richard_smith237

Say, for example, you reached an oral agreement (confirmed in writing) relating to a business opportunity, whereby he provided the investment whilst you were providing the expertise.

Then.

1) You spent over a hundred hours planning the business, drawing up business plans etc.

2) He received copies of everything, including new company email address (formed by you)!

3) He authorised spending on a particular software package, 14,000 Baht, (was to be 50/50) but now will not pay.

4) He authorised expenditure upon a particular item (35,000 Baht) but then would NOT PAY!

5) Now states that he has changed his mind and does not wish to honour the agreement.

6) "Bigs" himself up as the NUMBER ONE ferang in his city (I don't think so)!

My feeling is to treat him in no way differently to the way that I would treat him "at home".

I would add that he still continues to authorise (order) spending on other areas of the same project!

Thoughts please.

Apologies if I am wrong on this one....

It appears to me as if this is a very one way street.

Did the 'Money' actually agree to anything other than the occasional Oral yes ?

It has occurred to me that often people with a great idea approach the 'money' and suggest that they put forward the venture capital for some return.

Often the people with the great idea can be so emotional about their idea that the only way to get a break from them is to say yes without really having any intention of honoring the verbal agreement.

Equally so, those with the money have the power and are often known to 'rip off' the ideas of others...

Before we comment on a worthy cause of action... Can we be sure which one of these we are dealing with ?

"According to the study’s executive summary, which was distributed to the press, the highest Thai-language fluency among expatriates was to be found among members of the lowest paying jobs in industries such as tourism, teaching, and small-scale NGO work. Whereas the least proficient Thai speakers were heavily concentrated in the high-paying professional sectors of business, finance, and regional marketing."

link

Is this because they have less time? Is it also because at their level the majority of people they come into contact with within their business world speaks the international business language competently enough to continue to do business?

I'm sure those in the 'high-paying professional sectors of business' have time for Culture, but learning a single nation language while carrying out their more highly paid tasks keeps them busier and takes on greater importance. In these higher paid rolls interpreters are more often than not available.

A degree is a prerequisite to move into many professions. So, if you are referring to moving into, onwards and upwards within a specific profession then I'd suggest that a degree and often higher is essential.

For those without a non-specific degree (i.e. where it is not job or career specific) it suggests that you have the mental capacity and discipline to carry out a course of study and succeed. In this circumstance it stands as proof. Any reputable employer will rely on references from the issuing educational institution to back this up and faking documentation may have dire consequences (particularly when applying for some job overseas in a country such as Thailand).

That said, experience counts and I have learnt more in my career thus far than my degree could have possibly offered.

If an employer was choosing between identical applicants then the one with the highest level of education would have the greatest chance of success.

In my opinion: While having a valid degree is not a direct measure of intelligence, it is globally accepted as a measure of education and as such a valid degree offers greater opportunity.

Edit: Socially, I couldn't care less who has a degree and who doesn't, respect is earned.

Am I the only person in TV land that thinks there is something very wrong with this OP. I'm not trying to insult you personally, I'm sure you are good people, but I have a few issues. Firstly people normally go through several months and even years of vetting before they can adopt and even then they're not always successful. Your post seemed to me as if you were asking for something as straight forward as a puppy or a kitten. Secondly, why does it have to be a 50/50 baby just because you are a mixed couple, surely you're not planning on passing it off as your own? Could you not love a full Thai baby just as much or even a Burmese or Cambodian baby, I believe there's plenty of those that need a good home. Finally, and probably the most touchy of points is your age. Assuming you make it to an average age then your son/daughter won't have a father past the age of ten, when they will most be in need of one. My point is, too many people have children for their own selfish needs and do not have the child's best interests at heart. I'm sorry if that seems a bit harsh, and maybe I'm the only one that sees it that way, that's just the way I see it.

I think this reply is a little unfair. The Op as anyone would has surely give this more thought than that of adopting a puppy or a kitten. Your point on a 50/50 Thai/Western baby maybe valid, although when I read the post I assumed he meant Thai or western. Maybe the Op can clarify this.

If he has the funds to take on an undertaking such as this then my opinion is good luck to him. Many people have children when they shouldn't and I'd suggest that most offer their children a good life. The Op in his later years can offer his child more time than someone of working age and while a little unorthodox I wouldn't like to be so quick to judge negatively.

