Beach Cover Sands Condominium Facing 25 Serenity Wongamat (Nova) 45 Sky, The – Jomtien (Matrix) Inside cover, 26-27 Southpoint (Kingdom Property) Inside back cover Town & Country Property 8-9 Tudor Group 43 Tulip Group 49 Ville, The 21 Vision, The (Matrix) 28 Waterfront Suites & Residences (Tulip) 52-53



contents • news tourism

cover story

leisure

Riviera showroom is a stunner

Check out Chiang Mai

78•weekend traveller: This month our man with the roving brief ventures north to Chiang Mai and discovers it’s a great Old City to get lost in. 18•bluntLY: In

12

this month’s Star The Riviera Group has opened the showroom of their first

Interview actress

project, The Riviera, Wongamat Beach. It made quite an impact

Emily Blunt talks

on the brokers and media who got a sneak preview.

about the soon to be released film in which she stars

opposite

Tom Cruise, Edge

of Tomorrow. It is described as an

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38 30

Deep thinker making an impact – the MD of The Urban Property Group.

60

apocalyptic

thriller. Countdown to the first Property Show to be staged in Pattaya.

Bart Walters looks at

72•Quiz time: Christmas will soon be with us so this

Pattaya trends in 2013

month we have decided to test your knowledge about

and for the year to come.

famous people born on December 25.


Russians threaten boycott According to the khaosod.co.th website a group of Russian tour operators are threatening to boycott Thailand and direct holidaymakers to other destinations in South-East Asia if safety standards here do not improve. The group sent a letter to the

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) representative in Moscow making their feelings known. It follows several transportrelated incidents in which Russian citizens have been killed or injured in recent months. We understand that authorities are taking the threat seriously.

Lion Air given go-ahead

Thai Lion Air has received an air operator certificate (AOC) from the country’s Department of Civil Aviation, which means it is now permitted to launch air services in Thailand. The low-cost carrier aims to launch operations on 4 December with a twice-daily service between Bangkok Don Muang International Airport and Chiang Mai. The airline is also applying for international traffic rights and hopes to launch services in early December from Bangkok Don Muang to Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta. Thai Lion Air already has two aircraft in Bangkok, both new 215-seat 737-900ERs, as well as around 300 employees, including 22 pilots, 60 cabin crew, 50 maintenance personnel and 100 ground handling staff. Thai Lion Air is to receive a third aircraft next March, and hopes to have a fleet of 50 aircraft in five years. The third aircraft will be used to increase services on existing routes and also launch new services, such as Bangkok-Singapore and Bangkok-Hat Yai. Source: Asia Travel Tips

Bt500 to enter Thailand? Thai authorities are considering introducing a Bt500 entry fee for all tourist staying between three and 30 days in the kingdom. The fee is intended to meet

the cost of giving health care to individuals who do not have sufficient health cover. Balanced against this is the fear tourists might go elsewhere.






cover story • dave buckley

Showroom is a stunner The Riviera throws down gauntlet to Bangkok’s big guns

T

12 REM 12/2013

he last time I saw Winston Gale was at the Amari Hotel two months ago at an agents event to promote his new project, The Riviera. More recently, I, along with several local agents, was invited back to see the actual showrooms just before they were open to the public. After having a swift look around, I was much enamoured with it. The whole package is extraordinary. In fact, it wouldn’t look out of place on the ‘things to do in Pattaya’ or ‘must see places to visit’ list in guide books. It’s stunning, and, dare I say, it might even make the large Bangkok developers rethink their game plan when launching in Pattaya next. Has a local developer finally now shown how to answer the big boys from Bangkok? Absolutely. Upsetting some maybe, but to be frank, I’m hard pressed to think of another showroom I’ve seen recently that comes close to this one. Winston through his new company, Riviera Group, really has waved the flag for local developers and is making a big, bold statement. Sweeping pools From the moment you walk up the grand stairs, it’s hard to know where to look first, it is a series of wowfactors. The sweeping pools, the rain roof water feature, landscaping that maybe Nongnooch Gardens should come and photograph and an

architectural building that will look nice on the front cover of any designer coffee table magazine (such as this). Once beyond the dramatic lobby area filled with its own wow factors, the show units themselves are so stylish, they really do live up to their strap line ‘Glamorous Lifestyle, Ocean Dreams’.

It’s common

Quick interview You can clearly see design elements of The Palm here which lies just down the road in Wongamat. But then you would. I can remember Winston and his wife Sukanya telling me two years ago how they designed the interior of The Palm after the designer went missing, so I assumed even before catching up with Winston the same or similar had happened here. As expected, Winston was wondering around, busy worrying about how unfinished it still was. Nobody noticed, so I stepped in for a quick interview. REm: Winston, this is spectacular, can you explain how long this all took to build and your feelings about it all? WG: Well it was always our intention to create something different, it’s taken more than eight months to get the showroom open, but the results are satisfying. When I and my investing partner got together, we agreed we wanted to build something special and so the journey began.” REm: I see you’re still very hands

the building,

sense that if you want real heart and soul in

with quality and details second to none, only you, the owner, can put that in with your own passion.

on. Did you do all the interior design yourself like at The Palm as it does have a little ‘Palm-like’ feel to it. WG: (Laughing) You noticed did you? Yes, my wife Sukanya and I are incredibly hands-on with almost everything. We ended up doing the design for the whole building ourselves. It was incredibly tiring but rewarding, too. We almost have a story for every unusual item you see around the building, sourcing things from the south of Thailand to the North. We went to such extremes, we flew to places because we simply couldn’t get the items locally, but that’s what you have to do if you want something special. We hope people appreciate the effort.” Outrageous design REm: Is this what has to happen then if you want outrageous design because most people leave this to their design team? WG: Correct. Design teams can do a good job, but naturally as it’s not their money or their own showroom, it’s common sense that if you want real heart and soul in the building, with quality and details second to none, only you, the owner, can put that in with your own passion. I’ve had to almost live on the building site for the past four months to get it to look like it does today. REm: Was the intention to outdo The Palm’s showroom?


Making a statement? REm: Is this dramatic showroom effort also anything to do with you attempting to establish yourself in Pattaya now and make a statement? You’re not developing together with Rony from Nova Group this time so what’s the story behind The Riviera Group? WG: Yes your observations are correct. I decided to do this project with an investing partner I’d know for a few years and he understood I wanted to build my very own development company brand. I set up Riviera Group to develop this first project, (The Riviera, Wongamat Beach) with the intention to build a brand. In reality, the Riviera Group is myself and my wife Sukanya and with her endless support, The Riviera, Wongamat Beach has been created as our first project. My investing partner

has excellent connections to certain real estate companies and, of course, they have greatly assisted in helping sales generally. REm: So with your showrooms just opening today to the agents only, what have you sold so far? WG: We are almost 50 per cent sold today Dave. REm: Almost 50 per cent, that can’t be right, surely, not after only a few months? That’s incredible, to one or two investors? WG: Actually we’ve sold to many different investors and individual buyers so not one of two. We’ve even sold to a few other developers. We’ve priced it right, the payment terms are attractive, we worked hard on the concept, creating something special and the location itself is Wongamat, so those that recognise the importance of location are getting in early for the best prices. My investing partner has excellent connections so that was also a strong driving factor. REm: So when is the showroom open to the public? WG: We already are, hence the sales. But officially, we will have an ‘Open-Weekend’ event on Friday 30th November and Saturday 1st December, Pattaya’s fireworks weekend. This is our official public opening. REm: Any grand all-singing-alldancing opening party extravaganza planned then? WG: We’ve chosen to spend our

We’ve priced it right, the payment terms are attractive, we worked hard on the concept, creating something special and the location itself is Wongamat.

money on marketing and offering buyers discounts instead. Were very pro-active, however, at the moment. We had an event at the Four Seasons hotel in Bangkok and the Amari in Pattaya last month. Currently we have booths at Siam Paragon Luxury Showcase in Bangkok, the Ocean Marina show and Central Festival in Pattaya and next month we’re at Mega Bangna shopping centre. January we’re attending the Hilton’s Property showcase, so were certainly out their at the moment. It was time to leave Winston to continue rushing around looking busy as seems the norm for him these days, I can’t help think that this showroom really is going to make an impact on the Pattaya market generally and become very influential. Can’t ignore At The Palm, he has that beautiful beachfront that certainly helped sell the project, here at The Riviera Showroom, I can see he doesn’t need that beach, or even the award received in October for this year’s best condo development for The Palm. No, this showroom has it all and delivers a message that can’t be ignored. The ever improving level of Pattaya’s real estate reputation just went up a notch, no, call that two notches and I’m still not sticking my neck out. This is great for Pattaya. Bangkok developers may need to take note. |

13 REM 12/2013

WG: Well, we never set out to beat The Palm as such. But as that was also our personal design, our baby, naturally we wanted to create an improved version, show we had progressed. I’d like to think it has turned out to be an improved version, as Sukanya and I have developed over the past two years so, too, have our tastes and design inspirations. Ultimately though, it’s for the agents and customers to decide in the end. I’m all ears for feedback as it’s what they think that really matters at the end of the day because it’s all about sales.


Est. 2001

PATTAYA REALTY th

12

Pattaya Realty Co.,Ltd. Anniversary 2001-2013

Condo: Wong Amat

House : Mabprachun - Pong

2 beds 2 baths CS4358 8,400,000 THB 115 sqm

3 bed 3 baths HS3250 10.750.000 THB

Condo: Jomtien 1 bed 1 bath 60 sqm CS7999 4,100,000THB

4 bed 4 baths

Condo: Pratumnak

Studio 1 bath 48 sqm

2 Bed 2 bath 89 sqm

2 bed 1 bath 138 sqm

CS7731 5,500,000 THB

Condo: Jomtien Chateau Dale CS7972 5,900,000 THB

Pattaya Realty Co.,Ltd. Eng: 089 833 6175 Thai/Eng: 090 465 4563 www.pattayarealty.com

House : Na Jomtien HS5438 28,500,000 THB

Condo: Jomtien CS8369

3,300,000 THB

House : North Pattaya 3 beds 3 baths HR0384 60,000/month

Pattaya Realty Co.,Ltd. Tel: 038 412301/038 412302 Fax: 038 429462 Email: info@pattayarealty.com

House : Jomtien 6 bed 6 baths HS8346 45.000.000 THB

Condo: Pratumnak 1 bed 2 baths 100 sqm CS3871 3,500,000 THB

1 Bed 1 bath 65 sqm

Condo: Central Pattaya CR7938 15,000/Month

Horseshoe Point House : East Pattaya

4 beds 6 baths HS6100 14.900.000 THB

House : Jomtien 3 beds 3 baths

HR1591 55,000/month

Our office address 219/1 Tipp Plaza Pattaya 2nd Road.Nongprue Banglamung Chonburi 20150


Pattaya Realty

Resort 22 Houses, size 9600 m sq, fully furnished 68M.

Commercial

Guesthouse : Pratumnak

MS6960

Guesthouse:South Pattaya

Virgin beach front land for sale at Chumphon 1,300 Rai (2,080,000 m sq) 500,000 THB/1 Rai Sale 650M.

LS6901 Corner Unit Jomtien Complex 4 Storey 12 Rooms 60K/Month Guesthouse and Shop house for sale 4 storey, size 96 m sq, 12 Studio apartments MS8373 Sale 29,000,000 THB

Warehouse in Pong

Guest house 6 studio rooms for rent 10K and on 4fl Room for rent fully furnish,They be accept for daily rent 400-500 Baht a day.

MS7463 Sale 29,950,000 THB

MR7270 Walking St Bar,good location 2.5 m/Rent 195,000 per month

MS7624

Restaurant:Pratumnak

Very Profitable Go Go Bar Soi LK, 18 Million, further details available with proof of funds.

Building size 700 sq m.Rent 105,000THB/Month size 396 sq m.Rent 52,668 THB/Month.

MR8479 Rent 105,000/Month

Room Size 152 sq m.Furnished,Air Con,WIFI Internet, Pool table,Music system.

Commercial three storey for sale. close to city, close to shop, amenities.

MS8067

MS8492 Sale 1,950,000 THB

Fabrication Shop:Rayong

Fabrication Shop in Highway 36

Restaurant:South Pattaya

Building size 1,600 Sq m.Land size 10 Rai. For sale 40M THB.Rent 450,000THB/Month.

Building size 4,000 Sq m.Land size 4 Rai.

Restaurant for sale on Trappaya Rd.Full Furnish, Full Ktichen,Swimming pool.

MS8467 Sale 40,000,000 THB Pattaya beach hotel building

The building has 8 storey’s and 70 percent of the units enjoy sea view. It is 80 meters from the beach, a double A top location as no other.

MS7828 Sale 135,000,000 THB

MR8466 Rent 420,000/Month

MS7762 Sale 2,900,000 THB

12 bedroom Guest House

Resort at Bang Saray

12 bedroom Guest House

A well established profitable family business in the heart Bang Saray. In total there are twelve rooms, large swimming pool, restaurant, tropical gardens

MS8050 Sale 23,000,000 THB

Pattaya Realty CommercialCo.,Ltd. Tel: 038 251245 Eng: 085 431 6960 www.pattayarealtycommercial.com Email: info@pattayarealtycommercial.com

MS6247 Sale 25,000,000 THB

Office Address 413/150 M00.12 Jomtian Rd, Nongprue,Banglamung Chonburi 20150 Thailand




star interview  by the interview feed Though she tires of the description, Emily Blunt is as smart and sassy as any of her various screen personae. She’s outgoing and ebullient, and she has a lusty laugh that matches her quick wit. Aside from that, Blunt is a highly talented actress who manages to disappear into a character with the greatest of ease. A case in point is a recent film – Arthur Newman – in which she plays Mike (aka Charlotte), a woman bent on leaving her past behind. She does so in the company of a similarly disaffected soul, Wallace Avery (Colin Firth), who abandons his boring middle-class life and tries to reinvent himself as Arthur Newman, pro golfer. It’s the kind of poignant romantic drama that owes much to the compelling charm of its two lead actors, and Blunt readily embraced her character’s escapist ambitions. “Actors have less need to escape in our own lives – we do it all the time in our work,” Blunt explains. “It’s a natural outlet for us

which most people don’t have even though everyone at some point has felt a desire to escape their life and be someone else. “The characters Colin and I play are making a desperate attempt to find some kind of meaning beyond their usual identities, even though they find out that it’s not necessarily a solution to anything.” The 30-year-old Blunt has been steadily expanding her cinematic universe of late, starring in films like Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, Your Sister’s Sister, and last year’s sci-fi thriller, Looper. She’s recently finished an arduous eight-month shoot on Edge of Tomorrow, an apocalyptic thriller in which she stars alongside Tom Cruise. The film originally had the title All You Need Is Kill and is based on a Japanese book of the same name. It is due to release next June. Blunt lives in Los Angeles with her husband, actor John Krasinski, who is now in the final season of the long-running American TV version of The Office.

Emily on being Blunt!

18 REM 12/2013

The Interview Feed: Emily, what was it like playing in Arthur Newman opposite your fellow Brit, Colin Firth? Emily Blunt: I spent a lot of time kidding him. Colin is very polite but I discovered he loves to laugh a lot more than I expected. He’s not that straight-laced after all. I kept telling him that he has spindly legs and making fun of all the salmon polo shirts he wears in the film. I’ve been asked to talk a lot about Colin and I like to say that I’ve been holding Firth! He’s quite shy at first but then he’s wonderful once he feels he knows you a bit. TIF: That was a unique story in many ways. What did you make of the script when you first read it? Stark, mysterious EB: There was this stark, mysterious quality to the script. There were these fascinating changes in tone that kept me a little on edge and off balance. I love that kind of ambiguity. The real challenge, I found, was playing Mike when she was most herself. When she wasn’t role playing,

when she wasn’t having a great time breaking into people’s houses and having sex. You know, trying to figure out who she really is, and why she does what she does. TIF: Both your character and Colin’s have difficulty connecting to people? EB: They find intimacy terrifying and strange. Mike finds it difficult to be touched so she has to pretend to be someone else to be able to take that step towards leaving herself vulnerable and open. Different identities By taking on different identities, they both feel more comfortable in connecting to each other and opening up more. That’s why it becomes so interesting to watch as the more they mask themselves and pretend to be other people, the freer they are to become more like themselves. It’s an interesting paradox. Maybe their previous selves were really the false selves because of the masks they wore in those lives because they weren’t willing to be themselves.


EB: I like playing golf even though I’m terrible at it. I enjoy the sport and find it a lot of fun especially when you’re whizzing around in golf carts with a case of beer in the back. At least that makes it easier for me to tolerate my ineptitude as a golfer. TIF: Do you feel that Mike is legitimately disturbed or crazy? Crazy persona EB: No. She adopts a crazy persona to protect herself and keep anyone from getting close to her which explains why she’s so hard on Arthur at times. She suffers a lot of anxiety that she might become schizophrenic like her sister, and that explains a lot of her behaviour and recklessness. That’s part of what she’s running away from. TIF: Should we feel sorry or grave concern for these characters? EB: I felt tremendous empathy for Mike and Arthur. They’ve lost their way in life and are unable to find any peace of mind in the world. They feel out of place and unhappy and they’re languishing in some ways, certainly in Arthur’s case. What I loved about

Above and below: Emily Blunt plays a member of Special Forces alongside Tom Cruise in the film Edge of Tomorrow which is due out next year.

Far left: Two Brits – Blunt and Colin Firth – playing escapist Americans in the film Arthur Newman which screened earlier in 2013.

the story is how it makes you reflect on questions of identity. TIF: Your characters delight in breaking into other people’s homes and having sex... EB: That’s their way of connecting because they can relax their inhibitions because they’ve stepped into new identities and that’s their defence against feeling awkward or insecure. It’s like you feel empowered to let loose and start throwing yourself into the world because you’re no longer being held back by your old self which drags you down in life. TIF: Getting back to your real self, you’ve just finished a very long shoot with Tom Cruise on Edge of Tomorrow where you play a special forces soldier. That must have been quite an experience? Special workouts EB: It was the hardest thing I’ve done, certainly physically for any film. I trained for three months. I did martial arts, special workouts, and basically just tried to get into good enough shape where I look the part

19 REM 12/2013

TIF: Was it odd to find yourself as a Brit playing an American opposite Colin who is also playing an American? EB: No. We even had the same dialect coach. What was different this time is that when we weren’t working, Colin and I would speak to each other in our normal accents. I other films I’ve usually tended to keep speaking in an American accent but with Colin that would have been silly. I like (doing an American accent). I find that it really helps that I live in the States. I’m married to an American, and I have lots of American friends. If you’re immersed in the sounds on a habitual level, that helps you a lot. But, I don’t necessarily think of it as an accent. I think you’ve got to just find a voice for the person. Who that person is becomes the voice. It’s not necessarily that you’re concentrating on getting your vowel sounds right. Even if it’s not perfect, I think you’ve gotta do all the technical stuff, and then just hurl it out the window because you’ve got to just play the character. TIF: Are you much of a golfer?


star interview  by the interview feed

Being Blunt!

Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt pose at a preview for their new film during this year’s Comic-Con International which was staged at the San Diego Convention Center.

20 REM 12/2013

Below: Emily is pictured with her actor husband John Krasinski who stars in the American version of The Office.

at least. I also needed to keep up with Tom (Cruise), who was incredibly fit. TIF: How did you find working with Cruise? EB: He’s the biggest pro, and he’s endlessly supportive, and we had a laugh, we really did. We laughed our way through the pain, as it were. We had to wear these enormous armoured suits that weighed a great deal… But he’s just a machine. I’ve never met anyone quite like him. He infused the entire set with energy. He sort of infects people in that way. TIF: Had you ever been in such top physical condition before? EB: No... I did kind of feel like a superwoman. I felt intimidating. John, my husband, would say that he was terrified that he was going to wake up one morning and I would be benchpressing him. (Laughs) TIF: You and your husband are both actors. Do you talk about business at home? Not having a schedule EB: No. Oh God, no. We try to avoid all that. I think it’s important to see the people that you love and see your friends, and talk about something other than the business. Let your mind expand. I don’t like having a plan, I like not having a schedule, I like waking up in the morning and not knowing what I might do… TIF: You seem to have a very positive and gregarious attitude towards life. What’s your secret? EB: (Laughs) I don’t know. I suppose I get that from my family, I grew up in a house where we were always entertaining each other. But, apart from that, I’m enjoying my life and the way my career seems to be evolving. I don’t find myself suffering very much anxiety anymore about waiting for the next job to come around. When you’re starting out, you’re so determined to get the really good stuff, the best roles that are out there. So it’s very reassuring to find yourself in a position where you are able to be part of really good films

and do interesting work. But it’s also important to have a life apart from your work and that’s the best kind of balance you can have to things. TIF: What’s the downside of celebrity for you? Look perfect EB: It’s not celebrity per se, but the fact that as an actress you’re always expected to look perfect, wear the latest design, and always look your best. Sometimes you want to wear a T-shirt and jeans when you go to the grocery store or to a café and read a book or magazine. I also feel bad for women in their late 30s or 40s because there’s so much pressure in this business to look young that women are not supposed to age! It’s a bit terrifying to think that when I’m 40 a lot of roles will be closed to me simply because of that kind of age bias. I don’t want to think that I have to maintain eternal youth! TIF: You’ve described yourself in the past as having both a practical and a dreamer side? EB: I have this very practical, rational side which enables me to take stock of things and make good decisions without letting emotions get the better of you. I find it’s a good quality to have, especially when you’re making your way in a very unpredictable kind of business. Vivid imagination But I also have a very hopeful and optimistic way of looking at the world. I like to dream big and I think as an actor you need to have a vivid imagination and throw yourself into your characters with complete abandon. So you need to dream big but also be able to organise things and work to realise those dreams. TIF: You’ve also become quite a good cook of late. Is that a passion of yours? EB: Yes. I love cooking. I like Italian cuisine and I’m becoming quite good at Thai food. John (Krasinski) and I went to Thailand recently and so I was able to pick up some more tips. |

See Interview of the Day, sponsored by Tulip Group, every weekday on www.remthai.com



now it all fits! Showroom now open


THE CUBE HAS THE ANSWERS CONDO PROJECT IN PRATUMNAK FROM THE PEOPLE WHO BROUGHT YOU TUDOR COURT

Illustrations on facing page are architect’s renderings.

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interview l sompop vanichsenee (plue)

Deep thinker who makes big impact on property scene

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1

he head of The Urban Property Group – Sompop Vanichsenee (left) – has the nickname Plue which, colloquially, means firework. “I hope I live up to it,” he says. And what businessman wouldn’t say that. But I’m not sure he does live up to his nickname, writes Dave Buckley, and I don’t intend that to come across in a derogatory way. For me, fireworks light up the sky for just a few seconds but then they soon disappear from view. That’s not the case with Khun Sompop and his company. Sure, his company’s developments are helping to fill Pattaya’s skyline. But they have been – and will be – around for a long time which is just how the MD of The Urban Property likes it. I first encountered The Urban company when they were building a project of the same name in Soi 15 which links between Buakhow and Second Road behind the The Avenue Shopping Mall. Since those days they have gone on to build The Urban Suites, SP Townhomes, The Gallery in Jomtien (1) with another planned for Bangkok (2), are in the process of building Acqua (4) and have just launched Aeras (3), a high and lowrise combination on Jomtien Beach. Best Boutique Condo In addition they also co-developed the 66 Condo which was recently voted Pattaya’s Best Boutique Condo in the Thailand Property Awards. It’s an impressive track record.As part of all this they are building their first high rise, The Gallery Bearing, just 400 metres away from Bearing station at the end of one of the BTS lines in Bangkok. Khun Sompop takes special pride in this 27-storey, 269-unit Bangkok

development. “No one knew us there, but the project has paid off,” he said. Did this mean that they would look at Bangkok more in the future and maybe cool their interest in Pattaya after Aeras is complete? “No Pattaya remains a key market for us,” he said. “We still hold several plots of land here – behind Aeras we will still have 3.5 rai, for example. “Also we hold other inner city plots which we will develop when the time is right. Our experience with The Urban tells us many people like to live centrally so they can get to everything easily without needing a car.” Serviced apartments Khun Sompop also showed me some promotional material for a serviced apartment block close to the very southern end of Jomtien Beach. “We will probably launch that next year,” he said. So The Urban Property is not a company to sit still and is constantly looking for new opportunities. But, that said, when a new project is planned, Khun Sompop and his team give it deep thought and consider everything very thoroughly. “When we decided to launch Aeras we spent a lot of time considering things,” said Khun Sompop. “For example, we thought long and hard about the financial aspect. It is important not to risk underpricing for the construction cost of any project, but especially a high-rise. “The construction costs for a tower are high, a lot higher than with a simple eight-storey project. You need a different specialised quality of builder for a high-rise and that costs more.” Khun Sompop explained that building and labour costs are increasing across the board, whatever the size project. He is watching these rising costs closely as he feels they


pose a potential problem for the local property market in the future. “We use external construction companies but we manage all our projects and have a good local partner,” said Khun Sompop. “When I look at the market I see a lot of supply and sales are getting tougher but I believe that good projects in good locations will always sell.” Showroom well advanced The new Aeras project will be built between sois 17 and 18 on Jomtien Beach. At the time I spoke with Khum Sompop work on the onsite showroom was well advanced and should be complete around the time this magazine comes out. The showroom will have studio, one-bed and a two-bed units on display. Khun Sompop feels that reaction to the showroom will be a key indicator to Aeras’s success.

3

“We have done very well in presales, which have been mainly to people on our own database,” he said. “But there are many more potential buyers who are keen to see what we have planned. When they come to see the showroom I’m sure they will be impressed with our use of good quality materials and our competitive, but realistic, pricing.” Apartment sizes at Aeras range from a 26sqm studio right through to a 200 sqm penthouse. “This is a big project which needs sound financial backing,” said Khun Sompop. “Our bankers for Aeras are Kiatnakin (KK) Bank which specialises in real estate. Aeras is not the sort of project that can rely on a steady flow of customer money to finance the building work.” | l For more information on Aeras or other projects ring 082 441 3553.

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2






wining • dining

the chow hound ... Ruffino at Centara Grand Pratumnak

Cosy chic on top of the hill

T

Green marble floors, a wine cellar built into the walls and three spherical aquariums

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full of dancing jellyfish

he Hound’s not a big fan of hotel cuisine. Dumbed-down food in a contrived atmosphere just doesn’t get him to hunt. This month The Hound stumbled upon Ruffino, a newcomer to Pattaya’s upscale dining scene located on the 9th floor penthouse of the new Centara Grand Hotel at Pratumnak Soi 5. The new hotel is small, so a massive dining complex was unnecessary. Instead The Hound was pleased to discover an intimate rooftop oasis that manages to create an elegant-yetbeachy, “Miami lounge” vibe. Green marble floors, a wine cellar built into the walls and three spherical aquariums full of dancing jellyfish gave The Hound a feeling he was dining in the Captain’s quarters of the world’s finest cruise ship. Finest hostess The Hound was pleasantly surprised to be greeted by Pattaya’s finest hostess Amy, formerly of Mantra and possibly the nicest person on the planet. Amy showed The Hound around and parked him outside for a pre-dinner cocktail in a comfy lounge chair between the shimmering rooftop bar and negative edge pool. Ethereal blue light emanated from basketball size globes that seemed to be floating around the rooftop. The Hound delighted in the perfect sea view offered by the 9th floor. Once inside and strategically located with a view of the open kitchen, The Hound perused the mildly Italian accented eclectic menu. As he observed a real pizza oven in the kitchen, The Hound was tempted to try one, but opted instead for higher-brow cuisine. The Hound’s Casanova Camerere came chilled just slightly, served with a chunk of homemade focaccia and a whole garlic bulb

roasted. On this night, The Hound ordered an unprecedented three courses. The appetizer of prosciutto with melon was a surprise both in presentation and flavour. The Ruffino version of The Hound’s favourite starter uses a green Japanese melon and chips of chopped figs. The most irresistibly described item on the menu is the saffron fettuccini with pork cheek so The Hound had to have it. This dish is “tail-wagging good” and the best pasta creation he’s had in recent memory. When the Canadian filet of beef came seared to medium rare perfection and sprinkled with pine nuts, The Hound was in Hound Heaven. When you hear The Hound utter the words, “too full for dessert” you know it was good. Basking in the afterglow of culinary conquest, The Hound took time to observe the captain of this magic food ship, the chef. He’s a young Thai guy of imposing size and personality. His command of the food, equipment and the staff at Ruffino impressed The Hound immensely. As he pulled away from Centara Grand with Amy waiving in the rearview mirror, The Hound heard himself whisper: “I’ve got to stay at this hotel some time.” |



property • show

Pattaya’s biggest property show opens next month

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I

f you are looking to buy, sell or rent a property, then make a note in your diary to visit the 1st Pattaya Property Show, and check out the thousands of properties on offer all under one roof. This new four-day free exhibition, will take place at the prestigious Hilton Pattaya on January 9th-12th, and has already attracted more than 40 leading developers and realtors. Included in the list of those exhibiting are Universal Group (platinum sponsors), Blue Sky Group, A+ Properties (both gold sponsors), Kingdom Property, The Urban, Siam Royal View, Orion, Raimon Land, Grand Caribbean, Elegance, Ocean Residential Property, Sands, The Ville, Riviera, Siam Realty Group, Seven Seas, Savana Sands, Beach Properties, New Nordic, Compass Real Estate and the Real Estate Broker Association – Eastern Seaboard (REBA-ES). The Mayor of Pattaya City, Itthiphol Kunplome, recently met the organisers and is delighted that Pattaya will be hosting the event. He said: “The real estate industry plays a big part in the future plans for the city of Pattaya, as investors in the local economy and also as major employers. We are therefore pleased to support this new exhibition which will encourage more buyers and investors to the region.

“It will show what the developers and realtors have to offer and will allow the attendees from Thailand and abroad a great opportunity of selecting from a large number of real estate choices conveniently all under one roof at the Hilton Pattaya.” Pattaya is currently one of the property hotspots in South East Asia and where some markets are overstocked or are cooling down, more and more new developments are being launched here. Competitive property prices, together with an year-round good climate, five star hotels, great restaurants, championship golf courses and, of course, a fantastic nightlife, all go to attract millions of tourists every year to take their vacations here in the city.

The real

Strong rental market It is with this background that there is a strong rental market for short stays along with a huge expat population keen to rent for a year at a time. Prices are considerably lower than all other Thai beach resorts, and are up to four times lower than major cities such as Singapore and Hong Kong. Another reason for this mini building boom is the recent announcement by the government to upgrade the road links and to build a high speed rail link between Bangkok

also as major

estate industry plays a big parts in the future plans for the city of Pattaya, as investors in the local economy and

employers.

and the city. Also many Thais fearing the flooding in Bangkok and the north are buying here as a second home. The show is taking place at the Hilton Pattaya on the 17th floor in their Seaboard Ballroom. The Hilton sits on top of the Central Festival Shopping Centre on the Beach Road. Just take any of the centre’s lifts to the 7th floor marked Hilton and then follow the signs to the 17th floor of the hotel. Alternatively, enter through the Hilton Pattaya’s Welcome lobby on the street level and take the hotel elevator direct to the 17th floor. Entry to the show is completely free and general information is available in English, Thai and Russian at www.pattayapropertyshow.com The opening hours of the exhibition will be 18.30 until 22.00 on the opening evening of Thursday January 9, and 11.00 to 20.00 on the remaining three days (Friday through Sunday). Apart from meeting a large number of leading developers and real estate agents with thousands of property on display, visitors will also be able to pick up a number of property magazines (including REm) and newspapers in the show’s Property Library. Can you really afford not to miss Pattaya’s No 1 Property event? |


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39 REM 12/2013

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advertorial • porchland

Do you have a yen for Zen?

Z

40 REM 12/2013

en City condominium by Porchland is now ready to take bookings for its units. Zen City is a combination of residential and commercial units in a good location near the Sukhumvit. In the future it is predicted the road will comprise which eight lanes plus there will be a Big C supermarket nearby which has heightened the interest in Zen commercial units to the extent that they now have only eight commerical units left. The residential part of Zen City will be built in an oriental, modern tropical style with Japanese decoration. It will be unique in a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by mountains and trees and residents will be able to feel the touch of the nature in a Japanese flower garden. A spokesman for Porchland said: “Your life will be easier with this gorgeous zen-style condo with nature all around. This will be a truly worthy investment and a great place to live.” l Want to know more? Call 080 470 9995-7 or 090 417 9636; zencitycondo@gmail.com; www.zencitycondo.com





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news • commentary

‘Too many tourists’ is good news for investors in Thailand

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44 REM 12/2013

hailand’s Permanent Tourism and Sports Secretary, Suwat Sidthilaw, recently announced that tourism to Thailand is increasing at such a rapid pace that he fears the country will struggle to cope with the numbers of additional visitors visiting the Kingdom in their droves. Suwat Sidthilaw said an arrival growth of three per cent would be more sustainable in the long term than the current 20 per cent. “Ideally we don’t want more than 20 to 25 million tourists (annually),” he said. “We only have limited resources and we are already facing capacity problems.” Suwat said Thailand started experiencing problems when visitor numbers exceeded 20 million last year. The country received 21.7 million tourists from January according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and is targeting 28 million international tourists next year – up from 22.3 million in 2012. “We don’t have enough buses, guides or hotels. Hotels are not happy with the situation. Tour operators are (the only people) really benefitting,” said Suwat. But Mr Sidthilaw is wrong. Hotels struggling Leading hospitality industry analysts, STR Global, agree with him, however: “Thailand’s hotel market is struggling to keep up with demand for low- to mid-scale accommodation, as more than 70 per cent of properties coming up in the next few years are in the

up-scale segment,” stated Jesper Blomqvist, Asia-Pacific area director for the company. “There are not enough mid-scale hotels coming in to meet demand,” Jesper continued.“Where are the mass tourists going to stay?” We can answer Mr Blomqvist’s question.

Even with 30

Canny investors Many of them are going to stay in apartments owned by canny real estate investors who are already profiting handsomely from demand for accommodation in Thailand increasing substantially faster than supply. Canny investors such as Igor Novak. We spoke to Mr Novak at his favourite bar which overlooks the blue waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Igor Novak – a man in his early40s who resembles a cross between a bear and a favourite uncle – sold his business in his native Slovakia in 2008 and saw the opportunities that existed from investing in real estate in Pattaya, a city that he had been visiting as a tourist for many years and which he saw as the ideal place to enjoy his early retirement. “I invested the proceeds from selling my business into buying 30 off-plan apartments in Pattaya in 2009,” Igor explains.“I picked modestsized apartments from respected developers located in the city centre. I spent around Bt60m (US$2m) on them. Today they are worth around Bt90m (US$3m).” “But I am not interested in selling them. Instead I rent them. Even with

empty for

apartments, it is very rare that any of them are

more than a few weeks each year. I rent them long-term and receive around Bt22,000 per month in income from each of them on average.

30 apartments, it is very rare that any of them are empty for more than a few weeks each year. I rent them long-term and receive around Bt22,000 per month in income from each of them on average.” As Igor beams with satisfaction, we reach for a calculator. Bt22,000 times 30 equals a monthly income of Bt660,000 (US$22,000) – that kind of income affords a pretty good standard of living in a city where you can still eat out for US$5. Bt660,000 a month equals Bt7.92m (US$250,000) per year in income – giving Igor a 12.5 per cent gross return on his original investment, or 8.3 per cent at today’s prices. We could see why Igor was smiling. No sleeping on beach So, we would urge Mr Sidthilaw and Mr Blomqvist not to fret too much about where to accommodate the constantly increasing numbers of tourists wishing to visit Thailand each year. As long as there are investors like Igor who are buying to let, tourists are not going to need to sleep on the beach any time soon. And Igor is unlikely to stop smiling either. l At the same time as this article reached us we also received an email newsletter from a prominent, centrally-based broker saying their stock of to-let properties was almost exhausted and it was requesting more such properties. Anecdotal evidence suggest this is not unusual at this time of year. |



health • dr iain corness

Dr Iain Corness (left) is a medical doctor who has worked in the UK, Europe and Australia, before coming to Thailand in 1997 to become a consultant at the Bangkok Hospital Pattaya (email: inquiry@bph.co.th). He has been writing for newspapers and magazines since 1967 and is currently a special correspondent for the Pattaya Mail, technical editor for Asean Autobiz, and contributor to many coffee table magazines in Thailand.

Why babies cry when they poo!

