Myanmar continues to make headlines with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton quoted globally in the press that restrictions on investment will be eased.
Back of the recent elections another key development will be the appointment of a US Ambassador to the country.
It's expected that a rollback in the current sanctions will have a profound effect on financial institutions and multinational groups investing in the developing country.
News has come in that the shared ownership group Absolute is entering the fractional yachting sector.
A special marine division will focus on motor yachts (presumably this means no sailboats).
An initial foray will utilize a specially designed Elan 42, which includes overnight accommodation for the owners, two guests and two crew.
Pricing starts just under USD8000 and upwards. Owners have the option to either fully utilize their time or obtain a rental yield.
At the end of 10 years the yacht will be disposed (this is ostensibly its initial useful life before major refit is required) and owners are entitled to a proportional share of the sale.
Yacht fractional ownership has been in the market in Phuket for a number of years already, with both property developers and hotels such as Twinpalms operating successfully in the segment.
Phillips Real Estate have started up a new business unit focusing on off-market distressed assets.
Speaking to Principle Martin Phillips recently he pointed out the aim was to target trading opportunities between Europe and Asia for hotels, residential and commercial property.
A dedicated website has been set up for it at <link>http://www.distressedassets.com*CLICK</link>
Bill Callahan has opened a new Phuket-based design studio named Island Space.
Callahan who was based in Hawaii and Bangkok is targeting resort, residential and commercial work.
For more details visit <link>http://www.island-space.com*CLICK</link>
Leading retail shopping mall Jungceylon will undergoes a THB50 million renovation program according to the owning group Phuket Square.
The Patong landmark which has nearly 70,000 square meters of commercial space averages daily footfall traffic between 40,000 to 50,000 people.
A larger marketing budget will also be rolled out to promote the new entry of well-recognized branded offerings.
Vacation ownership group Absolute Worldwide are opening a Bali sales office in the upscale area of Seminyak.
Located next to the chic Potato Head Beach Club and near to the trendy W Hotel.
In other developments for the group the Twin Sands Resort and Spa on the Patong headland will be launching phase 2 sales within this year.
As for Koh Samui at Absolute's The Beach Private Residence Club it is expected the property will open within 2012.
Despite the widespread fallout from last year's flooding, Thailand's Eastern Seaboard is rife with economic activity.
One key indicator is SET (Stock Exchange of Thailand) listed firm Hemaraj who topped a record year for land sales in industrial estates hitting the 1,670 rai marker.
Two key sectors are the automotive and related part's manufacturer's who are being driven by Asia's strong economy and both domestic and regional demand.
From a recent trip to Pattaya, speaking to hotel managers one key trend is the pickup in corporate business from the nearby industrial areas which continues to grow.
Some real estate analysts have projected that the area may eventually see office complex's and companies relocate from Bangkok given both traffic and flooding issues.
Royal Phuket Marina has created a commercial offering for the growing office market.
Office spaces are now available for units ranging from 40 up to 1000 square meters.
Key features include underground parking, centralized air conditioning, TOT provided internet and complete infrastructure.
The development is already seeing strong interest with one of the island's larger legal firms moving into the complex.
Up at the entrance of Laguna the developers of Boat Lagoon recently rolled out their Boat Avenue mixed-use complex which includes office, retail and residential offerings.
Big news for Bali as billionaire Richard Branson has reportedly purchased the Linda Garland Estate (also known as The Pancharon Retreat) according to media reports.
The 10 hectare property is located near to Bali's Ubud area in Nyuh Kuning and has seven houses along with other resort features such as a 26 meter lap pool filled with spring water and yoga pavilion.
Branson's dip into the ultra villa market is best known for his world famous Necker Island in the Caribbean.
Pancharon was used as a location shoot in the Hollywood movie Eat Pray Love which starred Julia Roberts.
For more about the property <link>http://www.panchoran-retreat.com*CLICK</link>