I hope the Op has success and some helpful replies, there must be options available. Good luck with the search.

As I understand it and I might be mistaken here.... Isn't it illegal for a foreigner to be in Thailand with out ID (in the form of a passport) on your possession at all times?

I know this is usually not followed and drivers licences, photo copies etc are often used.... However, IF this is so, then surely this man is breaking the law by refusing to hand back your passport ?

Also, what was he doing with the passport in the first place? Is it common practice to give passports to employers over here? I've never heard of this before....

Good luck and I hope things work out for the best...

One option might be to contact the tourist police as now you have finished your contract you should have to leave the country and return on a tourist visa or visa exemption stamp.

Nobody has commented on this, but the OP says he went to a highly acclaimed expatriate hospital, McCormick, and the examining physician misdiagnosed him and didn't do a blood test. Then, a Thai took the OP to a govt. hospital in a small town (San Patong), where they quickly did a blood test and made the correct diagnosis!

I was misdiagnosed just last week. We know our own bodies and when something is more seriously wrong I believe we should trust in our instincts.

In my case, I couldn't help but feel that my Doctor was incorrect but I didn't have the medical knowledge to question him. I sought out a second opinion and my instinct was correct. The first Doctor had guessed incorrectly.

It was the end of the day, he was probably very tired. Everyone is human and while these events shouldn't happen we have to be realistic and accept that they do.

I believe that its good advice to trust your instincts and when in doubt always get a second opinion.

I hope the Op recovers fully....

England a first world country. Someones having a laugh aren't they? A change in weather (which was forecast, so was no major surprise), and the country comes to a standstill. What a joke for the country that started the industrial revolution and accomplished so many other great achievements in days gone by.

John.....

When was the last time snow shut down the transport systems in the UK ?

It last snowed in London in 2002 (I think) and that had mostly melted by morning.

I have no facts regarding the spread of budget, or the costs involved with ‘snowproofing’ the transport networks in the UK. However due to the rarity of such extreme weather I wouldn’t imagine the politicians would want to assign a significant amount of their budget over for something that happens so rarely.

A weather event such as this is big news when it happens in the UK because of its rarity. When Switzerland has extreme weather its not big news, they are well prepared because extreme winter weather there is a certainty.

Gritting the roads and pavements, the odd snowplow clearing the major arteries seems about all that can be managed and I for one believe it unreasonable to expect any more.

Enjoy the Weather in the UK, find a hill and have some fun…

Alternatively... write a letter to your local MP and complain that not enough of the budget is allocated to those extreme weather events that arrive every few years.......

Yesterday(mon) it cost the UK economy(government figures) 1.2 billion squid.

It's shutdown today(tues) as well.

Which is rather poor timing considering the current state of the UK economy. Would mitigation measures taken on a yearly basis cost more or less than this ?

The point I was making earlier, and with this £1.2 B impact on the British economy in mind - would it cost the British economy say £4 B per year to take measures against the impact of harsh weather and would any measures taken be able to have significant effect ?

My guess is that even with the significant financial impact of being shut down for a day or two it would cost the British economy more to mitigate against such events and it would be harder to justify particularly as these events are generally not harmful and have no lasting impact.

I refuse to ride a bike in Thailand because of the risks I perceive.

From my observations drivers of cars in Thailand have no or far less respect for the ‘personal space’ normally offered to bikers in the west.

Last time I was in the UK I saw a bike taken out, by a car driven by someone who was simply not paying attention. I see the ‘not paying attention’ type of bumps a lot more in Thailand and when on a bike the same bump becomes something of far greater consequence.

I’d be too scared to take a loved one on the back of a bike anywhere… Hire a convertible (if its possible).

IF you do chose to hire a bike - double check your travel / medical insurance, it may limit you to 50cc

England a first world country. Someones having a laugh aren't they? A change in weather (which was forecast, so was no major surprise), and the country comes to a standstill. What a joke for the country that started the industrial revolution and accomplished so many other great achievements in days gone by.

John.....

When was the last time snow shut down the transport systems in the UK ?

