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A land trust is a pass-through entity that becomes the owner of a specific property. For this exercise we will only discuss the ownership of real property, specifically real estate. These documents are much hated by Realtors, lawyers, lenders and municipal governments to mention a few, but loved by real estate investors who understand them. A land trust is a simple document which becomes the controlling...

A raft of unprecedented benefits in store for lessees Thailand is bracing for the passage of the leasehold draft bill that is expected to entice more foreign lessees to the property market, according to the Bangkok Post. The Council of State is due to vet the leasehold bill after public hearings ended on 16 June. The bill has already received cabinet approval. Under prevailing laws, foreigners can own...

Bangkok, Thailand (CNN) A Thai political party has nominated the King’s sister as its candidate for prime minister in March elections — an unprecedented move that could upend the political landscape and give the revered monarchy an overt role in politics. Bangkok, Thailand (CNN) Thailand's king has strongly criticized his sister's announcement she will stand in elections next month -- an...

As the advance of transit systems gives rise to suburban bed towns in Southeast Asia, real state developers are quickly seizing the opportunity to supply homes to the emerging ranks of residents who commute to city centers. Near the Chatuchak subway stop about 10km north of central Bangkok, real-estate developer Sansiri is building a large condominium comprising about 800 units. The area has few...

It’s clear that first time buyers have very much re-established themselves as a core part of the property market since the recovery started post the credit crunch. The Halifax data clearly shows that FTBs (rightly) decided to rent/stay at home rather than buy during the recession, saving them from potential negative equity issues. This was a sensible move, but statistically has artificially driven up the...

BOI-efficient tax structuring The Thailand Board of Investment is the governmental agency to promote foreign direct investments in Thailand. Key benefits of a BOI promotion are (i) the Foreign Business License to do business in Thailand with up to 100% foreign shareholders, (ii) the right to acquire legal ownership in real estate and (iii) tax holidays. Tax holidays give a BOI promoted project a tax...

Developers from across the island hope to achieve both local and national recognition as the finest in their categories Key members of the Phuket press gathered last night at the Angsara Laguna Phuket for an exclusive media briefing in advance of the 13th annual PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards 2018. Addressing the room was Terry Blackburn, founder of the Asia Property Awards, regional awards judge...

For several years now, commentators – particularly in the business community – have opined that Thailand is in need of a significant infrastructure upgrade such as its mass transportation, road and railways systems. Investment in state infrastructure projects may pay off better for some, depending on the understanding of what rights and forms of redress they may have. The government appears to agree....

Tourists and foreign residents’ personal security, safety, beach tourism sustainability, jet-skis, taxis and tuk-tuks were all highlighted as ongoing issues of concern by five European ambassadors in talks with Phuket Governor Chamroen Tipayapongtada. The high-powered ambassadorial delegation comprised Mark Kent of the UK; Brendan Rogers of Ireland; Philip Calvert of Canada; Karel Hartogh of the...

GUANGZHAO: China and Thailand are reported to have inked a memorandum of understanding on the construction of a canal that would cut through peninsular Thailand, linking the South China Sea with the Andaman Sea. Once completed, the ‘Kra Canal’ would offer an alternative sea link between Asia with the Middle East and Europe, bypassing the Strait of Malacca, a key shipping lane for world trade. The...