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Thonglor road, also known as Sukhumvit Soi 55, is one of the most popular and trendy areas in Bangkok. It is home to many upscale restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, and entertainment venues. But how did this road become such a hotspot for urban lifestyle and culture?

The name Thonglor comes from the Thai word for “golden water”, which refers to the canal that runs parallel to the road. The canal was dug in the late 19th century by a Chinese businessman named Nai Lert Sreshthaputra, who wanted to facilitate the transportation of goods and people between the Chao Phraya river and the interior of Bangkok. He also built a bridge across the canal, which was named Thonglor Bridge.

The area around Thonglor road was originally a rural and agricultural land, with rice fields, orchards, and plantations. The first settlers were mostly Chinese immigrants who worked as farmers, traders, and laborers. They built their houses along the canal and the road, forming a close-knit community. They also established temples, schools, markets, and shops to serve their needs.

In the early 20th century, Thonglor road became a part of Sukhumvit road, which was a major highway that connected Bangkok with the eastern provinces. The road was named after Phra Phisan Sukhumvit, who was a civil engineer and a minister of public works under King Rama VI. He oversaw the construction of many roads and railways in Thailand.

As Sukhumvit road developed, so did Thonglor road. The area attracted more residents and businesses, especially after World War II, when Thailand experienced rapid economic growth and urbanization. Many wealthy and influential families moved to Thonglor road, building mansions and villas along the canal. They also brought with them their taste for fine dining, shopping, and entertainment.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Thonglor road became a hub for nightlife and entertainment. Many bars, clubs, pubs, and karaoke venues opened along the road, catering to the young and affluent crowd. The area also became known for its music scene, hosting many live bands and DJs. Some of the famous venues that emerged during this period were Brown Sugar, Saxophone Pub, CM2, Q Bar, and Bed Supperclub.

In the 2000s and 2010s, Thonglor road underwent another transformation. The area became more diverse and cosmopolitan, attracting expatriates, tourists, artists, and entrepreneurs from different countries and backgrounds. The road also became more fashionable and trendy, with many boutique hotels, spas, art galleries, co-working spaces, and creative studios opening along the road. Some of the notable places that opened during this period were J Avenue, Eight Thonglor, The Commons, Seenspace Thonglor 13, 72 Courtyard, and The EmQuartier.

Today, Thonglor road is one of the most vibrant and dynamic areas in Bangkok. It offers a variety of experiences and attractions for different tastes and preferences. It is a place where history meets modernity, where tradition meets innovation, where local meets global. It is a place where you can find golden water in the city of angels.

The raise of properties in Thonglor, Bangkok.

The property market in Thonglor has been booming in recent years, thanks to its prime location, high demand and limited supply. According to Savills, a world leading estate agent, Thonglor has the highest average price per square meter for condominiums in Bangkok, at 234,000 baht (about 7,000 USD) as of 2023. The price has increased by 8% year-on-year since 2020, despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy and tourism.

The main factors driving the property price growth in Thonglor are:

• The proximity to the BTS Skytrain station, which provides convenient access to other parts of Bangkok and reduces traffic congestion.
• The availability of high-quality facilities and services, such as schools, hospitals, malls, supermarkets and fitness centers.
• The diversity and vibrancy of the lifestyle and culture, which attracts both locals and expatriates who seek a modern and cosmopolitan living environment.
• The scarcity of land for new development, which creates a high competition among developers and investors for existing properties.

The outlook for the property market in Thonglor remains positive, as there is still a strong demand from buyers who are willing to pay a premium for a prestigious address and a high standard of living. Moreover, there are several new projects underway or planned in Thonglor that will enhance its attractiveness and value, such as:

• Thonglor 21 Residence by Bliston, a luxury hotel and residence project that features an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, garden and free WiFi. The project is located near the BTS Thong Lo station and is expected to be completed by 2024.
• Vtara Sukhumvit 36, a low-rise condominium project that offers a variety of unit types, ranging from studio to three-bedroom units. The project is located within walking distance from the BTS Thong Lo station and boasts a mini-golf course, a rooftop garden and a co-working space. The project is expected to be completed by 2025.
• HQ By Sansiri, a high-end condominium project that provides spacious units with panoramic views of the city skyline. The project is located near the BTS Thong Lo station and offers a range of facilities, such as a swimming pool, a fitness center, a library and a lounge. The project was completed in 2020.

In conclusion, Thonglor is one of the most desirable and dynamic areas in Bangkok for property investment and living. The property prices in Thonglor have been rising steadily over the years and are likely to continue to do so in the future. Thonglor offers a unique combination of convenience, comfort, culture and class that appeals to a wide range of buyers who seek quality and value.

Why is Thonglor one of the most expensive land in Bangkok?

There are several factors that contribute to Thonglor’s high land value. First of all, Thonglor has a prime location in the heart of Sukhumvit, one of the main roads in Bangkok that connects to many other parts of the city. Thonglor is also close to the BTS Skytrain station, which makes it convenient and accessible for commuters. Moreover, Thonglor is surrounded by other affluent neighborhoods, such as Phrom Phong, Ekkamai, and Asoke, creating a cluster of high-end demand and supply.

Secondly, Thonglor has a limited supply of land available for development. Due to its popularity and density, there is not much vacant land left in Thonglor. Most of the land is already occupied by existing buildings or owned by wealthy families who are reluctant to sell. This creates a scarcity effect that drives up the land price. Furthermore, Thonglor has strict regulations on building height and density, which limit the potential for new projects and increase the competition among developers.

Thirdly, Thonglor has a strong reputation and brand image as a premium and fashionable area. Thonglor is often associated with quality, sophistication, and exclusivity. It appeals to people who want to enjoy a modern and cosmopolitan lifestyle in Bangkok. Thonglor also has a diverse and vibrant community of people from different backgrounds and cultures, creating a dynamic and attractive atmosphere. Additionally, Thonglor has a high level of security and safety, which is important for many residents and investors.

In conclusion, Thonglor is one of the most expensive land in Bangkok because of its location, supply, and image. It offers a unique combination of convenience, luxury, and diversity that makes it stand out from other areas in the city. Thonglor is expected to maintain its high value and demand in the future as it continues to evolve and innovate.