In spite of the sharp declines in arrivals during the political crisis months of May and June 2010, international visitor arrivals in the first four months of this year were still high enough to allow the country to enjoy a 13.70% increase in total arrivals in the first half.

Figures tabulated by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports in January-June 2010, showed total arrivals by nationality of 7,515,025 up from 6,609,313 or up 13.70% over the same period of 2009.This is because arrivals in the first half of 2009 had been hit by the impact of the global financial and economic crisis prevailing at the time, making this year’s rate of increaserelatively high over a lowbase figure. It also reflectsthe fact that while arrivals toBangkok were significantlyaffected, arrivals to Phuket remained relatively buoyant.As the arrivals in Juneand July 2010 have pickedup significantly,thanks to the launch of recovery programmes and a broad range of promotional packages,theTourismAuthority of Thailand officials are optimistic that it will still be possible to meet the year’s total arrivals target -if 14.5 million arrivals.

On each of the markets, :he following performance analysis, based on the figures _hulated so far:

EAST ASIA: East Asian,.tor arrivals to Thailanda:fe the biggest market the 7.5 million arrivals in
January-June 2010, a total of 3.67 million were from the East Asia region. Malaysia topped the list with 930,660 arrivals, followed by Japan 475,386, China 471,462, and Korea 382,394.

EUROPE:The January-June period saw a good growth rate of 15.86% to 2.27 million. The United Kingdom is the largest source market out of Europe, with arrivals of 412,035, up 2.28%. Germany is Thailand’s second highest source market from Europe with a total of 320,368 arrivals, up 15.89% over the January-June 2009.Visitors from Russia to Thailand have been growing steadily over the past few years. In the early days, Russian visitors began flocking on charters to Pattayato escape the harsh winters.

Today, they have become mainstream travellers. In January-June 2010, Russian visitors to Thailand totalled 305,415, up 102.28% over the same period of 2009.

THE AMERICAS: Arrivalsin January-June 2010 saw an increase of 3.64% to431,381. The main market, the US, increased by 1.95% to 310,454. Arrivals from both Brazil and Canada showed positive growth of 17.29% and 3.88%. Thailand’s image of good value for money remains a powerful magnet that continues to attract tourists.

SOUTH ASIA: Arrivals inJanuary-June 2010 grew bya strong 15.99% to 446,935 ~~ith all markets doingwell. India has become a primary market with arrivals up by 18.39% to 344,063. making it the region’s fastest growing market. Thailand is enjoying huge popularityamongIndian niche markets; such as, weddings and honeymooners.

OCEANIA: Arrivals in January-June 2010 grew by 11.87% to 367,540 visitors. Australian visitors were up 13.00% to 326,084 and New Zealand +3.00% to 40,255. This is largely due to the influx of low-cost airlines like Jetstar into Phuket.

MIDDLE EAST: Arrivals in January-June 2010 grew by a strong 22.20% to 261,657 with all markets showing a positive growth. One of the most promising is Iran with arrival only at Suvarnnabhumi airport up by 51.86%.

AFRICA:Arrivals inJanuary-June 2010 were upby 21.71% to 56,908. South Africa is a major market and has showed significant growth of 39.09% to 23,434. It is expected to perform stronglyin the year ahead in the wake of relaunch of Thai Airways’ flights to Johannesburg.According to the TAT Gov ernorSuraphon Svetsreni, the strong market recovery efforts being exerted by the Thai tourism private sector, Thai Airways International, as well as the high-profile promotions such as the “Thailand Today” mega-fam trip should make it possible to make up lost ground in the second half of this year.

Asian economies have showed steady economic improvements and the short-haul markets such as India, China and Indonesia are showing great promise. At the same time, the airline industry is adding more flights from key markets; such as, Australia, Japan, and Singapore. Many countries are also relaxing or withdrawing their travel warnings to Thailand, and new markets such as China, Russia and India are showingsignificant growth Mr Suraphon noted.

The Federal Government has significantly upgraded its population forecasts for Australia to over 35 million people within 40 years.

The Government says its third intergenerational report will show the country’s population is expected to grow by 65 per cent by the year 2049.

That is significantly higher than the Government’s Second Intergenerational Report which predicted a rise to about 29 million people.

The Government says the revised prediction is due to improved fertility rates, a higher number of women who are within child-bearing age, and an increasing number of immigrants.

Treasurer Wayne Swan will use a speech this morning to explain that the changing population presents the Government with one of Australia’s greatest economic challenges.

He will also launch a new index to track the affordability of retirement.

