Where Do You Live In Bangkok/Thailand And Why

[Rowdyman]

I have only posted once or twice in many years of reading thai visa posts, but I've finally reached a point where I need information. Although I have been coming to LOS for many years, I am finally reaching the point in my business life that will allow me to spend more time here (maybe 6 months a year). I would like to rent for short period and if I like the condo and area, I will then buy. Problem is that although I have selected Bangkok as where I will live, and will use this as a base to travel other places, I just don't know the city well enough to make a rational rental/buy decision. So here are my questions.

1) Where do you live in BKK (or elsewhere in thailand) and why do you live there. Example, what area do you live in and why do you like or dislike it. For instance, you may like it because you are you close to the Skytrain or there may be alot of parks in your area, just name two two.

2 Do you live in a condo or house and do you like it? Are you renting or buying?

3) I have read so much negativity about thailand in thai visa and other sites. Are you considering spending less time here or even moving out all together? If so, what are your reasons?

I am considering a one bedroom condo in nice high rise building, and no more than a 10 minute walk to skytrain. When vacationing in BKK, I have spent most of my time in the lower and mid sukhumit areas but will consider any area. Your input I'm sure will help me make a decision. Thank you very much.

[klauswernst198]

In Thailand since you wont live here you will not be able to speak the language. So you should only try to look in areas with enough 7 eleven and transport methods BTS MRT so you can use them without speaking. It can be really difficult to stay here if for whatever you want you need to communicate in Thai, So self service (7 eleven and big supermarkets for food and BTS MRT for tranport) will help you a lot.

If you like city life the only real city is Bangkok. If you are thinking about buying, buy along the new BTS Extension On Nut - Soi bearing, you have a lot of cheap priced condos there and once the BTS is running you will be able to reach the center of Bangkok in 20 -25 minutes, Price difference is huge the average 60 m2 2 bedroom condo in a nice project at the front of a soi will only cost you around 3 million. For this money around asok probably all you could get is a small second hand studio at the very end of a narrow Soi.

For renting stay along the BTS since it connects more useful places for foreigner then the MRT. Best Area is around BTS Station On nut. You have a local market. Big supermarket and several 7 elven all in a 5 minute walking distance.

If you buy or rent always calculate carefully. Apartments at the front of a soi might be a bit more expensive but you dont need to take a motorcycle twice each day 20 Baht per day by 2 person is allready 1200 and if you live in a really deep soi expect to pay at least 3000 Baht for motorcycle each month. Beside of being expensive they are dangerous.

Finally since by law you are not allowed to own land in Thailand better to buy a condo. If you buy new from the plan you can get good discount but the discount periods are short so checking up regularly on the project you like and not buy inmediatly will save a lot of money. Only buy from large developers whos last projects sold well. So you are a bit safer that the company wont get bankrupt. Be careful with quality specially in projects focused more on the Thai market. If you dont speak thai 100% perfect dont take a risk and always go with someone who can speak thai so you can ask whatever you want. If the project has less than 3 month to completition and the sold units are less than 50% of the total units stay away from it.

[floridaguy]

Here is my experience so far. I also stay on Sukhumvit in Bangkok for nothing except convenience. I have only rented, but I was going to buy a house in a Moo Baan around Suvarnabhumi, but it was just too far away from the city. I also looked in Thonburi, Nonthaburi, Rayong and Chonburi, Minburi, Samut Prakan, and some others. I have looked all over the city, and there are plenty of places to stay that offer conveniences like supermarkets that cater to international customers, and pubs with a foreign flavor. But, for sheer convenience of travel, variety of international supermarkets, pubs, shopping, etc you cannot beat the Sukhumvit area. Also, if you can't speak some Thai, then you will have an increasingly harder time communicating as you move out of the center of Bangkok.

Here is a summary of where I have stayed:

1. Serviced apartment (actually a 4 star hotel) on Lang Suan between Sukhumvit and Rama IV. It was ok, but the least favorite. Villa Market was next door. I could walk to Suk or Rama IV. Taxis everywhere. Close to BTS.

2. Private house/compound. This was a large walled lot, with 2 houses, each 3 bedrooms, 2 driveways, a carport, and a very large yard with trees that had a klong running at the back of the property. This was at the end of a dead end soi at On Nut. This was probably my favorite experience. It actually felt like my home. I had the whole compound and both houses to myself. No traffic on the road since it was a dead end. Walking distance to Tesco, Carrefour, BTS. Even closer to the motorway heading to north part of Bangkok or Chonburi. This was also my favorite area of Bangkok. Not touristy, not many foreigners, but 15 minutes to Central world, Paragon, etc.

