excaliber

Buy a cheap manual pump up blood pressure monitor, and use it every day. I bought one in Greece for about 40 Euro at a local Pharmacy. You don't need the fancy automatic monitors, but you can get one if you want to. Mine just has a cuff with a velcro connector. You just slip it on your upper arm, fasten the velcro, and use a squeeze ball to bring the reading on the monitor up to about 200 as it tightens on your arm. Then just let go, and the pressure will slowly go down. The digital reader unit does all the calculation and displays the results. Most hold at least the last 10 readings in memory. Mine hold the last 20 readings, so you can go back in the memory and see wheher he trend is up or down over the readings. I sure you could pick one up in the U.K. for not more than 50 pounds at te most. It is an investment in your future life that it is well worth it

You can buy (order) an automatic blood pressure kit from just about any 7/11 store for about 1500 - 2,000 baht

Standard Thai 23K gold is about like cash here. The difference between buy and sell is only a couple hundred baht per baht weight. Buy gold in the US and when you have walked out of the shop, it is worth less than half of what you paid. That's NOT the case here. Bars may be fine for an investment but jewelry can be bought and sold anywhere in the country. We are not talking about jewelry shops that have a 300 or 400 percent mark up. Just avoid fancy jewelry shops and only buy from government approved shops.

Spot on Gary,

I just bought (@ 13,000/one baht) a bag full of rings, mostly 2 salung or 1/2 baht weight and paid the same price as the small 1 baht ingots/biscuits. The gold content is the same @ 96.5 / 23 carat; after the increase of $60 an ounce overnight, I may go and get some more...,.,,.

When talking to jewelry shops abroad, they do not have high thoughts of Thai gold jewelry, why is that? Does anyone here know the cold facts of abroad gold and Thai gold.

And why does 18k gold jewelry cost more here in Thailand then Thai gold jewelry? Or is this just a myth.

Is the karat less or more in Thai gold bars than in rest of the worlds gold bars?

Thai gold bars are mythed to be cheaper than abroad gold bars, is this true? And if so why?

MC

Most westerners don't like the look of Thai gold 'yellow' and don't want to pay the higher price because of the higher gold content, is why it's not common in the west

Most commonly in the states you will find 14ct & 18ct gold.

Thai gold is 23ct or 96.5 (wt.%) as compared to 18ct/75.0

24 carat gold = 99+; fineness: 990

22 carat gold = 91.6; " 916

18 carat gold = 750 " 750

14 carat gold = 58.5 " 585

9 carat gold = 37.5 " 375

Thai Gold is sold in Baht weight & Salung; 4 Salung = 1 Baht weight @ 15.2 grams

Current Gold price: $864 per ounce, up $60 from yesterday. When the $ tanks, gold will glow...

There's a safe & easy way to own gold bullion (online); not gold stock or certificates or etf's, etc; or just buy the local stuff since taking it to any gold shop in the country will give you cash at the current gold spot rate.

Funny. I was at the Pattaya Sheraton this weekend and that was a 5 star hotel, magnificently appointed and had top service and food. Perhaps you anti-Pattaya whiners don't much get past the relics on Beach Road and the go go bars, which would account for your almost perverse obsession with the lower end of life there, and why you can't discuss other forms of quality lifestyles which are readily available in Pattaya and the surrounding area.

.....and did you enjoy a nice swim in the "quality" ocean there ? or a nice leisurely stroll along the broadwalk ?

Does anyone know where I can find & purchase gold coins; American Eagles, maple leaf, etc., etc. Any weight. (not Thai gold)

I'm in Esaan with no easy access to the gold shops in China Town, Bangkok so don't know if they are available there.

Anyone who has any information OR Gold/Silver coins for sale, I would appreciate any legitimate response.

Thanks in advance....

Sorry for the repeat post, I just saw other similiar posts.....

Got some Kugerrands and went into the local jewellers (at Tescos) for a quick valuation.

The head woman behind the counter fobbed me off (she didn't have a scooby about other gold types)

Anyone know where the best place in Bangkok for gold valuation of krugs. is???

Cheers

If you still haven't sold them, let me know (what & price) via PM and maybe I can take them off your hands,

also, ANYONE else who has gold coins, ingots, etc., I might be interested in them also.

