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chiangrai57020
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Posts posted by chiangrai57020
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Farang crook poses as Thai bride
The smiling face of would-be mail-order bride, Thaee Maiyuran, once appeared regularly on the pages of legitimate Thai/farang matchmaking websites such as Oneandonly.com. Dozens of foreign suitors emailed the pretty Thai girl, completely unaware that they were, in fact, corresponding with a 50 year-old German bloke called Rudiger Reischert.
Our very own Mr Peter dropped Thaee a line but, instead of receiving a sweet and carefully misspelled reply, he was emailed by the Thai police. They told him that Reischert had been arrested. After swindling around half a million baht from lonely farang men, the conman was now facing up to seven years in jail.
His scam was simple. "Thaee" would promise to meet the men in their own country if they wired "her" money for visas and flights.
In the months that followed, arrivals lounges all over Farangland echoed to the tearful cries of love-sick farang men clutching wilting bouquets – but at least they were spared the sight of a fat middle-aged German puckering-up for a kiss. None of them heard from Thaee again.
Reischert’s luck finally ran out when American victim, Dennis Zorensen, alerted the Central Investigation Bureau of the Thai police. He told them that he sent Thaee US$1,500 through an agency called Thai German Consult.
Officers from the Crime Suppression Division and the Tourist Police traced the deposits to an account at the Thai Farmers bank operated by Reischert and arrested him shortly afterwards.
The Thai police are to be congratulated for their swift and effective action against the devious German but some would argue that thieving Thai con-girls pulling-off the exactly the same scam enjoy diplomatic immunity.
Perhaps it’s just as well, though. With the province of Isaan transformed into a gigantic penal colony, the only live show in Pattaya would be ancient sun-bleached condom wrappers blowing down empty streets.
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Thanks all guys
I' was meant to type "dehumidifier"...should have check my spelling first!
We're not looking forward for the individual air-conditioning unit - not that efficient.
As far as the space for the duct works, I can always make room for them since it will be a custom home. I've lived with one central ducts system (both cool air + hot air) here in the US for so long and couldn't imagine anything else. If we can't have them in thailand... oh well have to think of plan B.
As far as the wall insulation concerns, we're somewhat worried about that too and probably looking for the R-value about 21-26 for exterior wall. Here in the US I saw the neighbour using ICF system. It is an insulate rigid foam wall, very flexible...you then pour the concrete inside the wall....then finish with sheetrock inside and siding/stucco ouside. Therefore it's very easy making a curve wall with minimum labor works and you can choose any insulation value too. May be thailand doesn't have this system yet, will see. If not I might manufacture it in thailand for sale....hmm I wonder the mass market demand for this in thailand.
Being an engineer, it's so hard for us to buy any spec-home - they all seem to be in the cookie cutter type to me. Not that there's any wrong with that but I like mine to be a bit different. We will be talking to some engineer in a few week, will see how that's go. My thai is about 80% good...might have to use all the body parts too!
May be...just may be someone out there has this system....darn!
Appreciated all the inputs very much
For what it's worth. Some years ago when I built my first house I considered 'central' air. What I found was that 'central' air is not available in Thailand! Trane, Carrier, etc. make individual room units just like Mitsubushi.
Further research, today, have also provided the same results - no central air units. There are, it appears from advertisements on the web, that there are units that appear to be 'central air' but cost as much as a house!
There are systems where you buy one compressor and upto 3 room units. Do not know the cost.
"dehumidifier"...Yes, the individual room units do dehumidify and quite efficently.
My uneducated experience is that wall insulation is unnecessary! My first home was single 4" thick wall with thin stucco and the 'living' area faced West. There was no noticeable heat gain on the walls and my 'puny' 9,000 BTU room unit kept my 16' x 14' living room quite cool in the heat of the day. I did have 'one' layer of insulation in the ceiling throughout the house and noticed that the rooms without air, and facing to the East did not need airconditioning.
I had no trees to help cool the house. Thai's love to 'flatten' the earth before building anything!
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Dsl
in Chiang Rai
I have the 256/128 conxn from TT&T and apart from the perhaps once a week that it takes me say 1/2 hour to connect( I can only assume that there is some sort of maintenance going on) it`s fine. For that sort of money what do you expect. It`s far better than the hopeless dial up cards.If you sign up for 1 year you get the modem for free.
I was told by someone that If the first of your last 6 digits of your number is 7 then you qualify. But I think the real criteria to qualify for the system is that you have to be within 18,000 feet of the nearest exchange.
Thanks to all for your input/recommendations.
Returned from TT&T today and settled on their 1,450 baht plan. From what I was told the 590/790 baht plan was a 1 to 20 party shared system. The 1,450 plan was a 1 to 10 share. I don't no if this really makes a difference in upload and download speeds or not. Got spoiled with the connection I had in Huai Khrai - no downtime at all after the initial setup (which was Loxinfo at 1605 baht/month).
Time will tell if I made the correct choice!
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Endure:
Yes, perhaps, but 'God' works in mysterious ways.
