TCC LAND TARGETS SPA RESORT

       TCC Land, a property arm of beverage tycoon Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, is considering taking over two hotels in Ranong, said a source in the hotel industry.
       The source said TCC Land had sent officials to survey the market, and Chansom Hot Spa and Tinidee Hotel @ Ranong could be on the takeover list.
       "The group seems to be most interested in Chansom Hot Spa, as it is located right on Phetkasem Road near the entrance to the Raksa Warin hot spring. The hotel is also the only concessionaire to the hot spring and it is also the producer of a mineral-water product," the source said.
       Phannee Srokhai, deputy managing director of Chansom Hot Spa, said many groups had shown interest in taking over the hotel.
       "What we want to sell is the mineral-water plant located behind the hotel," Phannee said. "The plant was temporarily closed but all the machines function well. But we don't have experience in production and marketing."
       Meanwhile, she said the owner had no plan to sell the hotel, but given the economic crisis, might welcome a good offer. "But there has been no formal discussion with any group," she added.
       Phannee said the group welcomed TCC Land's proposal, but the result depended on conditions. She estimated the hotel should fetch at least Bt400 million.