'Thonburi' is an old city rich in history and the way of life of Bangkokians in the past, located on the left bank of the Chao Phraya River. With numerous small and large canals branching out, it has earned the nickname 'Venice of the East.' The simple traditional lifestyle makes 'Thonburi' well-known as an oasis within the bustling capital, offering a more relaxed atmosphere than the city center. It features popular tourist attractions, including temples, floating markets, cafes, shops, and art galleries.

The new urban plan transforms 'Northern Thonburi' into a low-density residential area.

In this revised version of the Bangkok Master Plan, significant changes have occurred in various dimensions, particularly in Thonburi, where areas previously classified as conservation and agricultural land have been re-zoned to low-density residential areas, enhancing the potential for development.

The Northern Thonburi district covers an area of 150.049 square kilometers, with land use in 2022 divided as follows:

- Residential: 68.87 sq.km. (44.78%)

- Agriculture: 18.23 sq.km. (11.85%)

- Commercial: 10.39 sq.km. (6.75%)

- Others, including industry, public utilities, vacant land, etc.: 52.57 sq.km. (36.62%)

The new urban plan will promote the Thonburi area, opening up land for broader residential density distribution, allowing for both horizontal and vertical development up to 7-8 stories. The inner areas will be designated as high-density residential zones, such as Klong San and Charoen Nakhon, transforming them into new prime locations that align with the seamless integration of multiple new electric train lines.

'Bangkok Yai': A Conservation District with Cultural Attractions Turning into a Prime Residential Area

'Bangkok Yai' is one of the 50 districts of Bangkok, covering an area of 12.24 square kilometers. With a long history, it was once home to a Portuguese community in the 16th century and later became a significant trading center during the early Rattanakosin Kingdom. During the reign of King Rama VII, a major restructuring occurred, leading to changes in Thonburi, including the construction of the Phra Buddha Yodfa Bridge, connecting both banks of the river and cutting through 11 roads. Among these, 'Isaraphap Road' is the third road in the project, stretching approximately 4.18 kilometers. Following this, the area saw significant growth, with important sites in Bangkok Yai including Wat Arun Ratchawararam, the temple of King Rama II, and the former royal palace now serving as the Bangkok National Museum.

Today, 'Bangkok Yai' is an old Thonburi city filled with historical tourist attractions, ancient arts and culture, and traditional lifestyles that have gradually evolved. Particularly in the Bangkok Yai district, new residential developments are emerging, supported by the blue line MRT, making it a prime location for desirable living in Thonburi.

'Isaraphap Road': A Seamless Journey from Thonburi to the Heart of the Metropolis

'Isaraphap Road' is the main thoroughfare for residents in the Bangkok Yai area, connecting routes to Wang Derm Road, Arun Amarin Road, Phra Nakhon Road, Charan Sanitwong Road, and extending to Borommaratchachonnani Road, Somdet Phra Pinklao Road, and Sirinthorn Road, which are key roads leading to both central Bangkok and out to Nonthaburi and Nakhon Pathom.

It also connects to Prachathipok Road, leading to Wongwian Yai towards Krung Thonburi Road, crossing the Taksin Bridge to reach Silom-Sathorn easily, and connects to the Phra Nakhon side by crossing the Phra Buddha Yodfa Bridge to reach inner areas such as the Grand Palace, Sanam Luang, the Giant Swing, Pak Khlong Talat, Sampeng Market, and Yaowarat.

In terms of public transportation, the blue line MRT (Hua Lamphong - Lak Song) currently plays a crucial role in connecting travel for people in Thonburi and Phra Nakhon to the CBD areas like Silom and Sathorn, as well as the new CBD areas like Rama 9 and Ratchada, seamlessly through the first-ever tunnel under the Chao Phraya River in Thailand. Notably, 'MRT Isaraphap' is the first station in the Thonburi area, located on Isaraphap Road, situated in the heart of the community, close to government offices and leading educational institutions in the area, such as the Navy Auditorium, with beautiful riverside scenery opposite the Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha Temple, making it architecturally and culturally significant. It is approximately 1.8 km from MRT Isaraphap, near Siriraj Hospital, Wang Lang Pier - Wang Lang Market, a hub for both new and second-hand shopping, about 3 km away, and Taweethapisek School, a large all-boys secondary school established during the reign of King Rama V, about 1 km from MRT Isaraphap.