... Maybe the Sunbelt legal team can comment ?

Well, that's what I'm hoping for. Sunbelt or Indo Siam might have access to some facts, at least I hope they do.

I wouldn't hold your breath, I've written to them (sunbelt) several times, emails & on-line chat and NEVER received any kind of response. I think they screen all the mail and select & respond to the high ticket subjects. I doubt I'll "try" to contact again.

Construction/Project Manager (Jack of all Trades)

Architect/Builder: Living exclusively in Thailand since ’88 managing construction projects of varied sizes and styles. Resort housing, factory, private housing, bank renovations, etc.

If you’re planning to build a house, hotel, apartment, resort, etc., in Thailand and don’t have the time, experience or inclination to manage and monitor the entire process, then contact me for an evaluation.

I am able to:

1. Prepare interior & exterior design with 3D CAD based on your requirements.

2. Prepare finished construction drawings and complete BOQ based on finished design or existing plans and details.

3. Prepare tender documents for builders/contractors and together with owner, make selection.

4. Prepare construction contract and payment schedule

5. Purchase materials on owner’s behalf

6. Manage the construction from foundation to roof (to western standards)

7. Maintain regular communications with owner via email including updated photos

8. Basically, everything from A to Z including all contract admin. (preference of private, high-end residential/resort)

In order to justify hiring a PM, the budget should be at least 10mb+ as the average fee for managing the entire project is 20% of the build cost. (note: The fee is usually recouped in the tender process and negotiations with the builder)

If you have a large project: hotel, condo, apartments, resort, etc., I can manage and hire appropriate team: accountant, site admin, etc.

No project too large.

As a note: my background includes twenty years of hands-on building in almost every area of construction from concrete through finish carpentry. I speak excellent Thai, understand Lao/Isaan language and a very good working knowledge of building techniques & practices in the Kingdom.

Pm for more info…

I've just had a builder quote me a house I'm planning on building. The cost of the house was worked out in baht per square meter of house. Is this a normal way to do things in Thailand, i have asked my building friend in Oz about it and he has never heard of a quoting system like that. Has anyone had any similar experience in this?

Cheers

An experienced builder is able to quote by the SqM. The quote usually does not include: a/c, cabinetry and special fixtures, etc.

I work with one builder in my area who is considered the best around. People (both Thai & farang) don't mind waiting up to a year for this guy and his crew.

The finish crew are some of the best I've seen over the past 20 years of building and managing construction projects throughout the Kingdom.

Unfortunately he doesn't travel outside the local area unless the project is substantial enough. He charges between 12,000-15,000 baht/SqM (last time I spoke to him). (Isaan pricing is not the same as BKK and resort areas) A few years ago cost for building a house on Samui between 20k-30k/SqM.

It's also quite common to get a 'labor only' bid and purchase all the materials yourself or to a Project Manager who is taking care of the project.

As mentioned already, this is (in my opinion) the best way to go. If you care about the quality and quantity of materials although you or someone on 'your team' must make sure materials aren't wasted (no loss to the builder) and/or grow legs.

If your budget for everything is a considerable amount you may want to seriously consider hiring a Project Manager. One who has been in the country for sometime and experienced in all the above +++. There are lots of pros & cons regarding Thai Project Manager's and farang. If any of the following don't apply you may want to look for another PM.

1. Thai PM with 'western style' construction techniques and use of materials. You can't expect someone without actual experience to be responsible, this includes the builder/contractor as well.

2. Farang PM with local building experience and knowledge of Thai building techniques and practices. Must be able to communicate in Thai, all the way down to the workers who usually speak Isaan Lao. Some will dissagree with this and insist on talking with the boss instead of the workers. If the 'boss' or foreman is on site then yes, absolutely, but in reality the boss/contractor will only be seen when it's payment time. There are lots of tricks and scams in the building business here. One quite popular one is buying expensive labeled paint cans and filling them with cheap paint. A farang PM is better able to deal with these situations over a Thai PM. Why? because usually the builder is more affluent than the PM so the Thai PM is under the thumb of the builder.

fees for a farang PM will almost always cost more. Is it worth the extra cost? Lets look at a couple examples:

1. A good farang PM will negotiate an honest price with the builder where a Thai PM will most often NOT. (provided a proper & thorough BOQ is prepared)

2. A Thai PM who doesn't speak English (or whatever language you speak) will not always understand.

3. A good farang PM will make sure the proper materials are being used and not substituted for inferior and cheaper materials.

