Marisa

Thanks! So assuming the water is coming from the city or a piped source, those filters are adequate enough to make it safe drinking water? What about a 'pre'filter too? What does that do and is it necessary?

Hi

I am hoping someone can help me. I am about to open a small cafe and want to provide free drinking water in abundance. I would prefer not to use bottled water (even those larger 20L ones) as it's cumbersome, uses a lot of resource and costs a significant amount in larger quantities. I was wondering if anyone knows if I can invest in a good filtration system that will make the tap water drinkable. I believe the water is coming from the city in Chiangmai rather than a well or the jungle. I've previously drank from those in BKK in a relative's house, with no immediate/obvious problems/ill effects...

What would I need to consider and check for or how would I go about knowing what the best way to do this?

Any advice about the water supply in Chiangmai, and if one of those filters would make it drinkable and safe.

Thanks

Thanks for your replies.

Yeah I may just have one made but need to brush up on my Thai and check with my landlady if I can install it, it will require some modifications to our place.

If anyone can recommend a fabricator....?

BTW - 45mm is def the way to go you're right. I didn't know that when I first ordered mine!

It is an amazing way to stay/get toned...it's not what people think at all!

I'll keep you posted

My mother used to say "Fabrication never pays. It's a sin to tell a lie!"

Blinky knows all about motorcycle exhausts as well as poles, so I'd invite his views if some vertical stainless of the right diam and altitude would work for you.

Best idea I have for quality and value is a Thai stainless expert who does superbly neat, detailed welding. If you go all the way north on Bumrungrat Rd, past the British Council/Consul on your right and straight on at the lights, turn right at the next T junction and left at the one after that. (There is a big crematorium straight ahead).

You are now on a narrow winding road that eventually comes out on Superhighway.

On a sharp, narrow, left hand bend you will see exhaust systems hanging at an open fronted workshop on your left. Just enough room to pull in and park. He's ya man!

No English, but he works very well indeed from drawings and measurements.

Do keep us Posted.

How about a Poll?

Hi there

Sorry I didn't see this before. Thanks so much for the advice/recommendation. I will have a look. There's a great mechanic around that way too!

Thanks for your replies.

Yeah I may just have one made but need to brush up on my Thai and check with my landlady if I can install it, it will require some modifications to our place.

If anyone can recommend a fabricator....?

BTW - 45mm is def the way to go you're right. I didn't know that when I first ordered mine!

It is an amazing way to stay/get toned...it's not what people think at all!

I'll keep you posted

Hi all

I've recently moved from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. I am looking for a place to practice my pole dancing (for fitness before there are any dodgy/smarta*** replies)!

I have my own removable pole but it's custom cut for my old place in BKK and my new home here has a false ceiling so I am looking for an alternative.

Does anyone know of any bars (I accept they may end up being go-go bars) with poles that might be possible to practice in here in Chiang Mai (near the main town or Nimanhaemin).

Or failing that any metal/hardware places that can cut an extension for my pole which is 51mm diameter chrome, which I will then have to somehow fit to another part of my home here.

Thanks!

Hi Mac

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm happy to do the driving myself (part of the experience!) but yeah the van thing is a bit harder to sort. I will try what you suggested.

Thanks a lot.

Marisa

Marisa

Hmmm, haven't seen much in the way of "cargo" vans for rent. You could, tho, rent a regular passenger van such as a Toyota HiAce or Commuter, for about baht 2,000 per day. If with a driver to return it to Bangkok, that'd be baht 4,000, plus fuel, of course.

Do a Google for: toyota hiace rental bangkok

Budget seems to have such but the drop-off fee for a one day rental is high: http://www.hotelthailand.com/carrental/budget.html

Mac

Hi

Wondering if anyone can recommend a reputable but reasonably priced company that rents out small/medium vans (preferably bigger than those space wagons etc) but not quite a household removals van that I could hire to drive up there. I am moving from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and would like to drive from BKK up to Chiang Mai but return the vehicle there. I have about a studio apartment's worth of stuff.

Any recommendations greatly appreciated!

Thanks

I too have dual nationality (Thai-British) and never had a problem.

As everyone has said I can confirm:

UK do not generally stamp British passports on exit or entry (so they won't ask about that)

Show the Thai passport on entry and exit to Thailand

Show the UK passport on entry and exit to UK

If anyone (airlines check-in or immigration esp in Thailand) ask, you may have to produce both or explain why you don't have a visa for the UK on you way out from Thailand).

Other than that I have never had any problems with it. I too looked for specific confirmation about whether or not it was allowed, or if anyone would try to confiscate any passports etc. So far I have not had any incidents).

