Glossary · Types of home
High-rise
In short
A condominium tower: a building of 23 metres or more, which Thai rules class as a high building. More units and facilities, wider views, and stricter building requirements.
What it means
A building of 23 metres or more, roughly nine storeys and up, is a high building under Thai building rules. It must stand on a wider road, keep larger distances to its boundaries and meet stricter fire-safety requirements than a low-rise building.
Where they stand
Because of the road-width rule, towers are built on main roads, which in Bangkok usually means close to rail lines, offices and shops. In resort areas height limits keep most new projects low, so true high-rise buildings are mostly found in the cities and in parts of Pattaya.
What it means for an owner
- Several hundred units share the costs, and the facilities are usually larger: pools, gyms, sky lounges, co-working rooms.
- Views and breeze improve with height, and prices rise floor by floor.
- More lifts, pumps and systems to maintain over the years, which is what the sinking fund is for.
- A large building needs a competent juristic person. Ask who the manager is.