Farma

There's a lot more to this story.

Take a look at these links. First a lawyer due to testify and then the gangster.

http://www.expatica.com/source/site_articl...&story_id=24937

http://www.expatica.com/source/site_articl...&story_id=24970

From the Bangkok post.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...ws.php?id=59390

Dutch 'gangster' gunned down at Pattaya

Bangkok (dpa) - A Dutch man said by authorities to be a top gangster in the Netherlands, was shot dead Wednesday by two unidentified assailants riding a motorcycle, police said.

Johannes Mieremet, 45, was shot in the right ear and stomach by two unidentified men Wednesday morning outside his home in Chon Buri province, according to a Pattaya Tourist Police report.

Mieremet was identified by the Dutch news agency ANP as a "top gangster". He was married to a Thai, Sukunya Kanin, 29.

He claimed to be a contractor in Pattaya, involved in the construction of the Lion Park housing development.

Take a look at this thread on Thailand maps.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=28555&hl=

Khao pad moo smothered in prik nam pla. Grapefruit juice to wash it all down.

This arrived as a wardens notice today.

FA132 25 October 2005

AUSTRALIA LAUNCHES ePASSPORTS

I am pleased to announce today the release of the most secure Australian passport ever – the biometrically-enabled ePassport.

The introduction of the ePassport is a further demonstration of the Government’s commitment to the safety and security of Australian travellers, building on the protections introduced in the new Australian Passports Act 2005 on 1 July.

While the new passport looks much the same as its predecessor, it has a microchip embedded in the centre page which contains the digitised facial image and personal details of the passport holder as they appear on the data page. The microchip can be read electronically and will enable the implementation of cutting-edge facial recognition technology.

This technology represents a quantum leap forward in identity verification and security, providing a much stronger linkage between the individual and his or her identity than traditional systems which rely solely on visual identification. It will bolster the passport issuing process by providing a further safeguard against fraudulent applications.

As ePassport processing facilities are progressively introduced at Australian and overseas airports, the new technology will also strengthen border security and streamline the movement of passengers through airports.

The Australian ePassport incorporates a number of important security features designed to protect the identity of the bearer. A special code is used to write data to the microchip, the chip is protected by a secure electronic “key”, and an additional access code guards against electronic eavesdropping or “skimming” of information on the microchip.

Australia is one of the first countries worldwide to issue an ePassport. The ePassport has been developed in accordance with agreed international standards. By introducing the ePassport now Australia will remain at the forefront of international efforts to strengthen identity and border security.

ePassports will now be issued to all new applicants and to those seeking to renew their passports. While the introduction of this technology represents a major advance in passport security, existing passport holders will not be required to obtain an ePassport until their current documents expire. The existing L and M series passports are, and will continue to be, very secure documents for the duration of their validity.

For further information visit the DFAT website: www.dfat.gov.au/dept/passports/

Dog412

Take a look at http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=48111

I posted a useful web link "Thai business and legal guide" thats pinned there.

Wow I’ve got a job there as a pilot if that’s the required standard.

Run the clip in slow motion and you'll see the tail surface moving. The smoke from the nose wheels ain’t from braking; it’s the wheels slamming onto the runway.

I wonder if they needed heavy landing checks after that? Better still, what were the fatigue meter reading?

Excellent Jai Dee

I feel the site listed below is very informative and will assist many TV members in their quest for answers to commonly asked questions. I’ve included the table of contents from the site of Business International Associates Limited to give an idea of the information available.

