RoboLB

How very sad this whole episode it . . .

Don't Thai people realise that by embracing this 'fashion' they are merely making themselves look like complete fools, who know nothing of the World outside their own borders.

Many have commented on the failings of the Thai education system, and I have seen it first hand, being married to a Thai. This justs proves it to the World . . .

Buy an unlocked USB aircard which supports 850/2100 MHz 3G. Buy both a TrueMove H and DTAC/Happy SIM - 50 baht each, and subscribe to daily plans for 49 baht to determine which provider offers the best service. Then go with a maximum GB plan, which might offer the highest speed after you reach your threshold, or just keep re-subscribing to new plans if a throttled speed is inadequate.

20+ floors up may present some challenges re: 3G, you'll have to experiement.

10 - 25 GB per week may be challenging.

You should be able to get fixed-line broadband in your condo quite easily and quickly. Maybe DSL or DOCSIS form True Online, or DSL form TOT?

Sounds like a good plan. Thanks. think I have an Aircard aleady...

Hi All,

There is a lot of great information on here about the different types of USB wireless internet connections available in Thailand but I'm struggling with deciding my best option. I find the different services in Thailand a bit confusing.

I am trying to spend 4-6 weeks each year in Thailand on a kind of working holiday. Just doing bits of work online whilst taking a break.

Last year I based myself in a Hotel in Suk around Soi 24 and really struggled with gettting good internet. The Hotel WiFi was hopeless, so I tried a range of USB devices. None seemed to live up to the claims. Tried DTAC and AIS and others

If I could get 4-5 down and 1 up I'd be happy. Faster would be great of course.

Of course a lot depends on time of day, location, proximity to transmission towers etc.

Last trip we bought a small condo at On Nut, so we'll be based there this time. Right next to the BTS, 20+ floors up.

Can anyone recommend a really good device/carrier that we should go with? Just a pre paid USB that I can top up is fine. Maybe after this trip we can look at something more permanent to 'install'. Not sure yet what the Condo building provides. But I need 'mobile' internet anyway, as we may have a few days away here and there.

Oh, one last thing, the pre paid sims seem to come woth a pitiful amount of data allowance. That was another challenge. I do video editing and graphic work so need lots. I think the best AIS could do last year was a sim with 1GB. So I ended buying 5 at a time. I would use 10-25 GB a week easily.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Just tried it and it works fine. I use Google Chrome.

Yes it's back up now. Must have been a site issue.

Robo, there are many.

I had originally used Baker and McKenzie as I have used them internationally, but for the the last one I bought, I used a firm Bangkok Jurist on Silom Rd.

Very pleased with their professionalism.

Thanks I'll look them up.

Hi,

I am planning to buy a condo very soon in Bangkok.

I need to find a lawyer to go over the contract for me. Someone experienced in property contracts.

Lots of people have said 'don't bother' 'it's expensive' or 'all the contracts are standard anyway'. I'm sorry but there is no way I would spend baht 5-7 million without having a lawyer look at the contract. As well as all the other stuff that a good proprty lawyer should check. Planned buildings nearby, zoning, etc etc.

Any recommendadtions? Much appreciated.

Hi, still looking for a place to rent in January.

Probably a Condo, rather than a house. And it need not be that close to bang Plad as long as it is near BTS or MRT.

Any ideas ?

well, i have been living in bangkok for the last 5 years and own a company too. I don't think it is that hard to run business in Thailand. However, you have to make sure you spend less then what you earn. Mostly people here who have business problems aren't really here for business but for enjoyment and nightlife.

It is not business fails people, it is people fail business. My advice to you is to come Bangkok and seek for the opportunities that has the best priority. As far as investing the money is concerned which is obviously the matter of snapping finger, the real work begins to make it run.

All the best and Good luck!

Helping guru

Hi! directly from Munich

This is my first Post. By your name you ( and also the others) could help or might give me some good advises : We have the every good plan for making a Business in Rayong, Rubberband Factury. The Business Plan is ready done. We are ( my Thaiwife, my german friend and I) at the Start Up and need Venture Capital. Of course, the Capital from Germany for making a Business in Thailand isn't really easy to convince the Investors( although the reaction to the Business Plan is very positive). Is it possible to find Investor in Thailand and How?

again, our Idea is very good and works. Just now the problem is to find some Infos about Venture Capital in thailand.

