History
King Ramkhamhaeng the Great, the third king of the Sukhothai period, is renowned for his invention of the Thai alphabet. He was called Poh Khun, meaning “Father lord” , for his benevolence, leniency, and thoughtfulness toward his people. When people ran into any difficulty or conflict which they could not solve among themselves, they could ring the bell which was hanged in front of the King’s palace, the King would then personally hear the cases and judge the case himself.
Before the establishment of Ramkhamhaeng University in 1971, Thailand has long suffered what might be called “ a crisis in the quest for higher education “ because the number of high school graduates seeking seats to the universities outnumbered the admission capacity of all universities combined. The problem finally prompted the parliament to pass a law authorizing the establishment of Ramkhamhaeng University or R.U.
The University has provide four study programs in 1971 :
Faculty of Law
Faculty of Business Administration
Faculty of Humanities
Faculty of Education
In 1974, three more faculties were operated:
Faculty of Science
Faculty of Political Science
Faculty of Economics
Ever since, Ramkhamhaeng University has been progressively developed and served the publics as one of Thailand’s foremost institutions for higher education.
In the academic year 1996, the university has provided three graduate study programs:
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)
Master of Education
Master of Arts ( Political Science)
Based on the principle of “equality of opportunity” to all regarding higher education, RU provides teaching and learning systems both on-campus and via distance learning. The university teaches a wide number of subjects in the social sciences and humanities, and also offers courses in all the major branches of science as well, including engineering and health science, and provides international programs, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. This is a goal that Ramkhamhaeng University is continually striving to achieve without compromising academic excellence in any way.
At present, Ramkhamhaeng University offers Bachelor’s Degree Programs, Master’s Degree Programs, Ph. D. Programs, International Programs and Pre-degree Programs in 10 Faculties and the Graduate School. In addition, the university also provides a wide range of excellent academic and administrative support facilities, total of 18 Institutes/Offices /Centers. The total number of students enrolled at Ramkhamhaeng University is approximately 430,000 each year, consisting of nearly 400,000 undergraduate and 35,000 graduate students.
Given its long–standing commitment to providing equal opportunity in the field of education for all Thais throughout the nation, since 1995, guided by the vision of the Former President Rangsan Saengsook, Ramkhamhaeng University, in cooperation with government agencies and members of the private sector in the region, has established 22 RU Regional Campuses, in Honor of His Majesty the King, covering all regions of Thailand, as well as 36 regional examination centers. The university provides various Special Programs at the Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree levels, as well as short-courses, in 47 provinces, as well as in Bangkok; RU’s Special Programs are well-known and constitute a role model for supporting lifelong learning for all. The overall aim is to make a wide variety of academic services available to the community and to society at large, and to foster the development of human resources, both in the public and private sectors.
Based on the global vision of the Former President Rangsan Saengsook, the University has expanded in terms of providing equality of opportunity in higher education, not only throughout the country, but worldwide as well. The university also provides opportunities for Thais residing overseas, having been in the process of expanding Ramkhamhaeng University worldwide since 2003; as a result, the university provides undergraduate and graduate programs of study for Thais in 27 countries worldwide, having 36 examination centers in those countries. In this regard, the university has received generous support and assistance from Royal Thai Embassies and General Consulates in these countries, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Also, in honour of His Majesty the King, Ramkhamhaeng University has also established an Overseas Academic Services Center to oversee this venture
University staff development
The university’s staff is roughly grouped into two parts: the academic staff and the supporting staff. The academic staff itself is divided into lecturers and non-lecturers. There are 767 lecturers, 584 non-lecturers and 2,467 supporting staff. R.U. provides programs through co-operation and assistance of foreign universities for short-term training, Master’s and Doctor’s degree programs to increase faculty member’s skill, partially with R.U. financial support. They are encouraged to advance themselves and keep abreast of new academic developments through research, taking part in conferences, seminars and workshops both locally and internationally.
