The era of creating a new S Curve in Thai history is primarily defined by the transportation system. Over 11 lines of the skytrain are gradually being approved and constructed. However, looking ahead, the question that lingers in the minds of real estate investors is: Which skytrain line will have the potential to create a groundbreaking impact on Thailand's transportation history? The answer lies in the “Blue Line Skytrain”. Here are the details:

  The Blue Line Skytrain: Thailand's First Circular Loop  

             It has been over 10 years since Thais first used the Blue Line Skytrain (from Hua Lamphong to Bang Sue) in 2004. It remains a primary route for commuters in Bangkok. Certainly, the number of passengers has been continuously increasing each year, from 253,000 trips per day in 2014 to 273,000 trips per day in 2016.

             The Blue Line Skytrain is not stopping there As of late 2017, the extension from Tao Poon to Bang Sue was opened connecting to the Purple Line, enhancing connectivity for residents in the western areas of Nonthaburi. For those in western Bangkok, there's no need to feel left out; just wait no more than 2 years, and residents of Phasi Charoen and Bang Khae will have access to the Hua Lamphong-Bang Khae extension by the end of 2019. Meanwhile, residents of Bang Phlat and Bangkok Noi will benefit from the Bang Sue-Tha Phra extension in early 2020, as outlined in the government plan. Clearly, by 2020, the Blue Line Skytrain will be the first line to operate a circular loop, connecting the eastern and western banks of the Chao Phraya River, marking a historic milestone in Thai transportation that has never occurred before. Additionally, there are future projects like the Bang Khae-Phutthamonthon Sai 4 extension to support travel for residents of Nakhon Pathom.

  The Blue Line Skytrain: The First to Run Under the Chao Phraya River  

             In addition to the circular loop, the Blue Line Skytrain has introduced a new phenomenon in construction technology and public transportation. The Blue Line Skytrain runs through a tunnel under the Chao Phraya River, approximately 30.86 meters deep and over 200 meters long, connecting the Bangkok side (Sanam Chai Station) and the Krung Thon side (Isaraphap Station). This line passes by significant locations such as the Rattanakosin Island Conservation Area, where the station is uniquely designed to reflect Thai identity and the special characteristics of the area.

  • Wat Mangkon Station: With its historical significance, the architecture reflects a "Sino-Portuguese" style, blending Chinese and European elements, featuring dragon symbols and lotus patterns in auspicious red and gold colors.
  • Sam Yot Station (Wang Burapha): Designed to harmonize with the buildings along Charoen Krung Road, highlighted by a distinctive three-arch entrance, promoting historical tourism.
  • Sanam Chai Station: Located in the heart of Rattanakosin Island, near important temples such as Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, and the Grand Palace, it has become a significant landmark, resembling the royal throne hall of the Rattanakosin era, with walls mimicking city walls and a ceiling adorned with gold leaf.
  • Isaraphap Station: Inspired by the “Wat Hong Ratana Ratchaworawihan,” a significant temple during the reign of King Taksin, believed to symbolize auspiciousness and sanctity.

            Following these four stations on the Krung Thon side is the Tha Phra Interchange Station (Elevated Station), connecting to the Bang Sue-Tha Phra extension. This is a fortunate location for residents of condos near the Blue Line Skytrain at Tha Phra Station, Ideo Tha Phra – Interchange, just 100 meters from Tha Phra Station, with room sizes starting at 27.5 sq.m. Enjoy a rooftop garden with panoramic city views, all starting at 2.29 million baht. The advantage is that whether traveling out of the city towards Bang Sue or into the city, 7-8 stations will take you to key job locations in Silom, Lumphini, and Sathorn. Don't worry about leisure time on weekends; just 4 stations away will bring you to the tourist attractions of Rattanakosin Island or the famous restaurants in Yaowarat, making travel very convenient.

  “Bang Sue Central Station” Reaching ASEAN Standards  

             The developments of the Blue Line Skytrain do not end with Thai transportation history but may extend to ASEAN levels. “Bang Sue Central Station” is a multimodal transport center that is expected to be the largest train station in ASEAN by 2020 (expected to be completed). The station building is three stories high, encompassing various land transportation systems, including different skytrain lines such as the Red Line, Purple Line, and Blue Line, as well as the Airport Rail Link connecting to Suvarnabhumi Airport, long-distance trains to the north, east, northeast, and south, including high-speed trains. All of this has progressed over 52% (as of mid-2017).

             The grandeur of the area, covering over 2,325 rai, does not end with being a transportation hub; there are also developments around the station (TOD: Transit Oriented Development) to maximize benefits for the surrounding area, which could become the largest economic center in ASEAN. It encompasses four main zones: Smart Business Complex (35 rai - commercial area, retail, logistics, tourism hotels), ASEAN Commercial and Business Hub (78 rai - commercial trade area, business hotels, exhibition buildings), Smart Healthy and Vibrant (105 rai - bus terminal, residential areas near leisure spots, workplaces), and World Renowned Garden Interchange Plaza (80 rai - transportation hub and connecting buildings), as well as the railway industrial estate at Km. 11 (279 rai - office buildings, hospitals, convention centers, residential areas).

             Such a prime location is certainly attractive for real estate investment. However, most of the surrounding land is owned by government agencies and the State Railway of Thailand. If you move out one station, you will find the “Tao Poon Interchange Station”, which has already opened to connect with the Purple Line since late 2017. The area around this growing investment project is likely to catch the eye of condominium investors, as whether for personal residence or investment, it all looks promising. Ideo Mobi Bang Sue Grand Interchange is just 300 meters from Tao Poon Interchange, featuring Futuristic Art Deco design and amenities such as a Sky Infinity Edge Pool and Sky Lounge, with a green space for relaxation, starting at 3.29 million baht.

             Ananda is running a major campaign “Promo for Every Line”, offering significant discounts of up to 500,000 baht, along with special offers that shouldn't be missed for two interesting condominium projects near the Blue Line Skytrain. Register to receive benefits and learn more at https://goo.gl/Cprnnn

  • Ideo Mobi Bang Sue Grand Interchange
    Reserve with 10,000 baht, ready to move in, with discounts of up to 500,000 baht, just 300 meters from Tao Poon Interchange.
  • Ideo Tha Phra Interchange
    Discounts of up to 500,000 baht, reserve with 10,000 baht, move in now, free transfer fees, starting at 2.29 million baht, just 100 meters from Tha Phra Station.

Thank you for the information from ANANDA