A friend of mine recently closed on a small condo in Bangkok, and is making it available for vacation rentals during the times he and his partner are not staying there. This is a new property, completed for occupancy around August of 2008.

Located across the river in Thonburi, the 13th floor (12A) condo has a nice view of the distant Bangkok skyline, from two small balconies accessible by sliding glass doors in the living room, and a large picture window in the master bedroom.

This is a two bedroom, one bath, with a small kitchen, large entry and dining area, and spacious but cozy living room. The owner has decorated the unit with contemporary furnishings and accents. While his taste leans toward minimalist, the space is not cold. He selected several large oil paintings to warm up the walls and give the place a distinctive Thai feel.

The property is available to singles and couples wishing to make use of only one bedroom. The smaller second bedroom is occupied by the live-in house boy. That’s right! The place comes with a cute 25 year old gay house mouse. I’ll go into more detail about him later.

The master bedroom has a comfortable queen size bed and ample storage for one or two people. Some of the closet, dresser and end table drawers are used to store the owner’s belongings, bathroom supplies, extra towels and bedding items. Even so, there’s more than enough storage for Guests.

The closet has two small safes in it, one for the owner and the other for Guests. The combination can be set by Guests, and the emergency override pass key is in the secure hands of the off site farang property manager.

The bathroom is modern, by Thai standards, and comes with a shower/tub combination. The room has two doors, one from the front entry area and the other connects to the master bedroom. A weight scale has been placed in the room, handy for those wanting to check luggage weight before returning home.

A small table with two chairs is available for those rare occasions a Guest actually decides to eat in the room, something we rarely do in Thailand, because it’s so cheap to eat out.

The kitchen is small, but fully equipped, including cook top, coffee maker, microwave, and house boy dish washer. Guests are asked to respect the few items kept in the refrigerator by the house boy, as well as any food items he may have stored in the kitchen. What that usually amounts to is some packages of romin style noodles, a few eggs, drinking water, and bottle of coke. Guests are expected to supply their own drinking water. The house boy will be happy to run down and get as many bottles as they require.

The living room comes with a fully equipped entertainment system, including TV, stereo, and DVD player. WiFi Internet is also available and works from any room in the space. The DSL Internet connection is not lightning fast, but more than adequate for checking Email and light web surfing.

The owner still needs to add a coffee table and china cabinet, and plans to take care of that on his return visit in November. It should not be an issue, as the next available bookings will follow his departure in November. The owner also plans to add additional art and accessories over time.

PUBLIC FACILITIES

Pool and Fitness Center

Accessible from the 6th floor is a beautiful swimming pool with fountains and outdoor showers. Toilets/changing rooms are also available, along with a small indoor lounge area.

Adjacent to the pool is a fully equipped fitness center including sauna, steam, showers and toilets. At the time these pictures were taken the facility had not been completed, but it is now fully operational. I’ll try and get some updated photos next time I visit.

Laundry Facility and Services

Located on the ground floor, a coin operated laundromat, with washers and dryers, and laundry service is scheduled to be operational by the time the next booking is available in December, 08. If not, alternate arrangements will be made for Guests to get their personal items laundered.

Convenience Store

A 24 hour 7 Eleven and café are scheduled to go in on the ground floor. I don’t have a date on when they are expected to be completed, but there are two additional convenience stores within very short walking distance of the condominium complex.

Lounge Area

There is a beautiful lounge area on the ground floor they have labeled as a library. It really looks more like a place to relax with friends, watch TV or read a book. I suspect, but do not have conformation, this room also doubles as a group meeting or party room that can be reserved by residents of the complex.

Medical Emergency and Pharmacy

Within very short walking distance is a 24 hour pharmacy and minor emergency clinic, which has an ambulance on stand by. I don’t know anything about the quality of care, or if any of the staff speak English, but I think its comforting to know a facility like this is within a stone’s throw of the condominium.

Restaurants and Takeout

Just outside the complex are a bunch of street restaurants. Unless you have mastered enough Thai to order without an English menu, these places will only be useful with the aid of a Thai boy. Of course, the condo comes with one, who will be happy to accompany Guests, or run down and bring back some take out. I have already eaten at a couple of these places and the food is excellent, not to mention dirt cheap. When it comes to eating Thai food, the house boy has a lot of experience with satisfying western pallets. Odds are good Guests will be satisfied with any dish he selects.

For those wanting something a little more refined, there’s a 24 hour Chinese Dim Sum restaurant right next to the pharmacy and medical care facility. For a larger selection of restaurants and fast food places, Guests can walk to the near by shopping mall.

