Bel Mondo

This evening on a show called "Pattaya Plus", I saw some former tennis pro, David Lloyd, and an American architect, Michael Earle, being interviewed concerning Phuket real estate developments and a concept called "Fractional Ownership".

Both indicated that this was NOT a time share, but a "group ownership" concept.

Supposedly the investors were actually "owners" (actually named on the Thai property deed) and would participate in profits from an eventual sale of the property.

I just don't understand this concept within the context of the law of Thailand.

We all know that only Thai citizens can own property.

We all know that foreigners cannot own real estate in Thailand. The only exception, of course, are condos (49% of a condo development)

So -- PRAY TELL -- what is this "new" and "unique" concept of "Fractional Ownership" unless it is simply the usual Time Share concept?

Can either Mr. Lloyd, Mr. Earle or some designated agent please enlighten me on this rather "unique" ownership concept?

If anyone of these "entrepreneurs" can give me an explanation that would pass muster under Thai law, I would be happy to invest -- after all, who wouldn't want a chance to enjoy a day on the yacht that is "supposedly" part of the package!!!!

This evening on a show called "Pattaya Plus", I saw some former tennis pro, David Lloyd, and an American architect, Michael Earle, being interviewed concerning Phuket real estate developments and a concept called "Fractional Ownership".

Both indicated that this was NOT a time share, but a "group ownership" concept.

Supposedly the investors were actually "owners" (actually named on the Thai property deed) and would participate in profits from an eventual sale of the property.

I just don't understand this concept within the context of the law of Thailand.

We all know that only Thai citizens can own property.

We all know that foreigners cannot own real estate in Thailand. The only exception, of course, are condos (49% of a condo development)

So -- PRAY TELL -- what is this "new" and "unique" concept of "Fractional Ownership" unless it is simply the usual Time Share concept?

Can either Mr. Lloyd, Mr. Earle or some designated agent please enlighten me on this rather "unique" ownership concept?

If anyone of these "entrepreneurs" can give me an explanation that would pass muster under Thai law, I would be happy to invest -- after all, who wouldn't want a chance to enjoy a day on the yacht that is "supposedly" part of the package!!!!

Saw an interesting press release today.

If it's true, the world is in for a lot more financial grief.

I'm no stock market pro, but some of you are --

Should we all start buying Puts?

NEoWave Warns Stock Market Has Peaked for 2009

NEoWave Institute's Glenn Neely is forecasting the largest vertical drop of the decade for the S&P 500. Neely predicts the stock market will decline 50% in the next 6 months.

Viejo, CA June 16, 2009 -- Glenn Neely, founder of NEoWave Institute and prominent Elliott Wave analyst, today announces a startling prediction: The S&P 500 is forming a major top in June, which will be followed by a large decline, eventually pushing the stock market to record lows for the decade.

"Technically speaking, according to NEoWave a correction began at last October's low; the March-June rally is the final leg of that correction," Neely explains. "The March-June rally is now ending, allowing the bear market to resume. During the next six months, the S&P will decline 50% or more, breaking well below 500!" Currently, the S&P is hovering around 917.

Glenn Neely is providing this information not as a specific trade recommendation but as a general public service announcement. A prominent Elliott Wave analyst, Neely was recently recognized in Timer Digest's May issue as the #1 stock market timer for the past 12 months.

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/06/prweb2537224.htm

I have to confess that I was really looking foward to my first meal at the new Pagoda restaurant in Jomtien Complex last night. This is the place that used to be called Flamboyant, which didn't last very long. Maybe I expected too much of its successor.

Physically, the place is the same, except the new owner has put a red bamboo screen up to block the view of the kitchen, which used to be open to the dining room. It blocks the view of the kitchen but the red bamboo itself does not compliment the dining rooms. Color has been added to the former minimalist setting by having bright red cushions on all the wood seating and by hanging asian-motif umbrellas "Mary Poppins" style from the ceiling. There are also traditional Asian art and wall-hangings with no particular theme.