P

lease note the use of the technical word “poo”, which I felt necessary, in this technical medical page. Now, have you noticed that babies, after filling the nappy with malodorous slush, will let you know by crying. Mind you, it was already obvious, even to Stevie Wonder, by the smell. Fortunately, we all grow out of that phase of our lives, but you can be caught out occasionally. Like I was last month.

46 REM 12/2013

Magic medications I had got that urgency to go to the toilet which cannot be denied about 3am. After visiting the loo three times in the first hour, being the well prepared doctor that I am, I went to the medicine chest to grab some Imodium or Lomotil, those magic medications that are the next best thing to a cork. Needless to say there were none as I had not replaced the last lot! Consequently, that same urgency

That scenario is typical of a food poisoning case. The body knows it has a problem and does its level best to expel the problem. Noisily!

lasted all night, with regular half hourly en-suite journeys. However, by 6am I felt I had “it” under control and drove the kids to school, as I normally do in the mornings, but there was nothing “normal” when we stopped at a shop to pick up the morning croissants. “It” came back with a vengeance, there was just no stopping and I soiled my pants for the first time in 72 years. ‘Soiled’ is a euphemism – there was sh*t everywhere, running down my legs into my shoes and onto the carpet. The driver’s seat was swimming in it, my underpants were worse than any baby’s nappy. It hardly bears thinking about. The children showed no sympathy whatsoever, proclaiming in loud voices: “What’s that smell?” That scenario is typical of a food poisoning case. The body knows it has a problem and does its level best to expel the problem. Noisily! (And with malodour!) There are those that say you

benefit from a good “cleanout” but I am not so sure. While I am certainly now sparkling clean from the back of my tonsils to my backside it has left me feeling weak and exhausted and decidedly not thinking that this episode has been beneficial. As for those who front up regularly for a colonic washout – gentlemen, include me out, as Sam Goldwyn once said. Diarrhea disease? So what is this diarrhea disease? Well, the first thing is that it is not a disease – it is a symptom. Diarrhea, that certain looseness of the bowels can be caused by a virus, a bacterium, stress, antibiotics and a host of other conditions, including cancer. However, the vast majority of cases of acute diarrhea are a simple infection and self limiting – in other words, you will get over it (just as I did). But if it lasts for more than a few hours, see your doctor! |



motoring • dr iain corness

It ain’t all champagne and dolly birds

I

48 REM 12/2013

went to see the movie Rush the other week, the cinematic representation of the tussle between the British playboy James Hunt and the Austrian technocrat Nikki Lauda. It was just fantastic, and it’s not even a truly motor racing film, but rather the comparison between two very different characters, but both in the running for the Formula 1 World Championship. If you see the DVD, get it. A superb two-and-a-half-hour movie. However, that glamorous James Hunt lifestyle doesn’t stretch all the way down through the various levels of motor sport. And certainly not down to the local Retro class where I race these days! Qualifying For example, at the last meeting, we went out for Qualifying and things went terrifyingly wrong. At the end of the straight where we are doing Mach 2 (or it feels like it) I put my foot on the brake pedal and it sank to the

floor. My heart sank with it. Frantic pumping of the middle pedal gave me some braking and we slithered around the corner with two wheels in the dirt and my sphincter puckered. Returning to the pit, a quick look showed that the left front brake caliper was leaking from the bleed nipple, and it would require an engineering shop to fix it. With the caliper on its way to the shop and the car on stands it was obvious even to Blind Freddie that we would not make the final Qualifying session, and rear of grid starts would be our fate the next day. Eventually the caliper returned and the crew set to. However, on further checking we found that one brake pad at the rear had broken and scored the disc. The fix was to grind the disc and get new pads. Crew chief Simon scoured Pattaya, Na-Jomtien and Naklua to eventually get some pads that would fit and knocked up another

Frantic pumping of the middle pedal gave me some braking and we slithered around the corner with two wheels in the dirt.

engineering shop who took pity on us and ground the discs. So on the Sunday morning the rear brakes were assembled, knuckles barked, fingernails broken and the brakes bled. We trundled out for the first race and had a brilliant start, up to 5th by two laps, when the engine started misfiring and I returned to the pit. This time it was a hose that had come loose and was easily fixed. Unforgiving walls So we went out for the next race, again up to 5th, only to be hit by another competitor, sending me off the track and dangerously close to the unforgiving walls. By good luck we missed them, but my race was over. I returned to our pit. My hamburger was cold and there was no beer. The BBX/Acorn Retro Escort will be running at the next race, but certainly no champagne, à la the late James Hunt! |










events • promotions

Sedate Bangsaen gets set for life in the fast lane

events & promotions are produced in association with

not been published as REm went to press, free practice normally gets under way between 8.30am and 9am daily, followed by up to a dozen races during the course of each day. Thai Supercup The event will host the final round of the Thai Supercup for supercars. Last year’s races included HK Mini, Japan Retro and Euro Classic, Super 1500, Super 2000, Super Car Thailand, Super Pickup and Super Pickup Junior, Super Production, Toyota Vios Ladies Cup, Toyota Vios One Make Race, Toyota Yaris, Toyota Lady and a four-hour Bangsaen Toyota Endurance Race. With traffic congestion inevitable, visitors are advised to arrive early. Bangsaen Municipality has issued a map showing recommended routes into and around the town together with free parking zones and car parks charging a fee. For the latest information visit www.bangsaengrandprix.net. Leading professional jet ski racers from around 30 countries will

 International jet ski racing comes to Jomtien in December.  South African Charl Swartzel with the Thailand Golf Championship trophy he won last year.

57 REM 12/2013

H

undreds of road racers and thousands of spectators will head to nearby Bangsaen in December for Thailand’s premier racing event, the Bangsaen Festival of Speed. The seventh edition of the five-day festival begins on December 18 and will feature classic cars, superbikes, rally-style competitions, supercars, trucks and drifting among scores of events that will take place daily between 8.30am and 5.30pm. They will compete over a 3.7 kilometre street circuit in the northern part of Bangsaen. One lap will take competitors through the town centre close to hotels, guest houses, shops and restaurants. Wending its way back to the seafront, the track then takes racers past two beaches (neither Singapore’s nor Monaco’s street circuits pass one beach, let alone two), a cape and up the landmark Khao Sam Muk hill. Bangsaen will be partly closed to accommodate the circuit. Public roads will be fenced off with armco and steel wire mesh barriers on both sides to protect spectators and vehicles. With around 300 international competitors expected to take part in front of 100,000 onlookers, the local economy is expected to benefit to the tune of around Bt300m, despite the fact that admission for spectators is free. Although the race schedule had

 Cars, trucks and bikes of all descriptions will take part in five days of racing over the 3.7 kilometre road circuit which runs alongside the beach and past the cape at Bangsaen.


events • promotions

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descend on Jomtien next month for the 2013 Jet Ski World Cup Grand Prix in which a million baht in prize money will be up for grabs. Up to 18 of the world’s highest performance boats, each capable of 0-100 kph in 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 158kph, will compete in each race over a specially constructed course off Jomtien Beach in an event that takes place between December 4-8. The World Cup Grand Prix system is for the top five professional categories with nations allowed to enter no more than four racers in each. The first competition took place in 1996, drawing racers from Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, and expanded to cover the Asia Pacific region in 1997-1998. It became open for racers from all over the world in 1999. A total of 68 separate races are scheduled for novices, amateurs, experts, masters and professionals. Competitive racing gets under way at 10am on December 6; and 8am on December 7 and 8. Organised jointly by the International Jet Sports Boating Association and the Thailand Jet Sports Boating Association, the event is usually covered live on TV. The full schedule is available on www.jetski-worldcup.com. Top golfers here Many of the world’s leading golfers are in Chonburi for the third staging of the Bt1m Thailand Golf Championship at Amata Spring Country Club between December 12-15. The tournament has grown rapidly since its inaugural event in 2011,

attracting many of golf’s leading names such as Lee Westwood, Bubba Watson, Hunter Mahan, Charl Schwartzel, Darren Clarke, John Daly, Ryo Ishikawa, Sergio Garcia, Thongchai Jaidee and Nicolas Colsaerts. Among challengers for the title this year are returning champion Schwartzel, US Open champion Justin Rose, Bubba Watson, winner of the 2013 Masters, as well as Spain’s Sergio Garcia, American duo Hunter Mahan and Rickie Fowler, and Sweden’s Henrik Stenson, who this year became the first player to win both the US PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup Series and the European Tour’s Race to Dubai in the same season. Admission prices are Bt300 per day for the first two rounds, Bt400 for the third round and Bt500 for the final round. A four-day pass costs Bt800 and tickets are available from www. thaiticketmajor.com and usual outlets. For more information visit www. thailandgolfchampionship.com or facebook www.facebook.com/ ThailandGolfChampionship. Three times ROC ‘Champion of Champions’ Mattias Ekström of Sweden returns to the Race Of Champions at Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium on December 14-15 where he will take on Michael Schumacher, Le Mans legend Tom Kristensen, four-time V8 Supercar champion Jamie Whincup and new World Rally Champion Sébastien Ogier among others in this year’s event. Held every year since 1988, the Race Of Champions brings together the world’s greatest drivers from motor sport’s main disciplines – including Formula 1, World Rally,


events • promotions

Le Mans, MotoGP, Nascar, IndyCar, Touring Cars and the X-Games – and sets them free to battle head-to-head in identical machinery. Tickets are available from www. raceofchampions.com. 'Pink Polo" The traditional curtain raiser for the polo season, the Queen’s Cup ‘Pink Polo’ ladies handicap tournament, takes place at the Thai Polo Club, Horseshoe Point, between December 4-8. The event, designed to raise funds for the Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer at Chulalongkorn Hospital and the Thai Red Cross Society, features an all-women cast, with the players turning up for the matches dressed in pink, while and the venue itself will be adorned in matching decor. Other polo events scheduled for December include the Copa Republica Argentina Cup on December 13-15 and again on December 20-22 and the Thailand Equestrian Federation Cup between December 28 and January 4. With Christmas approaching, the Pattaya Sports Club is gearing up for its annual Christmas party at the Town-in-Town Hotel on December 11 from 6.30pm to midnight. Tickets are available from the PSC office and cost Bt500 for PSC

 The Queen’s Cup ‘Pink Polo’ tournament kicks off the polo season.  Michael Schumacher hitches a lift from Mattias Ekström.  Engelbert Humperdinck will give a concert in Bangkok.  Brazil’s Ivan Lins and Lisa, Ono, at the Jazz Festival.

member, Bt800 for non-members. The admission price includes a free bar and international buffet, including Thai and vegetarian selection. The party will get under way with Christmas carols sung by children from the local orphanage followed by music from the Town-in-Town band and two sets by musician and songwriter Barry Upton, former member of Brotherhood of Man and creator of the band Steps. Raffle prizes worth more than Bt50,000 will be on offer. The ninth Pattaya International Beach Football Cup competition will take place from December 15-22 on a specially-built Jomtien Beach Football Stadium. Around a dozen five-a-side teams, each made up of expats from their respective nations, are expected to take part. Last year saw a new entry from the Ivory Coast which made it all the way to the final before being beaten in a penalty shoot-out with Norway after a 2-2 draw. Bira Motor Racing Circuit’s December schedule includes three days of the popular, low-cost 3K Nitto saloon car races between the 6th and the 8th while the adjoining kart track will host Supermoto on the 9th and 10th and Storm bikes on the 16th and 17th. Offshore, keel boats will compete for the Ocean Marina Regatta 12 on the weekend of December 14-15 while the Royal Varuna Yacht Club’s Winter Series for catamarans and dinghies will take place each weekend throughout the month. Highlights of the month’s musical offerings are the return of veteran

crooner Engelbert Humperdinck to Bangkok on December 2 and the Pattaya Open Stage Jazz Festival at Silverlake Vineyard on December 14. Humperdinck, who represented the UK at the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest, will be in concert at the Bangkok Convention Centre, Central Plaza Ladprao, on December 2 starting at 8pm. In a career spanning six decades, he has sold more than 150 million records and is most remembered for his 1967 hits Release Me, There Goes My Everything and The Last Waltz. Tickets for his Bangkok concert cost between Bt2,500 and Bt4,500 and are available from www. thaiticketmajor.com or from the call centre on 02-262-3456. Jazz Festival The Pattaya Open Stage Jazz Festival will have a distinctly Brazilian feel to it, featuring Ivan Lins, ‘father’ of the Bossa Nova and one of the country’s most recorded and best known composers, and Sao Paulo-born Lisa Ono, a guitarist who made her debut as a professional Bossa Nova singer in 1989. Others appearing on the bill are Canadian trumpeter Ingrid Jensen; Junko Moriya, who leads one of the most powerful and original big bands and small ensembles in Japan; and Mellow Motif, Thailand’s rising-star vocal Brazilian jazz group. The Pattaya Open Stage Jazz Festival starts at 4pm and ends at midnight. Tickets cost Bt1,800 from www.thaiticketmajor.com. Robert Collins

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events & promotions are produced in association with


regular columnist • bart walters

American journalist and property investor Bart Walters has been living in Thailand for more than 13 years, first in Bangkok, then in Phuket and Pattaya and recently he moved back to Bangkok. Bart publishes his inside views on Thailand property market in various print and online publications including International Living and Escape America. He can be contacted at bkkbart@gmail.com

Pattaya trending Moving in familiar directions

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s the year 2013 comes to a close, most people’s thoughts are a mixture of how this year played out and what 2014 holds in store. Those of us who have lived, worked and played around these parts for any length of time tend to sit up and pontificate about what we think is going to happen or not happen. None of us has a crystal ball. Many of us will be dead wrong. This month I’ll review what I consider to be the most important trends that will shape Pattaya’s property market future; for better or worse.

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The ‘B’ Word Let’s go right ahead and attack the big white elephant in the room … the ‘B’ word. Recently a wellknown economic analyst named Jesse Columbo wrote an article for

Forbes magazine titled “Thailand’s Bubble Economy is Heading for a 1997-style Crash”. It is a catchy and inflammatory headline sure to be the only part of the article many people read. Newsletters social media and on-line forums have all broadcast snippets and selected bites from this provocative essay to instill fear and create clicks and “likes” on their Facebook pages. The mere uttering of the word “bubble” scares the crap out of everyone. I’ve read this piece from stem to stern a couple of times, and for those of you who are not economics geeks, it is about as exciting as watching paint dry. Still, this analyst has some pretty valid points. Whether or not you think the sky is falling may be irrelevant. However, your ability to react to what may, or may not, happen is. First of all, it should be said that Jesse Columbo only reports gloom

Whether or not you think the sky is falling may be irrelevant. However, your ability to react to what may, or may not, happen is.

and doom. He freely admits this is his specialty. Stock exchanges, commodities markets and any other endeavors that contain a modicum of speculation will always have doom-shouting profits predicting financial Armageddon around every turn. Sooner or later it happens and they spend the rest of their time telling everyone how right they were. The cyclical nature of economies ensures that time is on their side. Jesse Columbo has been predicting another Asian crisis ever since the last one. Do with that information what you will. Valid arguments But, just because Mr Columbo is a perennial Chicken Little, doesn’t mean he doesn’t have some pretty valid arguments. The part to pay attention to has to do with Thai debt. For the past few years Thais have been stacking up debt like there is no tomorrow; partially because Thais tend to believe there is no tomorrow. Household debt in Thailand increased by 13.6 per cent per year since 2008. Total lending to Thai households increased 17 per cent annually since 2010. Household credit from credit cards, leasing and personal loan companies rose 27 per cent annually. Thailand has one of the highest debt to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratios in Asia. Not only are Thai households burying themselves in Westernstyle debt, the Yingluck government proposes to accrue unprecedented



regular columnist • bart walters

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public debt to keep itself in office with populist policies. The controversial Bt2.2 trillion transportation infrastructure plan is a colossal gamble for any developing country. Suddenly Thailand has tried to switch from being an export driven economy to a consumerist nation. Emulating the US, they are attempting to borrow and spend their way to prosperity. Unfortunately, neither Thai families nor governors are experienced and disciplined borrower/spenders. The 100,000 plus defaults on the “first car” scheme is illustration of that. Credit policy This is important for property pundits as this kind of looseygoosey credit policy can breed rampant speculation in real estate markets. That’s what happened in 1997. Prices and values puffed up like big toads and when the currency that supported all this flatulence collapsed … well Thai banks ended up owning a whole lot of overvalued property. That is why the ‘B’ word makes us quake in our collective boots. Mr Columbo’s article would have most casual observers concluding that the conditions are identical to those that led up to the 1997 crash, but that does not appear to be an entirely accurate assessment. The measuring stick most experts point to for Pattaya and Bangkok is the burgeoning condo market. According to a Raimon Land study, the number of

Whether or not a bursting bubble is in our future is irrelevant. Savvy investors should be prepared to take advantage of whatever comes.

condos actually transferred in the first quarter of 2013 was higher than those registered. This would indicate real demand rather than speculative. Speculators don’t actually want to own condos, they want to “flip” them. And, while credit markets may be splashy for consumers, access to capital for smaller, lesser known developers is tighter than it’s ever been. The prospect of second rate developers going belly up is significantly less. What’s more, retail bank reserve requirements are higher than in 1997. The current lending rate is around seven per cent vs 13 per cent in 1997 meaning debt holders are less exposed to the devastating impact of an economic downturn. Most reputable developers are raising minimum down payments to discourage runaway speculation and artificially inflated prices. Bubble deniers maintain that higher building costs are the source of higher property prices and not speculation. In 2012, less than one per cent of housing loan holders had more than one mortgage, yet another indication of “real” demand, not property gambling. So, there are valid arguments on both sides. Doomsayers say we’re heading for a crash. Big developers explain it away with statistics. Whether or not a bursting bubble is in our future is irrelevant. Savvy investors should be prepared to take advantage of whatever comes. American mega-tycoon John D Rockefeller is famous for saying:

“The way to make money is to buy when there is blood in the streets”. If you end up buying Jesse Columbo’s argument that we are heading for a big fall, then get your non-Baht currency ready and go into “vulture mode” for there will certainly be some deals to be had. If you conclude, as I do, that the market is dynamic and progressive, you should proceed with appropriate caution. One thing is for sure; the ‘B’ word sells magazines and gets clicks. Chicken Little is going to be staying with us for a while. Get used to hearing about it. Big Boys in Town Another development of recent times is the entry of big Thai developers entering the Pattaya marketplace. Traditionally, the Chonburi Coast’s property market has been the workshop of foreign owned and run developers. For whatever reason, big listed Thai firms had shied away from the Pattaya market with only a handful of projects. Raimon Land dipped their toes in the water a couple years ago with Northpoint and Northshore and met with measured success. Just last month they celebrated the “topping off” of a much more ambitious project called Zire Wongamat. If Northpoint set the standard, Zire is raising the bar with a twin tower ultra-luxury complex sticking out into Pattaya Bay. According to Raimon Land’s VP of Business Development, the units are already 75 per cent sold. This Bangkok heavyweight



