Exploring the Reasons Why Nonthaburi is the Second City for Bangkok Residents

Nonthaburi is a sibling city that has always grown alongside Bangkok. The urbanization and the distribution of prosperity have made Nonthaburi not just a neighboring province close to Bangkok, but also a significant second city for Bangkok residents.

Nonthaburi is Evolving into a Livable City

With its steady growth as a prime residential area for Bangkok, Nonthaburi is advancing towards becoming a livable city in Thailand, equipped with ample amenities and infrastructure for families.

  • Educational Institutions – Nonthaburi is home to a wealth of educational institutions, boasting a total of 224 schools from early childhood to higher education. Parents trust many schools, including International School Denla, International School Bangkok, St. Andrews International School, Global English School, The Country School International Kindergarten, Magic Years International School, Ruamrudee International School, Hampton International Pre-school, Little Dragon International Kindergarten, Christian Wittaya Demonstration School, and Rose Marie Academy, among others.
  • Shopping Centers and Lifestyle Venues – Nonthaburi offers numerous shopping centers and lifestyle venues, with 28 locations covering over 1.79 million square meters, ensuring accessibility throughout the province. Notable places include Central Plaza Westgate, Central Plaza Chaengwattana, Central Plaza Rattanathibet, The Mall Ngamwongwan, Esplanade Ngamwongwan-Khae Rai, The Walk Ratchaphruek, Crystal SB, Robinson Lifestyle Srisaman, as well as hypermarkets like Big C, Lotus, and Makro.
  • Hospitals – Nonthaburi has healthcare facilities distributed across the area, providing services to the entire population, including Phra Nang Klao Hospital, Nonthavej Hospital, Rattanathibet Hospital, Chest Disease Institute, Pak Kret Hospital, Vibhavadi Hospital, and Kasemrad Hospital, among others.
  • Key Employment Centers - The growth of Nonthaburi has positioned it as an important employment hub for Bangkok, with the Government Complex Chaengwattana covering 460,000 square meters and expected to accommodate 25,540 personnel, along with Software Park, a hub for technology and multimedia businesses, and Cosmo Park (Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani), a new town in the heart of Nonthaburi.

Nonthaburi Today: More than Just a City Growing Alongside Bangkok

Statistics from the daytime population of Nonthaburi clearly indicate its significance as the second city for Bangkok. According to the 2017 National Statistical Office data, out of a total daytime population of over 8.07 million (approximately 11.9% of the total population), Nonthaburi has the highest daytime population outside Bangkok, with 214,000 people working and 42,500 studying, generating 947,705 jobs annually. Additionally, the number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the province has steadily increased, rising from 1,607 to 1,900 in the past five years (2015 - 2019).

This reflects that Nonthaburi is not just a bedroom community for Bangkok residents but also plays a vital role as a job hub for Thailand.

Being a key employment area has led to Nonthaburi being viewed as a suitable place to live, offering a balanced work-life environment. Consequently, residential projects in the province have been on the rise, with 1,523 housing projects and 405 condominium projects reported in 2019.

Nonthaburi: A City with 51.75% Green Land Utilization

As the city continues to expand, the most valuable asset in the eyes of urban dwellers is no longer concrete buildings but green spaces that nurture the soul. Nonthaburi is a province close to Bangkok, with 46.65% of its land utilized for rural and agricultural purposes (green land), covering 201,304.87 rai out of a total of 388,939.38 rai. Although the new urban plan for Nonthaburi will reduce green areas to accommodate urban growth, there will still be 181,442.13 rai of green space, representing 46.65% of the province's total area.

Nonthaburi: A City with Continuous Infrastructure Development

The ongoing infrastructure development projects in the province affirm Nonthaburi's role as the second city of Bangkok. Since the official opening of the Purple Line (Chalong Ratchadham) in 2016, which connects nearly all areas of Nonthaburi to Bangkok, it has become the first extended radial line mass transit system in the country, demonstrating the government's commitment to the growth of Nonthaburi.

Moreover, infrastructure projects connecting Bangkok and Nonthaburi are underway, including the construction of a road linking Ratchaphruek Road to Kanchanaphisek Road (north-south route) over approximately 12 kilometers, facilitating faster travel between Bangkok and Nonthaburi, allowing a journey from Ratchaphruek to the heart of Sathorn in under 40 minutes.

Infrastructure development in Nonthaburi continues with both ongoing and planned projects, including:

  • The Pink Line electric train from Khae Rai to Min Buri, covering 34.5 kilometers with 30 stations, expected to be completed in 2021.
  • The Brown Line electric train from Khae Rai to Lamsali (Bueng Kum), covering 22.1 kilometers with 20 stations, currently under construction.
  • Expressway project from Bang Yai to Kanchanaburi, phases 3 and 4.
  • Renovation of Highway No. 3215 from Bang Bua Thong to Sai Noi.
  • Expansion of Chaiyaphruek Road from 6 to 10 lanes, including drainage systems and sidewalks.
  • Feasibility study for the economic, engineering, and environmental impact assessment (EIA) of the bridge over the Chao Phraya River near the Nonthaburi Airport.
  • Connecting bridge over the Chao Phraya River (Maha Jesadabodin Bridge) from Ratchaphruek Road to Kanchanaphisek Road, currently surveying land and properties.
  • Connecting road from Nakhon In to Salaya, currently surveying land and properties.

The continuous growth potential of Nonthaburi has dispelled the notion that it is merely a suburban area of Bangkok. Today, Nonthaburi has become a quality residential city that offers a complete living experience, continuously supported by both public and private sectors, along with comprehensive amenities for every family member, striving to fully realize its vision as a livable city.