PALM VILLAGE

FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS

THAILAND & KOH SAMUI

Where is Thailand and the island of Koh Samui?

Thailand is in the heart of South East Asia, bordered by Vietnam, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia and Indonesia. Its capital is Bangkok and its time zone is follows UTC+07:00, which is 7 hours ahead of UTC.

Where is Koh Samui?

Koh Samui lies off the east coast of Thailand in the Chumphon Archipelago, part of the Surat Thani Province. With an area of 228.7 square kilometers, Koh Samui is Thailand's second largest island and hosts some 2.7 million tourists per year, rebounding to pre-Covid levels and a figure that’s anticipated to grow says Ratchaporn Poolsawat, the head of the Samui Tourism Promotion Association.

Which airlines fly to Thailand and Koh Samui island?

All major intercontinental airlines fly to Bangkok, such as British Airways, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, Aeroflot, Air China, Eva Air, SAS, Singapore Airlines, UIA, Cathay Pacific, El Al and of course Thai Air. There are multiple daily flights into Koh Samui, provided by Thailand’s award-winning boutique Bangkok Air.

What is the climate on Koh Samui?

Koh Samui experiences a tropical climate with distinct dry and wet seasons. The dry season from December to February features sunny days, lower humidity, and temperatures ranging from 25 to 32 degrees Celsius. The hot season extends from March to August, characterised by higher temperatures, occasional brief rain showers, and calm seas. The wet season, spanning September to November, brings heavier rainfall and increased humidity, with September being the wettest month.

What is the population of Koh Samui?

67.5 thousand people.

What is the political climate of Thailand?

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy and its King is the head of state. The country is a democracy and its Prime Minister is the head of government.

Do I need a visa to go to Thailand?

The Thai Visa Exemption Scheme allows tourists from 64 countries to enter Thailand without applying for a visa. Passport holders of the countries listed for visa exemption are not required to obtain a visa when entering Thailand for tourism purposes and will be permitted to stay in Thailand for a period not exceeding 30 days on each visit. A Non-Immigrant Visa is valid for up to 90 days, but can be extended for up to a year at a time, depending on eligibility criteria. Retirement visas for the over 50s are readily available and work permits for those with specific skills can be applied for via the Thai Embassy.

Do I need a valid Covid test to travel to Thailand?

Travellers must be vaccinated or have completed an RT-PCR or Pro-ATK test (if unvaccinated) before entering Thailand. The test result must be no older than 72 hours before departure from a home country. ATK self-test results are not accepted. 

Proof of this paperwork is not required before leaving a home country, but Airline staff and Immigration Officers may conduct random checks of passengers arriving in the country. 

Children under 18 will enter Thailand the same way as their parents. If a child travels with unvaccinated parents, they will need to provide proof of Covid tests.

How has the Thai and Samui property market performed?

The World Bank predicts that Thailand’s GDP will grow by 4.5% in 2023, which could lead to increased demand for real estate. The inflation rate in Thailand is expected to remain stable at around 1% in 2023, which is a positive sign for the real estate market. The Koh Samui property market offers excellent value globally, attracting the attention of expats and investors globally.

THE PALM VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT

When is The Palm Village expected to be completed?

The Palm Village villas are built entirely offsite, limiting on-site disruption entirely. The first villas are expected to be ready for occupation mid to late 2024.

What size is The Palm Village development?

The Palm Village is comprised of 24 villas in total set in gated, landscaped grounds of 8,828 sqm or approximately 2.18 acres

What types of villas are there?

The Palm Village comprises 20 x two-bed ensuite and 4 x three-bed ensuite private pool villas.

Do the villas come furnished?

Palm Estates properties are available in three levels: Unfurnished, Rental Level Furnished or Full Turnkey Furnished.

What amenities will be available within the Palm Village community?

The Palm Village benefits from its strategic location within the wider Fisherman’s Village community and its convenient access to its abundance of amenities.

Can I arrange a viewing trip either remotely or in person?

In Q1 2024, we will complete our Show Suite at The Palm Village, viewings can be arranged either via video link or in person. During this time we will curate a package that will allow buyers to visit the island of Koh Samui for a long weekend or mid-week stay to experience a tour of our project/s together with a curated cultural and gastronomic journey around the island.

FINANCE & LEGAL

What is the currency in Thailand?

The currency of Thailand is the Baht (THB), which consists of 100 Satang.Copper coins are valued 25 and 50 Satang. Silver coins are in denominations of 1, 5 and 10 Baht.Banknotes are valued at 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 Baht.

In what currency are payments made in?

All purchase prices are in Thai Baht. Payment can be transferred in any major currency and then will be exchanged into Thai Baht upon receipt.

How strong is the rental market on the island?

The rental market in Koh Samui exhibits notable strength, characterised by a robust demand for residential properties. The island's allure, with its stunning natural beauty and vibrant tourism sector, continues to attract a diverse range of guests, including both short-term vacationers and long-term residents. Investors and property owners are witnessing sustained interest, reflecting the island's status as a sought-after destination.

Live AirBnb data relating to rental pricing can be viewed HERE

Will I need a Thai bank account?

Yes you will need to open a Thai bank account and be in the country to do so. We can of course assist in this area should you need.

Is it possible to buy more than one villa?

Absolutely. The Palm Village development offers excellent investment opportunities.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

What measures are Palm Estates taking with regard to sustainability practices across their projects?

Palm Estates is committed to pioneering sustainable practices across its developments on Koh Samui, integrating eco-friendly systems to create environmentally conscious and energy-efficient spaces. Embracing a holistic approach to sustainable living, Palm Estates incorporates the following embedded eco-friendly measures: 

Energy Efficient Design:
Employing cavity walls and double glazing systems to enhance insulation, Palm Estates focuses on energy-efficient architectural design that minimizes the need for excessive heating or cooling. 

Green Building Materials:
Utilising environmentally responsible materials such as bamboo, reclaimed wood, and low-impact insulation, Palm Estates ensures that its developments are constructed with a reduced ecological footprint. 

Renewable Energy Sources:
Embracing renewable energy, Palm Estates integrates solar systems across its developments. This includes solar installations for public areas and an optional upgrade for individual villas, promoting sustainable energy practices. 

Water Conservation:
Implementing rainwater retention tanks, Palm Estates aims to reduce reliance on traditional water sources and contribute to water conservation efforts on the island. 

Minimize Construction and Operational Waste:
Adopting pre-fabricated systems for the superstructure, Palm Estates minimizes construction waste and ensures a more efficient building process, thereby contributing to sustainable construction practices. 

Smart Home Technologies:
Integrating smart home technologies such as automated lighting and cooling systems, Palm Estates enhances energy efficiency and provides residents with the tools to actively contribute to sustainability in their daily lives. 

Natural Habitat Preservation:
Committing to biodiversity and environmental preservation, Palm Estates incorporates green spaces that support local flora and fauna. Through natural site preservation and additional planting of major trees and shrubs, the developments aim to create a harmonious coexistence with the island's natural ecosystem. 

By embedding these eco-friendly systems, Palm Estates not only seeks to provide residents with a sustainable and comfortable living experience but also contributes to the broader goal of environmental stewardship on the beautiful island of Koh Samui.