abrahamzvi

I think that NOBODY, but nobody, is in a position to forecast with a degree of certainty the movements of currencies, be it the US$, the EURO, GDP or even the CHF. What has been taking place world wide since 2008 QE- i.e. printing of money and keeping interest rates a near zero, defies all economic theories. Billions of $, which are backed by nothing, i.e. an artificial currency, are produced daily, a procedure which normally would create inflation and hyperinflation. What is happening now no (or nearly no) inflation and in some countries like Japan even a deflation takes place. Can any economy scientist explain this??

My only advice is try and spread your currency risks. It may, just may, help under certain circumstances.

I agree with practically all the comments. Most of them can be summarised in one sentence: It's the type of tourists that flock to Pattaya and Phuket ( and may I add that I do know of one or two places that one can enjoy a safe and very pleasant holiday with ones family in Phuket), who most certainly do not look for cultural attractions , but for other ones. The Chiang Mai tourists are a different breed, they may be back packers, but they mostly look for what Chiang Mai has to offer, beautiful gardens, most interesting Lana culture, cleaner streets and a astoundingly beautiful surroundings.

We, my wife and I, have been living in Thailand for over 10 years and our experience is that if one owns one's accommodation, no repayments on a car (or cars) and without expensive holidays (within or outside Thailand) around 60 t0 75K can suffice for a very comfortable life. What is expensive in Thailand is private education (particularly so international schooling), which can cost up to Baht 50k monthly (non boarding). Further, if one lives in a luxurious, central area in Bangkok ( the same, but to a lesser degree applies to Chiang Mai, or Phuket) in rented accommodation than even 120k monthly won't be enough.

Having said that, to maintain that one can comfortably live here 75% cheaper than in the US, is, in my view totally unrealistic, unless one lives in one's own house, in a cheap area and eats only Thai food (which can be very tasty at times). Obviously life is cheaper here than in Europe or US ( not even mentioning Singapore and HK), but it all depends on the life style one wishes to lead. If we compare our cost of living here to the US or Europe, where we used to live before we came here, I would say that apart from the luxurious house we have here and the housemaid, which we could most certainly not afford overseas, we could live in most parts of the US or continental Europe, for the same income. Again, we spent much, much more when we had two daughters attending international schools!

.......don't get involved...let her find someone....or not...on her own.....Thais are very good superficially.....

Why do you think,speak and express yourself in such a derogatory form about Thais?????

I love how the bills all come in Thai so you have no idea what they say (unless you read Thai) but when the letter arrives telling you your payment has not been received and that you must pay a fine, oh that is in English.

I was told my monthly elec should be about 800. I live in a 1 bed condo. I have 2 A/C units. If one is on, the other will be off. Both off when I go out. Maybe 1 on at night if it's hot but not all night and only 27/26 degrees.

Haven't been using the TV. A shower every morning. Yet my first bill came to 1200. A big jump from 800.

This whole bill payment hing is a pain in the ass. Why can't they just do a direct debit from my Thai bank account each month? That's how all bills arre paid in the UK. Fire and forget.

Thailand.

Who says you can't have a direct debit through your bank? I have been paying my electricity and water bills through my bank, on a direct debit basis (charge is baht 5 per entry) for years, only my 3BB charge has to be paid directly. I do this on an annual basis for a very decent discount!

Because the law specifically states that you have to report every 90 days.

(Only since a few years can you be on a yellow household book).

This is Thailand, nothing is ever made easy for you. Thailand makes rules regarding immigration to make you spend money, ie visa runs out of the country, ninety day reporting, plus all the other costs.

U think Thailand is worse than uk?????

Nonsense

YOU are correct!! It is nonsense to say that Thailand is worse than the UK, USA, or some other western developed countries. Try and have a visa run to the UK or USA, every 90 days, if you are in need of a visa (Thais) and you'll be lucky to get a visa on the second run, after a lot of explanation. Most certainly you won't get one the 3rd time!!!!

Be grateful that you are not assessed to Thai Taxation which those with PR are and on their worldwide income too. A low profile is what you need to adopt.

Actually anybody that is in Thailand for more than 180 days of the year is liable for taxes earned from working or rental income.

