Erawan Group sets to enhance returns on its asset to reach long-term goals

THE NAKA ISLAND, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket, newly rebranded resort expected to bring steady income to The Erawan Group

Bangkok, Thailand (July 28, 2011) - The Erawan Group Public Company Limited (ERW:TB) recently announced that it has reached an agreement with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. to rebrand its resort located on Koh Naka, Phuket to The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket ("The Naka Island"). The resort is scheduled to reopen in November of 2011.

The Naka Island, 25 minutes away from Phuket International Airport, is cradled on a tranquil fisherman's island offshore of Phuket surrounded by white sand beaches and overlooking picturesque views across Phang Nga Bay. The resort features 67 luxury pool villas with two exquisite restaurants and also features a full service luxury spa and swimming pools.

Kamonwan Wipulakorn, President of the Erawan Group said "we are pleased to have agreed terms with Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide to rebrand our existing resort. With experienced management team and established worldwide network from Starwood, we are affirmed that the rebranding will optimize financial returns from our resort on Koh Naka." Kamonwan added "This rebranding, which is a part of our strategy to continually enhance returns from existing assets to achieve objectives set forth in our 5-year master plan, will transform the resort from its formerly restricted wellness destination to a much stronger and broader market demand of luxury pool-villa resort. The rebranding requires an additional investment of 70 million baht of which we expect to be fully recovered within three years."

"We are delighted to strengthen our presence in Thailand with the signing of The Naka Island, A Luxury Collection Resort and Spa, Phuket. This hotel will be an exciting addition to our existing portfolio of 16 existing and 6 pipeline hotels representing 8 of our 9 lifestyle brands in the country. We indeed look forward to working in partnership with the Erawan Group Public Company Limited to further expand Starwood's presence in Thailand," said Wayne Buckingham, Regional Vice President - Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Asia Pacific. We are confident of the success of the resort and our partnership with the Erawan Group," added Wayne.

The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts:
The Luxury Collection® is an ensemble of hotels and resorts offering unique, authentic experiences that evoke lasting, treasured memories. For the global explorer, The Luxury Collection offers a gateway to the world's most exciting and desirable destinations. Each hotel and resort is a unique and cherished expression of its location; a portal to the destination's indigenous charms and treasures. Magnificent décor, spectacular settings, impeccable service and the latest modern conveniences combine to provide a uniquely enriching experience.  Originated in 1906 as a collection of Europe's most celebrated and iconic properties, today The Luxury Collection brand is a glittering ensemble of more than 75 of the world's finest hotels and resorts in more than 30 countries in bustling cities and spectacular destinations around the world.  The Luxury Collection includes award-winning properties that continuously exceed guest expectations by offering unparalleled service, style and class while celebrating each hotel's distinctive heritage and unique character.  All of these hotels, many of them centuries old, are internationally recognized as being among the world's finest. For more information, please visit www.luxurycollection.com

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1051 properties in 100 countries and territories with 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft®, and Element SM.  The company boasts one of the industry's leading loyalty programs, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), allowing members to earn and redeem points for room stays, room upgrades and flights, with no blackout dates. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com

About The Erawan Group
ERAWAN is Thailand's leading hotel investment company with diversified hotel portfolio from luxury to midscale and economy segment across Thailand's major tourist destinations. We currently own 13 hotels, all under the hotel management partnership with world-class hotel operators including Hyatt, Marriott, Accor and IHG. Our investments also include 1 upscale shopping plaza situated in the heart of Bangkok CBD. The Company was established in 1982 and listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand in 1994. For more information, please visit www.theerawan.com