Monday, May 26, 2008
History Of Ramkhamhaeng University
Bangkok Holidays
angkok Holidays - East blends with West
A holiday in Thailand would not be complete without stay in Bangkok. Visiting Bangkok is exciting and often exhausting experience, as there is so much to see and do. The exotic East blends with the modern West - a mix of magnificent Thai culture. Bangkok is a vast metropolis, with futuristic skyscrapers, exotic temples and old narrow streets with wooden dwellings. Bangkok is home to many temples, the world's most vibrant nightlife, a exciting Chinatown, countless shopping malls, and many museums and galleries, centred around the famous Chao Phraya River. You will have no trouble finding accommodation while on holiday in Bangkok as the city has hundreds of hotels offering great value to western visitors. Bangkok is served by Bangkok Suwarbumi Airport, located a half-hour car journey from the centre.
Bangkok Holidays - discover encient Rattanakosin Island and futureristic Siam Square
You may spend much of your holiday in Bangkok on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River. Here in the district of Rattanakosin Island you will find the exquisite Royal Grand Palace with its Temple of the Emerald Buddha known as Wat Phra Kaew. Also here is Wat Pho - the largest temple in Bangkok with a 46-meter long, gold Reclining Buddha - and the fascinating National Museum and National Gallery. Many Bangkok hotels are situation in this part of the city. In the neighbouring Sukhumvit Road and Siam Square areas you will be spoilt for choice if your Bangkok holiday includes shopping as there are many big shopping malls like Siam Paragon, siam Centre, Siam Discovery and MBK, as well as the popular Jim Thompson Thai House Museums, Suan Pakkard Palace Museum and Siam Society Kamthieng House. Travelling to other parts of the city is easy using the sky train, metro, river boats and tuk-tuks.
Bangkok Holidays - gateway to paradise
For many taking a holiday in Bangkok, the city serves merely as a transit to many Thailand's paradise beaches in Krabi, Phuket, Hua Hin and Koh Samui. If your preffer more active holidays, Thailand's national parks offer jungle trekking, rock climbing, kayaking, canoing, windsurfing, rafting, mountain biking and much more.
Well, this might be what you looking for, discover Bangkok, City of Angels.
The Bangkok Banks
Bangkok Banks Business Hours:
Most commercial concerns in Bangkok operate on a five-day week, usually from 8 am to 5 pm. Many stores open seven days a week from 10 am to 10 pm. Government offices are generally open between 8.30 am and 4.30 pm with a noon to 1 pm lunch break, Monday to Friday except on public holidays. Banks are open Mondays to Fridays from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm except on public holidays.
List of main Bangkok Banks
1. Bangkok Bank Public Company Ltd.
2.The Bangkok Bank of Commerce, Ltd. Public Company ltd.
3. Krung Thai Bank Public Company Ltd.
4. Bank of Ayudhya Public Company Ltd.
5.Thai Farmers Bank Public Company Ltd.
6.The Thai Military Bank Public Company Ltd.
7.The Thai Danu Bank Public Company Ltd.
8.The Siam Commercial Bank Public Company Ltd.
9. Siam City Bank Public Company Ltd.
10.First Bangkok City Bank Public Company Ltd.
11.Bangkok Metropolitan Bank Public Company Ltd.
12.The Union Bank of Bangkok Public Company Ltd.
13. Nakornthon Bank Public Company Ltd.
14.The Laem Thong Bank Public Company Ltd.
15. Bank of Asia Public Company Ltd.
Currency and Currency exchange :
The thai unit of currency is the baht 1 baht is divided into 100 satang. Note are in denominations of 1,000 (brown), 500 (purple), 100 (red), 50 (blue), 20 (green) and 10 (brown) baht. Coins consist of 25 satang, 50 satang, 1 baht, 5 baht and 10 baht.
Major currency bills and travellers cheques are cashed easily at hotels, tourist shops, all provincial banks, shopping centres and money changers.Travellers cheques are best changed in banks (you will need your passport). Rates of exchange at banks or authorised money changers are better than those at hotels and department stores.
