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Riverfront property tends to go for a premium anywhere in the world. Even more so in developed countries where just being within eyesight of water can easily triple the value of a piece of land. You’d assume the same would hold true in Bangkok. Some of the city’s ritziest hotels call the banks of the Chao Phraya home, condos with views of the mighty river sell for millions of baht, a few of the country’s most revered temples sit at water’s edge, and the Grand Palace’s location might as well be called riverside it’s so close (and technically qualified for that distinction last autumn).
But mixed in with the opulent homes, royal properties, and commercial enterprises are a crushing jumble of homes built of scalvage. Within a minute of each other by boat you can see how the royals, the moneyed class, and Bangkok’s poor live. It’s an odd contradiction and a good example of why I’m so fascinated by Thailand. I haven’t a clue if those who live in the shacks that line the river’s banks own their land, possibly passed down through generations, or if they build on temple lands leased by the year. It could be nothing more than a claim of squatters’ rights. Undoubtedly within their class they are viewed as living like royalty. Though the royals probably don’t have to do their own laundry.
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tim said:
well i wont tell you what picture it is … as i dont want others trying to grab a piece of the action … but my hotel is in one … it looks a bit shabby on the outside i agree with you there … but for 10 bucks a week i cant complain 🙂
Bangkokbois said:
I remember some forum poster once saying he only stayed in dives because that was the real Thailand – he wanted to live as they do. Musta been you, huh Tim?
🙂
tim said:
one persons dive is anothers palace
Bangkokbois said:
Huh. That should be the Malaysia hotel’s new advertising slogan.