It last snowed in London in 2002 (I think) and that had mostly melted by morning.

I have no facts regarding the spread of budget, or the costs involved with ‘snowproofing’ the transport networks in the UK. However due to the rarity of such extreme weather I wouldn’t imagine the politicians would want to assign a significant amount of their budget over for something that happens so rarely.

A weather event such as this is big news when it happens in the UK because of its rarity. When Switzerland has extreme weather its not big news, they are well prepared because extreme winter weather there is a certainty.

Gritting the roads and pavements, the odd snowplow clearing the major arteries seems about all that can be managed and I for one believe it unreasonable to expect any more.

Enjoy the Weather in the UK, find a hill and have some fun…

Alternatively... write a letter to your local MP and complain that not enough of the budget is allocated to those extreme weather events that arrive every few years.......

Are there any Thai Elite Members out there out are regretting their purchase?

I’ve read a lot of clever posts from clever people who were clever enough not to purchase Thai Elite Membership because they are clever.

C’mon… we all know the risks. Don’t insult me for buying the card and equally so don’t hate me for getting a privilege that I paid for but don’t deserve.

Don’t be judgmental because I made my choices. Don’t tear my decisions apart with your opinion without knowing me.

I could write cutting responses to many of the posts in this thread. However, points will be missed, and I'm sure egos will not fall. We each read what we wish into any of the posts.

I would like to say this… opinions are great, but so many people lack the intelligence to enjoy the concept of someone else’s…

I suspect that if the word ‘Elite’ was missing from the name of this card then the current ‘up the Bourgeois’, I’m cool ‘cos I eat 20 baht noodles all da time an’ save a packet critics ….(SORRRY, I apologise… that was a cheap shot at those who inadequately post…hmmm).. wouldn’t have such a negative opinion….

Respect to all...

As Promised earlier (Page 4/5)... The TE Announcement..

Make of it what you will...

Message from the President

29"' January, 2009

Dear Our Valued Members,

Greetings from the Thailand Elite Card,

Amidst the news that appeared on the media today, the Cabinet has now reviewed and

audited the Thailand Elite Program. Please find the information below concerning the

agreement as follows.

The Cabinet has now concluded its decision regarding the multiple-entry visa issue. It

has now been confirmed that the Cabinet has authorized TPC to grant our members

multiple-entry visas every 5 years upon the duration of the membership status. Please

find the attached announcement of the agreement on this matter.

As for the concerns regarding the cancellation of the program, we would like to

inform our members that the Cabinet has requested TPC to propose a strategic

business plan. Hence we are currently formulating it in order to show the Cabinet how

the management intends to sustain the organization and how we would compensate

our members if the given circumstance prevails.

Hence, on behalf of the TPC, we will try our hardest to ensure that the outcome will

be most suitable for our members. Please note that we perceive our members in the

utmost regards and providing the most convenient and suitable solutions to our

members is the priority. If any changes occur, we will immediately inform you.

Nonetheless, we are confident that the cabinet will share the same view that the

Thailand Elite members are valuable assets to the Kingdom of Thailand.

Sincerely Yours,

Director and President (Acting)

.

As for other schemes; it was suggested that 100 MB for a 5 year visa.... As I understand it, its illegal to sell visa rights to foreigners which is why the card in the first place was sold with benefits such as free golf, massage, airport transfers etc and the visa was an additional perk.

I'm still using the Elite card to play golf later today, I'll post the official statement from Thai Elite when I have it.

I hope Elite members dont jump immediately into this one

That was a mistake in my post - apologies for the error...

I was referring to a suggestion made by another member whereby an alternative of 100,000 B for a 5 year visa was suggested as a viable alternative to the Elite card.

One should not be mean spirited, but there is something fundamentally sad and inviting of bad karma to try to buy prestige, the root of it might have been in Thaksin himself.

Swelters

I would have thought the majority of people purchasing this card did so for reasons of convenience, not prestige (?!!) I find it very sad that people wish ill on others, simply because they are financially more successful. This invites its own karma.

I've been sitting back on this one as I am one of those who purchased the card.

I ignored the previous thread on this subject because I was well aware that with each change in government the program was re-evaluated with regards to visa status.

