Nuff Said

The definition of what constitutes working in Thailand will always be a vauge one because its not always easy to draw a line between working, and simply carrying out ones personal everyday business and affairs. The word 'personal' is difinitive in my opinion. Take the following. Which, if any, would you consider to constitute 'working'.1. A foreigner decorating a condominium that is in his own name.2. A foreigner decorating a condominium that he 'owns' in a Thai company name.3. A foreign tenant decorating, at the request of the owner, Thai or foreigner, it doesn't matter, a condominium that is rented to him, in return for a rental free month. Answers, in my opinion.1. No.2. Maybe3. Yes.I was also hoping that one of the Mods would respond to my earlier posting regarding whether moderating this forum constitutes working, assuming that the mod is actually in Thailand when performing this role.

Regarding the last paragraph of the above, the silence is deafening. Another taboo subject?

correct !, i just booked a return ( london HEathrow - BKK ) for 25K THB with Kingfisher Air

Excellent, but the thread is about BKK-London-BKK, not the (invariably cheaper) reverse.

It works both ways.

I have just run price comparison for the entire month of February, BKK-LHR and return for 14 days, and Air India is the cheapest for 26 of the 28 days, from B27955 all inclusive, with this fare available on 12 of those 26 days, good connecting time margins and modern B777 and A321 aircraft. I've never flown with them so can't comment on their quality.

The answer to each of these scenarios is very easy to answer....could be yes, could be no..all depends on the interpretation of indivdual immigration/labour dept official involved, the current laws as they are written are very reliant on interpretation

Fair point, we all know that Thailand is full of vague rules and regulations. Foreigners have been busted for a variety of working violations, many of a minor nature, but I have yet to hear of one in trouble for decorating his own condo.

The only thing special about this is the high price, unless you want to fly non-stop to Germany.

Yesterday I recieved an E-Mail from Qatar, with offers of Bangkok to London from B31885, Frankfurt B30335 and Paris B30530, all including taxes. Book by 31 January. And there are airlines cheaper than that. The Indian ones seem to be top of the low price charts at the moment.

It pays to shop around.

My answers to the three questions would be:

1. No

2. Yes. He is working for the Thai company which owns the condo.

3. Probably. The rental free month tips the balance.

1. I think it would be difficult for anyone to say anything but 'no' to to this as its your own personal property.

2. If I was asked pushed for an answer I would side with you and say 'yes'. In the eyes of the Thai authorities the condo is Thai ownned, regardless of whether its an individual or company.

3. It has to be yes. Its not the tenants property, the months rent is in effect payment, albeit in kind, and there is no way that a foreigner could get a work permit for such activities, even if he wanted one, as the construction trades are restricted to Thai's only.

The fact that the work would be carried out behind closed doors would make it difficult for immigration to detect, but the principle remains the same.

A few years ago a Thai real estate agent drove me in her car to my lawyers office to arrange a condominium transfer. Her car was an automatic, and I asked if she didn't like manual gearboxes. Her reply was words to the effect that she didn't know how to use one, had never passed a driving test, and that her sister had taken it for her.

The definition of what constitutes working in Thailand will always be a vauge one because its not always easy to draw a line between working, and simply carrying out ones personal everyday business and affairs.

The word 'personal' is difinitive in my opinion. Take the following. Which, if any, would you consider to constitute 'working'.

1. A foreigner decorating a condominium that is in his own name.

2. A foreigner decorating a condominium that he 'owns' in a Thai company name.

3. A foreign tenant decorating, at the request of the owner, Thai or foreigner, it doesn't matter, a condominium that is rented to him, in return for a rental free month.

Answers, in my opinion.

1. No.

2. Maybe

3. Yes.

I was also hoping that one of the Mods would respond to my earlier posting regarding whether moderating this forum constitutes working, assuming that the mod is actually in Thailand when performing this role.