The white table-cloth setting was fine, except for the big green liquid candle that looks out of place on the table.

My big disappointment was with the food. It was bland and unappealing. My soup was weak and lacked any hint of being fresh or homemade. My main course was a pork dish that also lacked taste and the very bland vegetables that came with it didn't help. The whole plate just lacked any real taste or excitement.

I found the wines overpriced - 240 Baht for a glass of red wine from Chile is way over priced.

None of our party thought that anything we ate was special, even if the prices are reasonable. The food coming out of the kitchen needs a real upgrade before this place can amount to anything special in the way of restaurants.

Thanks for the recommendation.

I really like Japanese food, especially teppenyaki......

Any other recommendations besides the one you mentioned?

Great search engine!!!!

I agree with the other poster -- should have a Business Class option............

How about naming some honest, hardworking agents?

Both Alan Bolton and Clayton Wade (Premier Homes) have been around Pattaya for over a decade.

Both these agents are professional and honest.

There is a new agent - Bobby Brooks - who has been in business for over 2 years. He was a very successful broker in Hawaii and has been quite successful here. He is both professional and honest.

With the lack of licensing and governmental oversight regarding the retailing of real estate here in Thailand, it comes as no surprise that rogue agents will take advantage of the situation.

Perhaps some other recommendations can be given on this thread.

Came across this today. Is this for real or just another "Urban Legend" being propagated on the the crazy internet?

Leaked Agenda of the Bilderberg Group Meeting ’09

Paul Joseph Watson | Prison Planet.com 1,155 VIEWS

May 7, 2009

On the eve of the 2009 Bilderberg Group conference, which is due to be held May 14-17 at the 5 star Nafsika Astir Palace Hotel in Vouliagmeni, Greece, investigative reporter Daniel Estulin has uncovered shocking details of what the elitists plan to do with the economy over the course of the next year.

The Bilderberg Group meeting is an annual confab of around 150 of the world’s most influential powerbrokers in government, industry, banking, media, academia and the military-industrial complex. The secretive group operates under “Chatham House rules,” meaning that no details of what is discussed can ever be leaked to the media, despite editors of the world’s biggest newspapers, the Washington Post, the New York Times and the Financial Times, being present at the meeting.

According to Estulin’s sources, which have been proven highly accurate in the past, Bilderberg is divided on whether to put into motion, “Either a prolonged, agonizing depression that dooms the world to decades of stagnation, decline and poverty … or an intense-but-shorter depression that paves the way for a new sustainable economic world order, with less sovereignty but more efficiency.”

The information takes on added weight when one considers the fact that Estulin’s previous economic forecasts, which were based on leaks from the same sources, have proven deadly accurate. Estulin correctly predicted the housing crash and the 2008 financial meltdown as a result of what his sources inside Bilderberg told him the elite were planning based on what was said at their 2006 meeting in Canada and the 2007 conference in Turkey.

Details of the economic agenda were contained in a pre-meeting booklet being handed out to Bilderberg members. On a more specific note, Estulin warns that Bilderberg are fostering a false picture of economic recovery, suckering investors into ploughing their money back into the stock market again only to later unleash another massive downturn which will create “massive losses and searing financial pain in the months ahead,” according to a Canada Free Press report.

According to Estulin, Bilderberg is assuming that U.S. unemployment figures will reach around 14% by the end of the year, almost doubling the current official figure of 8.1 per cent.

Estulin’s sources also tell him that Bilderberg will again attempt to push for the enactment of the Lisbon Treaty, a key centerpiece of the agenda to fully entrench a federal EU superstate, by forcing the Irish to vote again on the document in September/October despite having rejected it already, along with other European nations, in national referendums.

“One of their concerns is addressing and neutralizing the anti-Lisbon treaty movement called ‘Libertas’ led by Declan Ganley. One of the Bilderberger planned moves is to use a whispering campaign in the US media suggested that Ganley is being funded by arms dealers in the US linked to the US military,” reports CFP.

