MichaelJohn

I had a quote from an interior designer for our condo.

B2,000 per Sq.M

I didn't use her :-)

I've done a Nationdwide to Kasikorn Bangkok several time (using SWIFT code).

It always arrives next day with problem.

I transfer money from Nationwide to Kasikorn.

NW charge £20 fixed.

Kasikorn charge B500 fixed.

Always arrives next day.

I think GuestHouse said it all :-)

My transfers always arrive the next morning.

If you Thai bank is Kasikorn the XR is visible on their web page so all above board.

For large amounts they will ring and offer you a better rate.

It's a balance between Thai culture, making a living and keeping the pavements open.

At present they set up opposite each other, or chairs and tables that block the whole pavement which is just unacceptable with no regard for others.

It would be nice to keep the Bangkok ambiance; lets have a pavement to walk on and work together.

But, I believe that left to their own free will this will be impossible so, there needs to be some rules to keep a pavement clear for walking on.

The other "problem" is the parking on the road whilst they "set up" the stalls. This doubles the problem with traffic snarled up, pedestrians on the road, roads blocked by parked cars, etc etc.

Unless you set out to make the pavement wider to facilitate the stalls it will always be a problem; hence why you don't see this in the "developed" world.

I've bought several from eBay (Chinese supplier), without any problems.

I always go for the largest mAH available. Life is never as long as original manufacturer but at a fraction of the cost you can understand.

You can't mess with World prices. If the prices is falling it's for a reason; low demand. The concept is that discourages people from growing ........

You won't believe it but long live the Dandelion ... http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/08/20/uk-dandelion-rubber-feature-idUKKBN0GK0LK20140820

I would suggest you don't bring the money in until you are sure you're going to buy?

If you're not converting it to Baht there is no point; is there?

Leave it in the States, earn interest, then when you're sure transfer it directly to a Thai bank.

It only takes 1 working day for most transfers so you can do it just before you buy and don't risk any "scams" that you're worried about (not sure what they are) as the money won't be in the bank long enough :-)

Also, not sure about a declaration at the Airport as this may raise some concerns particularly if you're thinking of bring in cash?!

A bank transfer provides the necessary paperwork to buy the condo and also to remit the money back to the States in future years if required.

I'm sure I'm not the only foreigner living in Thailand with 2 residences (in fact I know I'm not).

I travel between Korat and Bangkok twice per month and stay 7-10 days each time. 

Any suggestions on what I should do to keep legal?

My bank is in Bangkok and I live near Korat. The local branch produces my annual letter/statement of funds (even though the funds are in BKK) without any problem or delay. I usually order it the day before, collect at 9am and drive to immigration .......... I have just dropped in the bank and asked for the statement and received it there and then (well, 15 minutes).

It's an Airnet microwave aerial for WiFi internet and a Power over Ethernet box to provide power to the aerial.

Relating to the story ....... there does seem (in my area) to be noticeably more tourists at the moment; maybe just European school holidays or the cheaper flights attracting people?

I think it's all here http://www.siam-legal.com/realestate/thailand-property-transfer-tax.php 

Yes, it's the additional filtering that adds a few milliseconds and can cause time-outs. A refresh usually does the job.

The location is okay as I think it it will be reached by boat from BTS Saphan Taksin and the existing pier for the major hotels; Peninsula, Oriental, Hilton etc

Two problems with that; they plan to close Saphan Taksin and the walk to the pier (50m) is disgusting with taxi drivers using the road as a toilet; definitely not 5 star!

A Thai contract is worthless .......

For 2,500 Baht you move in, live and move out when you've had enough.

If you have anything valuable I wouldn't leave it in what is obviously a "cheap" establishment; contract or not ..................

So many good stories we're reading................ The success of all these initiatives will be there for us all to see in coming months.

My experience is you can import on a retirement visa within the first 12 months.

The manifest must be detailed and clearly state goods are used and have a minimal value.

I think the guitars may get by the inspection if you're creative; if not then I doubt it will cost much in "duty"?!

I've had slightly more than this done; working 9-5 and not on holidays like mentioned above ..... 30 working days and they've been constantly at it.

You can get the re-entry at the airport; don't need to go to Immigration (plenty of previous posts about how, what, where .....)

Someone said to me that Thai's view a condo as Europeans view a car purchase.

They don't pay the Common Fee, they don't care about the investment, maintenance etc etc they live in it till it's worn out then move on, but another.

I personally don't go that far; but, I think you should view your investment akin to rental. If it goes down by X,000 B per month, as long as that reduction is less than what you'd pay to rent something similar then you're okay :-)

I have an unlocked air card (Huwei) which can be used on all bands and with all providers (cost about B5,000 on line).

I use True and AIS SIM cards although whilst travelling AIS is consistently better than True. For my house AIS also have better coverage.

I have always found the 3g data signal to be almost as good as my home broadband and can do what I need without problems. (RDP and VPN to Europe)

With both providers you can buy weekly or monthly packages on line and neither are cost prohibitive. The only thing you must remember, if this is your only Internet access, is to Top Up well before the money runs out or you have no access to buy on-line!!!

The retirement route is far easier and quicker than the marriage route.

If you wish to work legally then that may force you down the latter route.

You must remember that you should build something that they know how to build. Try to get them to build something they have no experience with will result in problems. To save face no one will ever admit in advance they don't know how to do it; you will be the one to suffer.

If you're to build in Isaan then do it the Isaan way ....... don't like that way, then build somewhere else!

I've built in Isaan and have a lovely house so it can be done.

Don't pay the village head; not necessary but, of course, don't fall out with him either as you have to live with him and he can make that difficult.

You should really get a video card with two outputs.

You can get VGA/HDMI or 2 x HDMI - depends on the connection on the monitors which you should buy.

You can also buy a USB to VGA adaptor which work okay!