'God' doesn't have much of a foothold in Thailand. Perhaps you ought to ask him to work a miracle and wave his magic wand over Overbrook so that all the Thais can speak all the languages of any passing patient.
Hi Endure...
Do you have a recommendation for which language to standardize upon?
Well, if I were in the Thai boonies I'd standardise in Thai in the same way as if I were up the Amazon I'd probably standardise in Portugese. I certainly wouldn't expect them to speak English/French/Mandarin just because I speak it. As far as Mrs God is concerned, I'd have thought she could speak any language she wanted. What's the point of being omnipotent if you're monolingual
I find all of the comments quite interesting. However, it is also obvious that the 'commentators' are not aware that a Thai doctor MUST be able to communicate in English BEFORE they can graduate medical school - a requirement by the Thai Medical Association. Of course, we that have been in Thailand awhile are also aware that every child from 1st Grade through to graduation receive English language training! Now, find any Thai that has recently graduate from a school of 'higher' learning that can speak English.
What is my point? Every 'foreignor' that I have met, from Africa to Sweden have a pretty good grasp of the English language. Since Mr 'T' so highly rates his education system, Why are the Thai students so far behind the rest of the World when it comes to the English language? If doctor's do not have a pretty good understanding of the English language, How can they benefit from research that is available on the internet (English)? If anybody in Thailand should have an understanding of English, it should be doctors!
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Dsl
in Chiang Rai
What DSL providers are recommended for TT&T telephone numbers? What experiences have you had? Are you satisfied with the service provided? What is the cost of the service?
All responses are welcome. Recently 'purchased' a TT&T phone number and want to get connected via DSL network but haven't the foggiest idea as to who provides what and the reliability of their service.
Thanks.
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Thanks for the further replies - i've never had a room so clean - but it isnt propagating as much and the rainy season is over...
Just got ants now...
You may want to try 'Moth Balls'! They seemed to work for my mold problems BUT do not let the moth balls hang around too long! Understand that these are not good for your health either.
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Any chance of a photo of the house?
Check Part Tow and Three.
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There is only one thing I would add:
I love Chiangrai because I feel like I am really living in Thailand, while Chiangmai seems to me more like a "mass tourism city", with all the inconvenience that goes together with it.
With "inconveniences" like really good DVD stores, great movie theaters, excellent English book stores, pretty good foreign restaurants of all different types, health food stores, English libraries, lots of farang friends, lots of night life and so on, I can put up with not being in the "real" Thailand much better than being bored silly in Chiang Rai with almost no entertainment!
It seems that everyone has their own idea of entertainment. I live near the entertaining city of Austin Texas but after living in the city until age 32, I moved 20 miles away and live in a quaint little town called Bastop. I love the quiet streets, starlit nights, wild animals, fishing, bicycling, ect. True I don't see a starbucks on every corner, nor a metropolitan opera. But small town living works for me (the rednecks get tiresome). Chiang Rai might be more cosmopolitan than what I prefer.
The guy who wrote "Chiang Mai if your under 40. Chiang Rai if your over 40" makes sense to me.
Cheers,
Trebek
Another 'Texas Longhorn'! Been here 7 years. If you want to talk to another Austinite, look me up. I'll PM you the details.
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Chiangrai
I am sorry things didn't work out, but your sample of one is not exactly convincing. There are many ways a foreigner can win in a Thai court, if they do their homework; sadly most do not have a good knowledge of the court system; may not have been to court before; do not get a good lawyer, and also cannot read most of the documentation themselves. It also doesn't help that so many foreigners here (particularly farang foreigners) have discrepancies in their work papers which come back to bite them when they go to court (no work permit, ongoing tourist visas for 3 years, etc).
I would therefore point out that your post, while a useful reminder of the dangers of going to court, is not the be-all and end-all.
To the posters who claim matrimonial property sharing 50:50; generally this would apply EXCEPT in the case of matrimonial property which involves land, where the land cannot be owned by a foreigner, and therefore all ownership resides with the Thai partner at all times; therefore it cannot be calculated as "half of the total settlement, so I'll take the car instead"; the land (and usually what is on it unless spelt out expressly via some other documentation) belongs exclusively to the Thai partner no matter who paid for it. Therefore her name = ner name only. You have no claim on the house and land at all, unless you have expressly stated some claim on the house alone, but of course what are you going to do; move it?
Cars and the like are all up for grabs; preparation and a good papertrail help win cases.
Of course, for property, a company owned property would solve that, or some sort of trust structure if there were kids; that sort of thing. Sadly, most of the time that the legal bit is needed is when there are problems, and the time it needed to be signed and sorted was when everything was roses and petals and little nice smelly bits of flower in those bowls.
I deal with legal disputes with our clients all the time (I am not a lawyer) and I would definitely say that as the 1/2 Thai 1/2 foreign party, we run about even with both fully Thai, fully foreign, and partly Thai/partly foreign parties that we deal with.
I am not upset in the least about the divorce or what I lost. What I lost is 'peanuts' compared to what I would have lost in the USA.
