mauiguy90

Samrong or the Bearing area has had a bad reputation for a long time. The first time I went to the Imperial Shopping Center there, I saw a gang fight in McDonald's with over 20 kids involved. No security came by and no one tried to stop the fight. It ended when the gang wanted it to end. As a previous poster said, if you don't speak thai, you never understand what people are saying even if they say it straight to your face. I've heard more than a few thai guys remark that a particular foreigner carries a lot of money. However, you will not find out until you go into an area where no one else is around. Thai criminals are smart: no witnesses....

Smile Dentist on Asoke(not Ploenchit) is good and reasonable. 02-664-2800.

I've gone to cheap dentists before such as the clinic at Srinakarinwirot on Asoke. An older lady dentist refused to give me adequate anesthetic, basically stood on my lap for 10 minutes twisting and turning at my tooth while I was grimmacing in pain. It was cheap but was one of the most painful dental experiences I've ever had. Never again!

May Massage Sukhumvit 22 Next door to the Queen's Imperial Park Hotel. Great thai and foot massages; Almost all the girls are good and polite. Price for a 2 hour massage is 350 baht. Avoid the aggressive heavy set lady-more than a bit demanding. Have been going to May Massage for over 6 years-never a bad massage and no sex massage.

It sounds like you are trying to check out of your present home early to avoid problems. If you are interested, I can show you a place or two today. One place is around 55 square meters fairly near the Onnut BTS station and rents for 15k baht. I also have a large studio for 7000 baht at Phrakhanong(no special amenities) but is available to view tomorrow(maybe earlier). Call Randy at 080-628-1449. If not, enjoy the New Year's celebration.

Apartments in that price range generally don't have amenities but you can find some that are around 5-8k baht especially around Ratchada.. There are a few nice condos in the Ratchada area and outer Sukhumvit area but most with decent amenities start at 10k but do not include electricity, water or internet. Of course, areas less convenient to the BTS and MRT are most reasonably priced. Best of luck!

Most agents will only show you their properties especially since agents are only paid a fraction of the commission(sub-agents, those who work under the principals, often receive only 25-33%). Some will co-broker with other agents. Many agencies don't want to co-broker but some will if the rentals are at least 20k baht-it varies. The advantage of big agencies is they should have more listings. The disadvantage is that if you are looking for a less expensive apartment, you will either be a low priority or be ignored. Smaller agencies will have smaller inventories of course, however, you can get more responsive service with the right agency since you are generally dealing with the principals.

Going to the juristic office to get a condo can have its advantages, however, most people don't realize that the juristic offices receive a full commission for their customers unless its an older condominium building. They will write up the contract and quietly receive a commission, however, most won't assist if the owner isn't helpful or fails to return the deposit. Of course, apartment buildings are managed by the owner of the building, so direct contact with apartments is fine, if you know where to go.

This is a fabulous effort on the part of the business community. As part of the effort, it would make sense to research the reasons for the over abundance of trash on the coast line of Thailand vs other beach areas around the world.

It would make a lot of sense to increase the number of trash receptacles at the beach areas, as well as in the highly populated areas in Thailand. It would seem that there is a strong relationship between the lack of such receptacles and the amount of trash on the beach. Perhaps a thai official can explain the reluctance to supply an adequate number of trash bins in public areas.

Yes, we're also meeting lots of so called "customers" who like to use agencies to do their research and then go behind their backs trying to make a deal directly with the owner. It doesn't pay give out free online research since most of those requesting detailed research don't intend to use agency services. However, those persons choosing to skip agency services need to also realize that there is no intermediary party to help them out when you have a problem with the owner refusing to return the deposit, fix appliances, or do any kind of followup. An owner who uses an agent to represent their property, then is willing to do a back door deal with a customer, tends to also be the kind of person who keeps the deposit after the contract is done.

Things tend to work themselves out that way.