http://bia.serverbox.net/003.html

THAILAND BUSINESS AND LEGAL GUIDE

Table of Contents

CONTACT DETAILS

DEDICATION

INTRODUCTION

1. FOREIGN BUSINESS RESTRICTIONS

2. THE UNITED STATES – THAILAND TREATY OF AMITY

3. BUSINESS PROMOTION INCENTIVES

4. BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS

5. DUTIES OF DIRECTORS AND RIGHTS OF SHAREHOLDERS

6. JOINT VENTURES

7. LAND BUILDINGS AND CONDOMINIUMS

8. FACTORIES

9. LABOR

10. MINING

11. PETROLEUM INDUSTRY

12. PERSONAL TAXES

13. VALUE ADDED TAX & SPECIFIC BUSINESS TAX

14. CORPORATE INCOME TAX

15. OTHER TAXES

16. DOUBLE TAXATION TREATIES

17. CUSTOMS

18. EXCHANGE CONTROLS

19. WORK PERMITS

20. IMMIGRATION

21. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

22. TRADE REGULATION AND MONOPOLIES

23. TELECOMMUNICATIONS, IT AND E-COMMERCE

24. CONSUMER PROTECTION

25. BANKRUPTCY, LIQUIDATION AND CORPORATE RESTRUCTURING

26. CIVIL LITIGATION

27. ARBITRATION

28. UNITED STATES IMMIGRATION LAW

I heard about Bank Lotto the other day and thought it was a good alternative for those who regularly lose their money buying lotto tickets in the street.

A government bank, the agricultural one and not Kasikorn, has a lotto scheme. Each month they have 10 draws with the top prize of 10,000,000 Baht. I believe a ticket cost is 500 Baht. You can follow the winning numbers on the banks web site.

The money paid into the bank lotto is returned to you after 3 years with interest of 1% per year. The interest may be low; at least you get your original ticket money back.

Sunchild10

IMHO

It sounds like you’re in for a long haul judging from your husband’s reaction.

If you go for the court option, you’re looking at your lawyer appearing in court once a month on average. It depends on how full the court appointment book is. I expect you won’t come out of this with change from 500k.

If your husband’s lawyer plays dirty, the number of court hearings will increase. Each time expect delays of a month or more. You’ll still be paying your lawyer to appear. Your lawyer will be rubbing his hands with glee.

Expect 12 to 18 hearings. You are only required to attend once. The hearings will be in a court house closest to where he lives. Your lawyer will need to travel there for each hearing.

The judges may call the husband and wife to the bench and attempt to mediate a deal prior to their accepting evidence from the parties involved and arbitration. Part of that mediation may include recommendations the husband pay a lump sum to the wife or child in place of monthly child allowances, maintenance etc.

Your husband can then appeal the courts decision. If that appeal is rejected, he can apply to the Supreme Court for permission to appeal the appeal courts decision and if granted, you are looking at a further 18 months to 2 years for a judgment from them. As a general rule, the Supreme Court upholds the appeals court decision.

I can’t offer advice on child custody as I have no experience.

I recommend you buy yourself a copy of the Thai civil code and read Chapter 26 Civil Litigation.

I refer to my earlier post regarding negotiating a fixed, all expenses included, fee with your lawyer.

I also recommend you seek advice from other lawyers prior to committing yourself to action. If possible, work out a deal with your husband. Sometimes it’s better to cut your losses and start afresh hassle free.

Each case and situation is different.

Good luck.

A few little ideas before you go into a court divorce.

Try within reason to avoid the Thai divorce court system.

Expect the case to last at least 1 year.

Weigh up the advantages of offering a little extra cash to the other party for a quick Umphur divorce against the cost of a good lawyer.

Consider the time and stress factors involved in a contested divorce against a quick Umphur divorce.

CHOOSE A VERY GOOD THAI LAWYER. They are hard to find and generally avoid family law cases like the plague.

Establish an agreed fixed fee with your lawyer. This may cost slightly more, but definitely worth it in a drawn out case. Agree to pay a fixed amount to see the case through to the end. This amount should include everything associated with the case, translation fees, your lawyer’s travel and hotel accommodation, in-court translator fees etc with no time restrictions. Translation costs can exceed lawyer fees.

Expect to attend court for 1 day. (You will need a qualified translator with you in court. All questioning is in Thai)

Keep copies of EVERY piece of correspondence you make or receive related to the case. That includes bank transfers, payments etc. A diary of events from date of separation is invaluable.

Thai legal documents are F4 size. A4 foreign legal documents are accepted by the court.

Definitely expect every dirty trick in the book from the other party and their lawyer.

Any correspondence between wife and husband should be done through lawyers. Direct correspondence can be used by either party as an excuse in court to delay the case by showing the 3 year separation has not occurred.