Presently in another relationship - not married. It seems that in Thailand even if you go thru the ceromony with a Non-Thai resident that you are not legally married UNLESS you register the marraige at the District Office. Because she is Not Thai I cannot register!
We are attempting to purchase land using her 8 year old son (a Thai by birth) - complicated. If that does not work we will use her cousin who resides in Taiwan - also complicated. I want a house (Period). And I do not care if I loose it. I am trying to protect the 'wife'.
We will go the legal (lawyer) route to accomplich the necessary documentation BUT I have my doubts about documentation prepared locally. No English translations!
I have tried, many times, through correspondence to Bangkok lawyers (firms) without success. So I am left with the 'hope' that we will have some type of 'security' through the 30 year lease route.
I agree with you regarding the 50-50 split but you have to have 'excellant' paper work drawn initially which is not very likely here in Chiangrai.
Thanks for your comments.
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I do not want to keep beating a dead horse, BUT:
The ‘Code’ also states that the ‘usufruct’ is for life, UNLESS a specific time-frame is specified!
So, if I read and understand this ‘Code’ correctly, a ‘foreigner’ can be recorded on the ‘Land’ document as a usufructuary. If this be the case, it is a heck-of-a-lot better than a Lease? If a person can only get a 30 year lease and ‘hope’ that it can be renewed, it appears that there is no question as to which is the best - the ‘usufruct’ or the ‘Lease’??
And as a matter of fact, I have a copy of a ‘Chanote Ti Din’ that does contain a ‘usufruct’ in the name of a ‘foreigner’! I would like to post the Chanote Ti Din but cannot as I would have to obtain permission from the individual whose name is on the Chanote Ti Din. But, since I do not have his address or e-mail address it impossible for me to obtain permission.
However, if you want to search through the TV postings you will find the person that has the usufruct and will be happy to PM a copy (or e-mail a copy).
Now, I realize there are some ‘lawyers’ that are members of TV that could probably explain why many postings state that ‘WE’ are not entitled to a usufruct and that a ‘Lease’ is the only protection we have?
OK! I convinced myself. Below is a copy of Chanote Ti Din with the Usufruct. I blank the last part of the name but you can see the the 'first' name is farang.
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I do not want to keep beating a dead horse, BUT:
In reading the following ‘CIVIL AND COMMERCIAL CODE OF THAILAND’ there is nothing that specifically states that a ‘foreigner’ cannot be a ‘usufructuary’???
The ‘Code’ also states that the ‘usufruct’ is for life, UNLESS a specific time-frame is specified!
So, if I read and understand this ‘Code’ correctly, a ‘foreigner’ can be recorded on the ‘Land’ document as a usufructuary. If this be the case, it is a heck-of-a-lot better than a Lease? If a person can only get a 30 year lease and ‘hope’ that it can be renewed, it appears that there is no question as to which is the best - the ‘usufruct’ or the ‘Lease’??
And as a matter of fact, I have a copy of a ‘Chanote Ti Din’ that does contain a ‘usufruct’ in the name of a ‘foreigner’! I would like to post the Chanote Ti Din but cannot as I would have to obtain permission from the individual whose name is on the Chanote Ti Din. But, since I do not have his address or e-mail address it impossible for me to obtain permission.
However, if you want to search through the TV postings you will find the person that has the usufruct and will be happy to PM a copy (or e-mail a copy).
Now, I realize there are some ‘lawyers’ that are members of TV that could probably explain why many postings state that ‘WE’ are not entitled to a usufruct and that a ‘Lease’ is the only protection we have?
CIVIL AND COMMERCIAL CODE OF THAILAND
TITLE VII: USUFRUCT
Section 1417
An immovable property* may be subjected to a usufruct by virtue of which the usufructuary is entitled to the possession, use and enjoyment of the property.
He has the right of management of the property.
The usufruct of a forest, mine or quarry entitles the usufructuary to the exploitation of the forest, mine or quary.
Section 1418
A usufruct may be created either for a period of time or for the life of the usufructary.
If no time has been fixed, it is presumed that the usufruct is for the life of the usfructuary.
If it is created for a period of time, the provisions of Section 1403 paragraph 3** shall apply mutatis mutandis.
In any case the usufuct comes to an end on the death of the usufructuary.
Section 1419
If property is destroyed without compensation being paid, the owner is not bound to restore it; but, if he does so to any extent, the usufruct revives to that extent.
If any compensation is paid, the owner or the usufructary must restore the property so far as it is possible to do so, having regard to the amount of the compensation received, and the usufruct revives to that extent; but, if restoration is impossible, the usufruct comes to an end and the compensation must be divided between the owner and the usufructary in proportion to the damages suffered by the respectively.
The same rules apply mutatis mutandis in the case of expropriation as well as in the case of partial destruction of the property or of partial impossibility to restore the property.
Section 1420
When the usufruct comes to an end, the usufructuary must return the property to the owner.
The usufructuary is liable for the destruction or depreciation in value of the property, unless he proves that the damage was not the cause of his own fault.
He must replace anything which he has wrongfully consumed.
He is not bound to give compensation for depreciation in value caused by reasonable use.