Thanks forward..

Just a comment that is related to your plans. Do you 'need' your friend to set up the Business? Just be careful. I have nothing against your friend who I am sure is a wonderful person, it is just the concept.

I currently own 5 businesses and have owned others in the past. Setting up business with a 'friend' has for me always ended in tears........

IMHO I would not mix business with friendship. Think 5 or 10 years ahead. Lots can happen in that time. You or your 'friend' might want to sell the business, move somewhere else, join a hippy commune..........who knows. Trying to then resolve what to do with the business is a nightmare. Been there, done it. Seen the movie, got the t shirt. Never, ever, again.

Now I make sure I own or at least 'control' everything. Where others need to be a 'part' of the business I give them a profit share.......not ownership.

As an example i now rent a 4 bedroom/3 bath/3 airconditionings 120m2 unfurnished condo for 11.000 baht a month. It has a school, BTS, a small market, 7/11, lotus express and many small restaurants and shops all within a 500 meter radius.

I can buy the same size in this area only in another newer building for 7 M baht. The owner of my condo named a price once ,but he is not really keen on selling, of around 3 M baht.

Can I ask what area you live in? That sounds like a great price........

I get the same problem. Been like this 2-3 days now.

Very frustrating. Have chatted to friends in Thailand on Facebook and they still have access.

It MUST be a fault in the site. We have tried:

Clearing cache

using different browser (firefox and IE)

Using different PC.

Using different operatng system (iPad)

Using different Internet connection (IP address)

Still just get the install page.

http://www.prakard.com/install/

The only way I can see the site to to go to praGard using translate........

Thailand Real Estate & Property Forum (คอนโด,บ้าน)

www.pragard.com/ - Translate this page

Then I can at least 'see' the site. But as soon as I try to post.............back to the install page again.............

Any ideas? Does someone know the forum admins? Are they aware of this ?

We were close to buying a place at Centric (Tiwanon Station) but decided against it at the last minute. It really is quite a long way from the centre of town and will require 2 changes of train. And there is still some doubt I think about how all the relevant lines are going to connect........

I think somewhere on the Sukhumwit Line (Mo Chit end or On Nut end) or the Blue line up toward Lad Phrao would suit us best. We are both gettijg quite lazy in our old age, and to be able to wander down to the BTS/MRT and be in Siam area quite quickly would be nice for shopping, eating etc.

I usually think Kuhn Jean is dead on, and even here I think he is. But on the BTS topic, I see his point, but disagree. Even thought his example was a little different, I have lived varying distances from bts now and to be very close is just heaven. Not only that it is MUCH safer. Sometimes I felt like I was 50 50 on walking down my small soi as far as getting in an accident. And, you may sleep better knowing you can sell quickly as bts seems to be what thai workers want. To each their own of course, but I have actually really enjoyed the shoebox studios.... they cool off quick and you save a lot on furniture (because there is no room for any). As long as there is at least one separated area (a balcony or perhaps a nicely separated bedroom), they are gold for me. With your budget I would go 35-40m2 and down sukhumvit a ways.... udom suk or even further. Just a few thoughts

I think we will try to get near the BTS/MRT and trade off size to do it. It's not just the walk in the heat etc, but security for my wife. She gets nervous at night in particular and to be 100m or so from the station, on a main road, would be ideal.

Thanks for the advice. Certainly renting has its advantages. I just hate renting as it is 'dead' money. And also my wife wants to know that she has a home that she owns, in case anything should happen to me.........

Seeing renting as 'dead' money is a 'wisdom' that is not very valid anymore.

Money spend on buying a house is probably even more 'dead'. When you buy a house that you can rent for about 1/200 of the price then renting is much more economical. Most sell even at 300 or more times monthly rent. When you buy those the money spend is really really dead.

In a booming economy and with TV shows promoting buying houses many people were lured into buying a house, we all now how that went. At the moment the economy is in a very uncertain condition and houseprices in the future are not guaranteed to rise like they did the last 20 years.

Buying for high prices compared to renting should only be done when 100% sure you are going to live in it a long time (a home instead of a home/investment) and knowing that selling would not be easy and can even be with a loss.

The 'and also my wife' is actually the only reason why you should consider it because security is the only thing that counts for Thai especially female who not have many chances for a good job.

