Exotiq signs up Krabi real-estate broker

The new office, which is expected to be fully operational in March, will cover an area of Thailand boasting some of the most spectacular real estate in the world. In addition to prime property in and around Krabi, the office will focus on popular islands such as Koh Hong and Koh Lanta, where a branch office will be opened before the next tourism high season.

"Our well-established publishing business gives us unique access to the best property choices in the Krabi region," said Newspaper Direct's managing director Thomas Gennaro at a signing ceremony in Phuket. "We will be in a position to exclusively represent some unique listings."

The new Exotiq Office will be staffed by European and Thai agents, with Italian, French and German speakers available.

"This area of Thailand has enormous potential for holiday and retirement-home development," said Exotiq Thailand's chief executive Angus Maclachlan. "Prices here are much lower than in neighbouring Phuket and the infrastructure is improving all the time."

Krabi becomes the sixth location for Exotiq in Thailand. Since 2007, agencies have opened at Koh Samui, Pattaya, Koh Chang, Hua Hin and Phuket. In Chiang Mai, Exotiq has an associate-broker deal with Jasmine Homes.

Exotiq Real Estate operates eleven offices in nine locations throughout Indonesia and Thailand. It has also opened an interior design and furnishing showroom in Hua Hin under the Exotiq Living brand.