Any amount of foreign currency may be brought into the country. Visitors may take foreign currency out of Thailand, but no more than the amount stated in the customs declaration made on arrival. Travellers leaving Thailand may take out no more than 50,000 baht per person in Thai currency.
The Bangkok Sports A to Z
Aerobics: Free aerobics lessons are available in most public parks. . The most notable is at Lumpini Park where yoga, aerobics and tai chi lessons can be had. Classes are available early in the morning and around 18:00 onwards. No registration nor membership is required, just a lot of energy to join in the fun!
Badminton: If you feel intimidated by a fast-travelling tennis ball, why not opt for the softer version badminton? There are countless badminton courts in Bangkok. Most of which usually have racquets available for rent. It's also advisable to check with a court before you go since some places are reserved exclusively for their members.
Biking: A great way to see Bangkok - and you won't be stuck in traffic. Cycle the back roads at the right time of day and you'll see another facet of this great city.
Bowling: Throw a strike or two at Bangkok's modern bowling alleys. Usually located on the top floor of shopping malls.
Cycling: A great and unique way to see Bangkok and beyond without getting stuck in traffic. Bangkok has a second-level bicycle track. However, you will not be able to avoid the less enjoyable, larger ground-level roads, where you fight heavy traffic. Luckily, you don't spend much time on these: With the right route, you reach your destination faster than other vehicles.
Fitness centres: Shed some sweat and those excessive pounds at the city's swanky fitness clubs.
Horse-racing: Horse-racing takes place every Sunday in the sweltering heat at the Royal Bangkok Sports Club. There's no betting, but it's great fun!
Ice Skating: Glide and twirl on the city's Olympic-size rink - a fun way to cool off from the city's harsh heat. Located on the top floor of Imperial World Samrong, just 20 minutes outside Bangkok, Imperial World Ice Skating is an Olympic-size rink complete with skating facilities like training room and Pro Shop. Lessons (about 30 minutes) are available at reasonable cost
Jogging: Ready, set, go! Jogging is a perfect way to get your heart pumping. And Bangkok has plentiful parks to do that at. There are quite a few parks scattered around the city, providing Bangkok residents with uncontaminated air and lots of healthy outdoor activities in lush, landscaped areas.
Martial Arts: Be it for keeping fit and healthy, self-defense, concentration or other reasons, martial arts have several beneficial aspects. Muay Thai is by no means the only martial art practised in Thailand. Tae Kwan Do is popular, especially among children, and Chinese martial arts such as Kung Fu and Tai Chi Chuan are just as common.
Muay Thai: Bangkok is not just a big city full of fumes, skyscrapers, malls, traffic and pollution. There are quite a few parks scattered around the city, providing Bangkok residents with uncontaminated air and lots of healthy outdoor activities in lush, landscaped areas. Most parks come with sport facilities such as a tennis court, swimming pool, football pitch and other amenities you can take advantage of for a very small fee.
Parks: Fresh air and healthy activities are yours for the taking at Bangkok's lush public parks. Bangkok is not just a big city full of fumes, skyscrapers, malls, traffic and pollution. There are quite a few parks scattered around the city, providing Bangkok residents with uncontaminated air and lots of healthy outdoor activities in lush, landscaped areas. Most parks come with sport facilities such as a tennis court, swimming pool, football pitch and other amenities you can take advantage of for a very small fee.
Pilates: Named after its inventor, Pilates helps build your body's core strength and posture through a series of stretching and conditioning exercises. Plenty of fitness centres in Bangkok offer yoga and Pilates classes, including the hot yoga.
Sepak Takraw: Essentially a net game played with feet, 'sepak takraw' is a hybrid of football (soccer) and volleyball with a bit of gymnastics and kung fu thrown in for kicks. Recreational sepak takraw can be seen played in the city's public parks , fairgrounds, city streets, courtyards of 'wats' (temples).
