khunPer

1 hour ago, BritManToo said:

10 years back I was paying 30bht/l for the 91 in my m/c.

Today I paid 25bht/l for the E20 in my m/c.

 

My fuel costs are considerably cheaper.

Thanks, I wasn't sure of the price exactly 10-years ago, due to hikes up and down. When I began to stay on the island some 15 years ago a liter of gasoline sold for between 18 baht and 20 baht. E20, which I think was not available 10-years ago, was almost 28 baht when I last fueled earlier this week, and around 30 baht some weeks ago, 95 is jumping between 35 baht and 40 baht.

18 hours ago, Clive said:

I would love to hear your thoughts as I have no idea how much prices have changed over the years but Im experienced enough not to pay top Baht tourist prices for things.

Official consumer price index was ca. 87 points, 10-years ago, i.e. 2008, today it's close to 103 points, so in average prices has increased by around 18 percent; i.e. say 20 persent.

You're having about 10 baht less for each £ today, compared to 10-years ago; i.e. a drop of 20 percent.

You'll in average feel that everything is 50 percent more expensive now, when comparing prices to £.

£ 2000 will give you in the area of 80,000 baht; divided with number of days and persons.

However, some things has gone up more than others, and it might be different, in different places.

You mention Samui, which is where I live and know of prices, a place that usually is considered little up priced being both an island, and an up-priced tourist destination. And remember, it's a bit of a rubber band, because how is life style; i.e. will you dine in local street-kitchen like diners, or do you opt for high-end gourmet restaurants.

Whatever you but in convenient stores like 7-Eleven, or supermarkets like Tops and Tesco, is almost same price as everywhere else.

Gasoline is a bit more expensive on an island, and has gone up in the last 10 years, one liter is around 30 baht and up, depending of type. Motorbike rents from 150 baht to 200 baht a day for small bikes, car hire from around 1,000 baht a day (might be able to find some for 800-900 baht).

Samui:

• Street soups range from 40 baht to 50 baht, might charge 60 baht in some areas like Chaweng
• Local restaurants, a Thai dish range from 60 baht to 120 baht, Western dishes from 150 baht to 350 baht, might be little more in Chaweng
• Drinks in local restaurants typically from 30 baht soft drinks to around 80 baht for a beer, if wine is available it will be more than 100 baht a glass after the last tax-increase
• Mid-end restaurants typically from 250 baht a dish, and up to 500 baht, steaks can be more
• Taxi-rides typically from 300 baht to 600 baht, often the driver will ask for fixed price instead of mandatory meter fare, longer rides across the island could be 900 to 1,000 baht
• Full day excursions, depending of type and destination, typically from 1,500 baht to 2,500 baht, and might be included lunch
• Drinks in pubs and trendy cafés are slightly higher priced than restaurants, 40-50 baht for water and soft, and up 150 baht for beer, coffee 80-120 baht, beach-front entertainment might be little more
• One hour traditional Thai massage 250 baht (might be 300 baht in high-street price)

I presume you'll avoid up-end places with a 80k budget, so I don't mention any.

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On 11/29/2018 at 5:52 AM, stament said:

Can anyone recommend anything?

Possible with two names in an account, where the one name is a parent or legal guardian. You can open both normal accounts and fixed accounts, fx. 12-month fixed for better interest. Many Thais prefers to use GSB (Government Savings Bank) as the government gurantee the money; however all banks will be guaranteed for up to 1 million baht (higher limit at present), GSB used to have a 36-month fixed account. On my last interest rate check for 12-month fixed, Bankok Bank was 1.5% p.a.; SCB 1.4% p.a.; and GSB 1.3% p.a. A 15% tax will be withheld from any credited interest.

Another possibility for child savings is a so-called "Fund Book", which most, if not all, Thai banks offers. They are mutual available funds in a variety of choices. Selecting LTF (Long Term Fund) funds, will give tax benefits, but the money cannot be withdrawn before after 7 years (if fund are sold before, tax will apply). You can choose both dividend paying LTFs and accumulating LTFs, typically with 70% invested in bonds and like. You can read more about LTFs in English language here from SCB; it's not a recommendation, just an example, other banks might have similar pages, I'm for example aware for example K-Bank and Bangkok Bank.

