w11guy

With a Montenegro passport, Thaksin can travel freely to any European country in the Schengen agreement...

Montenegro isn't part of Schengen agreement and neither is it part of EU. Schengen visa means you can travel to Schengen countries not any European country. UK and Ireland are not part of Schengen, so a Schengen visa won't get you into UK.

A question for those who say it is too unsafe to come to BKK. If it is so unsafe, why don't you leave? If it is safe enough for you to stay, surely it is safe enough for me to come. And if it's not safe enough for me to come, then it's not safe enough for you to stay? Can you elaborate on your reasons. Not having a go at anyone, just trying to work out their reasoning.

Regarding government advice. When terrorists bomb London, the government still claim it's safe to visit. When terrorists bomb NYC, the UK and US governments still claim it's safe to visit. When there is violence in another country, it's suddenly deemed to be unsafe. This makes no sense whatsoever.

Your first argument is not very valid. There's a big difference in coming some place for a holiday...hardly a necessity and usually not that difficult to postpone or cancel...at most an inconvenience in most situations.

On the other hand, if you are living here (as I am), and you decide it's suddenly too unsafe, among the factors you have to consider are:

1. Will I be able to get my monetary deposits back to the US (for example)?

2. How do I get my "stuff" safely shipped to the States...especially since I don't have a state-side address?

3. How do I quickly sell my car and get a fair price?

4. Do I have to pay my rent for the remainder of the year's lease?

5. Emotionally, can I leave my Thai loved ones?

And more...just a few things off the top of my head. None of which affect the guy coming for a short vacation.

I think your second point -- which is essentially saying there's a double standard -- is a valid one. I lived in D.C. at the time of 9/11...6 miles from the Pentagon (which was attacked), 2 miles from the CIA (which was not), etc. We had some sleepless nights...which I have not had here since the Thai trouble began. I was the principal of a school in Virginia...and was given the responsibility of deciding which employee would literally risk his life to shut off the air handlers to the school (which required a long walk outside the building) so that chemical or biological agents used in an attack on the area or the huge Jewish temple next to our school wouldn't be sucked into the air exchange system and kill 1,000 students and 100 staff members. Again, I certainly don't feel that level of stress here...although the current situation in Bangkok is stressful and worrisome.

If I were a tourist, I wouldn't come now. I'd postpone. That's not to say you'll die if you come. It's just very far from the ideal time to visit.

I agree that if you were coming in a holiday it's a different matter, but I'm moving to BKK and have been planning it for months. I don't feel like I can put my life on hold and just wait. I could be waiting for ever. I prefer the idea of getting on with my life. I'm not planning to hang out in the red zone, so I'm sure I'll be quite safe. Well, as safe as in any other city.

A agree that it's difficult to just up and leave, but my comments were directed at some on here who seemed to say it was safe enough for them to stay but too unsafe for me to come. If it was truly unsafe, then things like paying your rent, selling your car would be secondary thoughts. But it's not that easy because I don't suppose any situation is black or white. There are different levels of risk. So maybe what I should have asked originally is How Safe Is BKK? But even that depends on an individual's perception.

Some people have told me not to go to BKK while they sit in front of me smoking. So they are doing something that will almost certainly kill them but don't see it as risky.

Taking all comments into account I have come to the conclusion that it is certainly safe enough for me to move there. Obviously things can change, but I'll cross that bridge if I get to it.

Thanks for all teh comments.

A question for those who say it is too unsafe to come to BKK. If it is so unsafe, why don't you leave? If it is safe enough for you to stay, surely it is safe enough for me to come. And if it's not safe enough for me to come, then it's not safe enough for you to stay? Can you elaborate on your reasons. Not having a go at anyone, just trying to work out their reasoning.

Regarding government advice. When terrorists bomb London, the government still claim it's safe to visit. When terrorists bomb NYC, the UK and US governments still claim it's safe to visit. When there is violence in another country, it's suddenly deemed to be unsafe. This makes no sense whatsoever.

Why would you risk it?

Nothing can be worth it

When you can't go here, can't go there ... why bother?

Watch out for this, watch out for that .... why bother?

My girlfriend is from BKK and her UK visa is about to expire, so we have decided t move to BKK.

There are some very interesting answers here and maybe some misinformation. I don't know if the UK government have phoned anyone asking them not to fly, but have only seen it mentioned on two forums, so I doubt it is ture. They certainly haven't phoned me. I also can't believe they would do this.