I recentley brought, as checked baggage, my desktop PC, flatscreen monitor and a rather heavy multi-functional printer, total weight about 20kg's, and didn't give a moments thought to the possibility of customs duty as they were used, personal possesions and not intended for sale. The printer was actually bought in Thailand, was being re-imported, and I had the original receipt stapled inside the instruction manual should I have been asked.

It was about 0800, breakfast time, and there wasn't a customs officer to be seen at the green channel.

Another point to consider is that if you are buying a ticket from the UK that is priced in £'s, and pay with a Sterling denominated credit card, you avoid the card issuers currency conversion fee, which is typically 2.75%.

If you live in Thailand, visit the UK a more than once a year, and are able to plan your trips well in advance, consider either buying a cheap single from Bangkok to the UK, or, if you have enough frequent flyer points take a one way freebie, then buy your return tickets from the UK. Airlines such as Qatar, Emirates and Etihad all offer low priced long stay 6-12 month validity returns from the UK to Thailand, some are little more than £500 all inclusive, and that's well below the cost of Thai originating tickets when using current exchange rates.

I have researched this matter thoroughly, and that's what I will be doing in future.

I don't think it's (legally) significant, but can you spot what's missing from the second of my Non-Imm. 'O's from Hull...

Hi

"Employment Prohibited"

Maybe they forgot a stamp.

Thanks to sub101uk and 121Advice for recent posts, useful to know.

My Multiple Enrty Non Immigrant 'O', issued by Hull in mid October 2010, doesn't bear the 'Employment Prohibited' stamp either.

My apologies if this matter has been raised earlier, but does moderating this forum constitute working?

Just to remind a lot of people on this forum, most locals don't regard Caucasian men highly when it comes to their sexual disposition.

Just to remind you asians are still the largest group of customers for underage sex. It just does not get into the news like this. They keep it out of the news because Thais never do bad things and it must be kept out of the news not to distort that image.

Just like it all goes so well in Thailand there is no bad news.... but we are in a recession according to an article i read recently here on Thaivisa.

There are far more international media brownie points up for grabs by parading a foreigner at a press confernce than if the alledged ofender was a Thai. That's why the occasional arrest of Thai's involved in the provision of underage persons for the sex trade attracts litttle publicity.

After Englands 5-0 drubbing in the series 4 years ago, it was so refreshing this morning to watch the Sky Sports commentary panel of David Gower, Ian Botham and David Lloyd rip the Aussies to shreds, especially when they rubbed their noses in it by referring to a remark made by a former Aussie test player, who's name escapes me, after that series, when he said words to the effect that England were so bad that the Aussies should only play 3 match test series against them in future.

Australia now join Bangladesh as the only test playing nations to have suffered 3 innings defeats in a 5 match series.

The only way I travel on thailand by train is 1st class.I like having my own room.And if you wake up early in the morning,when you leave out in the night train you'll be able to sleep.Sleeping pills work great.

I'm in Hua Hin right now. I went to the train station yesterday and the girl at the counter insisted I needed to buy two tickets. She had no idea about the whole 500 baht thing. Also, the tickets online are about 1,600 baht each but she told me I had to pay 4,100 for two tickets. So she was either adding a nice commission for herself or she's just an idiot and has no idea what she's talking about. I'll try again to see if they have different people working there on different days.

I'm aware there might not be much difference between first and second class, but I'm traveling alone and I don't want other people in the cabin with me.

Hua Hin has trains 24 hours a day, I expect the booking office will be open continously, so try a different time of day and hope you are served by someone else. I am surprised that the staff there don't know anything about the B500 supplement for exclusive use of a first class sleeping compartment, considering that they have four trains a day in each direction that call there and convey first class sleepers. The total cost for exclusive use of a first class compartment from Bangkok to Chiang Mai or vice versa should be B1953, made up of B1453 for the lower berth and B500 sole occupancy supplement. All SRT booking office issued tickets are computer generated and show the price paid, so if you were to be asked for B4100 you can always challenge the figure before parting with your cash.