Daniel Estulin, Jim Tucker, and other sources who have infiltrated Bilderberg meetings in the past have routinely provided information about the Bilderberg agenda that later plays out on the world stage, proving that the organization is not merely a “talking shop” as debunkers claim, but an integral planning forum for the new world order agenda.

Indeed, just last month Belgian viscount and current Bilderberg-chairman Étienne Davignon bragged that Bilderberg helped create the Euro by first introducing the policy agenda for a single currency in the early 1990’s. Bilderberg’s agenda for a European federal superstate and a single currency likely goes back even further. A BBC investigation uncovered documents from the early Bilderberg meetings which confirmed that the European Union was a brainchild of Bilderberg.

In spring 2002, when war hawks in the Bush administration were pushing for a summer invasion of Iraq, Bilderbergers expressed their desire for a delay and the attack was not launched until March the following year.

In 2006, Estulin predicted that the U.S. housing market would be allowed to soar before the bubble was cruelly popped, which is exactly what transpired.

In 2008, Estulin predicted that Bilderberg were creating the conditions for a financial calamity, which is exactly what began a few months later with the collapse of Lehman Brothers.

Bilderberg has routinely flexed its muscles in establishing its role as kingmaker. The organization routinely selects presidential candidates as well as running mates and prime ministers.

Bill Clinton and Tony Blair were both groomed by the secretive organization in the early 1990’s before rising to prominence.

Barack Obama’s running mate Joe Biden was selected by Bilderberg luminary James A. Johnson, and John Kerry’s 2004 running mate John Edwards was also anointed by the group after he gave a glowing speech at the conference in 2004. Bilderberg attendees even broke house rules to applaud Edwards at the end of a speech he gave to the elitists about American politics. The choice of Edwards was shocking to media pundits who had fully expected Dick Gephardt to secure the position. The New York Post even reported that Gephardt had been chosen and “Kerry-Gephardt” stickers were being placed on campaign vehicles before being removed when Edwards was announced as Kerry’s number two.

A 2008 Portuguese newspaper report highlighted the fact that Pedro Santana Lopes and Jose Socrates attended the 2004 meeting in Stresa, Italy before both going on to become Prime Minster of Portugal.

Several key geopolitical decisions were made at last year’s Bilderberg meeting in Washington DC, again emphasizing the fact that the confab is far more than an informal get-together.

As we reported at the time, Bilderberg were concerned that the price of oil was accelerating too fast after it hit $150 a barrel and wanted to ensure that “oil prices would probably begin to decline”. This is exactly what happened in the latter half of 2008 as oil again sunk below $50 a barrel. We were initially able to predict the rapid rise in oil prices in 2005 when oil was at $40, because Bilderberg had called for prices to rise during that year’s meeting in Munich. During the conference in Germany, Henry Kissinger told his fellow attendees that the elite had resolved to ensure that oil prices would double over the course of the next 12-24 months, which is exactly what happened.

Also at last year’s meeting, former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice formalized plans to sign a treaty on installing a U.S. radar base in the Czech Republic with Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg.

Rice was joined at the meeting by Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who reportedly encouraged EU globalists to get behind an attack on Iran. Low and behold, days later the EU threatened Iran with sanctions if it did not suspend its nuclear enrichment program.

There was also widespread speculation that Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama’s “secret meeting,” which was accomplished with the aid of cloak and dagger tactics like locking journalists on an airplane to keep them from tracking the two down, took place at the Bilderberg meeting in DC.

It remains to be seen what kind of mainstream media press coverage Bilderberg 2009 will be afforded because, despite the proven track record of Bilderberg having a central role in influencing subsequent geopolitical and financial world events, and despite last year’s meeting being held in Washington DC, the U.S. corporate media oversaw an almost universal blackout of reporting on the conference, its attendees, and what was discussed.