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regular columnist • bart walters

didn’t stop there; they progressed further south to prestigious Pratumnak Hill with Unixx, a one tower/two-wing high rise with 42 and 46 floors respectively. Unixx comprises more than 1,200 units covering seven rai of land right in the middle of the hill. Raimon Land departs a little from their normal business model here and offers smaller affordable units starting around Bt60,000 per sqm. Another Bangkok-based big hitter Sansiri Properties PLC has also shifted its attention to Pattaya with the launch of Baan Hadd Plai in Wongamat Beach. Baan Hadd Plai will be more than 350 units housed in a 31 storey high-rise and a secven-storey low-rise building. Sansiri is taking an interesting approach to its floor plan mix, offering some huge units by Pattaya standards. We don’t normally see three bedroom 144 sqm units in these parts. Sansiri makes no bones about the target market with its advertising tag-line, “it’s the weekend forever”. Bangkokians who desire escape from the frenetic pace of the capitol are clearly in their crosshairs. Reflection’s twin towers in South Jomtien Beach from Major Development is now finished and ready to move it. Q-House entered the market last year with The Trust. More projects from more big Bangkok developers are on the books and on the way. This trend is significant as it flies in the face of the doomsayers

As soon as I get a glimpse of the Pattaya skyline, my heart rate drops, my teeth unclench and my breathing becomes deep and relaxed.

that I mentioned earlier in this article. None of these big developers wants to wake up in the morning with a mob of angry shareholders carrying torches in their lobby. The market research has been done; confidence is evident. What’s more, these aren’t fly-by-night outfits with shallow pockets. These are wellfinanced and experienced property developers sinking their teeth into a big tasty piece of the Pattaya property pie. Bangkok Beach The big boys coming to town leads me to another continuing trend here in fun city, the weekenders. Anyone who lives from Pattaya to Bang Saray knows what I’m talking about. The traffic starts to swell on Friday afternoon, jamming all major thoroughfares for a 48-hour period, only to subside late Sunday afternoon. The weekly Bangkokian invasion has become old hat to most of us. This phenomenon started shortly after the floods a couple of years ago. Bangkok residents fled south to escape the rising flood waters and discovered that little sister had grown up. I wouldn’t go as far as to say Pattaya has shed its “brothel-bythe-sea” reputation entirely, but it is certainly a more palatable option than in the past; especially with younger Thai professionals. If you want to see evidence of this, go to The Glass House restaurant early on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. What you’ll see is table after table chockful of 30-something BMW-

driving Bangkokians enjoying seafood and sunshine. I predict this trend will continue for three reasons. First of all, Bangkok is getting unbearable. Don’t get me wrong … it’s still my favourite city on this planet, but living there can be stifling. For the past few months I have lived in Bangkok and I can say without reservation, it isn’t like it used to be. I would estimate the population density of Bangkok has tripled. The Skytrain and the Subway are packed and running at capacity much of the day and night. Restaurants and pubs are bristling with activity and bursting at the seams. Even the sidewalks are New York City-style crowded. There are days when Bangkok turns into a big stinky bowl of people soup. That 90-minute drive to Pattaya goes by in the blink of an eye. As soon as I get a glimpse of the Pattaya skyline, my heart rate drops, my teeth unclench and my breathing becomes deep and relaxed. This trend has not gone unnoticed by Bangkok media and publishers. In an attempt to attract Pattaya advertising, Bangkok’s Big Chili magazine has added a section in their latest issues to include Pattaya and Hua Hin. Even Bangkok Post touts all manner of promotions and giveaway contests using “three-day getaways” in Pattaya as enticement for participation. From Valentine’s Day retreats to company outings … Bangkok people are finding reasons to jump in the car and head for the Chonburi Coast. And now, property developers have caught on to this trend. Smallish



regular columnist • bart walters units with low entry-level pricing attract middle class Bangkokians with promises of a seaside sanctuary less than two hours away. The aforementioned Baan Haad Plai from Sansiri pounds this message home in their advertising and website. “The weekend lasts forever” … kudos to the ad-person who penned that tag-line.

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New Red Light District Not all trends make Pattaya an easier or better place to live. As mentioned before, the traffic can be brutal. It seems like the more roads we add, the more cars appear to fill them up. Beach Road was widened to accommodate more traffic and it appeared immediately. Three-lane Beach Road is just as packed as two-lane Beach Road; build it and they will come, I suppose. When Jomtien Second Road opened for business, locals thought it was a godsend. Almost overnight, condo projects sprouted on each side, traffic lights popped up and speeding motorbike riders were soon losing their lives on the brand new stretch of blacktop. For those of us who have lived here long enough to remember suffering through years of construction on Thappraya Road, we all thought things would be perfect once they got it done. Now a Saturday night drive to Jomtien can be downright treacherous. A friend who lives in a condo with a view of Thappraya Road calls it “The New Red Light District” because when he looks down from his balcony at night, all he can see is red tail-lights below. Everyone had become accustomed to heavy traffic on Sukhumvit Road between Pattaya Nua and Pattaya Tai, but things always seemed to clear after Thepprasit Road or Chaiyapruek, but not anymore. A drive south can have you sitting in traffic for hours waiting for tour buses to clear near the floating market or Mimosa. As soon as a new thoroughfare opens to connect Sukhumvit with the beach … wham! It’s an instant traffic jam! Going South One of the main reasons the traffic trend will continue is because of

Smallish units with low entrylevel pricing attract middle class Bangkokians with promises of a seaside sanctuary less than two hours away.

another trend … the southern migration. Over the past couple of years, I’ve written several articles chronicling the slow but sure progression of development in the extreme southern regions of the Chonburi Coast. (Go to our website at www.remthai.com and search for “Goin’ South I” and “Goin’ South II”) With less available in the northern beaches, this urban creep has accelerated. Once the southernmost end of Jomtien Beach Road opened up, I drove down to see where all the cement mixers were heading. What I witnessed is a completely new section of the city. Previously, La Royale’s 35-storey, 165 unit high rise stood all alone on the edge of town. Now it has plenty of company. Nova Group’s Nam Talay is proceeding at a breathtaking pace covering 6.2 rai of land. Not to be outdone, Tulip Group’s mega project, Centara Grand Residence is moving right along. This impressive project sprawls over 10 rai of land and features luxury, luxury, and more luxury. Drive down Sukhumvit Road to the south and you’ll see more telltale signs. For months I watched and wondered about the huge building being constructed just two minutes away from my southern perch in Ban Amphur. As it turns out, it is a huge Honda dealership. Surely it won’t be long before we see Starbucks and McDonalds. Further down the road you’ll find more action. The sleepy little fishing village of Ban Amphur is getting into the act by upgrading its already fine beaches with more coconut palm

shaded walkways. The village itself, also known as the Ban Amphur Seafood District, is widening and repaving the roads to accommodate more tourists and local residents. Drive some more and you’ll see a massive water park under construction by The Cartoon Network near Sunset Beach. The uber-luxurious and exclusive Pure project is frantically under construction just next door. All the way down to the big fishing village of Bang Saray, new projects, better infrastructure and more choices of places to shop and things to do arrives almost daily. I must admit, it brings a tear to my eye to see this area become developed, but I always knew the day would come. And I know the trend will continue because now more people know what I’ve known for six years; these are the best beaches on the Chonburi coast. 2014 Predictions So, that’s my prediction for 2014. Bar room banter and networking chatter will be all about “the bubble” that never comes. Bangkok big boys will continue their slow, but sure, invasion of Fun City. Bangkokians will find more reasons to make the 90 minute trek to breathe air that hasn’t been breathed already. Development will continue to creep ever southward and the traffic will continue to suck. Pattaya has been pretty good to me, and I’m quite satisfied to see that trend continue. | Bart Walters



construction • update

Piling on the effort on Pratumnak Here is the latest on four of Heights Holdings’ projects – all of them in the Pratumnak area. C-View Boutique (middle left) The exterior skeleton of C-View Boutique is now up to the rooftop, with structural work complete on the rooftop area, including the swimming pool and skeleton. Interior wall brick work is in place up to the 6th floor, while internal plastering works are up to the 5th. Installation of gypsum ceilings is underway on floors 2 and 3. Plastering is well underway on the building exterior, with electrical and plumbing systems in place up to the 4th floor. Laguna Bay 2 (bottom) Laguna Bay 2 piling works are complete, with all foundation work now done. Structural work on the building skeleton is up to the 3rd floor, with structural work having started on the 2nd floor pool area above the car park. Work has begun on the fitting of interior walls at ground floor level.

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The Peak Towers (above) Structural work on The Peak Towers - Tower A is now up to the 26th floor, with the Tower B skeleton now up to the 18th. Internal wall brick work for Tower A is up to the 13th floor, with plastering complete up to the 10th floor. Tower B interior walls are now set up to the 11th floor. Work is nearing completion on the new selection of on-site show suites situated on the 9th floor of Tower A. The Waterpark Condominium (middle right) Piling is finished at the Waterpark Condominium on Pratumnak Soi 5, with foundation work 18 per cent done.



special report • dave buckley

REBA-ES brokers top up

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n an unprecedented show of solidarity every member company of the Real Estate Broker Association – Eastern Seaboard (REBA-ES) attended a top level course in Bangkok recently in a bid to gain their CIPS (Certified International Property Specialist) accreditation. Some 17 delegates from REBAES’s 13 member companies took the course and all passed! The course, which had 58 participants overall, was sponsored and organised by the Real Estate Sales & Marketing Association of Thailand (RESAM) at the Atrium Hotel in Petchburi Road. In the world of property, acronyms exist at every twist and turn. I’ve just used three! It can all be a little bewildering. But the point of brokers taking these courses is not so much to be able to put lots of letters after their name – though they legitimately can. It is to reassure clients and potential clients that they know what they are talking about. CIPS represents another important step along that knowledge path. Every now and then the property

world debates whether the Thai government will ever step in and regulate the world of brokering. Without regulation it is possible for just about anyone to establish themselves as a broker as we have said many times in the past. REBA-ES members see this as a potential problem. Those without qualifications – perhaps not surprisingly – don’t! If regulation is ever introduced REBA-ES members feel they will be well placed to be among the first to be accredited. Also, as we have mentioned many times before, it should be made clear that REBA-ES members do not claim to be the only professional brokers trading in the city. Easy recognition However, they do feel that being able to display the association’s logo gives the public quick and easy recognition that they are dealing with people who have taken the time and the trouble to study the property field in depth. Take this recent CIPS course as an example. The course was

Above: Members from REBA-ES companies proudly display their CIPS certificates. Above, right: Delegates at one of the sessions conducted at the hotel. Above, far right: The course instructor was the NAR’s Mrs Aida Turbow, GRi CDEi CIPS, who has more than 25 years experience in Global Real Estate Marketing & Strategic Sales Management.

concentrated into a continuous fiveday format, daily from 8.30am to 5.30pm, and consisted of several class lectures and a timed exam at the end of each day. Not for the fainthearted or uncommitted. Established markets Gaining international standard real estate qualifications in Thailand is extremely difficult, because there is no centralised governing organisation or licensing here, which means that to gain such qualifications, an individual has to look to overseas organisations in established real estate markets such as the USA or Europe. And so it is that REBA-ES members look to groups such as NAR (the USA-based National Association of Realtors) for their accreditation. NAR is the largest trade organisation and one of the most powerful lobbying groups in North America. It has more than a million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries. It also functions as a self-regulatory organisation for


real estate brokerage. CIPS is one of NAR’s highest qualifications. The CIPS core courses provide knowledge, research and a 360° view in Global Real Estate for Local and International Markets. They are focused on critical aspects of global international real estate business covering markets and regions in the Asia/Pacific, US/Americas and Europe. CIPS is a members-only group specifically aimed at international practitioners of the NAR and comprises more than 2,000 real estate professionals specialising in all types of real estate. Core courses There are in total eight core courses for CIPS, of which delegates are required to complete five, and pass the course exam. REBA-ES board director, Mark Welch, said after the course: “REBAES and its members have taken a massive leap forward in our pursuit to achieve and offer a higher standard of ethical real estate business practice, knowledge, and services. “In addition to CIPS we also have

eight members who are qualified and certified by NAR affiliate, the Council of Residential Specialists (CRS). That’s a very impressive number of international standard qualified and accredited real estate professionals available to the consumer right here in Pattaya. “There are many, many real estate companies in the city some of which cause property buyers and sellers unnecessary stress and hassle, and sometimes loss of money, by giving incorrect or misleading advice and/ or by offering poor standards of customer service. “Buyers and sellers who are interested in the Pattaya property can be assured that REBA-ES members are knowledgeable, qualified and adhere to ethical, professional standards. By choosing to consult with one of our members, you will feel safeguarded and secure in the knowledge that you are in safe hands. “Look out for our members’ certification, designation and affiliate logos.” l REBA-ES members can be found on the website: www.rebaes.com

‘Buyers and sellers who are interested in Pattaya property can be assured that REBA-ES members are knowlegeable, qualified and adhere to ethical, professional standards.’

l Mark Welch (One Stop Real Estate Co Ltd). l Heiner Moessing and Vera Kikote (Siam Properties Co Ltd). l Wanitchaya Bolton and Amornrat Khongpennit (Alan Bolton Property Consultants). l Robert Watson (Five Star Villas & Condos Co Ltd). l Thanya Totharong (Arise Asia Co Ltd). l Craig Turner (Rightmove Pattaya Co Ltd). l June Bernard (Powerhouse Properties Co Ltd). l Gareth De Silva (Benchmark Asia Property Co Ltd). l Markus Probst and Laddawan Laolookin (ACI Enterprise Co Ltd). l Oleksandr Minak (Real Estate Club Thailand Co Ltd). l Paul Eddershaw (Town and Country Property Co Ltd). l Rainer Heinzmann and Winatcha Heinzmann (Global Solidor Enterprise Co Ltd). l Stuart Daly (Pattaya Realty Co Ltd, previously CIPS certified).

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their knowledge

REBA-ES CIPS course attendees/delegates and companies:


quiz • questions

Christmas Day celebs

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1. 1642: Born in Lincolnshire, this physicist and mathematician of considerable gravitas became one of the most influential scientists of all time. 2. 1771: An English author, poet and diarist who inspired her more famous elder brother to write poetically about daffodils. 3. 1870: The name of this Polishborn American businesswoman is one of the first that springs to mind when buying cosmetics. 4. 1876: A Karachi-born, Londontrained barrister who became the founder of Pakistan.

1878

1890

They arrived in the world on Christmas Day. But can you identify these famous people from the clues we have given? The answers are given on Page 74. 1918

1957

6. 1887: Intending to buy a bank in 1919, he bought his first hotel in Texas instead. Today his name is on hotels worldwide.

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8. 1899: The crash of 1929 turned this American actor from plays to movies with great success.

10. 1907: A jazz singer and bandleader who continued to perform until his death in 1994 and regularly appeared at Harlem’s Cotton Club. 11. 1908: Born Denis Charles Pratt, this eccentric English writer and raconteur flaunted his effeminate tendencies by parading the streets in make-up and painted nails. 12. 1918: This former army officer rose to become the third President of Egypt before his assassination by fundamentalist army officers in 1981.

5. 1878: The name of this Swissborn, American race car driver of French descent can be found on cars across the globe.

7. 1890: Believe it or not, this American cartoonist, entrepreneur and amateur anthropologist had a taste for the bizarre.

9. 1906: This Ukraine-born former dancer made the grade in the UK entertainments world as a talent agent, impresario and media proprietor.

1964

13. 1923: This entrepreneur’s mysterious death off the Canary Islands in 1991 triggered the collapse of his UK publishing empire as banks called in loans. At one time it was claimed that he was a spy for Mossad. 14. 1924: American screenwriter, playwright, TV producer and narrator who kept viewers enthralled with his sci-fi programme The Twilight Zone.

15. 1944: This comedian and radio DJ pushed the boundaries of UK TV comedy before dying of an AIDS-related illness in 1995. 16. 1944: A mesmeric winger who in 1970 became only the third footballer in history to score in every game of a World Cup tournament. One of them was the only goal in a group match that spelled defeat for then holders England. 17. 1954: The most recognised female artist at the Brit Awards, winning a total of eight, and the most successful female British artist in UK music history. 18. 1957: Known for his bad teeth as much as his singing ability, this punk rocker was born in Kent to Irish parents. 19. 1964: Signing for Liverpool as a 35-year-old, this Scottish footballer enjoyed a short but highly successful stint winning three trophies with the club. 20. 1984: He replaced Marcus Trescothick, who was also born on Christmas Day, in the England cricket team and is the youngest Englishman to reach 1,500, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000 and 5,000 Test runs.




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quiz • answers

1. Sir Isaac Newton invented infinitesimal calculus and a new theory of light and colour, and transformed the structure of physical science with his three laws of motion and the law of universal gravitation. 2. Dorothy Wordsworth’s Grasmere Journal eloquently described her day-to-day life in the Lake District and revealed how vital she was to the success of her illustrious elder brother, William. 3. Helena Rubinstein opened her first cosmetics store in New York City in 1915 and built an empire that made her one of the world’s richest women. 4. Muhammad Ali Jinnah was leader of the All-India Muslim League from 1913 until Pakistan’s independence on August 14, 1947, and was Pakistan’s first GovernorGeneral until his death in 1948. 5. Louis Chevrolet was a racing driver before co-founding the Chevrolet Car Company in 1911 and the Frontenac Motor Corporation in 1916.

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6. Conrad Hilton founded Hilton Hotels which, as of August 2012, consisted of 3,897 hotels with more than 642,000 rooms in 91 countries. 7. Robert LeRoy Ripley created the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! newspaper panel series, radio show, and television show which all feature odd facts.

