Traffic congestion along key conduits leading to the airport, including Bang Na-Trat Road, Rama IX Road and Sukhumvit Soi 77 (Soi Onnuj), are now far worse than before the airport opened in September.

One luxury housing estate, Areeya Wondera, has soldiered on despite the challenges and environmental degradation in Soi Onnuj.

Launched earlier this year, it has 100 detached homes, all rising three floors and commanding high prices starting from Bt10.5 million.

On the other side of the street, Areeya is starting to build a sister project called Mova, offering town houses for more than Bt4 million each.

While the two estates bear the brunt of traffic congestion at the intersection of Soi Onnuj and Srinakarin Road, their developer appears unfazed by the daunting task of minimising the effects of industrial expansion that is fast engulfing areas close to the airport.

Areeya's single homes sell from Bt10.5 million to Bt15 million, built on plots of 62-105 square wah. The firm seems comfortable competing for buyers against other brand names, such as Land and Houses, which has Nantawan Estates near Suvarnabhumi Airport and Suan Luang Rama IX, all selling bigger plots at much cheaper rates.

Areeya does have some advantages: it is situated right on the Soi Onnuj strip less than 300 metres from Srinakarin Road.

It covers 30 rai and is flanked by many shop houses and mosques in a traditionally Muslim neighbourhood.

There are two main housing designs at Areeya Wondera. A few completed units are available for viewing.

The clubhouse has also been completed and now serves as a sales office.

The detached homes contain three and four bedrooms, each with built-up areas of 273-331 square metres, considered fairly large by today's standards.

Across the street, Areeya's Mova town-house estate offers three- to four-storey units, each with built-up areas of 157 square metres.

These go for more than Bt4 million, which is 30 per cent higher than those offered by Asian Property at a nearby site in Onnuj Soi 46.

The frontage of the units is about 5-5.5 metres. The Mova estate does not provide a swimming-pool or clubhouse.

For people who enjoy living next to a bustling, busy main street, both estates offer frenzied activity, with several bus stops and shops very close by. Onnuj Skytrain Station is a 15-25-minute drive away, depending on traffic conditions.

To avoid being stuck in traffic, visitors should avoid using the Sukhumvit route. Police there are unable to stop illegal parking on the main road, which explains the miserable commuting experience.

Itthi C Tan

The Nation