Well actually, we did lots of free work for you and gave you a lot of condo choices and then you went and done the deal behind our back.

Yes you are very welcome.

Three Property

http://www.three-homes.com

If you want cheap, then go to Suk 81. Its relatively convenient and some of the apartments there will do short term rentals.

Good luck!

Another major reason why front loaders are more expensive is that most of them have their own water heater built into the machine. They do a better job of washing clothing used by people who workout due to the hot water function.

In the past decade, I've had 3 front loading washing machines provided by landlords. I've replaced each of them with top loaders at my own expense because the front loading ones took too long and never got the soap out of the clothes. I love my brand new top loader here in my new Bangkok apartment- bought at my own expense.

Front loader are more expensive because, thanks to their orientation, they use less water, less detergent, less electricity, can spin faster (dry better) and are gentler on the clothes.

The advantages of top loader are only washing times and price.

Being used to top loader, you probably put too much detergent and that's why the machine didn't manage to get rid of all of it.

On the long term, a front loader is really better for your clothes, your expenses and the environment.

Ditto

There's another place next door to the Silver Dollar where they are probably offering a 'free' Thanksgiving meal (with one drink purchase). Its called "Texas" and is quite a bit larger than the Silver Dollar. Its not the JW Marriot but I wouldn't call it a 'shit hole' especially since it provides free food on a regular basis to many customers who grumble about having to buy one drink to get their meal. In this case, you do get much more than you pay for! The owner, who has since passed away, was a very generous guy who deserves a lot of praise for really making a home for guys who don't have that much money to throw around but want to have a good time on the weekend. I doubt that he made a huge profit on the place and whoever has taken over (presumably his wife), has continued this tradition of free food for its patrons.

Unless you are in the habit of giving away free food to people you don't even know, I'd refrain from calling anyplace a 'shit hole.'

Hey everyone!

By the way, Queens Park has a wonderful Thanksgiving buffet and I recall it being reasonably priced.

But a friend told me that somewhere in Washington Square there is a place that has a FREE Thanksgiving buffet. He may have been referring to the Silver Dollar (not real excited about eating in that shithole to be honest) but you guys are saying it's 380 baht.

Thanksgiving is special to me, so I'd rather pay a little more and get a nice meal.

If you walk through Phrakhanong, Sukhumvit 71, otherwise known as Soi Pridi, you can find places in that price range. However, it would probably be best if you bring someone thai with you. Otherwise head to Ratchada or areas outside of central Sukhumvit. You can certainly find places in the Huay Kwang area, deep in Sukhumvit 77(Soi Onnut) and areas past the BTS Onnut station. Many of these apartments will be quite deep in the sois and most of the people there will not speak English, however, there are certainly apartments in the 3000 baht range available. Best of luck!

Silom/Sukhumvit/Klong Toey/Phaya Thai and all the inner areas. Even if it's a bit far from them I don't mind.

If you want to be right next to a nice park, there's the Queen's Park Hotel (not trying to be funny). The back door leads to Bensiri Park, which has all sorts of room for kids to play in, a running track, playground for kids as well as basketball, volleyball, etc. Its the best park in the area with the exception of the Queen Sirikit Park. There the closest hotel is the Park Hotel (also not joking). The Queen's Park Hotel is available for about 2000-2200 baht per night depending on specials from agoda.com .

I think what you are doing is outstanding! I'm sure many more people would get involved if there was an organized volunteer campaign. Of course would mean sanctioning an illegal activity (volunteering by foreigners) so its unlikely that would happen.

Twice a day for nearly one week, I am jumping -usually with a box of mama noodles- in the food distribution truck, which is passing in front of our gated community.

For the late afternoon shift, most of the immigration folks are on it as well, to help... and the truck pick up them just in front of their rooms close to their office (Baan Buathong)...

But all of the time: I am the only "mamuang" on that truck...

PS: Saturday night, we had a "kind of" get together drinking party ; getting bored to be called "farang", I asked them to call me mango... and now, they are all calling me "mamuang"!