Another thing to consider is that while your wife may end up with a home, make sure the monthly costs are low as maintaining a house especially when one gets older can be a large burden. Freehold is not without future costs especially when there are fees to pay like in some moo bans and condos.

Yes, the main reason for this is to give my wife some 'security' if something should happen to me. I can understand how she feels. She will be more comfortable knowing that at least she owns a roof over her head.

I'm not so sure about the whole renting v owning debate to be frank. I've seen many people just stick to renting and as they get older and lose their income it can cause some real heartache.

For someone with lots of money to invest, and who can use the income from those investments to pay rent, it might make more sense. But in this every uncertain World, who knows if that makes sense either.

I would just rent. There are many to choose from.

And while you rent you will notice the things you'll like, need and wish.

I'll guarantee you that living here will be completely different as staying many times a short period.

The BTS is not the only thing that is important, it actually limits your choices drastically.

And in practice for what benefit? Shaving a few minutes of your traveling time? Saving a few baht, sometimes a taxi is just more convenient, door to door.

After living here full time i actually like using taxis better. Sure a BTS is easy if it stops exactly where you are going. For the rest of the destinations you'll find yourself walking a lot, and in the heat that is not really pleasant or fast.

Want to pay 4 million to be 300 meters from a bts or pay 1 million and be 700 meters from a bts?

I just give my opinion, i just find out by experience that close to a bts is actually not that important.

While you rent you have the privilege to see how the building you live in is managed. When something breaks, how quick is it fixed. Crazy farang with their bargirl friends living in the building? You will hear the girl scream and the man shout all night. Experienced that a few times in otherwise nice condo's. Somehow these obnoxious people can do whatever they want and nobody does anything. That can be a good indicator how much 'management' cares about their building and occupants. The building i live in now had one of 'those'. First warning was givin the next day, a week later the same thing, second warning and the next time they were out. Luckily the rented so getting them out was easy, but imagine you bought something next to a crazy one who also bought. Don't shrug this off! It happens too often.

Also while you rent you will see condo's for sale in the same building and you will get a feel of what prices are asked and what is actually paid. Can be a huge difference!

So sorry no advice for which buildings, just some other things to think about.

Thanks for the advice. Certainly renting has its advantages. I just hate renting as it is 'dead' money. And also my wife wants to know that she has a home that she owns, in case anything should happen to me.........

I won't get into the owning vs. renting debate, but I would recommend the following:

1. Find a location that you think is right for you. We are all different, and what is perfect for someone else may not be for you and your wife. By all means get advice about good neighbourhoods here on TV, but in the end you will have to make a decision yourself.
   
2. When you have found a location you like then rent an apartment for at least 6 months (the longer the better). Only after living there for a while will you truly know what it's like. Is transport OK, or does it take too long to go places? Are there the local amenities you need (shops, restarants etc.)? Are there noisy neighbours or businesses close by? Do the roads flood in the rainy season making it impossible to leave your home?
   
3. After renting for a while you will be better equipped to decide whether to move somewhere else, continue renting in the chosen location, or take the plunge and buy a condominium for yourself.
   

I think the above is the prudent strategy for just about anyone, but even more so for someone in your situation. You say you have never lived in Thailand, so you may decide after a while that Thailand isn't really for you, living here and coming to visit are two totally different things. You also mention that you will continue running your business from Thailand; are you aware that you cannot legally do so without a work permit, which would require you to establish a Thai company with Thai investors and at least a couple of Thai employees? The difficulties in running your business legally from thailand may (or may not) influence your decision to live in Thailand, and is another reason not to buy in haste.

For the record, I didn't follow any of my own advice. I bough a condo without living in the neighbourhood first, but at the time I bought I had already lived in Bangkok for a couple of years and was sure about staying. I also bought cheap, so had little to lose. I am very happy with how it worked out for me, but just because I was lucky doesn't mean you will be too.

Just my opinion, I'm sure not everyone will agree with me.

Sophon

Thank you for the advice. All very good. Whilst I have never actually 'lived' in Thaland I have visited about 120 times and I have had a business in Thailand for the last 10 years. Yes, the work permit situation is a constant nightmare.

I would just rent. There are many to choose from.

And while you rent you will notice the things you'll like, need and wish.

I'll guarantee you that living here will be completely different as staying many times a short period.