I've used mainly two LTFs for my child's savings with a nice ca. 3.5% average annual capital gain, and average 2.8% yearly dividend for the chosen dividend-paying LTF, and a slightly better annual capital gain of almost 7% for the accumulating LTF. No tax if following the rules, which is up to 500,000 baht a year in deposit, and up to 500,000 baht a year in withdrawal, but only after minimum 7-years maturing time. You need to reconsider investment policy when a child is 13 years old, as that will be the 7-year limit for tax-free withdrawal by age of 20 years. Please note that I'm referring to historical performance, not predicting the future...????

3 hours ago, dougie93 said:

Thank you so much!!! @khunPer

Can i write you a personal Message?

You're welcome...????

21 hours ago, dougie93 said:

The Dream would be: Having a nice House with a pool and a Room in the near (excellent if its also in the house) where we can use to jam.

 

Do you have any suggestions?

Yes.

There are plenty of nice villas for rent, all depending of what you wish, and your budget. You should be able find places remote enough to probably not disturb anyone when playing; especially in the hills, in the south, or by the west coast.

There are numerous music shop on the island, and a professional hiring company that can supply a full PA-rig, if needed. I don't know about availability for back-line gear, but it must be possible; and if not on the island, then from a Bangkok hiring company.

You can find villas for rent either here in the Thaivisa-section, or by searching the Internet for one of the numerous agents. Many houses are serviced, or partly serviced. It's important you inform the booking agent or the landlord that you intend to play music, so you're are not in a property close to neighbors that will stop you performing.

The preferred sound rental would be "Samui Group" that supply stages, light and complete PA-systems for various artists visiting the island as well as local events, but they don't seem to have anything in English – I need to check locally with my Thai sources – other possibilities are Samui Sound Hire and Koh Samui Sound System, but they are more focused on DJs and parties.

I'll check with one of the local music shops (they recently moved to here, so Street View image don't fit), if they have any suggestions...????

8 hours ago, fruitman said:

In the West they do EVERYTHING to get people in small and/or electric cars to save the environment and what Thailand is doing this....a superslurper to drive in overcrowded Bangkok where smokers are banned everywhere for polluting the air. ridiculous.

It's a small 2.3L eco-engine, not like the 4L to 7L in the original, now classic Mustangs...????

I would presume that "super rich" people already have whatever needed of various platinum-cards and cash, and some of them may even have someone employed to manage the cards, and carry and count the cash...????

22 hours ago, KneeDeep said:

What on earth is xxx%? In addition there is likely an ATM withdrawal fee, plus and annual charge apart from the initial cost of the card. Not looking that attractive.

 

Q: Is there any fee?
A: Card packaging fee is 150 baht and 100 baht for annual fee (collect at the yearend). If you need to replace the card, it will be 150 baht for replacement. To withdraw money at the ATM, there will be charge of xxx% of the withdrawal amount which will be deducted from the value in the card and also charge from the ATM provider (various based on each provider).

In the top test with fees it says 3%...????

On 11/25/2018 at 6:23 AM, jasonr3255 said:

Some advice would be appreciated on how best he can keep his Condo in Thailand without his wife making a claim to it 

To my best knowledge: UK law is for UK – and still following EU agenda, like a poster mentioned a holiday property in France – but UK law has no legality in Thailand, just like Thai law has no legality in UK; otherwise he should be able to use Thai law in UK as the marriage took place in Thailand. So for the Thai condo, it should follow Thai law, and thereby not be included in common property, as owned before the marriage, that also took place in Thailand.

Your friend should consult a Thai lawyer to handle the Thai property side of the divorce.

1 hour ago, Formaleins said:

You can pick them up (misty / hitachi ) well under 10K, you can get a good pump for what you need for about 5-6K - Make sure you leave plenty of plastic pipe and joints so you can hacksaw it out again when you leave.

Yes, plenty of pressure pumps in that price level, also Mitsubishi, that can pump up to 10-11 meters or higher; count 3 meter for each floor.

A typical rock concert would be in the area of 110 dB SPL (Sound Pressure Level) to get that funky feeling of punch and bass, up to 120 db at front, whilst modest 100 dB in areas with the reduced sound covering; the last depending of used so-called FOH – i.e. "Front Of House" – PA, some system like "Turbosund Flash Light" could distribute high SPL at back of a stadium; and use of so-called "delay towers", additional speakers half way down the audience.