Regarding the safetly of BKK, many of you say it's safe but some point out that violence could erupt at any time. That's true, but it's also tru of most places in the world. I live in London and, as someone else pointed out, we have always had terrorists bombing us. It was the IRA through the 70s, 80s and 90s and in 2007 the underground and buses were bombed, resulting in more deaths than there have been in BKK recently. Also the terrorism here is targetted at civilians. At least in BKK it seems to be mostly between red shirts and army/police. Also in London we have people getting killed weekly by guns and knives, even in our clubs. Someone even used a sub-machine gun a club a few weeks ago. I think one person was killed and a few injured. And a 16 year old girl was shot in the head and killed in a chip shop last month. This is the reality of London, but I still feel safe here. I imagine it's the same in BKK.

use www.my-private-network.co.uk

I use it worldwide. Once you're connected to their VPN, you can watch iPlayer in any country. £5 per month via paypal.

Excellent. Just what I was looking for.

Is it possible to get BBC1, BBC2, ITV1, Channel 4 and Channel 5 in BKK via cable or satellite? If so, what's the most convenient way?

Are you able to watch BBC iPlayer there? I presume it's blocked but wondering if there is a way around this.

I'm planning to move to BKK in 4 weeks time and already have my flight and apartment booked. UK government is advising against all travel to Thailand, but I'm not that sure that they are a reliable source of info. So what's it really like there? At the moment I am still planning to come, but don't want to arrive in the middle of acivil war. I know the news makes these things seem worse than they actually are, so not sure what to make of it. Over the past 4 weeks I've just been assuming it will sort itself out before I arrive, but it seems like it is getting worse.

What advice do you guys have?

I am supprised there are so many still comming to Thailand "Rubber neckers"

Why are you surprised. The situation isn't that bad at all. No worse than people being bombed on the London underground and shot and knifed to death in the clubs. A couple of weeks ago a few people were shot with a sub-machine gun in a London club. The UK government don't warn about travelto London, but do warn about travel to Thailand. Seems a bit odd to me.

Anyway, I'm still coming in a few weeks.

Kuhn W -- If you look at Post #18 the problem for the OP is that regardless of from what domicile he hosts his website he intends to be on Thai soil calling on potential customers; for this activity he would definitely need a Work Permit ... you would like to discuss the viability of his and related internet business models -- however in LOS both successful and failure website models that entail physically calling on potential customers need a WP.

I agree with you that he seems to need a work permit. That was the original question. I just wanted to point out that there were too many negative replies that weren't answering his question but that were just making blanket negative statements that were just not true for many people. This is getting off topic, so last reply on the subject from me. Happy to discuss in a new thread in the appropriate forum with anyone who's interested.

It depends. If you are working in Thailand (and tell people in Thailand that you are working) you need a work permit. If you browse the Internet, read and write emails, write down your thoughts and impressions, etc, you do not need a work permit.

--

Maestro

I think this probably sums up my situation. I'm not going to work but may have some things to sort out via email, etc. I wouldn't really classify it as work.

My advice : Go back to the Royal Thai Consulate and ask for a one year multiple entry Non-B visa.

If you don't intend to settle down in Thailand, you may not need a work permit.

If you mean a non-immigrant B visa, then isn't that for business only? I don't want to make this look like a business trip because it isn't one and I may only need to do a few hours a week work or maybe none at all. I own the company and am 100% shareholder, so I can't get someone else to sign a covering letter to say I'm working for the company. I'd rather not work at all than have a load of hassle for the sake of a few hours here and there.

At the moment I don't know whether I plan to stay there or not. I just know that I'm likely to be there for 12 months at least. So I need to know what's best for this particular trip.

Have a look at this link. Minimal paperwork. You will need to send in application form, passport, recent passport sized photograph and fee by special delivery. Suggest you enclose a pre-paid special delivery envelope for return of your passport/visa - will cost about £4, otherwise Hull will charge an £8 return postage fee. The visa is routinely issued by this consulate so should not be a problem.

http://www.thaiconsul-uk.com/downloads-and-visas.aspx

Can someone try downloading a file from the above. I need to apply for my visa but I can't open any of the files. They look like acrobat files, but if I try to open with Acrobat I get a message saying they may be corrupt.

I managed to sort this out. I just opened as a Word file.

