theblether

Great thanks for your input, I'll head down and see Gary !!

I do business in China, Google translate is quite good for Mandarin translation, if you pm me I know a few Chinese nationals who may be able to help you with translation services. I also know several Chinese nationals that rely heavily upon Skype translate, I know it's good for good re messenger services on Skype, I don't know if Skype have a stand alone translate service.

Hi, thanks for the info. I'm finding wild differences in the interpretations between the machine translations. I think I'll just need to study harder

I'm finding it difficult to understand a lot of the translations from Google Translate, I can understand the words in a lot of cases but not meaning as such. Does anyone know of a better more literal translation service on line??.......

Something else you should be aware of is that last year everybody on a doctors patient list was sent a letter to ask if they could put your information onto the national data base, (or whatever it is called). If you did not reply to this letter in a timely fashion, questions would be asked at the doctor's surgey where you are a patient. I know, because it happened to me. I just asked the doctor if he would like to pop down to my house for a cup of tea, to prove I was still resident in the UK.

Alan

You've got this one wrong sir.......you are treated by your local NHS district ( board ). They work on very tight and limited budgets, they are entitled to know that you are their financial responsibility, and not the next districts.

Each NHS board has the flexibility to spend it's funds according to the needs of the LOCAL POPULATION !! For example, there may be a need for more cardiac units in Glasgow, but a need for more geriatric care in Bournemouth. The local board decides what capital projects are necessary, and where the funding should go. Your an example of the kind of person that the NHS comes across every day, "Fast with an opinion, Slow with the Facts".

So in future just respond to the letter requiring up to date info on you, and don't get smart mouthed with over-worked doctors.

What on earth are you on about?

If you had read my posting properly, you would know that the letter I am refering to asked if I would allow my medical records to be put on a national register, when there were grave reservations about its confidentiality. It did not want any up to date information on me, and had no impact on funding, as it was irrelevant where I lived in England.

My GP told me that he also refused to have his details stored on such a system.

Maybe you should read the lines written, and not imagine what might be in the space between them.

Alan

On the contrary, you should make your postings clearer. You didn't mention anything about " grave reservations" or any other issue of that ilk. You're the one that is guilty of writing one thing and thinking another. Try re-reading your posts before submitting.

My two points stand as stated, to address your nonsense point about " grave reservations " let's look at the only salient question. Why would the NHS want a central register of medical records? Could it be because every single day in life they are treating people blind to their medical history, as the patient has been rushed in to hospital for emergency treatment?

Personally speaking I would much rather the Doctor in charge of my treatment had full access to my current medical record than worry about some cyber terrorist discovering I had a in-grown toe nail in 1963.

Grow up man.

Fly with Kan Airways, over the mountains on a Cessna......excellent!! Then you can get the bus back, or vice versa

If you have allocated 5 days for Chiang Mai then you will easily fill your time, and there are plenty of activities that will be suitable for everybody on the trip, bad knee or not. The Night Market and Night Bazaar are always worth a visit, especially if it's your first time in town. The Sunday market is excellent, though it may be an idea for you to get there around 6.00pm as the crowds can be overwhelming later in the evening.

You should head out to Doi Suthep, the fitter members of your party can climb the steps, and the others can go up the escalator so the whole party gets to enjoy the view from one of the best temples in Thailand . Head out to Chiang Mai Zoo, that is well worth a trip, as well as Mae Rim. It's not often in life you get a photo of yourself grabbing a Tiger by the Tail as you can at Tiger Kingdom, as well as the rest of the attractions in that area. You could easily spend 5 days in Mae Rim district alone.

Outwith the obvious tourist attractions there is something about Chiang Mai that just draws you in, there are so many hidden gems, bars, restaurants, Thai cafes etc that you'll find yourself busy doing nothing.

Chiang Rai is lovely but I think you should stick to CM, I don't think Chiang Rai is worth the journey for a day trip.

I need travel insurance for my Thai gf, we're going on holiday to Singapore & Borneo. Does anyone know of a decent travel insurance broker in CM,? Alternatively any online travel insurance companies would be appreciated too.

Pappaya Salat followed by super hot Tom Yam Kung, then followed by a visit to either the latrine, or an overnight in the local hospital.

Fabulous!! As my friend pointed out, food so hot it makes you cry, and you keep coming back for more !!

Thai food is amazing !!

