Weekly Column

Sunbelt Asia Weekly Column 14 September 2018

Sunbelt Asia Weekly Column

14 September 2018

Thailand topped the list as the most popular destination for Chinese tourists in the first half of 2018 according to a report from the China Tourism Academy and online travel booking site C-Trip with 5.9 million Chinese tourists visiting in the first half of the year. Overall 71.3 million Chinese tourists visited 130 countries in the first half, a 15 percent year on year rise. Thailand came in first followed by Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Russia, the US, and Cambodia. New destinations with fast growth include Serbia, Laos, Belgium, Vietnam, Sweden, Turkey, Russia, Myanmar, Cambodia and Finland. Thailand saw a total of 19.4 million tourists in the first six months, up 12 percent from the same period last year, Chinese tourists accounted for 5.9 million of those, up 26 percent. The survey found that while most Chinese prefer to travel in groups, the younger Chinese tourists prefer to travel by themselves, and 53 percent of travelers are female and 47 percent male. Travelers using the site were split evenly between group tours and independent travel with a huge jump in travelers requesting private trips and cuisine related tours and more seeking an experience rather than shopping.

The MRTA has been approved to invest in and operate mass-transit light rail projects in Chiang Mai and Phuket – PhangNga. The two projects will see public and private investment and the project for Chiang Mai, which will link the downtown district with the airport was fast tracked last October, the Phuket line will link Surat Thani on the Gulf Coast with Phang Nga and Phuket ending in Chalong in Phuket. A new high-speed rail line linking the Don Mueang International Airport, Suvarnabhumi International Airport and U-tapao Airport is expected to be kick-started next year. Also scheduled to begin construction next year are the new inland container depot for shipping-based cargo, new electric train routes, the U-tapao expansion, and the third phase of Map Ta Phut and Laem Chabang port development.

The University of Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) raised its forecast of Thailand’s economic growth this year to 4.6 percent from an earlier estimate of 4.5 percent on the back of growth in the export rate, tourism and crop prices. Spending in the upcoming elections is expected to spur the economy and the SET rose on the announcement of the election date being set. The UTCC predicts that Thai exports will grow by 8.7 percent and imports will rise by 12.6 percent. The country’s current account surplus is expected to reach of US$34.6 billion and the baht is expected to hover between 31.5 to 33.5 to the US dollar.


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Please feel free to contact us if you are in Thailand  (+66) 02-662-7004 to discuss any of these listings.

Sukhumvit restaurant in price drop as owner is keen to sell

Located in a busy Sukhumvit soi, this restaurant is well-reviewed on Trip Advisor and has garnered good word of mouth with locals, expats, and tourists. The owner is looking to sell the brand, equipment, and will train the new owner in all recipes.

There are six service staff and six kitchen staff including the chef, who will stay on to work for the new owner. The 200sqm restaurant can seat up to 60 people and rent on the space is 200,000 baht a month. The current owner has a 3 + 3 year lease that expires in 2019. There is a parking area available as well. The restaurant has room for an office and an area with lockers for the staff. The fully fitted out kitchen is designed to cook both western and Thai food.

Sales last year reached around 12 million baht with a profit of around 30 percent. The owner is looking to sell as he travels for his overseas business too often to manage the business.

UPDATED NEW ASKING PRICE: 5.5 million baht
(BKK15826)

Rapidly growing healthy drinks business

Taking advantage of the healthy lifestyle market, this business offers vitamin water enhancers in 18 small retail shops as well as in major e-tailers like Lazada and Shoppee. The company has also been involved in marketing the business widely at booths and other events and has received great feedback from customers.

The business was established in 2016 and has two full time and three part-time employees with a total monthly payroll of 18,000 baht. The business is in a 200 sqm space with a monthly rent of 14,000 baht.

The owners found themselves stretched after such a rapid expansion and are selling as they find they do not have enough capital to expand into the supermarkets and hypermarkets despite having the connections and interest. With the right backing this product could be quite successful. The sellers are willing to support the new owners after the sale.

ASKING PRICE: 6 million baht
(BKK15839)

Home decor factory and showroom

This long running home décor business has been manufacturing lamps since 2004 and has built up a good reputation for design and quality. The unique and beautiful designs are used in lighting and other fixtures as well as home décor and the company has become known as a leading designer of natural lamps and light designs.

