For years, the percentage of foreign condo ownership for each project has been capped at 49%. The proposal is to increase that to 75% in hopes of drawing more expatriate investment. Also, the land leasehold term has been capped at 30-50 years, depending on property type, but the proposed bill will increase that to 99 years. Get ready to make your real estate move to Thailand and meet with a professional, established realtor now.
Since 1979, Thailand has been managing controls to limit outsiders, including how much of Thailand they can own and in what way. In our countries of origin, we all have concerns about newcomers, refugees, or otherwise nonnatives and the amount of our nations they can own or control. This only makes sense. Thailand wants Thailand to remain Thailand and I respect that.
Many of the pros of Thailand match the cons on my list. I will give you an example. I dislike how people can park anywhere or triple park due to a lack of enforcement, thereby blocking me. However, I like to park anywhere without much of a ticketing or towing fear other than Bangkok. They seem to be on top of this issue.
Another con is how people can pay non-officials to grease the wheels of official business such as visa processing times or requirements, and checkpoint fines. However, there are a few of us who have not paid our way out of a minor jam.
Condo and other real estate ownership is well documented and the long paperwork process is finally catching up with violators. My opinion is that wealthy owners who are being brought into line are also using this pay-to-play option and therefore the laws are being altered. Corruption exists in your country and here.
I prefer to never have to look over my shoulder. Especially when investing millions of baht in my residence or the documentation and process of visa permission to remain in the Kingdom. During your initial meeting with your real estate agent clarify current laws regarding the project of your choice.
Projects such as Watermark or The River Condo Bangkok offer variously priced types, sizes, and designs for condo living, up to 70 floors over the Chao Phraya River flowing down through Bangkok. You can own a piece of the capital city skyline which is breathtaking.
When I have family or friends visit me here, I always start with a Bangkok tour from the Palace, Khao San Road, usually Sukhumvit 17-23 area, and one of the elevated, skyline restaurants. Then we head out to a beach city, a trip for a ride around the Mae Hong Son loop, and a peaceful island finish, such as Krabi, Phi Phi, or Koh Lanta.
From your downtown condo, you can walk to amazing market stalls nosh, or Michlien Star cuisine. You can float through a river canal market or stroll through an air-conditioned mall. You will be able to find a corner beer bar or a wild night at a dance club. It is all up to you.
Some of the condos will be dated or ready for you to upgrade the style and equipment to fit your desired living comfort. Make sure your changes fall within the condo parameters before you get started. Hire an established and approved company for your renovations to prevent delays and cost overruns.
Many units will be fully furnished and ready to move into. It will be up to you to make any changes. Papaya Studio is Thailand’s largest vintage furniture market, also have a look at the Chatuchak weekend market for the details you need to complete the unique feel you are aiming for.
Be sure to check out all the districts of Bangkok one by one. There is no need to rush and miss the classic intricacies of this massive metropolis.
- Living here you will enjoy vibrant expat and bustling, friendly international communities. Sathorn/Silom is the financial district and if you are here for business, your office will not be far from home.
- The high-quality international schools of Thong Lo and Phrom Phong are accompanied by more high-end restaurants, brand-name shopping, and prosperous character.
- Ekkamai is where you will find fashionable and chic bars, pubs, and nightclubs full of vigour and vitality. When you need a lively social scene, find it here just a short taxi ride from home.
- When you need more nature than your high-rise balcony or condo landscaping offers, head to Lumpini Park for a paddle boat ride around the lake or relax under the shade trees. You can have a refreshing walk or run on the smoothly paved path of Benjakitti Park, which also has a lake for a fresh break from the busy city.
- There is a large quantity of historical and cultural venues like the Grand Temple with the biggest reclining Buddha statue in the Kingdom, Bangkok National, and Erawan Museums. Do not overlook Chinatown, which is another level of shopping and feasting that seems to continuously evolve and remain consistently unique.
Take time to enjoy the diversity of scapes Bangkok has to offer. Do not huddle in your neighborhood and become stagnant. If you are going to live in a massive city like this, you’ll need to know the condo laws, get familiar with the culture, and be brave enough to embrace new things.
I find deeper relationships through conversations about ideas and concepts or telling jokes. You will experience a richness in friendships at every interaction from an ability to communicate with quality language skills. Don’t be another foreigner too important to study culture and language.
Truly live here and enjoy life more. I love Thailand and have not left since I landed for the first time eleven years ago. I wish you happy home hunting and peaceful living.
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