You are right, but this refers to income from working in Thailand, out of Thailand on behalf of a Thai company as well as any rentals, interest, dividends etc earned in Thailand. Quite frankly when I read various remarks, advices and the likes in this section, I am sometimes surprised and perturbed by some ignorant an incorrect, as well as somewhat bewildering statements

Why would a med student, taking a year off, visiting Pakistan and Indonesia, joining a "conservative" Islam mission, draw suspicion?

I think that if one looks back over the last few years (0/11, Madrid, London, and few other places) one knows the answer. It may be totally unfair to an innocent person concerned, but it is done for the protection of all of us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can you tell us how one can live in Thailand on EURO 4,000 p.a = app.EURO 350 pm, i.e. app Baht 14,000 pm? Or maybe you meant EURO 1,000,000? If so how many people at 28 have that amount of money? Not many!

Admittedly, to come here at a young age, find a decent job and earn enough to live comfortably and save enough for retirement is very commendable. However, this is not that easy, particularly considering inflation. I fully agree that one can lead in Thailand is a wonderful life, IF one can afford it. I have been here for over 10 years and I am enjoying life here. However, I could afford to send my two daughters to International schools, can now support them at universities and still live quite comfortably. I doubt, no, I do know, if that were possible had I come here 10-15 years earlier.

100000 euro at 4%, and you can retire.

the question is what you do all day when 28?

hang out drink beer, then what?

stay on Internet, go out a little see what s going on, then back in room watch TV, go eat, get a beer, then come back, watch picture on dropbox, then what? date a lady, speak with friends you meet in the lobby of your 5000 bats hotel.

best is to work in Thailand, make plenty of money then retire. ...

are you lazy?

I do have a German Credit card (as well as an EC card) and I do not know of any German bank that does not charge a fee for ATM transactions in foreign (non EURO) countries, or rebate the Thai charges. Normally, they carge between 1.5 to 2% 9the same as when using a credit card in a forein country to purchase goods) and in some cases where the amount is low, say under EURO 100, they will charge a fixed amount. The latest experience that I had was last month in the UK, when I used my German EC card to draw GDP100 from an ATM. I was debited with a charge of EUR 5 (which amounts to 5%!).

I would be most graeful for any names of the generous German banks!

Different facts to separate.

1) Thai bank fee:

all Thai Banks with the known exception of AEON keep a fee for each ATM transaction with a foreign card.

The fee has been risen from 150 THB to 180 THB a short time ago.

With the maximum amount of 20000 THB on most ATMs that comes close to 1%.

Bangsters!

2) Issuing bank fee:

has been discussed above. I am not from UK or US and it would not help you to get tips on german banks,

But as in UK or US there are german banks which do not charge a fee for ATM transactions and also reimburse the Thai bank fee on application.

3) Exchange rate:

the rate is usually determined by the debit/credit card organisation.

For European VISA it can be looked up here:

http://www.visaeurope.com/en/cardholders/exchange_rates.aspx

For US VISA:

http://corporate.visa.com/pd/consumer_services/consumer_ex_rates.jsp?src=ex_rez

BUT:

some Thai banks do so called "Dynamic Currency Conversion" (DCC).

NEVER use such ATMs (they are usually marked).

DCC means: the Thai bank does the currency exchange to your currency using their own rates and charge the card with your currency. The exchange rates used are terrible and would probably fullfil the criminal offence of exortion (I do not know whether they are publicised in the internet).

With the bad exception of DCC the exchange rates are identical whichever ATM you use.

They are determined by the credit card company and not the Thai bank.

4) Cash in at the bank counter

Often you read the advice: walk into the banks branch and cash the money at the desk showing your debit/credit card and passport (looking like no fee is charged).

Don't do that!

This is not an ATM transaction (but a cash forward?) and will always result in much higher fees (rude awakening when the statement comes in).

See my reply above and see how wrong you are. I do know of many happy Thai/European marriages, both here and

overseas. You may have been unlucky, but the same could have happened to you with a European woman!

Ah, another one bites the dust. First of all, my condolences to the gentleman in question. What most farongs who visit Thailand for the first time or maybe the second or third time if they are slow learners is that Thai women like Thailand in general is an illusion. They are not at all what they either pretend to be or appear to be.