But the only thing is whether or not they will ask why she has one (maiden) surname in one and her (married) surname in one...? I'm not married so don't have any difference.

Happy New Year. Hope that helps/re-assures.

I have dual nationality (Thai/British).

On occasion I have been asked (esp back to the UK. When exiting Thai immigration). They sometimes just check where you are flying to etc.

This is because they want to know why I do not have a visa to enter the UK in my Thai passport and how I intend to enter the UK on a Thai passport with no visa?

That is why I have been asked to show both passports at Immigration when exiting Thailand.

But as far as I have experienced it is not illegal to hold dual nationality for these two countries.

Having read the posts I am not sure what the final answer is. I hope the below might help?

I can tell you my experience. My father is Thai and my mother HK Chinese. 30 odd years ago they both met in the UK where my father eventually obtained UK nationality and my mother, being from HK didnt really have to do anything. When I was born in the UK I was registered as a UK citizen and my Thai father and Chinese mother went to the Thai Embassy in the UK to register my birth as Thai citizen too.

I didnt come back to Thailand until I was 25 - 3 years ago! So I didnt have any house registration or Thai ID card. But I still had my Thai birth certificate (plus my renewed Thai passport which I had never actually used because I only mainly travelled within Europe). I used my relatives house registration as additional proof.

I obtained my ID card with no problem. The officials did ask questions but just to understand my situation. (It doesnt help that I dont speak, read or write Thai) or that I dont look 100% Thai!

Anyway, even now when I travel between Thailand and the UK I just show both passports when they ask why I dont have a visa for the UK or other countries that would ordinarily ask for it if travelling on a Thai passport. Doesnt seem to be a problem to hold dual nationality. It mostly depends on the countries in question. If for example you were Singaporean - US it might be different. But personally have never had a problem with Thai-British.

My words of advice would be to obtain as much proof as possible pertaining to your son's nationality, his wifes nationality too. And also for your grandson or (grand) children in the future.

The reason is, because things change. You never know what you need to prove and often once the time has passed you cannot go back in time to get these documents. The UK is becoming increasingly strict on proving that you are born of parents who are nationals legally and ask you to prove it. Of course they would with all the immigration issues they face. It doesnt matter if you sound 100% English at passport control or whatever, just look at all the problems with TCKs of other mixed nationalities who also face discrimination and suspicion etc. I know a few Thais who left years ago before there was a great knowledge of these things, and now coming back to Thailand cannot get official citizenship because they do not have any real proof of their existence here previously.

If I were you, just pay whatever necessary to get it all so that there can be no question. For now I dont believe (but could be wrong) that it is illegal to hold dual nationality. It's better to be safe than sorry!

As a Thai citizen it is much easier to start off as a sole trader, which is what most small businesses in Thailand are, when you bigger there may be advantages to becoming a limited company. Us "imports" do not get that option to be a sole trader. You only pay income tax on what you declare you can be more flexible.

It would still be worth talking to a professional to outline the pros and cons, but up to a certain point the sole trader option is the least paperwork and hassle option.

Hi there

Thanks a lot for your help. I think you're right actually. I did a little more digging and found something similar. But thanks again for your message.

Hi

Hoping someone can offer some basic advice. I am look-krung (grew up in the UK but have Thai nationality). I cannot read/speak fluent Thai and still often get treated as falang.

I've been here in BKK for 3.5 years working as an employee.

I have recently decided to branch out on my own with a number of options for work/business. One of which is a freelance/consultant option as well as having my own 'business' of some kind.

Can anyone advise (as a Thai national) if I should go for the SOLE TRADER/PROPRIETORSHIP or go into the complexities of setting up some kind of COPORATION/PARTNERSHIP?

What is the main difference in paperwork needed, difficulty, WH tax and payments/fees etc?

As well as the Consultant role (which would just be me, a laptop and my time), the other business of mine would equate to just me again but with an online presence/service at this point. If it took off (if I needed more people etc) then I would obviously have to re-consider. However I am not yet at that stage so was just looking at the immediate future in order to make the most of not paying too much tax etc.

I know this is not necessarily Thai Visa related but I can't find the information in English on the net for 'Thai Nationals'.

Thanks a lot for any help!

Bit of a weird post but here goes:

My father is Thai/UK citizen, currently primarily based in the UK (where he has spent the last 30 years).

He is actually retired but is having some trouble adapting to 'doing nothing' and not having much contact with the outside world! He is slowly but surely getting fed up with feeling of having no real purpose.

