WhyThai

You'll note the use of the term "nominee" in this article. A nominee is not the real owner, just a temporary holder. This is not the case with most wives.

Loaning or giving your wife money to purchase property is COMPLETELY LEGAL in Thailand according to every major law firm here. Worry not I think.

Yes definitely a controversial project in its visibility. There's a lot harsher development occurring elsewhere on the island i.m.o. Patong Bay is still pretty.

Fled from Thailand? I don't think so. The original builders were killed in the Tsunami.

There was also a delay with condo permitting as I understand it. Resolved.

Indochine Villa Santi is one of the most visible projects on the island as it sprawls up a hillside of Patong Bay. The villas there are finished, the main hotel is not and remains under construction. The views are probably the best on the island but you should expect some inconveniences with a project under construction (especially relating to the restaurant).

I do know these people. There are no particularly "dodgy" land issues relating to this project, just a few construction & finance delays that are fairly typical of Phuket (I could name many others). Almost all units are individually owned by foreigners.

There is a small beach directly across the road (not very well known as it is not marked but is nice). Most people would choose to go down the road to Patong Beach which is a little far to walk but very quick on a taxi or bike.

You will get a lot more space here than just a plain hotel room but it's all a question of how "finished" you want your experience. Next year this place will be hard to beat.