Section 1421
The usufructary must, in the exercise of his rights, take as much care of the property as a person of ordinary prudence would take of his own property.
Section 1422
Unless otherwise provided in the act creating the usufruct, the usufructary may transfer the exercise of his right to a third person. In such case, the owner of the property may sue the transferee directly.
Section 1423
The owner may object to any unlawful or unreasonable use of the property.
If the owner proves that his rights are in peril, he may demand security from the usufructary; except in the case of a donor who has reserved to himself the usufruct of the property given.
If the usufructary fails to give security within a reasonable time fixed for the purpose, or if, in spite of the owner’s objection, he continues to make use of the property unlawfully or unreasonably, the Court may appoint a Receiver to manage the property in his stead. Upon security being given, the Court may release the Receiver so appointed.
Section 1424
The usufructary is bound to keep the substance of the property unaltered, and is responsible for ordinary maintenace and petty repairs.
If important repairs or measures are necessary for the preservation of the property, the usufructuary must forthwith inform the owner thereof and permit them to be carried out. In case of default by the owner, the usufructuary may have the work carried out at the owner’s expense.
Section 1425
All extraordinary expenses must be borne by the owner, but in order to meet these or expenses coming under the foregoing section he may realize part of the property unless the usufructuary is willing to advance the necessary funds without charging interest.
Section 1426
The usufructary shall, for the duration of the usufruct, bear expenses for the management of the property, pay taxes and duties, and be responsible for interest payable on debts charged upon it.
Section 1427
If required by the owner, the usufructuary is bound to insure the property against loss for the benefit of the owner; and if the property is already insured, he is bound to renew such insurance when due.
He must pay the premiums of the insurance for the duration of his usufruct.
Section 1428
No action by the owner against the usufructuary or his transferee in connection with the usufruct or vice versa may be entered later than 1 year after the usufruct comes to an end; but in any action by the owner who could not have known of the end of the usufruct, the prescription of 1 year shall run from the time when he knew or ought to have know of it.
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I would think if you financed the construction of a house with your wife on the said property that you could get your name and children's names on the property. Even the wife would have a tough time from taking it away from the other members on the house registration. Finance a small low cost house with your bank. I've seen it work. Get a house and the land too.
For all those that might be interested.
My name was on the Ta Bin Ban for the house that I built. I was specifically informed that if my wife had died before me that the 'house' would remain in my name and I could continue to live in it. The 'land' is another 'Question'. When the wife dies, the land will be transferred to her 'heirs'. I AM NOT an heir as I am a farang! Therefore, if the heirs will allow me to live on the 'land' and in my house, all well an good. But if the heirs decide that they want the land - you have a choice - sell the house OR bull-dose it to the ground!!!!
I have to also repeat again - 'every' Ampur (District Office) operates under 'their' own rules. Where one district office will allow it, another may not.
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If you are married to a Thai woman, and mutually decide to divorce, do you split all Thai assets 50/50? This assuming they were aquired together.
I realize the car and house are in her name, but, her name is your name no? I am confused.
Again - For all those 'Farang' that are reading the postings to TV - If you remember nothing at all - Remember This - The day you arrive in Thailand YOUR assets (100%) will belong to your Thai GF/Wife/etc. No amount of legal documentation will protect anything 'You Think You Own'. In Thailand you own nothing (0%).
My assetts in Thailand:
motorci: in my name
car: my name in the blue book
house: in company name, girlfriend is not even a shareholder.
cash: in bank account in my name.
I firmly believe that everything above cannot be taken by my girlfriend. I will never marry her.
So i have quite a few assets that i own 100%
there are hundreds of others who are in the same position as me.
I think your entire post is rubbish!
If you took the time to read the case studies I mentioned I doubt that you would call what I wrote as rubbish.
A foreigner, in the same position as yourself lost everything he had because some folks played with all the paperwork that originally formed the business.
Good luck.
This is my take on 50/50 divorce - for what's it worth!
IF you and the wife can agree in Writing - a legal document drawn up by a lawyer - then you do stand a chance of retaining your 50%. BUT if the wife does not want to sign a legal document BEFORE going to court then you will loose everything. The court will side with the Thai in 'every case'. This is my personal opinion.
I went through a divorce in Thailand. The legal document when drawn up is always to the benefit of the Thai spouse. I was specifically asked what I wanted. I stated I would like to have my 50% of the cash for the car that my wife sold. "Can't do that!" (Lawyer). I would like the wife to sell the house and give me 50% of the proceeds. "Can't do that!" (Lawyer). That was all I had so I said, OK let's go to court and get over with - She can have everything - BIG Smile on the Lawyers face. He knew as well as me that you cannot fight for what is yours in a Thai court.
Good Luck
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Again - For all those 'Farang' that are reading the postings to TV - If you remember nothing at all - Remember This - The day you arrive in Thailand YOUR assets (100%) will belong to your Thai GF/Wife/etc. No amount of legal documentation will protect anything 'You Think You Own'. In Thailand you own nothing (0%).
