The group - whose businesses include food delivery, tour operating and property management - bought the 30-rai property in August for Bt30 million.

Chief executive officer Tite Chinsomboon yesterday said the group would spend Bt270 million on renovation, building more rooms and developing adventure activities.

The resort is located on the banks of the River Kwai in Sai Yok district. It has been renamed Buri Tara Resort and Spa and will be the first five-star resort in the province.

"We plan to make it a higher level than any other resorts there, with a concept of living in pure nature, as in Africa," said Tite.

Tite said the group would increase the number of rooms from 50 to 170, with 100 new chalets and 20 new Thai village houses.

Rooms are currently priced at Bt800 per person per night. After renovation, standard rooms will cost Bt2,000, chalets will be between Bt4,000-Bt6,000 and village houses will rate at Bt3,000 for small units and Bt8,000 for large ones.

"With this pricing, we aim to draw overseas tourists, particularly from the United States, Europe and Japan. Local tourists are expected to account for 20 per cent of our guests," he added.

The group will promote the resort in world tourism fairs next year, including the World Travel Mart in London and ITB in Germany.

It plans to provide a range of adventure activities, including elephant riding, white-water rafting, camping and trips on all-terrain vehicles.

Tite said that while Kanchanaburi normally attracted local tourists, he expected international visitors would increase as the province promoted its nature and historical sites.

The group plans to make further investment in the next one or two years in areas such as Koh Pha Ngan, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son.

Suchat Sritama

The Nation