DO NOT discuss matters involving your case using your usual email addresses.

Set up an email account under a fictitious name to be used exclusively for dealing with matters of your case with your family or legal representatives in your home country.

Always deal with your lawyer via fax or post. Email and phone conversations do get hacked in Thailand.

Foreign legal documents ARE accepted in Thai courts. They need to be notarized, translated by a qualified translator, legalized and stamped by the Thai consulate in your home country. Your lawyer will tell you what he needs.

Always trust your instinct when dealing with your lawyer. Sudden changes in his attitude may indicate he has been corrupted by the opposition.

Lawyers make mistakes too. Question them if you are not sure of a decision or strategy they suggest.

Expect private investigators to follow, video, hack and attempt by any means legal or not to gain information about you in Thailand and elsewhere. This includes subtle discussions with your friends and neighbors. Your children are an easy source of information.

If either party is living in a permanent relationship with another person during separation, the injured party can claim compensation from the new person in their separated partner’s life.

These were just a few points to consider.

Remember all cases are different.

Take a look at this website and see how it works.

http://www.snopes.com/crime/warnings/atmcamera.asp

I do my street transactions in Thai. If questions are asked, I answer “Don’t know”.

If Wolfgang is switched on, he will see how much I pay.

As Sriracha John nicely stated, “It's not my place to intervene in a street sale between a customer and seller, irregardless of the races and prices involved.”

Ollie,

You’re not the only one. I spent a bit of time today calming my missus down too. She must have been watching the same program. Her workplace was buzzing with rumors and worries.

These fears seem to be building up from a series of TV and radio programs full of doom and gloom over the past week or so.

I think I managed to convince her there’s nothing to worry about.

Thanks RC, I think I'll continue playing it safe and drink the commercial milk.

I'm led to believe TB is common in Thai cattle. I’ve always been advised to ensure the milk I drink in Asia is pasteurized or homogenized.

Is it possible to catch TB through drinking unpasteurized milk?

Edit Sp

Good to see some of replies here. Jockstar’s thread “Is it that boring? Old threads” was the inspiration for this one.

Night rider, Bendix and others, thanks for your posts, they've given me some food for thought.

Jumbo Chilli, no offense taken from your post or meant in my reply. I was trying to add a little humor to my post. My apologies if I worried you.

One of my contacts just informed me there is a guy who won a similar amount this week.

Lucky bugger.

Wish it was me.

Have you won one?

No, wouldn’t it be nice though.

If not, why are you asking this?

Adding life to the forum, and getting a few ideas for the future.

If I won one, I'd give half the prize money to my wife, say good bye to her and go out find new one.

She’d have it in the divorce anyway.

Oops, my wife just found it, ######.

Som Num Nar

Good to see there are still some generous people willing to feed the poor, the beer barons and take good care of the soi dogs.

A billion would be nice to start with, but this challenge starts with a measly 20 Million. That equals US$500,000 for the Americans readers.

Let’s see, they could start a real estate office for way less than 1 Mil and earn more than 10% on the investment. Maybe a franchise would make money? What about the returns from fattening cattle? Oops, farming, that would need the wife looking after them.

Come on, there must be some good ideas out there.

This challenge has to be possible.

Don't spend the 20 mil. Give the money to a professional to invest that charges 1% or less. On an average annual return of 10-11% allocate 5% for your annual allowance leaving the rest to battle inflation and down years. Now go spend the 5% anyway you please from now on.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sounds good.

Would it be enough to live on? Would businesses provide better returns? We don't want all our eggs in the one basket do we?

What would you do if you won 20 million Baht?

If you were too young to retire, had a nice wife and small children, wanted to spend your life in Thailand.

Let’s see, 1 Mil for a nice car, a few mil for a nice house, maybe a mil or so for the sick buffalo.

What would you do with the rest? How would you invest it to provide a nice steady income?

The ultimate goal is an income good enough to put your kids through private school, for you and family to live on, and provide for your eventual retirement.

What would you do?

Farma, you are mis-informed.

Water injection does not work.