Frankly, after you eliminate all the lesbians, the dikies, the transsesxuals, the married ones pretending to be single, the single ones with boyfriends pretending to be single, the single ones pretending to be looking for a bf, the old and ugly ones you ain't got a whole lot left in good old Thailand to begin with. And the number goes down even more when one eliminates the bar girl or prostitute. (Whoops, there is no prostitution in Thailand so thus there cannot be prostitutes).

I also think that any male looking to find a gf or wife in Thailand MUST be required to read at least one book on the subject, "Bangkok Dancer" or some other relevant book on the subject matter.

Let us not pretend that all those 60 or 70 old, ugly, fat, wrinkly 'farongs' walking around with all those exotic looking, freshly baked 20 and 30 year old chics with spray painted pants on are in love with their "bf".

Breaking up with any of the above is an oxymoron as they weren't interested in you in the first place. There is nothing to break up there, period.

What Thai women want as do all women is security. Western women also want love for most part. Thai women have never heard of the word. As a matter of fact, I do not think it is even in a Thai dictionary.

In my view there should be no problem breaking up with a Thai woman. They are interested only in having you pay the rent, pay for the motorbike, pay for the food, pay for the medical, and pay for the clothes and other living essentials. If you do that you are considered the boyfriend or in some ridiculous cases the husband if one is stupid enough to fall in that trap. (Certain exceptions apply, I am sure but haven't seen any yet).

Once you reneg on any of the above you are still the bf until they have found a replacement.

I had a gf once for a year. She went to Bangkok to work in a 5 star hotel in Bangkok for the Christmas season. After one week some farong wanted to marry her and to show his new found love he bought her a brand new Fino. I got dumped. Surprisingly, the guy left and dumped her. She was devastated but she cried her eyes out until I forgave her. (At least she got the Fino). We dated for 3 more years until the guy came back and decided to marry her after all. I had no knowledge they had kept in touch.

We are nothing more than ATM machines to these girls. And whoever has the biggest ATM machine wins. And when you want to break up with them they only pissed at you because they haven't found the replacement yet.

There are obviously disgusting farongs out there who abuse the women. Why a woman would stay with one is beyone me. So I am not talking about them but for the most part a farong who has a gf usually pays the freight. They are all better off than when they met you. But for some reason, they accuse us of being cheap.

For some reason, a lot of us feel sorry for these girls but the reality is they don't give a spit about us only our money.

My advice to this guy is to hire a bodyguard before the gf's relatives hack his PHd in half.

Quite frankly, I don't think you know what you are talking about. A degree from Chula, Tammassat, KKC, CMU and other state universities in Thailand, are just as good as ones in the US , the UK or others. Such degrees are recognized worldwide. May I remind you that Chula is one of the best universities in the world (among the 100!!) So, please be careful with your judgement and don't be disrespectful!

Thanks boosta, that was a great reply. We, however, are not living together. She would never go for that.

At present, we are still a couple. She is trying to get me to change schools. She says there are Thai schools of good quality, and that it isn't necessary to work at an international school in order to have a stable work environment. I am considering this option. As you say, she is still the woman I've cared about to this point. Nevertheless, with ASEAN around the corner, and Thailand growing leaps and bounds, an M.Ed would create much needed stability for me, before deciding to start a family here.

What happened to:"I'm a teacher here, and have realized the Thai education system isn't a good fit for me."?

I think you'll find that most schools in Thailand, whatever type, follow the same education system.

As for your original question: I guess it can be many things, but it is probably just that she likes you and doesn't want you to leave her.

And the last thing is that she does not want to lose is FACE She probably got the wedding invitations printed already

A Thai women (any Thai for that matter) is dangerous in the extreme.

If you do tell her that you have to go (leave the realm) giver her flight details including a date that is 3-4 days after your actual confirmed departure.

The fact that she has (supposedly) a masters here don't mean shyt, it wouldn't even be the equivalent of college certificate in the US 'or anywhere else'

Quite frankly I don't really understand you. If you intend going to the Us to get your M.Ed. (which is commendable and I would really recoomend you to do this), but you still wish to continue your relation with your girlfriend, what is the big problem??? With her educational background, she can try and get her P.hD. in the US (may be even at the same university), or alternatively let her stay in Thailand and see each other few times and correspond often . After all, many couples do this for a year or so and your M.Ed. course should not take you longer than 12-15 months.

