u/Beneficial-Heart8908

We’re currently debating a classic Bangkok family dilemma and would genuinely love opinions from people who’ve been through it.

Due to a change in job location, we’ll soon need to commute regularly toward the Sukhumvit 71 area from August, and we’re trying to decide whether moving is worth it or not.

Right now we live in a quiet moobaan near the Bangna side and honestly the lifestyle is amazing for family life. The kids can safely cycle around, play outside, run around with friends, and it feels calm and community-focused compared to the city. We really value that quality of life.

The house itself is also hard to give up:
- modern interior
- proper western kitchen with oven
- good family space
- parking
- comfortable layout
- overall just feels like home

The problem is we genuinely don’t know yet how exhausting the commute will feel once school/work starts in August. Looking at Google Maps and asking around, it seems like it could be around:
- 40-ish minutes in the morning
- maybe around 1 hour home in the afternoon/evening
…but Bangkok traffic is unpredictable so we honestly don’t know if that’s realistic long term or if it slowly becomes draining every day.

We’re trying to decide whether it’s smarter to:
- stay in the house and lifestyle we love and accept the commute
OR
- move closer to Sukhumvit and improve daily convenience and family time.

One extra complication:
We have a live-in maid who has been with our family for years, so we really need either:
- a proper maid room
OR
- some realistic setup that works respectfully for a live-in helper.

We also have a car, so being directly beside BTS isn’t essential.

We’re probably prioritising:

1. Houses in compounds/moobaans
2. Townhouses
3. Condos

Maximum budget would realistically be around 55k THB/month.

Main priorities:
- family-friendly
- modern interior (not old/dark Thai style)
- western kitchen with oven
- maid room or workable live-in setup
- pool/play area/shared facilities ideal
- reasonable commute toward Sukhumvit 71

Would love recommendations for:
- specific compounds/moobaans
- family-friendly townhouse developments
- condos that genuinely work for families with kids + helper
- areas that balance commute + quality of life

Did anyone regret leaving a quieter suburban moobaan lifestyle for convenience closer to the city? Or did moving closer completely change your daily stress levels?

Thinking of moving due to commute - currently
Live in a great Moobaan and house but outskirts of Bangkok.

Does anyone know townhouses or compounds popular with expats and kids that are more in the city? Thonglor ekkamai etc?
Max budget is 55k is this even possible?

So we fly 2 times a year Asia to Spain and then some other flights in the Asian region for shorter holidays. Think not enough to gain status with Lufthansa so I’m thinking of aiming for star alliance gold with Turkish. We fly Lufthansa economy for the long haul flights and then Thai airways for shorter flights.

What benefits do we get if we reach star alliance gold?

I wanted to ask if it’s worth it but I think yes as we are a family of 4 with two young kids and we fly economy so any benefit I think will be worth it.

Should I be looking at other routes or options to maximize my benefits?