I have a two story townhouse within 700 meters from the BTS Udomsuk station, however, it may be reserved by another customer sometime today. It costs 17k baht. We also have a 3 bedroom unfurnished townhouse which can be used as an office for 18K baht in the same general area. If interested, please call me at 086-733-1495.

That's a pretty wide range for a budget. If you're looking inexpensive, you can book something in the Rama 9 area or even at Rachada. If you're looking for a place that's really in the Sukhumvit Asoke area, you can start at places like the Trendy, which people have varied opinions on or move into one of many places including GPV, Asoke Place, The Wind 23, Supalai Asoke and many more. There are also a number of condos right at Sukhumvit 16 & 18, as well as apartment complexes that are dotted all over the place in the area.

The best I've seen in the Sukhumvit area is at the Adelphi Grand at Sukhumvit 41. Its in a quiet soi, close by to Top's Supermarket and to the Phrom Phong BTS station. They have a nice swimming pool and gym, although I wouldn't call either large. The complex is new and the last time I saw it (last year), the place was spotless. Many of the customers are Japanese, which means most of them are quiet and avoid troublesome situations. (However, everyone has their own tastes and distastes.) For what they have to offer, their prices are reasonable. In the past when they had a lower occupancy rate, their rates were negotiable. I suspect they still are to some extent.

If you are interested, I'd check their rates on agoda.com first, then go in armed with that information. Its a nice quiet and quite impressive place. For some reason, they even have tuktuk service, even tho' they are probably about 150 meters from the beginning of the soi.

Good luck with your hunt!

Randy

Have a 38 sqm studio apartment close to the Phrakhanong BTS station for 7k per month(1 year contract only). Nothing fancy but clean and convenient. Call me at 086-733-1495 if you are interested. Owner is looking for nice friendly tenants--i.e. she's not interested in renting to "high fliers"(someone who has a new girlfriend every week)..

We have a couple places you can look at closer to 26K baht in the Thonglo area. One is over120 sqm. PM if you are interested.

It is possible to negotiate a discount by doing an advance payment, however, right now the real estate rental market is quite soft. You can negotiate a price without giving such a large amount of money. In general, I'd agree with the other posters that advise against such a practice. If you demonstrate that you are a likable, responsible type of tenant while you are talking with the owner, they will be more likely to give you a discount. If you come with a wheeler dealer, take it or leave it attitude, most owners "will leave it."

I used to disagree with the two month deposit policy that most owners, thai or otherwise generally follow. However, there are two major factors which justify the two month deposit:

1) The owners have no idea who you are. Most tenants come with no references, many have no jobs when they are seeking a rental and lots of renters are guys just looking to have a good time, then intend to skip out on their contract as soon as they have had their fill. Its lots easier to do this with a one month deposit, isn't it?

If a tenant ruins the contents of such a condo in your home country, you can hunt them down and sue them. In Thailand, they just run off and are never heard from again.

2) How much would you pay for a rental in your home country? The deposit is used to cover the contents of the condominium. Many units that rent for 15k and above have an LCD tv and many other items which cost the same or more than in Western countries. The owners have to make sure that the contents of their property are properly insured. Like I noted above, some guys do skip out after ruining their rentals. Who's supposed to pay for the damage when the place rents for $300 to $500 a month and the damages double or triple that amount? All a tenant has to do is be late for their rent and then walk out with the LCD tv.

When you start renting out your own place, you will find that out there are lots of undesirable people seeking rentals. They all look the same, generally smell the same but put a beer in the hands of the wrong guy and they don't all act the same. There are of course some really lousy landlords who never intend to return deposits. However, I've had the experience where one of my tenants stole everything including the bedsheets, the blankets and various other household items, plus they left the place filthy with dirt all over the furniture. Furthermore, he always paid his rent late, sometimes a month late and at times, two months late. Fortunately, I had a two month deposit which covered most of those costs. FYI The tenant was also Japanese. As I said before, you never know who will be a good tenant!