Squash: They say you can burn up to 1,000 calories per hour with a game of squash. All the major hotels usually have their own tennis court available for guests. However, if there isn't one where you're staying, there are plenty of public tennis and squash courts throughout the city.
Swimming: Whether you want to relax at a pool or aim for a serious calorie-burning session, swimming provides enjoyment and a total body work-out. Most mid-range and top-end hotels have swimming pools, as do many serviced apartments and fitness centres. If you can't find one where you're staying, quite a few public pools can be found around Bangkok
Tai Chi: Join city dwellers at Tai Chi sessions available at most public parks in the mornings.
Tennis: Hone your backhand and forehand skills at Bangkok's many tennis courts. All the major hotels usually have their own tennis court available for guests. However, if there isn't one where you're staying, there are plenty of public tennis and squash courts throughout the city.
Thai Boxing: Almost as ancient as the country itself, the art of Thai boxing is deeply ingrained in the history of Thailand. There are quite a few boxing stadiums in Bangkok. The biggest and most popular ones are Lumpini Boxing Stadium and Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium.
Yoga: Through breathing techniques and specific positions, yoga practitioners can enhance and induce meditative states. Many of the five-star hotels offer drop-in yoga classes, but plenty of yoga studios seem to be popping up around town, most of which offer attractive promotions to long- and short-term yoga enthusiasts all year round.
At Bangkok Tennis & Squash
After the huge success Thailand's tennis sensation Paradorn Srichaphan achieved at international matches and tournaments, more and more people in Thailand seems to be picking up a racquet in hopes to become the next champion. If you feel like honing your backhand and forehand skills yourself, many major hotels usually have their own tennis court available for guests. However, if there isn't one where you're staying, there are plenty of public tennis and squash courts throughout the city; in public parks, at universities or fitness centres. Note that some places do require membership, so make sure you check with the venue first.
The Capitol Club
Location: 99/397 Sukhumvit 24, Klongton, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 Thailand
Contact: +66 (0)2 661 1210-26
Tennis court at Lumpini Park (Youth Center)
Location: Lumpini Park (Youth Center), Rama IV
Soi Klang Racquet Club
Location: 6, 8 Amara 3, Sukhumvit Soi 49-9, Soi Klang
Contact: +66 (0)2 714 7200
Chulalongkorn University Sports Center
Location: Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok
Contact: +66 (0)2 218 2874-76
Thammasat University Sport Center
Location: Gymnasium 7, 99 Moo 18 Paholyothin Road, Long Luang, Pathumthani
Contact: +66 (0)2 564 4425
Sports Authority of Thailand
Location: 286, Ramkhamhaeng Road, Hua Mark, Bangkapi
Contact: +66 (0)2 319 1116 ext 1502
Bangkok Naval Base
Location: Soi Isaraphap 44, Banchanglaw, Bangkoknoi
Contact: +66 (0)2 866 8807
Bangkok Metropolitan Youth Centre (Thai-Japan)
Location: Mitmaitri Road, Dindaeng
Contact: +66 (0)2 245 3360
The National Stadium (Supacharasai)
Location: Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan (BTS the National Stadium station)
Contact: +66 (0)2 216 7390
Indoor Stadium Huamark & Rajamangala National Stadium
Location: 2088 Ramkamheang Road, Huamark, Bangkapi
Contact: +66 (0)2 318 0940-4
WAT MAHATHAT YUWARATRANGSARIT RATCHAWORAMAHAWIHAN
Built in the Ayutthaya period, this temple was originally named Wat Salak. During restoration in the
reigns of King Rama I-King Rama V, it was known by several different names. Eventually it was named Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit, but it is always known as Wat Mahathat.
Mondop: Inside is a chedi in the style of King Rama I's reign containing Buddha relics. It is the precursor of early Rattanakosin chedis, and completely covered in lacquered gold leaf.
