Phuket to stay green up top

– A daily digest of news from around the world compiled by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community.

PHUKET: Phuket’s Natural Resources and Environment department head Ong-art Chanachanmongkol has announced that the 80-metre height limit on new construction will remain in place, according to Property Report magazine.

Some had speculated that the limit might be dropped on September 30 after a review that occurs every two years.

Increased regulations will also take effect September 30, requiring consultants to register and pass a test before they can perform environmental impact evaluations.

“The law will remain unchanged from October 1 in regard to the 80-metre limit,” Khun Ong-art said. “If anything, there will be more protection for Phuket’s natural environment.”

He added that he didn’t think the height limit would ever be removed.

For a related Phuket Gazette editorial view on the merits of the island’s 80-metre height limit, click here.

Travel Daily News
Each year, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) recognizes travel industry leaders who have contributed to the development and promotion of travel and tourism across the Asia Pacific region. PATA announced its 2010 winners on July 28.

Outrigger Hotels and Resorts Asia won a prestigious PATA Gold Award, in the Marketing Campaign – Hospitality category, for its well integrated opening campaign for the new Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas.

The property, which opened in December 2009, partnered with Keen Media Bangkok to implement a multi-faceted launch campaign comprising social media, online advertising, display advertising in consumer and trade media, the creation of a new website (outriggerphuket.com), a promotional video and the production of brochures and fact sheets.

PR Inside
The Thai property market, especially in Phuket and other coastal resorts, is still suffering from a very slow market as the political situation, strength of the Thai Baht and continued world economic uncertainties hit sales, particularly sales of second homes and holiday and vacation homes.

The cyclical nature of the property market in resort areas means foreign investors will return, sooner or later, according to property consultants Jones Lang LaSalle. The timing will depend on when all the critical factors again become positive.

Unlike the constant demand for real estate in Bangkok, the property markets in Phuket, Pattaya and Samui have remained subdued during the first half of 2010, with agents struggling to make headway apart from instances in which specific properties offer extremely good terms for the buyer.

Bangkok Post
Deputy Finance Minister Pradit Phataraprasit has encouraged leading US companies to set up their regional operating headquarters (ROH) in Thailand.

Representatives of nearly 50 giant US firms on Friday morning met with Mr Pradit to discuss business and investment obstacles.

“The Ministry of Finance will propose new incentives for foreign firms to the cabinet for consideration next Tuesday,” Mr Pradit said.

The new offers include zero per cent corporate tax for 15 years and a 10 per cent corporate income tax on income in Thailand, the deputy minister said.

For foreigners working at a regional head office in Thailand, personal income tax would be only 15 per cent for 15 years, he added.

Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban last week reported to the Thai Cabinet that China is interested in providing investment, technology and management support for a new 240-kilometre railway line from Bangkok to Rayong.

The news follows an official July 16-23 visit by Suthep to China.

Suthep also disclosed that the two countries may additionally cooperate in railway projects at the Thai-Lao border in Thailand’s Nong Khai province, in connection with a possible new rail line to Laos and China.

Similar cooperation may also occur with a possible new rail link from southern Thailand into Malaysia.

— Gazette Editors