He is fluent in English and Thai. He loves to visit Thailand (as he is actually Thai) but I think it would benefit him if he could so something that would enable him to travel to Thailand periodically, have contact with people and have something to occupy his time now that the children have flown the nest. (I now live in BKK and my brother is in Singapore/HK). The reason he does not move back to Thailand is because his wife is English and is not yet at the retirement age! I have suggested he help Thai people in the UK but at the moment he does not live in an area with many Thais and is having some trouble making that initial contact.

Is there anyone who thinks that they might need the services of someone like this, or on a part time basis? Either in BKK or in the UK?

(No smuggling/mule offers please )

Or can anyone suggest a solution to divorce, selling up and then moving here. Which I don't think he is completely ready for yet either!

Unfortunately I do not have a CV for him but below is a rough summary

BASIC INFO

Age - Just 60 (But fit & Healthy)

Fluent Thai & English

Dual citizenship but primarily based in the UK.

Past career/jobs: Bank Clerk for most of his life & various face to face sales positions.

I have no idea if this is realistic/practical or totally silly. As you can imagine he has a real mixed influence in terms of work ethics. He grew up in Thailand 50 years ago but has become quite 'English' over the last 30 years he spent in England. But he is realiable, steady and helpful.

Any ideas/offers welcome.

Does anyone know who was responsible for this campaign? Was it a local agency or the TAT?

I don't know how project management isn't a real skill?

Most of my job is about detailed knowledge in my area of work about marketing, production, using specialist software, costs, procedures blah blah blah. Not everyone can manage multi faceted projects and pull things together. It does take a certain kind of understanding and kind of brain to be able to cross over into multiple areas to make the projects work.

(Not to sound arrogant) but if it is considered a skill in the UK - and I am well paid for it there, I don't know how it's not here. There is a market for it here too. I know because there are other companies who do it here.

It's nothing to do with my physical appearance?! I know I am competent and that is why I was taken on in the first place.

Maybe I will carry out some research about ecomonics. I know there must be some figures to compare to. Or as mentioned, interview else where to get an idea of a market value for what I do.

Thanks for all replies so far....

Not IT project management. It's just the best way to describe the management I am involved in. Jugggling lots, doing lots, filling in information needed to get the job done, taking responsibility, making decisions or at least taking the responsibility for making decisions etc.

I just want to have a realistic idea about what to expect. If I start looking for another job, I want it to be fair. I wouldn't want to oversell myself and demand the earth, but I also want to valued or at least rewarded appropriately.

The level of skill and responsibility is high. Should I be asking for a UK salary or 1/6th or something. Are all Farangs here on a UK (whatever) salary? Or at least equivalent? I know I am not on the equivalent to my UK salary. Put it that way? But there must be some kind of calcuation that can be done. Or someone who knows the markets to know what I should ask for if they were recruiting someone with X, Y and Z skills, experience etc.

Hmmmm?????

Thanks for your replies.

No I am not a lawyer - but I am a professional (let's say 'project manager' for arguments sake), and my achievements, ability to get the work done to a high standard, on time and keep clients happy are things that very few people in the company seem capable of. Everyone openly acknowledges this.

Anyway, the problem is exactly as you said. My ability to save is nothing compared to what it was in the UK. At the moment I just live day to day. I am frugal with my money, and yet struggle to save anything monthly. If anything came up or I needed something urgently, I would struggle. I still have student loans etc in the UK which I cannot even think about paying.

I know my company value me - and are open to suggestions and negotiation for a mutually beneficial outcome. As much as it sounds like it, it's not ALL about the money but I am curious.

The dual citizenship is additional to my work ethic and attitude (pro activeness etc) that doesn't really exist in my current situation - but I feel the whole comination is quite uncommon in my field of work.....

I was born and educated in the UK but have Thai/British citizenship.

I moved to Thailand Jan 05 with the intention of learning Thai and then travelling a bit then returning to the UK. I got here and realised I wanted to stay for longer so I found myself a job.

I am neither a more mature male expat (as my senior full 'English' Directors) nor am I a full Thai or accepted as such. Having lived in the UK all my life, I also have mixed cultural influences. I sometimes also struggle with being a 'look krung'.

Having only ever worked in the UK, I realise that work ethic here is very different, as is the salary.

Since being here, I have slowly realised what a benefit my dual citizenship is, and my different perspective and attitude to work compared to some of my Thai counterparts. But my English directors (who are obviously very experienced and a lot older) have a very high standard of living here. I don't seem to be receiving that particular benefit? Or at least I don't think I am!?

