Housing prices poised to soar at Thailand's Pattaya resort beach.

Byline: Somporn Thapanachai

Nov. 1--The prices of quality residential units on the outskirts of Pattaya are likely to soar by 30-40 percent next year due to the city's growing appeal among retirees, families and investors, according to Paul Davies, director of KCR Homefinder Co, a foreign brokerage agency based in Pattaya.

A major reason for the expected rise in values is the new Suvarnabhumi Airport, which will be less than one hour by car from Pattaya.

Mr Davies said the steady amount of foreign direct investment in Chon Buri and Rayong provinces was also pushing up prices in Pattaya's housing market, particularly in the rental sector.

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