Image 1: Living with 'New Things' in 2020 in Bangkok

Once, the Greek philosopher Heraclitus said, 'There is nothing permanent except CHANGE'. Over 2,500 years later, this statement remains entirely true. A simple observation of our city reveals this: 20 years ago, Bangkok had no electric trains at all. Today, the city boasts four electric train lines to accommodate its dense population and surrounding areas. It is estimated that by 2020, Bangkok will have a population of up to 8.26 million, not including approximately 7.06 million in the surrounding areas. In total, over 15 million people will be living in Bangkok and its vicinity in 2020. The question is, what changes will occur in 2020, and are you ready for the 'new things' in Bangkok in 2020?

Image 2: New District (Bangsue Grand Station)

To accommodate urban travel and improve access to public transportation for suburban residents, Bangkok will have the “Bang Sue Grand Station” in 2020, a multimodal transport center covering 2,325 rai with a project value of over 63 billion baht. It will become the largest public transport station in ASEAN.

In addition to the train station itself, the area surrounding the station will undergo development (TOD: Transit Oriented Development) to create a new city in the form of a 'smart city'. The development plans will encompass the area around the central station, commercial development, Chatuchak market development, public park development, and plans for connecting old and new Mo Chit stations, featuring dining options, business centers, conference facilities, hotels, shopping malls, and other recreational activities.
The design concept for the area surrounding Bang Sue Grand Station is similar to the 'Osaka Station' in Osaka, Japan, which utilizes the surrounding area for various purposes. Besides the station building, which serves as a hub for multiple public transport systems, the area is filled with commercial spaces such as shopping centers, brand stores, and a viewing point on the Ferris wheel (HEP FIVE), along with nearby office buildings and green spaces.

Image 3: New Workplace (Grand Rama 9)

As of 2018, Bangkok has over 170 office buildings for rent, covering more than 3.56 million square meters. By 2020, the area will see an increase of over 242,000 square meters of office space from mixed-use projects that combine office buildings, retail spaces, and residential areas, catering to both Thai and foreign residents, which have been steadily increasing over the past decade. Most of these projects are located in the Rama 9-Asoke area, such as The Grand Rama 9 and Singha Complex.

In recent years, the Ratchada-Rama 9 area has seen a surge of B+ to A-grade office buildings, including AIA Capital Center, Unilever Headquarters, and The Ninth Tower, making this area a true NEW CBD and a new job hub for Bangkok residents.

Image 4: New Airport (Phase)

In 2020, Suvarnabhumi Airport (Phase 2) will be completed, expanding its capacity from 46 million to 60 million passengers per year. This phase includes a 4-story passenger terminal building of 213,000 square meters, 28 aircraft parking bays, a southern tunnel connection, and a 700-meter passenger transport system (APM), along with an expansion of the east terminal by 60,000 square meters. The project, valued at over 35.834 billion baht, will create a significant number of jobs for airport staff and airline employees.

Looking at the housing changes in 2020 on the eastern side of Bangkok, the persistent traffic congestion in this area remains a challenge. It is anticipated that once the orange line electric train system is operational (in 2023), condominiums near the Rama 9-Ramkhamhaeng area will become increasingly necessary and appealing, meeting the housing needs of working-age individuals commuting to Suvarnabhumi Airport and providing direct access to the Ratchada area, the New CBD of Bangkok.

Image 5: New Electric Train Line (Green Line)

The long wait will end in 2020 when the green electric train line runs through the city from north to south, opening for service along with Bang Sue Grand Station, connecting Bangkok's rail systems together. New locations will emerge, linking the main electric train lines, such as the blue and green lines, through significant places in Bangkok. “Lat Phrao Intersection Station” will benefit greatly as it connects to the new Bang Sue Grand Station via the green line and the new job hub, the New CBD Ratchada, via the blue line.

Image 6: New Electric Train Line (Orange Line)

As the city's expansion spreads further into the outskirts, the connection of public transport systems becomes essential. On the eastern side of Bangkok, in the Rama 9-Ramkhamhaeng area, which will be both a New CBD and a popular residential area, the missing transportation system will be filled in 2020 with the orange electric train line, providing convenient access to the New CBD, especially at “Ramkhamhaeng 12 Station”, which connects two train lines: the Airport Link and the orange line.

Image 7: A New You (Exercising)

With the electric train routes covering the city and making travel convenient, there will be more time to take care of oneself. Spend some time in the green spaces near your home, especially the parks adjacent to the electric train stations, such as Chatuchak Park, Queen Sirikit Park, and Wachirabenchathat Park (Railway Park), which together cover 615 rai. These are popular spots for health-conscious city dwellers, such as running a lap around Chatuchak Park, which is 3 km long and can burn approximately 150-170 calories. We have reached an era where health trends are crucial in the daily lives of urban residents, as seen from technologies like applications or gadgets such as Garmin and Apple Watch. It has become common for city dwellers to wear these devices both at work and during leisure time, as they help track various health metrics, making it fun and measurable, such as step counts, calorie burn, and heart rate. For sports enthusiasts or those who prefer group activities, the National Sports Stadium at Huamark (Governing Body of Sports) is an interesting option, as it is easily accessible via the orange line at Ramkhamhaeng Station. This venue supports various sports activities, including cycling, swimming, gymnastics, shooting, tennis, squash, taekwondo, badminton, basketball, volleyball, football, futsal, boxing, and aerobics.

Image 8: A New (Pet) Friend

In addition to exercising, research from Missouri University clearly indicates that having pets can help lower cholesterol levels. It's not just about cholesterol; having pets offers many benefits, including reducing blood pressure and stress, as our brains produce happiness-inducing chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin when pets are nearby. Additionally, research from Loyola University shows that endorphins released by pets can alleviate chronic physical pain. Having a beloved pet nearby in your home is truly wonderful. Condominiums that allow pets are indeed a paradise for Bangkok residents.

Image 9: Rewarding Yourself Anew

'Shopping is the best medicine', and the trend for shopping centers in the future will not only be places for shopping but also social gathering spots, especially for Millennials, half of whom prefer to meet in co-working spaces or chill at cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in various shopping centers. If you want to shed your old self and start anew, going out can help you see new ideas around you. In 2020, there will be shopping centers, community malls, and mixed-use projects, making it easy to find your way around. Condominiums in 2020 must be surrounded by lifestyle amenities that are accessible by foot, car, and public transport.

Image 10: A New Home (Metris Ladprao)

Ready to live with 'new things' in 2020 with the Metris Ladprao project, a condominium in a location that reflects a unique lifestyle, connecting important areas such as job hubs, amenities, and green spaces. Travel conveniently with just 250 meters from Phaholyothin Station, close to the connection point of two electric train lines (green and blue), valuing the diverse lifestyles of urban residents with various amenities and a pet-friendly condominium.
Visit the sample room today. For more details, click here

Image 11: A New Home (Metris Rama 9-Ramkhamhaeng)

Ready to live with 'new things' in 2020 with the Metris Rama 9-Ramkhamhaeng project, a condominium that meets the needs of urban living, covering all amenities for daily life, just 300 meters from the orange line at Ramkhamhaeng 12 Station, providing convenient access to the New CBD Ratchada. It emphasizes functionality for modern lifestyles, with complete amenities and a pet-friendly condominium.
Visit the sample room today. For more details, click here