Ubosot: In contrast to most others, this has no front or rear portico. There are entrances on both sides and is large enough for 1,000 monks to gather at one time. The principal Buddha image is covered in gold leaf, and is the work of Phraya Devarangsan, a notable craftsman of the Front Palace (Wang Na).
Maha Chulalongkorn Rajavidyalaya: This university was founded by King Rama V as an educational institution for Mahanikai monks.
Wihan Photilangka: The prayer hall was built in the reign of King Rama IV. The principal Buddha image, named Phra Nak, is in the Sukhothai period style and cast in bronze.
Monument to Somdet Chao Phraya Maha Surasinghanat: In front of Photilanga Wihan, the monument is to King Rama I's younger brother, an important army commander when Rattanakosin was found.
Address:
3 Maharat Road Phraborommaharatchawang Sub-District
Phra Nakhon District
Bangkok 10200
Phone: (662) 221-5999
222-7984 222-1415
Fax:(662) 623-6284
Bus :1 3 7 9 15 25 30 32 33 39 43 44 47 53 59 60 64 65 70 80 82 91 203
Air-con Bus: 1 8 25 39 44 70 82 203 506 507 512
Pier:
1. Chao Phraya Express Boat: Tha Chang Pier
2. Ferry: Phrachan Nua Pier
Opening Hours:
Temple: Daily 8 am-5 pm Ubosot: Mon-Sat 8-9 am
5-6 pm
Sun 7 am-4 pm
Buddhist Sermon Day:
7 am-5 pm
Admission Fee:
Free Admission
Activity&Festival:
Buddhism Course:
7:30-8::30 pm
Sun 7 am-3 pm (Children)
Listed by Fine Arts Dept.:1949
Royal Temple: First Class
School, University:
Mahachulalongkorn U.
Phone: (662) 623-6322-4
Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat 1-4 pm
Closed:
Sun
Buddhist Sermon Day
Parking:
In the Temple compound
Nearby Attractions:
City Pillar Clock Tower
College of Dramatic Arts Expeditionary Force Memorial Grand Palace National Museum National Theatre
Old Cannon Museum Phratamnak Suan Kularb School
Sanam Luang Saranrom Park Silpa Bhirasri Memorial Silpakorn U. Thommasat U. Thawornwatthu Bldg.
Wat Pho Wat Phra Kaeo
Wat Ratchapradit
More Infomatin
• Web Board & Gallery Bangkok
• Google Earth Thailand Map Bangkok
Important numbers
Police emergency: 191
Tourist Police: 0 7742 1281
Tourist Police - Emergency: 1155
Fire Department: 106
Bangkok Hospital: 0 7742 9500
Samui Hospital: 0 7742 1232
Immigration: 0 7742 1069
Wat Pha kaeo Temples At Phra Borommaharatchawang
The temple is in the outer section of the Royal Enclosure west of the Grand Palace . It was built on the orders of King Rama I along with the Grand Palace and Rattanakosin Island , and is built as a temple in a Royal compound like Wat Sri Sanphet in Ayutthaya . It has no resident monks.
The Emerald Buddha (Phra Putta Maha Mani Ratana Patimakorn or Phra Kaeo Morakot): This is a Buddha image in the meditating position in the style of the Lanna school of the north, dating from the 15th century AD. King Rama I brought it from Vientiane , and it is considered to be the most important Buddha image in the country.
Model of Angkor Wat: King Rama IV had this built by Phra Samphopphai when Cambodia was under Siamese control. The model was recreated in plaster at the behest of King Rama V to celebrate the first centenary of the Royal city.
Prasat Phra Thepidon: This four-square prang originally called "Puttaprang Prasat" was built in the reign of King Rama IV. Inside are statues of Kings Rama I-King Rama VIII, to which the public pay their respects on Chakri Day, April 6, every year.
Mondop:This structure stands behind Prasat Phra Thepidon, and was built in the reign of King Rama I. Inside is a cabinet holding the Buddhist scriptures beautifully decorated in mother-of-pearl.