The Mall at ThaPra

Newly renovated, The Mall at ThaPra is a short 10 minute walk from the condominium. There you will find numerous eateries, including the very popular Fuji Japanese restaurant. It also has a Thai food court, and most, if not all, of the fast food and coffee shop places common to Thailand.

View of Condo from Mall

In addition, the mall houses a variety of specialty shops, as well as a large grocery store, with some western products. The corner stone of the mall is a large department store, owned and operated by the renowned Siam Paragon Shopping Center.

Entertainment

I have no doubt most will want to spend the majority of their entertainment time at gay hot spots, such as Silom. However, there are two venues immediately to the left and right of the condominium complex I feel are worth mentioning.

Located next door to the Dim Sum restaurant is a Thai 4 Thai disco, lounge and karaoke club. From what I understand, it’s very popular with the locals, and draws a mixed gay and straight crowd. I know one of the boys that works part time at the Balcony Pub is a regular there and loves it.

On the opposite side of the complex, and in plain view if you look straight down from the condo’s balcony, is a traditional Isan dance club. This is a live entertainment venue with singers and dancers. Several of the boys I know have already checked it out and given it a two BIG thumbs up. Typical with all of the Isan dance clubs I’ve been to in Bangkok, most of the boys performing on stage are gay. In fact, the boys have reported all are gay in this club. I highly recommend taking in one of these clubs at least once while visiting Thailand. It’s probably not the place you want to venture into alone, but I think it would require very little arm twisting to get the house boy and some of his friends to take you there. This is an experience unlike anything you’ve ever seen, and one you will never forget! I love going to them, but only if I’m with a group of boys. It’s so much fun!

SECURITY AND SAFETY

The condominium complex has an abundance of uniformed security guards and door men on site 24/7. Elevator access is key card controlled, and monitored by the security and door men. The owner has replaced the original single door knob lock with his own, and added a second dead bolt. There is a fire extinguisher just outside the room, and an automatic sprinkler system on the interior. I believe the owner also plans to add a small extinguisher in the kitchen, during his next visit. The only window accessible from the exterior is not of the sliding type, and therefore can not be easily jimmied. There is an external stairwell, for fire exit, within close proximity to the room.

TRANSPORTATION

The fastest way to get around town is by BTS Skytrain and MRT Subway. As of this writing, the closest access point is the Saphan Tasksin (S6) BTS station, just across the river. This is the last station at the southern end of the Silom line. However, a 2.2 kilometer extension has already been completed that takes the line to within roughly a city block of the condominium. The nearest access point, on the new extension, may be a little too far to walk, but the condominium’s shuttle van will most likely provide that service once the new BTS extension is operational. An additional station is planned that will be located right next to the condo. Testing of the new extension was supposed to have started in September 2008, but as of yet has not begun. So how soon it will open after that is anyone’s guess. I don’t know what the time-line is for adding the BTS station next to the condo.

Source: urbanrail.net

From the condo, getting to the BTS, as it is now, can be accomplished one of two different ways. The condominium offers a shuttle service for 10 baht that will drop you off on the Thonburi side of the river. From there it’s a short walk to the river ferry that costs 3.5 baht. On the other side of the river is the Saphan Tasksin BTS Station.

The river crossing does add to your travel time, but its fun to do if you are not in a rush. The alternative is to just take a taxi across the river. If connecting to the BTS, have the taxi take you to Surasak (S5), the next stop up the line from Saphan Tasksin. By the time you’ve gotten off the bridge, you are already past Saphan Tasksin, so its better to continue on to Surasak, as apposed to doubling back. Depending on traffic conditions, the taxi should cost around 60 baht.

NOTE: green BTS line from Silom to river

Of course, if your destination is Silom, its better to go the entire distance by Taxi. The fare should run between 70 and 100 baht, depending on traffic conditions. Just tell the taxi to take you to BTS Sala Daeng - pronounced dang, as in dangle. This will place you in the heart of the Silom gay district.

When leaving the condo its best to grab a taxi from the other side of the street that runs in front of the complex. Walk out to the street and turn right, continue to the pedestrian foot bridge, and cross over.

Returning to the condo is accomplished basically the same way, but in reverse. If returning via the BTS, and you want to skip the river ferry, get off at Surasak, and take exits 2 or 4. Then grab a taxi the rest of the way. If crossing by ferry, get off at Saphan Tasksin. After crossing the river, walk back to the area where the condo shuttle drops you off and flag a taxi. Taxi instructions are - Thonburi Plaza ThaPra.

