A recurring theme in Bangkok’s urban development will reveal that by far the biggest factor to contribute to a neighborhood’s success, is its proximity to current or upcoming Mass Transit Lines (BTS or MRT). Convenience of travel and proximity has become the ultimate luxury and the presence of a BTS/MRT Line can make or break a neighborhood.
Thonburi an Escape from Central Bangkok’s Hustle and Bustle
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s city planners are all too aware of this reality. Therefore in a bid to redistribute urban development and restore Bangkok’s regional competitiveness, they have undertaken an ambitious Mass Transit Expansion Plan. These expansions will have the effect of connecting previously underserved neighborhoods facilitating access to Bangkok’s business and commercial districts.
Perhaps, the biggest “winner” of this massive infrastructural extension is Thonburi!
Located on the western-banks of the Chao Phraya River, the area can be considered Bangkok’s forgotten neighborhood. Traditionally developers have concentrated their modernization and development activities on eastern-side of Bangkok.
A simple evaluation of Bangkok’s residential and commercial centers will reveal that Bangkok’s most notable landmarks from Shopping Malls, Office Towers, 5-Star Hotels and Luxury Residences concentrate on the eastern-side of the City.
Thonburi was unofficially isolated and self-contained by Bangkok’s iconic Chao Phraya; all this, despite its geographical proximity to Bangkok’s financial district (Silom-Sathorn). As a result it developed its own parallel commercial ecosystem and was often viewed as an “out of town” location by Eastern-Bangkok residents!
Wong Wian Yai’s developing Residential Community!
However this isolation is a thing of the past, the area was recently connected via the Silom BTS Line which connects Bang Wa- Krung Thonburi to Silom-Sathorn business district. The neighborhood will benefit from an extension of the Blue Line that will connect it to Hua Lampong and other parts of the Central Business District notably Sukhumvit. Plans for a Purple Line (MRT) extension are in the pipeline, and this extension could connect Thonburi to Tao Poon and the other end of the Blue Line.
While the effects of these BTS/MRT Extensions are not immediate, this will gradually contribute toward connecting Thonburi to Bangkok’s Central Business District. This could solidify the neighborhood’s position as a residential “commuter belt”, whereby local residents could enjoy better-value lifestyle while still being able to conveniently commute to Bangkok’s Commercial Districts.
It does not take financial genius to spot the long-term opportunity this neighborhood is offering. Interestingly, numerous developers predicting the potential evolution and growth of Thonburi have already made significant investments. This includes Ananda with several impressive newly-launched Condominium Projects notably Ideo Mobi Sathorn and Ideo Sathorn-Taksin (Both located next to BTS Krung Thonburi). Sansiri one of Thailand’s most recognized developers, has also recently launched NYE by Sansiri (Located next to BTS Wongwian Yai). These are only a few examples, however there are several established developers that have joined the fray and this includes big names such as Pruksa Real Estate, Quality House and AP Thai.
Q House Sathorn
While Thonburi may appear like an overnight success, behind all this hype is a residential neighborhood that has developed its own unique charm as a peaceful enclave faraway from Bangkok’s hectic urban jungle. It has already developed a local community of residents and currently offers leisure hotspots such as the much loved “Jam Factory”. However the neighborhood residential resurgence and development, brings the promise of further expansion of the area’s retail and leisure scene; with perhaps the biggest highlight being the upcoming ultra-classy “Icon Siam” that will offer a massive mixed-used retail and leisure complex.
Following this article, it may seem that there are bundles of easy money to be made by simply “plonking” cash into a Condo in Thonburi. While the neighborhood offers one of the Capital’s most appealing cases for future urban development and investment opportunity, here are a few words of caution:
“1. Several MRT/BTS Lines Extensions will only be completed in a few years.”
“2. There is no guarantee that a more connected Thonburi, will translate into a more desirable area.”
Thonburi is an investment location that will require patience; while Mass Transit lines are on the way, most networks will only materialize and serve local residents in several years. Secondly while historically, Mass Transit Lines has been a big factor is an area’s residential success, looking at history to predict the future always poses a level of uncertainty and risk…
Only time will tell what the future holds for this neighborhood, however as the saying goes:
“There is no reward, without a level of risk!”
