Its name, The Amethyst, sounds intriguing to say the least. Not commonly used, the word "amethyst" refers to a purple stone that was once favoured by senior Roman Catholic priests. Its use dates back to ancient Egypt, and the Greeks and Romans believed it could prevent drunkenness.

It is also the birthstone of people born in February. So what does all this to do with residential condominiums?

Not much, except to give the project some importance and value. A visit to the site shows it deserves attention.

Most of the floor plans seem thoughtfully constructed. Thankfully, the colour of the building is not, as one may fear, purple.

In fact, its colours are the same as those on the Indian flag: orange, green and white.

To get there, drive down Sukhumvit 39, turn right on Soi Promit, then travel 150 metres before making a left into another soi. The site is about 100 metres from the turn.

A sales office with show units is located at the junction. The site has not begun piling and is currently serving as a car park for visitors.

The one-rai, six-square-wah estate provides good views of the back of Samitivej Hospital and the American School.

For now, the scenery looks bearable as the area is not as excessively built up as Asoke, where some sections never see sunlight.

Developer Premsiri has done well to hire Harrison Realty to be its agents, as the outfit manning this station is well organised, polite and not pushy.

The staff provide key information and are clear about pricing and fees, thus avoiding giving the buyer unrealistic expectations.

The show units provide a clear idea of what the units will look like, and also a glimpse at where the floor planning is weak, allowing the possibility of amending things before moving in. The ceiling height of 2.45 metres appears adequate for a mid-priced home.

The project houses 79 units and will not require an EIA (environmental impact assessment) permission to build, thus saving delivery time at the end of next year. The EIA office already has a backlog of applications that takes at least eight months to clear.

The project's 10-by-12-metre pool is located on the second floor. The first floor and basement are set aside for parking.

Prices are about Bt60,000 a square metre, with a studio of 34 metres selling for Bt2.35 million. The price includes an air-conditioner and Modernform kitchen set.

Soi 39 remains a popular location for condominiums. Two decades ago, many Promit residents fumed when a wave of condo projects sprang up, depriving them of sleep and peace day and night.

Today, thanks to tougher city laws, night construction and shoddy building practices are no longer tolerated.

This midtown section is now considered a better residential zone than lower Sukhumvit from Soi Nana to Asoke, which is littered with migrant vendors and unsavoury types who sorely lack personal hygiene and civic responsibility.

Itthi C Tan

The Nation