Phuket Property Pulse: Mid-Year Outlook 2025 – An Industry Deep Dive

May 2025

Phuket, Thailand – On Wednesday, 7 May 2025, industry professionals gathered at the SILK Restaurant at Andara Resort & Villas, Kamala Phuket, for Phuket Property Pulse: The Mid-Year Outlook. Hosted by C9 Hotelworks, this 90-minute learning session offered vital perspectives on Phuket’s evolving property market as we move into the second half of 2025.

This fast-paced event focused on current trends and forward-looking insights that matter most to stakeholders—from developers and investors to property owners and operators. Topics ranged from leasehold ownership updates to critical tax considerations, helping attendees navigate the complexities of doing business in Thailand’s dynamic real estate sector.

Paul Ashburn from HLB Thailand spoke at the event on financial accounting and tax considerations for leasehold developments. He highlighted that developers need to understand and plan for income tax that will become payable on the lease rentals over the term of the lease. Owners as well need to understand the developer's financial structuring and income tax obligations if the developer plans to hand over the freehold interest in the leased property when the development is completed.

A highlight of the session was the presence of world-renowned entrepreneur Dr. Allan Zeman, Chairman of Lan Kwai Fong Group, who shared his vision for real estate development on Phuket.

As Phuket's vacation home and luxury property markets continue to attract international interest, platforms like Phuket Property Pulse remain essential for fostering knowledge sharing, networking, and staying ahead of regulatory and market shifts.

Special thanks to Bill Barnett and the C9 Hotelworks team for consistently delivering thought leadership events that address the critical issues shaping Thailand’s hospitality and real estate sectors.

About HLB Thailand

HLB Thailand has a long tradition of serving international and local clients and today is one of the leading international accountings and advisory ﬁrms in Thailand.

About C9 Hotelworks

C9 Hotelworks is led by founder and Managing Director Bill Barnett, who brings over 30 years’ experience in the Asian hospitality and real estate sectors. Prior to founding C9 in 2003, Bill held senior executive roles in hotel operations, development, and asset management. He is considered a leading global authority on hotel residences and has sat at almost every seat around the hospitality and real estate table. Bill promotes industry insight through regular conference presentations at key events and contributes to numerous industry publications. For more information contact www.c9hotelworks.com

About HLB International

HLB International is a global network of independent advisory and accounting firms and through the power of 46,755 professionals across 157 countries, we combine local expertise and global capabilities to service client's needs. Learn more about HLB's global services and capabilities: www.hlb.global

HLB refers to the HLB international network and/or one or more of its member firms, each of which is a separate legal entity. Please see www.hlb.global/legal for further details.

Learn more about us and tell us what matters to you by visiting www.hlb.global

HLB refers to the HLB International network and/or one or more of its member firms, each of which is a separate legal entity. Please see www.hlb.global/legal for further details.

The C9 Sessions in Bangkok

HLB Thailand joined the panel at two full house events for the latest C9 Sessions Property Market Update in Bangkok to share insights on Thailand’s short-term and long-term rental market.

As the regulatory framework concerning short-term vacation rentals in Thailand continue to evolve, effective regulation, including enforcement of tax laws, will enable public authorities to strike a balance between promoting sustainable tourism and protecting communities. It should also allow fair competition within the sector while guaranteeing quality and safety for consumers and foreign visitors.