Balcony: This can be compared to the temple wall. The murals inside tell the Ramayana story in its entirety. On the columns of the balcony are stone inscriptions of the verses describing the murals.
Phra Sri Ratana Chedi: Built in the style of Wat Sri Sanphet in Ayutthaya , this chedi is to the west of the Monhop. Inside is a small chedi with relics of the Lord Buddha.
Phra Atsada Maha Chedi: This group of eight chedis stands in front of the temple. It was built in the reign of King Rama I and dedicated to the heavens. Six of the group are outside the balcony, two are inside. Each has its own name.
Yaksa Tavarnbal (Gate-keeping Giants): Six pairs of mythical ogres stand at each gate of the Balcony. These are the main Giants of the Ramayana.
Hor Phra Khanthan-rat: Standing in the estern corner of the balcony, this is where the Phra Puttakhanthan-rat figure is enshrined. It presides over the Royal rain-making ceremony and the ceremony of the first rice planting. Inside are paintings by the mural artist Khrua In Khong.
Hor Phra Ratcha Karamanusorn: Inside this structure are 34 Buddha images in various positions, built by command of King Rama III and dedicated the kings of Ayutthaya and Thonburi.
Hor Phra Ratcha Pongsanusorn: Built in the reign of King Rama IV, this is the location of the Buddha image of the reigning King of the Rattanakosin Era. Inside are murals of Royal chronicles of Ayutthaya by Khrua In Khong.
Hor Phra Nak: Situated behind the temple, this traditional Thai building roofed with glazed tiles contains the ashes of the Royal family.
Address:
Na Phralan Road
Phra Borommaharatchawang Sub-District
Phra Nakhon District Bangkok 10200
Tel: (662) 222-8181: 3801 3890
222-2208 623-5500: 3100
Bus: 1 3 6 9 15 19 25 30 32 33 39 43 44 47 53 59 60 64 65 70 80 82 91 123 201 203
Air-con Bus: 1 8 25 506 507 512 Sai 38 39 44
Pier:
Chao Phraya Express Boat: Tha Chang Pier
Opening Hour:
Daily 8 am-4 pm
Admission Fee:
Foreigner 200 Bht
Activity-Festival:
Sun: Sermon 1 pm Buddist Holy Day: Sermon 9 am 1 am
Guide: 10 am 2 pm Personal Audio Guide (PAG):
German English French Japanese Mandarin Russian Spain Thai
Admission Fee:
100 Bht/2 hours Passport/Credit card
Tel: (662) 222-2208
Coffee Shop:
Sala Atthawichan
Restaurant:
Sala Atthawicthan
Prohibited:
Taking photo inside the ubosot
Man: Shorts Pants Slippers Woman: Undershirt Singlet Shorts Sandals
Parking:
Ratchavoradit Pier
Snam Luang
Wat Mahathat
Nearby Attraction:
City Pillar Clock Tower
Grand Palace
Hor Klong Shrine National Museum
old Cannon Museum Saranrom Park
Silpa Bhirasri Memorial
Silpakorn U.
Snam Luang
Thammasat U.
Wat Arun
Wat Mahathat
Wat Pho
Wat Ratchapradit
THe Wat Sai And Floating Market Ekkachi Road
In Bangkhunthian
This Mahanikai sect temple was built in the Ayutthaya period and restored during the reigns of King Rama IV and King Rama V.
Tamnak Thong: "the Golden Mansion," was thought to have been dedicated by Phra Chao SUa, King of Ayutthaya, as a monks' residence. The
wooden house is raised high on pillars in the Thal tradition, and the interior is divided by wooden partitions. One of the rooms contains a Chinese-style`wooden bed with carved flower motifs patterned with glass, and a painting of a Chinese lady. On the door panels are pictures of the guardian deity, and on the outside wall is a gilded lacquer painting of the traditional kanok or flame-like motif.