 Humphrey Bogart, pictured as Charlie Allnut in The African Queen, a role which won him the Oscar for Best Actor in 1951. The American Film Institute named him the greatest ever male star.  In scoring 766 runs in seven innings to anchor England’s first series win in Australia for 24 years, England Test cricket captain Alastair Cook became, at 26, the second youngest batsman after the recently retired Sachin Tendulkar to score 5,000 Test runs.  Kenny Everett was a disc jockey and television comedian with an engaging line in coarsely satiric comic sketches in disconcertingly bad taste.

8. Humphrey Bogart was ranked as the greatest male star in the history of American cinema by the American Film Institute. 9. In 1954 Lew Grade (born Lev Winogradsky) successfully bid for franchises in the newly created ITV network which led to the creation of Associated Television (ATV). Among many other successes he was instrumental in getting The Muppet Show onto our TV screens. 10. Cab Calloway was a master of energetic scat singing and led one of the United States’ most popular big bands. 11. Quentin Crisp’s one-man stage show was a long-running hit in the UK and USA. He also appeared in films and on TV. 12. Anwar El Sadat was a senior member of the Free Officers who overthrew King Farouk in the Egyptian Revolution of 1952, and a close confidant of President Gamal Abdel Nasser, whom he succeeded as President in 1970. 13. Robert Maxwell was a Czechoslovakian-born British media proprietor and MP who rose from poverty to build an extensive publishing empire. 14. Rod Serling frequently clashed with television executives and sponsors over a wide range of issues including censorship, racism and war.

15. Kenny Everett performed coarsely satiric comic sketches in disconcertingly bad taste. He first came to public attention in the 1960s when his manic broadcasts for a pirate radio station won him a large following. 16. Jairzinho was a member of the legendary Brazilian national team that won the 1970 FIFA World Cup and was listed at number 27 in World Soccer Magazine’s list of the 100 greatest players of the 20th Century. 17. Annie Lennox achieved major international success with The Eurythmics in the 1980s before embarking on a solo career. She has been named The Greatest White Soul Singer Alive by VH1. 18. Shane MacGowan, best known as the singer and songwriter with The Pogues, has suffered physically from years of binge drinking. He co-wrote the Christmas hit Fairytale of New York. 19. Soccer star Gary McAllister played for Motherwell, Leicester, Leeds, Coventry and Liverpool in a successful career spanning more than 19 years and won 57 caps for Scotland. 20. Although only 28, England cricket captain Alastair Cook already holds the record for most Test centuries for England (23) and became the first captain to score a century in each of his first five Tests in charge.


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children • parents

Pudthachad Sucharitakul (Sheena) is a graduate in Archeology, Educational Management, Developmental Psychology, Early Childhood Education, and Business Administration. She is now a PhD student in Educational Management with EARS Institute of Technology and is presently working as a School Director at Ladybird Pattaya International Kindergarten. Sheena owns several schools both in Bangkok and Pattaya.

Words and relationships

C

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hildren have a different way of thinking and seeing things around them compared to adults. They do not rationalise words they hear in the same way adults do. Sometimes children misunderstand situations which can bring them to doubt the love of their parents. “You don’t love me!”… an odd phrase that young children may cry out when they come into conflict with their parents. Actually, children always have this silent question on their minds and it’s easy for parents to fail to notice. Why do they think of it that way, even though it is so obvious to a parent that you love them greatly? In your opinion, you give them everything you can; you take care of them, provide for them, and, especially, love them. Why would your child doubt that love? The answer is that in our everyday life, we send messages to our children with and without our own awareness. Children perceive unpleasant feelings you have towards them and they collect these into their system, bit by bit. When children do something, parents react. Amid what is acceptable, what is unpleasant, what is irritating, or what is encouraging to parents, it would have always been expressed through these languages, either body language, frowning face, or verbal language – speaking. Negative message To focus on the mistake the child made or the consequence of a bad thing that happened, parents send a negative message to children. And all of it will be collected in the child’s memory.

and showing how much they appreciate their children in the right way. This means listening to what the children have to say with enthusiasm and focussing on what they are trying to point out, and focussing on the positive behaviour of the children in order to guide them to the direction parents desire. For instance: A boy drops a glass of soda to the floor. If his father says: “I told you not to put the glass at the edge” or “Hmm! Clumsy!” it gives a negative result, as his son will continue to do what he did since his father didn’t give any option to change his behaviour.

As a CU-Boulder psychology Professor, Yuko Munakata of Brown University, said:: “What we’re saying to our children doesn’t go in one ear and out the other, it also doesn’t go in and then get put into action like it does with adults. But rather it goes in and gets stored away for later.” So what should parents do in order to put the right input into children’s mind? Parents should come back with picking the right words to say by looking for the outside cause of the situation and encouraging children to change the behaviour. According to the research done by Dr Roger Mcintire, he suggested that it will be more efficient and less stressful to both parents and children if parents become skilled at liking their children

This means listening to what children have to say with enthusiasm and focussing on what they are trying to point out.

An alternative On the contrary, to say: “I spotted that you didn’t see that glass at the edge, let’s tidy up,” or “next time we should move the glass a bit further, don’t you think?” gives positive result. The father now gives his son an alternative. There are many more ways to show your children how much you love them, sometimes parents just get caught in the old fashion ways of punishing; the way we witness what others do and we use it because it gives quick result. Instead of doing good for your children, it gives long term bad effect. An effect that not only damages your children’s emotional intelligence, but also damages your relationship with them. Ambiguous expectations, punishments, and negative thoughts are all causes of a fallshort relationship. To cherish, to encourage, and to support is a real friendship. And that’s what it needs to have a great relationship with our children. | Pudthachad Sucharitakul



weekend traveller • bart walters

Chiang Mai charm

A

sk 10 people who know about Thailand what they think of Chiang Mai as a destination and you are likely to hear words like “sleepy”, “laid back” and downright “boring”. To be sure, Chiang Mai doesn’t have the frenetic energy of Bangkok, glitz and glamour of Pattaya or tropical flavour of Phuket. What it does have is a true sense of native Thai charm that cannot be denied. In reality, there are a wide variety of things to do in and around Chiang Mai. Elephant trekking, river rafting, zoos, rainforests and too many glistening temples to count make Chiang Mai anything but boring.

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Ancient capital But as a Bangkok weekend traveller, I find the most rewarding facet of this ancient capital is the area inside the square moat known as “the old city”. When people ask me what to do in Chiang Mai, I always tell them to stay in one of the dozens of funky guesthouses in the old city. Staying at a five star hotel like The Chedi or Le Meridien is

Life inside the moat pretty much the same anywhere you go. But choosing a place with character and charm will make your stay unique and memorable. These little hotels are an attraction in themselves. In fact a walking tour of the main streets these quaint abodes are located is available. There are many to choose from, but here are some of my favourites:

Choosing a

Seven Suns Residence on Rachamanka Road (for more info visit www.oldcitychiangmai.net) This newly renovated four-storey guest house only has seven rooms, but they are spectacular. Each room is a 40+ sqm suite decorated with comfortable Northern Thai flair. Owned by an expat couple, Seven Suns is what Chiang Mai is all about. Dine al fresco in their indoor/outdoor garden restaurant and enjoy healthy options like the whole wheat waffle topped with tropical fruit and honey. Or sip on a glass of Shiraz or cold Beer Lao while listening to some tasty old blues at the bar. Lester and Sahn at Seven Suns always make me feel like family.

your stay

place with character and charm will make

unique and memorable.

Boutique House on Ratchapakinai Road (for more info visit www. chiangmaiboutiquehouse.com) Even though this place is tucked down a quiet street, it is hard to miss with its brilliant saffron color. There are three reasons to stay at Boutique House. Close to Pratu Chiang Mai Market, guests have access to an authentic Thai “wet market” as well as the Saturday Walking Street Market known for fine Chiang Mai silver. The rooms are the most well executed examples of modern Lanna style I’ve seen in Northern Thailand. And, this is probably one of the only small guest houses you’ll see with a swimming pool. Popular temple 3 Sis Bed and Breakfast on Phrapokklao Road (for more info visit www.3sisbedandbreakfast.com) It is ideally located directly across from Wat Chediluang, perhaps the most popular temple complex in Chiang Mai. This area is alive with action all day and half the night. 3 Sis’ expansive indoor/ outdoor coffee shop and restaurant


of backpacker roots and has a decidedly tree-hugger/hippie vibe. The good news is that many of the cafes and restaurants are health-centric and lean towards organic cuisine.

Come to

Organic food One of my favorite hole-in-the-wall venues is Juicy 4 U on the North end of Rachamanka near the moat. It’s a nano-size little organic food joint with the most extensive menu of fresh juices, smoothies and lassis imaginable. Pop in and try the veggieburger or homemade peanut butter toastie. My pick for breakfast is Good

the funky

Chiang Mai, give in to

vibe and get yourself lost in the Old City ... you don’t need a plan.

Morning Chiang Mai on Rachamanka Soi 6. GMCM as it is known by local hipsters, is set in an old Northern Thai style house surrounded by a lush garden. Everything about this place is cool including the live jazz most Saturdays. Go for the giant cappuccino and whole wheat pancakes; good fuel for temple trekking. Handmade jewelry shops, clothing stores, second hand book shops, mini-art galleries and music pubs make the old city a village within a city. Come to Chiang Mai, give in to the funky vibe and get yourself lost in the Old City … you don’t need a plan. |

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is always teaming with activity and the Pad Thai is to die for. 24 rooms all tastefully adorned in the Thai Lanna style set right in the middle of Old City action; it doesn’t get more Chiang Mai than 3 Sis. Perhaps the best thing about taking in the Old City is that you don’t need a plan; you just start walking around. Using the big square moat that surrounds the Old City as a reference, choose a thoroughfare to explore and keep your eyes open. You’ll see one little bistro and coffee shop after another. Chiang Mai’s tourism, and for the most part its expat community, grew out


news • tourism

A Thai Airways A340 is towed to its gate at London’s Heathrow Airport.

UK is now Thailand’s second biggest market from Europe

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T

he United Kingdom is now Thailand’s second largest market out of Europe according to figures released recently. In the first half of this year, Thailand welcomed more than 410,538 UK visitors, up 3.07 per cent compared to the same period in 2012. This year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is projecting 838,000 visitor arrivals and earnings of Bt57bn from the UK market. In January-March, UK visitors had an average length of stay of roughly 17 days per person per visit, well above the 10-day average of all visitors to Thailand. Their average daily expenditure was Bt3,800 Baht or about (£75) which generated a total of about Bt16bn Baht or about (£317m) in foreign exchange revenue. In recent years, British visitors have been coming to Thailand all year round rather than just in the winter months, as was the case in the past. This shows that TAT is making progress in its efforts to reduce the seasonality factor. Another interesting statistic from the UK market is that in 2012 a total of 65 per cent were repeat visitors, one of the highest of all nationalities. Most UK visitors remain in the 25-34 age bracket. By far the vast

majority state their purpose of visit as being holidays (90 per cent), meetings (0.98%), incentives (0.10%) and conventions (0.23%). On the aviation front, as of October 2013, there were 26 direct scheduled flights per week between Bangkok and London operated by four airlines – Thai Airways International, British Airways, Qantas and Eva Airways. Other airlines also bring visitors to Thailand through other parts of the UK and intermediary hubs like Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore, and so on. In addition, TUI Thomson plans to launch a weekly charter flight on the Birmingham to Phuket and Glasgow to Phuket routes between November and next March.

Another

Emerging resorts The TAT London Office is looking to put more promotional emphasis on emerging resorts such as Krabi, Khao Lak and Koh Chang together with a number of the smaller islands. On their product inspection tour at the beginning of 2013, TUI UK highlighted Khao Lak as the resort which had the best potential for growth with their charter programme. Northern Thailand also remains a key focus for the UK market with Chiang Mai and/or Chiang Rai appearing in every Partner on

one of the

interesting statistic from the UK market is that in 2012 a total of 65 per cent were repeat visitors,

highest of all nationalities.

Demand campaign run with UK and Ireland tour operators. The family market remains TAT London’s major focus as an emerging market segment. TUI UK’s new nonstop, direct charter service from London Gatwick to Phuket is seen as a key factor in growing this segment, in particular, the introduction of allinclusive packages by TUI’s First Choice brand into Thailand in both Khao Lak and Phuket. Other operators including Virgin Holidays and Turquoise Holidays have also run major family campaigns to Thailand for the first time in 2013. The main interest of this year’s Thai presence at London’s World Travel Market (WTM) was the honeymoon market, a key niche segment delivering higher yield customers supporting TAT London’s quality tourism approach. Interest is particularly strong in the Irish market. Two thirds of UK weddings are now followed by a honeymoon abroad while a third of those marrying abroad will take their honeymoon in a separate location. With the average age of newlyweds now over 30, many couples are already well travelled and are therefore seeking more than just a sun and sand holiday but want more adventurous experiences together. | Source: Asia Travel Tips. com


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sightseeing • attractions Bira International Circuit: is the only internationally certified racetrack in Thailand. Its extensive facilities include a full-service karting track, an off-road test track, and the FIA certified 2.41km racetrack. It can be found about 15 km away on the Pattaya-Rayong Road (Highway 36). Tel: 022 803 547/025 221 731/8 Flight of the Gibbon: this attraction is ranked highly on the Trip Advisor website list of things to do. Cheap it isn’t but most of the reviews rate the experience and commend the safety measures employed. It can be found close to Khao Kheow Zoo. Tel: 0899 70 55 11 or visit website www. treetopasia.com Khao Chi Chan: etched and filled with gold leaf, this Buddha is more than 100 metres high and is thought to be the largest such image in the world. Next to Silver Lakes Vineyard which is also worth a visit. Khao Kheow Open Zoo: 35 km north of Pattaya. A huge zoo with many animals that are on the endangered species list including six rare white tigers exchanged by the Memphis Zoo in the USA. Open daily 08:00-18:00. Tel: 038 298 188. Koh Larn: is reached by ferry from Bali Hai pier or by speedboat. It has several beaches boasting white sand and clear blue water. The many activities include para sailing, snorkeling, jet ski, banana boat, swimming in tropical waters, and there is even a shooting range there. Koh Larn is also suited for bicycling and hiking. www.kohlarn.com

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Million-Year

Stone

Park

and

Crocodile Farm: lies a 15 minute drive from central Pattaya. It features an exotic zoo, and crocodile, fireswallowing and magic shows, as well as the garden and stone park. Open 8.00-18:30. Tel: 03824 9347-9 or www. thaistonepark.org for information. Mini Siam: is on Sukhumvit Road, surrounded by Soi 33. This model village celebrates the heritage of Thailand with miniature replicas of the most famous monuments and historical sites. Replicas of Tower Bridge, Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty and Trevi Fountain are also displayed. There is a small go-kart track. Open daily from 7.00-22.00. Tel: 038 421 628 for information. Nong Nooch Tropical Garden: 163 Sukhumvit Road (15 minutes east of city towards Bang Saray). Beautiful gardens with waterfalls, “Cultural Extravaganza” performances four times a day. Tourists experience religious ceremonies, martial arts demonstrations, massages and elephant shows. Tel: 03842 9321. Pattaya Dolphin World and Resort: a comparative newcomer to the scene and parts of it were yet to be completed at the beginning of 2013. Recommended for families with young children but don’t expect USA-style shows. Tel: 038 051 790/6. Pattaya Elephant Village: 7km from Central Pattaya on Phonpraphanimit Road. Shows daily at 14.30 and last an hour. A one-hour elephant ride is available from 8.00-17.30 and rafting, trekking (three hours including a meal) is available at 9.00, 10.30, 12.30 and 16.30. Tel: 038 249 818.

Here we list just a few of the things tourists and expats can do to make their time here more enjoyable ...

Pattaya Park and Tower: at Pratumnak features a large whirlpool with giant sliders and a tower with a revolving restaurant. Visitors can also enjoy several games and rides on the tower and in its playground. Open daily from 10.00-19.00 (20.00 on Saturday). Tel: 03836 4110-20 or 02579 9612-4 or www.pattayapark. com for more information. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum: on the third floor of Royal Garden Plaza. Access from both Second Road and Beach Road. Open daily 11.0023.00. Tel: 03871 0294/8. Sanctuary of Truth: this wooden giant can be found in North Pattaya. The entrance is at Soi 12, Naklua Road. Every inch of the building is covered with wooden carvings to reflect Ancient Vision of Earth, Ancient Knowledge, and Eastern Philosophy. It is open daily from 9.00-18.00 Admission is 500 baht. 038 225 407/038 367 229 www. sanctuaryoftruth.com Sriracha Tiger Zoo: a zoo with various shows at 341 Moo 3, Nongkham, Sri Racha (30 minutes away). It claims a population of 200 tigers and around 10,000 crocodiles, the largest of such in the world. Tel: 03829 6556. Underwater World: on Sukhumvit Road 200 metres south of Tesco Lotus at Pattaya South has a collection of marine species from the Gulf of Thailand. Walk through the 100-metre long pedestrian tunnel and witness more than 200 species of fish swimming by. Open daily from 9.00-18.00 (last tickets 17.30). Tel: 038 756 879.

