Pak Kret, Thailand

With a population of 190,272, Pak Kret is the third most populous city municipality in Thailand. But don't let that fool you - this Bangkok exurb is a soulless sprawl of housing estates and strip malls. The geography is flat and uninspiring, with the city center simply a nondescript market area on the Chao Phraya River. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the municipality and district offices are the epicenter of red tape. And while the new MRT Pink Line connects Pak Kret to the capital, the daily commute is still a grueling slog. Overall, this is a generic, characterless suburb best suited for those seeking affordable housing on the edge of the Bangkok megalopolis.