Real Estate Association Builds on Success of RAPTOR–REAL Hotel, Opening a Platform for Future Real Estate Leaders
The Thai Real Estate Association is advancing the development of human resources in the Thai real estate industry. Following the successful reception of the RAPTOR program, Class 2, and REAL Hotel, Class 3, from executives, real estate developers, investors, and operators across various industries, it reflects the adaptation of the Thai real estate sector as it enters a new era. Executives now need knowledge, vision, networks, and an understanding of rapidly changing business trends.
On May 15, 2026, the Thai Real Estate Association held a closing ceremony for the RAPTOR Class 2 and REAL Hotel Class 3 programs at Grande Centre Point Prestige Hotel. Throughout both courses, participants received insights from real industry leaders in real estate, hotels, investment, design, technology, and modern business management, which can be practically applied in their operations.

One of the key highlights of the closing ceremony was a special seminar featuring three legendary leaders from the Thai real estate sector, who rarely speak at general courses. This unique experience was exclusive to RAPTOR Class 2 and included Mr. Anupong Assavapokin, CEO of AP (Thailand) Public Company Limited, Mr. Chai Srivikorn, Chairman of the Executive Board of Gaysorn Property Co., Ltd., and President of the Ratchaprasong Business Association, and Mr. Chali Sophonpanich, CEO of City Realty Co., Ltd.

Mr. Anupong Assavapokin shared his vision on “Making the Difference: Thinking and Doing What the Market Has Not Considered,” drawing from his experience in growing AP into a leading player in the Thai real estate market. He emphasized the importance of building quality teams, risk management, cash flow management, organizational structuring, and fostering an Independent Responsible Leader corporate culture, as well as applying Design Thinking and Digital Transformation in modern real estate.
Mr. Chai Srivikorn discussed the concept of “Place Making” and the development of the Ratchaprasong area through the topic “Transforming Amarin Plaza into LV The Place Bangkok,” reflecting on urban and real estate development at the district scale, which is not just about competing buildings but creating value for the entire area through infrastructure connectivity, Skywalk systems, urban design, and enhancing experiences for people, which can elevate economic value and attract long-term investment. Meanwhile, Mr. Chali Sophonpanich shared lessons from real experiences in “Untold Stories: Stories Not Found in Textbooks from Real Leaders,” highlighting the importance of strong teams, data-driven decision-making, risk management, and seeking new opportunities in a rapidly changing market.

Mr. Pornariss Chuanchaisit, President of the Thai Real Estate Association, stated that the Thai real estate industry is currently facing competition and changes across multiple dimensions, including economics, technology, consumer behavior, and demographic structure. The association aims to develop courses that elevate Thai operators to compete sustainably in the long term while creating a network of new leaders with a broader understanding of the business world. Mr. Wora-yut Kittiadum, Vice President of the Thai Real Estate Association and overseer of the RAPTOR program, noted, “The success of the RAPTOR program this year reflects that real estate operators are increasingly prioritizing learning about technology, data, and business strategy. Future competition will be about the speed of adaptation and recognizing new market opportunities. RAPTOR aims not just to create classrooms but to build a community of new real estate leaders ready to share experiences and foster long-term business collaborations. The positive feedback has led the association to continuously develop new courses and activities.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Worapoj Kantipipat, overseer of the REAL Hotel program, stated, “The recovery of the tourism sector has made the hotel business another significant opportunity for real estate operators. However, competition has also become more complex. Operators must understand investment, brand management, and creating unique experiences for customers. The good news is that REAL Hotel not only imparts knowledge but also builds a network of real operators from the hotel, real estate, and tourism sectors, leading to new business collaboration opportunities. This is a key reason why the association is preparing to launch REAL Hotel Class 4 later this year.”

Building on the success of both programs, the Thai Real Estate Association is set to continue with new courses. From June 24-26, 2026, the Real Focus: Pool Villa Class 2 will be held after receiving positive feedback from the first class, sharing real experiences from pool villa developers in seven locations across the country, including Phuket, Samui, Hua Hin, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai. Additionally, a new course titled “R.L.O.M: Real Estate Longevity Opportunity Model” will take place from August 7 to September 4, 2026, marking Thailand's first course linking three key industries: real estate, health, and service business, to prepare for the Longevity Economy trend and aging society, bringing together experts from real estate, medicine, and hospitality in one platform.
At the same time, REAL Hotel Class 4 will be conducted from September 18 to November 27, 2026, aimed at developing new operators and executives in the hotel business through knowledge in investment, management, branding, and sustainable hotel development, featuring leading national speakers sharing real business experiences. The Thai Real Estate Association believes that developing people is the foundation for advancing the industry and the country's economy, and is committed to creating a platform for quality learning and networking to empower Thai operators to compete and grow sustainably in the future. More information about the courses can be found at https://thairealestate.org.