Old Belfry: This circular tower stands on a lotus-shaped base, and the finial of the bell is in the form of a lotus bud. Its original bell has now been replaced by a drum.
Wihan: Built in Rattanakosin style with a two-tiered roof. Inside are sandstone, stucco, and bronze Buddha images in the Ayutthaya and Rattnakosin styles.
Wat Sai Floating Market: Images of people young and old paddling boats laden with fruit, vegetable and other produce, traders greeting each other with smiling faces, buyers bargaining, sellers inviting - these are only pictures of a way of???? e in the past which is now gone forever. With the Building of Rama II Road and the extension of Eakkachai Road to Samut Sakhorn, the transport of agr ultural produce shifted from waterways to roads.
The wooden shop houses have been replaced by oncrete commercial buildings and a few gift shop The canal bank has been concreted over and a new pier added. The once busy and well-known flog ing market is now only of passing interest to toi, As taking a canal trip.
Address:
11 moo.2 Ekkachi Road
Bangkhunthian Sup-District
Jomthong District
Bangkok 10150
(Fhone:(662) 415-7173
415-1926
Fax: (662) 415-7173
Bus: 10 43 120
Air Bus: Mb9
Pier:
1. Passenger Boat: Rajini (Pakkhlong Talat) Pier-** Wat Ratchaorasaram Pier Departure 8 am Return 5 pm 2. Passenger Boat: Rajini (Pakkhlong Talat) Pier* Wat Paknum* *Bus
Opening Hours:
Temple: Daily 5 am-8 pm Ubosot: Daily 8-9 am
4:30-6 pm
Admission Free:
Free Admission
Activity&Festival:
Annual Festival (April)
Listed by Fine Arts Dept.: 1962
School,University:
Wat Ratchaorasaram Institute
Photograph:
Permission required for taking photo inside Bldg.
Parking:
In the Temple compound
Nearby Attractions:
Wat Nangnong
Wat Ratchaorasaram
Wat Sai
Demand Increases for Bangkok Apartments
Demand Increases for Bangkok Apartments
CB Richard Ellis reported that according to the latest figures from the Alien occupational Control Division, Department of Employment there were 65,337 expatriates based in Bangkok with work permits as at August 2006. This represents a 12.9% increase on the total in August 2005.
The growth in expatriates has increased demand for residential rental accommodation in Bangkok both for apartments and condominiums.
The work permit figures exclude diplomatic and United Nations staff and the 52,045 expatriates with work permits for locations outside of Bangkok. Some expatriates whose place of work is outside of Bangkok for example on an industrial estate will live in Bangkok and commute to their place of work.
Japanese nationals account for 22% of work permits in Bangkok followed by Indians (12%) Chinese (9%), and British (8%).
CB Richard Ellis forecasts that there will be limited new apartment supply in the Central Business Districts with only about 870 units under construction.
There are13,347 condominium units under construction and CB Richard Ellis estimates that 40-50% of these new condominium units could be available for rent.
Much of the existing supply of apartments and condominiums is now more than ten years old and CB Richard Ellis classifies many of these as being grade B in terms of quality.
Rents for grade A or luxury condominiums and apartments have been rising at a faster rate than grade B developments.
“We see the gap between grade A and grade B rentals increasing,” said Mr. Theerathorn Prapunpong, Associate Director and head of Residential Leasing Services at CB Richard Ellis.
CB Richard Ellis is seeing strong demand for well designed new projects especially mid size three bedroom units of between 150-220 square metres which are achieving rentals of 70,000 - 85,000 baht per month.
Queens Park View Residence a 36 unit new development recently completed on Sukhumvit Soi 24 is already 83% occupied. Much of the demand for this development has come from Japanese tenants who have been paying average rents of between 60,000 - 80,000 baht per month for 2 and 3 bedroom units of 91-150 square metres.
CB Richard Ellis expects that demand from tenants will continue to be strong for well located, well designed apartment and condominium developments in Bangkok’s prime locations.