Currently, the blue line MRT (Hua Lamphong - Lak Song) connects with the BTS green line at Bang Wa station and with the blue line MRT (Bang Sue - Tha Phra) at Tha Phra station, which is the largest interchange for the Thonburi area. The route runs in a circular pattern around Bangkok, serving as a main underground line that currently connects with five other lines: BTS green line (Kukot - Kheha), Airport Rail Link (Phaya Thai - Suvarnabhumi), yellow line MRT (Lat Phrao - Samrong), red line MRT (Bang Sue - Rangsit), and purple line MRT (Tao Poon - Khlong Bang Phai), providing truly convenient rapid public transportation.

In the future, the MRT Isaraphap area will be surrounded by two additional electric train extensions: the gold line (Krung Thonburi - Klong San) passing through Icon Siam, with Phase 2 planned to extend to the Prachathipok intersection, connecting with the purple line MRT or the southern purple line (Tao Poon - Rat Burana). The development of new electric train extension routes connecting both sides will follow the concept of 'Connected Track,' which will become a trend for the lifestyle of Bangkok residents in the future, making the MRT Isaraphap area a more desirable and investable residential location.

The Charm of 'Isaraphap' from Conservation Areas: A Turning Point Towards a Residential Area in the Heart of Cultural Districts

Despite the passage of time, the 'Isaraphap' area retains its charm, attracting people to this district with its conservation of old Thonburi, rich in historical and cultural attractions, such as the former royal palace (the Royal Palace of Thonburi), the residence of King Taksin the Great, as well as many other kings and royal family members, Wat Hong Rattanaram, an ancient temple built during the Ayutthaya period, Wat Rakhang Khositaram, and Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan or 'Wat Arun,' an important temple with its towering golden stupa by the Chao Phraya River. With its historical narratives and artistic architecture, there is a belief that visiting Wat Arun will bring prosperity every day and night. Today, Wat Arun is one of Bangkok's tourist landmarks that both Thai people and international tourists must visit, located about 1.2 km from MRT Isaraphap.

The 'Isaraphap' area has a unique charm compared to other districts due to the diversity of ethnicities and religions coexisting here, including Thai, Chinese, Western, Vietnamese, Mon, etc. For instance, the Anong Temple community, which migrated from the old capital, is evident from the numerous religious sites such as temples, mosques, churches, and shrines scattered throughout various communities, creating a distinctive allure that invites people to explore this area. Additionally, the Kudeejeen community, an ancient settlement of Thai-Portuguese descent, showcases the harmony of different ethnicities, religions, and cultures coexisting for over 200 years, located about 1.5 km from MRT Isaraphap. This area is also a tourist destination with development projects aimed at revitalizing the Kudeejeen-Klong San area of Bangkok, with the goal of transforming the old city into a livable, efficient global metropolis by the 250th anniversary in 2032.

In addition to historical tourism, the 'Isaraphap' area has seen a surge in new shops and restaurants, including cafes, eateries, and buffet restaurants emerging along the streets and hidden within various communities, waiting for tourists to experience the lifestyle of Thonburi residents.

There is also the Phra Nakhon market, a fresh market selling food and daily necessities that has long been a staple for the local community. For shopping, residents often visit Central Pinklao, Lotus Pinklao, The Mall Tha Phra, Makro Charan, HomePro Charan, and Icon Siam, a high-end shopping mall that features a wide range of shops, restaurants, and top brand products.

According to the new land appraisal data for 2023-2026 from the Treasury Department, the estimated land price on Isaraphap Road in Bangkok Yai is between 100,000 - 150,000 baht per square wah, which has more than doubled compared to the estimated land prices around 2000-2003, which ranged from 51,000 – 100,000 baht per square wah.

These factors reflect that the 'Isaraphap' area has high potential for residential living, making it a viable option, especially for working professionals looking for housing, particularly condos near the electric train, which facilitate commuting to work in Thonburi or easily crossing over to the CBD areas like Silom, Sathorn, or the new CBD zones like Asoke and Rama 9.

Recently, AP Thailand is preparing to launch Aspire Itsaraphap Station, a new low-rise condo project with 5 and 8-story buildings, totaling 270 units on a 3-1-24 rai plot of land. Currently, AP has revealed the location, which is a rare gem in this area, as the project will be situated next to the Naval Engineering Department on Wang Derm Road, in a beautiful plot with a natural canal view, just 350 meters from MRT Isaraphap, about 2.6 km from Siriraj Hospital, and approximately 1.6 km from the Naval Command Headquarters. This location is ideal for professionals working in the CBD, medical personnel, and government officials, as the surrounding area consists of traditional homes, providing a peaceful atmosphere with large shady trees and 39% parking availability. We have included some images of the location and project for you to preview, and detailed project information will be available soon!

For project details or to register for exclusive privileges, visit https://apth.ly/ojrd