Noble Confident in Overcoming Earthquake Crisis, Conducts Thorough Inspections of All Buildings, and Trusts Strong Backlog for Transfers
Following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake centered in Myanmar on March 28, 2025, several buildings in Bangkok were damaged, including the company's residential condominium projects. However, due to the standard design and construction of the buildings, the company's projects were not significantly affected. All building structures remained undamaged and accessible as usual. On the day of the earthquake, the company proactively conducted inspections to assess the situation and safety of the buildings, continuously and urgently checking all of its projects while closely coordinating with relevant agencies, including legal entities and contractors, to repair damages and ensure safety for residents. The company also assisted in coordinating insurance claims for damages in the units through the “noble ID” Application.
Mr. Thongchai Busarapant, Vice Chairman and Co-CEO of Noble Development Public Company Limited (NOBLE), stated that the severe earthquake on March 28 was an unprecedented event in Thailand. Nevertheless, the company believes that the impact will be short-term. In the long term, it is confident that the demand for condominium housing that meets travel needs, convenience, and complete facilities will continue to be in demand. The company aims to build customer confidence in the safety of its buildings alongside emergency management measures to assist and care for customers promptly. Regarding the backlog of projects expected to be completed and transferred in 2025, the company is confident it will deliver and transfer ownership as planned. After the earthquake, the company continues to see ongoing sales in both horizontal and vertical projects, reflecting confidence in the quality and standards of its projects. This event may also stimulate increased demand for horizontal real estate in the near future. The company has a portfolio of several completed horizontal housing projects ready for transfer in various locations to meet customer needs promptly, such as Noble Terra Rama 9-Ekkamai, Noble Curve Ekkamai-Ramintra, Noble North Krungthep Kreetha, New Cove North Ratchaphruek, and New Hype Suksawat. The company is confident in maintaining continuous sales in both horizontal and vertical projects.
TRIS Rating, a credit rating agency, has assessed the impact of the event and views that real estate development businesses with high-rise condominium projects will experience a demand impact in the next 6-12 months. Consequently, a Credit Alert has been issued for several real estate development companies. For Noble, its credit rating has been reviewed, maintaining a Credit Rating of BBB and adjusting the credit outlook from Stable to “Alert Negative.” This credit outlook reflects a short-term perspective due to the earthquake event. TRIS Rating will closely monitor the situation and will review the Credit Alert again after fully assessing the impact on the company's business and financial status by June 2025.