How Baan Sabai Came to Be
Baan Sabai was founded in Chiang Mai in 2013 by a small group of people who had watched their own parents struggle to find residential care that felt anything like home. The facilities available at the time were either clinical in atmosphere, overbearing in structure, or simply not designed with individual dignity in mind.
The founders wanted something different — a place where older adults could live at their own pace, surrounded by warm staff who actually knew them, in a setting that borrowed more from Thai domestic life than from institutional design. They found a large property on Hang Dong Road with mature garden grounds, and began quietly building Baan Sabai.
The name means, roughly, "comfortable home" in Thai — and that remains the simplest description of what Baan Sabai aims to be. Not a care complex. Not a senior centre. A home that stays with you through the years.
Over twelve years, the community has welcomed residents from Thailand and from abroad, including long-term expatriates and retirees who chose northern Thailand for its pace, its climate, and its people. We have adapted and learned alongside each family — and we are genuinely grateful for every relationship.
Our Mission
To provide older adults with a residential environment that honours their individuality, supports their wellbeing, and feels genuinely like home — not a service, and not a facility.
Our Values
- Dignity first. Every resident's preferences and history shape how we care for them.
- Unhurried presence. Staff are trained to be available without being intrusive.
- Community over routine. Shared life matters as much as individual care.
- Transparency with families. We communicate openly and frequently with the people who love our residents.
By the Numbers
2013
Founded
12+
Years in operation
200+
Residents welcomed
24/7
Companion staff on site
The People Behind Baan Sabai
Our team is small, experienced, and deeply committed to the community they serve every day.
Apinya Pattanapong
Community Director & Co-Founder
Apinya shaped the ethos of Baan Sabai from its first days. She oversees community life, staff training, and the experience of every resident and their family.
Suporn Kanchanaburi
Head of Residential Services
Suporn manages day-to-day operations across the residential wing. With over fifteen years in senior hospitality, she ensures that routines are smooth and that residents always feel seen.
Nattapol Wattana
Activities & Wellbeing Coordinator
Nattapol designs and facilitates the weekly programme, from gentle movement sessions to creative workshops and community outings. He knows each resident's interests by heart.
How We Uphold Our Standards
From kitchen hygiene to staff conduct, every aspect of community life at Baan Sabai follows clear internal protocols.
Staff Code of Conduct
All staff complete a structured induction covering respectful communication, resident privacy, and the values that define life at Baan Sabai. Regular refresher sessions are held quarterly.
Kitchen & Food Safety
Our kitchen team follows Thai Ministry of Public Health food safety guidelines. Ingredients are sourced fresh daily from local Hang Dong markets. Dietary requirements are documented and respected.
Housekeeping Protocol
Suites and common areas are cleaned daily using non-toxic products. Linen and towels are laundered weekly or more frequently on request. Room inspections are completed on a rotating schedule.
Privacy & Data Handling
Resident personal information is held securely and shared only with relevant staff and family contacts as authorized. We comply with Thailand's Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA).
Safety & Emergency Preparedness
Fire safety equipment is tested quarterly. Staff are trained in basic first-aid and emergency response. Emergency contact protocols are established for every resident on arrival.
Family Communication
Families receive regular updates on their loved one's wellbeing. Premium Suite families have access to a dedicated communication channel. Concerns are addressed within 24 hours.
Senior Residential Living in Northern Thailand
Baan Sabai occupies a thoughtfully landscaped property on Hang Dong Road in Chiang Mai Province — one of Thailand's most liveable regions, known for its temperate climate, cultural richness, and community spirit. The area has long been a destination for Thai retirees and international residents seeking a quieter, more connected way of life.
Our approach draws on decades of collective experience in residential hospitality, community programming, and attentive companion support. We do not operate as a medical facility; our strength lies in the quality of the daily lived experience — the meals, the relationships, the rhythm of days that residents can shape for themselves.
Families who place their trust in Baan Sabai tell us they value the clarity of our communication, the warmth of our staff, and the simple fact that visiting always feels like dropping in on a home — not checking on a patient.
We Would Love to Show You Around
Arrange a visit to Baan Sabai — walk the gardens, share a cup of tea, and meet the people who make this community what it is.
Request a Visit