Construction & Real Estate

An important engine of growth for Thailand, the construction sector is acting as a hedge as many other sectors face challenges in the form of global economic weakness and tepid consumer demand. Together with tourism and, to an extent, finance, construction is keeping the slowdown from becoming too severe. The Thai real estate market is decidedly split. In general, buyers are increasingly constrained and finding it difficult to fund or finance purchases. However, in the centre of Bangkok and at the high end, the story is very different. Demand remains firm, new stock is being taken up nearly as fast as it is offered, and prices are rising to record levels. The market is bifurcated, with the lower end lagging and the upper end forging ahead. This chapter contains an interview with Naporn Sunthornchitcharoen, President, Land & Houses.