2008 Thailand Property Awards a success

The winners of the 2008 Thailand Property Awards were revealed in front of 550 real estate and business executives during a lavish gala dinner at the Conrad Hotel at the weekend.

In total there were eight winners from Bangkok, six from Phuket, two from the Eastern Seaboard, two from Samui and three from Hua Hin.

Now in its third year, the Thailand Property Awards recognise not only the winners of each award, but also underline the high standard of Thailand´s real estate industry as a whole.

Raimon Land took the top award for Best Developer at the event, while Best Boutique Developer went to Aleenta developers KIJ Development Co. Ltd.

Gulu Lalvani, Chairman of the Royal Phuket Marina, was selected as this year´s Real Estate Personality of the Year. It is the first time a Phuket developer has received the award. The winner is not subject to the same entry procedure as the other 20 awards, but decided by Property Report Thailand.

“This year has been even more competitive than previous years. More than 360 companies were nominated and over 250 entries were received,”  Duncan Worthington, Managing Director of organisers Ensign Media Co. Ltd, said.

“It´s great to see so many worthy winners from around the country, and many new winners this year. To ensure complete impartiality in the nomination, entry and judging process, we engaged BDO Richfield Advisory Limited, a leading international accounting and consultancy firm to oversee the entire process,” said Worthington.

To recognise the unique characteristics of each regional market in Thailand, the villa and condominium categories were separated into five distinct regions: Bangkok, Phuket, Eastern Seaboard, Samui and Hua Hin, said Worthington. The Best Print Advertisement award was also introduced.

Raimon Land also won best development website for www.theriverbangkok.com and best condo development for The Heights (Phuket).

“The only [award] I want is the last one [best developer] but you don’t get the last one unless you get others on the way through – you just can’t do it,” Raimon Land CEO Nigel Cornick said.

A KIJ Development spokesperson said it was a proud moment for the company that reflected upon the hard work and efforts of their staff.

The winners of the 2008 Thailand Property Awards were:

• Best Developer – Raimon Land PLC
• Best Boutique Developer – KIJ Development Co. Ltd. (developer of Aleenta)
• Thai Zeit magazine Best International Agent – CB Richard Ellis (Thailand) Co. Ltd.
• Best Thailand Agent – Indigo Real Estate Co. Ltd.
• British Chamber of Commerce Best Villa Development (Bangkok) – The Royal Residence by TCC Capital Land
• Best Villa Development (Phuket) – The Cape Residences by Campbell Kane
• Best Villa Development (Eastern Seaboard) – The Residence at Horseshoe Point
• Best Villa Development (Samui) – The Estates Samui
• Siam Winery Best Villa Development (Hua Hin) – Pran-A-Luxe
• The Wall Street Journal Asia Best Condo Development (Bangkok) – The Infinity by Golden Land PLC
• Belmont Limcharoen Best Condo Development (Phuket) – The Heights by Raimon Land PLC
• Best Condo Development (Eastern Seaboard) – Northpoint by Raimon Land PLC
• Best Condo Development (Samui) – Casavella
• Best Condo Development (Hua Hin) – Manor Park Hua Hin
• Crystela Green Development Award – West Sands
• Gaggenau Best Architect – Palmer & Turner (Thailand) Ltd.
• Studio Gypser Best Interior Designer – Woods Bagot (Thailand)
• Best Agent Website – www.cbre.co.th
• Best Development Website – www.theriverbangkok.com
• Luxury Properties magazine Best Print Advertisement – The Yamu
• Property Report Thailand Real Estate Personality of the Year – Gulu Lalvani, Chairman of Royal Phuket Marina