Once again, it will be left to the alternative media to fill the vacuum and educate the people on exactly what the globalists have planned for us over the coming year.

Jimmybkk -- thank you for your input...........

Just a thought -- it would be nice to put this thread on the "Pinned" area of this thread...."Pet hotels, pet guardians, veterinarians, pet hospitals, etc."

Many people have pets who need a nice environment and responsible people to oversee those pets.

Pet owners go overseas or have sudden problems which make overseeing pets very stressfull or impossible.

Pet "holiday retreats" or just pet "baby-sitting" for a period of time is really necessary.

As humans who have had the good fortune of having the love of a dog, cat, or other little "sentient beings", it is very important to have some alternative for the caring of this loved one when we cannot provide this caring ourselves.

So -- thanks for any other input on alternatives to the home envriorment.............

Interesting legal issues --

You indicated that you would like "Clear information rather than speculation..."

Just a thought -- Consult a lawyer and pay the consultation fee for this information.................

Thatcher -- a woman in power -- Need I say more?

See what she did in concert with Reagan......

Thatcher and Reagan brought down the USSR and brought forth the world we now have -- multiple independently "liberated" countries dominated by religiously dominated governments.

Did this woman (Thatcher) make us a better world?

I think NOT -- You are entitled to your own opinion..........

Chopper--

Great place!

Got anything Beach Road area? Anything past Dusit?

If so, I'd be interested....for real..

Thanks

Harmonica - I enjoyed your postings and found them incisive.

How about starting a new thread and commenting on the market?

It would be helpful to many of us who are not really trained in this area -- and would be alot more helpful than most brokers.

Thanks, Jingthing

Maybe there is a niche market for a Bruno's or Casa Pascal to tap here...........

Just wish there was some "old fashioned" prime rib around somewhere.........

Amor's Restaurant off of Pattayaland Soi 2 makes a good Vegi-Burger.....no beef or other dead animals, fish or insects, whatsoever...........

Good for your health and possibly for your "Karma" also..........

Think about it -- once you put all the condiments on the dead animal .........ketchup, mustard, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, pickles, thousand island dressing, mayonnaise, etc. -- does the taste of the dead animal really matter?

Why not just have a vegetarian Subway Sandwich with some phony BBQ sauce?

Looks like a good business opportunity for somebody -- just has to have the right location.........and access to a good plate factory........

Where is the Richman - Poorman Restaurant?

Also -- can you provide a contact number?

I called Manhattans Steak House and spoke to the chef.

He indicated they do have a version of prime rib.

Unfortunately, due to import restrictions regarding beef on the bone (mad-cow disease prohibitions), the only way they can cook the prime rib is on an individual portion basis -- but cut to your preference (2, 3 or more inches thick).

Cost anywhere from 1,500 Baht upwards --- which is reasonable.

Has anyone tried the Prime Rib at Manhattans?

There are many good British restaurants in Pattaya serving a Sunday brunch featuring "British" style "roast beef".

What I am looking for is the American style "Prime Rib" -- the kind of meat that is served on a cart and cut to your preference -- 2 or 3 inches in width for a rare or medium rare cut or an end cut............

Tried to get this in Bangkok at both the well known steak houses -- I was very disappointed and paid a lot of money for the dinner!!!!

So we have Manhattans Steak House , Bruno's, Casa Pascal, Mantra, El Toro, Cafe New Orleans, Amors, Royal Cliff, Dusit, etc., etc, ---

Is there any place here that serves a "San Francisco" or "Las Vegas" Prime Rib?

Thanks for your suggestions...........

Central Festival supermarket has a deli and a very large selection of imported cheese.

Looking for Italian cheese -- try La Toscana on Beach Road-- this restaurant also has a deli and many verities of great cheese.

Unfortunately, bugs, rats, and mice, are usually beyond the control of both owners and managers of public premises…even one’s home.

Sometimes weekly exterminator services can lessen the impact of bugs, rats and mice.

