TotallyOz Posted July 13, 2016 Posted July 13, 2016 One of the pitfalls of getting a place so close to a popular Skytrain stop was a sacrifice in the size of the apartment. We ended up with something around 110 Meters. We found other apartments that were also 2 bedrooms but about 130-150 meters for the same price. But, we chose one that we liked near the Skytrain. It has been a bit hard to furnish as there was little space.Luckily, we found Ikea and have spent a good amount of time in Ikea and Index the last week. Finally, today, the last of our furnishings arrived and we are able to get organized. The BF wanted a computer desk and chair which we got at Ikea. I wanted a Kitchen Island Stand to hold my Nespresso and Microwave as there isn’t much counter space in the kitchen.After spending 2 years in the Middle East and not being able to purchase nice things very easily, I was thrilled to have the options that Thailand affords me. The thing I love about both Ikea and Index is that they both deliver and fast. Ikea delivers without 2 days all the time. It is a massive operation. We went to the store near Bangna (see thread on Ikea).Getting a new place here was also a breeze to get Internet set up. We requested one day and a couple of days later it was installed. But, in the meantime, I was able to use 12Call Internet from my phone and it was really fast. I got a 10G plan for the month and I think I paid about 700 baht. That was more than enough to do everything I need on the net.Being close to the Skytrain is great! I love being able to take it to Siam Paragon or downtown. Taking taxis is often a pain in the ass and much slower than the Skytrain.I really like the Ekkamai area. There are tons of restaurants and shops in the area. There is a movie theater about 5 minute walk from my apartment. There are an abundance of coffee shops and massages places. There is a Big C 5 minutes from the apartment and a good Index near as well. All in all, I am so glad I found the area. As for boys, Grindr and Jack’d have been good and I get quite a bit of guys offering to “visit” when I sign on. But, I have not been doing that yet as I have 2 live in guys that are very good to me. However, I am sure that when the newness of Bangkok wears off, I’ll meet a few local guys just for fun. Plus, I love a nice massage and release. paulsf, biguyby, DivineMadman and 1 other 4 Quote
orson Posted July 13, 2016 Posted July 13, 2016 How much is the going rate for similar apartments? Quote
TotallyOz Posted July 13, 2016 Author Posted July 13, 2016 How much is the going rate for similar apartments? I ended up paying 60k per month. But, there were tons of cheaper apartments in the area. I wanted one with a nice pool and nice gym and one less than 100 meters from the Skytrain and a Skytrain station that had an escalator going up. I also wanted a newer place that had a full-time doorman and security. Lastly, I wanted one with a nice balcony as one of my long term boys smoke and both of them love a balcony. I had several requirements and the realtor I chose picked out many for us to see. We spent 2 days looking a place in this area and Thong Lor. The lady that owned this one would not go down in the price even for a longer lease and in the end, I thought it was worth it for the balcony (the largest one I saw in any apartment). 1moRussian, DivineMadman, Alexx and 1 other 4 Quote
Guest abang1961 Posted July 13, 2016 Posted July 13, 2016 TGB 60K = SGD 2300 For that price, you can'it get a 500 square metres private condo/apartment in Singapore. That's a steal and yes, it looks very comfortable and homely. Good job. Quote
anddy Posted July 13, 2016 Posted July 13, 2016 that's not a balcony, that's a giant terrace lol ;-) Balconies are important though, I use mine (small) for drying laundry all the time. Faster and cjeaper and better for the clothes than using a dryer. There is a Big C 5 minutes from the apartment and a good Index near as well. Is that the one where you went for your stuff (apart from Ikea)? Where exactly is it? Asking coz there used to be a smaller Index in MBK where I went sometimes, as it was so convenient. Not anymore, so now don't know where to find them, other than the far out one in Bangna. TotallyOz 1 Quote
firecat69 Posted July 13, 2016 Posted July 13, 2016 Probably why so many wealthy Singaporeans buy condos in the new Hi Rises of BKK> TotallyOz 1 Quote
TotallyOz Posted July 13, 2016 Author Posted July 13, 2016 Anddy, yes, it is a terrace for sure. LOL There is an Index in Ekkamai area. I forgot exact location but they deliver so it was easy for us. I like Index but honestly bought very little from them as once I went to Ikea and they had all I needed and they deliver and install within 2 days. Perfect for me as I have little patience. anddy 1 Quote
a447a Posted July 13, 2016 Posted July 13, 2016 Looks great. And that "balcony" is awesome! TotallyOz 1 Quote
vinapu Posted July 13, 2016 Posted July 13, 2016 There are an abundance of coffee shops and massages places. hope one day you venture to Club 61 since there were no reports from there for a good while, I hope they still operate Quote
firecat69 Posted July 13, 2016 Posted July 13, 2016 Michael Where is your Big Desk for your 5 computers and 5 iPads and at least 2 phones. TotallyOz 1 Quote
TotallyOz Posted July 13, 2016 Author Posted July 13, 2016 Michael Where is your Big Desk for your 5 computers and 5 iPads and at least 2 phones. The photos were pre-move in. LOL My office area looks great. And, the BF's office space is equally grand. But, now the apartment is shrinking even more in size. Quote
Alexx Posted July 13, 2016 Posted July 13, 2016 Looks great all around! I like the Ekkamai area as well, the only reason why I ultimately chose Asoke over Thong Lor or Ekkamai was access to the MRT (to get to work quickly). I'm sure you'll have a blast there. TotallyOz 1 Quote
steveboy Posted July 13, 2016 Posted July 13, 2016 TGB 60K = SGD 2300 For that price, you can'it get a 500 square metres private condo/apartment in Singapore. That's a steal and yes, it looks very comfortable and homely. Good job. If you need a 500 square meters condo/apartment you and your boys must be the size of Tawan guys and require a ballroom or indoor tennis court. Quote
firecat69 Posted July 13, 2016 Posted July 13, 2016 I have a feeling he meant 50 sq meters? vinapu and Moses 2 Quote
Moses Posted July 13, 2016 Posted July 13, 2016 I have a feeling he meant 50 sq meters? or 500 sq.ft? Quote
Guest abang1961 Posted July 13, 2016 Posted July 13, 2016 My apologies..it should be 50 square metres or 500 square feet. Currently I live alone in a 100 square metres apartment and yes, 500 square metres is really a palace. Quote
steveboy Posted July 14, 2016 Posted July 14, 2016 My apologies..it should be 50 square metres or 500 square feet. Currently I live alone in a 100 square metres apartment and yes, 500 square metres is really a palace. Correction taken. Well, it is well known that real estate in SG is very expensive. I live with my friend in a one-story family house of about 200 sq. m. and it is very spacious. I have owned this property for many decades, and all I pay is about U$S 5000 a year in taxes, plus utilities. Cost of food in the US is also relatively low, and I have no reasons to move elsewhere, like LOS, even if I am retired. For the goodies of LOS, I make several yearly trips there, and the locals are not the only enjoyable part of them Quote