The BTS is not the only thing that is important, it actually limits your choices drastically.

And in practice for what benefit? Shaving a few minutes of your traveling time? Saving a few baht, sometimes a taxi is just more convenient, door to door.

After living here full time i actually like using taxis better. Sure a BTS is easy if it stops exactly where you are going. For the rest of the destinations you'll find yourself walking a lot, and in the heat that is not really pleasant or fast.

Want to pay 4 million to be 300 meters from a bts or pay 1 million and be 700 meters from a bts?

I just give my opinion, i just find out by experience that close to a bts is actually not that important.

While you rent you have the privilege to see how the building you live in is managed. When something breaks, how quick is it fixed. Crazy farang with their bargirl friends living in the building? You will hear the girl scream and the man shout all night. Experienced that a few times in otherwise nice condo's. Somehow these obnoxious people can do whatever they want and nobody does anything. That can be a good indicator how much 'management' cares about their building and occupants. The building i live in now had one of 'those'. First warning was givin the next day, a week later the same thing, second warning and the next time they were out. Luckily the rented so getting them out was easy, but imagine you bought something next to a crazy one who also bought. Don't shrug this off! It happens too often.

Also while you rent you will see condo's for sale in the same building and you will get a feel of what prices are asked and what is actually paid. Can be a huge difference!

So sorry no advice for which buildings, just some other things to think about.

Thanks for the advice. Certainly renting has its advantages. I just hate renting as it is 'dead' money. And also my wife wants to know that she has a home that she owns, in case anything should happen to me.........

Have you asked the family to look around?

They will know the local area.

I have, but they are not that helpful........... We'll end up in a mud hut!

Sorry if this is in the wrong forum, but I was not allowed to post a new thread in the Buy/Sell Condo forum for some reason....Option was greyed out.

My wife and I would like to buy an apartment or condo in Bangkok. But we would really appreciate any tips on Location and specific Buildings. Sorry this post is so long……

Let me give you some background. I am English, my wife is Thai (from Bangkok – Bang Plad). Married 10 years. We currently live in Australia. I have never actually lived in Thailand, but travel there 2-3 times a year for business. So have spent quite a bit of time there. But I have always stayed in Hotels or with the in-laws, so neither of us really know the apartment/condo market.

Our long term plans are to spent 6-8 moths a year in Thailand. I am close to retiring, or at least working part time. Not sure I will ever retire, as I run my own businesses and quite enjoy it. But I can work from Thailand just as easy as anywhere else.

Ultimately, we would like to retain our house in Australia, and have a house in Thailand, maybe near a beach. The Bangkok apartment is really just to give us a place to stay when we are in Bangkok. Either visiting from Australia, or visiting ‘the City’ when we live in Thailand. It is also services two other purposes: a ‘backup plan’ if business goes bad. Giving us a place to live in Bangkok. And also we plan to let my sister in law live in it for the next year or two, while she saves up for her own place. (Also means it won’t get left empty). She can stay with ‘Mum’ when we are using it J

Hopefully that puts it all into context.

The Apartment. We are looking for something not too small and not too expensive. Yes, a contradiction I know. Size wise, at least 40 square meters. But does not need to be bigger than 55 square meters. If we can get bigger, all well and good of course. Can be 1 bedroom, two would be nice. Spare storage, work area etc.

A bit of living space would be nice. Not one these studios where you cannot even cook a meal, or you fall over each other moving around. Some layouts are smarter than others I have noticed!

We happy to buy off the plan, as that means we can at least stage the payments. We are in no rush to live in it, but keen to buy now and know we have found a place.

We would prefer quite a high building, so we can be above the street noise. 20 floors plus.

We are not gym junkies, far from it, but a pool would be nice.

Location. It’s all about location I think. We would compromise on space / cost for a good location. Needs to be close to BTS/MRT. By close, not more than 300 meter walk. A real 300 meters not a Thai 300 meters J This is an important factor for us. Also close to the ‘action’ / CBD. By that I mean shops, restaurants etc.

We have looked at a few developments online. Q House around On Nut. But that is getting quite a long way from the centre and from Bang Plad (Family). My sister in-law went to look yesterday and said the show apartments were very small. On the other end of the scale we have looked at Pyne (Siam). Perfect location, but starting to get a bit pricey for us. But still a possible.

