Everyone is looking for good investment. The Banks still do not give much yield for your money. Real-estate was always a solid investment. The most important factor is LOCATION, location, location. Bangkok Thailand is a great location as prices has not soared yet compare to neighboring country like Singapore and Hong Kong. However, these big cities are an example to what will happen to real-estate prices in Bangkok in the future. Right now you can still buy a studio apartment for the price of 1.5 mil to 3.5 million baht (depends on location and floor). Prices are expected to double in the next 10 years. Meanwhile you can enjoy a nice steady cash flow: rent money that leads to about 5% to 8% yearly yield. That is much better than any bank will give you.
As far as location concerned, I recommend to buy a condominium high rise, studio size above the 10 floor, in an area which is popular by the foreigners. That is mostly at Sukhumvit soi 1 to 71 of Silom, Saturn area. Personally I prefer to limit this even more to only Sukhumvit Soi 1 to 24. One can buy 1 bedroom and bigger, but they are harder to rent out. There much more able singles that looks to rent a place in these locations.
When buying a condo in Thailand you do need to bring all the money from overseas; once you do it is relatively easy process. You do need to check the unit that you buy. You can hire a law company to do the "Title Search" and to represent you in the Land department as local government office will not speak English.
Taxes are being paid in the land department on the day of purchase. It can be split between the buyer and seller, depends of the selling agreement. There aren't any additional taxes. However there is a maintenance monthly fee that can be paid on a yearly basis. If you give a local agent to find a tenant and manage your property it usually cost 1 month rent for 12 month contract. You might be lucky to find a real-estate manager that will give you a signed lease on your property. This way you will secure your monthly earnings without worrying about being vacant. This is the best solutions for foreign investors that do not live in Thailand.
You can check 2 special offers:
1 bedroom with big Balcony on the 15floor at Sukhumvit Soi 1 (4.9 mil)
http://www.my-bangkok-apartments.com/bedroom-apartment-15.html
Or Studio 14floor of Sukhumvit soi 4 with 6% return at (2.8mil baht)
http://bangkok.craigslist.co.th/reo/2498665794.html
Aylon Spigel