But usually not------bugs and vermin always seem to reappear no matter what one does.

If or when a bug or a rat makes its presence known is beyond the control of anyone.

Now relating to your post----If you complained about either the food or the service of the restaurant, you have some credibility. After all, any customer, no matter how dimwitted or unsophisticated he or she may be, has a right to express his or her opinion about a meal and/or the service attendant to that meal. It’s your money --- you have a right to be satisfied or dissatisfied and express your opinion accordingly.

But to focus on a cockroach and the man’s embarrassment on having to explain away its presence AND feeling it necessary to post about it on ThaiVisa – Well – this evidence shows me that you must be as miserable a human being in Pattaya as you were in your native country.

I hold the same opinion for all the posters who have nothing better to do than to post derogatory remarks about Pattayaland, Pattaya generally, Thailand, Thais and life on this planet…

You all have had a second chance in life---- But what do I see by your posts? I see you are now as miserable and as unhappy as you were before you came to Pattaya.

And how do you express your “anger”--- your “unhappiness”?

Through your posts. Negative – Negative - Negative

Stop trying to be “happy” by trying to make other people unhappy, wising people the worst, laughing at people, and hoping for another person’s destruction (business or individually).

This thread is a microcosm of many threads I have read….laughing, cajoling and enjoying the misery of another person’s mistakes.

If this is the totality of the way in which you see the world – “your world” – then I pity you.

With the present economic conditions, it would seem that within the near future, both new and used car prices should come down and dealers should be offering some good deals.

I saw an ad in the Bangkok Post offering Mercedes for 0% interest - but the base price on the various models remain the same.

Anybody know of other manufacturers where the base price has been discounted?

Perhaps it is too early - best to wait until the first or second quarter of next year?

I've searched this forum, but saw nothing conclusive.

Any recommendations for a good auto paint shop?

Thanks

Years ago in California, the standard commission was 6% for residential property and up to 15% for commercial property.

Point: An agreement to pay a fee is a contract and all terms and conditions are "negotiable".

So -- "NEGOTIATE"...Don't just accept what the real estate agent says he/she wants.

Another Point: Thai employment law--- a foreign national is not allowed to sell real estate. Work permits issued to people in sales roles show them as consultants giving advice to foreign nationals about buying in Thailand on a fixed salary.

They are NOT allowed to actually SELL property!

Any commission contract you sign with them and on which their name appears is illegal (of course they use their company's name -- but the court will look through this as will Thai Immigration).

If you sign a contract that is "illegal", that contract is void "ad initio" (void from the initial execution). This contract is UNENFORCEABLE. You cannot sue on it and YOU cannot be sued on it.

You therefore have all these persons not holding Thai Citizenship and who are violating the law over the "preverable" barrel. "Wanna" bet they will re-negotiate their commission? Just mention "Immigration" and watch them "squirm"!!!!!

Final Point: At the end of the day, pay the agent what you think he/she is worth. And now -- make sure you use an escrow to insure you are paid the money that is due you. Pattaya has "some" reputable real estate agents -- but you have do your due diligence to make sure you don't get hurt.

Unfortunately, in the future weeks/months, we will see many more posts that question the integrity of various Pattaya condo projects.

The "Bubble" has burst, not only in the USA, the UK and other countries, but also in Thailand.

We all knew this would come about.

Some are simply in "denial".

Let's just hope the money we have in a bank account will be available in the future.

“Soutpeel”

I know a word like “lithograph” can be very challenging, both in concept and in pronunciation.

So let me help you a “little bit” – OK?

Just take your time and try to pronounce it this way – lit-tho-graph

Is this easier for you now?

Since you indicated you don’t know what a lithograph is, perhaps you can “Goggle” it and find out.

Or maybe you could look it up in a dictionary – assuming you actually own one.

Sometimes advancing one’s intellectuality can be painful – but headaches can always be helped by taking 2 paracetamols.

Thanks for your helpful input…………