4. A good farang PM with both Thai & western experience will ensure standards are met. (Basically there are no standards for building in Thailand and no government building inspectors to ensure building to code, etc.

5. A good PM should be able to take care of just about everything from planning to finished project in a reasonable time.

so on and so forth.

I realize there are some shady farang PM's so you have to make sure you're hiring a competent PM. As mentioned, check his past performance and talk with past co-workers or homeowners, etc. Also, get him to talk with your wife or girlfriend 'in Thai' and ask her what she thinks/feels.

Some farange PM's fees are based on the overall cost of the project. 20% is most common although you will always find someone cheaper to do just about anything so it's up to you to decide if you want a house & structures build to western standards and not have to re-do and/or fix things all the time.

Bonus: If you're lucky and find a farang PM who is an Architect and builder he can do up the plans or re-do them, prepare finished drawings with both metric and feet & inches and both Thai and English translations and also a detailed BOQ. Without a BOQ you won't know if the builder/contractor is padding the material list.

The bottom line is: get a builder who will agree to a payment schedule based on work completed (and stick to it).

Make sure, one way or another, things are done right the first time to avoid additional time and expenses.

Make sure you have a detailed contract with the builder, witnessed and stamped. (a good PM can do this also)

If you want even more details for the builder you can prepare a detailed 'house description' that includes room-by-room details & photos of materials you want installed. Inlcuding model and manufacturer, etc. (a good PM can do this)

If your budget is less than 4-5mb then of course it may not be practical to hire a farang PM although there are many variables to consider.

There's a lot of advice on this forum, some good based on actual experience and some coming from an armchair with no substance.

good luck with your build.....

excalibur, nothing in donnas post was an invitation for you start making your comparisons so suggest you keep your issues off this forum.

Oh, now it takes an "invitation" to reply to a post? and issues aren't welcome either?.....sounds like you're the one with the issues but because you're a moderator it's ok?....if you read the subsequent posts, there are no more issues except perhaps the ones you have.

glad we agree excaliber. can we kiss and make up now?

ok by me, let me ask the mrs.... about the kissing

In all honesty, Donna, you're absolutly right and anyone (man or woman) who's without trust & acceptance should move on....until they do have it....

I've been with the same (Thai) lady for 14 years and we live with trust & freedom....meaning...neither one of us own one another (we're not married) and free to explore however we need. I have to admit, I've played around (one nighters) several times over the years and it hasn't affected our 'best-friend' relationship....if I lived in fear of losing 'it' to the dogs, I would move on...

I always think that it sounds so childish when somebody makes anti-western women/men comments. The equivalent of taking your ball back when you were ten. I think that the bit of attention that western men get from Thai women can go to our heads and we can suddenly begin fooling ourselves that it wasn't us who was the problem.

I remember reading an article on "Mail Order" Russian brides. One guy was asked why he was going on a love tour to Russia, and he said because American women were horrible, money-hungry etc., etc, etc, and that Filipinas were the same. He than added that he knew this because he had been married to 4 Americans and 2 Fiipinas, and had to divorce them all because they were all so bad.

Since he obviously was not at fault, I am sure he found happiness in that perfect Russian woman.

I guess this must include all of us who are happily married to Thai women without a trail of unhappy western marriages ?

my post was not critical of western men at all. it was also not critical of thai women. if you read it, you will see that i said:

jeez. im glad im not a bloke. going through life with these terrible women who you cant trust and have to constantly test must really suck

if you want me to translate, it means that many men live with these women but are still suspicious of them. i just dont understand why you would want to live with a woman (whatever nationality) that you really dont trust.

isnt there more to life than that? isnt it better to be happy and trusting than to be miserable and suspicious?

Agreed.....

My advice would be not to listen to a lot of the advice given on this thread !!

This is the best 'advice' I've read on this forum

3) Religious or racial slurs, rude and degrading comments towards women, or extremely negative views of Thailand will not be tolerated.

remember: your mother and your sisters are western too.