3. Serviced condo 50 meters to the Asoke BTS/Sukhumvit MRT. Small boutique condo. Very quiet soi only 20 meters long and a dead end. Couldn't believe I was only 50 meters away from Sukhumvit, because I never could hear traffic noise. Great Mexican restaurant and very famous Thai restaurant 10 meters from the front door. Very convenient to everything. I really loved this place, but I grew out of it. I keep in touch with the owner, he begs me to come back.

4. Condo. I stepped way down, in my opinion, to a condo at Phra Khanong, on the corner of Sukhumvit and Rama IV. Great pool, 3 minute walk to BTS. Great little Thai karaoke places 2 minute walk away (not recommended if you can't speak Thai, because they didn't speak any English). I didn't like the area, too much traffic around Rama IV, but Tesco and Carrefour were a 5 minute drive, so was the motorway. This was my least favorite place, because of the traffic.

5. Currently at a 3 bedroom condo on Thonglor. Great area for just walking around. Great pubs, supermarkets, Villa Market, boutique shops, restaurants. Modern conveniences of McDonalds and Burger King if you really like, but also cozy little Thai places if you really look. Easy access to Sukhumvit and Petchburi, motorway, RCA (with a shortcut to Rama 9).

[KCM]

I only have a few minutes to spare right now so I can only give a few things that hopefully will be helpful for you although not as detailed as I would like.

Off Sathorn between Rama 4 and Narathiswat Rd. In this area you can look for places near Chong Nonsi or Sala Daeng BTS or near the Lumphini or Silom MRT stations. The first section of Sathorn between Rama 4 and Narathiswat doesn't have the terrible traffic you often hear associated with Sathorn. If you go beyond Narathiswat on Sathorn traffic will become an issue. This area feels less congested than Sukhumvit and for me is a more livable environment. There are many nice condos and houses in this area and lots of good restaurants. From Sala Daeng BTS you are only 2 stops from Siam and from Lumphini MRT you are only 3 stations from Sukhumvit/Asoke. You also have easy access to the highway from this area. If you are interested in joining a gym, the nicest gym in Bangkok is close by in The Ascott. This area is also close to Lumphini Park.

Other areas I would consider are Lang Suan and Ruamrudee. Both of these areas have many nice places to live with lots of good restaurants and easy access to Lumphini Park and the BTS line. Access by taxi could be a little bit of a problem at times, especially with Lang Suan since it is a one way street with access coming from Rama 1/Sukhumvit Rd.

Thonglor is a nice area to go out with lots of new places opening there but the traffic of that area would keep me from living there.

I know this doesn't specifically answer your questions but check out these areas online and see if it helps.

[Jimmu]

I prefer it away from the chaos that is Sukhumvit/Silom. As for parks, Bangkok is one of the worst served capital cities for green space, so not really a consideration, as it is generally very expensive in the few areas that exist. Language is not really a problem at all, especially if you stay away from foreigner (Tourist/ex-pat) dominated areas and learn the language, which will give you a much better understanding of Thais and the country. I live in Dusit about 2 min away from the river and its good transport services. Also, only a short distance from the Skytrain. Prices here tend to be much less than "downtown". Heady hedonistic areas are never that far away if that is your thing but why live in it!

[Bakseedaa]

I live in Sathorn and have for the last seven years...WHY.... because I got deported from Phillipines and have another 3 years to wait until re-entry... Manilla is 10 times better.. no language problems, no visa problems... can buy all the land I want...everything is much cheaper now.. short flight to

[Bakseedaa]

I live in Sathorn and have for the last seven years...WHY.... because I got deported from Phillipines and have another 3 years to wait until re-entry... Manilla is 10 times better.. no language problems, no visa problems... can buy all the land I want...everything is much cheaper now.. short flight to

got cut off there...sorry... short flight to Honkers and Macao if you want the casino fun... and girls girls girls galore ... much more trusrworthy than Thai girls....on the whole... and on the w- hole... and there is always Angel City... no Red and Yellow Shirts... roll on 2013

[whybother]

I live near Ratchada Soi 7 near Thailand Cultural Centre, basically because it's cheaper than Suhkumvit, but it's still convenient - and it has a good pool.

