Looking for Studio apt near Thong Lo. Any advice?

[WildTime]

Hey!

I've been living on On Nut since I got here a month ago and it's time to find somewhere I can spend the rest of my stay.

Budget: 8000-15000/month, but prefer the lower end of that range. Call me cheap but I'm just not that fussy.

Length of stay: 5 months.

Things I value:

• Walking distance to BTS, Tesco/Big C. If not then at least close to a bus line as I don't ride motorcycle taxis. (planning to live forever)
• Walking distance to Panjit Tower, where I do Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (see map I attached!)
• Some kitchen space, including a hood & a sink.
• Freezer
• AC
• Some furniture (bed, table, closet)
• Neighbourhood with nice coffee shops, outdoor food markets.

Things I don't give a damn about:

• Television
• Gym/Sauna/Pool/etc.
• Balcony
• WiFi
• Lots of space. The smaller the better, to a point.

I've spent some time walking around and I really like the Japanese neighbourhood north of Thong Lo BTS. I know some japanese and I really like the culture but I'm guessing it's an expensive area. I could tolerate living as far away as Phra Khanong though if I can't afford anything decent on Thong Lo. Wouldn't object to living on Asok or Phrom Phong either but I'm guessing it grows more expensive in that direction.

I'm not just hoping for suggestions of houses with vacancies but maybe someone knows if I should avoid any areas or if I have to re-adjust my expectations. Going to knock on some doors today but in the meantime all advice is welcome. Need to find something before the end of the month.

Thanks for reading!

[jspill]

Sutti Mansion II is a few steps onto Suk Soi 38 on the right, so right next to Thonglor BTS. Another entrance by the stairs leading up to the BTS.

Not very nice but you don't mind that. It also does short term stays, 5 months will be fine. About 8k and up.

[WildTime]

Sutti Mansion II is a few steps onto Suk Soi 38 on the right, so right next to Thonglor BTS. Another entrance by the stairs leading up to the BTS.

Not very nice but you don't mind that. It also does short term stays, 5 months will be fine. About 8k and up.

Hey, I don't need it to be fancy but I'm not going to live in a place that's dirty or unsafe just to save a few thousand bath. Hope that's not what you meant though

Appreciate the suggestion, I will go check it out!

[smutcakes]

I think you might struggle to get proper advice on this, as the budget is a bit tight for those areas. I definately think you would struggle in finding anything in a newer building. Best bet would be walking down side soi's etc and see if there are any rooms for rent in older townhouses, or apartment blocks. Also towatds the top of Thonglor nearer Petchburi road you might have more luck.

[WildTime]

I think you might struggle to get proper advice on this, as the budget is a bit tight for those areas. I definately think you would struggle in finding anything in a newer building.

That is proper advice, man. I walked around today for a few hours and most buildings you can tell by just looking at them they're probably out of my budget (fancy reception, big car park, etc..). I found one place for 20 000 that I didn't even bother to look at the room. I also went to Sutti Mansion II on the advice Jspill and he's right, it's not very nice (but admittedly it fits the description of what I asked for).

I found one place for 15 000 bath and I'm seriously considering it. It's 5000 bath more than Sutti Mansion II but if 5000 is the difference between waking up in the morning feeling happy and having a nice place you can bring friends around to and waking up in a bachelor pad right next to sukhumvit road wondering what the hell you're doing with your life then it might be worth the expense.

The landlady seemed a pretty shrewd saleswoman, the apartment I viewed was the only one available (true or not, who knows?) and they apparently fill up quickly. No discounts until you lease for a year or more. I might try to barter down to the year long price (13 000 vs 15 000) but only if I find a good second option.

Best bet would be walking down side soi's etc and see if there are any rooms for rent in older townhouses, or apartment blocks. Also towatds the top of Thonglor nearer Petchburi road you might have more luck.

I'm going to ask a Thai friend to come along who can maybe help me find some of the less prominent places and ask for directions. But I think I'm going to have to stay close to the BTS especially since I'm too much of a bitch to ride the motorcycle taxis.

Thanks for the great advice, I'm really starting to get a better feel for the area and what to expect.

[WildTime]

Someone pointed out I've been misspelling "baht" which is embarrassing since I'm normally such a <deleted> stickler for spelling and grammar. Sincerely hope I did not offend anyone. Unfortunately I can't edit my posts to turn things right.

[swampdonkey]

Someone pointed out I've been misspelling "baht" which is embarrassing since I'm normally such a <deleted> stickler for spelling and grammar. Sincerely hope I did not offend anyone. Unfortunately I can't edit my posts to turn things right.

You did not offend me,But I was wondering

What you were doing with so many baths.

[emoji12]

[WildTime]

Someone pointed out I've been misspelling "baht" which is embarrassing since I'm normally such a <deleted> stickler for spelling and grammar. Sincerely hope I did not offend anyone. Unfortunately I can't edit my posts to turn things right.

You did not offend me,But I was wondering

What you were doing with so many baths.

[emoji12]

I sweat a lot. Even for a farang.

Anyway I think I may have found an apartment. Going there to sign the contract tomorrow...

[WildTime]

Just a final update for those who helped me out and anyone curious.

Signed the contract today for a small but very nice studio on Ekkamai. Usually 15 000 baht/month for short stay but I managed to knock it down to 13 000 by offering to pay the whole sum up front.

Consensus seems to be, both here and among other people I've asked, that I'd be lucky to find anything cheaper in the area. Like I said I went to check out Sutti Mansion II right on Thong Lo BTS but the standard and general feel of the place is not that great.

Somewhat regret not taking more time to walk around and knock on doors but overall I'm very happy with the place I found.

Thanks again for taking the time to read and advise!