The Vilailuck family's property arm, Vilailux Development Co Ltd, expects to capitalise on the attractive beaches on Mae Pim Cape in Rayong by building luxury residences and a five-star hotel, according to general manager Teeravat Pipatdhitakul.

About 40% of the beachfront totalling five kilometres has been developed, said Mr Teeravat, who is related to the family that controls the SET listed communication company Samart Corp.

"Rayong has many advantages. It is 165 kilometres away from Suvarnabhumi Airport and takes two hours to drive there. Transport to Mae Pim Cape is as convenient as to Pattaya, but the beach is more pristine and it is close to other tourist destinations such as Koh Samet," he said.

Mae Pim Beach's current developments include the Novotel Rim Pae, Hinsuay Namsai Resort and Hotel; and Rayong Chalet Hotel. The Logan is currently under development.

The company plans to develop the 1.7 billion baht Phuphatara residential project comprising a condominium and villas, and a five star hotel with an investment of 800 million baht, financed by Kasikornbank.

The development would be located on a 58-rai site on Phuphatara beach in Mae Pim Cape.The company spent 300 million baht to acquire the site from Siam City Bank last year.

Mr Teeravat said Phuphatara would have a five star 205 room hotel with room rates of at least 6,000 baht per night and spa villas at 30,000 to 38,000 per night.

There would also be three condominium buildings with a total of 199 units priced between four million and six million baht, and between 74 and 150 square metres.

The company will develop another 22 beach villas for sale 14 beachfront units on lots of 220 square wah with usable area of 540 sq m and a private pool, with prices at 40-50 million baht. Another 10 poolside units would cover 120 sq w with usable area of 375 sq m and priced at 20 million baht.

The company plans to hold private roadshows and join exhibitions in Europe especially the United Kingdom and Scandinavia.

Construction would start in the third quarter of the year and be completed by the end of 2008. The hotel occupancy rate for the first year is targeted at 60%, he said.

"We aim to increase the share of tourist arrivals in Rayong, attracting them from other nearby beaches such as North Pattaya and Jomtien, which are now quite full," said Mr Teeravat.

Bangkok Post (2 July 2007)