Ethanol and methylated spirit are not the same thing

A 707?  Does it have a piston engine ?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thetyim, I’m not trying turn this into a detailed technical discussion or disprove your ideas on the subject.

Unfortunately, it appears Gasohol will be the only option for us needing 95 octane fuel in our cars. As stated in my earlier posts, I’ve had no alternative but use Gasohol in my car and can only speak from my experience using it. Apart from Crossy, I seem to be the only person using Gasohol. Are we the only people not driving diesel vehicles?

There’s an interesting article titled “Water Injection, It lets you safely develop more power with nearly no running costs” on this link. http://autospeed.drive.com.au/cms/article.html?&A=0115&P=1

True, 707 engines are turbines and not piston engines. The theory behind water injection applies to both piston and turbine engines.

Water injection was used to increase thrust on takeoff. Modern more efficient jet engine designs have taken away the need for water injection. Afterburners aka Reheat, provides that extra thrust requirement on military jets. The 707 was primarily a civilian airliner that needed extra thrust while adhering to noise level restrictions.

True Ethanol and Metho are not the same. Both are alcohols and react in similar ways with water. In the past I’ve used a variety of alcohols, isopropyl, Metho etc as additives in my cars fuel tank, with success, to clear the water contamination.

Ethanol is an alcohol, most commonly made using a process similar to brewing beer where starch crops are converted into sugars, the sugars are fermented into ethanol, and then the ethanol is distilled into its final form.

Methylated spirits ("metho") is a mixture of ethyl alcohol (95%) and methyl alcohol (%5). The methyl alcohol is poisonous and is added to prevent the methylated spirits being used as cheap drinking alcohol.

Maybe others can share their experience with Gasohol.

While water in the fuel is a distinct possibility, I haven’t had any problems with Gasohol since I had to use it. Its rainy reason and I would have expected any problems with water in the fuel to occur if it was going to happen.

I think the low percentage of ethanol shouldn’t cause a major problem. Contamination could occur in the fuel stations storage tanks, but that would happen in smaller station prior to Gasohol being introdued as well.

Cars can run nicely with small amounts of water in the fuel. Look at how nice your car runs when it’s raining.

Back in the 70’s during the fuel crisis there were various aftermarket water injection kits available for cars to increase power. They consisted of a small water tank with a hose leading to a small needle valve inserted into the carburetor.

An old trick to fix the problem with water in fuel on farm vehicles was to add a cup of methylated spirits into the fuel tank to break down the water and allow it to mix into the fuel.

Some of the 707 aircraft engines used water injection to provide additional power on takeoff.

The corrosion problem does seem to be mentioned a lot in articles discussing Methanol fuels and could cause problems, but would they be any worse than the corrosion a car in a tropical climate suffers.

I’ve seen an add running on Thai TV channels that I’ve been told is the manager of Volvo or Mercedes Thailand stating Gasohol is safe to use in their engines. I can’t remember which car manufacturer it was.

Checking with the engine manufacturer is definately a good idea. I recall there were plenty of engine seal problems a few years ago in Australia when naptha had been added to fuel and the public had not been informed.

Another point raised in the Newsweek articles’ regarding the environmental benefit of methanol fuel is the carbon is renewable. In effect, the carbon was recycled, plant – air – plant, rather than extra fossil petroleum based carbon being introduced into the atmosphere and adding to polution.

I had the same reaction when I first saw Gasohol in the fuel stations and continued on to another fuel stop.

The old 95 doesn't seem to be available in the areas I’ve been traveling. I’ve now used gasohol for the past month or so in our Toyota with no adverse effects. I personally think the car runs better.

The august 6? issue of Newsweek ran an issue devoted mainly to Gasohol. It appears to be the new fuel with most countries looking at increasing the use of it. Brazil and China are 2 of the major users/produces of this fuel.

I recall the article mentioned current car engines run safely on Gasohol as long as the Alcohol blend stays around 10% or less. It mentioned slightly less fuel efficiency from Gasohol but I haven’t noticed any changes. The car manufacturers are now producing engines that will safely run on pure Alcohol.

Most of the Thai fuel stations hand out booklets with FAQs on Gasohol. Unfortunately the only ones I've seen have been in Thai.