THE COOL BAR ON SOI KHAOTALO OPEN DAILY FROM 1pm • For more information call +66 (0)87 747 8555, + 66 (0)89 250 5691 or email info@boozeloungepattaya.com


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golfers • guide Many local bars organise golf days, often at better prices than casual golfers can negotiate with the course direct. If you plan to play regularly, consider membership of the Pattaya Sports Club as production of its membership card can help secure worthwhile discounts. The one-off registration fee is Bt400 plus Bt500 a year membership thereafter. Most golfers find they can save these sums within just a few rounds. Bangpra International: is one of several five-star courses in the area. This is an 18-hole, par 72 course with plenty of water on the front nine. Clubhouse has been renovated in style – even the toilets are automated! Tel: 038 341 149-50 Burapha Golf Club: is a four-star, 36-hole, par 72 course. The Eastern course suits up-and-coming golfers, while the Western challenges the more experienced. Reserving a tee-off time is advised. Tel: 038 372 700-1 Century Chonburi: Designed by Nick Faldo, this is an inexpensive 18-hole, par 72 course, often not too busy during the week. Clubhouse has little to commend it, but this is reflected in low green fees. Tel: 081 304 1545 Crystal Bay: Many palms has led to Hawaiian comparisons. Testing par 3s are a feature. Water adds to the look of the course, not just as a hazard. Virtually no rough. Good chance to play to your handicap or better. Tel: 038 349 370-80

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Eastern Star: near Bang Chang is an 18-hole, par 72 four-star course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. The course with a five-star clubhouse

Whatever standard you play to you will find a course to suit within an hour’s drive. Here are just some of them.

is set in an old coconut plantation and is popular with families due to its pools and sports club adjacent. Tel: 038 630 410-6 The Emerald: Close to Bang Chang, Emerald is another course where Nick Faldo has left his mark. He designed this in conjunction with the late Desmond Muirhead. Many holes test accuracy, not length, of drive. Tel: 038 941 111

hole course gives value for money. Tel: 038 423 718-9 Phoenix: not far outside of the city this offers a five-star clubhouse and a four-star, 27-hole, par 72 course which is found between Pattaya and Sattahip in a well marked turning off the Sukhumvit. The three nines are called Ocean, Lake and Mountain. Tel: 038 239 391-5, 239 400

Great Lake: is a 36-hole, par 72, Nick Faldo design to the east of Pattaya. The 120 bunkers, water hazards and lovely setting make this a challenging course at moderate prices. Tel: 038 622 630

Rayong Green Valley: this is a Wolveridge and Thompson course of 18 holes, classed as five-star for both the course and clubhouse (which it shares with St Andrews). Suits all handicaps, but beware the water. Tel: 038 603 000-5

Greenwood (formerly Noble Place): is well designed 27-hole, par 72 course. A well-kept course with few water hazards allows good scoring for high handicappers. Tel: 081 484 9066, 081 484 9069

Royal Thai Navy (Plutaluang): reasonable green fees ensure this 36hole, par 72 venue is well used but is rarely too busy. Feature holes include The Lighthouse par 3 surrounded by water. Tel & Fax: 038 246 056-7

Laem Chebang International: in terms of course, facilities and expense this Jack Nicklaus-designed, 27-hole, par 72 course is one of the top ones. Set in spectacular surroundings on mountain, valley and lake nines. Carts are compulsory. Tel: 038 372 273

Siam Country Club, Old Course: is a three-star, 18-hole course, a fourstar clubhouse and a five star price. Gentle hills with large trees give it the feeling of Western golf courses. Host to the LPGA tournament early each year. Tel: 038 909 700

Pattana Golf and Sports Resort: Three nine-hole course – one of which features a par 6; another starts with an intimidating drive between two stretches of water that catches out many a high handicapper. The course is a par 72 set in more than 1,200 rai. Tel: 038 318 999 Pattaya Country Club: located 25 kms outside Pattaya on Route 36 is popular with expat golfers. This 18-

Siam Country Club, Plantation Course: 27-hole course opened in 2008 and is already regarded as one of the most difficult. Three holes share the same green – a first in Asia. Carts are compulsory. Clubhouse is a delight. Tel: 038 909 600 St Andrews 2000: is considered one of the best in the area. This course is a serious challenge. Carts are compulsory. Boasts two par 6 holes. Tel: 038 030 660-2



bars • restaurants

Bars Bamboo Bar: live music nightly in this busy bar and streetside lounge. Close to Walking Street entrance. Tel: 038 232 315, Fax: 038 232 315, email: bamboopattaya@hotmail.com Booze Lounge: situated on the Dark Side in Soi Khao Talo this airconditioned bar combines low prices with good music. Tel: 087 747 8555, email: info@loungebarpattaya.com Caddy Shack: as the name suggests, it’s a haven for golfers. Airconditioned with outdoor terrace and swimming pool and rooms to rent upstairs. 388/385 M10, Soi 17. Tel: 038 300 683, Fax: 038 300 682, email: enquiries@caddyshack-pattaya.com Green Bottle: cosy, well-run pub with a good reputation and central location. 216/3 M10, 2nd Road. Tel: 038 429 870, email: dianagrp@ loxinfo.co.th Jameson’s: Irish pub with strong food offering. Popular with locals and tourists alike. Good place to unwind. 80/164 Moo 9, Soi Sukrudee (Soi AR) right next to Nova Park. Tel: 038 361 873-4 Fax: 038 361 873, email: info@ jamesons-pattaya.com Metro: an air-conditioned sports bar boasting free pool tables and numerous screens on which to watch top sports events. Soi LK Metro, 33/8536, Moo 10 close to Soi Buakhow. Tel: 038 425 874, email: info@metroapartments-pattaya.com Punch & Judy: this is a London-style pub with good food and competitive prices. Frequent promotions. Almost opposite the Caddy Shack in Soi 17. Tel: 038 413255

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Shamrock: fun and lively Britishrun ‘family’ bar, an oasis of sanity among the bars of Pattayaland, South Pattaya. Tel: 038 425 417 email: pattayashamrock@yahoo.com Witherspoons: A typical Britishstyle pub with inexpensive meals available while you watch the football on one of its numerous screens. Rooms also available. Soi Buakhow near Soi Diana Inn. Tel: 038 721 121

Need to be fed and watered? You’ll find a warm welcome at any of the following ...

Restaurants Ali Baba: Good quality Indian restaurant with a fine selection of authentic dishes. 1/13-14, Pattaya Central Road close to the beach. Tel: 038 361 620

Mata Hari: close to the Thappraya Road turn-off towards Pratumnak. Specialises in fine European and Thai cuisine at prices less than you might expect. Tel: 038 259 799, email: info@ mataharirestaurant.com

Alt Heidelberg: German sausages and imported sauerkraut dominate the menu, good location. 273 M10, Pattaya Beach Road, South Pattaya. Tel: 038 421 258

PIC Kitchen: classy Thai food in a traditional atmosphere. Soi 5, Pattaya 2 Road. Tel: 038 428 374, 428 387, Fax: 038 422 773, email: picpih@ loxinfo.co.th

Blue Olive: Slightly tucked away off Thepprasit Soi 8 this restaurant it worth digging a little to find. Mediterranean food is the speciality. Chef also produces Mexican food. Tel: 038 416 285, email: blueolivepattay@hotmail.com

Pig and Whistle: British pub grub in ample portions served by well-trained staff. 217/34 Moo 10, Pattaya City. Tel: 038 361 315, Fax: 038 361 272, email: info@pigandwhistlepattaya.com

Bruno’s: Renowned for serving classy reasonably expensive French cuisine, more than 150 wines available. A place to impress. 306/63 Chateau Dale Plaza, Thappraya Road, Pattaya. Tel: 038 364 600-1, Mobile: 081 861 5612, Fax: 038 364 602, email: reservations@brunospattaya.com Cherrys: You get a lot for your money here. European and Thai food. Be careful not to fill up on the salad bar which is free when ordering a main course. Their buffet nights get crowded. In Third Road opposite the former X-Zyte Disco. Tel: 086 3145819 Ciao: Decent pizza and pasta in this established Italian restaurant in Pattaya Klang Road. 038 710 614 Hard Rock Café: International restaurant cum bar with large cocktail menu and mainly American influenced cuisine. DJs spin discs and house band performs cover versions. 429 Moo 9, Pattaya Beach Road. Tel: 038 428 755, Fax: 038 421 673. Open: Mon-Sun 11.00 to 02.00 JJ Pizza Bar: authentic pizza cooked in wood fire ovens, reasonably priced. 325/85 M.10, Soi Pattaya-land 2, Pattaya Beach Road. 038 424 128 Lobster Pot: huge restaurant serving all seafood, specialising in lobster and tiger prawns. Walking Street opposite Pattaya Soi 14, South Pattaya. Tel: 038 426 083

Queen Victoria Inn: traditional English pub with excellent menu and a good selection of imported beers on tap. 437/137-8 Soi Yodsak (Soi 6), Pattaya.038 425 418, 362 523, Mobile: 086 060 6210, Fax: 038 424 941, email: mail@queenvicpattaya.com Rice Mill: Cantonese restaurant offers dim sun and all-you-can-eat buffet on weekends. Royal Garden Plaza, 218 Beach Road, Pattaya. Tel: 038 421 120 Royal Cliff Beach Hotel: huge complex containing 10 restaurants, including the delicious Maharani Indian restaurant. 353 Pratumnak Road. Tel: 038 250 421, Fax: 038 250 511, 250 513, email: info@royalcliff.com Shenanigans: bar and restaurant serving traditional Irish pub-style fayre and drinks with daily food specials. In Jomtien Complex which also has daily promotions such as “Toss the Boss”. If he loses the drinks are on him. Tel: 038 303 490. The Sportsman: traditional pub fayre with Thai food. Top Sunday carvery, extensive wine list and many imported beers. Soi 13, Beach Road. Tel: 038 710 609 Sugar Hut Restaurant: in hotel of the same name, expensive, but worth it. Thai cuisine. 391/18 Moo 10, Thappraya Road. Tel: 038 364 186,251 686, Fax: 038 251 689, email: sugar-hut@cnet.net.th, open: 07.00-24.00



Good company in stylish surroundings

Movers & Shakers Best for monthly corporate networking in Bangkok at all the top venues

Tune-in at facebook.com/Moversshakerscharity for the next event announcement Further information and bookings: Emanuel Mekel emanuel@moversshakerscharity.com | 081 848 1258 www.facebook.com/Moversshakerscharity


movers & shakers

For those who Crave special events which were a perfect accompaniment to the drinks. With around 200 in attendance the room was ideal for moving around, exchanging business cards and reacquainting with old friends. In addition to the free flow drinks, the lovely ladies from co-sponsor Beluga Vodka gave free samples of their premier drink to those who wanted a little more kick to the evening. Primary sponsor The CEO of Kingdom Property Nigel Cornick made a brief speech a saying that Kingdom are delighted to be the primary sponsor for the monthly Movers & Shaker events in Bangkok and the quarterly ones held in Pattaya. He also said that M&S is not just a great way to meet people and do business but also it fulfills another aspect, that of aiding charity. Movers & Shakers have recently

supported Sister Joan Evans with her work in Bangkok, provided a safe playground for the Triamsuksa School in Soidao and a minibus for Pattaya’s Hand to Hand foundation. Justin Malcolm, the general manager of ALOFT, also welcomed the guests and hoped that they would join him and his team for the after party at Levels, one of the most popular clubs in Bangkok. The vibe for the whole evening encapsulated what M&S is all about, fun, funky with a business edge surrounded by a throng of video and still photographers leaving guests in no doubt that at M&S they had finally found the ideal platform to network. Movers & Shakers was set to return on Thursday the 28th of November at L’Appart on the 32nd floor of the Sofitel Bangkok on Sukhumvit 13-15 after this magazine went to press.

97 REM 12/2013

T

he Movers & Shakers team continued to shake up the corporate networking scene in Bangkok late in October, this time at a premier venue on Sukhumvit 11 : The Crave, which is on the 8th floor of ALOFT. As ever at M&S the press and photographers were present to capture people from the business world in Bangkok and beyond and on this occasion some of the attendees arrived in style courtesy of one of the sponsors Bangkok Stretch Limo. Crave proved to be an ideal venue for networking as guests arrived and stopped for a photo call in front of the M&S-branded backdrop before choosing from ice cold Heineken or the free flow of red and white wine. The centrepiece of Crave is a teardrop-shaped station from where the chefs served up sizzling hot pizza slices and many more delicacies


coffee break • robert collins

Coffee break

Did you know...

Presidents Lincoln and Kennedy were both killed on a Friday by a shot to the head in the presence of their wives. Each had male companions who were injured.Lincoln was shot in Ford’s Theatre, Kennedy in a Ford car. Lincoln’s assassin fled from a theatre to a warehouse, Kennedy’s from a warehouse to a theatre. Both Lincoln and Kennedy were succeeded by Vice Presidents named Johnson.

S S S _____ L __ ___ ________ ___ ____ ____ ______ L S _______ L S L __S ______ ____ ___ __________ SUDOKU CRYPTOGRAM 7

5

25 18 16

7

3

15

4

3

21 17 11 21 10

7

5

3

16

3

3

11 13 20 17 23

26 17 16 21 20 16 20

25 18 16

25 18

21

5

20 16

25 18 16

Decode this Warren Buffet quote by deciphering the missing letters. We’ve given you two to start.

Answers to all the puzzles appear on Page 104

Six of the best

Jackie Joyner-Kersee.

NUMBER CRUNCHER Fill in the missing numbers using 1-9 to complete the equation. Each number is used once. Multiplication and division are performed before addition and subtraction.

+ +

+ -

× +

+

+ -

19

9

53 ×

× -1

-1 -54

Two-minute trivia

1. Who was the first woman to win all four Grand Slam tennis tournaments in a single calendar year? 2. UNITA was a guerilla army in which African country? 3. How are brothers Adolph, Herbert, Julius, Leonard and Milton better known?

4. Which is the only Premier League Club to record 15 consecutive defeats in a season?

The greatest female athletes of the 20th Century according to Sports Illustrated for Women: 1. Jackie Joyner-Kersee (US heptahlete, 1962-) 2. Babe Didrikson Zaharias (US, 1911-56) 3. Billie Jean King (US, 1943-) 4. Sonja Henie (Norway,1912-69) 5. Martina Navratilova (Czechoslovakia,1956-) 6. Chris Evert (US1954-)

11

2

7

7

5

16 11

23 3

18

6 4 8 7 1 3

24

7

7

20 20 13 20

16 17 23

5

6

9

5 1

2

9 4 7 1 6 5 1

7

3

8 6

K S G T R N H S G A Q Q J A C R L E H R O D A R B A L V J U E E V P K C A B E G D I R I A H T Z R E M R O Y S H B D L A C A G U B D R M H M E Q G C Q S K U F A R S R O N K G N F V N C R H I N H M U A X A N A G I X A U I R H H N V K N M I Q P V J Y S H D C D W Z A R R K N K C T L S C I S B X X K Q E E N A D T A E R G L Y V E W T F P B N R H M L C S A K I S O F R O T T W E I L E R R G X J A I G G K C S I M V H U N R U Q N T P X M N M D K O F J B H W X G V J G Q J U E R A P V F I A W D U L V W V Y S J B B Z A Find the names of these 12 breeds of dogs:

5. Who was the last ‘victim’ of This Is Your Life in 2007? 98 REM 12/2013

21 20

6. Which singer had a 1974 hit with One Man Band?

Affenpinscher

Chihuahua

Great Dane

Greyhound

7. Which dish consists of flaked fish, boiled rice, parsley, eggs, curry powder and butter or cream?

Jack Russell

Labrador

Pekingese

Pomeranian

Rottweiler

Schnauzer

St Bernard

Thai Ridgeback



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sale: 089 098 3733 Kevin (Eng) • sale/rent: 081 375 3275 Punoi (Thai)


mystery columnist • our man at large

Our man at large reflects on another year just whizzing by and looks forward to Christmas and the New Year celebrations. He sees a bright future for the city. We sincerely hope that his cystal ball is correct.

Where did 2013 go?

I

t seems like only a couple of months ago when we were all enjoying Songkran! We are soon around to the festive period again here in Pattaya with all of the shops gearing up for Christmas, the New Year and of course the high season. This year has certainly been one in which we have continued to see the landscape of Pattaya change. The new and improved Bali Hai Pier is nearing completion with the Waterfront Condominium well underway overlooking what promises to be a superb marina.

102 REM 12/2013

Approaching completion Everywhere you go around the city there are new condos approaching completion ready for the next influx of visitors, whether they be tourists or would-be expats. The continued growth demonstrates the

expectations everyone has for the area. Christmas in Pattaya is, from my own experience at least, a very pleasant time. I enjoy Christmas but I am not overly interested in the long build-up, long queues at the shops and the overall pandemonium that can engulf this time of year in other parts of the world. Thankfully from my point of view anyway, in Pattaya the buildup is relatively short lived, the decorations go up early and can be appreciated but the shops are no busier than they would be at any other time in the high season. For those looking to enjoy a traditional Christmas lunch there are a number of places that offer this complete with all the trimmings so no one need miss out on their turkey or brussel sprouts – if that what takes your fancy! It is certainly possible to enjoy

For those looking to enjoy a traditional Christmas lunch there are a number of places that offer this complete with all the trimmings.

your usual Christmas but with all the benefits of the warmer weather. The New Year is completely different, certainly compared to what I was used to back in the UK. The roads are crowded at this time of year with many tourists, both Thai and foreigners coming to Pattaya en masse. Beach Road tends to be the main focal point in Pattaya itself with superb firework displays and lanterns being sent up high into the night sky at midnight. Fantastic experience For those of you have not seen this before it really is a fantastic experience with hundreds of lanterns in the sky at any one time. Similar things happen all across the area so it is not essential to make you way through the traffic to get to Beach Road. Obviously with 2013 drawing to a close, naturally we wonder what 2014 will bring. The high season seems to


Popular destination These visitors are here to experience many of the different things that Pattaya and the surrounding area has to offer. The Art in Paradise museum in North Pattaya seems a popular destination along with the large gem stores and of course the larger, more upmarket, Thai massage venues. Although these visitors may, at this stage at least, not be looking to buy property here they are certainly helping the local economy which may have a knock-on effect. As has been the case for a while, we are still getting large numbers of visitors coming from Eastern Europe and Russia in particular. Many of these come to enjoy the superb beaches around the city with Bang Saray to the south appearing to become an increasingly popular destination,

along with the already popular areas such as Pratamnak and Naklua. Many of these visitors are choosing to buy properties here, sometimes for holiday homes, other times they are planning to move here permanently and others are perhaps looking at buying properties as an investment with a viewing to gaining a return. Whatever the reason, this group of visitors is certainly buying large amounts of properties around the city with many of the real estate agents and developers rubbing their hands together in glee! Although at the time of writing the high season has only just got into full swing, my early impressions are that we are again seeing a return of visitors from England, Western Europe, the US and Australia. I think a number of people had said in recent years that there had appeared to be a decline in visitors from these places but there do appear to be more around this year. This will boost the economy with bars and restaurants really feeling the benefit. Many of the condos around central and south Pattaya are already fully booked with visitors tending to prefer being closer to the nightlife. Again, I am hearing through the grapevine that there has been increased interest from these visitors in purchasing property over here – something that has not been seen for a number of years and, if true, will certainly be more than welcome.

Many of the condos around central and south Pattaya are already fully booked with this group of visitors tending to prefer being closer to the nightlife.

