Best for
- Remote workers who want cafes and co-working nearby
- Couples and families with a higher housing budget
- People who want nightlife without the Nana and Asok crowds
Not ideal for
- Budget long-stayers
- People who want to walk everywhere, since the sois are long
What it is like
A trendy, mostly Thai and Japanese upscale area with a strong food and bar scene. Streets are quieter than Asok but the sois are long. Costs are higher because the area targets well-off Thais and expats.
Getting around
Thong Lo and Ekkamai BTS stations sit on Sukhumvit Road. Motorbike taxis at the mouth of each soi cover the long walk north.
Weather
The rainy season usually runs from mid-May to mid-October, with heavy afternoon storms and occasional street flooding.
Immigration office for Thonglor and Ekkamai
Bangkok Immigration, Chaeng Wattana Government Complex (Building B)
One office serves every Bangkok address. Book ahead where the online queue system is offered, and confirm hours before you go.
Bangkok Immigration Division 1 (Chaeng Watthana): hours and tips
Visa notes for long stays
- Your landlord or hotel must file a TM30 residence notification. Ask for a copy, because offices often want it for 90-day reports and extensions.
- Serviced apartments usually file TM30 for you. Private condo owners sometimes forget, so ask before move-in.
- 90-day reports can reportedly be filed online after your first in-person report. Keep a paper backup in case the system refers you to the office.
Banks, hospitals and services nearby
Banks 40
- Kiatnakin Bank · Asok Montri Road, Vadhana District
- Siam Commercial Bank · Sukhumvit 71 Road, Vadhana District
- TMBThanachart Bank · Soi Pridi Banomyong 17, Vadhana District
- Siam Commercial Bank · Asok Montri Road, Vadhana District
- Bank of Ayudhya · Sukhumvit Road, Khlong Toei District
- Bangkok Bank · Soi Sukhumvit 55, Vadhana District
- Bangkok Bank · Sukhumvit Road, Khlong Toei District
- Siam Commercial Bank · Sukhumvit Road, Khlong Toei District
Hospitals 16
- Bangkok Hospital · เพชรบุุรี 47 แยก 10, Huai Khwang District
- Camillian Hospital · Soi Sukhumvit 55, Vadhana District
- Praram 9 Hospital · Phet Uthai Road, Huai Khwang District
- Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital · Soi Sukhumvit 49, Vadhana District
- Theptarin Hospital · Soi Theptarin Hospital, Khlong Toei District
- Piyavate Hospital · Sirat Expressway, Huai Khwang District
- Banphaeo Hospital · Soi Phrom Mit, Vadhana District
- Asoke Skin Hospital · Asok-Din Daeng Road, Ratchathewi District
Language schools 3
- TPA School of Language and Culture · Soi Sukhumvit 29, Vadhana District
- Thai Language Hut School · Soi Sukhumvit 43, Vadhana District
- SanDee Language School · Royal City Avenue, Huai Khwang District
Muay Thai 2
- Super Export Shop (Muay Thai Gear) · Thang Rotfai Sai Kao Pak Nam Road, Khlong Toei District
- RSM Rajadamnern Singha Muay Thai Academy · Soi Sukhumvit 23, Vadhana District
Gyms 3
- UnReal Gym · Soi Sukhumvit 24, Khlong Toei District
- LKT Muay Thai Gym · Soi Ramkhamhaeng 3, Suan Luang District
- The Little Gym · Soi Thong Lo 2, Vadhana District
Int'l schools 16
- New International School of Thailand · Soi Sukhumvit 15, Vadhana District
- Ekamai International School · Soi Pridi Banomyong 31, Vadhana District
- St. Andrews International School · Sukhumvit Road, Khlong Toei District
- St. Andrews International School · Phatthana Wet Soi 2, Vadhana District
- Anglo Singapore International School Campus 31 Compound · Soi Si Yaek Sawat Di, Vadhana District
- Wells International School · Sukhumvit Soi 87, Phra Khanong District
- Central International School · Soi Rama IX Soi 7, Huai Khwang District
- Wells International School · Soi Sukhumvit 51, Vadhana District
Supermarkets 36
- Fuji Supermarket · Soi Sukhumvit 33/1, Vadhana District
- Food Land Supermarket · Phetchaburi Road, Huai Khwang District
- Lotus's · Thang Rotfai Sai Kao Pak Nam Road, Khlong Toei District
- Big C · Rama IV Road, Khlong Toei District
- Lotus's · Sukhumvit Soi 52, Khlong Toei District
- Big C · On Nut Road, Vadhana District
- Big C · Rama IV Road, Khlong Toei District
- MaxValu · Pridi Banomyong 12, Vadhana District
Living in Thonglor and Ekkamai: questions
Is Thonglor better than Sukhumvit Asok for expats?
Thonglor is calmer and more food-focused, while Asok is better connected. Both are expensive. Choose Thonglor if you work from cafes and do not need two train lines.
Where is the nearest immigration office to Thonglor?
Bangkok has one main office for residents, at the Chaeng Wattana Government Complex in Lak Si. It is a long trip from Thonglor, so many people file 90-day reports online.
Is Ekkamai good for families?
Many families like Ekkamai for its quieter sois and larger apartments. Check school commutes at rush hour before you sign a lease.
Can I live in Thonglor on a DTV?
Yes. The DTV does not limit where you live. You still need TM30 from your landlord and 90-day reports. See /visa-rules/dtv.
Sources
- Bangkok Immigration: extension of stay
- Thai Visa Services: Bangkok Immigration, Chaeng Wattana (secondary)
- Immigration Bureau: notification of residence for foreigners (TM30)
- Thailand.go.th: monsoon winds and the climate of Thailand
- Map data: OpenStreetMap contributors via Nominatim (ODbL 1.0)
Last checked 2026-11-04 · Pending expert review. Immigration offices move: confirm before you travel.