It appears I've hit a sensitive note ! What about rude and degrading comments towards men? and this post has little if anything to do with my mother who has long passed on and sisters of whom i have none.

My post was simply meant to reveal the differences between Thai women and western women but it appears you've read it wrong...but nevermind....most of the men reading this understand...

jeez. im glad im not a bloke. going through life with these terrible women who you cant trust and have to constantly test must really suck.

....and how many "blokes" reading and participating in this forum have a bad taste left in their mouth from western women...why a Thai woman instead of a western woman? I can give you no less than 100 reasons...

"I prefer Thai women because" , unlike western women, most Thai women are smaller than me (I'm 93kg).

, They have more respect for their family, they don't put their parents in retirement homes, etc., etc....

Feel free to add to the list....

In fact, I'm making a new thread:

"I prefer Thai women over western women because":........

Builder/Architect Can manage the entire construction process of your dream house or castle, (almost) any location in Thailand.

Including design, design modifications, construction plans, contractor tendering, material selection/sourcing, BOQ, all aspects from the ground to completion.

36 years in construction, 18 years managing construction projects in Thailand; residential-resort housing, hotels, factory, banks, etc.

A properly planned and managed project will save money and heartache as well as ending up with a home built to western standards.

PM for info....

7,500 bath per sq metre is what I understand it costs to build a house in non-tourist areas, with the land costing around 600,000 baht for a decent size plot .5 to 1 rai (800 to 1600 sq metres).

For a 400 sq metre house it would cost all in 4,000,000 baht allowing for extras, to purchase the land and build the house

I don't know why I would want to pay someone 10,000,000 to 15,000,000 for the same already built ??

That price of 7,500 baht/m2 is if you hire labor only, buy all the materials including lots of aspirin and babysit the entire process.

I hope somebody here can provide some input, I have blueprints for a home that was designed and drawn up in English, does anybody know where I can get them translated into Thai?

Thanks!

As Crossy mentioned; the plans will need to be certified to Thai standards.

Not only by a Thai Architect but also by a licensed Engineer to certify the foundation and structure. Of course you can do this later on although the plans will most probably have to be changed again to meet Thai standards. Might as well do it all in one go....let me know...

I'm not an expert, but I do believe it is the local Or Bor tor office that gives planning permission, based on house drawings.

I have some drawings for my house, which have been approved by the Or Bor Tor, and I had to produced them at the land office when I transferred the land and house from my company, and they used them to calculate the tax. Without them I couldn't have effected the transfer.

I also think they are required when applying for a new Tabien Bahn (Blue house registration book) to be issued for the property.

I would definitely contact you local Or Bor Tor, but be a bit cagey in case no permission was given in the first place. (Easily remedied no doubt in the customary fashion)

You are mostly correct, I don't think any of us (or them) are experts.

If you're in or near the city limits you would get approval from TessaBan (Amphoe), away or outside the city limits you would get approval from Or Bor Ta (Tambon)....ask your Puyai Ban in the village you live in and he can surely (hopefully) tell you.

Not to mention the 25% fee...on a 6 mil house that is 1.5 mil to add to the cost... not a bad earn if you can get it. Remember he is probably not just working for you at the same time, maybe 1 or 2 or more others also.

But that project managment fee whatever it may be, could save you millions if your having a house built & not supervising it for whatever reason.

Your be sure the builder has not disaperead with your money, this is not un-heard of believe me

There are many things to consider, "Why should I hire a Project Manager?".

1. Making sure the plans and details are accurate and not "overbuilt" for profit. Example:

Many years ago managing the construction of an electronics factory the contractor specified lots of H-beam steel for roof support. Steel is much more expensive than concrete, increasing the overall cost as well as profit for the contractor who charges 'by weight'. Steel is much quicker and easier to install; crane and a couple guys to cinch it down.

Because of my background I was able to re-engineer the drawings eliminating a lot of unnecessary steel replacing it with concrete columns. The savings on this aspect alone was 2.5 million baht.

2. Strict attention of labor & material costs. Having a thorough knowledge of local labor and material costs can save a lot of money.