Something else you should be aware of is that last year everybody on a doctors patient list was sent a letter to ask if they could put your information onto the national data base, (or whatever it is called). If you did not reply to this letter in a timely fashion, questions would be asked at the doctor's surgey where you are a patient. I know, because it happened to me. I just asked the doctor if he would like to pop down to my house for a cup of tea, to prove I was still resident in the UK.

Alan

You've got this one wrong sir.......you are treated by your local NHS district ( board ). They work on very tight and limited budgets, they are entitled to know that you are their financial responsibility, and not the next districts.

Each NHS board has the flexibility to spend it's funds according to the needs of the LOCAL POPULATION !! For example, there may be a need for more cardiac units in Glasgow, but a need for more geriatric care in Bournemouth. The local board decides what capital projects are necessary, and where the funding should go. Your an example of the kind of person that the NHS comes across every day, "Fast with an opinion, Slow with the Facts".

So in future just respond to the letter requiring up to date info on you, and don't get smart mouthed with over-worked doctors.

Just in case anyone is interested in the service provided by Kan Airlines, I took them from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai a couple of months ago (before the rain season), found the prop airplanes clean and comfortable for the short flight, the staff friendly and professional, really enjoyed the views of terrain I'd previously known only from the road, and had a reasonable boxed snack, the contents of which I've forgotten. I don't make the trip often enough to keep them in business and am not sure who does, but I would choose the airline again if the opportunity presents itself and will be sorry if they don't make it.

My thoughts entirely, although I'm obviously not keen on the Thai bus service, the idea of flying over the Thai mountains in a Cessna appealed to me, and quite frankly it was a joy. I would recommend it as an experience, as much as for the transport reasons. I'll be doing it again soon.

[i think some people are jumping the gun on this one a bit; of course condolences to those directly affected, but to immediately assume the accident is a result of poor driving standards is unfair - for all we know it could have been caused by some other reason like brake failure or swerving to avoid a dog. The driving standards are not good in Thailand, but that doesn't mean that every accident is down to them. Accidents happen unfortunately, and they happen everywhere.

Yes you are right , those stories usually end up by investigation " brake failure" ... I agree no need to jump in conclusion but we all know ,specially those living here ,that mini vans drivers , bus drivers ,pick up drivers rarely care about their passengers ,how many accidents everyday because of excessive speed and inadequate driving behavior ???????

I have been doing 90 visa run for 7 years with no probs,great drivers too.Been travelijng all over Thailand with,u guessed it,no probs.Deaths can happen all over the world,and would be interesting to see the death rate for Thailand and uk,i canty be arsed to look but somebody will.

RIP LADS

UK Population 63 million, Road Deaths 2,946

Thai Population 63 million, Road Deaths circa 40,000

I started off this post referring to a shocking bus journey that I had earlier this year, traveling from Chiang Rai To Chiang Mai. In light of this weeks events with the fatal accidents involving both Thai nationals at Doi Suthep and the British gap year students heading for Chiang Mai, I first of all pass on my condolences to all concerned, thank my lucky stars that it wasn't me earlier this year, and feel I should point out this post to you once again.

There are methods of legal land ownership however as a rule of thumb it is rated at a Department of Trade level, for example if the Thai government invited a company such as Samsung into the country to build a factory then Samsung could / would expect to be able to own the land. That may be an extreme example however as a rule of thumb most members of the forum would not be trading at a level where they could access some of the programs available to the multi-nationals. Someone earlier mentioned the Hilton Hotel group, these kinds of companies are internationally quoted companies, they are at a different level.The legalities are complex and beyond the level where most farangs wish to be involved.

Most farang will invest in land for housing or as an adjunct to a house / farm. In other cases they will look to invest in bars or guest houses etc. These investors have effectively zero protection,

I am of the opinion that this is a serious loss for the general Thai economy, I withdrew from a deal last year that would have created substantial employment. I still look at Thailand as being a place where business could be done, and with proper management the country could boom, however that management is not forthcoming and we are left with the reality............Thailand is not investor friendly.

A politician coming up with such an anti-foreigner agenda in Germany and most other parts of Europe would immediately be branded a NAZI and be out of his job after a big public outcry would rumble through the media.

This is one of the days where I think that the Thais would like it best if all foreigners would just land at the airport, toss their cash, credit cards and valuables onto the runway, take a photo and then bugger off back home. Wouldn't such travel be a nice niche? You would not even need a VIsa since the airplane would simply make a u-turn on the runway and bring you back to where you came from.