Competition grows in Bangkok’s Serviced Apartment Sector
The total supply of serviced apartment units in Bangkok grew by 11% on an annual basis and occupancy rates dropped by 8%, according to CB Richard Ellis.
Owners were able to increase rental rates for grade A serviced apartments but at a slower rate.
Future supply will continue to increase which could put downward pressure on both occupancy and achieved room rates.
The total supply of serviced apartments increased to 8,744 units a further 3,500 units are under construction and more projects are at the planning stage.
Most of the new supply will be grade A in terms of quality.
Occupancy increased slightly quarter on quarter but fell year on year from 88% to 81%.
Average rents increased by 2-3% for grade A developments on a year on year basis the growth rate in rentals has slowed due to the increase in supply.
CB Richard Ellis believes that based on the forecast increase in supply competition will increase. Much of the new supply is grade A in terms of quality and will be managed by international operators and this will put pressure on older developments.
The Sathorn area appears to be the most competitive location at the present time rental rates have fallen by about 2.7% year on year and occupancy by about 18% year on year.
by: Ngamjai Jearrajarat
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Traveling in fast forward – Bangkok, Thailand in 24 hours
After arriving in Bangkok at around 3am, I found that my room was unavailable due to it being flooded, not the best way to start my 24 hour adventure but not enough to slow me down. After a power cut and a couple of hours waiting I finally got my room, I didn’t really have enough time to sleep much after the delay, so I had to settle for just a couple of hours.
I got up at 8.30am and felt surprisingly refreshed, it’s not often you have to survive on only 2 hours sleep but at the same time it’s not often you get the opportunity to explore an environment and culture that’s completely new to you. I took a look out the window and just gazed at the concrete jungle that is Bangkok.
For the troubles of the night before, the hotel graciously gave me a free breakfast and a few other nice treats. I enjoyed a few fruits that I’d never had before; I’m quite the food lover so even simple things like that were interesting to me. It’s amazingly humid and very hot, 30 degrees at just 9am in the morning. Luckily for me and the other Hotel guests having breakfast, there are half a dozen huge fans cooling the area.
After finishing up my breakfast I head out into the unknown. I have no idea where I’m going or what I want to do which is part of the fun, it’s sometimes nice to have no plans or schedule, just the freedom to do whatever crosses your path.
It doesn’t take much time for me to meet some of the locals, there are street vendors everywhere and they can be very persistent, with an emphasis on very. It’s a little intimidating at first but after a good 5 hours of shopping I was a pro.
The Pantip Plaza was the first real building I stumbled into, it was full of cheap gadgets and huge amounts of DVD’s (all no doubt perfectly legal). I moved onto Siam Square next and watched a game of street football which was cool. The temperature was edging 35 degrees at this stage and this seemed even more surprising when I looked up and spotted a huge dark cloud forming right above me.
It didn’t take long for the rain to come and what a display it was. I’ve never encountered such a massive display of thunder and lightening in my life. Everyone scurried through the shop awnings and backstreets to take cover, it was impressive watching the speed at which the street vendors set up protection from the rain, this was obviously something they had learned to put up with. It felt like I was wading through millions of people as I made my way back to the hotel, it was cramped before the rain arrived but now it was just crazy.
After a nice dinner, I did some more looking around. I found some cool t-shirts and plenty of great presents for when I eventually got back home to New Zealand. While haggling over prices was new definitely new to me, I ended up enjoying it. It’s not something I could really be bothered with all the time but for that one day it was really fun.
My 24 hours in Bangkok was nearly over. I had to get some sleep before my early flight to London, especially after missing out the night before. It was a shame I had to leave so soon but I’m looking forward to coming back another time and exploring more of Bangkok, especially their many beautiful temples and other tourist attractions. 24 hours certainly wasn’t long but it was enough to give me a taste for Thailand and all the fun and excitement it offers.
by: Rene Smith
