khunPer
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Posts posted by khunPer
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Accumulating mutual funds – the so-called Fund Books in Thailand – if you are not a little experienced investor. Keep away from funds investing in foreign currency to avoid currency exchange fluctuations.
So-called LTFs – Long Term Funds – offers tax benefits, and are available as both dividend paying and accumulating fund.
Similar funds are also offered for retirement savings.
Most Thai banks offer these mutual funds, fx. Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn Bank, and SCB.
If you wish to be more in control, have little knowledge or experience in stock market, and save the small administration fee for mutual funds, you could open a trading account for SET; you might be able to open a trading account via your Thai bank, fx. SCB.
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Perhaps Phuket Airport authorities should contact their colleges at Sint Maarten and hear how they solved a similar problem...????
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1 hour ago, robertson468 said:The cost of flights to Samui are outrageous and cost the same or more than a flight to India. It seems that the Airport Owners do not understand that it is better to get 100 baht 10 times than to get 500 baht once. TIT!
There might well not be 10 times 100 baht instead of one time 500. Why should suddenly 10 times as many folks flok to Samui and her sisters, where many already complain about too many tourists, compared to the paradise islands in the past, and how would the infrastructure – including road traffic – accommodate 10 times as many visitors, and the required extra service staff?
Number of incoming passengers are still rising every year, but the type of turists is changing. More families, couples and small private groups are coming, and they might not at all be in demand for joining a Full Moon Party and like, but instead preferring upper end accommodation and gourmet food; as well as private, preferably pool, villas. Most of these tourist don't seem to care that much about price, they rather seem to care about quality of the vacation, and booking a complete code-share ticket from somewhere abroad to Samui, the Bangkok Air price is not even visible. Furthermore, many are spending for 10,000 baht or 20,000 baht and (way) up a night for accommodation, so a few thousand baht more of less on the flight ticket don't make a huge difference.
Keep the high airfares, and save Samui and her sisters from been overrun by budget visitors that would just complain about the in general overall little higher price levels on the islands...????
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Another jet-ski scam, claiming payment for scratches..?????
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First time 1965 in Tivoli, Copenhagen – when the whole band was touring in a mini bus, including the gear, and females from the audience could still jump onto the stage to touch their idols; Brian Jones seemed to be the most loved by the girls, a couple of big "I love you Brian"-banners painted on bed sheets were hanging down from the balcony – I'm actually sitting on first raw in this rare newspaper photo...????
–but of course numerous concerts later, and I'm hoping for experience one more in the future...????
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22 hours ago, Sheryl said:
Is it a very old machine? They do start to use more juice when they get old.
Also check that the filter is clean (if not, clean it) and have a look at the inside slats etc, a lot of Thai landlords (and renters) are very remiss when it comes to having units cleaned. You can get professional cleaning for about 600 baht and, if the machine was dirty, this can improve performance a lot.
And it might also need coolant refill, or might even be leaking, so the compressor is working too hard. Often coolant check, and refill, is part of a normal service with cleaning filters and indoor unit's grille.
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3 hours ago, munslife said:I have also received similar reply from other forum members that prices have not increased much but the exchange rate has varied a lot making things worse for everyone. How do you think we can overcome that? By transferring a huge chunk of savings in Thai bank? do you think its a good idea to do that?
If you believe that the exchange rate for Thai baht will increase compared to your home country currency, its worth transferring a lot of money. You mentioned USD, and if that is your home country currency, then baht might not fluctuate that much, as bath traditionally is linked to USD. 10 years ago you got around 35 baht for one USD, today you get close to 32 baht (31.70), so USD has only lost about 10 percent in value compared to baht during 10 years.
One euro was almost 47 baht 10 years ago, and up to 50 a short while, today its around 35.50, so down about 25 percent; British pounds almost the same, but little different deviations.
Looking over 20 years USD has lost 20 percent, whilst euro is 30 percent down, and British pounds little more than 40 percent.
Could it go the different direction in future?
And if so, with a weaker Thai baht, you might loose by transferring a lot of money now.
