Check the rules before you compare layouts
In Thailand, renting a unit for stays of less than 30 days falls under the Hotel Act. Commentators report that condominiums are treated as residential and that short stays are generally not permitted unless the building holds a hotel licence, and that building managements can set their own restrictions. Authorities have been stepping up inspections of short-term rentals since early 2025. Penalties are reported to include fines.
So the first question for any rental plan is the legal status of the building, in writing. Ask your advisor and your own lawyer what applies to the building you are considering, and do not rely on a yield figure that assumes nightly letting unless that is confirmed.
The two layouts side by side
- Studio, about 26 m², sleeps 2: one open room with a kitchenette. The lowest entry price at The Astra Samui, from THB 3.7M (about €100k).
- 1 Bedroom, 34–37 m², sleeps 2: a separate bedroom and a living area.
- 1 Bedroom Plus, 40–49 m², sleeps 2–3: includes a flex room.
- 2 Bedrooms, up to 73 m²: for families, and for owners who want room for guests.
Who rents which
A studio suits one or two guests who spend most of the day out. A one-bedroom gives a couple more comfort for a longer stay, which can matter if you plan longer lets. Neither is automatically the better investment: demand, the rules for the building, management fees and how often the unit is occupied decide the result, not the floor area alone.
Run your own numbers
Our rental calculator lets you enter a nightly rate, occupancy and management costs and shows an estimate. It is not a forecast or a guarantee, and we never display a yield above 11%, because yields quoted higher are usually marketing. Test a cautious case and a good case before you decide.
Furniture packs
The Astra Samui offers two furniture packs, Rental Ready and Signature Resort. Ask what each contains and what it costs, since furnishing is part of the budget for a rental unit.
General information only. It is not legal, tax or investment advice and it is not a guarantee of any return. Rules change, so confirm the current position with a licensed Thai lawyer and your own tax adviser before you commit.