My assetts in Thailand:
motorci: in my name
car: my name in the blue book
house: in company name, girlfriend is not even a shareholder.
cash: in bank account in my name.
I firmly believe that everything above cannot be taken by my girlfriend. I will never marry her.
So i have quite a few assets that i own 100%
there are hundreds of others who are in the same position as me.
I think your entire post is rubbish!
If you took the time to read the case studies I mentioned I doubt that you would call what I wrote as rubbish.
A foreigner, in the same position as yourself lost everything he had because some folks played with all the paperwork that originally formed the business.
Good luck.
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This is my final submission on the subject.
First, it is my understanding that a ‘forum’ is supposed to be ‘a source of information’. Not the only source. That is why there are ‘search engines’. The information I have provided was gathered from reading various sites on the ‘search engines’. Some of what I wrote is personal knowledge and opinion. The Thai Court ‘case studies’ I mentioned were extracted from ‘search engines’ - Not my opinion.
That said, it is my belief that the ‘more knowledge’ a person has the better is his or her ability to deal with ‘unfortunate circumstances’ that may arise.
Having read many of the postings on TV regarding the ownership of Land, and accomplishing some additional research into various subjects, I have learned that a ‘lot of the information’ provided is somewhat misleading. As an example: 30 + 30 Land Leases, establishing a business for purpose of purchasing Land, etc.
The Thai court ‘case studies’ indicate to me that we, the ‘farang’, have no legal rights in Thailand. Any ‘Lease’ that is drawn up is not worth the paper it is written on. OK! That said, all the lawyers in Thailand will be ‘on my case’! But, we cannot ignore the ‘facts’. There are good Thai lawyers, as the ‘case studies’ show, but they are at ‘the mercy of the court’. When a ‘farang’ is involved with any Thai, the Thai courts will favor the Thai in all cases even to the point of ‘doctoring documentation’ by the courts, local government, etc. The ‘case studies’ I mention are available on the internet BUT access is denied by (You no Who……….?). By doing a ‘search’ (gave you a clue previously) you will find them BUT you will need a ‘proxy server’ to download them - So much for ‘freedom of information - in Thailand’.
Reading the comments to this post I can see that I have ‘opened a can of worms’ and have some further explanation to do.
NO! I am not bitter. As a matter of fact I am happier today than I have been for a very, very long time. Hard to believe, you say!
Whether any of the information I have provided is of any value to anyone reading this post is for him or her to decide.
So, why the original posting? As some of you are aware, there is a site called ‘stickmanbangkok.com’ that have many, many reader submissions. I did not know of the site until I had been in Thailand for over 3 years. Some of the reader submissions are ‘eye openers’! And, as I have previously stated, I have personal knowledge of ‘foreigners’ that have come to Thailand and became very disillusioned and ‘gave away’ their hard earned cash believing they had found ‘their one true love’.
Some of us are financially well off and do not have a second thought about how or where our money is spent. There are many more ‘farang’ that have to be careful with the little money they do have. So, when I hear ‘stories’ about these ‘poorer’ farang getting ‘the shaft’ I start feeling sorry for them.
I do not hold any ill will toward the Thai girls that are ‘taking some farang to the cleaners’. All we have to do is look at their background. They are looking for a way out of their miserable life. They are taught by others in the same situation as to ‘the rules of the game’. In stating this I believe, that ‘we’ the farang that have lived in Thailand for a period of time owe it to the ‘newcomers’ to inform them about ‘the rules of the game’ and what to expect if they do not understand the rules. Like any ‘game’, you can ‘loose your shirt’.
Whether you that are reading this accept what I say is up to you. I have no ‘axe to grind’. Bottom line, I do not like to see anybody being taken advantage of - whether Thai or ‘farang’. Yes, the Thai girls have been taken advantage of their whole life and I feel sorry for them too.
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Having re-read my previous posting, an explanation is in order.
I DO NOT like to see the 'farang' get scammed! Having lived in Thailand for 7 years, and, YES I do like living in Thailand and for the most part, a lot of the Thai people.
But in those 7 years I have personal knowledge of many, many 'farang' getting 'taken to the cleaners'.
During my long relationship and marriage to my previous wife I spent many, many 'millions of US dollars' on her behalf to 'try' and keep her happy! Result - divorce after 35 years (she found someone 'younger'). You see, it works both ways - girls seeking older men (perception of having money) and women seeking younger men(?) - not just Thai women.
Because so many of 'US' come here thinking that we have or will find 'paradise' in the arms of a Thai lady we sometimes forget that the Thai lady may have a completely different reason for seeking a 'farang' relationship. It is not too hard for any of us to understand the background of these Thai ladies - read the local English language newspapers, poor families, the perception that most, if not all Thai men are 'loose', feelings of being unwanted, etc.
There are many 'farang' that have that proverbial 'bundle of joy'. That 'bundle of joy' will always be 'Thai' and will be reared as a 'Thai'. Is that good or bad? You decide. And as much as I dislike saying it, in the event of a divorce from your spouse and you want to seek custody of that 'bundle of joy', no Thai court is going to allow it.