I've got a feeling that Motörhead played louder than that, I've heard a ringing tone ever since...????

5 hours ago, khaowong1 said:

Waiting to see the movie, Bohemian Rhapsody.  Queen fans, was it a good movie?  

I wasn't a Queen-fan, when they were around, I am now – the movie is by the way amazingly great...
 

I cannot link to the full 11 minutes long "Live vs. movie" video here, it says. watch if at Facebook, which can be done here: "Queen 1985 y Bohemian Rhapsody 2018".

1 hour ago, GarryP said:

The problem was that many of these debtors did not qualify for loans from banks or other institutions, so had no choice but to go to loan sharks who charged extortionate interest. This government seems to have been trying to do something about this situation.  

A private money lender is legally not allowed to charge more than 15 percent interest annually, i.e. 1.5 percent a month – actually less than some legal quick-loan terms – but numerous charge a higher interest; 10 percent a month is not unheard.

Yes, if you are in desparate need for funds, there might be no other choice than accepting a high interest loan, and if you cannot pay back in a month, or with in few month, the debt escalates.

Previous governments also tried to help debitors by giving them a change to change from high interest loans to (very) low interest government guaranteed loans from a government bank or like; however still using the same land title deed as security. I think each village got a fixed allowance to be distributed.

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On 11/20/2018 at 5:46 AM, Pattaya46 said:

2% interest per month

Maximum legal interest is 15% p.a.; i.e. 1.5% a month, calculated annually or end of term.

On 11/21/2018 at 7:48 AM, OJAS said:

The reason why I am asking, by the way, is that it is now looking increasingly likely that I shall have to switch to marriage extensions based on 400k in the bank from August 2019

It frequently happens, both in self-service bank-book update machines, and when a cashier updates a bank-book; but no problem.

When you are going to apply for extension of stay and use the bank deposit method, you'll need a letter from your bank and a three month printed statement – normally a bank charge 100 bath for each – and that's what matters for the immigration. You are supposed to also give a photocopy of your bankbook and all pages, but it does't matter with some overwriting, or lack of update in a period, where a number posting have been compiled to a single line. All mentioned from personal experience.

What can make life little easier when applying to extension of stay, is to deposit the 400k baht in a separate account, so it's easy for the immigration officer to see, that the balance has not been under 400k baht at any time. If financially possible, a 3-month fixed account gives better interest. In such case I'll advise you to ask for two statements in the bank, and still show the immigration office your account for daily transactions; it might not be so important when extension is based on marriage, but for retirement extension one will for example show foreign transfers, and thereby that not working in the kingdom.

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On 11/20/2018 at 7:14 PM, 12Gon said:

5.       How much is the minimum social security payments per employee?

The SS is around 10% af the salary, maximum 1,500 baht a month, and minimum 500 baht a month (not sure, if minimum has been slightly raised). "Around 10%" as it's not a fixed size, but set year by year, some years ago it was 8%.

Minimum salary is about 305-315 baht a day – been changed little different from the previous 300 baht a day, depending of region, you'll need to check according to location – often counted as 8,000 baht to 8,500 bat a month with one weekly day off.

Half of SS is normally paid by the employee, and half by the employer; i.e. for a 10,000 baht monthly salary each part will pay 500 baht, making the salary expense 10,500 baht a month.

Some branches might need less than 4 thai workers (or 2 if married to a Thai) for each foreign work permit, depending of business. You should be able to find additional information by BOI.

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On 11/21/2018 at 4:43 AM, Nyezhov said:

Why do folks seem so miserable here? Is it just the folks on this Board, or generally representative of expats and visitors?

 

Its like someone will post: Got Shortchanged 5 baht in 7-11...

It's not all folks on this board – have you ever seen me posting things like that..????? – probably the positive majority don't write misserable post in TVF, so the misserable group seems like majority...????

5 hours ago, Samui Bodoh said:

I have always wanted to fly, so I hereby, officially, vow never (NEVER!) to read about the theory of gravity again!