Another important factor on location is the risk of flooding. PinkLao for example would be close to family but I think is subject to flooding. And no BTS too.

Finally on location, whilst I am a farang, and I enjoy the company of other farangs, I would prefer not to actually live in a farang enclave with middle aged men like me lounging around the pool with their ‘rental’ teenage girl friends J Given that my wife may be using the apartment long after I am dead and buried, (being 10 years younger than me) a more predominantly Thai building / area might be better.

So I’m not sure, never having actually lived in Bangkok, but that might rule out areas like lower Sukhumwit?

Price. I want to keep the budget quite low, as our main home in Thailand will not be this apartment. So probably 5-6 million Baht is our maximum. And as I mentioned, buying off the plan has attractions to me by spreading the early payments out till completion. I don’t really want to have to find the 5-6 million right now, but could if I had to.

Regarding ownership, I’m not too worried about how that is structured. It can be under my wife’s name.

So that’s our shopping list J Any advice or tips on where to buy would be very much appreciated.

Even a modestly priced Hotel with large rooms/suites would do.

Any thoughts ?

WEB Design and development are areas where Thailand is not a bargain market. Having talked to several people in the same situation as you are in, they all outsourced their work to India, with good results as a minimum cost. Each found their Developers on the Internet. I will try to post the site thay used to find developers and post it here also.

India and the Philippines seem to be the best places to try these days. I have used contractors that I found on forums such as Digital Point, and the Warrior Forum, but the results there were not great. Then there is eLance. Found some great people there. And also a Philippines based company called Virtual Done Well.

Haven't been here for a while, but was just reading back on this thread.

As a bit of an update, I am reconsidering keeping my business in Thailand. The regulatory environment is just too hard. We have to spend more time, money and resources on meaningless reporting and regulatory compliance than our other business 20 times the size, based in Australia! I'm coming to the view that the Thai Government ( and revenue department) does not want to encourage small business at all, particularly foreign owned businesses. Very sad really.

In contrast, I have just started another business in the Philippines. A dream compared to Thailand. So much easier. So we may move more of our operations over there. Great pity as I love Thailand, but doing business there can sometimes feel like you have one hand tied behind your back.....

Hi,

My wife and I plan to spend 5 weeks in Bangkok at the end of the year. We need to be close to Bang Plad to visit family. 15 min by taxi would be fine.

I will be working whilst there, so need somewhere peaceful and quiet. 2 bedrooms would be nice as I could use one as a home office.

A small house is preferred, but Condo would be fine too.

We don't really have a specific budget in mind. Depends on the property and location. Happy to pay more for a nice view for example.

Comfort is important. Quiet area, no noisy or drunken neighbours. Clean and tidy property. (serviced would be nice but not essential) Walking distance to local shops and transport would be good

If you know of anything suitable please let me know.

Rob

RoboLB I think that an apartment building is a good idea.

If you want to increase the rate of return there is the possibility of buying land and construct your own apartment building. If you build it yourself the ROI can be as high as 15-20% on a student accomodation. This is of coarse not as easy as buying an existing one but there are many advantages such as the possibility to better control the layout and quality of the construction. However this option would include a lot more work initially.

Best regards, Stolten

Yes, my wife suggested that too. Not sure I want to go through all the hassle though. I am very time poor, running three businesses.

I have used Plaroma for many years. But as others have stated, Thailand is not the cheapest.

No real knowledge but I think it's a great idea

In most building's it seems the "real money" is in providing the "extras".

Small mark-ups on electric, gas, water and in-room internet rather than the rent.

RAZZZ

Yes I think you are right. Lots to me made on the extras. Laundry service etc.

Totally agree with your business . Bangkok is always lack of accomodation. First of all, you should survey the market price for making sure that you will not be riped off. Secondly, you can estimate your income monthly and see how many percent return which you will get per year. Thirdly, Compairing the rate of return from your investment with rate of return from the bank. This type of business's income will come from two types of properties :

1. ROI

2. Capital gain ( After sale properties)

Ps. make sure that rate of return from your apartment will come from the net profit monthly.

Good luck , hope my suggestion will be worth enough for you.

Yes, these are the normal means of assessing a property investment. Looks like 7-8% return could be possible. Though not sure I would bank on any capital gain. Apartments traditionally do not appreciate like houses, given the small land footprint/component.