When I bought my condo 17 years ago, There was not a chinese, russian or indian in sight. This is the brave new world. I wouldn't buy anything in Thailand now without first living in the building for 6 months.
One of the best things about being over 50 (if there are any benefits) is the retirement visa. Get it soon and get it in Thailand. So much better and easier than doing it in your home country.
"Leaping growth in the next 5 years".
Maybe I'll be able to finally get my money back if I sell my condo then. What a joke. 17 years in and no increase in property values.
Once this project gets going, look for the Kra Canal discussions to be revived for the umpteenth time. China's main goal is to circumvent US containment on the South China Sea. Phase One of the plan is the rail line. Phase Two is the canal that eliminates the need for traffic thru Singapore and a direct outlet to the Indian Ocean. They will never give up on this plan.