I am of the impression that this worry is more real. I have spoke with Thai Elite head office and I am told that an official statement will be released this afternoon, and that I shall receive an e-mail. I have no idea what this statement will consist of or what my remaining status with Thai Elite will be.

For me, the card was a huge convenience, I am not married, well below retirement age and wouldn't have missed 1MB - Nevertheless I don't like loosing out on any risks that I take. However, where other investments have paid off this one might not. Without some risk little is gained. I considered the Thai Elite card an investment in the manner that in addition to significant convenience after 7-8 years the card will have paid for itself.

Now that its looking as though this risk will not pay off. Do I feel as though I have made a mistake? My answer to that is.. 'you win some you loose some'...

If the card is indeed cancelled I am left wondering what other options are available. There are some Thai Elite members who are also influential members of the international business community (who I know were not given the card) I am watching this space to see if any what level of compensation, reimbursement or alternative is offered.

As for other schemes; it was suggested as an example (by another poster) that 100,000 B for a 5 year visa could be an option.... As I understand it, its illegal to sell visa rights to foreigners which is why the card in the first place was sold with benefits such as free golf, massage, airport transfers etc and the visa was an additional perk.

I'm still using the Elite card to play golf later today, I'll post the official statement from Thai Elite when I have it.

(Edited - for a mistake in my post - corrected 100 MB to 100,000

I don't use it that often -

By the time I've waited outside my apt to get a taxi, then arrived at the station, walked up the stairs, waited at the platform, travelled in a crowded BTS carriage for which the air-con has not adapted and is not cool enough, then walked to my destination... I'm too hot, sticky and uncomfortable... depending on my location often sitting in a taxi or car even if it takes 15-20 mins longer (generally) is my preferred option.

The BTS is great late Nov to late Jan - But I think now its becoming a little uncomfortable to use unless going from Emporium to Paragon (which has direct access).

Personally in the day time I'd rather get in my own car and have my air-con on subzero, however the skytrain can prove invaluable on Friday evenings when in a rush and I don't want to take my car cos I'll be drinking... However, I mostly take a cab because the skytrain doesn't suit my destinations....

I voted for the chargers... that level of ignorance is annoying anywhere....

Thanks for all your replies...

I've been reading a little about Muju resort (about 3 hrs from the main Incheon airport). Has anyone been there ?

One of the reasons I'm interested in skiing in Korea is that I'd like to see some of Korea as an additional part of the trip.

I'm hoping to hear back from anyone who has any experience of skiing in Korea.

I'd be traveling from Thailand and wish to go somewhere as close as possible for a quick +/- 5 day trip.

I've recently come back from the Alps and don't expect Korea to be up to that standard, however I've read that Muju resort is a decent enough alternative.

I've read through the web sites etc and have some base information and now I'd be grateful to hear from anyone with their own experiences, travel, costs, accommodation etc

Thanks....

www.koreanvisa.com

Thanks, that website was not of much use however.

"I've read through the web sites etc and have some base information and now I'd be grateful to hear from anyone with their own experiences"...

(Shameless bump)

I'm hoping to hear back from anyone who has any experience of skiing in Korea.

I'd be traveling from Thailand and wish to go somewhere as close as possible for a quick +/- 5 day trip.

I've recently come back from the Alps and don't expect Korea to be up to that standard, however I've read that Muju resort is a decent enough alternative.

I've read through the web sites etc and have some base information and now I'd be grateful to hear from anyone with their own experiences, travel, costs, accommodation etc

Thanks....

That ends that thread then. Nicely summarised; eloquent, concise and precise. I wish I could do the same.

Is this correct ?

In the recent past I obtained a 6 month multiple entry tourist visa. I once requested a longer visa and was told that none was available and that the 6 months option was my only option. (This was from the UK).

I’m not sure that being ‘not married to a Thai’ or under 'retirement age' whether or not the Op can obtain a type O visa.

Someone will know for sure – But to the Op, my belief is that the best way is to be honest and contact your local Thai Consulate. As they will be the ones issuing your visa you will get the information you need without speculation.