I am less than 10 minutes walk from the MRT (Thailand Cultural Centre) which is about 10 minutes to Sukhumvit. Also within 10 minutes walk are cinemas (Esplanade), Carrefour, 2 Tops Markets, Robinson, Home Pro, and heaps of restaurants.

Getting a taxi home late at night is very easy, but I'll use the MRT if it's still open. It's not too far from Rama 9, so easy to get to the airport, or onto the expressway to get anywhere else.

I looked along Sukhumvit a year ago from Asoke and Soi 16 down to Thong Lor and couldn't find anywhere that was as convenient to everything and as cheap (with a pool) as where I am now.

[bkkjames]

I live on the river, why? The rest of you lot don't

[afarang]

I lived and worked in Bkk. for about 12 years.Putting up with the foul air and traffic jams, etc.,etc.,One of the happiest days of my life ,was when I smacked the pick-up ,carting my gear ,on the arse and sent it on its way to the little village, in Buriram Province.Where I have happily lived ever since.

[phaethon]

"Everybody got to be somewhere." - Mad Dan Eccles

[MKAsok]

I live on the river, why? The rest of you lot don't

I do actually, but I know what you mean. Nothing beats the river.

[saorsa]

I stay just past On Nut, but Im sick of the pollution and traffic, so thinking about Cha Am or Hua Hin as somewhere to relocate to.

[vpi78]

Wow, I'm shocked the Real Estate doomsayers haven't hijacked the thread yet. You know the bitter guys who never buy because they are waiting for their view to prevail of the inevitable Thai Baht collapse. So there is some hope for the thread for a little while.

Any way I have rented along Sukumvit at both high rises and medium rise (10 floor) buildings. I also stayed for a few months at the Omni serviced Condo/rooms/apartments along Sukhumvit Soi 4.

4 years ago I chose to buy a Condo on the 2nd floor (most Brits would say 1st floor)of an 8-floor new condo building in the Sathorn area off Nanglinchi and a 20-minute walk to the MRT. There is a Tops market within a 10-minute walk and I can walk to Sala Daeng/Soi Convent or the Emporium in the other direction in 45 minutes. The river is a 10-minute taxi ride away on the freeway. So I think the area is fairly central and it's a reason I choose to live here. I also chose the area because I was burned out on the Falang ghetto in Sukhumvit ... great place to vacation but I found it depressing to live there too long.

I am thrilled that I bought instead of kept renting. I forget the rule of thumb about recommended time tipping points for renting vs buying but in my case I also benefited from the more than 25% Thai Baht strengthening against major western currencies, e.g., it has gone in that 4-year period from over 40:1 in comparison to the US dollar to less than 30:1. But at the end of the day I made the decision to buy on the basis of I want to live in the condo and not as an investment. I do believe in the first commandment of an expat credo, i.e., never invest more in a country in which you are not a citizen than you are prepared to walk away from.

I am also glad I tried the high rise living, in my case on the 25th floor of the building. You do get away from pollution a little that high but I did not find it that much cooler or with a significant regular breeze. What turned me off of it eventually was the hassle in getting up and down. The Thais are not that reknown for maintenance and 50% of the elevators seemed to be out of service for one reason or another all of the time.

conversely I find that outside of the hustle and bustle of Sukhumvit there seems to be less pollution, particularly closer to the river and similar to London, once you learn the public bus routes/system, getting around that way in addition to BTS/MRT is easy regardless of your Thai language proficiency.

There is another group of pessimists/doomsayers that continually if not continuously harp about Thailand is deteriorating and that doomsday is just a heartbeat away when a particular individual passes. As time passes and Thailand continues to evolve into a first world economy that is less likely to happen and it has never been that likely (yes I know about the Thai history for coups ... I have lived through many since the late 80s).

Any way I applaud the OP in planning to rent first and recommend that he try the various areas. There are many diverse areas in which to settle in Bangkok and they all have their charms. Buen suerte.

[asiawatcher]

I live in Sathorn and have for the last seven years...WHY.... because I got deported from Phillipines and have another 3 years to wait until re-entry... Manilla is 10 times better.. no language problems, no visa problems... can buy all the land I want...everything is much cheaper now.. short flight to

got cut off there...sorry... short flight to Honkers and Macao if you want the casino fun... and girls girls girls galore ... much more trusrworthy than Thai girls....on the whole... and on the w- hole... and there is always Angel City... no Red and Yellow Shirts... roll on 2013

What a stupid post and way off topic.

