Property sales taxes topped B1bn in 2005

PHUKET: The Phuket Provincial Land Office (PPLO) collected 1.1 billion baht in property taxes and fees in 2005.

The tax gathered has soared recently, thanks to booming land prices and sales of homes in property developments. By comparison, PPLO statistics show that the province collected 370 million baht from land and property sales in 2003, and 932 million baht in 2004.

PPLO Chief Suphot Suwannachote told the Gazette that Phuket land prices continue to increase, especially in places that command a sea view in newer development areas such as Pa Khlok and Layan.

He added that 70% of the tax collected came from sales of land and houses in property developments and 30% from sales of land alone.