3. Job and material kickbacks: Common on most projects. Material suppliers will give a percentage; 5 to 10% kickbacks to the contractor and or other agents of the project/house owner. This can be monitored if one knows how.

4. Contracts and payment schedules: Most Project Managers with experience in the Kingdom will have proper contracts that include payment schedules. Normally a lawyer would do this for you although most lawyers have little to no construction experience so you're dependent on his limited knowledge.

5. Inferior materials: It's not un-common for builders to substitute inferior materials to increase profits. A seasoned Project Manager will know what to look for. Proper materials: cement, steel, grouts, additives, sealers, hardware, etc., etc. Even if you are managing the construction of your own house you need some knowledge of these and other aspects.

6. Proper construction applications: Someone with little or no hands-on experience and knowledge won't know the 'water doesn't go down the drain' until it's too late adding extra time, materials and labor to the project if the floor has to be broken out and redone.

Making sure the walls are plumb so the finishes are square and even. (Take a look in your bathroom at the floor where it meets the wall. Are the tiles the same size from one wall to the other?) Are the ceiling tiles proportionate? This is one particular test I give junior Thai (and farang) Project Manager's, "How to check and make sure the walls are square to one another?" and guess what, everyone of them didn't know the correct answer. A square doesn't do it, measuring from wall to wall doesn't do it. There's a formula that's very basic in nature that's very accurate. Lots of bits of technical and non-technical information to ensure a happy home..

and a special note to "tackleHappy". You appear not to have any construction experience in Thailand and perhaps anywhere else. Managing a single project is a 'full-time' occupation leaving little to no time for leisure activities and most especially "other projects". I can tell you many horror stories of house construction in the Kingdom and you can of course read about a lot of them also. It's a choice one has to make.

The bottom line is: (thanks dickie58 for your input) if you hire a Project Manager who knows his job, his salary or percentage won't cost you anything after all the cost savings in materials, labor, etc., and you'll end up with a better and stronger house that won't need repairs and/or replacements for eternity....and will most probably end up paying less for the overall build through diligent monitoring, etc., by hiring a competent PM.

and another special note to Guesthouse. This is not an advertisement for a job. I have a very good job and am not looking for another one.

All the above is for informational purposes only. The author assumes no responsibility for the outcome of your project regardless if you use any of the information stated or not...

Planning permissions seem to vary in Thailand from place to place, some areas require nothing whatsoever other than a nod from the village head. Other areas require, if recent post data is to be believed, formal applications and I would like to understand if there is an accepted procedure for this. I intend to build in the South later this year and wonder if anyone can shed light on this subject.

As already stated, "it mostly depends on where you intend to build".

The 'planning permission' isn't exactly the same process as in the west. When submitting plans for approval the main criterion is based on the foundation and structure and most always has to be designed to Thai specs and signed by a licensed Engineer. In Tessaban offices

there are Engineers who have the final say for permission to build, they can also design and draft the plans for you for a fee although in my experience, you have to spend a lot of time with them explaining details if the house design and elements are different than what they are used to. Plumbing, electrical (grounding), size of reinforcing steel (usually too small), location and heights of outlets, switches, etc.

If you're building in or near the city then the plans need more detail; plumbing, electrical, septic, etc. In any case, you will want to have properly engineered plans for your own piece of mind as well as giving the builder clear and accurate drawings to build from; although for the most part, Thai engineers tend to 'overbuild' the foundation to cover themselves, e.g., more concrete than is needed to support the structure. The foundation will be designed/engineered to support the load/weight for everything resting on top of it also considering the type of soil in the area. Piles are pretty standard for any decent size house and not expensive. If there's a lot of clay in your area then piles are absolutely necessary, again, depending on the size and the elements going into the house and roof. A large house with clay or concrete roofing materials will add a lot of weight to a structure increasing the size of the support columns as well as the foundation structure.

The first step is taking your plans to the Tessaban to have them checked. As mentioned, they must be in Thai and to Thai standards.

Many Architects provide this service, e.g., engineered & signed plans, ready to build, included with the design and Architectural drawings.

Best if you can find an Architect from the west to design and make the plans then take them to the Tessaban to engineer the foundation and structure....

....good luck in your build...