Thonburi Plaza ThaPra is the building directly to the left of the condo, and all the drivers know it. Thonburi is pronounced tomboreee with a rolling r. ThaPra is pronounced toprah with a rolling r. To make things easier, Guests will be given a small card with the taxi instructions on it, in Thai. With that in hand, there should be no problem getting home from any place in Bangkok.

Transportation to and from the airport, by taxi, is around 400 baht each way. The house boy will most likely be available to flag a taxi for the return trip. Staff working at the condominium will not be of much help for this, as only a few of them speak any English. In my opinion, a much better option is to use Julie’s Taxi Service, particularly on the departure trip. The service costs 600 baht, but well worth it to have a taxi waiting, with trunk open, 30 minutes before departure from the condo. The owner has been using Julie’s Taxi for many years with few problems, and they tend to receive good reviews in the discussion forums. Of course, Guests have the option of working with a different service, if they have a preference.

THE HOUSE BOY

I’d venture to say it’s unique in all of Thailand to find a vacation condo rental that includes a cute live-in 25 year old gay house boy. It is what I think makes this holiday retreat so very special.

First off, I have to confess my comments about Ton come with a bias, as I know him very well. He is the dearest best friend of my boyfriend, so I’ve gotten to know him better than most. Ton is one of those hard to find “good boys” in Thailand. He has a wonderful personality and a heart of gold. Everyone that meets Ton likes him. The boys tell me he’s popular with them, because he has such a great sense of humor.

Ton is an Isan boy, born and raised in Korat, yet his features are that of boys from north and central Thailand. This is because his parents come from the north and central regions.

Ton is a trustworthy young man. You could leave the Crown Jewels lying out, and not worry. He has an insatiable curiosity, and will stop to examine anything that catches his eye, particularly things that sparkle. So the jewels might receive an in-depth examination, but nothing more. Someone once commented you can keep Ton entertained for hours by dangling something shiny in front of him, and that’s very true. If I want his undivided attention, he can’t be anywhere near the computer, and the TV has to be turned off. Ton understands he needs to curb his inquisitive nature when taking care of Guests, but knowing him as I do, this will be his greatest challenge. Personally, I find it kind of cute most of the time. He’s like a cave man that’s suddenly been dropped into the 20th century. Of course, if he gets too inquisitive, a Guest can always remind him of this and Ton will snap out of it with a smile and an, “Oh sorry.”

On a scale from 1 to 10, Ton’s English skills are somewhere between 2 and 3, and improving. So you have to talk slowly and ask him if he understands. Most boys don’t like to admit when they don’t understand, but Ton is very much aware of how important it is to do so. Besides, it’s fairly easy to recognize when he doesn’t understand, as he cocks his head slightly and gets a blank look on his face. When trying to speak English he sometimes has to think a little before saying something, and if he’s having real difficulty he’ll start waving his hands about. Ton has a very good translator on his mobile phone, so he can look most words up if he knows the spelling. Ton also knows he can call me if he needs help with translating something. Ton really enjoys learning new words, and is a lot of fun to teach.

Ton has a bachelor’s degree in marketing and advertising and hopes someday to work on the production of TV commercials. He is currently seeking an internship with a commercial ad firm, so he can gain experience for his resume. He also works two or three days a week for the off site property manager, who has several of his own rentals. Ton cleans the rooms and occasionally gives Thai cooking lessons for their Guests. There is a white board in the kitchen for Ton to post his work schedule, so Guests will know when they can expect him to be in the room.

Unless specifically given permission by the Guest, Ton is not allowed to mingle or socialize in any way. He is expected to stay in his room while guests are in the room. If Guests give Ton permission to hang out, he will assume it is for that one time only unless they tell him it is acceptable at all times. At any time, a Guest can say to Ton, “I want my privacy now”, and he will retire to his room with a smile. If Ton is in his room, Guests are asked to respect his privacy by knocking on his door if they need him for something.

Ton is permitted to move about the condo while performing his duties, such as cleaning a room, but is expected to first ask Guests if it is OK. He can also use the kitchen to prepare a meal or get a drink, but should ask first, and will eat in his room if not invited by the Guest to use the dinning table.

Ton is allowed to use the toilet, but is expected to first clear it with Guests. He will most likely lock both bathroom doors, but has been instructed to unlock them when finished. Of course, he’s going to forget sometimes, but the doors can be unlocked with most house or car keys. Ton is not permitted to bathe in the room while there are Guests renting the condo. It is at the Guest’s discretion to rescind this policy; otherwise he will use the shower facilities in the 6th floor fitness center.

