What Is The Meaning "dormitory" In Renting Apartment ?

[duiter]

Dear all,

I come across many room to let/rent as "dormitory".

Does it mean 1 room for several people ?

What is the meaning "dormitory" in Thai perspective in renting apartment ?

Thanks

[rickb]

My understanding is that a dormitory, generally referred to in Thai as a haw pak ( หอพัก ), is a place for students to rent rooms. An apartment is generally for non-students to rent. Thai Thai laws related to dormitories regulate that only one gender can reside in one dormitory building, either girls or boys. An apartment has not such restrictions on gender. However, there are restrictions on apartments renting to students and, generally, only a handful of students are permitted to rent in an apartment, as opposed to a dormitory (my understanding is no more than 5 students are allowed in one apartment building). There are also restrictions on alcohol being sold in a dormitory building, should there be a minimart located in the dormitory building, whereas no such restrictions apply to a minimart located in an apartment building.