PUBLISHED : 29 Apr 2025 at 13:42
A rare insight into City Realty, one of Thailand’s ground-breaking property developers led by the Sophonpanich family—renowned in the financial sector as founders of Bangkok Bank, Thailand’s largest bank by total assets, and majority shareholders of the company.
For over 35 years, City Realty has focused on long-term visionary projects that have redefined communities and neighbourhoods.
Bangkok is best recognised as a dynamic network of business and community districts, vibrant with activity and anchored by iconic landmark developments. Notable examples include Phrom Phong’s EmDistrict, which began with Emporium Tower and Shopping Complex, and the evolving Sathorn CBD, featuring Sathorn City Tower, Asia Centre, Chatrium Sathorn, and Bangkok Garden residences. Along the Chao Phraya River, the Riverside development—with Chatrium Riverside hotel and residences, and Shrewsbury International School—also stands out. These and other significant projects across the capital are the results of a visionary approach from one company: City Realty.
Founded in 1987, City Realty (CRC) has built a legacy of excellence grounded in local expertise, consistently pioneering high-end developments that have transformed Bangkok’s urban experience. Under the leadership of Chali Sophonpanich, the company has amassed a premium portfolio in Thailand and abroad over more than 35 years, with shareholders’ equity of approximately THB 40 billion.
Through innovation and strategic partnerships with global leaders such as The Mall Group and ESR, City Realty has quietly established a strong reputation for deliverability and trust. Investment momentum continues, particularly with ESR in the data centre and logistics sector, where the joint venture has already invested USD 500 million (THB 16.8 billion) towards a targeted USD 1 billion (THB 33.6 billion) spend. With favourable market conditions, further expansion is anticipated.
The company’s credibility is underpinned by meticulous site selection, focusing on premium locations with strong infrastructure and connectivity, and a long-term investment approach designed to create enduring communities.
EmDistrict: A Benchmark for Luxury and Innovation
EmDistrict exemplifies City Realty’s core values. Located on Sukhumvit Road, the project integrates luxury living, world-class retail, and entertainment in a dynamic urban hub. Emporium, one of Thailand’s first mixed-use developments connected directly to the BTS, transformed the Phrom Phong district into a premier destination. Today, EmDistrict includes Emporium, EmQuartier, Emsphere, and Emporium Suites by Chatrium, and continues to evolve through ongoing innovation.
The district, developed over a 30+ year partnership with The Mall Group, encompasses 650,000 sqm and sees daily visitor numbers of 150,000 to 200,000 at EmSphere alone. The retail lettable area is valued at more than THB 45 billion, excluding hotel and office components that would significantly raise the total.
Riverside: A Legacy of Timeless Waterfront Development
The Riverside development along the Chao Phraya River symbolises elegant living, hospitality, and education. Landmark projects such as Chatrium Riverside and Shrewsbury International School Bangkok Riverside, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, have played pivotal roles in the area’s transformation.
Land prices at Riverside have surged from around THB 80,000 per square wah prior to development to approximately THB 1.2 million per square wah today—an increase of 1,400%.
Sathorn: A Business, Residential, and Educational Network
Sathorn CBD embodies a carefully integrated urban ecosystem, combining high-end offices, residential communities, and educational institutions. Developments include Asia Centre, Chatrium Residences Sathorn, Bangkok Garden, Aster International School Bangkok, and the revitalised Sathorn City Tower.
Land prices in Sathorn have risen from around THB 80,000 to THB 1.5 million per square wah over the past 35 years, reflecting an increase of approximately 1,875%.
Driving Growth Through Visionary Leadership, Innovation, and Strategic Partnerships
City Realty’s resilience stems from a proactive, market-driven strategy informed by global insights and trend analysis. Its customer-centric approach anticipates evolving needs, while sustainability and smart design remain central to its development ethos. Eco-friendly solutions, energy-efficient systems, and smart technologies enhance long-term value and meet growing demands for sustainable living.
At the helm is President Chali Sophonpanich, known for his hands-on leadership and deep engagement in every project’s intricate details. His loyal senior management and long-serving teams reflect the company’s strong internal culture and commitment to building enduring partnerships.
Looking ahead, City Realty has announced the formation of City Dynamic, a visionary joint venture with Hong Kong’s Swire Properties—a market leader in the Asia Pacific region. The partnership’s first project will be an ultra-luxury residential development on a rare 8-rai freehold plot along Wireless Road, featuring two high-rise towers with world-class amenities and panoramic views of Lumphini and Benjakitti Parks.
Commenting on the new venture, Chali Sophonpanich said: “We are delighted to partner with Swire Properties on these ground-breaking ultra-luxury projects on Wireless Road. This collaboration brings together our combined expertise to create a globally recognised residential icon at Thailand’s most prestigious address, creating a space to be cherished and handed down through generations, while paving the way for future landmark developments.”