Some have invested in Thai securities, which is a good idea, if you know you are going to stay here for long time, and you are going to spend your savings in baht, so you get your dividend or interest paid in baht without the risk of currency fluctuations. There might even be some tax benefits also, depending of your home country taxation, and double taxation agreements.
Personally I moved money from my home country when the bath was in a low value peak, as I believed the value of my home currency was topping compared to baht, and I actually got over 25 percent more baht, than I can get today; the major part of the money was used for a house. Looked in the shining bright light of hindsight I should have moved more money in at that time, and invested my savings in SET (Stock Exchange of Thailand); I have placed little there as a test, and that has performed Okay. Furthermore SET seem to live a bit of it's own life compared to the World market, so it dont follow the same ups and down in full value.
A major Thai bank gives up to 1.5 percent annual interest on a 12-month fixed deposit, and after 15 percent withholding tax you are paid 1.275 percent. Using mutual funds in bonds you might gain slightly more, but you also have a rate risk.
In general you shall consider to always have a lump sum of cash available in a "rainy day account", which could be partly be in a normal savings account with an ATM-card for instant access to cash, and partly in a 12-month fixed deposit for access during normal bank-days, or eventually bonds in a mutual fund. The sum is relative to one's personal savings and allowance, and also relative to the one's health insurance cover, and what might not be fully covered by the insurance, or if one is self-insured.
4 hours ago, munslife said:Also since you mentioned few points on cost may I ask you if you can throw some light on average cost of living for a couple (not too much extravaganza...) with just a decent simple living will cost on Island?
I was estimating somewhere close to 1200 to 1500 USD per month for a decent living (50% home cooked and most of the time eating outside like locas...). Dont know if you have some different idea based on your years of experience.
"Decent simple living", does that include wine to the meals, or just plain water?
1,200 to 1,500 USD are around 36,000 baht to 45,000 baht. Is that for food only, or total living cost?
Home cooking could be 300 to 400 baht a day in average for two persons, whilst dining out at local diners in average could be 500 baht to 700 baht, food only. In a month 50/50 it could be around 12,000 to 16,000 baht. I would count 15,000 baht a month for two, i.e. average 500 baht a day; any extravaganza is extra.
You can dine for less – I can – and you can easily spend a lot more; that I also can...????
If you're drinking beer or wine, you should count in average 40 baht for a normal beer (about 33 baht if you buy a crate of 24 in for example Makro), whilst wine would be around 800 baht for two liter table wine, and 600 baht and up for 3/4-liter bottles. Count 6 normal glass per bottle, or 16 glass per 2-liter container; i.e. 100+ baht a glass for bottle wine, and 50 baht per glass for "box wine".
Two glass of "cheap" table wine for dinner-for-two at home could cost you 4 x 50 baht a day, in 15 days another 3,000 baht, whilst a glass of box wine served in a restaurant would be 100+ baht or another 6,000 baht. Similar amount of alcohol in form of beer would be in same price level. Alcoholic drinks could add 10,000 baht, or more, to the monthly budget, i.e. around 25,000 baht a month for food and drinks.
The best advise is to spend some time staying in areas of interest, trying to live a daily life, without too much extravaganza, like what you expect it to be in long term – your decent simple living might be different from mine – and see how it fit with both budget and mood.
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On 3/30/2019 at 2:20 PM, KevinFR said:
What advice can you give me?
thank you,
If you haven't read it yet, then buy the book "Thailand Fever", that will gives you answers to most questions about a Thai relationship – furthermore the book is written in both English and Thai language, so your wife-to-be can also read about a relationship with a Westerner. More info here at thailandfever.com. The book is normally available in all Thai book-stores that also sell English and foreign language books, its also available in German and a few more languages.
In general many Thai families seem to appreciate the in Western eyes little old-fashioned man, being a polite gentleman; not rushing a relationship; and being the provider for a family.
Besides reading the suggested book, ask you fiancee what you might expect from meeting her parents, and how she expect you to behave when meeting the family.
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On 3/30/2019 at 4:21 PM, munslife said:This will help me to understand the price increase levels and I will be able to better estimate my future expenses.
I am trying to do this analysis for few places like Samui, Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai etc. IF there is already a topic on this then please guide me.
Thank You in advance for your support.