One of my relations, some stoned English Expat (Roy), long time local resident and resort owner in Phuket tried to explain this to me earlier, confusing me and everyone around, even managing to somehow include the words "Titty-Bar" and "Kapowww!" when asked the below;

Considering the time frame to get the last boat out of Phuket to Phi-Phi from the Airport, where and how would you go about hiring at last minute a private speed boat when stuck at the pier to Phi Phi for that 1 way trip.

I know the cost is pretty above average, but is worth it when grouped with 12 other people in the same predicament.

Suggestions please?

A few years ago my sister along with her friends visited Thailand. Against my recommendations they thought they could catch a late afternoon flight to Phuket (from Bangkok) and arrive at ‘a pier’ and catch a ferry across to Phi Phi.

As it was dusk I suggested that we stay overnight in Phuket town and take a ferry the following morning.

They were insistent on arriving on Phi Phi the same day, I relented.

After speaking to our airport van driver we were taken to a travel agent who could arrange speedboats.

We paid 10,000 Baht (between 6 of us) for a one way crossing in the dark. It’s something I won’t do again and I really don’t recommend it. With the benefit hindsight I’d stay overnight than run the risk of running a good holiday.

We hit a log or something similar, the speed boat pilot put on a snorkeling mask and with a diving torch jumped in to examine damage, luckily neither the prop nor the hull were damaged, but the situation was enough to give us a scare. My sister and one of her friends arrived on Koh Phi Phi in tears. I was furious with myself for not insisting on common sense.

It’s my understanding that you can just ask for what you want and if you are prepared to pay then you can get what you want. However from personal experience I really don’t recommend speed boat passage in the dark. Stay over night and travel in day light. At least then if something were to happen you can see.

There is no ICU in Thailand government hospitals. That's a lie

Who say's your babies would be dead ? Prove it ?

Me,I have one daughter, born via IVF age one year, and twins to be born (via IVF the same) in April. Born Government hospital Thailand both times. God willing.

The best hospital in your case are in Pheonix. Why is that ?

If your not concerned about the decor of the hospital, why remark on it ?

What is your particular case ?

Other than the fact that you're an American, one step higher than a piece of slime, you're no different to anyone else, even though you think you are. Just stick to killing innocent civilians and coalision troops, with airstrikes. It's what America is good at.

Have a nice day.

Any valid argument that you may have had or thought you had has been ruined by being silly enough to make personal slurs.

In the future I will have children and have been reading this thread out of interested in people’s experience. Personal attacks such as this help no one and only succeed in persuading people such as myself that you are not intelligent enough to make a sensible decision.

For the benefit of others please maintain your composure and keep insults away from these informative threads.

(And for the record, I'm not American)

Is the Elite card starting to look attractive yet ?

I’ve a 5 year Visa in my passport – That works out at 16,700 B per month over 5 years...

(1 MB at time of purchase).

And for that I get free golf, free massage, free airport transfers...And a renewed 5 year visa every 5 years for the rest of my life (granted...if the program does indeed survive)

Check the dates...

Sometimes on high end tires the stock is old and they have been stored poorly.

I had a Friend who went through his tires in months, when he went back to the same tyre shop for replacements he noticed that the import date on the tyres was something in the region of 7-8 years...

My Girlfriend and yy Thai friends have similar views to mine.

We recognize the view point of both sides and conclude that neither side is completely correct. We recognize that with such a wide economic and social dynamic that this is not a black and white situation. We recognize that democracy is mob rule whereby 51% can rule the other 49% and that democracy is the worst form of government other than all forms previously attempted (Quite: Churchill, Roosevelt).

We recognize that to realize improvement, something has to be done, but there no correct answer while democracy is on its knees.

We, agree, we disagree, we discuss and we respect each others opinions. We socialize, drink, get drunk and we discuss more openly, and we continue the cycle of this popular political discussion. I’ve been corrected and I’ve made corrections. I’ve been made to think greatly about the currently situation, we have stimulated each others thoughts….

We don’t let it affect our relationships or friendships… We each understand that in this there are no absolutes and no easy answers. But we all look for the answer regardless, we want to see improvement.

Why isn’t your add for ‘anyone who can help and be a friend’ rather than specifically a Thai woman ? Anything more to this than just wanting some assistance with cultural and language barriers ?

Sorry to be negative – but it seems to be that you are looking for a little more than your apparent candour lets on.