I've searched the forum but can't find an adequate answer to the following.

I'm a UK citizen that has a UK limited company that I use for my writing work. I am moving to Thailand next month. Will I need a work permit if I wish to write for the company while in Thailand? I take salary and dividnds from the company and these will continued to be paid directly to a UK bank account.

If I do need a work permit, what type do I need and how do I apply. I have a 12-month O-visa (visiting friends) for when I move there in May.

Have a look at this link. Minimal paperwork. You will need to send in application form, passport, recent passport sized photograph and fee by special delivery. Suggest you enclose a pre-paid special delivery envelope for return of your passport/visa - will cost about £4, otherwise Hull will charge an £8 return postage fee. The visa is routinely issued by this consulate so should not be a problem.

http://www.thaiconsul-uk.com/downloads-and-visas.aspx

Can someone try downloading a file from the above. I need to apply for my visa but I can't open any of the files. They look like acrobat files, but if I try to open with Acrobat I get a message saying they may be corrupt.

I have had/owned a number of websites in my life and there is no guarantee that anyone is going to visit a website, I know yours will be better than all the rest etc. I do not want to sound negative but making money from a website on the internet can take years. Yes I know there are a million advertisements telling you how to make money, and it is your dream. We must always remove our egos from the situation. "my jewelry is beautiful and everyone will want it" did not work for me as a manufacturer and wholesaler. Now with a a forum blogging website for one of the diseases that most people die from every year after that I have had for 5 months that is free to join and I have 8 affiliate ads on the site I think that I have 14 members. (the affiliate ads are how I may make money if you purchase one of the products advertised). Having a successful website requires years of work and constant changes. The travel industry is one of the most competitive and there a people and corporations with the money and many years of expertise that you will be competing with. "We are Positive"

Good luck now.

I find these forums quite interesting and informative, but it is amazing how much advice is given that is so negative. The reply above is correct in stating that "making money from a website on the internet CAN (my emphasis) take years". But this depends on the type of business model you have and also your experience.

He is also correct to state that "Yes I know there are a million advertisements telling you how to make money". But what's he's missing is that these make money ads are over 99% aimed at complete novices with no experience whatsoever. I'm just amazed that so many people with no business experience who are in a deadbeat job think they can suddenly make $30k a month by following some simple instructions.

It also seems that the above person is negative because of his experience. I'd be very surprised indeed if you ever made a sale from a free blog with 14 people signed up and 8 ads. This is the totally wrong way to go about making money on the internet. You are signing up 3 members a month. That sounds like you either aren't doing any work at all or have no idea whatsoever what you are doing.

You are confusing your own experience, and that of many others, with the original poster who wishes to run a business. Many people who run internet businesses make lots of money. I know 3 people personally who make £1000+ a day. I only started 6 months ago and am already making a decent amount, although not a full-time income. But I will be making a full-time income within the next 6-12 months.

So yes, it can take time to build a business, but that applies to all businesses not just internet businesses. You can fail at any business if you don't understand it. Making money on the internet is a specialised job so you need to learn how to do it before just leaping in without a plan.

It is not hard to make money on the internet all if you know what you are doing.

So let's stop all the negativity from the people who don't know what they are doing.

If I set up a restaurant business I'm sure I'd be a complete failure, but that doesn't mean I should discourage everyone else. Many people are a great success at it.

So don't project your own failures onto others.

What's the situation there like for foreigners at the moment? I'm moving to BKK at the end of next month and have already booked flights and first week's accommodation. I'm also in the process of finding tenants for my UK apartment. I'll be staying at Soi 23 Sukhumvit Road. Is that away from the trouble?

Are any of you having problems there at the moment?

It's more helpful to know the median wage rather than the average. A few very rich can distort the average. One person earning $1 million and 99 earning $10k, makes the average $19,900, but that's pretty meaningless if you want to know what most people earn, because 99% earn about half the average.

I assume that there are a few very rich Thais in BKK that really distort the average. It's the same in LDN. The average property id arounf £200K, but the vast majority have no hope of being able to buy one.

Just called the Hull consulate and they said to just send the form and they will return within 3 working days. They said not to expect any problems as it is very straightforward.

So thanks to everyone for their help with suggesting the Hull consulate and the 12-month visa.

That will do me for now. No point stressing about what to do in a year's time because it's anyone's guess what I'll want to do then. But if I need proof of income I'll take my bank statement and a letter from the estate agent.