As prices of luxury condominiums in Bangkok’s central business district (CBD) have gone up dramatically over the past six years, there has been continued interest from buyers looking for more affordable units in older buildings in the area.

However, according to Jones Lang LaSalle, there are several factors that buyers need to consider when buying used luxury condominium units as divestment under the current market condition – where the levels of both old and new supply are high – can pose a big challenge.

“We have seen continued interest in used luxury condominiums offering relatively attractive prices, particularly in well-managed buildings. Some of these condominiums may be offered at prices as low as half of those commanded by units in newly completed buildings or under construction projects,” said Daonum Lilavivat, head of Residential Agency at Jones Lang LaSalle.

Findings from Jones Lang LaSalle’s recent market study indicate that newly completed or currently under construction luxury condominium units in Bangkok’s CBD are now offered for sale at prices ranging between Bt110,000 and Bt200,000 per sqm, whereas units in older luxury buildings (aged ten years and older) in the same area are available for sale at between Bt55,000 and Bt90,000 per sqm.

“Discussions with our customers who purchased condominiums in older buildings show that aside from lower prices, most of the older buildings in the luxury segment offer relatively larger common space and full recreational facilities. These amenities include large swimming pools, fitness/sauna rooms and tennis courts, which are not typically provided in many new condominium projects. In addition, some buyers prefer the more ‘cozy’ environment offered by older condominium buildings rather than the ‘hotel-like’ atmosphere in new buildings,” says Daonum.

Good time to buy for own occupation
Buying used luxury condominiums in the CBD for own occupation now is a sound decision, says Daonum. “The strong competition in the leasing market due to the rapid growth of new condominium supply has put downward pressure on rents. Many owners who bought condominiums for investment purposes many years ago may now find it difficult to let their units as most tenants prefer newer buildings. For this reason, these investors are keen to divest their holdings,”

She adds that many of these units offer attractive prices and good value for money for those who are looking to buy used condominiums for their own occupation.

Daonum’s view is supported by Jones Lang LaSalle’s new market study which provides an analysis of gross and net yields in the high-end Bangkok condominium market.

Dan Tantisunthorn, head of Research at Jones Lang LaSalle, says “In a study to be published shortly, we found that the average resale price and current borrowing rates have adjusted to a level resulting in a gross yield which would attract end-user buyers. At these same price levels and assuming no vacancy, investors can earn a net yield above long term ‘risk-free’ rates, despite the yield on some of these, such as the recent government bond issue, rising.”

Doanum believes buyers can expect a capital appreciation in the long term as there are less sites/land plots available for new developments, whilst development costs of future projects are likely to rise.

Nonetheless, investors looking to buy used units to let at this time must be very cautious, says Daonum. “Aside from the downward pressure on rents because of strong competition and tenants’ preference for newer buildings, an investor may also have to make a big cash outlay to renovate a unit prior to putting it up for rent.”

Quality of property management – a key factor to look at
Because of old age, the condition of some condominium buildings can deteriorate –  so can their asset values. Therefore, apart from price and location, the quality of building/property management is another key factor that buyers must pay a lot of attention to.

“There are a number of older luxury condominium buildings that are well managed and have always been kept in a like-new condition. Units in these buildings are able to sustain their asset value despite the high levels of supply entering the market over the past few years, and have a higher potential to enjoy a capital appreciation once the market picks up,” says Daonum.

“The attitude of the condominium juristic person committee plays a vital role in determining how the building is managed. A committee with a forward-thinking outlook will not be reluctant to invest in property management, including the regular maintenance and improvement of common areas, communal facilities and all systems within the building,” Daonum says.

Some key findings of the research arm of one of Thailand’s major developers provides the latest facts, figures and trends relating to Thailand, so investors are equipped with the knowledge they need to use in their decision making.

It is about the country and its future, containing opinions from property industry experts and investors who provide first-hand intelligence and insight that reveals existing, as well as the longer-term potential of the country.

Key Findings:

* Top tourism destination in South East Asia with 14 million+ air arrivals in 2007, and 30% growth YTD.

* Rapid economic expansion with strong fundamentals – GDP forecasts 5-5.5% in 2008 despite worldwide economic slow down.

* Booming condominium sector. The sector has grown to be the largest real estate segment in Thailand, with steady price growth in the Bangkok metropolitan area and exponential growth in resort destinations.

* Luxury segment emerged just a few years ago with very little existing supply and has created quite a high demand from local and international investors who see greater value for money compared to other countries in the region.

* Global investment interest with buyers comprises nationalities from around the world with thousands of enquiries a month coming in from around the world to purchase property in Thailand. This diversity of nationalities and locations to invest in puts Thailand in a position to experience long-term growth in the real estate sector.

