A Bright Smile in the City: Life at Shama Lakeview Asoke Bangkok
The first thing you notice is her smile. Bright, warm, and genuinely heartfelt, it is the kind of smile that makes even a bustling Bangkok afternoon feel lighter.
Sawayama Ayame is a Japanese mother living far from her native Tokyo, and her life at Shama Lakeview Asoke Bangkok tells a story of family, discovery, and belonging.
When the family arrived in Thailand, her son Rio was just ten months old.
Two years later, he has grown up knowing no other home. Their apartment has become his world, a place where laughter fills the spacious living room, Lego towers rise across the floor, and father and son play football between two makeshift goals.
“It’s bright, spacious, and perfect for Rio,” Sawayama says proudly.
Her husband works in Sam Yan, commuting by car or MRT, a daily routine made easier by Shama’s convenient location. For Sawayama, the central setting has opened doors she never expected.
Each week, she visits the National Museum, where she has spent six months studying Thai history in preparation to become a volunteer guide. With determination shining through, she even pronounces “Thawarawaddy”, an ancient Thai kingdom, perfectly. In December 2025, she took the examination that officially made her a volunteer guide at the National Museum.
“It’s not easy,” she admits. “I didn’t learn Thai history at Japanese school. But I try.”
Her journey of growth continues beyond academics. Sawayama also trains in Muay Thai at a nearby gym in the Asoke area.
What began as curiosity has become a passion, offering both excitement and a way to release stress. For her, Bangkok has become more than a temporary home. It is a place where new interests and personal ambitions can flourish.
Everyday life is a blend of comfort and discovery. She shops at nearby Foodland and Fuji Supermarket, finding Japanese ingredients that help recreate familiar meals for her family. Rio loves curry rice, karaage chicken, and simple onigiri with kombu for breakfast.
On days when he does not attend his Japanese nursery, mother and son share bowls of udon together at the dining table.
Then there are the unexpected moments of kindness that have stayed with her. On both her birthday and her husband’s, the team at Shama Lakeview Asoke Bangkok surprised them with a cake and a handwritten card. “It was simple, but so thoughtful. We were very impressed,” she recalls.
These thoughtful gestures, together with the Shama Social Club, a lifestyle programme designed to help residents connect with one another and the local neighbourhood through activities open to all ages, have deepened her sense of community. Recently, she and Rio joined the Phi Ta Khon celebration, complete with a lively bamboo dance workshop.
Looking ahead, their future in Bangkok depends on her husband’s work and whether his role will allow them to remain in Thailand. For now, she hopes they can continue building their life here. Shama Lakeview Asoke Bangkok is not simply a place to live. It is where her son is growing up, where she has discovered new passions, and where friendships are nurtured over conversations in the family living room.
“The number one reason I love it here is the location,” she reflects. “Easy for my husband, easy for me, easy for our lives.”
Yet as she speaks, her smile says even more. It is not just convenience she has found here, but a home filled with warmth, opportunity, and possibility.
Story: Sue Rattanamahattana • Photography: Prattana Samransuk
ABOUT HEARTMADE
Created to celebrate the 60th anniversary of ONYX Hospitality Group, Heartmade is a series of heartfelt stories inspired by the people who make every stay memorable, from dedicated team members to cherished guests across Amari, OZO, Shama, Oriental Residence, as well as our spa and dining brands. Through personal memories, meaningful connections, and moments of genuine care, the series celebrates the warmth and spirit of hospitality that have brought people together for six decades. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from the Heartmade series.
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