Just to play Devil's Advocate, what if the tenants move out and you cannot find new ones.................

Rental income is not assured.

I live in an area where demand exceeds supply by a very large amount. There is no reason that it won't be rented out. I get letters from estate agents almost every month saying they have tenants waiting for apartments in this area. But if things changed and it didn't rent out then I'd cross that bridge if/when I got to it. I am not relying on rental income totally. I just want it to show I have an income. But can you show a cash amount instead of an income? If so, how much do you need?

Surely the OP is his own answer.

We have a real estate market not doing so great, yields down but prices staying put yet he is very keen on buying, why?

I am also interested in buying. Why? Yields are 6-7%, 200,000 US$ cash for a new 1-2 bedroom next to a BTS, hotel quality gym/pool facilities, rent to single Japanese/Korean/farang expat business man, thats @1,000 $ per month rental income after maintenance etc. and no mortgage so its all 'profit'.

No other investment asset can give you that type of regular cash return..(Plus the principal is likely to increase as property values increase in mid-long term).

But I am waiting to see what happens re: Thaksin/red shirts this month before buying anything.

Just wanted to give you a buyers perspective.

You can get better returns than that in the US. There are brand new properties for sale in Florida that give a 7-10% return. They are currently selling for below rebuild costs so are bound to appreciate over next 1-10 years. And your property is safe in the US.

There is bound to be a risk that at some time over the next few years that instability will drive foreigners from Bangkok, as it will be perceived to be unsafe, even if it isn't. Companies won't want to send employees there are you may not have anyone to rent your condo to. It could even drive property prices down.

I don't think a return of 5-7% is worth the risk in such a politically unstable country. Especially when you can get higher yields in stable countries like USA, UK, etc.

won't be returning to this place due to their smoking policy (and i'm a smoker)

If you want to smoke then sit outside, have tables. Why spoil everyones else meal with that stinking death mist. Your problem not outs.

Great Bar. I use it when on Sukhamvit, just changed ownership. Great for the Rugby.

I think he's saying he doesn't want to go there because they allow smoking inside. He's not saying he wants to smoke inside and he can't. He's pointing out that even being a smoker, there is too much smoke inside.

Why wouldnt you buy the ladies drinks? This is tantamount to taking them home... they earn a bit of dosh while they are chatting with you. Anyways pretty rude going into a gogo and not buying drinks especially if they are talking with you. Now I didnt say every one that comes up to you, but couple drinks isnt going to hurt you.

Anyways as I said you do not need to drink in these situations to have fun - misconception of the highest order.

I know I dont need to drink to have fun, been doing it all my life. But I just dont get the whole "buy a lady a drink" to talk to me thing. She sees me as a big baht note, not a person. She is told to get men to buy them drinks for the bar, its just her job. I am simply completely incapable of buying the illusion that she has any real interest in me or talking to me, which ruins it for me. I might as well light 200 baht on fire for all it will do for me to buy a woman like that a drink. This is just me, I'm sure it is great fun for others.

I think your main problem is that you have the wrong mates and hang out in the wrong places. You need to get a new set of friends and do things you enjoy. I know this may be easier said than done because of your shyness, but there is help out there. Try reading the book Goals by Brian Tracey. This is great for working out what you want out of all aspects of life and setting goals to get yourself there. Your goal would be to make new friends, do new things and find a nice wife. The book with show you how to break this down into manageable tasks.

If you're shy it also helps to do things every day to overcome this. A year or two I read a book about how to meet girls. It gives advice to for the most hopeless of men. I don't remember all the advice but the jist of it was that you need to do something everyday. So for example, if you just can't go up to women and talk to them during the daytime, then on day 1 you have to do something like talk to 20 women but just say something like 'excuse me do you know what time it is?' or 'excuse me, do you know where the nearest Starbucks is?'. You don't attempt any other conversation. If they say 'it's 2pm' you just say thanks and carry on walking. If you do this 20 times every day you will soon getting so used to it that it will seem normal. You then move on and start adding a sentence or two extra. But only when you are comfortable enough. You then build on this until talking to them seems normal. 20 a day may seem like a lot, but you could easily do this in an hour. There is also another one I remember that you can start with and that's to just go out walking and catch women's eye as you walk past them, but don't stop or say anything. You will still have made a little connection. And made the women feel good because you will have noticed them.

