Secure Residences: The Expat Trend in Thailand

Published on October 1, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

With the rise of remote work and an increasingly connected world, Thailand is emerging as a favored destination for expatriates seeking a pleasant and secure living environment. Known for their paradise beaches and attractive cost of living, gated residences play a crucial role in this new trend.

These residential complexes offer much more than just housing; they provide a wide range of services tailored to the specific needs of expatriates, such as advanced security systems, recreational clubs, and even coworking spaces for mobile professionals.

In response to this trend, these secure enclaves are quickly becoming the preferred choice for those looking to combine comfort, security, and connectivity in an exotic setting.

The Rise of Gated Residences in Thailand

Gated residences in Thailand are experiencing rapid growth, particularly among expatriates, for several key reasons:

• Security Concerns: Expatriates seek a protected environment with 24/7 surveillance and access control, reducing risks related to perceived insecurity and burglaries. Security is often cited as the primary motivation, especially for families with children or those who travel frequently.
• Community Lifestyle: These residences foster social networks among expatriates, facilitating integration and shared experiences. Common areas (pools, gardens, gyms, playgrounds) create a living environment conducive to socializing and camaraderie.
• Convenience of Included Services: Gated residences often offer integrated services (concierge, maintenance, incident management, grocery delivery), simplifying daily life and providing peace of mind, particularly during extended absences.

Evolution of the Thai Real Estate Market

Real estate developers are responding to this growing demand with diversified offerings:

Residence Type	Main Features	Target Audience
High-End Condominiums	Enhanced security, hotel-like services, urban location	Executives, families, retirees
Villas in Private Estates	Green spaces, security guards, shared facilities	Families, long-term expatriates
Serviced Residences	Concierge, rental management, shared spaces	Young professionals, digital nomads

The real estate index in Thailand reached 160 points in April 2025, a historic record, before stabilizing around 159.30 points in June. This trend reflects investor appetite and the upscaling of residences, particularly in the secure segments.

Most Sought-After Regions

• Bangkok: High concentration of gated condominiums in desirable neighborhoods (Sukhumvit, Sathorn, Silom), close to international schools and business hubs.
• Phuket: Development of secure villas and residences for expatriates and retirees, attracted by the coastal quality of life.
• Chiang Mai: Growth in the secure residence market tailored to digital nomads and international families, with a calmer environment.
• Pattaya and Hua Hin: Preferred destination for European and Russian retirees, with a wide choice of secure estates.

Economic and Social Impact

• Economic: The boom in these residences stimulates foreign investment, energizes the construction sector, creates local jobs (security, maintenance, personal services), and contributes to land value appreciation in certain areas.
• Social: While the creation of international communities promotes coexistence among expatriates, it can also reinforce urban segmentation, or even isolation from the local population. However, some initiatives encourage integration through open events or partnerships with local stakeholders.

Statistics and Testimonials

Year	Total Number of Gated Residences	% of New Real Estate Stock
2020	52	36 %
2022	73	48 %
2024	97	59 %

These figures illustrate rapid growth, driven by the increasing preference of expatriates for this type of housing.

“We chose a gated residence upon our arrival for the security and quality of life. The children can play outside without worry, and we benefit from services that truly simplify daily life.”

— French expatriate family, Bangkok

“The international community and high-end facilities convinced us. It’s reassuring to know there’s always someone looking after the residence, even when we travel.”

— Expatriate executive, Phuket

Key Takeaways

Gated residences meet a growing demand from expatriates for a secure, practical, and community-oriented lifestyle. This trend is transforming the Thai real estate market, stimulating the local economy, but also posing social integration challenges.

Secure Neighborhoods: A New Appeal for Expatriates

The growing importance of secure neighborhoods among expatriates in Thailand is explained by the search for a safe, comfortable environment suited to the needs of an international life. These neighborhoods, such as Sukhumvit, Silom–Sathorn in Bangkok, or Nimmanhaemin in Chiang Mai, are particularly sought after for their high security standards, modern infrastructure, and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Factors making these communities attractive include:

• Presence of high-end housing (modern condominiums, secure residences)
• Proximity to international schools, reputable hospitals, and shopping centers
• Multicultural ambiance fostering integration and social life
• Modern urban infrastructure (transportation, green spaces, international restaurants)

The security measures deployed in these neighborhoods are a decisive criterion for many expatriates:

• 24/7 surveillance by cameras and regular patrols
• Strict access control at residence entrances, often via badge or identification
• Qualified security personnel, trained to respond quickly to incidents
• Centralized incident management and multilingual resident assistance

Common Security Measures	Description
24/7 Video Surveillance	Cameras in common areas and exteriors
Controlled Access	Gates with guards, badges, or keypads
On-Site Personnel	Trained security agents, visible presence day/night
Emergency Assistance	Direct line, rapid intervention

Beyond physical security, these neighborhoods offer a sense of community and rare comfort:

• Many expatriate families report strong local solidarity, facilitating mutual aid and integration.
• Common areas (pools, gyms, gardens) promote encounters and sharing among international residents.
• Activity and support groups form spontaneously, creating a climate conducive to family well-being.