Be frank with yourself and with your girl friend. If going away is an excuse for parting company, say so, even if it is painful for both of you. However, if you are not sure, which seems to be the case, discuss it with her in all openess and see how you both feel in few months after going away. I did the same some 25 years ago, decided that I really wanted a long lasting relationship and got married. We have lived happily ever since, part of the time overseas in my home country and for the last few years we have been living here in Thailand.

All I am trying to convey to you, be open and frank with yourself and your girlfriend. Frankmess always pays. Honesty (even with oneself) IS THE BEST POLICY!

Good luck!

Thanks boosta, that was a great reply. We, however, are not living together. She would never go for that.

At present, we are still a couple. She is trying to get me to change schools. She says there are Thai schools of good quality, and that it isn't necessary to work at an international school in order to have a stable work environment. I am considering this option. As you say, she is still the woman I've cared about to this point. Nevertheless, with ASEAN around the corner, and Thailand growing leaps and bounds, an M.Ed would create much needed stability for me, before deciding to start a family here.

All above comments are in practice correct. However, if one wants to strictly keep to the letters of the law , internationally in the case of dual citizenships, one can and should enter the country of which he/she is a citizen with that country's national passport. Please do remember that in Thailand one cannot avail him/herself to the protection of the British (or for that matter American, French, Australian etc.) consulates if one is a Thai, even if one holds in addition a British passport. The same situation applies in most, if not all, countries adhering to and practicing international laws.

I live on Phuket Island

Its interesting that when " foreign managed businesses" get caught out the first words uttered are "corruption" and " extortion". Making these noises does not lessen culpability.

For example I am personally aware of a "foreign managed business" which had no Thai staff ! The owner was arrested and put before the court.

Recently there have been many arrests on the island involving time share touts , illegal travel agents and people working without permits. All arrested, charged and taken to court.

Those who stand on the sidelines and shout "corruption and extortion" should look at themselves and either come up with the evidence or shut up.

Believe what you want to beileve; the two companies I referred to above are both legitimate, long term businesses, with significant numbers of Thai employees, not bogus or illegitimate operations (of which thre are a certainly few).

However I have no intention of embarrsing the managers by naming the companies and I am also not sure if forum rules would allow it anyway.

But don't be distracted by the issue of scum bag time share and illegitimate travel agents, these are small fish in big pond. Many expats who live life reading the english language newspapers and chatting to their mates do not appreciate the misery that tax paying, 100% legitimate business owners and managers are put under by the various significantly corrupt police divisions that operate here.

Yes, sure they might have been stung for the odd few hundred THB for not wearing a helmet, but generaly the expat community do not have much dealing with the darker side of Phuket's Police as expats per se are not seen as a particularrly fertile territory for income, they are more useful as a dressing to hide the darker goings on that happen here.

Businesses (most all of them - Thai owned as well) are targeted for extortion and corrupt payments by the police on a regular monthly basis. Whatever kind of company you run you will find it impossible to satisfy the full gamut of regulations and compete without running into some division of the BIB who for example pull your company vehicles up and find something wrong with the vehicle or the workers, then offer for a few thousand pcm to give you 'free passage or insurance for the month', or call round to your office to find something awry.

For an example in case, to transport workers you need a blue plated vehicle, to transport customers you need a green/white/yellow plated vehicle, to transport goods you need a white/green/ 40/80 registration vehicle. So to move goods, workers and customers and to be 100% legit you need a miniumum of three types of vehicle - you are normally competing with companies who pay approx 2,000 THB pcm to each police division they drive in to use only one vehicle for all three areas - very cost effective investment - hence corruption is fuelled as it is often cheaper to pay this 'whiskey money' than to meet the letter of the law; corrupt police know this and exploit it to the full.

Rumour has it that police officers from other regions pay significant amounts of cash for a posting to say Phuket, where as a civil servant with a miserable goverment salary you can quickly build a healthy retirement nest egg.

Trust me, I know as an active (and legitimate) business owner here that Phuket stinks of corruption and extortion, but it is certainly not clearly visible to your average expat.

Oh and by the way, I love this country and it's people (on balance) and have no desire to return to the country of my birth, so I am in Rome.