Ton is allowed to roam about the condo when Guests are out, but he will only enter the master bedroom to perform his duties. He will not make the bed if a Guest has left any personal items on it. If the master bedroom door is closed, and Ton truly believes the room is not occupied, he will first knock several times before slowly entering. Same goes for the bathroom. If Ton is using the living room when Guests return, he will immediately return to his room.

Smoking is not permitted in the condo. Ton is a light smoker, and has permission to use the balcony when Guests are not renting. If the condo is occupied, Ton is expected to go downstairs for a cigarette. He should first announce to the Guests he is leaving for this purpose. Guests have the option of granting Ton use the balcony.

With the exception of things that are illegal, unsafe or destructive, what goes on in the condo stays in the condo. Ton is not permitted to share with anyone what he sees or hears…ANY ONE! Ton is fully aware of the consequences for violating this most important zero tolerance policy.

Like a lot of Thai boys, Ton does not care for air conditioning. He has a small floor fan to keep him comfortable, and it is for his use only. Guests should not concern themselves with Ton’s comfort while using the air conditioner. If Ton gets cold, he’ll put on more clothes or wrap himself in a blanket. Believe me when I say he’s used to it after hanging out at my place all the time.

When Guests leave the room, they are asked to turn off all appliances, lights, and air conditioners. They are also asked to close and latch all windows and sliding glass doors. Of course, if Ton is around, he’ll be more than happy to take care of these things for the Guests…good boy that he is.

With the exception of running short errands for the Guest, when returning to the condo Ton will knock and wait for the Guest to let him in. If he gets no response, Ton will open the door slightly and announce himself before entering.

Ton’s responsibilities to the Guests are similar to that of a butler or maid. He will keep the room clean, change out the towels and bedding, and do his best to take care of the day-to-day needs of the Guests. For the most part, Ton’s responsibilities are limited to the confines of the condo. However, he will be more than happy to run to the convenience store, or get some take out from one of the near by street restaurants. He will also walk down with Guests to give taxi instructions in Thai, or arrange for transportation in the condominium’s shuttle service.

Ton will provide Guests with his mobile number and will be happy to assist with translations when they are out and about and find themselves in a bind. A good example would be helping with taxi instructions. Guests should understand the effectiveness of Ton in these situations is driven largely on their ability to communicate in English what the situation is and how he can help. Guests should keep their expectations low and understand Ton will do his best to assist.

Ton is not expected to cook for the Guests. If asked to do so, it is at his sole discretion to accept or decline. Ton is a very good cook and will most likely accommodate if his schedule permits. If he agrees, Ton should not be expected to cover any expenses associated with the preparation of meals.

Ton is not expected to do laundry of personal items for Guests. If asked to do so, it is at his sole discretion to accept or decline. Any arrangements for compensation are between him and the Guest.

Ton is not required to function as a tour guide, go on shopping trips, or accompany Guests for a night on the town. Ton is a good boy and will, schedule permitting, most likely agree to such requests. Guests are expected, at a minimum, to take care of all expenses while Ton is out with them.

Ton is a normal human being with his own personal taste and desires. What he does socially and in his private life is his business. While he has an active social life, Ton is not allowed to bring friends or acquaintances to the condo. Short of that one restriction, what he does is his business and of no concern or interest to the owner or property manager. Guests are asked to respect Ton, as they would any other individual, and conduct themselves accordingly.

CHECK IN and CHECK OUT

The house boy will make every effort to be there when Guests arrive and depart. If a Guest arrives in the early morning hours, the front desk has been instructed to call and wake him up, so he can come down and assist. When departing, Guests can leave the keys with the house boy. If for any reason the house boy is not available for arrivals or departures, other arrangements will be made.

BOOKING INFORMATION

The owner uses VRconnection to manage bookings. There you can view rates, availability, and make bookings. There’s also a nice Google Map that pinpoints the location of the condominium.

GOOGLE MAP VIEW

Below is a snapshot of the Google Map satellite view, zoomed all the way in. On it I’ve identified some of the establishments talked about earlier. The satellite view is very old, but you can see the empty L shaped lot the building now sits on. The arrow pointing to the condo also pinpoints the approximate location of the condo unit in the building. Using the live map at VRconnection, you can scroll down past the highway intersection and see the mall location, labeled PS Bowling.