My concept of 'paradise' is simple - enjoy your life 'today' because 'tomorrow' may never come. I have many good experiences here in Thailand, have made many friends, both Thai and 'farang' and what I learned from them is this: Do Not worry about what tomorrow may bring because you may never see tomorrow.
Everyone of us are 'individualists' - we all see things in different lights. Enjoy life but do not be a 'sucker' and think that you are or want to be the 'nice' guy and end up getting the shaft!
Peace! And enjoy life. We only live once (although most Thai's will tell you differently).
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For all the 'farang' that have an interest in the postings to TV it would be advantages to learn one thing before moving to Thailand and spending your 'hard earned money' in Thailand.
A word to the wise! NO 'FOREIGNER' will have have his or her day in court. And as far as getting any sympathy from a Thai court - FORGET IT - It will never happen.
I recently read several case studies (copyright: Jeffrey Rice, Phd) involving land and property disbutes between 'Farang' and Thai co-owners. You would not believe the manipulations, falsifications of documents, false testimony, etc. etc. that goes on between the 'Thai people' and courts in these cases.
A 'foreigner' DOES NOT stand a chance in the Thai court system. I also have very serious doubts that ANY lease agreement, 2 or 30 years, with a 'Thai' would hold 'any water' if the Thai decided to take it to court. And, as to starting a business in the HOPES of owning land, DREAM on. You will be taking on a 'lot more Thai's' than a GF/Wife/etc. when it comes time for YOU to go to court to seek 'Justice'.
Again - For all those 'Farang' that are reading the postings to TV - If you remember nothing at all - Remember This - The day you arrive in Thailand YOUR assets (100%) will belong to your Thai GF/Wife/etc. No amount of legal documentation will protect anything 'You Think You Own'. In Thailand you own nothing (0%).
As I stated previously in other postings. If you are going to build that 'million' baht mansion on your Thai friends 'Owned' land, YOU have just 'kissed' your money GOODBYE.
Oh! But 'SHE' loves me, you say! Today maybe, Tomorrow Who Knows! JUST be prepared to Walk 'when' that time comes. And from what I have read and heard THAT TIME will come for a very large percentage of us.
I am not a lawyer, but I do have a capacity to read (both the written word and the unspoken 'or between the lines' words) and analyze what I read and hear.
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A word to the wise! NO 'FOREIGNER' will have have his or her day in court. And as far as getting any sympathy from a Thai court - FORGET IT - It will never happen.
I recently read several case studies (copyright: Jeffrey Rice, Phd) involving land and property disbutes between 'Farang' and Thai co-owners. You would not believe the manipulations, falsifications of documents, false testimony, etc. etc. that goes on between the 'Thai people' and courts in these cases.
A 'foreigner' DOES NOT stand a chance in the Thai court system. I also have very serious doubts that ANY lease agreement, 2 or 30 years, with a 'Thai' would hold 'any water' if the Thai decided to take it to court.
Again - For all those 'Farang' that are reading the postings to TV - If you remember nothing at all - Remember This - The day you arrive in Thailand YOUR assets (100%) will belong to your Thai GF/Wife/etc. No amount of legal documentation will protect anything 'You Think You Own'. In Thailand you own nothing (0%).
As I stated previously in other postings. If you are going to build that 'million' baht mansion on your Thai friends 'Owned' land, YOU have just 'kissed' your money GOODBYE.
Oh! But 'SHE' loves me, you say! Today maybe, Tomorrow Who Knows! JUST be prepared to Walk 'when' that time comes. And from what I have read and heard THAT TIME will come for a very large percentage of us.
I am not a lawyer, but I do have a capacity to read (both the written word and the unspoken 'or between the lines' words) and analyze what I read and hear.
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The House I Built! Some people will never learn - or at least learn the hard way. I have read many postings where the 'farang' is paying many millions of baht for a home. Nice if you have it.
But has anyone considered building or buying the cheapest house that will keep the 'farang' comfortable? I spent approx. 500,000 for my house and 'was' quite comfortable in it.
Beware, there are lots and lots of 'greedy' women out there! Why do 2-people need more than 2 bedrooms! Build cheap and you can walk away - 'Happy'!
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In addition to the above. I asked the Thai lawyer, What would happen to the Land if the child would to die before the mother obtained her Thai citizenship? Would she loose the Land? He specifically stated that since the mother was the heir that the Land would be transferred to her EVEN though she is not a Thai citizen???? (Hummm!) I have my doubts about this one. This will have to be confirmed with the 'rulers' at the Ampur.
I have that same info about a farang being able to inherit land from my Thai lawyer. He also told me that the farang has one year after inheriting the land to dispose of it.
Some of the information provided by the lawyer is accurate, some extremely dubious and I would seek second opinion elsewhere!
Land can be sold before the child reaches 20 years by Court injunction.
No sponsor is required but I would recommend Guardian/Administrator outlined.
I find no legal basis for the statement that the mother would inherit the land as a foreigner prior to her becoming a thai citizen. The matter would have to go before the Ministry of Interior for agreement under the Land Acts.
