Chanond Ruangkritya Builds Asia’s First Porsche Design Tower in Bangkok

Thai developer Chanond Ruangkritya leads Porsche Design Tower Bangkok, Asia's first of its kind, blending luxury, Porsche design, and Bangkok's modern skyline.

In the bustling heart of Bangkok, where ancient temples stand alongside ultramodern towers, Chanond Ruangkritya is shaping his most ambitious project yet — the Porsche Design Tower Bangkok. For the 51-year-old Thai developer, whose company Ananda Development has been transforming the city’s skyline for more than two decades, this is not only the 100th project but also a personal symbol of a dream fulfilled.

Ruangkritya grew up in Thailand but moved to the United States at the age of eight, studying first in Florida and later earning an economics degree from the University of California, Berkeley. In 1998, he returned home to help his family weather the Asian financial crisis. He stabilized the company’s finances and laid the foundation for his own development path. By 1999, he had founded Ananda Development, focusing on housing for the growing middle class and projects within walking distance of public transport hubs.

Today, Ananda is known for brands like Ashton, Ideo, and Elio, while Ruangkritya himself is recognized as a firm yet inspiring leader of roughly one thousand employees. He values clear objectives and efficient meetings, but at the core of his personal philosophy lies Buddhism, regular meditation, and the ability to remain calm in any situation.

The Porsche Design Tower Bangkok, located in the prestigious Thonglor district, will be the first of its kind in Asia and the third worldwide after similar towers in Miami and Stuttgart. The project will feature 22 “stacked villas” — duplexes and quadplexes, each with access via the spiral ramp known as The Loop directly to a private Passion Space. These areas can be used to store cars, host gatherings, or create bespoke living spaces. Architectural elements echo Porsche’s DNA: the X-Frame pedestal inspired by the Mission R concept, fully automated terrace doors influenced by the Targa roof mechanism, and a light crown at the top to add a new touch to Bangkok’s night skyline. Completion is scheduled for late 2028, with prices starting at 15 million US dollars.

Ruangkritya sees this development as part of a wider global trend of automotive brands moving into high-end real estate. Similar projects have been launched by Porsche in Miami, Aston Martin in both Miami and Tokyo, and other automakers in Dubai and beyond. Industry analysts note that demand for such branded residences remains strong, driven by the combination of architectural excellence and brand prestige.

Yet Ruangkritya is known for more than his developments. His Porsche collection — from the rare Carrera GT and 911 GT3 RS models of different generations to the Cayman GT4 in the iconic Pink Pig livery — is housed in a three-level garage that resembles a museum. He plays an active role in the Porsche community, including the Das Treffen festival, and together with German designer Stefan Bogner, he created Curvistan Bangkok — a gathering place for brand enthusiasts, featuring exhibitions that range from electromobility themes to unique design showcases.

Despite the scale of his projects and his busy schedule, he finds time for runs through Benjakitti Park or early morning jogs to Chinatown. For him, it is not only about building structures but also about living in the moment: watching the sunrise, listening to music, and driving his Porsche when the city is still asleep. Perhaps it is this balance between architecture, cars, and inner calm that makes his projects so distinctive and eagerly anticipated.