The Factors related to Micro Condo Phenomenon in Bangkok between 2009-2021

Abstract

          Having a high population density, many major cities around the globe have adapted a model of living in a small and confined space, which is commonly known as Micro Condo in the United States and Canada. An emergence of so-called Micro Condo has become a current phenomenon, and the trend of Micro Condo phenomenon is expected to continue in the future. Meanwhile in the capital city of Thailand, Bangkok, a large number of small-sized condominium units with no larger than 23 square meters have been seen in 2013, despite an average starting size of condominium units in Bangkok at 40 square meters in 2012.
This research paper will examine the reduction in a residential room size whether the pattern of Micro Condo phenomenon in Bangkok is the same as Micro Condo phenomenon in other countries. Additionally, the number of types and factors that result in the development of Micro Condo are included in the study.
          A main objective of this research paper is to study the Micro Condo model and the factors that are correlated with Micro Condo phenomenon in Bangkok by collecting and examining related concept ideas, theories and articles, published both in Thailand and overseas. The study found various formats of Micro Condo in Bangkok, while the most common format of which ranges between 21-22.5 square meters with a high ceiling and a 5-meter frontage width. As for the correlated factors that result in Bangkok’s Micro Condo phenomenon, the researcher has examined and calculated Correlation Coefficients from collected relevant quantitative data. The study found that land size and Gross Floor Area (G.F.A.) factors are significantly correlated with a total number of Micro Condo units that are launched in each year. Whilst, the study showed no significant relationship between the land price index and the total number of newly launched Micro Condo units, which contrasts with earlier studies in other countries that mentioned that the land price is a crucial factor in an occurrence of Micro Condo phenomenon.
          Nevertheless, the result of this study might be limited by a selection of representative samples in the study, of which the researcher included only condominium projects in Bangkok that are developed by listed developers and located within an 800-meter radius from existing and future mass transit stations. Thus, further research with more representative samples is needed to determine a correlative factor more precisely.