AN OPEN SECRET

When Dr. Suchanant Chavaengkiat chose Hyde 11 as her Bangkok home, she discovered a rare mix of neighbourhood conveniences and offerings that make Sukhumvit 11 a very appealing residential area

THE CHANGE HAS been slow but certain to any Bangkokian who has taken small-soi shortcuts in lower Sukhumvit lately. Several of Sukhumvit Soi 11’s legendary gritty back-soi pubs and niche townhouse eateries have been replaced by elegant frontages for new restaurants, plazas and residences. The grime has faded and something newer is emerging.

Restaurants like Limoncello and Hemingway’s draw evening office crowds now, while Villa Market, known for its Western selection of goods, is the street’s go-to grocery spot. This area, sandwiched between the illustrious Bumrungrad Hospital and NIST International School, is constantly evolving due to an international crowd.

Among them all sits Hyde 11, a luxury condominium that towers 39 storeys over what is arguably the centre of central Bangkok. Since its entrance is set farther back from Soi 11, the two buildings that comprise Hyde 11 enjoy a hidden, quieter ambience.

Indeed, as the Prestige crew photographs the elegant Dr. Suchanant “Aom” Chavaengkiat on the 19th-floor duplex, only the muffled clicks of a shutter can be heard.

Soft sunlight streams in through six-meter-high ceilings, into the 60-square-metre space, which has been subtly decorated in light marble, luxurious textiles, a modern, sleek décor and, complementing it all, a dramatic crystal chandelier.

“To me, home means peace, safety and family,”

says Aom, who is currently doing her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. Her sister, Aum, studies at Chulalongkorn University nearby.

The sisters and their parents moved from their family townhome complex near Onnut to Hyde 11 about two years ago, eager to reclaim the hours lost to traffic as they commuted to work and school each day.

“It takes me 15 or 20 minutes to get to the hospital,” says Aom. “But that’s at 5am, when my shift begins.” Otherwise, she and her family take the many shortcuts out to Petchburi, Asoke, Nana or the highway. The BTS a few steps from the top of the soi is also a reassuring convenience.

Growing up, Aom attended Mater Dei and recalls frequent trips to Melbourne to visit relatives. “We went every year,” she says, adding that it is one of her favourite travel destinations. After studying at Rangsit University, she completed her internship at Samut Songkram Hospital. Aom says she chose Obstetrics and Gynecology because she wanted to help people and found that the field offered a variety of challenges.

“My patients range from babies to older women,” she says. “There’s diversity in ages, something different every day.”

Aom’s workload means avoiding traffic allows more time to rest, and important for Aom, more time to study. The 28-year-old divides her time between books, her rigorous residency and, if she has time, sports games on her Nintendo Switch. Hyde 11’s automatic parking facility and jet-fast lifts mean that at the end of a long day helping patients, coming home is quick and painless.

“I wake up feeling refreshed here,” she says, glancing around at the sanctuary-like space. “It’s quiet.”

Although a bevy of entertainment options are nearby – Terminal 21, 5-star hotels, dance studios and top gyms – residents can also make use of a variety of modern conveniences within the building itself.

Built in 2018, the property’s common facilities are modern, inviting and varied. Its crystal-shaped rooftop boasts a half-olympic length salt-system swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam rooms and saunas, as well as a well-appointed gym with dazzling views over the city. There’s even a home golf simulator room sits next to a luxurious theater with sofa seating.

High ceilings, plush furnishings and carefullyplaced tinted mirrors make the common areas inviting, cheery and cosy at the same time. These include the multi-purpose room, complete with kitchen island, barstools, large sofas and armchairs as well as one of Aom’s favourite spots, the quiet, inviting library. The divider between the common areas can be pushed back, allowing for large gettogethers and parties.

“Yes, there’s been parties,” laughs Aom, “But I didn’t attend.” She prefers a quieter life right now, due to her workload, broken up, perhaps, with meals at the cheery Katsu Ichi Restaurant with her sister, or over at Limoncello.

When her residency is complete, Aom may need to travel to the Veterans General Hospital, so Hyde 11 will remain her home base, since this means more time with her retired parents and younger sister.

Peace, safety and family, or as Aom says, “home” is a precious mix indeed, even if it is sometimes hidden in unexpected places.

TEL: 094 405 1111 WWW.HYDE11.COM/EN

“TO ME, HOME MEANS PEACE, SAFETY AND FAMILY”