Building Management and Security Systems

The culture of having on-site juristic persons and security guards in Thailand.

In Thailand, the quality and variety of common facilities can significantly increase the value of a condominium. One notable feature, which is less common in Japan, is the presence of on-site juristic persons and security guards.

In condominiums with concierge services, it is common to see a reception-style desk located at the entrance lobby. In addition to assisting residents with everyday concerns, concierges provide a wide range of support, including contacting utility companies, managing common areas and parking spaces, and receiving parcels on behalf of residents. Parking entrances are also often equipped with sensor-operated gate bars, helping to prevent unauthorized parking issues that occasionally become a topic of concern in Japan. Rather than simply having a building manager, it feels as though the property management company itself is stationed within the condominium.

While this is certainly an attractive system, there are also differences compared to Japan precisely because Thailand does not have the same condominium association structure. Connections among residents tend to be weaker, and attitudes toward building management also seem quite different. One reason for this is that, compared to Japan, many condominiums in Thailand are owned as investment properties, and in many cases the actual residents are not the owners themselves. As a result, rather than a sense of attachment to the building or a strong community spirit, greater importance is placed on whether the property is comfortable to use and whether management services are well maintained.

In Japan, on the other hand, owners are often the residents themselves, and condominium associations play a central role in maintenance planning and rule-making. This tends to foster stronger communication among residents and a greater sense of community responsibility. In addition, because many people in Thailand believe that property values are unlikely to decline significantly, relatively few purchase condominiums with the intention of living in them for the long term. It is also common for units to be sold fully furnished, perhaps reflecting the fact that many are intended for shorter-term living.

Source: Residential in Thailand ~Staying & Living Journey Diary~