Media reports in Bali have reported a series of raids on villas for rent in key tourism areas in Bali.
Government enforcement officials are scrutinizing the rental villa sector which is operating without licenses.
Allegedly a number of the villa under investigation are associated with global booking provider Airbnb.
Substantial fines are possible should they be imposed by the government.
Non-traditional accommodation which has no hotel licenses and takes booking fees off shore are increasingly an issue in Asia's resort markets , where hotel overbuilding is creating a supply and demand issue.
Nearby Penang is creating a substantial transportation infrastructure plan to address long-term expansion.
In the works is a new light rail transit linking the Penang International airport and Komtar/George Town.
Unlike the proposed Phuket model two key differences in Penang will use an elevated system and there is an airport connection.
Plans also call for a sky cab cable car between the mainland at Butterworth and George Town on the island.
Phuket's own LRT plans which diverts direct to Phang Nga and not to the airport still baffles many analysts as to sustainable viability of the initiative.
Luxury Home Exchange Group Widens Market
Premium exchange provider 3rdHome has tapped into hotel branded residences to expand their offerings.
The most recent deal is a reciprocal arrangement with the Ritz-Carlton Destination Club.
Other branded offerings include Trump Tower in New York and Auberge Resorts.
3rdHome offers a vertical rating system for upscale and luxury properties based on key market valuations.
Former Laguna Phuket Managing Director Michael Ayling will take over the helm of Royal Phuket Marina effective today.
Ayling will assume the position of Managing Director and General Manager of the destination complex.
He is being tasked to develop an expansion of RPM on a broader scale given Phuket's surging tourism market.
Former GM Mert Ulusoy will depart at the end of the month to pursue other interests.
A high quality upscale 129 unit serviced apartment has been put on the market in Bangkok.
The Oakwood Trilliant on Sukhumbvit Soi 18 is being marketed by JLL.
Two key features are 100% foreign ownership back of Board of Investment (BoI) approval and vacant possession on management.
Thai hospitality group Boutique are trading the asset.
Thailand's Mall Group is launching a massive 150 rai mega retail, hotel and amusement development named Blu Pearl Phuket valued at THB20 billion.
Located in Kathu, near to Tesco Lotus, on the road leading to Patong, the project will have upscale retail, hotel element and a themed tourist attraction.
Plans also call for a large-scale water park.
Kathu is rapidly becoming Phuket's new central business district, effectively bridging Phuket City and Patong.
Nearby Central Festival is currently undergoing an expansion of the retail complex at a site across the street from the main mall.
One of Krabi's real estate offerings, The Lai Tai in Ao Nang is tapping into the overseas retirement market.
Buyers over 50 years of age can avail of, 5, 10 or 15 year leases, which are geared to their specific requirements.
The developers have also staged a relationship with the new Krabi Nakharin International Hospital, to offer buyers free medical check-ups.
Krabi looks to be tapping into the Phuket market of older buyers who have long been attracted by the island's quality medical facilities.
Phuket low-cost residential is continuing to boom, with the new Dinso Residence Patong being the latest entry.
Priced from just THB2.88 million the usual offering of studio, one and two bedroom units are for sale.
The seven-story condominium project is located on the hillside and offers select ocean views.
A key sales perk is that units come fully furnished.
CBRE Thailand has been appointed as the project's sole agent.
A property auction will be held at Royal Phuket Marina on May 17th and 18th.
Organized by the Phuket Real Estate Association, it will be coordinated by Bangkok brokerage house Harrison.
An open house preview will be held for two weeks at the beginning of April, and the actual auction in May.
The auction strategy for properties has received a mixed response in the past, with some events being held in the early 2000's, so will be interesting to see what the current trend is for such events.