Living expenses are like a rubber band, purely depending of life-style, but you seem to know that.
You can find the consumer price index for Thailand here, 2014 and 2015 equaled index 100, whilst 2013 was 98. Over a 10-year period the price-increase was in total about 18 percent (from about index 86 to circa index 102 now).
But its depending what you buy, or use, some prices has increased more than others; A few examples, based on my 15-18 years experience:
- One liter og fuel (gasoline) was just under 20 baht 15-18 years ago, today one liter gasohol fuel (E20 or gasoline with 10% ethanol) is around 25-30 baht; fuel is a few bath more expensive per liter on an island, due to higher transportation costs.
- Alcohol and cigarette prices has gone (way) up over 10-15 years due to increased taxes.
- Electricity seems pretty steady around 4 baht a unit (kWh).
- Some meat products has gone up by 50 percent in 15 years, meat prices change little up-and-down almost daily.
- Soft drinks are about same price as before, big bottle brand-name about 25-28 baht, others cheaper, for example Tesco's own brand sells for 19 baht (1.25l, so litter smaller than brand names) with "buy one, get one free".
- Rents are often a question of location and demand, you can still find nice bungalows for 10,000 baht and less a month when renting long-term – it was around same price level 15 years ago, but some has raised price more than others – there are not that many condos at Samui, but more are being build, most people stay in bungalows and villas.
- Dining out has in general gone up by 50 percent in average, however some places more; its a question of location, and tourist market, i.e. what tourists are prepared to pay, so dining in a typical tourist area, like Fisherman Village, is more expensive.
Cost of living, or a budget, is really depending of which life-style you are aiming for, and for how many people; are you alone, a couple, or a family with children in need of school?
Renting a bungalow, house, or villa, with 2 bedrooms can be anything from around 10,000 baht a month – you can still find nice places for that – and up to more than 100,000 baht a month on long term agreements.
Dining mainly Western food will often be at similar price level as in your home country or little more, whilst eating Thai food is relative cheap; however still depending of choice of menu, some seafood might increase the cost, as well as tender beef meat (like Tiger Cry).
Drinking wine is relative expensive, i.e. same price as in many Western countries, or in some cases even more, also beer can cost more. But that is not local to Samui, but Thailand in general.
Song thaews – or "baht bus" – haven't changed much in price over the years, whilst taxis are little (relative) more expensive than before, we have only had metered taxis on the island for about a decade. Car and Motorbike prices are pretty nationwide (for new vehicles), and the car-model I use is almost same price as years ago, whilst motorbikes seem to have increased. I think rental prices has gone slightly up, but the models available might also be newer, and in better condition, than back in the good old Samui-era; so are the roads, i.e. better, so you can feel "the better car" when driving...????
Due to some major supermarket chains have opened on the island, like BigC, Makro, Tesco-Lotus and Tops, there are competition on food prices, so many, or most, are same level as everywhere in Thailand. Some times the super market chains are cheaper than the local markets with some products, other times the markets might have a better offer. Its like living everywhere on a budget, you'll need to check prices and find the right places to shop various products. Also chains like HomePro and Power Buy, and others, makes hardware competitive, so Samui is not that different in price, even being an island.
There are other recent topics about living expenses on Samui, but in general its mentioned to be dependent of life-style.
From my personal experience, we use about the same as always – i.e. for the last 10+ years – but we might be little more selective in our choices now, however cannot feel it. What matters in inflation so far is mainly currency exchange rates, when income originates from abroad. My "salary" has gone 20 percent down over the last 10 years. Furthermore, in my home country, I could get 6 percent, even 7 percent, interest from secured bonds (as secure as money in the bank with guarantee) 10-15 years ago, today I'm happy with around 3 percent in combined dividend and bond interest outcome, so my income from savings in foreign currency is about 50 percent down, and loss of exchange rate is 20 percent down, so I'm only having 40 percent of what I used to get a decade or more ago, and furthermore taking into consideration an average Thai consumer price index rise of 18+ percent. Currency exchange is an factor to calculate with, if you're depending on foreign income; and British folks seem to have lost even more than me, in currency exchange deviations.