So what can we really expect from Pattaya in the future? As the world economy finally looks to be improving more people are in a position again to start enjoying overseas travel. The number of condos being bought purely as investments certainly backs up this view with many of the said condos being rented out on a short-term basis to people who are generally here for around a month. Investment properties Again as people’s financial situations improve they are in a position to buy these investment properties, further fuelling the demand. An increase in the number of people looking to do business here also increases demand for more residential properties that people are using as family homes. I believe Pattaya has a bright future way beyond just 2014. Hopefully this prediction will be correct and we can all enjoy the benefits. As always space is running short. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year whether you are choosing to spend it in Pattaya, somewhere else in Thailand or perhaps elsewhere in the World. Let’s all hope for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2014. So until next time, keep enjoying the Land of Smiles. |

103 REM 12/2013

have got off to a good start and long may this continue for the benefit of everyone in the city. New condos are being launched all around the city and everyone appears to be confident of a bright future. As I have said on numerous occasions, Pattaya is evolving and with that brings new visitors, new investors and, of course, new opportunities. We are seeing an increasing number of visitors coming from other parts of Asia. We see dozens of coachloads each day full with visitors from places such as China and Korea.


coffee break • answers

Coffee break answers

CRYPTOGRAM

two-minute trivia

1 Maureen Connolly (1953); 2 Angola; 3 The Marx Brothers; 4 Sunderland (2002-3); 5 Simon Cowell; 6 Leo Sayer; 7 Kedgeree. NUMBER CRUNCHER AND SUDOKU 4

+

+ 9

19

+

×

+ 6

3

5

1 -1

9

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+ -

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8

53

× ×

7 -54

-1

6 8 5 9 2 4 7 3 1

2 7 4 5 1 3 6 9 8

9 1 3 6 8 7 2 5 4

4 3 2 8 9 1 5 6 7

8 5 7 3 4 6 1 2 9

1 9 6 7 5 2 8 4 3

3 2 8 1 6 9 4 7 5

7 4 1 2 3 5 9 8 6

5 6 9 4 7 8 3 1 2

Multiply and divide before adding or subtracting. The bottom row across therefore is 1 x 7 = 7; 6 - 7 = -1.

‘In the business world the rear view mirror is always clearer than the windshield.’ -Warren Buffet

WORDSEARCH

K L V R B R H H D B Y K G R H I

S E P E D S M N W X V I X U W A

G H K M R R U V Z X E S J Q X W

T R C R M O A K A K W O A N G D

R O A O H N X N R Q T F I T V U

N D B Y M K A M R E F R G P J L

H A E S E G N I K E P O G X G V

S R G H Q N A Q N N B T K M Q W

G B D B G F G P K A N T C N J V

A A I D C V I V C D R W S M U Y

Q L R L Q N X J T T H E I D E S

Q V I A S C A Y L A M I M K R J

J J A C K R U S S E L L V O A B

A U H A U H I H C R C E H F P B

C E T G F I R D I G S R U J V Z

R E Z U A N H C S L A R N B F A

Real Divers are a British family run PADI 5 Star diving center in Jomtien, Pattaya. We offer a full range of scuba diver training courses from the beginner course the PADI Open water diver right up to the professional levels of PADI Dive Master, PADI Instructor and Diving internships. We also offer daily Wreck / Coral diving and snorkelling trips to the Pattaya and Samae San islands on the majority of these dive you can’t fail to see turtles, angel fish, rays, moray eels and puffer fish P.S no big sharks. If you’ve never tried scuba before we do have a 1 day introduction course where you get to experience the magic of a coral reef on a shallow scuba dive under the close supervision of a PADI dive Instructor. For more information telephone our friendly staff and you could be scuba diving, snorkelling or just having a great day out at the Islands tomorrow.

Phone; 038232476 or 0876021411

104 REM 12/2013

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broker & developer directory

Next month’s edition – showsuite showcase. REM explores The Riviera interiors in detail.

Elegance and comfort – from the moment you enter the new showroom of The Riviera project in Wongamat that’s what you experience.

Your at-a-glance guide to some of the major players in the Pattaya property market. We do not claim this is a comprehensive list of all the brokers and developers who can provide a service but we hope readers will find it helpful.

Sponsorship of this directory is now available. If interested to know more please contact Dave on

087 988 0799



agents • directory

ACI Enterprise Co Ltd (incorporating ACI Ocean Properties) 672/20 M5 Soi 18, Naklua Road next to Northpoint, Wong-Amat T: +66 (0)38 41 6060 F: +66 (0)38 41 6061 M: +66 (0)81 762 2627 E: info@aci-enterprise.com W: aci-enterprise.com and pattayaoceanproperties.com Principal: Markus Probst Memberships: CRS, REBA (Thailand), REBA-ES, RETS (Thailand), NAR, CIPS Alan Bolton Property Consultants Unit C102, 399/9 M10 The Avenue Shopping Mall Second Road near Villa Market T: +66 (0)38 416 728-9 F: +66 (0)38 416 730 M: +66 (0)81 996 2489 E: info@pattaya-property.net W: pattaya-property.net Principal: Alan Bolton Memberships: REBA (Thailand), REBA-ES, RETS (Thailand), TREBS All Siam Properties M: +66 (0)87 068 5159 E: info@allsiamproperties.com W: allsiamproperties.com Membership: TREA Anaakot Group Property Consultants 138/1 Moo 12, Soi Chayapruk, Jomtien T: +66 (0)38 231544 M: +66 (0)8780 33329 E: info@anaakot-group.com W: Anaakot-Group.com Principal: Jason Young Arise Asia 415 Pratumnak Hill Soi 6 T: +66 (0)38 075 610 M: +66 (0)85 228 8911 (Thanya) E: info@ariseasia.com W: ariseasia.com Principal: Thanyamai Totharong (Thanya) Memberships: CRS, REBA (Thailand), REBA-ES, RETS (Thailand), NAR, CIPS

glossaRY The following are among the trade organisation memberships or qualifications held by some of the agents. Note that, in some instances, the qualification is with the individual employee – not the company overall. AIPP: Acronym stands for The Association of International Property Professionals which is a not-for-profit organisation whose aim is to improve the standards of professionalism in the international property market, helping both the industry and the public. Members have voluntarily signed up to follow the AIPP Code of Conduct. CIPS: Certified International Property Specialist – this is a members-only group which is for international practitioners of the National Association of REALTORS®. CRS: Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) is the top professional designation awarded to REALTORS® in residential sales. Held by fewer than five per cent of all REALTORS®. NAR: National Association of Realtors is North America’s largest trade association representing more than 1.2 million members. Members can call themselves REALTORS®. NAR also functions as a self-regulatory organisation for real estate brokerage. REBA (Thailand): This is the nationwide Real Estate Broker Association with affiliation to the international Council of Residential Specialists. REBA-ES: The Real Estate Broker Association for the Eastern Seaboard.

RETS (Thailand): Real Estate Training School (Thailand) – brokers seeking membership of REBA must have staff attend and pass their test. More overleaf

Benchmark Asia Property Co Ltd Soi Post Office T: +66 (0)38 304 133 M: +66 (0)81 792 9486 E: info@benchmarkthailand.com W: benchmarkthailand.com Principal: Gareth De Silva Memberships: CRS, REBA (Thailand), REBA-ES, RETS (Thailand), NAR, CIPS Bizhouse Co Ltd 324/22 Moo 9 Central Pattaya Road near junction with Third Road T: +66 (0)38 416 322 M: +66 (0)89 0924593 E: info@bizhouseproperty.com W: bizhouseproperty.com Principal: Richard Arthur Century 21 – B2 Real Estate 315/2 (Soi Lengkee 1) Moo 9, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150 T: +66 (0)38 421 652 M: +66 (0)83 603 7989 E: century21@b2realestate.com W: century21-b2.com Principal: Roman Durksen

Coastal Real Estate 216/62 M10, Soi 13 (Soi Diana next to Mega-Break) T: +66 (0)38 421 580, +66 (0)38 412 169 M: +66 (0)81 269 0742 E: info@coastalrealestatepattaya.com W: coastalrealestatepattaya.com Principal: Kevin Mattson

Colliers International Thailand 519/4-5 Second Road, opposite Central Festival, Pattaya Beach T: +66 (0)38 427 771 F: +66 (0)38 427 772 M: +66 (0)85 2828 120 E: info.pattaya@colliers.com or mark.bowling@colliers.com W: colliers.co.th Principal: Mark Bowling Memberships: RICS

REM 11-12/2013 • Issues 150 and 151

AAAA Properties Jomtien Plaza Condotel 406/37 M12 Jomtien Beach Road T: +66 (0)38 756 370 F: +66 (0)38 757 015 M: +66 (0)86 144 1312 E: info@aaaaproperties.com W: aaaaproperties.com Principal: Louis J Van den Bergh


agents • directory Compass Real Estate Co Ltd 131/56 Moo 9, Sukhumvit Road, South Pattaya, Chonburi 20150 T: +66 (0)800 958 854 M: +66 (0)901 360 747/+66 (0)80 767 1868 E: office@compasspattaya.com W: compasspattaya.com Principal: Rob Rowcett East Coast Real Estate Co Ltd Office 1: 414/19 M12 Jomtien Complex T: +66 (0)38 267 030-1 F: +66 (0)38 267 029 M: +66 (0)81 862 8034 Office 2: 485/4 M10 Second Road T: +66 (0)38 723 615-6 E: eastcoast@thaiproperty.com W: thaiproperty.com or thaiproperty.net Principal: David Gray

Farang Property Services 223/32 M9, Third Road T: +66 (0)38 052 495 F: +66 (0)38 052 496 M: +66 (0)89 938 7433 E: info@farang-services.com W: farang-services.com Principal: Manfred Ehrenheim Advertisements: Pages 4 and 5

REM 11-12/2013 • Issues 150 and 151

Five Star Villas & Condos Pratumnak – Tara Court 388/109 M12, Pratumnak Road M: +66 (0)81 938 8391 Robert or (0)809 16667 Mesiya E: sales@fivestarvillasandcondos.com W: fivestarvillasandcondos.com Principals: Robert and Mesiya (May) Watson Memberships: CRS, REBA (Thailand), CIPS, REBA-ES, RETS (Thailand), NAR, TREBS

Global Property Global Solidor Enterprise Co Ltd North Pattaya – 157/142 Moo 5, Naklua Road T: +66 (0)38 427 364 M: +66 (0)82 469 5551 or +66 (0)81 838 1390 E: info@global-solidor.com W: global-solidor.com Principal: Rainer Heinzmann Memberships: REBA-ES, CIPS

glossaRY RICS: Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors – an independent body which regulates the conduct of property professionals and surveyors in the UK and other sovereign nations. RICS provides education and training standards, protects consumers with strict codes of practice and advises governments and business. TREA: The Thai Real Estate Association aims to be the hub of the real estate profession here by encouraging entrepreneurs to operate to standards of quality and ethics; to create the maximum benefits for developers, government and consumers altogether. TREBS: The Thailand Real Estate Broker School provides training for real estate professionals. The course includes real estaterelated laws, broker law, broker ethics, listing and sales techniques, reconciliation techniques, property evaluation, property transfer procedure and tax calculation. Golden Homes Real Estate Co Ltd 33/39 M9 Soi Diana Inn T: +66 (0)38 720 892-3 M: +66 (0)86 826 8821 E: info@goldenhomespattaya.com or Ploy1@csloxinfo.com W: goldenhomespattaya.com Principal: Yupaporn Sangpagdee (Ploy) Homes Direct Asia 99/34 Soi Khao Noi T: +66 (0)38 068 956 F: +66 (0)38 068 957 M: +66 (0)811 429 0111 or 0890 160 077 E: info@homesdirect.asia W: homesdirect.asia Principal: Matt O’Sullivan Jomtien Property 315/185-6 Thappraya Road near entrance to View Talay 2 T: +66 (0)38 303 243 M: +66 (0)86 108 6575 E: info@properties-in-thailand.com W: properties-in-thailand.com Principal: Stu Sutton

Jones Lang LaSalle Thappraya Road, near Hanuman Statue Services: property sales and leasing; property management; consultancy; project management; and valuation T: +66 (0)38 252 588 E: Tim.Gladwin@ap.jll.com W: joneslanglasalle.co.th W: jllresidential.in.th Principal: Tim Gladwin Jump Real Estate 315/154 Thappraya Road T: +66 (0)38 251 859 M: +66 (0)879 015 229 E: garry@jump-realestate-pattaya.com W: jump-realestate-pattaya.com Principal: Garry Angerstein Knight Frank The Village Shopping Centre where the Sukhumvit meets Soi Chaiyapruk M: +66 (0)81 550 4099 E: anchalee.kasemsukthawat@ th.knightfrank.com W: knightfrank.co.th North Shore Property Co Ltd 315/414 M12 Thappraya Road T: +66 (0)38 303 825-6 M: +66 (0)87 833 5066 or (0)86 323 4607 E: info@ns-property.com W: ns-property.com Principal: Mesa Wongsida NT Realty Asia 215/15-18 Second Road T: +66 (0)38 426 242 or (0)38 425 836 E: info@nt-realty.com W: realestatethailand.com Principals: Tim Bunker and Peter Randall Memberships: REBA (Thailand), RETS (Thailand), NAR, CIPS One Stop Real Estate 219/14 M9, Soi Yamato T: +66 (0)38 710 699 or (0)38 710 725 M: +66 (0)819 454 845 E: onestop@realesthai.com W: real-estate-thailand.com Principal: Mark Welch Memberships: CRS, REBA (Thailand), REBA-ES, RETS (Thailand), NAR, CIPS


agents • directory

Pattaya Bay Real Estate 405/23 Soi Bongkot T: + 66 (0) 38 374 623 M: + 66 (0) 811 580 065 (English) + 66 (0) 807 247 476 (Thai) E: info@pattayabayrealestate.com W: pattayabayrealestate.com Principal: Mal Patterson

Est. 2001

PATTAYA REALTY Follow us:

http://on.fb.me/pattayarealty

Pattaya Realty 219/1 Tipp Plaza, Second Road T: +66 (0)38 412 301-2 6,968,000 M: +66 (0)89 833 6175(CS5049) orSale(0)89 832 7226 Sale 11,900,000 (HS5005) Central Pattaya - Foreign Name: E: info@pattayarealty.com W: pattayarealty.com (HR1449) (CR3816) Principal: Stuart Daly Memberships: CIPS, REBA (Thailand), VJ Vil age REBA-ES, RETS (Thailand), NAR Advertisements: Pages 14 and 15 int size 190 m sq, ext size 540 m sq, 3 beds, 3 baths, fully fitted kitchen, high quality furnishings, Internet, close to local amenities, security alarm, covered car park, 24hr Security.

Pattaya Exclusive Properties 680/8 Nova Mirage, Naklua Soi 16 T: + 66 (0) 38 368 368 M: +66 (0)89 266 8665 or (0)89 831 4602 E: sales@pattayaexclusiveproperties.com W: pattayaexclusiveproperties.com Pattaya Jomtien Property 75/49 Soi 5 Immigration, Beach Road, Jomtien (75m from Immigration Office) T: +66 (0)38 756 755 M: +66 (0)85 129 5657 (Thai); or +66 (0)85 667 3687 (English) E: sales@pattaya-jomtien-property.com W: pattaya-jomtien-property.com Principals: Kevin and Chanram Hurst Pattaya Prestige Properties 2/28 Ground Floor, View Talay 7 F: +66 (0)38 059 632 M: +66 (0)870 217 014 E: info@pattayaprestigeproperties.com W: pattayaprestigeproperties.com Principal: Jan Nuyten

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Brand new condominium in Pattaya int size 104 m sq, 3 beds, 3 baths, fully furnished, fully fitted kitchen, communal gardens, communal swimming pool, car park, 24hr Security.

(HS4959)

Rent 25,000 / month

Sale 6,990,000

Rent 20,000 / month

South Pattaya: int size 55 m sq, 1 bed, fully furnished, fully fitted kitchen, TV, DVD, Hi-Fi, close to local amenities

: int size 225 m sq, ext size 328 m sq, 3 beds, 2 baths, fully furnished, fully fitted kitchen,private gardens, private swimming pool, covered car park, 24hr Security.

East Pattaya :Ext size 420 m sq, 4 beds+ maid's room, 3 baths, fully furnished and kitchen, security alarm, private gardens communal swimming pool, covered car park, 24hr Security.

Beat The Rush!

(HR1041)

(CR4944)

Situated on top of Pratumnak hill, Spectacular sea and city view For special pre-launch prices in the highest building in Pattaya!

Premier Homes Real Estate Co Ltd 240/21 Jomtien Beach Road T: +66 (0)38 231 931 M: +66 (0)81 634 2915 E: premier@loxinfo.co.th (HS0247) W: premierinternational.com : Principals: Clayton and Supap Wade Memberships: www.pattayarealty.comCIPS, RETS (Thailand), NAR Baan Balina I

Rent 35,000 / month

Pattaya Estate Agents (PEA) Car Park, Tesco-Lotus, South Pattaya M: +66 (0)819 458 650 (Thai) or (0)86 080 3098 (Eng) E: info@pattaya-estate-agents.com W: pattaya-estate-agents.com Principal: Sununtha Bun-um (Boom)

@pattayarealty

Rent 16,000 / month

Contact Us Now

Na jomtien:Bali Style,Int size 300 m sq, ext size 560 m sq, 3 beds, 3 baths, high quality furnishings and fully fitted Euro style kitchen, maid's room, Private gardens, private swimming pool, covered car park, 24hr Security.

Pratumnak:int size 48 m sq, Studio apartment, fully furnished, fully fitted kitchen, beautiful sea views, communal gardens, communal swimming pool, car park, 24hr Security.

E

(HS4948)

GRE

Rent 44,000 / month

Sale 29,000,000 Jomtien: Fully renovated to a very high standard with 4 beds, 4 baths, fully furnished,

fully fitted kitchen, Jacuzzi, large private gardens, private swimming pool, security alarm, covered car park, 24hr Security.

Opposite Bangkok Pattaya Hospital East Pattaya:4 beds, 3 baths, fully furnished and kitchen, washing machine, Private gardens, private swimming pool, covered car park, 24hr Security.

COM L IN

ENTA

AT R

(HR1306)

Sale 12,950,000

The Regents Superior detached, two storey house, int size 650 m sq, ext 1400 m sq,

4 bedrooms + en suite, 5 bathrooms, fully fitted kitchen + food storage room, Jacuzzi, private landscaped gardens, large private swimming pool, separate self-contained 1 bedroom + en suite guest house with AC, security alarm, covered car park ,electric gate.