* Solid yields and capital gains. Both Thais and foreigners can buy freehold condominiums in Thailand, and leverage their investment throughout the construction period with attractive payment structures. Rental yields have been averaging 6-10% net per annum and buyers have enjoyed a significant capital increase across the board when investing in Thailand.

First of all, a lot of people will discourage you from investing in real estate. With the looming global financial crisis, you can’t really blame them. Some will even advice you to keep your money in the bank where it is safer than investing on something that you can’t be sure of. Although there is some truth in this, you will see that investing in Real Estate in Pattaya is different.

With its pristine white sand beaches and crystal clear waters as well as a laid back lifestyle, you will see that this place is an ideal vacation destination that is increasing in popularity every year. With an international airport operating nearby, it is no wonder why more and more tourists from all over the world are visiting Pattaya, Thailand.

And, all of these tourists want something in common, which is an affordable place to stay. This is where you come in as a real estate investor. When you own a real estate property in Pattaya, Thailand, it doesn’t mean that you should use it as your own. Instead, make a business out of it and let the property make you some money by turning it in to a vacation rental home.

Increasing numbers of people are beginning to understand that Pattaya, Thailand has a lot of potential. It won’t be long after land value here skyrockets, particularly after this place becomes fully developed and popular. So, there’s really not a lot of time to think about investing in real estate in Pattaya.

Even with the political turmoil, solid Thai Baht, and unclear property ownership, you will find that these things did not have any impact on the real estate development in Thailand. It also didn’t have an impact on the investment market like so many investors feared that it would.

In Pattaya as with the rest of Thailand, you will see that the real estate market is sound and can really provide investors with a substantial medium term profit. Also, you will find that Thailand property is priced quite low compared to checking countries, such as the United Kingdom, where the average price for real estate is 10 times higher compared to Thailand properties.

BuyRealEstateAt.com also offers real estate investment tours. They will help you organize a tour to the property you are interested in buying in Pattaya, Thailand. This way, you will have a chance to take a look at the property you plan on buying up close. This way, you will be able to determine if the property is for you or not.

Investing your money in real estate may seem like a bad idea today. With the current global economic crisis, investing in real estate is the last thing in people’s minds today. A lot of people would rather save money in the bank in order to have something to use on emergencies. However, if you dig a little deeper, you will find plenty of opportunities in real estate that will definitely be worth your time and money.

If you are looking for a sound real estate investment, then you should try investing in real estate in Pattaya, Thailand. Why? Well for starters, Pattaya, Thailand is a well-known tourist destination. This is where a lot of people go to in order to have a relaxing vacation.

Considered to be the jewel in the crown of Thailand, you will see that Pattaya has a lot of potential in the real estate market. With new developments booming in the area as well as a new international airport, you can safely say that Pattaya is the next boom in the real estate market.

Thais and foreigners alike are now investing in as much real estate as they can in Pattaya. They know that soon enough, this part of Thailand will develop in to one of the finest and most popular tourist destinations in the world. From condos, to apartments, to beach houses, to villas, you will find almost everything here to invest on.

You have to consider the fact that even in today’s global economic situation lots of people are still traveling to exotic vacation destinations, such as Pattaya, Thailand. It may be because that they want to escape the stress that the real world is offering today, or it may be because they simply want to relax and have fun. If you have a property here, you can be sure that it will be rented all year round. So, expect to get your return of investment in a very short time.

You also need to understand that the price of the properties in Pattaya, Thailand is not yet that high. Even with the on going developments, you can still get properties here at a very cheap price. But, with the expected boom in tourism and development in Pattaya, you can’t expect that the cheap prices will last long. This is why you may want to invest in real estate in Pattaya as soon as possible.

The sooner you invest in real estate in Pattaya, Thailand, the better the chances of getting properties at a bargain price. And, because Pattaya is expected to become very popular in the near future, you can simply sell your property here at a very high price in the future. Not only that you will get a chance of getting your investment back through rentals, but you will also make a huge profit by selling the property you own when the market value skyrockets.

There is a very large demand for property or real estate in Pattaya, Thailand. If you have the money, then don’t hesitate to invest in real estate here. Whether you are looking for apartments, condo units, lots, duplexes or houses, or new homes, you can be sure that you will be able to find it in Pattaya, Thailand.

By investing in real estate in this particular place, you can be sure that you are making the right decision. It is better than letting your money sit in the bank, and it is definitely something that you will make extra cash on especially in today’s economic situation.

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