If you’re considering buying land or a villa in Phuket, you’ll quickly run into unfamiliar terms like rai, ngan, and square wah. These traditional Thai land conversions can be confusing for foreign buyers, especially when you’re used to square metres or acres.
This guide explains exactly how Thai land measurements work, with clear conversions — and why understanding them is essential when buying plots, villas, or investment property in Phuket.
| Unit | Square Metres | Square Wah | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Rai | 1,600 m² | 400 wah | Common for large villa plots or developments |
| 1 Ngan | 400 m² | 100 wah | A quarter of a rai |
| 1 Square Wah | 4 m² | – | Base unit; used for smaller plots |
Converting Thai Units to Square Metres
To help make sense of it:
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1 Square Wah = 4 square metres
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100 Square Wah = 1 Ngan = 400 square metres
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400 Square Wah = 1 Rai = 1,600 square metres
Typical Plot Sizes in Phuket
Depending on the location and type of property, you’ll see a wide range of land sizes:
-
Townhouse or small villa plot:
50–80 square wah (200–320 m²) -
Standard villa plot:
100–200 square wah (400–800 m²)
(Often found in areas like Nai Harn, Rawai, or Kamala) -
Luxury sea view or hillside villa plot:
1 rai or more (1,600 m²+)
(Common in areas like Layan, Surin, and Cape Yamu) -
Development land or investment site:
Several rai, especially in Cherng Talay, Bang Tao, and Thalang
Why It Matters When Buying Property in Phuket
Understanding land size is crucial when:
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Comparing properties — what looks like a good deal may be a much smaller plot
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Planning a villa build — space for gardens, pools, or multi-storey homes
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Evaluating investment potential — especially for subdividing or developing
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Understanding leasehold vs freehold prices — often priced per square wah
Even when listings show the size in square metres, title deeds and official documentation (including the Chanote) will always list land size in rai, ngan, and wah.
Practical Example
If a Phuket listing shows 1 rai 2 ngan 50 wah, here’s how to break it down:
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1 rai = 1,600 m²
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2 ngan = 800 m² (2 x 400)
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50 square wah = 200 m² (50 x 4)
Total: 2,600 m²
That would be a large plot suitable for a luxury sea view villa or boutique development.
Be Careful with “Approximate” Sizes
Land sizes in Phuket are sometimes rounded off in marketing materials. Always have a lawyer or your agent:
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Verify the Chanote title deed
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Measure boundaries (especially in hillside or sloped areas)
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Confirm the zoning and building allowances
Looking for Land or Villas in Phuket?
Whether you’re buying a small plot to build your own home, a sea view parcel for a luxury villa, or several rai for a development — understanding land measurements is the first step.
We’re here to help you find the right land and guide you through the full buying process.
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