If you're buying land in Thailand, one of the first things you'll notice is that property sizes are rarely advertised in square metres or acres. Instead, almost every land listing uses Thailand's traditional measurement system of Rai, Ngan and Talang Wah.
Understanding these measurements is essential when comparing plots, checking land values and calculating the true size of a property. Fortunately, the system is straightforward once you know the basic conversions.
This guide explains the most common Thai land measurements, provides quick conversion tables and shows how to read the land sizes you'll typically see advertised throughout Pattaya and the rest of Thailand.
Thai Land Measurement Conversion Table
| Thai Unit | Square Metres | Square Feet |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Talang Wah | 4 sq.m | 43.06 sq.ft |
| 1 Ngan | 400 sq.m | 4,305.6 sq.ft |
| 1 Rai | 1,600 sq.m | 17,222 sq.ft |
| 1 Acre | 4,046.86 sq.m | 43,560 sq.ft |
| Approximate Rai in 1 Acre | ≈ 2.53 Rai | |
How Are Land Sizes Written in Thailand?
Land is normally written using three numbers separated by hyphens.
Example: 1-3-20
This represents:
- 1 Rai
- 3 Ngan
- 20 Talang Wah
This is the standard format used on land title deeds, property listings and For Sale signs throughout Thailand.
Worked Example
Let's convert a plot advertised as 1-3-20.
| Calculation | Square Metres |
|---|---|
| 1 Rai | 1,600 sq.m |
| 3 Ngan | 1,200 sq.m |
| 20 Talang Wah | 80 sq.m |
| Total | 2,880 sq.m |
Simply multiply each unit by its equivalent square metres and then add the totals together.
Quick Reference Guide
| Talang Wah | Square Metres |
|---|---|
| 25 | 100 sq.m |
| 50 | 200 sq.m |
| 100 | 400 sq.m (1 Ngan) |
| 200 | 800 sq.m |
| 400 | 1,600 sq.m (1 Rai) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't Thailand simply use square metres?
Thailand has traditionally measured land using Rai, Ngan and Talang Wah. Although land can easily be converted into square metres, the traditional system remains the standard for land title deeds, legal documents and property marketing.
What is a Talang Wah?
A Talang Wah (also commonly written as Square Wah or Tarang Wah) is the smallest of Thailand's commonly used land measurements. One Talang Wah equals 4 square metres.
What is a Rai?
A Rai is Thailand's largest commonly used land measurement. One Rai equals 1,600 square metres or four Ngan.
Why do land listings show numbers such as 2-1-45?
This is simply the standard Thai way of writing land sizes. The numbers always represent Rai, Ngan and Talang Wah, in that order.
How does Cornerstone display land sizes?
On our property listings, we aim to display both the traditional Thai measurement and the equivalent square metres wherever practical, making it easier for both Thai and international buyers to understand the size of a plot.
Related Reading
- Complete Guide to Buying Property in Pattaya
- Browse Land for Sale in Pattaya
- Contact Cornerstone Real Estate
Important Information
The conversions shown on this page are based on Thailand's standard land measurement system. Minor rounding differences may occur when converting to square feet or acres. If you're purchasing land, always refer to the official land title deed and obtain professional legal advice where appropriate before completing a transaction.