Welcome to Samui, if your chose that...????
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If the other news story was the April-fools fake news, then this one must be true – I consider buying a multiple re-entry visa next time...
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April 1st is a difficult day to read the news...
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1 hour ago, emptypockets said:2 hours ago, khunPer said:
The same in Thailand – "marrying an underage girl they have raped" – rape in village are often settled by marriage, so no families loose face. But I don't know age level, but some girls are village married as young as age of 12-13 years; however might not be because of rape.
So your post is just pure speculation.
No, I know for fact rape-cases that ended with a village marriage, but in both the 12-year, and 13-year, marriage I know, I have no knowledge about if they were caused by rape instead of mutual consent; rape is not talk-of-the-village, if its about not loosing face.
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1 hour ago, BlackWolf said:
The "good old days" at the upper picture must be 3 decades ago, and how many cars could you see in the streets at that time and how many today. I have said iy before, the roads in Samui is the worst in Thailand when you look at the traffic
Two decades, as mentioned in the image caption, i.e. 1998 to be precise, however traffic on beach road seems the same in bouth pictures, but slightly more parked cars in the present Google-image, mainly taxis that appeared in numbers only around a than a decade ago...????
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5 hours ago, NotEinstein said:
Our house vibrated and rattled for a few more hours as a consequence...
Be happy you're not neighbor to a bar, or a party place, then your house would vibrate and rattle every evening and most of the nights...
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7 hours ago, rooster59 said:
They had chatted on Facebook for two months and he arranged to meet her at her house.
I was under the impression that you need to be at least 12 years old to open a Facebook account; but seem like some youngsters lie about their age, and appear older in their Facebook profile.
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2 hours ago, Krataiboy said:
In a number of US states, marrying an underage girl they have raped is a way for men to escape jail. Incredibly, these unions take place with the consent of the abused girl's parents, often Bible-thumping Christians.
There's a BBC documentary available on the subject, for anybody who can access the UK broadcaster from Thailand.
The same in Thailand – "marrying an underage girl they have raped" – rape in village are often settled by marriage, so no families loose face. But I don't know age level, but some girls are village married as young as age of 12-13 years; however might not be because of rape.
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7 minutes ago, Davo369 said:
Yes i remember those days. Is that chaweng beach rd?
Indeed, the right hand side diamond-shaped yellow sign says "Green Mango Club", today it looks like this according to Google Street View... ????
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9 hours ago, mooping20Baht said:
Is it common to do just a Buddhist Wedding, and hence have no need for a prenuptial agreement , etc TIA
Yes – "do just a Buddhist Wedding" – among village people, often you'll see it referred to as "village marriage".
If the marriage is not registered at a district office, "amphor", it has no legal value.Thai's often insist on the village marriage traditional ceremony and included party – even when having a registered marriage in Thailand or abroad, including reception or party – which is both a custom, and make face for the family, or families if both are Thai. The village marriage include paying "sin sot" – kind of dowry given by the groom to the bride's family – where the money is both shown and counted in public during the marriage ceremony.
I've been to numerous Thai marriage events, but I've never seen Buddhist monks, its a ceremony often lead by an experienced ceremony master, and by all mean to make it public – to the village and local community – that this couple is now a married couple, and accepted by the families.
The saying is that if you "sleep together" you are considered as a married couple, and the village marriage ceremony will follow, also for families not to loose face. Many (very) young people are village married, and numerous marriages fail – don't think there are any statistics, as its unregistered, but probably at least as high as for registered Thai marriages, i.e. 39% (in my European home country its 46.5%) – however easy to split apart from unregistered marriage, its just walking away.
A prenup has legally no meaning, as there was no "real" marriage, its just like when boyfriend-girlfriend split, and don't expect to get any share of an already settled sin sot back.
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3 hours ago, JackThompson said:
You are welcome. There is one other item from the landlord I have added to my list, due to Phuket asking for it - a "power of attorney" allowing you to file the TM-30 for the landlord. So far, I believe only Phuket is asking for this, but these crazy requests can spread like a flu-virus, from one office to another. Better to have it than not.