Our office address: 219/1 Tipp Plaza, Pattaya 2nd Road. Next to Mike Shopping Center, Nongprue Chonburi 20150

Email: info@pattayarealty.com

Tel:66(0)38 412 301/2 or 089 833 6175 089 8327226

Rightmove Pattaya 369/1 M9, Units 8&9 PS Bowl, 2nd Road T: +66 (0)38 361 212 M: +66 (0)89 253 5607 E: info@rightmovepattaya.com W: rightmovepattaya.com Principal: Craig Turner Memberships: REBA (Thailand), REBA-ES, RETS (Thailand), CIPS Seaboard Properties Co Ltd 316/23 Thappraya Road near Food Mart, Jomtien T: +66 (0)38 252 456 F: +66 (0)38 252 457 M: +66 (0)86 129 8281 E: info@seaboard-properties.com W: seaboard-properties.com Principal: Eddie Buehler Siam Properties 313/27 M10 Pattaya Tai T: +66 (0)38 415 490 F: +66 (0)38 414 693 M: +66 (0)81 861 1907 (Heiner) or (0)81 821 7045 (Porn) Russian: +66 (0)89 245 2890 (Vera) E: info@siamproperties.net or rus@siamproperties.net W: siamproperties.net Principals: Heiner and Porn Moessing Memberships: CRS, REBA (Thailand), REBA-ES, RETS (Thailand), NAR, CIPS

Talay Real Estate Co Ltd 240/18 M5, Naklua not far from Dolphin Roundabout on Second Road T: +66 (0)38 362 352 F: +66 (0)38 362 351 M: +66 (0)87 608 1116 or (0)8 0091 5353 E: info@talayrealestate.com W: talayrealestate.com Principals: Namthip Khanjanavisittaphol (Sandy) and Ted T Okuno Thailand-Property-Gate Head office: 82/9 Langsuan Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Eastern Seaboard office: 449/84, M12, Thepprasit Road W: Thailand-Property-Gate.com E: Stefan@thailand-property-gate.com M: +66 (0)81 835 99 23 Thailiving 306/90-91 M12 Thappraya Road T: +66 (0)38 364 514 M: +66 (0)81 862 7405 E: info@thailiving.net W: thailiving.net Principal: Supaporn Persson (Sara)

Town & Country Property 63/10-11 Pattaya Tai T: +66 (0)38 374 136 F: +66 (0)38 374 137 Russian: +66 (0)84 873 7425 E: info@towncountryproperty.com W: towncountryproperty.com Principal: Cees Cuijpers Memberships: CRS, REBA-ES, NAR, CIPS Advertisements: Pages 8 and 9

REM 11-12/2013 • Issues 150 and 151

Paradise City Property 116/27 M9, Pattaya Klang opposite Big C Extra (formerly Carrefour) T: +66 (0)38 373 966 M: +66 (0)81 761 3238 E: pattaya@paradisecityproperty.com W: paradisecityproperty.com Principal: Gavin Perfect


REAL ESTATE BROKER ASSOCIATION – EASTERN SEABOARD

ticks all Members of REBA-ES are respected

Member companies in REBA-ES are part of an established and respected real estate organisation which has the support of the Thai Government

professional

Clients of REBA-ES members can be confident that they are dealing with honest, reputable and properly trained real estate professionals

ETHICAL

The high standards we set conform to internationallyapproved rules, regulations, strict codes of ethics and dispute resolution policies

INFORMed

Our members network closely, giving all of them access to the Eastern Seaboard’s largest real estate association

For comprehensive property listings and professional real estate consulting contact our members at www.rebaes.com


REAL ESTATE BROKER ASSOCIATION – EASTERN SEABOARD

the boxes ... Sponsoring REBA-ES members Mark Welch +66 (0)81 945 4845 info@1stop-pattaya.com www.real-estate-thailand.com

Stuart Daly +66 (0)38 412 301-2 info@pattayarealty.com www.pattayarealty.com

Heiner Moessing +66 (0)89 499 1000 info@siamproperties.net www.siamproperties.net

Rob Watson +66 (0)81 938 8391 sales@fivestarvillasandcondos.com www.fivestarvillasandcondos.com

Gareth De Silva +66 (0)81 792 9486 info@benchmarkthailand.com www.benchmarkthailand.com

Rainer Heinzmann +66 (0)81 838 1390 info@global-solidor.com www.global-solidor.com

Craig Turner +66 (0)89 253 5607 info@rightmovepattaya.com www.rightmovepattaya.com

June Bernard +66(0)38 059 635 info@powerhousepropertiesltd.com www.powerhousepropertiesltd.com

Markus Probst +66 (0)81 762 2627 info@aci-enterprise.com www.pattayaoceanproperties.com

... if your answer is ‘yes’ to all, check out the REBA-

You can trust

Advert: Zen Grafix

www.rebaes.com


developers • directory Anaakot Group Development 138/1 Moo 12, Soi Chayapruk, Jomtien Project: Sixtythree@12 T: +66 (0)38 231544 M: +66 (0)8780 33329 E: info@anaakot-group.com W: Anaakot-Group.com Contact: Jason Young Blue Sky Developments Co Ltd 933 Ruamtanuthai Building, 11th floor, Mahachai Road, Wangburapapirom, Phranakorn, Bangkok T: +66(0)81 8180874 E: pornthepchawla@gmail.com W: blueskydevelopments.co.th Principal: Pornthep Chawla (Dev) Boutique Corporation 170/67 21st floor, Ocean Tower 1, Soi Sukhumvit 16, Ratchadaphisek Road, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 T: +66 (0)86 378 7777 E: pattama@boutiquecorporation.com W: boutiquecorporation.com Principal: Pattama Piyamaneeporn Bravo Thai Lifestyle Co Ltd Projects: The Vineyard I, II & III and Amaya Hill near Lake Mabprachan M: +66 (0)89 8677 969 E: terry@siamdevelopments.com W: siamdevelopments.com Principal contact: Terrence Allen Collins

REM 11-12/2013 • Issues 150 and 151

CSP Projects Chaiyapruk 2 over rail track on left opposite Baan Suan Neramit Projects: Coconut Grove, Coco Palms and Palm Grove T: +66 (0)38 076 285-6 E: md@csp-construction.com W: csp-construction.com Principal contact: Tom Coglan CW Asset Co Ltd 212/13 North Pattaya Road Project: Bang Saray Beach Condominium T: +66 (0)38 414 405 M: +66 (0)85 272 8338 (English) or +66 (0)85 272 8228 (Thai) E: info@cwasset.com W: cwasset.com or bangsaraybeachcondo.com Principal: Ms Imorn Luekhamharn Membership: TREA

Domum Holding Co Ltd 391/109 Thappraya Road. Corner of Soi 13, next to Mata Hari Restaurant Project: Meridiem Condominium and Meridiem Park Condominium T: +66 (0) 38 251 464 M: +66 (0) 8888 10311 F: +66 (0) 38 251 733 E: info@domum-holding.com W: domum-holding.com Dusitpattaya Co Ltd Soi Wat Yan off the Sukhumvit near Ban Amphur Project: Baan Dusitpattaya and Dusit Grand Condo View (Jomtien) T: +66 (0)38 343 586 F: +66 (0)38 343 585 M: +66 (0)81 0584 930 (English and Thai) M: +66 (0)868 486 704 (Russian) E: baandusit@gmail.com W: baandusitpattaya.com or domvtae.su Principal contact: Darwan Bunting (Meam) Global Tower Group Co Ltd Banglamung Soi 16 Project: Paradise Ocean View M: +66 (0)8 222 66 077 E: info@paradiseoceanview.com W: paradiseoceanview.com Habitat 5 Co Ltd Sales Office: 172 Soi Chaiyapruk 2 Project: The Ville Jomtien M: +66 (0)81 450 0001/2 E: chane@habitat-5.com W: TheVillePattaya.com Heights Holdings Co Ltd Thappraya Road next to Bruno’s Italian Restaurant Projects: Park Royal I, II & III, Pattaya Heights, Club Royal, Laguna Bay I , II and III (The Maldives), Laguna Beach Resort Jomtien I & II, Laguna Heights, The Peak Towers, Wong Amat Tower, Water Park Condominium and C-View M: +66 (0)85 282 6454 E: oliver@heights-holdings.com W: heights-holdings.com Principal contact: Oliver Nabarro

Major Development PCL 141 Soi Thonglor 10, Sukhumvit 55, Klongton Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 Local project: Reflection Jomtien Beach Sales office: Jomtien Beach Road, adjacent to Suttangrak Restaurant T: +66 (0)38 233 111 M: +66 (0)89 247 7158 E: sales@reflectionpattaya.com W: majordevelopment.co.th Matrix Developments 352/202-3 M12 Pratumnak Road Current projects: Art-on-the-Hill, Paradise Park, Sunset Boulevard, The View, The Vision, Amazon Residence and City Center Residence T: +66 (0)38 250 120-1 F: +66 (0)38 250 008 M: +66 (0)87 607 8880 E: info@matrix-developments.com W: matrix-developments.com Membership: AIPP Modus Group 292/1-2 Moo 5 Soi 12, Pattaya-Naklua, Naklua, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150 Project: Modus Beachfront Condo T: +66 (0)38 225 999 or (0)38 252 635 M: +66 (0)89-092 1333 E: info@moduspattaya.com or 888modus@gmail.com W: moduspattaya.com Principal: Pimpinan Namthep New Nordic Occupies a large area of Pratumnak. Soi 4 and look for the orange signs Current projects: New Nordic Suites, New Nordic VIP Condominium I, II and III and IV are planned T: +66 (0)38 250 025 M: +66 (0)89 605 4114 E: sales@new-nordic.com W: new-nordic.com Norwegian Properties Group 315/175-180 Moo 12, Nongprue Banglamung, Chonburi 20150 Project: VN Residences 3 T: +66 (0)38 303 310 F: +66 (0)38 252 548 M: +66 (0)89 936 6741 (Eng) or +66 (0)89 834 7664 (Eng and Rus) E: jeanette@vnresidences.com or liene@vnresidences.com W: vnresidences.com Principal contact: Jeanette Eiksund Heltne

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Where you can get a copy of REm

Robin’s Nest 33/42-44 Moo 10 Soi Diana Inn T: +66 (0)38 720 194 or +66 (0)89 928 7080 W: robinsnestpattaya.com

Mantra Restaurant & Bar Pattaya Beach, Pattaya T: +66 (0) 3842 9591 E: email@mantra-pattaya.com W: mantra-pattaya.com

Starbucks Coffee Company Lido Pattaya Royal Garden Pattaya Stylo Pattaya Beach Road Tuk Com South Pattaya Central Festival T: 038 710 087 E: customercomment@ starbucks-thailand.com W: starbucks.co.th

Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa Beach Road, Pattaya T: 038 412 120 E: pattayamarriott@minornet.com W: marriott.com/PYXMC

Sportsman Pub & Restaurant Soi 13, Pattaya Beach Road T: +66 (0)38 710 609 or +66 (0)86 834 3729 W: sportsmanpub.com

Coco’s Bistro & Coffee Lounge Soi Chaiyapruk, Jomtien T: 038 074 675 E: madeup@cocospattaya.com W: cocospattaya.com

Holiday Inn Pattaya 463/68 Pattaya Sai 1 Road, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi T: +66 (0)3872 5555 W: holidayinn.com/pattaya

The Village Shopping Centre Junction Soi Chaiyapruk and Sukhumvit Road T: 038 074 647-8 W: thevillagepattaya.com

Shenanigans Irish Pub Jomtien Complex Condo Thappraya Road, Jomtien T: 038 303 490 E: info@ shenanigansthailand.com W: shenanigansthailand.com

Bangkok Hospital Pattaya Highway 3, Naklua T: 038 259 999 Emergency: 1719 E: inquiry@bph.co.th W: bangkokpattayahospital.com

Tequila Reef Cantina Soi 7, Pattaya Tel: (038) 414-035 E: info@tequilareefpattaya.com W: tequilareefpattaya.com

Read back issues on-line @ www.remthai.com


developers • directory Nova Group Nova Park, 80/164 M9, Soi Sukrudee (Soi AR) near Jameson’s Pub Projects: Amari Residences Pattaya, The Cliff, Nova Ocean View, Novana Residence, The Palm, Nam Talay, Serenity Wongamat and Ocean Pacific T: +66 (0)38 415 304-8 F: +66 (0)38 415 309 M: +66 (0)85 282 6454 E: info@nova-thailand.com W: nova-thailand.com Principal contacts: Rony Fineman and Keith Storey Petch Property Development Co Ltd Projects: The Cove and Prima Residence Main office: 44 Soi Sukhumvit 59, Klongton Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 T: +66 (0)27 143 872 F: +66 (0)27 143 871 M: +66 (0)89 991 1999 Sales office: 193/1 M5 Naklua Road T: +66 (0)38 428 284 or (0)38 428 595 E: info@ppd.co.th W: ppd.co.th Principal: Itthi Chavalittamrong Poompatta Co Ltd 450 M9 Nongprue, Chonburi 20150 Projects: Patta Village and Patta Town T&F: +66 (0)38 371 555 E: info@poompattapattaya.com W: poompattapattaya.com

REM 11-12/2013 • Issues 150 and 151

Raimon Land PLC 22nd Floor The Millenia Tower, Bangkok Projects: Northpoint, Zire Wong Amat and Unixx South Pattaya T: +66 (0)26 519 601 M: +66 (0)81 3717 888 E: info@raimonland.com W: raimonland.com (The) Urban Co Ltd Projects: Acqua Condominium, The Gallery, SP Townhomes, The Urban, The Urban Suites, and Aeras T & F: +66 (0)38 231125-6 M: +66 (0)86 323 1908 E: theurbanproperty@gmail.com W: thegallerycondo.com, theurban pattaya.com, theurban-property.com

Shining Light Co Ltd Project: City Garden Pattaya Soi 15, Second Road close to The Avenue T: +66 (0)38 416 690 F: +66 (0)38 724 249 E: info@citygardenpattaya.com W: citygardenpattaya.com (The) Siam Oriental Trading Co Ltd 267/4 M12, Pratumnak Projects: Siam Oriental Condominium, Siam Oriental Garden, Siam Oriental Twins T: +66 (0)38 250 873 M: +66 (0)84 872 1272 E: sami.sarajarvi@gmail.com W: siamoriental.com Principal contact: Sami Sarajärvi SK Pattaya Development Co Ltd 130/74 M12 Chaiyapruk Road Projects: Mabprachan Garden Resort, Permsub Garden Resort, SK Residence T: +66 (0)38 074 701/10 M: +66 (0)84 872 1272 E: sk_pattaya@yahoo.com W: skpattaya.com Principal contact: Sa-nga Kijsamrej Town & Country Property 63/10-11 Pattaya Tai Projects: The Meadows, The Residence and Whispering Palms F: +66 (0)38 374 137 Russian: +66 (0)84 873 7425 E: info@towncountryproperty.com W: towncountryproperty.com Principal: Cees Cuijpers Tropical Dream Pattaya Co Ltd Projects: Tropical Dream T: +66 (0)38 252 299 F: +66 (0)38 252 209 M: +66 (0)82 202 0880 E: tropicaldreampattaya@gmail.com W: tropicaldreampattaya Principals: Gery Kis and Sylvie Schäffer Tudor Villas Co Ltd Showroom Pratumnak Hill, Soi 2 Projects: Tudor Court Condominium and The Cube M: +66 (0)81 863 0201 E: tudorvillas@yahoo.com W: tudorcourtthailand.com

Tulip Group Co Ltd 88/58 Moo 4, Bowin Sub District, Siracha, Chonburi Projects: Centara Avenue Residence & Suites Pattaya and Golden Tulip Hotel & Residence (both behind The Avenue), Centara Grand Residence Pattaya (Na-Jomtien) and Waterfront Suites & Residences (Bali Hai) T: +66 (0)38 959 180 F: +66 (0)38 959 508 M: +66 (0)83 718 0005 E: jason@tulipgroup.co.th W: tulipgroup.co.th Principal contacts: Kobi Elbaz and Jason Payne Universal Group Thailand 324/90 Moo 12, Thappraya Road Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150 Projects: Seven Seas and Savanna Sands T: +66 (0)38 074 625 E: universalplus@ymail.com W: universal-thailand.com Principal: Sonia Punjabi VKK Real Estate Co Ltd Sukhumvit 87 just before the rail track and the new road Projects: Porchland I, II, III (The Blue Residence), IV (The Time), V (La Santir), VI (The Feelture), VII (Del Mare) T: +66 (0)38 757 375-7 M: +66 (0)82 444 1147-8 E: theblue@porchland.com W: porchland.com VSPN Property Co Ltd 162 Moo 2, Sukhumvit Road (next to soi Banglamung 16), 500 metres past Kratingline Tri-junction Project: Seabreeze Villa Pattaya M: +66 (0)84 460 5335 E: seabreeze_villa@hotmail.com W: vspnproperty.co.th Principal: Ukarin Kerdkitsadanont

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Golden View

COMING SOON ANOTHER EXCITING NEW CONDO PROJECT FROM GOLDEN VIEW DEVELOPMENTS

DEVELOPED BY superb value condos in prime locations

www.goldenview.asia

OCEAN VIEWS ARE STILL AVAILABLE FULLY FURNISHED ONE BEDROOM CONDOS FROM 1.88M THB

WWW.MASTERSPRATUMNAK.COM

PATTAYA BEACH

BALI HAI LIGHTHOUSE

Modern condo design in exclusive Pratumnak area Offering fully furnished studio, one & two bedroom condos Featuring rooftop infinity swimming pool, sundeck & saunas

THE AVENUE

PATTAYA PIER

WALKING STREET

SOUTH PATT AYA ROAD

TUK COM VIEWPOINT COSY BEACH

S

S

TONY’S GYM

THIRD ROAD

TAT

BIG BUDDHA 5

P

SOI

THAPPR AYA

ROAD

SOI 2

SOI 4

SOI

P SUGAR HUT

S

6

DONGTAN BEACH

PATTAYA PARK

50% SO LD

DEVELOPED BY

ROYAL VARUNA

OVER

AD IT RO

PRAS

THEP

Showroom on 3rd Road P Project Location in Pratumnak Hill Close to Bali Hai overpass Soi Regent 2, Between Pratumnak Soi 5 & 6

JOMTIEN BEACH

EMAIL INFO@MASTERSPRATUMNAK.COM • SALES & SHOWROOM 038 S Showroom on 3rd Road Close to Bali Hai overpass

P Project Location in Pratumnak Hill

Soi Regent 2, Between Pratumnak Soi 5 & 6

410 786



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