I am very surprised at your last sentence. If it is as bad as you describe, how come you love such a "bad place"? Or is the country you come from worse?

I am not saying everything is excellent in Thailand, but as an expatriate who has been living here for 12 years, I am getting fed up with all the 'awful" stories about corruption and extortion, which may or may not exist. However, may I suggest that if all expatriate abide by the laws and regulations (no visa runs, no WP scams etc) may be there would be less complaints!!!

Any credit card when used in a currency other than the one it is issued in, attracts a fee, which varies from one country and one bank to another. In the US the fee normally amounts to 2%, in Europe between 1.5 and 2.5% and in Thailand it's the same as in Europe. What one has to be aware of is that most banks, here in Thailand as well as in other countries, use the lowest exchange rate and therefore for higher amounts it may be cheaper to have a wire transfer than pay by Credit/debit card, outside the country

To all of US: It is absolutely rude to lose one's manners when dealing with authorities in a host country. We are guests here and should behave as such. If we do not like the way our host country goes, nobody forces us to stay here. We can leave if we wish

Terry LH

If you refer to the International Programs, which were introduced at KKU some 7-8 years ago, you are correct. However, as far as the Thai Programs, whilst I do agree that various programs do have different fees, the principle is that the fees depend to a large extent on the income of the parents, irrespective of scholarships. All this is, of course, dependent on the general entry exams (O and A levels), and/ or special KKU exams.

If you disagree may I suggest you check with the University authorities.

.

Some of the replies are quite confusing. The situation is:

1)For Thai programs at good Thai universities like Khon kaen, Chiang Mai etc. the fees depend on the income of the parents. With a low income the fees can be as low as 6,000 Baht a term.

2) Quite a few overseas good universities accept Thai degrees from quite a few Thai State Universities , again such as Khon kaen, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang etc., in addition to Chula and Thammasat, for Post Graduate degrees, subject, of course, to having a good GPA (at least 2.8 and most will insist on 3.0 and higher).

3) Most replies regarding qualifications for teaching in Thai schools are correct. It shouldn't be too difficult to get such qualifications with studying either at a Teaching College, or getting a university degree and passing the necessary State examinations with some training.

Quite frankly few of the comments are abslutely correct and I find it difficult to understand the objections raised. Following:

1) After 13 years in Thailand, one should be able to speak some Thai, although there are exception....

2) As far as Thai Airways not using Thai on theit Boarding Cards is concerned, they are just following the normal international standards by using only English. Are the Korean, Japanes, Israeli and other airlines use non Latin letters on their Boarding Cards?

3) Although English is not the most spoken language as a first language, most certainly it is the most used language as a second one. I therefore take it that in addition to the native language, most countries use the English language (that is what I have experienced in my frequent travels). Most certainly, if the majority of the tourists to a country use another language as a second one (like the Chinese tourists to Thailand, as I understand), then special forms in that language should be used in addition. If one travels to the US from some European countries (Germany, France and others) some forms are in that language.

With all due respect to the "expert opinions" above all this is nonsense. Many years ago, I had my wife's daughter adopted in Germany (this could only be done with either the natural father's permission, or a solid proof (legalised by the authorities in Thailand) that the father had disappeared and could not be traced, which was the case with us). Once the German Court issued the adoption certificate (it took more than a year for the whole process to be completed), we had no trouble getting for her a Thai ID and a Thai Passport in her new name. She also holds a German Passport. The adoption was fully recognised by the Thai authrities, even before she was issued with a German Birth Certrificate (which can take up to 3 years in Germany). So what is all this reference to "International Adoption" I am of the legal profession (not in Thailand, but I do know a little about Thai Law), but I have never heard about such a form of adoption either in Thailand, nor in Germany, UK, USA (where I am admitted to the Bar in NY), or anywhere else!

I can assure you that with the documents you have, you can register your marriage at any Amphuer in Thailand. Years ago, I did register my marriage in an Amphuer in Bangkok, although I lived up north, It took us about 10 minutes!

Unfortunately I am unable to give you any details about opening an account with BKK bank in NY. As I originally said my bank in NY uses their services to transfer US funds to BKK bank in Thailand. Have a good trip to the US.