This all is again a grim reminder to the fact that us foreigners here in Thailand are second class people to them, not worth a toss... Why not worldwide do an eye-for-an-eye retribution and strip all Thai people off the land they have been granted to legally own by a 100% and ban >only Thai people< worldwide in all countries from owning land, threatening them to be deported and punished? Wouldn't that be just fair after all that "Farangs get out of here" bullshit Thai authorities come up with on a frequent basis?

I'm here since 20 years now and even though it would ruin my own business, I strongly believe that Thailand would really deserve that people of all nations would suddenly realize how much most of the nicely smiling Thais dislike (or should I say hate?) foreigners and as a result never return here again, and bring their money elsewhere. A total collaps of the Thai economy as a result of their stupid ongoing anti-farang-agenda - wouldn't you just love to see that?

What I believe is that 90% of prime Phuket land is in the hands of filthy rich Thai/Chinese families... and I'm quite certain that I am as close to the truth as one can be. What they want is the remaining 10%... Give us white people a break, would you, please?

well said catweazle;,... i totally agree with your points, and moreover, i have come to hear and see the pessimism of "farang"in thailand especially those living here, the realisation of the false crocodile smiles , and the the fact that thais eat,sleep,and dream only money , its time european countries started to turn the tables and take ownership of houses and land away from thais living in the west, an eye for an eye........ENOUGH IS ENOUGH ! without foriegners thailand would be ten years behind what it is today,and thats still 15 years behind the west, they want western teachers, technology,quality,standards ,designs,education,but are happy to see hundreds of foreigners loose a life of savings to a thai overnight , no interest in justice what so ever, ............ all farangs want is a level playing field , thailand is the most racist society i have ever seen from the inside out from them looking down on isaan and simlpy happy to rob foriegners !.............. whats hard for me to undrestand is why i still love the place !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! babababoa !

If everyone did the sensible thing and didn't invest in a guaranteed losing bet, didn't pump their hard earned money into improving infrastructure and property development, didn't invest in businesses that they can never hope to fully legally own or control.........

Do you think the Thai authorities would have to change the rules to encourage foreign investment? Of course they would.

However we have thousands upon thousands of people risking their life savings on a fantastical bet, one that they would never tolerate in their own country, and the list of people losing their shirt and the tragic consequences is endless.

Who in their right mind would put all of the money into a business in the West, then give 51% control to someone else who hasn't invested a coin? This is ludicrous, absolutely ludicrous....anyone reading this forum that has done this should go look in the mirror.

So what now is the incentive for the Thai authorities to change the law? There are plane loads of GOOD HEARTED BUT NAIVE Farangs making their way to the country every week, many of whom are pumping every coin they have into this country without any form of redress or control.

The answer is.....there is no incentive for a change to the law, so you better accept that, and if you put your hand in your pocket you better be ready for the consequences.

Farangs parking brains at the airport again.........

I wonder how this will affect married couples. The authorities know that when a foreigner marries a poor Thai woman, and they buy a house together, which is put in her name, that the money came from the foreigner. I suppose we all have to find ways to make it look like the money came from her. The silly consequence is that if the land is confiscated, the Thai wife will lose both her home and husband. Then the rich can buy the land at a bargain basement price. Have the officials been on a study trip to Zimbabwe, by any chance?

I'm not clear about your line of thought on this one. They are talking about investors on larger scales, manipulating group managers who will own 50% of the land, and the foreigner owns 50% as a partnership. They are talking large scale land buy outs, not a little man with a Thai wife. A Thai wife will own 100% of the land and house bought by her husband, so there is no issue of risk. They would not confiscate land that is owned 100% outright by a Thai wether her husband was English or from Timbuktu. That is their argument. The larger groups, such as the German conglomerates who own half of Hua Hin, and the Russian conglomerates who own 60% of Pattaya are the ones they are scrutinising, and to add - I agree with this move. Cool down! :jap:

-m.

I am also not clear on your line of thought either, so the retired individual who does not have a Thai wife and uses a Thai company with nominees to hold the land his house is on, is safe?

No....that is exactly who they are targeting. It seems harsh to be fair, and to what extent they will pursue that individual will probably be down to luck, or lack of. However the root of the problem is that foreigners cannot be in control of land in Thailand, effective or otherwise. There have been recent reports of people in Phuket being bled dry of their assets as the 51% shareholder nominee has salted the assets away. This is the brutal reality, if you give 51% nominee shareholding to someone else you may as well give them 100% and get on your knees and pray.

