• 
• 

Published on March 24, 2008

Sukhumvit 39 is not just another road in Bangkok. For the many Japanese who live here, it is akin to home. The area has a series of residential projects and serviced apartments that target niche groups - the Japanese population in this case.

Many projects that were under construction are now nearing completion and many investors have invested in them,  hoping to make a profit through the rental fee.

Most expatriates who choose this location work for Japanese firms that have plants in industrial estates such as those in Ayutthaya and Pathum Thani. Sukhumvit 39 proves convenient as their homes are not too far from their workplace and the area is close to many tourist attractions.

And although condominiums may be competition, serviced apartments seem to be holding their own.

"All customers who rent units here are Japanese," a spokesman for Citi Resort Sukhumvit 39 said, adding that Sukhumvit and Asoke areas are favoured by Japanese who are in Thailand for work reasons.

Citi Resort is operated by Siam Aroon Property, the property arm of Sawang Laohathai. Sawang is also a partner of Sri Krung Wattana Group, which has three property projects on the same road. These include Citi Resort Sukhumvit 39 Annex and Citi Resort Sukhumvit 49.

Citi Resort Sukhumvit 39 is a 14-storey condominium. The residential zone is from the ninth floor to the 14th floor and comprises 168 units with areas from 40 square metres to 68 sq m. Citi Resort Sukhumvit 39 Annex rises to 26 floors, and offers 257 units with areas from 54 sq m to 132 sq m.  Also rising to 26 floors is Citi Resort Sukhumvit 49, which comprises 198 units from 71 sq m to 209 sq m. For those who rent the apartment for a year, the monthly rental starts from Bt25,000.

Citi Resort Sukhumvit 39 is said to be favoured by the single while Citi Resort Sukhumvit 39 Annex and Citi Resort Sukhumvit 49 are home mainly to Japanese with small families and their servants.

Another residential project in Sukhumvit 39 is the 24-storey Centre Point Residence Phromphong which offers 76 units.

The monthly rental ranges from Bt120,000 to Bt350,000.

Apart from these projects, other projects on the road include Let's Relax by Blooming Spa and UFM Fuji Super by United Flour Mill under Siam Aroon Group.

Sukhumvit 39 has turned into a hotspot for developers and expatriates, thanks to its location. Amenities like shopping complexes, restaurants and schools also help it score.

Many developers also provide an add-on: a Japanese-style supermarket, which helps the residents buy daily necessities. They also arrange for Japanese schools to provide transportation services in the area.

Today, that is the reason Japanese feel at home in Sukhumvit. It is "little Japan".

Property reporter

The Nation