LAND IN Chern Talay that was worth five million baht a rai last year is now valued at 10 million baht a rai, according to local officials.

Manoch Panchalad, President of the Orbortor for the Chern Talay, on Phuket's north-west beachfront, says the price has surged because of new resort and condominium projects.

Surin beach, Bang Tao beach, Layan and the hillside beyond all had new projects happening that were boosting land values.

He estimated total development in the region to be worth five billion baht.

Other potential investors were waiting to see what the political outcome might be nationally.

''We need to provide water and power for all these developments and future developments,'' Khun Manoch said.

The Orbortor had already paid two million baht to have CCTV available in Chern Talay from December, he said.

Among the new developments pushing up land rates were the resort and villa project by Shangri-La Phuket at Layan and the Phudalay at Bang Tao.

Laguna Phuket also continued to expand with a seventh resort being built and new housing projects constantly being rolled out.

''These are five star residences and condos so high-end customers with money are constantly coming to Chern Talay in increasing numbers,'' Khun Manoch said.