Koh Phangan to be re-branded

The tourism and sports ministry has new plans to promote Koh Phangan as a “green” island destination.  In line with this new image there are plans for upgrades island wide and changes in zoning to shift the islands current reputation as a party destination.

Ref:  http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/tourism/451426/ministry-to-upgrade-koh-phangan

Thailand, one of the best places to retire in 2015!

Thailand has come in at number 10 for the best places to retire in 2015 as rated by the International Living magazine.  Thailand’s low healthcare cost (which is high in quality), the friendly attitude of locals towards retired expats, and the low cost of living were the defining factors for this rank.

Ref:  http://thainews.prd.go.th/centerweb/newsen/NewsDetail?NT01_NewsID=WNECO5801040010013

8 Things That make Luxury Travel in Thailand Unique

Below are just some of the top reasons why people from all over the world are looking to Koh Phangan, not just for a short holiday stay but also to purchase/lease land, build a house, or run a business!

1.    A NATION OF ISLANDS: So many different islands with their own special features all within a day’s travel of one another make for an exciting adventure and endless possibilities.
2.    A LOVE AFFAIR WITH WATER: Beaches of dreamlike caliber line the coasts and offer endless water related activities.
3.    ENJOYING THE VIEW FROM INFINITY: The infinity pools that you find in the pages of luxury estate magazines? They’re everywhere and just waiting for you to jump in and enjoy the view.
4.    THE WHOLE FAMILY IS WELCOME: The Thai islands are safe and full of amazing activities for any type of traveler or expat—whether it be the bachelor, the honeymooners, or the Brady Bunch—they’re sure to have the time of their lives.
5.    WORLD CLASS CUISINE: If you haven’t tried Thai food yet, you are definitely missing out! Thai cuisine is often perfectly composed of sweet, sour, hot and salty flavors, which make is so irresistible! If you would rather eat a more familiar western dish, worry not– there are plenty of restaurants serving western food as well.
6.    A LAND OF SMILES: The Thai people tend to be very friendly and usually greet you with a warm smile. You’ll find this positive energy very contagious and see a smile on the faces of those traveling with you and when you look in the mirror, the good ole’ vitamin D from all of the sunshine you’ll be getting won’t hurt your mood either!
7.    PAMPERING THAT’S ALL ABOUT YOU: Facials, massages, manicures, if you can dream it you can probably get it. Being pampered in Thailand doesn’t have to be a ‘once-in-a-blue-moon’ treat. It’s so affordable you can treat your self pretty much as often as the craving arises.
8.    IT’S MEANT FOR YOU: Thailand is friendly on the pocketbook. As in most Asian countries, the cost of living is much lower than in western countries. A family could easily spend a luxurious vacation in Koh Phangan that they couldn’t even dream of affording in the likes of Europe, the USA or Australia for example.

 

Reference:  http://www.samujana.com/blog/8-things-make-luxury-travel-thailand-unique

Koh Phangan – Still a little piece of paradise!

Despite being made famous by the full moon party, Koh Phangan is again starting to be seen for the natural beauty that first brought tourists here.

Boasting near-pristine beaches, large national parks, traditional fishing villages and coconut plantations – Koh Phangan is definitely more than just the party island!

To know more about what Koh Phangan has to offer read the full article in the Bangkok Post http://www.bangkokpost.com/travel/travel-feature/419754/paradise-retained

Island Road Improvements

The local government this last year has spent a lot of time and money on upgrading the roads around the island.  Drainage has been improved in a lot of areas, roads have been widened and major roads are being upgraded.  The new Bantai road that connects to the police station near Thong Sala is now complete with full concrete and drainage in place and work continues on the upgrading and widening of the Thong Nai Pan road.  All of this work bodes well for the continuing development of the island.

The road to Thong Nai Pan

 

The new Bantai road

Thailand: ‘Cheap’ for Construction

According to the recently released 2013 report “International Construction Costs:  A Change of Pace” from leading consultancy group EC Harris, construction costs in Thailand are among the cheapest in the world, coming in at 39th position out of the 47 countries surveyed.  The annual study, which benchmarks building costs in 47 countries across the world, is outlined in a full report that can be downloaded here.

Koh Phangan a “must visit” in 2013

According to the New York Times, Koh Phangan is one of the places that you must go to in 2013.  The island’s re-branding to a more upscale and family friendly island has seen it added to the list of the 46 places worldwide that are worth a visit this year.

To read the full article go to http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013/01/10/travel/2013-places-to-go.html#/?place_id=koh

Government Investment for Phangan

The Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s visit to the southern provinces in Thailand, including Koh Phangan, on the 21-22 October was used to announce the approval of funding for some 27 projects in the region worth 517 million Thai Baht.

More importantly for Koh Phangan was the approval of the 1.094 million Thai Baht undersea power cable which will be laid out over 100 km from Suratthani and provide the residents and tourists of Koh Phangan with more access to electricity.  The project will be carried out between 2012-14.

Other noteworthy projects include the construction of a hospital in Koh Tao, a flood prevention project for Koh Samui and an artificial well project to help with water shortage issues.

To view the full article, please view:

Southern Times, vol. 1 No. 4, October 27 – November 2 2012.