Newly completed apartments for viewing are now ready at The Signature, a unique medium-rise condominium at Soi Aree 2, considered by many established Thai families as one of the more dignified areas in Bangkok.

Free from messy tourism spots that are packed with vendors, louts and vermin in overly expensive places such as Sukhumvit, the orderly Soi Aree site is close to a BTS station and is a few minutes drive from Siam Centre-Siam Paragon district.

Most of all, the project owner, Boonkrong Indhosophon, has embellished The Signature with high standards.

The 1-rai 60-square-wah plot holds great sentimental value. It was own her own family home. Though Boonkrong spends several years abroad and is still a frequent traveller, Soi Aree will always remain home, she says. She will be staying in one of the 22 units in The Signature.

The handsome structure combines the handiwork of several celebrated talents, among them the highly respected architect Kongsak Yuktasevi, who is managing director of Leo International Design Group.

He is responsible for the stunning interiors, which Boonkrong calls "tasteful, elegant but not loud".

Kongsak is well known for his work in Singapore and recently completed the palatial Abu Dhabi Hotel. In Bangkok, his work includes Park Chidlom and the Thai Airways International lounge at Suvarnabhumi.

During a recent tour of the site, Kongsak explained why he believes The Signature commands value: the interiors he has provided for the 175-530-square-metre freehold apartments are not comparable to anything available on the market, he said.

Larger than most apartments in town, the units are designed to be spacious, uncluttered and comfortable.

"I have added some partitions to provide more sublime entrances and doorways to the master bedrooms, guestrooms and living room. The open kitchen accentuates the already wide-spaces."

The starting price of Bt22.6 million, or Bt93,000 a square metre, is inclusive of the modern kitchen sets, built-in furniture and air-conditioners.

"I have put up prices that are as reasonable as possible, considering the cost of building The Signature," says Boonkrong, who is globally renown as one of the Kingdom's more prominent stamp collectors. She is also president of the Monte Carlo "Elite Philatelic Club". Prince Albert of Monaco is a personal friend and has bestowed his full backing on the club.

Other renowned professionals - such as Singapore-based DP Architects and local professionals Inter Akitek - are also instrumental in giving The Signature its regal shape.

Boonkrong has appointed DTZ Debenham Tie Leung to handle the project's marketing.

The Soi Aree 2 address is located in an area that houses some of the country's more influential politicians and military families. Many prominent intellectuals also live here. This class of patricians makes the Aree-Phaholyothin neighbourhood a highly protected area.

Itthi C Tan

The Nation