Should you wish to come and live in this fairly crap city, then you certainly have plenty of choice for accommodation. The classifieds are stuffed with condos and (particularly) houses which have been on the market for ever, and nobody wants to buy (apart from, maybe, you). In addition, you can’t turn a corner without falling over a new condo development. Given the competition that exists, you would think that the developers would be doing their best not to be obviously lying about their offerings.
Take the Axis, a hole in the ground which promises to be a condo in 2013. We can excuse the usual marketing fluff. “The heavenly touch of living” is their slogan, which means about as much as any other slogan; i.e.bugger all. “Located on a unique location, surrounded by the beauty of nature, and the scenery of Pattaya City”; for which read “Located at the junction of two of the busiest roads in Pattaya, with a view of a government-ruined hill featuring metal walkways and brown buildings; one of which is a toilet”.
But maybe I bitch too much; all developers spout meaningless bollocks. Let’s try and be positive. The sales office over the road from the hole in the ground is spacious and staffed by charming ladies. There are mock-ups for each of the unit types which demonstrate a clever use of space. The pricing is ludicrous, but no more so than anywhere else. They even have a model of the development in the sales reception; it reflects the picture in the brochure:
From the reception I can look across the road to the development site. At least I could if it were not for a large block of shophouses blocking the view:
For a couple of minutes my mind tries to equate the model and drawing of the tree-lined promenade and strolling pedestrians with the traffic clogged road and crumbling pavement in front of a building that appears to not exist in the world of The Axis. I give up.
So where is the development?
Over there (waves in the general direction of the building)
Where is the block of shophouses in the model and the drawing?
(Giggles) err, it isn’t.
Won’t that obstruct the breathtaking views over Pattaya city?
No, you will be able to see over the top.
I left. If I ever find a developer that doesn’t shroud his offering in obfuscation, deception and downright lies, I might even buy something. The Axis ain’t it.
Comments 🔗
2011-03-15| genuinej saysI am at a loss to understand why you continue to be so mean to the patriotic, hardworking, honest and well-meaning developers of Pattaya as they diligently go about their business, trying to eke out a modest living in these hard economic times, whilst the number of soft twats waiting to be parted from their funds seems to be in inexorable decline. Have a heart!
2011-03-17| Spike saysYou’re right. I won’t do it again.
2011-03-18| TheSon saysFairly sure you promised to take me ‘Condo Shopping’ for fresh material when we get back to Thailand .. I’ve been learning the Thai for “this is nice, but do you have anything bigger and more luxurious but also cheaper?”
2011-03-19| Spike saysIn which case you also better learn the Thai for “No? Oh dear, that is very disappointing.”