Peak developer in new project

Abandons Bt20-billion forest-encroaching land development

THE developer of the controversial Peak project, shelved for encroaching on public land, is embarking on a new Bt20-billion mega-project.

Dr. Boon Vanasin has abandoned the 100-rai (40-acre) Peak project, but will continue to develop the other lands that he owns legally.

The brand-new project, called the “Himaphan Beach Samui,” is based on the same concept as the Sun City in South Africa, which incorporates entertainment activities.

The project aims to attract foreign clients who intend to rent in the long term, or for as long as 90 years.

The Land Department had nullified Boon’s right of possession to four plots of his land measuring around 40 acres, where The Peak project was supposed to have been undertaken.       

Boon, however, sued the Land Department, claiming that he had the correct land title deed to the disputed land, which he had bought.

The court case may take years to resolve.

Meanwhile, Boon said he had decided to develop the nearby land measuring 120 acres, which he claims to legally possess.   

The Himaphan Beach Samui project will be 30 percent owned by Anchaan, a real estate development company from England. 

According to Boon, the new project will be undertaken in five phases and is slated to be completed in five years.

The project comprises luxury villas, a 900-room hotel, 11 international restaurants, medical spa, international school, and water and outdoor sport activities center.

The development will cater to foreigners who want to buy villas on Samui with 90-year lease.  

The project is now in the first phase, which is worth Bt2 billion. It includes the basic infrastructure, club house and villa-style residences.

Next year the second phase will start and will consist of a luxury hotel with 400 guestrooms. The company plans to use the time-share system wherein the owners, if they don’t not stay here, can have their units rented out to tourists. 

Boon said that based on the feedback he has received from his agent in England, the project was well received by the English people and other Europeans.

In fact, he said, the first phase, this early, is 20 percent sold.  

Boon also disclosed that he plans to build an 18-hole golf course next year in Nathon where his company owns 280 acres of land.