Are you thinking of living in Bangkok? Good choice. Not only is Bangkok one of the world’s leading tourist destinations, but it is also home to a large expat community. Sure it is hot and humid, crowded and chaotic. Still, the myriad of cultures, people from around the world, the fabulous food, relatively low cost of living, welcoming locals and good infrastructure make it an alluring adventure and an exciting place to live.
However, moving to a new country or city does present challenges. Adapting to a different lifestyle, making new friends and adjusting to unfamiliar surroundings can be stressful. But with careful planning and learning about your newly adopted city, assimilating can be exciting, stimulating and more accessible.
When it comes to choosing where to live in Bangkok, several factors are worth considering to help you select the most appropriate spot.
Transport, Shopping and Lifestyle
Transport:
- Rail travel is the most favoured in Bangkok due to road traffic congestion.
The BTS Sky Trains consist of two major lines, Sukhumvit and Silom, which connect at Siam. An interchange at Asok station provides easy access to the MRT (the subway). The short BTS Skytrain (Gold) line is also in Bangkok’s Thonburi region.
There are four MRT lines – Blue, Purple, Dark Red, and Light Red lines. Three additional lines are in planning or construction. Bangkok’s new Grand Central Station at Bangsue will connect these lines.
The Airport Rail Link connects Phaya Thai to Suvarnabhumi Airport with a major interchange at Makkasan. - Bangkok Buses have connections at many rail stations. Bangkok’s Bus Rapid Transit BRT has a dedicated bus lane and travels one route, from Sathorn, along Chao Phraya river bend to Ratchapruek.
- Chao Phraya Express Boats stop on both sides of the river, and Khlong Saen Saep Boats shoot along canals, connecting rail and Bangkok buses.
- Transit Bangkok details the public transport available in Bangkok; simply insert your journey to see the options and connections.
Shopping, restaurants, entertainment
- People gravitate towards locations with easy access to shopping malls. Fortunately, the malls tend to be near BTS and MRT lines and popular expat neighbourhoods. Bangkok is a shopping mecca. You will find most of your favourite brands and supermarkets stocking foreign foods and beverages.
- Restaurants, entertainment and recreation facilities are entwined within the city. Although public parks are on the increase, it is worth checking locations.
Schools
- With about 90 international schools offering more than ten different Curriculums, it is relatively easy to find a learning centre for the kids. The International Schools Database can help you shortlist.
Property
Renting is ideal when moving to any new location. This gives you time to settle in getting to know the city, transport, recreation facilities and so forth. Fortunately, there is an excellent selection of rental properties on the market. Use a trusted agent and expect to pay a security deposit and sign a lease.
Many people get hooked by Bangkok and stay much longer term. Fortunately, buying a condo in Bangkok is relatively easy. From budget-priced studios to luxury multi-bedroom apartments for sale and penthouses, they are usually at much more affordable prices than other international cities—just another reason why many expats choose to buy property in Bangkok. Using a reputable realtor and a lawyer is advisable.
When choosing a condo to rent or buy, consider the offered shared facilities. Aligning with making Bangkok’ greener’, amenities such as fitness centres, co-working spaces, swimming pools, barbeque, and gardens can save commuting time and costs and provide more relaxation opportunities without leaving your complex. More and more Bangkok condominiums are being developed into ‘quiet green escapes’.
Working and Visas
To live in Thailand, foreigners need to have a Visa fit for purpose. Non-Immigrant ‘B’ is for working and business purposes. Employment is usually secured before relocating, the most common being as teachers or professionals in finance, communications, real estate, logistics and tourism sectors. Non-Immigrant ‘O’ offer long-stay visas covering retirement, marriage and volunteering and ‘ED’ visas cover education and study.
Environment
Along with all the things we love about Bangkok, it does have some drawbacks. This cosmopolitan city has grown rapidly, and it’s fair to say that infrastructure continues the challenge of keeping pace.
Road traffic is arduous, heavy and often frustrating. Additionally, pollution from emissions and noise and poorly maintained footpaths or no footpaths make walking along roads and sois can be hazardous. Hence people aim to be near public transport, especially rail.
The year-round heat and humidity combined with high pollution levels can be stifling, keeping many seeking air-conditioned comfort indoors. Fortunately, many projects are underway to combat this, with green condos and buildings, additional outdoor recreation spaces, and elevated walkways between popular destinations.
Regarding safety, crimes against expats are uncommon, and World Population Review statistics indicate the national crime rate is below the Worldwide average. Unfortunately, Thailand has a high road toll, with about 80% involving motorbikes. Wearing a helmet is essential.
What is the best neighbourhood to live in?
Developing clear selection criteria for your living requirements will help enormously in narrowing down your options. Although Bangkok’s population is over 10 million people, including outlying areas, particular areas are more popular with expats, mostly centred around the BTS and MRT lines.
On the BTS Sukhumvit line heading towards Bearing, Nana and Asok are laden with restaurants and bars. Phrom Phong to Ekamai is trendier (including the famous Thonglor), a little more expensive with luxury shopping and high-end restaurants. Many international companies are based in these areas, and therefore this area appeals to executives and business people. Further on, Phra Khanong to On Nut is a more up and coming area, increasingly popular with Thais and expats, including families looking for a bit more space.
Bang Na, further towards Bearing, is even more popular with families and is home to several gated communities. The well renowned Bangkok Patana School is in Bang Na.
Following the BTS Sukhumvit line north, Victory Monument to Ari and beyond have increased in popularity with those seeking a laid-back lifestyle, modern conveniences, and perhaps more traditional Thai feel than other ‘expat hot spots’. 
Silom, Sathon, in the heart of the business district, attracts more affluent and those seeking a more up-market nightlife. Nearby, Lumphini, Pathum Wan and Ratchaprasong are also popular with luxury shopping malls and some lovely green spaces, including Lumphini Park.
On Chao Phraya River’s west bank, Thonburi has welcomed several condo developments boasting great river and city views. With the opening of the BTS Gold Line, plus river ferries, this area has become more easily accessible, boosting its popularity.
These are just the main popular expat areas. Importantly be clear on your needs and use a reputable agent to help you find your new dream property.