Check out Thonglo. Studios at new places rent for 15K and up, cheaper if you're lucky! There are Western restaurants all over the creation, people speak English there and everything you need is located in the same soi(Sukhumvit 55). It can be a bit pricy but if you want to live in Thailand but have all the comforts of home, Thonglo is for you!

Its the OP here,thanks for your most informative reply Sateev,I was thinking circa 15000 baht/month for a pleasant,1 Bed Condo 50 to 60sqm, (not Sukhumvit) but I do like the Victory Monument area....can you suggest any specific condo/developments around there please,or pm me,many thanks.

To Terraplane Guy,I will send you a pm,would be really interested to know how you get on,particulary as our search is so similar.

Regards

I've stayed at the serviced apartment at Starry Place in soi Rangnam. They have 1 bed units for around 16K plus utilities. They will store stuff for you within reason (a couple bags or so) for several months. Downside is there is no pool and you have to pay apartment utility rates, which are high wherever you go. A friend of mine was staying there until recently and still has some time on the clock if you are interested. If so, PM me and I'll contact him.

As far as returning deposits, the thai law gives the owners 30 days in general. It often takes time for the utility bills to be generated before the deposit is returned, so 2 weeks is pretty good. Last place I moved out of took 6 weeks despite the fact that the mgmt office coordinated the return. Best thing is to meet your owner in person. If you don't like him/her, don't rent from them. You can generally tell their disposition when you meet them. If they are arrogant or squabble about little expenses, then stay away. (If they offer to clean the air conditioner at their own expense, kiss their toes and name your grandchildren after them). Most owners are okay; there are some however that intend to keep your money even before you move into their condo.

Hint: Remember that shark's fin soup is expensive!

Hey Paul,

My wife has 1 bedroom rentals in Bangna available but closer to the main part of Sukhumvit is quite difficult. A 2 bedroom is even harder to find. You could check Boss Towers, although I've heard mixed reviews about that place. I'm partial to Starry Place, so if you are coming in and out of Bangkok for quick trips, that might work well. Its located in Soi Rangnam towards the end of the soi opposite from the Century Shopping Center (attached directly to BTS Victory Monument). You can also check VP Mansion which is closer to the BTS station but shows its age. However lots of expats like hanging out there. Both can be easily found on the web. Starry Place has its own website by the same name. There are a couple places at or near Suk 22 (Admiral ---- and Bally's), although they'd be pricey for a 2 bedroom.

Finally prices don't include electricity (and water), which can be expensive in an apartment. Also remember to hang on to and make copies of your receipts for the deposit (very important). Trying to get your deposit without receipts is impossible in these places.

Check with me later. I'm cruisin' in Hawaii and thinking about condos gives me a headache...

cheers mauiguy,

thought as much as only for 1 month prob impossible.

How about 2 months any idea on that ? condo or house but will still be only staying 1 month and occ for the 2 month.

Me and the family have a house out in Ratchaburi i need Bkk for a month in December. I HATE TRAVELLING.

I would prob go to 30 to 35k a month if know of anything

Cheers

Paul

Paul,

That's a tough ask since most service apartments ask a lot for a 1 bedroom. You might check the thaivisa history since I do remember someone posting about a reasonably priced 2 bed apartment. You can also check with SM Grande, Starry Place and VP Tower. They all have fairly reasonable short term rentals. My wife is an agent but most condo owners in the central areas will not do less than a 6 month contract. In outlying areas, you might find something. Good thing is that you are looking far ahead of time, unlike most people. Anyhow PM me if you need help later. I'm going back home for a week or so and will not have great internet access for that time.

Randy

Joshua keeps talking about how beautiful the naked girl was. I told him I will never forgive him for not taking a picture.

Install a camera in the room....should be quite profitable.