That's the bumblebee-theory – and it actually works (for the bumblebees) – alternative try "Red Bull"; that is supposed to give you wings...????‍♂️

5 hours ago, xylophone said:

...a case in which the "company" was a nominee company...

Nominee companies "disappeared" when the rules changed from 7 to 3 shareholders about a decade ago; at that time nominee companies got a time-gap to change in their shareholder list to real shareholders, those that did not, might live a risky life of scrutiny...????

7 hours ago, Samui Bodoh said:

And, I am tired of waking up everyday and reading of more and more and more and more cheating.

I stopped reading the health-news, and after that I feel a lot better, and much more healthy...????

Consider if I should do the same with other kind of news...????

2 hours ago, xylophone said:

13 hours ago, khunPer said:

Just they pay their taxes, money can get out; but others just sells the company limited, instead of land+house. 30-years, 1988-2018 or like, should give more than 1,000% profit – i.e. 10 times up – on Samui, in parts of the island price has got up more in less time, like a rai bought for 60,000 baht could sell for 6 million baht...????

So they take a chance by breaking the law of the land in which they live and hope everything turns out OK.

No law breaking. Either the company limited is the seller – which is absolutely legal – or the shares of a company limited is sold, and that is also legal; in both cases any applying taxes, if any, are paid...????

2 hours ago, thedemon said:

Reading this through this thread I am reminded of my first visit to Koh Samui. It was 1989, I was in my early twenties and working in Hong Kong. Several of my colleagues either had already invested in houses (or land to build a house) or were in the throes of doing so. Being young and pretty broke it was all academic to me but what I recall as the main point of contention between my colleagues and their friends was whether to buy the land through a company or go the safer route with a 30 year lease. The arguments one way or the other were pretty much exactly the same as in this thread today.

 

So fast forward to 2018 and the ones (still around) that went for the 30 year lease will be moving out of their houses next year. They can keep their furniture though. The ones that went the company ownership route are possibly still looking over their shoulders wondering when the authorities are coming to seize their properties. If they can't stand it any longer, they can sell up, take the 1000% profit and start worrying about how to get the money out of Thailand.

Just they pay their taxes, money can get out; but others just sells the company limited, instead of land+house. 30-years, 1988-2018 or like, should give more than 1,000% profit – i.e. 10 times up – on Samui, in parts of the island price has got up more in less time, like a rai bought for 60,000 baht could sell for 6 million baht...????

2 hours ago, balo said:

What a terrible human being , why was he released? 

"...he was granted a Royal Pardon" the article says...????

On 11/18/2018 at 1:33 PM, Neeranam said:

I see some nice houses around 15 million and think I could buy some land and build my own for much cheaper, any thoughts on this?

It's a rubber band, depending of how big a house you are talking about, and choice of materials.

If the land costs 5 million baht, you'll have 10 million baht left for everything else, in a 15 million baht budget. A pool and surroundings will be in the level 1.5 million to 2 million baht. A relative good quality house will cost you in the area of 25,000 baht to 30,000 baht a square meter, so for up to 8 million baht you can build about 250 to 300 square meters. If you choose more luxury – like marble bathrooms, and high-end brand name fittings; teak and slate, or sandstone floors; teak window frames and doors; expensive decoration tiles; etc. – your price could well be from 50,000 to 70,000 baht a square meter, leaving you with not much more than a 100 square meter house for the same price.

When seeing a turn-key house, there might be things in construction that you cannot easily spot, whilst when building your own house, you have a change to select everything yourself, and follow the construction in details. An already build house might have a nice make-up, but how will it be five years, or 10 years from now?

However, a building construction company may have some quantity discounts, that makes them able to build a house for a reasonable price, and still make a nice mark-up. A building construction company will also add a profit when quoting you, plus a percentage for unforeseen costs, so might not be that much of a difference. On the other hand, there could also be a big difference.

A second hand house that is already five years old, or 10 years old, should be cheaper than building a new house, but how much is depending of the level of maintenance. Location is also a major factor in pricing, chosing a different location often means a different price.

So if you think you can do it cheaper for a nice house, you need to think of what you might be able to get, for example for an average of 25,000 baht a square meter, and 20,000 baht, and 15,000 baht; and then compare that to the house prices you see, minus value of land.

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