But I am sure there are some decent ones out there, and maybe you do indeed belong in this group, but the 64,000 dollar question is how do you sort the good from the bad?

No argument about a lot of un-qualified farang presenting themselves as 'qualified' although a little research, resume', references do help in making a decision, and as you say, most farang who want to build have eyes and ears and can realize in a short time if a man is qualified or not.

In addition, there are some very good contractor's who don't need supervision and have a lot of experience building and remodeling for farang but unfortunately they are always booked up for months ahead. I know people, Thai's who have waited a year for a particular contractor who has an impeccable reputation. They're finish work is second to none, at least from what I've seen and his prices are very reasonable, the only problem is, he won't travel far from home, he doesn't need to.

I've met many farang over the years who asked me to manage the construction of their house and offered to pay similar to a'Thai salary'.

Working here I've made much less than in the west and have to work ten times harder.

You can't expect a Thai contractor to build to western standards if he doesn't have experience. Other's reading this that have built here know that you have to get your hands dirty and show them 'how' to do it western style or you bite your lip and live with what you get.

Most contractors work on putting at least 50% of the contract price in their pocket; a good Project Manager can help reduce this quite considerably as well as ensure the 'water goes down the drain' and the house doesn't crack and/or sink. So, if you do find a reputable one, treat him right.

and yes, you're right, I do have a vested interest, I've been in the construction industry for nearly forty years and there are many more like me in the Kingdom who have integrity and take pride in what they do, unfortunately most are probably to busy to read these posts.

Any such project manager - and there are a few around - is almost certainly working illegally, and in the current climate I would advise against such practice unless the foreigner in question can produce a work permit in which it clearly states his permitted employment.

And speaking from personal experience, I wouldn't trust most of them - many are a bunch of 'duckers & divers' with questionable construction experience, awaiting the next farang mug to present themselves for fleecing,

Sounds pretty negative for someone who signs their posts: “Those who are free of resentful thoughts surely find peace.”

— Buddha

While not everyone may share your philosophy, all Project Managers aren't created equal.

Anyone who's built a house in Thailand, hiring a contractor or hiring the labor only, knows the pitfalls and headaches that most don't want to wake up to face in the morning. Paying a premium to a contractor doesn't guarantee quality supervision and management, in fact, most of the time it doesn't. Contractors come around to pick up money, drop off labor and materials but rarely spend time on-site supervising. Money spent on an experienced Project Manager, either a farang or Thai with western experience will not only save you money in the long run but a considerable amount of hair.

Managing construction projects in the west is much easier because there are government inspector's to ensure the contractor is building properly and to code. Managing projects in Thailand isn't a 9 to 5 job, it's all day and usually into the night to make sure all is going according to plan. There are lots of tricks and scams that local contractor's use to increase profits. Example: Buying empty paint cans with expensive labels and pouring their cheap paint into them. There are many more but thats what Project Manager's get paid for, 'being aware' and on top of the situation.

In addition, it can get pretty dangerous sometimes for a farang managing a project. How? insisting on quality and not signing or paying until it's acceptable can bring on some irritable reactions from contractor's. To begin with, the farang should speak and understand the Thai language as well as Thai building standards which don't hold a candle to western standards. Basic things like water going towards the drain and not away from it, wall plumb, floors and ceilings level, BASICS although here you have to check and re-check and then check again or you may find yourself watching them break it out and re-doing it.

A Project Manager worth a salt will know when and where to be most of the time and especially during concrete pours. Thai's like to use a lot of water to make it easy to place the concrete and this just takes all the strength out of the mix. Wonder why there are so many cracks in Thailand? too much water and they don't always use clean water and they usually don't wash the sand either. Lots of things we take for granite having come from the west where there is 'recourse'; lawyers, small claims court, etc. Here, you're on your own and if you don't take the time and energy to babysit the project from sun up to sun down you'll most probably be fixing and replacing for years to come.

Anyway, just my two baht's worth after nearly 20 years of managing construction projects throughout the Kingdom...

cheers....and remember, you don't always get what you pay for....

The only harm they do is remind some people that they have wandered off the path. Some of you people must feel pretty guilty to hate them so much. If you dont like what they say just ignore them.

Yeah Right, Like trying to ignore a fart in an elevator