Due largely to the Thai capital’s strengthening of infrastructure and growing lifestyle options, Ekkamai has emerged as a popular destination among property buyers and those looking to migrate. Conveniently accessible from Bangkok’s city centre by car and train, the neighbourhood has been drawing its fair share of attention for several reasons:
A food haven
Ekkamai is home to a growing list of both traditional and progressive cuisines, with the neighbourhood containing a good mix of something for almost everyone. Eateries in the area are also relatively friendlier on the wallet than their city-centre counterparts.
Those looking for some local flavour can satisfy their cravings for Thai cuisine at Baan Rai Coffee, located a short walk from Ekkamai’s BTS Skytrain Station. The restaurant attracts both tourists and locals, is open 24 hours and is a popular destination for a hearty meal or to kick-back over a few beers. Alternatively, coffee lovers can get their favourite brew at a novel concept-store (Un) Fashion Vintage, a café that also doubles-up as an affordable vintage clothing and accessory shop.
Proximity to medical care and educational facilities
One relevant box to tick when looking for a place to migrate to is its proximity to medical care facilities. Ekkamai is home to the Sukumvit Hospital, providing quality healthcare through new and modern facilities. The hospital, catering to both local and international tourists, is a 16-storey building, with 243 patient rooms fitted with modern amenities. It also contains 95 diagnosis rooms with a capacity to serve as many as 2,000 patients on a daily basis.
Another consideration for expatriates with kids comes in the form of educational facilities. Ekkamai International School provides education from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. The private, non-profit, co-educational Christian school currently enjoys enrolment from 33 countries, with a fervent emphasis on good conduct, character development and a hands-on teaching approach. It also includes music classes for students who are interested in the creative realm.
Businesses expanding to Ekkamai
Both global and local franchises have begun to pay attention to Ekkamai, opening up their own outlets in the growingly busy area to get a slice of the action.
Catering to the large Japanese migrant community in the area, giant discount chain Don Quijote (Donki) aims to open its doors in Ekkamai in late 2018. The foray into Thailand will be part of the company’s development of Don Quijote mall- with the chain taking up 2 floors as an anchor tenant. The complex will incorporate indoor sport and entertainment facilities on the fifth and sixth floors, along with restaurants.
On the local front, the ever-popular Bangkok-founded Greyhound Café has opened its first coffee bar at Honda's new Moto lifestyle space, Cub House, in Soi Ekkamai 3. Aside from serving their signature Thai fusion food, the establishment uses organic beans from Mivana, a group of coffee farmers in Chiang Rai that take an eco-friendly approach to its manufacturing process.
Now is a better time than ever to pick up an investment or residential property if you are planning a move to a neighbourhood that has it all. From the necessary amenities to a host of lifestyle options at your doorstep, Ekkamai will only pick up even more pace in the foreseeable future. One such development to consider would be XT Ekkamai, Sansiri’s newest lifestyle condominium with modern facilities at extremely competitive rates.