One thing about buying the girls drinks though. You say you don't want to, but just think of it like leaving a tip at a retaurant. The girls there are only doing it for the money. They serve you and you leave a tip. The bar girls only want a tip. Just buy them a drink and don't think about it. I think maybe you are spending too much time thinking about the rights and wrongs of things. Just buy them a couple of drinks and forget about it. It's only money.

I'll be moving to BKK in May. So if you fancy meeting up to do some non-drinking things, I'd be happy to do that. Same goes to other posters here. I only drink occassionally, but can happily drink with the best of them or not drink for months. Depends what's going on in my life and what I feel like at the time. It's a great feeling not drinking for months and getting fit and healthy. But it's also great having a few drinks. So I'm happy to make friends in both camps.

Jaideeguy, (crappy handle)

Its not the not drinking but the 'my shit don't stink' attitude non drinkers seem to get especially here.

I find it funny when I see chaps belting off about 'Expats who spend all day in Bars' when thats probably what they did during their first five trips here and little else.

Drinking isn't an evil unless you're a Methodist dick like one finds in Lancashire. Yorkshire and many parts of the US.

It's just something people do.

For some, especially the English (and our offspring) the Germans and the Scandic nations it's a cultural activity.

By decrying our drinking, you are debasing our (and probably your own) culture.

Seriously, if you lack the imagination to live without alcohol then you guys have the problem, not we Band of Stumbly Brothers

I think it is you that has a problem and not the original poster. You claim that non-drinkers are sanctimonious, but I've never found that to be the case. You sound like you have a really problem with alcohol. They way I can tell is that you are getting angry because some other people don't want to drink. That is a sign of alcohol addiction.

I don't care either way. I used to drink regularly (a few times a week) and then gave up for thre years and now drink once every week or two. I find this is what suits me best. I don't do it because I think I'm better than people who drink every day.

Someone else pointed out that there are three types of people - real drinkers, occassional drinkers and non-drinkers. I have been all three and know all three and I can say that they ones that seem to have the most proplems are the ones that drink very regularly. I have nothing against them and if that makes them happy then good for them. I have friends like this and get on well with them, so I've no need to say anything against them. Bet there are few, like you, who get really angry when they come across a no-drinker. I think this is because deep down you know you have a problem and being in the presence of a non-drinker highlights the propblem in your mind. So it's easier to have a go at them than face your problems.

It's only when I gave up drinking for 3 years that I really realised this. Occassional drinkers didn't have a problem with me not drinking. Some even said they wished they could do it. But the regular drinkers were the ones who got angry and had a go at me. They claimed I was being stupid, etc. It seemed to boil down to the fact that they thought I couldn't enjoy myself if I didn't drink. I have enough activities to keep me busy and happy without having to drink. These drinkers were obviously saying what they though - that is that they couldn't enjoy themselves without a drink.

You sum it up in your earlier post where you say a woman would have a rubbish night out if she didn't drink. If you really think that then you really need some help. I know many women who love a night out with a man that doesn't drink. You don't realise how much some of them appreciate it after having had so many dates with people like you who can only function if they have a drink. Please get some help, for your own sake.

I've come across this place - http://www.admiralpremier.com/ - anyone stayed there? Looks great. May stay here for first week and then take a look around.

I'm moving to Bangkok in June and plan to stay in a serviced apartment for the first month while I get my bearings and work out where I'd like to live longer-term. I want somewhere that's fairly lively and near all amenities such as shops, restaurants, cafes, etc. I don't want to be out in the sticks or anywhere to quiet. But I don't want to be near the equivalent of Picadilly Circus. Silom has been suggested to me as a good place to start. What do you think?

When I say best I mean best in terms of a balance between a nice aparment and a not too expensive rent. I would like a nice place but I'm I want to pay as little as possible, as I would prefer to have more spending money. But on the other hand I don't want a dive. Ideally I'd like a high floor apartment with a view of the city. It has to be modern with all amenities, such as wi-fi, aircon, washing machine, etc.

Any suggestions on where would be good for my initial month and for a longer-term stay (at least a year).

I came across this --> http://www.presidentpark.com/. For thw whole of June the price is 60,000 THB. Is this a reasonable amount to pay? I've no idea what the going rate is and am hoping some locals will know of some better deals. I can afford that for first month but would prefer to pay much less for a long-term place.

All help appreciated.