My question is, how much is that worth here? I feel a have a lot more responsibility than many of my colleagues, often work a lot harder, and am heavily relied upon by the most senior people in the company. I was recently offered a job double my current salary here. I really like the people and company I work for at the moment but feel I may be being taken advantage of. I am 26 years old, with a degree from the UK, and lots of relevant experience in my field - and am a lot maturer than my age would suggest in terms of knowledge and experience.

My salary in the UK was around 30,500gpb per annum. Is there a way to make a direct calculation of worth here in Thailand? I want a realistic way to calculate this.

Any advice?

OK, here we go.

Firstly, a Non-B alone does NOT allow you to work, as a teacher or anything else, you need a WORK PERMIT. If you don't have a work permit you are working illegally

If you DO have a work permit then, subject to certain salary requirements (IIRC 50,000 Baht per month) you can use the permit to extend your stay in Thailand up to 1 year at a time. Your employer should know what is required and how to do this.

If you don't meet the salary requirements then you can still have a WP but you CANNOT get the extension of stay and must leave the Kingdom every 90 days and will need to get a new visa when your current one expires.

Very few (if any) consulates in Asia will issue multi-entry B visas (which you will need if you're not meeting the salary requirements). Others will point you to the nearest location where a multi-B is available, but I suspect you'll end up going to Oz or back to the UK to get a further visa.

Let us know your current WP / salary situation, further assistance will be forthcoming.

BTW, welcome to Thaivisa

EDIT: Just read the bit about you not having a degree, is a degree absolutely necessary for a teaching WP? (anybody, I'm not a teacher and I do have a degree), surely a recognised teaching qualification will do the trick.

Hey Crossy,

Just read your very informative response to Logansmith - sounds like i'm in similar position, Non-Imm B, working as teacher without WP (due more to slow/shady? Thai education agency - than lack of qualification) and coming up for renewal.

I'm not convinced my Agency/school will come up with assistance in time, further than a letter of recommendation/offer of employment, BUT I have some UK cash (1mill Baht+) that's been sitting visibly in my account for over a year - Do you think i get any leeway for Non-Imm extension by being self-supporting? and is this maybe the line to follow "i got a non-imm B in UK because i was doing a TEFL course, i've not yet used it for work purposes (lie) because i've been investigating options & living off my own cash, i'm now ready to start work - can i have a visa extension please, nice Mr Immigration man?"

How does that sound? & if it sounds ok, would that not be more effective in a local consulate, where money is king, rather than back in blighty?

Any thoughts, greatly appreciated.

Thanks for all your replies!

I will definitely apply for the ID card but the only problem is that my father left so long ago that he does not have one! My mother is not Thai, but they did have their marriage registered in Thailand.

So does having a Thai passport mean that I am considered a Thai citizen!?

Secondly when I leave the UK airport do I use the British passport and then when I reach BKK the Thai one? Or do I just leave on the Thai passport in the UK and use it when I reach BKK too?

Hmmm

Things are very flexible at the moment. All I have is the plane ticket.

I think I will also apply for the Non immigrant visa just to be on the safe side. Yes I do specialise in Design. (But more of a design manager). I have relevant experience, but I feel my skills are transferable to many areas of work.

I guess it's really the bureacracy and language that are the main barriers. I am not looking to earn lots of money, just enough to keep me going and something to keep me busy (away from all the amazing food and shops). I just want a condo/appartment for one - safe but basic I guess.

Hi

Thanks for those links! I will definitely have a look.

I plan to stay in Thailand for about 6 months or so, depends on money etc. I do have family and friends in Thailand but don't want to lean on them too much! I DO have a Thai passport and birth certificate (aswell as British passport), but I am not sure about the implications of using the Thai passport (am I allowed to have 2?). If I am questioned (for whatever reason!? They might find it strange that I can't (yet) speak much Thai. But I am sure having the Thai passport can make it easier to work legally, no matter what I do? I do want to work and learn Thai but I also want to have time to explore Thailand.

Hi Marisa:

Have you checked out the Classifieds at:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/

http://www.bangkokpostjobs.com/

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/

http://www.jobsdb.com/TH/EN/V6HTML/Home/default.htm?Lot28

2 other things, you don't mention how long you're looking to stay, nor do you mention whether or not your [Thai] father (or his family) will be helping you out.  Having a Thai father may be a big plus.

Anyhow, best of luck - and enjoy your time here

SM 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I am a British girl (thai father) coming to Thailand in January to live in Thailand and learn Thai. I would also like to work but am having trouble finding work. Does anyone know if there are opportunities for farang apart from teaching English?

I am a graduate, will be learning Thai but also need to support myself. Are there any companies that take on Non Thais speaking people. I want to work legally. Any ideas/opportunities that anyone can recommend? I plan to be there for quite some time. I am also looking at accomodation.