[bkk_mike]

I live in a moo baan in the Bangkok suburbs.

It means you need a car, but you can breath the air in the garden without coughing. The expressway means I can get to the skytrain (On nut) in 20 minutes, and as I'm near Kanchanapisek road, the airport is even less.

I don't speak Thai, but the kids and the wife are good interpreters.

(Note: I made an active decision to NOT learn Thai so that the kids wouldn't pick up poor English from my wife and poor Thai from me.)

Edit: we own the house (wife's name).

Edited December 5, 2010 by bkk_mike

[siam2007]

In Thailand since you wont live here you will not be able to speak the language. So you should only try to look in areas with enough 7 eleven and transport methods BTS MRT so you can use them without speaking. It can be really difficult to stay here if for whatever you want you need to communicate in Thai, So self service (7 eleven and big supermarkets for food and BTS MRT for tranport) will help you a lot.

If you like city life the only real city is Bangkok. If you are thinking about buying, buy along the new BTS Extension On Nut - Soi bearing, you have a lot of cheap priced condos there and once the BTS is running you will be able to reach the center of Bangkok in 20 -25 minutes, Price difference is huge the average 60 m2 2 bedroom condo in a nice project at the front of a soi will only cost you around 3 million. For this money around asok probably all you could get is a small second hand studio at the very end of a narrow Soi.

For renting stay along the BTS since it connects more useful places for foreigner then the MRT. Best Area is around BTS Station On nut. You have a local market. Big supermarket and several 7 elven all in a 5 minute walking distance.

If you buy or rent always calculate carefully. Apartments at the front of a soi might be a bit more expensive but you dont need to take a motorcycle twice each day 20 Baht per day by 2 person is allready 1200 and if you live in a really deep soi expect to pay at least 3000 Baht for motorcycle each month. Beside of being expensive they are dangerous.

another reason to stay / rent / buy in the suburbs:

here the MOTOCY to the main road costs just 5 Baht (about 600 Meters) ;-)

[Nisa]

I live near Ratchada Soi 7 near Thailand Cultural Centre, basically because it's cheaper than Suhkumvit, but it's still convenient - and it has a good pool.

I am less than 10 minutes walk from the MRT (Thailand Cultural Centre) which is about 10 minutes to Sukhumvit. Also within 10 minutes walk are cinemas (Esplanade), Carrefour, 2 Tops Markets, Robinson, Home Pro, and heaps of restaurants.

Getting a taxi home late at night is very easy, but I'll use the MRT if it's still open. It's not too far from Rama 9, so easy to get to the airport, or onto the expressway to get anywhere else.

I looked along Sukhumvit a year ago from Asoke and Soi 16 down to Thong Lor and couldn't find anywhere that was as convenient to everything and as cheap (with a pool) as where I am now.

Me too on almost all points except I live off Pratcharachbumphen and 5-minutes from MRT. Have poole and gym for 1/4 of the price of what you pay on Sukimvit.

[Valjean]

I've lived in the Saphan Khwai / Aree (Ari) area for 5 1/2 years. Rented condo and house. Now own a house with my wife. Nice quiet older mooban.

I like this area, close in, easy to get to BTS, MRT, Experssway. Not near the crowds and scene around Sukumvit. I almost hesitate to promote it, but it's building up fast as it is - seems a new condo starts every week. There's not the international selection of Sukumvit - but more than enough, and Sathorn, Silom and Sukumvit are never far away.

Also close to the big parks around Chatuchak - Chatuchak Park and Suan Rot Fai Park of you want some green.

[Rowdyman]

Some great input, thanks for taking the time. I have heard some good things about On Nut and also Aree (area for young amd mid level professionals). My first choice was to rent a condo on the river (walking distance to BTS Saphan Taksin) but when I get to BKK in January, I will definately look at some units in other recommended areas. My choice would have to be within walking distance to BTS and a supermarket. Would also have to have some decent restaruants in the area, both thai and international. I would like to stay away from traffic noise and loud street music.

The MRT, strange, been to thailand maybe 12 or more times but never been on the MRT, but on the BTS hundreds of times. What am I missing?

Condo vs. house. Like the condo for lack of maintenance but house certainly has more privacy. Worry about break-ins though. Wonder if this need be a concern.

The one think I do like about the sukhumvit area is the number of international restaurants (although I eat thai 4X/week) and english speaking folks. Sometimes I just need a good burger and a beer or a steak and some english speaking conversation.

Thanks again for the help.