I would present these document-requests to the landlord in the context of this preventing the landlord from having to deal with this immigration problem.Never heard about this for Samui Immigration Office, but the demand for a TM30 notice is changing at the moment.
At Samui, i.e. Surat Thani Immigration, a "House Master" – that would be mentioned in the House Book – can register online, and the House Master shall report any foreigners staying in the house within 24 hours, which can also be done online. I'm a foreigner, but also House Master, so when I enter Thailand after a trip abroad, I must report my own name.However, even I do an online registration, I shall from last year also do a physical registration at Samui Immigration Office before applying for extension of stay, and I need that receipt stampled in my passport. When travelling abroad on a Re-entry Permission, needed when staying on annual extension, my 90-day report receipt will be removed from my passport, whilst my TM30 receipt has (so far) been left there. To be safe, I still register again online when coming back; the new fine is 10,000 baht for not registering.
Be aware that local Immigration rules change often – almost every year we have a new amazing surprise at Samui – and a local immigration office may not always follow what the majority does; for example you need a Health Certificate from a Hospital every year to renew the annual extension of stay, to my knowledge Samui is the only immigration inside Thailand requesting that.
OP can find update of requirements in the pinned thread in the local Samui forum.
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16 hours ago, JackThompson said:
When signing a rental-contract, insist the landlord will provide the following at the same time, for immigration purposes:
- Copies of the landlord's ID Card and House Book, signed by the landlord
- Copies of the rental-property's house-book and chanote, signed by the landlord
Not all immigration offices want all of those, but best to have your bases covered.
Good point by @JackThompson
At Samui Immigration, for extension of stay, you'll need a photocopy of landlord's ID-card, and a photocopy of the Blue House Book, both signed by the landlord.
Furthermore you'll need a photocopy of your rental agreement, which can be signed by yourself.
In addition you'll need two maps; a print of a Google-Earth map with a clear marker on the address, and a square box with the address inserted; and a simple hand drawn map showing how to find way to your residence.
In the local Samui forum OP can find a pinned thread about "Samui Immigration Office", including requirements for extension of stay, and 90-days reporting; the thread is normally fully updated.
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20 hours ago, autumnm7 said:
Is the visa tied to the Provence you obtained it from or are you free to live anywhere in the kingdom as long as you file/update your place of residence (90 day report)?
Any help with this is greatly appreciated.
You are free to move, but when arriving at Koh Samui you'll need to report the address there by a TM30 form.
Samui immigration might have slightly different regulations from some of the other immigration offices, so depending of where you are staying – hotel or renting a bungalow/house/villa – you might need to visit Samui Immigration Office in Maenam Soi 1, and report the your address in the ground floor office (at left), and have a receipt stamples into your passport.
You still need to do regular 90-day address reporting, counting 90 days from your last address report, or entry to the Kingdom, or extension of stay. That is on the first floor in the Immigration Office, look for the queue with the A4 size sign "90 day report"; it normally takes 10-15 minutes.
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20 hours ago, Crossy said:
Go with tank or gas water heaters and you can significantly reduce your demand.
Or a solar powered water heater, mine was about 40k baht with a 200 liter tank (that even came with build in electric heater for longer periods of clouds/rain, but I don't use it). I placed it on roof, with the tank on the attic with a 35W "Grunnfoss" circulation pump (made for heating system circulation, available in Thailand) to flow water from tank to solar heater panel; lots of nice hot water. However, it will depend of number of bathrooms, if one only an instant 3kW electric heater might be enough.
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18 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:
That reminds me about the reputation of Japanese guys.
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Minutes, cm, k THB ????
"555" must be Inflation, the saying used to be 4 minutes, 4 inches, and 4k baht, but numbers might have increased...????
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10 hours ago, webfact said:
Though Phalang Pracharat has won the most votes, initial calculations show its share in the Lower House is 97 seats versus Pheu Thai’s 137.
It would actually be interested to see if there will be the same demand for the one with the highest number of votes should be the real winner, like the debate after the US 2016-election, Trump vs. Clinton...????
My 10th retirement visa renewal
in Thai Visas, Residency, and Work Permits
Posted
OP, you shall happy you're not under Surat Thani Immigration and use the Koh Samui office...????