No one at the Amphur will confirm that this can be done.They ain't got a clue, as have few thai lawyers.
chiangrai, why are you applying a usufruct and not a lease, who advised this?
As for the statement that a farang can inherit as long as he sells within 1 year, again I can find no basis for this in my legal reports. Although there are provisions for this regarding condo inheritance and Company failure.
This my 4th attempt to reply!!! Thanks for the clarification.
I am aware of the Court requirement for selling land of a minor.
Have been informed, by lawyer and postings to TV, that a non-Thai can inherit land BUT must be sold within a year. Howver, the Usufruct is supposed to provide some protection in that the land can remain with the 'family'. 'Thru-out Life'!!
Can land be Leased by a minor? Legally?
Again, thanks for the clarification.
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I installed 2 air conditioning units (9,000 BTU) in my 1st house (42,000 for 2). Businesses that sell AC units will try to sell you 12,000 BTU and higher. You know ‘your house’ and what insulation you have so do not let some ‘expert’ store clerk try to sell you something you do not need. Using fans with the AC and you will never suffer from heat on the hottest of days.
This is misleading, a 9000 btu unit is good for rooms up to about 3X4 metres with a ceiling height of 2.3 metres, any bigger than that and 900 btu is useless.
A better guide is to let the "expert" at the store properly measure your room and calculate the volume to get the right BTU. THEN choose the next sized unit down from whatever they recommend. They will always go larger on thier recommendations for two reasons.
1. they make more dosh
2. if you cant cool your room properly they look stupid.
My living area is 65 sq meters, a 9000 btu unit would not have any ability to cool this space. I would need 4, which is why i have a 36,000 btu unit.
I agree. It is somewhat misleading. BUT I was refering to the Home I Built and pointed out that 'you' have to determine what 'you' need based on 'your' insulation value. Sorry if I was misunderstood.
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The House I Built Part 4
To clarify. The drawing in Part 1 was not the sole drawing used in constructing the house. There were many drawings, to included the specific dimensions between walls, doors and windows, electrical plan, water system - both black and gray water, plumbing plan, etc. All dimensions were recorded/shown in centimeters.
From the very 1st day that construction began I maintained a day to day itemized list of all materials, fixtures and equipment purchased. For those that are considering building a home, today, keep in mind that my costs were for the year 2000. Although prices have not increased substantially since that time, there are items that are more expensive today.
My next house will be built using Large Red Hollow brick (30 L x 10 H x 15 W). These blocks do not require cement except to fill the holes. Basically, there will be a savings in that many bags of cement can be eliminated as well as cubic meters of sand. The blocks are sufficiently wide enough that I will not have to consider double wall construction. They will not have to have stucco on the exterior. I will insure that the walls are constructed using ½" rebar both vertical and horizontally.
And speaking of rebar. If you see what is used by Thai construction workers in building ‘columns’ you will appreciate knowing that columns, foundations and walls should only be constructed using ½" and 5/8" rebar. The flimsy stuff they use will not hold up a house for very long! Oh! My 1st house had columns. Will not have to have columns using the wider red blocks (another savings).
The roof will have a better quality of shingles. I will also add aluminum foil under the roofing tiles to cut down on heat buildup in attic and ceiling. Oh, and do not forget that access to the attic is a must. I had attic access in my 1st house. The roof designs that most Thai’s seem to be going with provide no ventilation at all! I do not no how they survive.
I installed 2 air conditioning units (9,000 BTU) in my 1st house (42,000 for 2). Businesses that sell AC units will try to sell you 12,000 BTU and higher. You know ‘your house’ and what insulation you have so do not let some ‘expert’ store clerk try to sell you something you do not need. Using fans with the AC and you will never suffer from heat on the hottest of days.
Make sure that you ‘ground’ your entire electrical system. Some folks have posted some excellent advise on TV regarding grounding. Use their advice. TV was not around when I started building my house. My 1st house had 6- 30 Amp circuit breakers. I have subsequently learned that 30 Amp was not the way to go but at the time I did not no any better.
I have not begun to price out materials for my second house. But using the figures (percentages) from the 1st house I have a WAG that 606,000 baht will cover the 3 bedroom, 2 bath, outdoor kitchen and carport of the 2nd house. Will no more when I start checking price of materials. I will not begin construction until I know that I have sufficient funds to complete the project! Many people do not price materials and labor and result in many uncompleted houses.
Cheers to all! And good luck if you plan to build.
Feel free to PM me.
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Additions, Problems and Lessons Learned.
Additions: The original plans called for an outdoor kitchen. The kitchen did not get built. When the roof rafters and beams were put up and the rafters extended beyond the carport, it was determine that there was a ‘slight’ miscalculation! The support posts were not sufficiently high enough to give clearance for a kitchen ceiling. I decided to complete the house and I would get a kitchen built later.
Raising the support beams for the carport and building the outdoor kitchen (as shown below) cost an additional 70,000 baht.
