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What kind of town is Si Racha?
Si Racha lies about 100 km southeast of Bangkok — roughly a 90-minute drive — within Chonburi Province. Originally a small port town built on the timber trade, it grew into a hub for international companies and expatriate families following the opening of the nearby Laem Chabang Port and the concentration of industrial estates around it.
Today Si Racha offers restaurants, supermarkets, schools, and hospitals that cater to the needs of foreign residents, making it easy for newcomers — including families — to settle in. It lacks the scale of Bangkok, but that also means a calmer, more settled pace of life.
Si Racha at a glance (key facts)
The figures below were compiled around 2020 for our former website. Population and other numbers change over time, so please treat them as a rough guide. Contact us if you need up-to-date statistics.
| Item | Figure | Note |
|---|---|---|
| District established | 1917 | Formalised after the growth of the timber industry |
| District population | approx. 320,000 | Around 2020 (approximate) |
| District area | approx. 643.6 km² | The wider "Si Racha District" |
A brief history of Si Racha
The name "Si Racha" did not originally exist; the area was once part of the Bang Phra district. Around 1900, the businessman Chao Phraya Surasak Montri established a timber company here, and as his enterprise grew rapidly, a sizeable community formed around it. In 1917 the area was formally designated as "Si Racha District."
The turning point in the town's development came with the opening of Laem Chabang Port in 1991. Within a few years it had become one of Thailand's largest cargo ports, drawing automotive-related industrial estates to the surrounding area. Following the major floods of 2011, companies relocating from harder-hit regions accelerated the growth of the local expatriate population.
Si Racha today (2026)
Si Racha has established itself as a town with well-developed living infrastructure for foreign residents. The town centre around the Robinson department store is dotted with restaurants and cafés, while shopping complexes such as AEON Mall, J-PARK, and TUK COM support daily life. Several international and local kindergartens make it a practical choice for families with children.
Ko Loi, a small island connected by a bridge, is the town's landmark. Si Racha may not be a flashy tourist destination, but for sheer liveability it remains a favourite among expatriates.
Access from Bangkok
Si Racha is about a 90-minute drive from central Bangkok, and around the same from Suvarnabhumi International Airport. The area is served by Motorway No. 7, making travel to and from Bangkok and the airport relatively smooth. This easy access to the industrial estates and the port is one of the main reasons expatriates choose to live here.
Why residents choose Si Racha (by lifestyle)
Explore Si Racha in more detail
For more about living in Si Racha, see the guides below.
Finding a rental in Si Racha
Different property types suit different needs. Choose the guide that fits your situation.
Talk to us about living and renting in Si Racha
Not sure which area suits you, or where to start before your move? We welcome pre-arrival enquiries too.
Our English-speaking staff will help you find the right home and settle into life in Si Racha.