When discussing the highly anticipated subway expansion, the "Blue Line Extension" stands out. This extension will connect the Bang Sue, Thaphra, Hua Lamphong, and Lak Si stations, creating a large loop. The uniqueness of this line lies in its role as an interchange for other subway lines, making it a crucial addition to the future subway network. Once the Blue Line operates in full loop, not only will we see an increase in condominium projects, but the prices of new developments will also rise significantly. Looking back 25 years, the areas around the Blue Line had very few condominium projects, with only small developments of less than 1,000 units per year. However, in 2004, when the first phase of the Blue Line from Bang Sue to Hua Lamphong opened, the number of condominium projects surged, especially in the Ratchada area, which has become particularly dense.

         The complete Blue Line can be divided into three main zones: the Bang Sue-Hua Lamphong zone (current MRT line), the Tao Poon-Thaphra zone, and the Bang Phai-Lak Si zone.

"We believe that the loop operation of the Blue Line offers significant advantages, with more connections and continuous service through key areas, without straying far from the city center."

Bang Sue-Hua Lamphong Zone
         There is no need to elaborate much on the condominiums in this area, as it is well-known for its popularity, especially in the Ratchada area, which is densely populated with professionals working in the New CBD. In 2016-2017, six new projects were launched in this zone, totaling over 1,900 units, with prices ranging from 145,000 to 275,000 THB per square meter. Currently, second-hand condominiums are listed for sale at prices around 95,000 to 180,000 THB per square meter, making it the only zone of the Blue Line close to the city, with an annual price increase of approximately 7.2%. For rental properties, the monthly rent is around 16,000 to 30,000 THB.

Tao Poon-Thaphra Zone
         This area is characterized by strong real demand, primarily from doctors and university professors, due to the presence of several leading hospitals, including Siriraj Hospital, Thonburi Hospital, Vachira Hospital, and Yanhee Hospital. These customers have high purchasing power. In 2016-2017, nine new projects were launched in this zone, totaling over 5,000 units, with prices ranging from 60,000 to 100,000 THB per square meter. Currently, second-hand condominiums are listed for sale at prices around 67,000 to 100,000 THB per square meter, with an annual price increase of approximately 8.1%. For rental properties, the monthly rent is around 9,000 to 15,000 THB.

Bang Phai-Lak Si Zone
         This area is interesting because the prices of new condominiums were previously not very high, yet the prices of second-hand condominiums are now nearly comparable to those in the Charan area. Most buyers in this area are real demand customers who previously lived in Thonburi but now commute to work in the city. TerraBKK Research sees this as a continuous demand, as they need to adjust their lifestyle by moving to condominiums closer to the city. In 2016-2017, three new projects were launched in this zone, totaling over 1,400 units, with prices ranging from 70,000 to 90,000 THB per square meter. Currently, second-hand condominiums are listed for sale at prices around 50,000 to 90,000 THB per square meter, with an annual price increase of approximately 8.4%. For rental properties, the monthly rent is around 8,000 to 12,000 THB.

"The Blue Line is the most potential line for connectivity and urban travel, and it is also the first line to be fully completed in a loop."

         If the Blue Line is completed in all three phases, it will lead to an increase in residential properties in this manner, as the distance between residences and workplaces will no longer be the most critical factor. With convenient commuting via the subway network, significant employment centers accessible by the Blue Line are distributed along the route. The key employment areas that will attract residents along the Blue Line can be categorized as follows:

         • The Bang Khae-Bang Sue section connects the suburbs to the urban area. This area was originally home to single-family homes and townhouses, but since the construction of the Blue Line, the number of condominiums has increased. It also runs along Charan Sanit Wong Road, which is filled with numerous hospitals, making it a genuine connection for people from Thonburi to the city.

         • The Bang Khae-Hua Lamphong section is rich in culture and important tourist attractions in Bangkok. Although development in this area is limited due to zoning restrictions, its potential is significant as it is a vital economic area of Phra Nakhon. The area from Sam Yan to Phra Nakhon covers the Sam Yan-Wang Burapha stations, which are historic economic locations in Bangkok, such as Yaowarat, Diol Siam, Saphan Lek, Sampeng, Phahurat, Pak Khlong Talat, and Yodpiman, which support new lifestyles and are home to numerous cultural attractions.

         • The Hua Lamphong-National Convention Center section is a business district or CBD that passes through the largest employment and business areas in Bangkok, such as Sam Yan, Siam, Silom, Sathorn, and Asoke. These are all destinations for employment that facilitate the commuting of residents along the Blue Line to this CBD.

         • The National Convention Center-Ladprao section is another highly potential area in Bangkok, known as the New CBD, surrounded by large office buildings along the route, including major shopping centers like CentralPlaza Grand Rama 9, Show DC, The Street, Fortune Town, and Terminal 21, filled with numerous shops and restaurants catering to urban lifestyles.

         • The Ladprao-Bang Sue section provides convenient access from Thonburi, with quality employment opportunities and several important educational institutions. Additionally, along the subway route from Thonburi to Bang Pho and Ladprao, there is a blend of traditional communities and various shopping centers, such as Central Plaza Ladprao, Union Mall, and the largest market in Thailand, Chatuchak, JJ Green, and JJ Mall. There are also numerous cafes and hangout spots for friends and families throughout the area.

Thank you for the information from: HINT MAGAZINE