The factory is 7,000 sqm and has a renewable three year lease with a monthly rent of 176,000 baht. The security deposit is not included in the sale. There are around 65 employees with a total monthly payroll of 1.1 million baht

The Thai Limited company is included in the sale but inventory is excluded. Fixed assets including equipment, computers, tools, company truck and leasehold improvements are included in the sale. Also included are the product designs, and showroom with samples. Remaining inventory can be purchased at cost. Sales have reached 70 million baht with a total profit around 20 million baht. The owners are moving back to their home country and so which to sell the business.

ASKING PRICE: 33 million baht
(BKK15766)

English school in greater Bangkok metro area

A leading English school is available in Samut Sakhon, in the greater metropolitan Bangkok provinces. With a top curriculum, fully equipped school and a high enrollment of students on an annual fee basis, the school is quite successful and a leader in the area with a waiting list for students wishing to enroll. The school has an active presence on social media that has helped to promote its brand, communicate with prospective clients and public relations.

Located in a 160sqm building, there is a reception area, two large classrooms, an office, a library, a back kitchen, an outside kitchen and yard as well a bathroom on each floor. The building has ample parking in front as well as a car park on the side. Rent on the premises is 15,500 baht a month.

The school has experienced consistent growth year to year with a profit of 1,065,801 baht in its first year. Sales last year reached 2,660,766 baht with a profit 2,160,964 baht. There is one full time and one part time employee with total wages at 12.620 baht a month.

The owner is moving overseas and so is selling the business

ASKING PRICE: 4.8 million baht
(BKK15779)

Long-running Kanchanaburi travel and tour business

This long established Kanchanaburi travel agency handles inbound tours to the popular province. Holding the valuable TAT license the business is turnkey for the new owner. The sale includes the shophouse with the business. The building is 320 sqm and the buyer will be owning a chanote title property.

Last year’s sales reached 4.5 million baht with a net profit of 1.04 million baht. There are six employees with experience in the business with a total monthly payroll of 80,000 baht. There are several part time tour guides the company can hire freelance as needed.

The owner is now retiring and so wishes to sell the business

ASKING PRICE: 11.8 million baht
(BKK15647)

Popular Irish pub in Pattaya

Located in a popular area of Pattaya, this long-running Irish pub has earned good reviews for its fun atmosphere, friendly service and good food. In addition to the pub, which offers 70 seats and big screen TVs for sports, there is a six room guesthouse in a two shop-house space. Rent on the space is 71,000 baht a month with rent fixed until 2026. A real deal in this area.

The business has 10 employees with a total monthly payroll of 80,000 baht and has seen sales reach 6 million baht with a profit of around 1.5 to 2 million baht. The owner is including the Thai company in the sale price. The owner is relocating overseas and so is selling the business.

ASKING PRICE: 2.5 million baht
(BKK15833)

Well-known Chaweng beach bar & grill on Samui Island

In the heart of Chaweng Beach on the popular tourist island of Koh Samui, this bar and grill has been in business for ten years and is open 7 days a week. The new owner will need to change the name as the current owner is keeping the franchise name but all equipment, fixtures and fittings will remain. Only the accounting staff computers and personal items would be removed.
The are two lease contracts (and two landlords) for the premises with monthly rent currently set for the next 12 years:

2018 – 2021 – 584,531 baht / month

2021 – 2024 – 642,984 baht / month

2024 – 2027 – 707,282 baht / month

2027 – 2030 – 778,009 baht / month

The owners are selling as they are focusing on their franchise business and need to reduce their operations on Samui. The new owner would walk into a turn-key ready business in one of the best locations on the island.

ASKING PRICE: 15 Million Baht / USD 480,300 USD
(BKK15840)

Profitable transportation business in Khon Kaen & Bangkok

This profitable transportation has earned a good reputation having been business for 48 years in Khon Kaen, the company has also expanded with two branches in Bangkok. The business has many repeat customers and excellent word of mouth due to its long standing role in the north East. A great team of 60 dedicated staff are staying on.

The company has 17 trucks for delivery and they are included in the sale. The business saw 36 million baht in revenues last year with a profit of 13 million baht. The owner is retiring and so wishes to sell the business

UPDATED NEW ASKING PRICE: 48 million baht
(BKK15662)



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