Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are emerging as global property investment hotspots, according to property consultancy Colliers Thailand.
Phattarachai Taweewong of the consultancy said foreign buyers are dominating demand on the islands, particularly in the residential leasehold market.
“Over the past two years, land prices on both islands have risen sharply, mirroring Phuket’s rapid appreciation several years earlier,” he said.
“Despite the increase, land values remain significantly lower than in Phuket, leaving substantial room for further growth.”
At the end of the first quarter of 2026, Samui and Phangan had a combined 154 residential projects on the market, comprising 2,860 units with a total development value exceeding 61 billion baht.
Mr Phattarachai said the strong performance has attracted major Bangkok-based developers, many of whom have begun acquiring land on both islands in preparation for future projects.
Competition is expected to intensify this year as Supalai Plc and Chiang Mai-based developer Ornsirin Holding enter the market to capture demand in high-potential resort destinations.
New condo prices on Samui generally range between 60,000 and 80,000 baht per square metre, while some luxury projects command prices greater than 200,000 baht per sq m.
Foreign buyers account for 85-90% of purchases, while Thai buyers represent 10-15% of the market.
More than half of demand comes from European investors, followed by buyers from Russia, Israel, China, Australia, the Czech Republic and France.
On Koh Phangan, demand is driven overwhelmingly by foreign buyers, particularly from Israel, Europe and Australia, Mr Phattarachai said.
More than 90% of buyers are foreigners, while Thais account for roughly 10% of the market.