Investing approximately US$ 30 million, IFA Hotels & Resorts recently acquired 24.9% of Raimon Land Plc, a Bangkok-based luxury condominium and real estate development company listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET).

This acquisition represents an important part of a set strategy to expand the geographic reach of IFA HR as a global mixed-use real estate developer, and is made all the better by the fact that Thailand is undoubtedly one of the world’s mostexotic destinations.

Werner is delighted to see the company partner with Raimon Land to invest in Thailand. “This strategic alliance provides an outstanding synergy of skills. Raimon Land is engaged in top end property development in Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket and has a unique knowledge of the market and region. We expect the acquisition to serve as an entry point from which we can expand throughout the Southeast Asian region to pursue further growth and presence.”

A country of great diversity, Thailand is intriguing, beautiful on many levels and has a wonderful cultural heritage. Its capital, Bangkok, is one of the largest cities in the world and vies with Dubai in also having an astonishing rate of high-rise building construction.

Rightly famous for its wealth of cultural sites, gemstone shopping at good prices, exciting nightlife and great seafood, Bangkok is also the place to buy the finest Thai silk. It’s a vibrant metropolis and a city that promises an adventure for all travellers.

When in Bangkok, a visit to the Grand Palace is an absolute must. Housing the renowned Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand, the Grand Palace is a remarkable architectural achievement, built in 1782.

And speaking of adventure, an entirely different experience is to be had at Bangkok’s Snake Farm, officially called the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute. One of the largest producers of anti-venom serum in Asia, the Snake Farm is definitely worth a visit as it’s both educational and thoroughly entertaining. Perhaps not for the fainthearted! On the way, there are opportunities to visit one of Thailand’s famous floating markets, where vendors ply their wares from boats – a colourful spectacle.

While nearly everyone arriving in Thailand on vacation flies into Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket are the country’s leading tourist destinations. Pattaya is 155km southeast of the capital and is becoming increasingly popular as a family vacation spot, although it remains renowned for its dynamic nightlife and great shows. Glorious beaches, water sports, golf courses (more than 20) and open-air restaurants featuring Thailand’s broadest range of international cuisines are abundant, as is the shopping! Local lore has it that two out of three visitors to Pattaya extend their stay and some never leave, accounting for the city’s large expatriate population. From sand and sea to crocodiles and elephants, Pattaya offers something for everyone.

Known as the ‘Pearl of the South’, Phuket is Thailand’s biggest, most populous and most visited island, 867km southwest of Bangkok. Connected to the mainland by bridge, Phuket offers mountainous outcrops, pristine beaches and lush rainforests. Ironically, people’s attraction to the area has largely to do with what’s off the island. Surrounded by Thailand’s picturesque blue-green waters, Phuket is a day-trippers paradise with island operators making a small fortune running island-hopping, snorkelling, diving and fishing trips. Since the tragic tsunami of 2004, it has been completely rebuilt and its amenities have grown in sophistication and variety. Happily, it remains thoroughly relaxed, guarantees fun, and the locals are always smiling.