Problems: It was my experience that the ‘you’ must watch the work being done to correct mistakes that they miss or do not recognize. Examples: When installing the bathroom toilet the workers were going to cement the base of the toilet. I had to show them the correct procedure. When running the water lines through the walls they mistakenly had one of the ‘outlets’ pointing into the wrong bathroom. After completing the house and within a matter of a day or two there was a considerable ‘leak’ in one of the water lines leading into the wall. The leak was found and repaired.
Lessons Learned: Sewer line traps - Make sure you have them. Individual shut-off valves at each indoor and outdoor fixture. A backup 1,000 liter water tank with pump for those days when the main water line breaks in the village or city. Whole house venting system for waste water flow (2" line not 1"). And most important - Keep the wife/girlfriend away (far away). Even if you cannot speak Thai you can ‘show’ how something can be accomplished - you do not need a wife/girlfriend misinterpreting what you are trying to get across to the workers. And, it is ‘your’ money and ‘your’ house they are building. DO Not let the workers purchase any materials. If you do, expect your estimate to climb. Why? They will get businesses to inflate the price of materials on the bill so that the worker will get a percentage of the bill.
Conclusion: I was very happy with the way the house turned out. There were a few minor things that had to be corrected. I lived in the house for 3 years before getting thrown out by the wife of 35 years. Long story and will not go into here. During the three years there were very minor and very few hair-line cracks that appeared in the interior and exterior walls. This you can expect because of varying conditions (house settling, too much of ‘something’ in the masonry cement mixture, etc).
I am now getting ready to build my second house and will go through the same processes as the 1st.
And if I get thrown out again, I will build a third house! Have nobody to leave my assets too and cannot take them with me when I depart this life, so I am going to spend as much as I have to and enjoy doing it. Who knows, maybe every ‘gal’ in Thailand will have a house before I leave!
To the 'right' in this picture is the outdoor kitchen.
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Temporary Electrical Phase: Not having any electricity on the lot, the wife and I went to the electric utility office to arrange a temporary hook-up. Since there was no electric pole close to the property we had to pay for a concrete pole and arrange for the electric wires to be run to the new pole, and hook up of the temporary electric meter. Everything was accomplished within a week. Now that we had electricity, we had to figure out how to get water!
Water Phase: Within the village a new water system was being installed but was not available to the property we had. So I purchased 2 large rain barrels - the ‘apple shaped’ cement jars that everyone has for collecting rain water! For water, we hired a water truck to truck enough water to fill the barrels and be on call for replenishment. Never ran out of water. The 2 barrels cost 800 baht each and water delivery ran 250 baht per trip.
Constructon Supervisor and Workers: The workers to construct the house had to be found. It just so happened that my (former?) wife’s long lost brother was in the house construction business. I must also point out that his primary business was working in the ‘rice fields’! So we drove the 120 KM to visit with him and show him the plans I drew up to get an estimate of labor cost. All materials would and was purchased by me. The brother-in-law, after a couple of days reviewing the drawings decided that he could build the house, the front fence and gate for a total labor and profit cost of 65,000 Baht. He stated that he could complete the building process in 60 days. Great! So I told him, If you complete the house in less than 60 days I will pay you an additional 10,000 Baht. Some of you reading this may think I was ‘nuts’ to pay him an additional 10,000 Baht.
At the time of building, year 2000, my labor out of pocket expense, was $1,765 dollars (34 baht to the $) and the additional 10,000 baht amounted to $294 dollars! Back then I was still thinking ‘dollars’.
Construction Begins: (28 April - 26 Jun 2000) Approximately a week later the brother-in-law pulls up with his old pickup truck carrying a cement mixer. His crew was following him in another truck. Total number of people - 5. After unloading all their equipment it was time to build a shelter. It must be pointed out that at the time the ‘crew’ showed up to build, there was nothing but an empty lot. For lack of a better definition, the brother-in-law located some bamboo and ‘rice straw’ for a roof. They were going to remain on site until the completion of the house!
The house, fence and gate were completed in less than 60 days. The following are the actual cost of labor and materials:
Total Cost: 401,602 ($11,811)
Breakdown:
30,000 Baht Aluminum Windows, Screens and Doors
4,000 Vinyl Folding Door/Room Divided (Front entry and Living Room)
38,540 Electrical Plugs, Switches, Lights, etc. including installation
10,400 Ceiling Insulation
6,000 Front Gate and Door including Installation
15,000 3 Wood Doors and 2 Aluminum Doors
75,000 Construction Labor including the 10,000 baht bonus
14,300 11.5 meters 2,500 PSI Cement delivered (Slab)
11,185 Electric Pole, Temp Electric Meter, Water Tanks (Jars), etc.
20,000 Ceiling Materials and Installation
142,641 Concrete Blocks, Floor Tile, Bath Fixtures (2 sets), Pipe, Steel Beams/Rafters,
Roof Tiles, Paint, etc.
15,336 Wood - Trim, Soffit, Facia, Vents, etc.
19,200 Additional materials to complete carport and touch up.
401,602
How To Increase Your Income?
in General Topics
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A friend sent it to me today from Boston via e-mail.