Hi would you like to tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Towe, I’m from Stockholm, Sweden and I have lived in Thailand for about 3 years, both in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. After 3 years I returned to Sweden to have our baby and now we are moving back to Bangkok. It’s the first time for our baby boy (age 1) in Thailand and I can’t wait to show him everything Thailand has to offer. When I’m not taking care of our baby I work as a teacher, run my own company (web shop), write a blog towis.blogspot.com and volunteer at an orphanage.
How long have you been living in Thailand?
I stayed for 3 years the first time and went back to Stockholm for 2 years (because I wanted to give birth to our baby in Sweden) and in 3 weeks we are finally back in Bangkok.
How come you moved to Bangkok?
I have always loved Bangkok and Chiang Mai felt a bit to small in the end. When my boyfriend got a job offer in Bangkok we moved straight away.
What do you like about accommodation in Bangkok?
Unlike Stockholm there are so many Bangkok condos for rent. Even if you are on a tight budget you can still find a place and I also like the fact that you often get access to gym and swimming pool and so many condos have furniture, its very convenient.
How is it compared to Sweden?
In Stockholm is very hard to find a place to stay if you don’t want to buy your own place and it’s very expensive. Most of the time you get short-term rent and its hard finding a place to rent for more than a year, the opposite of Bangkok. And of course you never get a swimming pool on the roof since it’s cold and snowy for about 6 months of the year! In Sweden you need good heating, in Bangkok you need a good air condition system.
How did you find your home?
In Chiang Mai we looked around and found a serviced apartment on our own. Later we wanted a house and got some help from a real estate agent. In Bangkok we scanned the Internet and found a serviced apartment that we liked. I don’t know where we will stay this time but I have some agencies looking for the perfect place as we speak.
What advise would you give to people looking for an apartment in Bangkok/Thailand
Don’t sign anything before you have seen the place. Make sure you know what is included in the rent and what you are paying extra (ac, internet, electricity). Be sure to read the text at the bottom and don’t sign a 2-year contract if you only want to stay for 3 months – it could end up very expensive.
What area in Bangkok do you prefer and why?
Sukhumvit area; Asok to Thong Lor. The area has got a great vibe. I love the busy life of Asok, the small boutiques and coffee shops around Thong Lor, the street food and the small parks. Siam square is also great for shopping, having coffee and if you are in to fashion just enjoy the street style.
Finally.. Sweden or Thailand?
In a perfect world; Sweden May-September, the rest of the year in Thailand.