If you go to http://www.railway.co.th/English/Supple.asp you will see the reference to the supplement payable for exclusive use. Its shown as 'Special charge for using double beds in the 1st class Per person 1,000 Baht Day & Night Coach', but that B1000 includes the standard B500 fee for the lower berth.

I doubt of you would have any problems if making such a booking in Chiang Mai, as the staff are always helpful and speak very good English.

Now I know why the UK Foreign Office is so keen to get as many of its nationals as possible to register under its 'Locate' scheme. If you think that it’s only so they can contact you in case of emergency, then you are on another planet. Read the small print, and be warned that if you do register, Big Brother will be watching you!

Although in principle I do not approve of UK nationals living abroad and claiming benefits, I would never grass on them, simply because the UK government won't play the game on a level playing field and index link pensions paid to its nationals living in, amongst other countries, Thailand. I am several years off UK state pension age, but, until the government increases state pensions annually for all of its nationals, regardless of where they live, I will turn a blind eye to any instances of benefit fraud that I become aware of, not that I've come across any yet

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Thbe 0830 Chaing Mai-Bangkok is an awful train. Its a 3 car Daewoo diesel multiple unit with engines under the floor. The sets used on this service are shabby, tatty, cold, noisy and in desperate need of an overhaul. The last one I travelled in, back in September, was still sporting an 'Amazing Thailand 1998-1999' poster inside. That gives some idea as to how little attention they get. The catering service is awful, and what passes for the meal, which is nearly all rice, and cold at that, is served shortly after leaving Nakhon Lampang and would probably only set you back B10 at a roadside stall. The coffee is revolting and the accompanying cake is about the size of a golf ball.

On the plus side, you will have no problem with lots of luggage, I once took 5 pieces, 3 of which were suitcases, and there was no problem.

If you have no other choice then take some reading material, some sleeping tablets, a few bottles or cans and a good pair or earplugs! The engines can be quite noisy, apart from when they shut down due to low coolant or oil levels.

Timekeeping is not good. Back in May it took 15 hours from Chiang Mai, and that was just to Don Muang! It was one of the worst rail journeys I have ever made.

Good luck!

you best IMO look for a Condo like the Riverside Condominium it is not far from the center but not too much it has security and house kipping for a reasonable price .

You can rent a decent 46sqm studio in Riverside for B9000-10000 per month and a 2 bedroom 79sqm unit will cost about B15000 long term. Its well located and just a couple of minutes walk from the Nong Hoi market. There is a laundry that also offers a housekeeping/cleaning service in the building, so you can leave it to them while you are away, and won't need a live in housekeeper. The building has a pool, free wi-fi in the reception and poolside ares, and paid wi-fi (1 month costs B350, other periods available) throughout. The building is secure, and forced entry into condo's in buildings with good security is practically unkown.

Don't let anyone talk you into renting a house. It's the last thing you need. There's a lot of yak-yak here, and word that you are out of town for 6 weeks at a time will soon get into the wrong ears.

Get yourself a hotel for a few days and look around. There's plenty of choice throughout the city. Good luck.

Singapore is not the only new destnation that Air Asia are introducing from Chiang Mai. Currently their flights operate on an 'on and out' basis, but commencing 24 January they will be basing an aircraft at Chiang Mai. It will also operate a new early morning rotation to Bangkok, and new flights to and from Hat Yai. The 0640 from Chiang Mai will pose serious competition to Thai and Bangkok Airways for the early morning business market, as currently Air Asia's first flight from Chiang Mai to Bangkok is at 0825.

FD 4210 0640 CNX-BKK 0755

FD 4211 0840 BKK-CNX 0950

FD 4015 1015 CNX-HDY 1215

FD 4016 1245 HDY-CNX 1455

FD 4110 1525 CNX-SIN 1915

FD 4111 1945 SIN-CNX 2135

CNX Chiang Mai

BKK Bangkok

HDY Hat Yai

SIN Singapore

Reply to Rumcabi.