“We chose a condominium in Sukhumvit for the peace of mind provided by enhanced security. The children play freely in the gardens without us having to worry. It’s an invaluable luxury for an expatriate family.”

Statistics on Expatriates in Secure Neighborhoods

City / Neighborhood	Estimated Expatriate Population	Dominant Profile
Bangkok / Sukhumvit	7,000 to 8,000	Families, executives, retirees
Bangkok / Silom–Sathorn	2,500	Professionals, diplomats
Chiang Mai / Nimmanhaemin	800	Digital nomads, creatives
Phuket / Patong	2,200	Families, retirees
Koh Samui / Bophut/Chaweng	1,300	Families, entrepreneurs

The positive impact on quality of life is widely recognized:

• Reduced stress related to insecurity or isolation
• Easy access to essential services and leisure activities
• Enhanced well-being for children and families thanks to the serene environment

“Security clearly weighed in our decision. We wanted an environment where our children could grow up peacefully and where, as foreigners, we could feel at home.”

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Security and community comfort have thus become determining factors for the majority of expatriates choosing to settle in Thailand, contributing to the rise of highly secure and internationalized residential neighborhoods.

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Premium Services: An Expanding Offering in Gated Complexes

The rise of gated residential complexes in Thailand is accompanied by a notable expansion of premium services aimed at a demanding international clientele, particularly expatriates. These new offerings are redefining the standards of residential luxury and transforming the appeal of these secure residences.

Services Favored by Expatriates:

• Private pools in each villa or within landscaped common areas, ensuring privacy and comfort.
• High-tech gyms, equipped with connected devices, dedicated studios for yoga or pilates, often accompanied by wellness spaces (sauna, steam room).
• Integrated spas offering personalized treatments and holistic programs.
• 24/7 concierge, facilitating access to all types of services (exclusive reservations, administrative management).
• Access to private lounges, panoramic rooftops, or event spaces for social gatherings.
• Internal gourmet restaurants, sometimes led by renowned international chefs.

Concrete Examples:

Complex	Location	Premium Services Offered
MAVISTA Phrom Phong	Bangkok	Private pools, bookable private lounges for events
95E1 Ninety Five East One	Bangkok	Ultra-luxury refined design, exclusive access to high-end common spaces
Villas Cerulean	Phuket	Villas with individual pools and private spa
Siamois-Bangtao	Phuket	Modern fitness rooms & resident lounges

These infrastructures directly meet the expectations of expatriates seeking:

• A secure setting where comfort rivals privacy,
• Five-star hotel-quality amenities accessible daily,
• A cosmopolitan environment fostering conviviality while preserving individual tranquility.

New projects such as those by the Etro group in Phuket integrate a complete panel of hotel-like experiences: privatized wellness retreats, tailor-made cultural experiences, and privileged access to an international network – all assets that particularly appeal to clientele from the Middle East or Japan.

Impact on Real Estate Value and Attractiveness:

• Properties offering these services command a significant premium on the market; the average price per square meter easily reaches 100,000 THB in sought-after neighborhoods like Sukhumvit or Bangtao.
• The high-end rental market benefits from attractive yields (often between 5% and 8%), fueled by growing demand for both long-term and seasonal expatriation.

Secure residences equipped with this type of amenities now constitute a decisive argument for both patrimonial investment and the personal choice of a secondary residence.

Future Perspectives:

Short Term:

• Strengthening of ultra-customizable services via dedicated mobile applications;
• Expansion towards more “experiences” in situ: private artistic workshops, multilingual children’s clubs;
• Sustainable development: enhanced ecological certifications (private solar panels…).

Medium Term:

• Advanced integration of home automation & artificial intelligence to optimize security/energy management;
• Multiplication of exclusive partnerships with international lifestyle brands;

Thailand is thus establishing itself as an Asian benchmark for luxurious residential living adapted to the sophisticated demands of expatriates.