For all its laidback charms—the parks, the bike trails, the coffee shops, the leafy sois—Chatuchak is also recognized as Northern Bangkok’s economic hub. The area has attracted major corporate headquarters for its quality of life and accessibility (MRT, BTS and highway). Joining big players like TMB, PTT and Thai Airways, the co-working and serviced office trend is now finally catching up with Chatuchak’s economic boom.
Christoph Hodapp, Regus Thailand's country manager
One of the most recent arrivals is the Regus Bangkok SJ Infinite Business Complex at Lat Phrao Intersection, right opposite Chatuchak Park. Christoph Hodapp, Regus Thailand's country manager, says location is key to his business's success. "We always look for locations where people live: city centers, malls, airports. We want to have an environment where people are happy to work, without leaving the areas where they are happy to live. People shouldn't have to commute. You shouldn't have to drive into the CBD to work, meet or get a contract signed."
It’s not hard to understand the appeal of working where one lives—particularly when one lives in Chatuchak, which is green, accessible, residential and packed with some of the best retail options in town, from edgy markets to gleaming malls. Hodapp is a firm believer in the area. "A feng shui master told us that we have perfect feng shui here. There's the park, then the road crossing the river, so the water brings good fortune to us and our clients," he says with a laugh. With sweeping 20th-story views of Chatuchak Park, his office is well positioned to look out onto Chatuchak's ideal landscaping.
Major corporations were actually the ones to start the trend of doing business in Chatuchak. "You've got two major roads, you're near Don Muaeng, Chatuchak and Phahonyothin. These are all very strong residential and commercial areas," says Hoddap, of the area's appeal to big business. But startups and entrepeneurs are finally catching on. "We have clients who are fresh from college and they're trying to start something here."
It’s easy to see how Chatuchak could become the city’s creative, tech and knowledge industry center. It provides the kind of green, walkable, bicycle-friendly environment that has young professionals salivating. While Apple and Google’s futuristic headquarters seem to Bangkokians like the stuff of dreams, Chatuchak is surprisingly close to offering the Californian campus lifestyle.
Regus, 20/F, SJ Infinite 1 Business Complex, 349 Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 02-677-7186. www.regus.co.th
Night-owl Haunt
10Thirty Cafe
Not only is it the newest kid on the block but 10Thirty is one of the first cafes on Phahonyothin to operate 24 hours. The cafe is set in a lofty, industrial-chic space with lots of raw cement, red bricks and black steel, promising a friendly environment for relaxing and co-working. Not a fan of coffee? Just go order fruity smoothies from those cute baristas. Phahonyothin Rd., opposite Major Cineplex Ratchayothin, 02 939 4467. www.facebook.com/10thirtycafe
Brought to you by Sansiri. Find out more about living in Chatuchak at thelinebkk.com
Brought to you by Sansiri. Find out more about living in Chatuchak at thelinebkk.com
