Bangkok--25 Jun--Oasis Media In its release today, the Home Builder Association has laid out its long term foundation to building business sustainability through personnel development, professional upgrading as well as market stimulus package in 2H08, especially in its Home Builder 2008 event. The Association believes there are still abundant demands in home building market, especially for large homes which are expected to continuously rise throughout the year, and is confident that the total market this year will be as much as last year at Bht 8.5 bn. Mr. Panthep Thanchitikul, President of the Home Builder Association, reveals today that the home building market in 1H08 has been hit by the current economic condition and, especially by the continuously rising construction costs, yet there are still demands in the home building market as most of home building customers are highly saving-disciplined and liquid. The current market demand is, however, not that bright since some customers are reluctant about the present economic and political situations. All these factors continue to put home building market in 1H08 under pressure. On the other hand, there has been significant increase in the demand for larger homes as they are least affected and would like to expedite the construction to avoid the problem with rising construction costs. The Association has been in talks and is discussing a long term plan in order to find a solution to the problem. It is now ready to lay out 2 major stepping stones for the sector including the setting up of a sustainable foundation for home building industry and its members as well as home building market expansion through market stimulus package. In its attempt to develop sustainable foundation, the Association has currently been trying to develop basic personnel needed for market expansion through its collaboration with Don Muang Technical College to offer an associate degree curriculum in construction techniques to accelerate the production and development of home building personnel sufficient to meet the needs of its member companies. In addition, it is also considering the setting up of a home building data center for the uses of its member companies as well as the general public. “We really must say that the market in 1H08 is badly hit. Costs are on the rise, while purchasing power is slowing down. The Association, therefore, tries to initiate these two supporting measures, which are not meant for now, as we think they are only short term economic problems. In order to truly solve the problem, we are aiming to lay out a firm foundation in the long run so that when the market comes back to life, we are ready to move aggressively forward. We are looking to create quality people for the industry.We are seeking for useful supporting data, which will result in our effective planning. This is why we initiate the setting up of a home building data center, which will help us obtain a more accurate data in the future.” said Mr. Panthep. Mr. Panthep further adds that the Association also focuses on market expansion through creative market stimulus package, mainly in its two annual events. One of which is organized at the beginning of the year for its members, while the other larger Home Builder event is organized in the second half of the year. This year it will be held during August 20-24, 2008 at the QSNCC and it is for the first time that there are more than 50 participating companies from construction material producers to finance institutions. In addition, this event will be co-located with Home Expo 2008 organized by Home Buyers’ Guide Magazine focusing on residential home buyers. It is expected that the synergy of both events will add in colors and efficiently stimulate the 2H08 market after the market slow down in the 1H08. Interestingly the last year event was highly successful with a total on-site sale of Bht 1.5 bn. It is expected that the home building market in 2H08 will be more active after the market is adversely affected by several negative factors in 1H08. Given a clearer political backdrop, purchasing power will start pouring into the market. According to member companies, it is found that currently there are more people expressing interest to build their homes, but some are still reluctant. If organized, additional market stimulus package will definitely help increase significant purchasing power in the 2H08. It is estimated that currently total home building market value in 2008 is as close to what it was in 2007 at Bht 8.5 bn. For more information please contact Oasis Media Company Limited Tel.0-2937-4658-9,0-2937-4735 Chatchaval Teened 081-626-3095 Saranyarat Suwannakam 081-423-4121,Piyaporn Chamnien 081-561-1134 Email: [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected]