CHAPTER ONE RATBURANA 33

Bangkok

Bangkok is Southeast Asia's most dynamic real estate market. The city blends ultra-modern skyscrapers with historic temples, world-class dining with street food, and sleek malls with floating markets. For property seekers, Bangkok offers unmatched variety — from luxury penthouses along the Chao Phraya river to affordable studio condos near BTS stations. Sukhumvit (Vadhana / Khlong Toei) — The expat corridor. Thong Lo, Ekkamai, and Phrom Phong are walkable, cafe-lined neighborhoods with international schools, fine dining, and easy BTS access. Premium pricing but high rental demand. Sathon / Silom — Bangkok's financial district. High-rise condos popular with professionals. Lumphini Park nearby. Strong rental yields from corporate tenants. Pathum Wan (Siam / Chidlom) — Dead center of the city. Luxury retail, top hotels, and prestigious condos. The most expensive per-sqm prices in Thailand. Chatuchak / Phaya Thai — Northern Bangkok, near BTS Mo Chit and Ari. Increasingly popular with young Thai professionals. More affordable than Sukhumvit with a trendy local vibe. Thon Buri / Bangkok Yai — West of the river. Quieter, more traditional, and significantly cheaper. Improving with new MRT extensions. Good value for long-term investment. Expat families — Sukhumvit corridor (international schools, hospitals, Western amenities) Young professionals — Ari, Thong Lo, Ekkamai (nightlife, coworking, transit access) Investors — Near BTS/MRT stations for strong rental yields (5–7% gross) Retirees — Riverside or suburban areas for quieter lifestyle at lower cost Central Bangkok condo prices range from 80,000–250,000+ THB/sqm depending on location and building age. Rental condos in Sukhumvit start around 15,000 THB/month for a studio, 25,000–50,000 THB for a 1-bed, and 40,000–120,000 THB for 2-bed units. Suburban areas can be 40–60% cheaper. Bangkok has an extensive transit network: the BTS Skytrain (2 lines), MRT (Blue and Yellow lines), Airport Rail Link to Suvarnabhumi, and a massive bus network. Properties near BTS/MRT stations command 20–30% premiums. Two international airports serve the city — Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK). Foreigners can own condos freehold (up to 49% of a building's total area). Houses/land require Thai company structures or leasehold. Traffic congestion is legendary — proximity to rail transit is the single most important factor for both livability and resale value. Bangkok has world-class private hospitals (Bumrungrad, Samitivej) that attract medical tourists regionally. The city experiences heavy flooding in some areas during monsoon season (Sep–Nov). Check flood maps before buying in low-lying areas.