I relocated from Pattaya (Jomtien) to Chiang Mai in 2008 and would never go back. Its far more relaxed, but with nightlife, albeit on a much smaller scale that Pattaya. For instance, there are only two A-Go-Go bars to my knowledge.

Good luck with your relocation, and don't forget to sign up for TV's Christmas Party on December 11th if you haven't already done so; can't see your name on the list. By the looks of things it getting quite full. The thread is on the Chiang Mai Forum page.

The train will most likely be fully booked. Can you buy the ticket in Chiang Mai and send it to her?

Best way to do,buy the tickets at CM station....but hurry.

Ask the booking clerk in Khon Kaen, there are still some places available, sleeper 2,1 and seats 2,3.

If she has a Thai ID-card I think she can get a free ticket 3rd class.

There should be a possibility for paying in CM and collecting in Bangkok , but if this is a safe thing to do????????

There is a Post Office at the main station, maybe you can send the tickets there, although what time the office closes?

Totally agree, buy the ticket at Chiang Mai and post it to her. There's plenty of time. Advance bookings open 60 days before, so you can buy it now. I don't think SRT operate the ticket collection service that you suggest, but you can always ask.

Some trains are free, but they are generally only the ordinary 3rd class only services. Train 51, the 2200 Bangkok-Chiang Mai, is an 'Express', and I doubt very much if its free for anyone other than SRT pass holers. Bangkok to Chiang Mai in 3rd class is not recommended at the best of times.

To Nuffsaid, you are quite correct, the rail motors are very bad. The problem is that they were designed for branch line operation in the U.K., never for main line running.Further, the engines and transmissions were built by a marine engine company, and so were designed to run for long hours at constant R.P.M's.,not for variable engine speeds ,as in a train. Originally, they suffered many engine failures. I only travelled in one once. Never again.Makes one wonder , as to who or why ,they were purchased for use on long distance main lines

I also no longer use the Express Diesel Railcar services. Much as I am pro rail, 12 hours from Chiang Mai to Bangkok is a journey too far. Next time I need to make a daytime journey it will be the first class bus, 21 seater, even if its the best part of 200 Baht more.

The flood damage just north of Lopburi, a pohoto of which appeared on another another thread on this forum a fortnight or so ago, as been repaired, the track replaced, and is operating normally, subject only to a 20 mph speed restriction.

So they can continue at top speed then.

They'll never have the name BULLET attached to them.

The overnight trains are OK, but it's painful sitting on a long journey during the day. I'm not sure if the train moves or if it's stationary and the ground moves, its hard to detect.

Totally agree. I love the overnight trains, they have character. The so called 'Express Diesel Railcars', premium fare trains which operate both day and night long distance services, are dreadful and totally unsuitable for the purpose. They are noisy, with underfloor engines and poor sound insulation, if any at all, and the constant whining of fans and air conditioning equipment does not make for a pleaseant journey. The catering service, which is included in the fare, is very poor, and makes an economy class airline meal seem like a 5 course banquet. The trains themselves are, from my experience, tatty, shabby and in desperate need of a full works overhaul

The flood damage just north of Lopburi, a pohoto of which appeared on another another thread on this forum a fortnight or so ago, as been repaired, the track replaced, and is operating normally, subject only to a 20 mph speed restriction.

So they can continue at top speed then.

Yes, once they have passed over the repaired section. When repair work such as this has been carried out, a temporary speed restriction (sorry, I omitted the word 'temporary' from my original post) is impoosed until the eartworks, ballast and relaid track have stabalised, settled and bedded in. The weight of the passing trains help this proocess, although there are now machines that can do the job without the need for temporary speed restrictions, but I doubt if SRT has any. Wheh the civil engineer is satisfied that the repaired section of track is as stable as it needs to be for safe opertation at notmal line speed, the temporary speed restriction will be withdrawn.

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Thanks for that, I don't think I could endure another 8 hours on a bus. Being a tall person doesn't make travelling an enjoyable experience.

Howard

I'm not keen on long distance bus services either, but was prepared to take one from Bangkok to Chiang Mai if neccessary.