[soundman]

Post containing contaversial quote's from Mr. Arisman has been removed from view.

[humbug]

bangkok is not centred around sukhumvit, but so many foreigners live there, aree is a great place, prachaniwet 1 is a great place, dusit, sam sen, victory monument, rathada, rama 3 , ratchayothin, ekamai-ramindra, tha phra , tong lor are also great places

best is to check each area out for a day-mid evening trip and see for yourself,

Edited December 6, 2010 by humbug

[balo]

I live in a condo about 10 minutes away from the new Wong Wian Yai BTS and there is a 20 baht shuttle bus going to my place , Metropark Sathorn.

The reason I choose to live here, no pollution , nice swimming pool and we have a 7-eleven, also a Tesco Lotus nearby. And from the BTS its only 20 minutes to Siam. Its very peaceful here, I wake up with birds singing outside my window every morning.

I like the hectic citylife but if you want to live here its better to find a place outside the downtown area.

And you can rent a nice 2 bedroom apartment for 14000 THB, now try to look for that near Sukhumvit , its not possible.

Edited December 7, 2010 by balo

[healthcaretaker]

Such a good thread, why is it not active now ?

From all the messages above, wonder why you guys don't mention the price or rental ?

I am considering renting a simple place instead of looking for hotel everytime, wonder where to look for info.

I need a place, convenience of 7-11 or BTS is not necessary as budget is my priority. As long as I can get local food and walk to a bus or ferry stop within 15 to 20 mins. I have thought of Chiang Mai, probably much cheaper but I prefer the Bangkok life.

Any advice or suggestion ?

Edited January 26, 2011 by healthcaretaker

[siddv]

In Thailand, ALWAYS ALWAYS RENT! This rule should apply equally to both property and women!!!

[random]

I live on the river, why? The rest of you lot don't

I live on the river also

well not actually on the river, but right at the side of the river. I like where I am, I am in ratburana, I have a car though so getting around is easy, the condo also has a minibus to the bts and its own boat to the bts at saphin thaksin. It has a great gym, and as a bonus we have some female guards, two of which are twins, yes basil, twins, twins in uniform

Living like this means I can have a night out and it seems to mean more than just walking outside condo and right into the bars. I work near Thonglor so I can always stay out after work if I fancy a drink. I have a great view over the river and the city, its quiet.

[bkkjames]

I live on the river, why? The rest of you lot don't

I live on the river also

well not actually on the river, but right at the side of the river. I like where I am, I am in ratburana, I have a car though so getting around is easy, the condo also has a minibus to the bts and its own boat to the bts at saphin thaksin. It has a great gym, and as a bonus we have some female guards, two of which are twins, yes basil, twins, twins in uniform

Living like this means I can have a night out and it seems to mean more than just walking outside condo and right into the bars. I work near Thonglor so I can always stay out after work if I fancy a drink. I have a great view over the river and the city, its quiet.

I think we live in the same building mate, either that or by coincidence we have twin security guards. I kinda fancy the one on the left.

[random]

I live on the river, why? The rest of you lot don't

I live on the river also

well not actually on the river, but right at the side of the river. I like where I am, I am in ratburana, I have a car though so getting around is easy, the condo also has a minibus to the bts and its own boat to the bts at saphin thaksin. It has a great gym, and as a bonus we have some female guards, two of which are twins, yes basil, twins, twins in uniform

Living like this means I can have a night out and it seems to mean more than just walking outside condo and right into the bars. I work near Thonglor so I can always stay out after work if I fancy a drink. I have a great view over the river and the city, its quiet.

I think we live in the same building mate, either that or by coincidence we have twin security guards. I kinda fancy the one on the left.

haha, i think we need to start a campaign for sexier uniforms for the girls

[yeno]

Good question.

Now I live in a small village in Uthaithani, but I'll be back soon to Bkk, probably. Thought I needed quiet... well, too much quiet here. I don't care where I stay, if the apartment is high enough - the room size is not important since I don't stay too much indoors, except when I work and then I don't have time to admire the room too much

Nothing is perfect and Th is not Utopia, but I haven't felt better anywhere else, so... at least for now, I'm here to stay.

[ExpatJ]

Recommend the area around Emporium/BTS Phrong Pong within 400 meters you have Emporium for food/groceries/movies- 4 english/irish pubs; villa market, Benjasiri park is very nice for jogging, hanging out, very well maintained. - just 3 stops to Nana is that your thing. But expensive area.