Leading local property developers joined key private and public sector organisations on 8 of August in the inaugural Pattaya Property Outlook Seminar organised by the Agency for Real Estate Affairs (AREA) and the Eastern Seaboard chapter of the Real Estate Broker Association (REBA-ES).

The event was opened by the Deputy Mayor of Pattaya, who revealed a number of long-term environmental improvements for the area including a new reservoir, assisting water supply, a massive garbage incineration facility and a waste-water plant capable of handling 130,000 cubic meter per day.

AREA President Dr Sopon Pornchokchai presented new research highlighting the strong growth of real estate in Pattaya since 2008 propelling the city to become "the second city in Thailand" - with a stronger and more valuable property industry than any other city in the country.

Among those invited to share their expertise was Kingdom Property chief executive officer Nigel Cornick, who has been involved in Pattaya for the past decade.

He told delegates there was a real buzz about the city again.

"There us no doubt about it but there is a boom in real estate in Pattaya, particularly in the Bt3-7 m price range. Tourism numbers are increasing. Plus there`s the Eastern Seaboard, which is growing and bringing new property buyers, such as from Japan."

Also on the panel was Matrix Development MD, Miki Haim who spoke about his company`s intention to move a little further upmarket with future launches.

The forum was well attended with more then 100 guests present.

REBA-ES president May Watson said afterwards: "All the feedbacks I received says it was a great success which was very gratifying. This is just the type of event REBA-ES wants to help promote."

Dave Buckley, Real Estate Magazine, Thailand