To invest in Thailand under this law is ridiculous, anyone in the process of doing so, please stop. Anyone who has, please look carefully at how you are going to extricate yourself. There's no point huffing and puffing, this is harsh and brutal reality, you control nothing, and risk everything.

I wonder how this will affect married couples. The authorities know that when a foreigner marries a poor Thai woman, and they buy a house together, which is put in her name, that the money came from the foreigner. I suppose we all have to find ways to make it look like the money came from her. The silly consequence is that if the land is confiscated, the Thai wife will lose both her home and husband. Then the rich can buy the land at a bargain basement price. Have the officials been on a study trip to Zimbabwe, by any chance?

I'm not clear about your line of thought on this one. They are talking about investors on larger scales, manipulating group managers who will own 50% of the land, and the foreigner owns 50% as a partnership. They are talking large scale land buy outs, not a little man with a Thai wife. A Thai wife will own 100% of the land and house bought by her husband, so there is no issue of risk. They would not confiscate land that is owned 100% outright by a Thai wether her husband was English or from Timbuktu. That is their argument. The larger groups, such as the German conglomerates who own half of Hua Hin, and the Russian conglomerates who own 60% of Pattaya are the ones they are scrutinising, and to add - I agree with this move. Cool down! :jap:

-m.

Very valid point....for most small home owners with Thai wives the security of tenure will be directly related to the state of their marriage.

I said it before not a good idea to buy a property in a company name using Thais as 51% shareholders..This was not the reason this system was put in place so forigners could buy houses here....Sell Sell Sell

Completely and utterly correct.........I watch a lot of farang here who have zero business experience in their own country, and suddenly decide that they are in a position to invest and become businessmen here in Thailand.

If you presented the Thai law to your Attorney or Solicitor in your own country they would advise you that to invest here under current Thai law is a ridiculous proposition. If you don't believe me, try it. There are far too many Farang parking their brains at the airport.

Foreigners that invest in land in Thailand fall into two categories.

1. Those that don't know it's illegal to own land

2. Those that know it is illegal to own land, and go ahead and invest anyway.

The people in the first category need to do more research before investing money.

The people in the second category are gamblers. You can't control the uncontrollable, if the law says you cannot own the land, then just accept it.

If you want to gamble, go to the Casino, you'll get more fun out of it than taking on a bet that you know you cannot win in the end.

Thought we were in Thailand on a Thai forum discussing events in Thailand, &lt;deleted&gt; has what goes on in England got to do with it ?

Correct and thank you.............I totally agree.

Yes it is sad. But you don't seem to concerned about the other five. You also rattle on as if there is no accidents in England.

You know what, that is a ridiculous answer. If your comparing the road safety record of Thailand to England your a nutter. So lets get back to the topic, what can be done to improve the bus service and public transport in Thailand.

I've read the reports of the 8 people killed the other day on the way down from Doi Suthep, I don't know if this is a different incident however here is the report..................

Three British gap year students travelling through Thailand have been killed in a bus crash.

This carnage is shocking beyond belief, I had an experience earlier this year that was a disgrace, and I know many other members of the forum can testify to that. So what can be done?

Does anyone know if there are flights to mainland China from CNX, or any plans to start any in the forseeable future? Ideally the flights would be into Shanghai or Hangzhou. Also Air Asia announced last year that CNX was being allocated hub status, yet they don't seem to have added many additional routes. Does anyone know if they have new routes planned? ( I can see the current routes on their website ).

While I'm on the subject, is there a transport thread or forum in regards to links of all modes of transport in and out of Chiang Mai? If not would the administrators consider starting one? Transport links are quite an issue for we travelers.

Buy a Dog Dazer from Amazon. Inaudible to the human ear and it stops dogs dead in their tracks within 15 feet. Clip it to your belt or bike and enjoy your cycling. This problem can be intimidating to people who are not used to dogs, and in some areas of Chiang Mai you'll end up facing down packs.

I've had to face down a few and I haven't met a dog yet that I couldn't take in a fight, but I haven't met a street dog in CM yet that wasn't capable of giving a nasty bite in the process.

Alternatively If your out walking carry a bottle of water with you, dogs cannot stand being splashed with water.

However, if you are going to come across this problem on a daily basis buy a Dog Dazer, problem solved.

The title says it all, when your Thai girl says " Up To You" does she mean it? Or is it one of those cunning female traps?