Lorin

Lorin

When I read "help me out with my first steps into stock market or funds", I am certainly thinking 'financial planner' rather than 'broker'. I am not sure whether you are in Thailand now (?) Financial planning is really in its infancy here but there are expat financial planners who I see promoting themselves from time to time. I am sorry I haven't had any experience with any of these people so can't offer a recommendation. Quite possibly others in this forum can help you there.

Yes both ING Funds and Aberdeen Asset are pretty good. Any fund manager will tell you though that "past returns are not necessarily an indication of future performance". In other words the 30% return for the past year could become a -5% return next year. Most funds are based on a basket of shares and share prices go up and down over time. Good managers just get better returns more of the time (compared to the relevant share index). That is why people often say that when anticipating your returns on share-based investments you should be looking at a five year (or more) time frame.

Very few returns are truly 'guaranteed' so I trust you have also had some good independant advice about the business in which you plan to invest the bulk of your money. If this is a Thailand business then I understand that the firm "Sunbelt Asia" can provide this type of advice and are apparently well-regarded.

- CB

I do live in Thailand, but do my biz outside of the country(as It should be)..:-) I know that past performance of the fund is not a guarantee for future, but its ok to risk some part of the money. Been talking to Kbank today as well, past performance on the Equity Fund is over 30%. I think I will wait till the election and then invest with ING and Kbank...

Lorin,

Yes, there are certainly fundamental differences between investment in Thailand and investment in a much larger and more mature market like the USA or even Australia. These differences however don't necessarily translate into "benefits", and to the extent that they might, they would vary over time and from one investor to the next. Are there certain benefits from investing in Thai equities (versus US equities) that accrue to everyone, all of the time? No, I don't think so.

An example: Me. I have a Thai spouse and am living in Thailand. I would like to invest something of myself here to foster some stronger connection to this place. For me, this is a "benefit" of investing in Thai companies (versus, for example, companies in Brazil). This is obviously personal and subjective.

Other benefits I see in investing in Thai shares are that:

* It is rarely boring

* Being a smaller market, things are on a scale you can 'get your head around'

* I believe - based on tangible and intangible factors - like the fundamentals of the companies I follow, the fleeting periods when the share market really fires, and the Thai people I see, meet and read about – that the share market here offers a potential for very impressive returns. Sadly this potential seems more akin to a mirage in the desert at the moment.

Thus one part of the answer to your question is definitely "the choice of whether it is better to invest in one market or another depends on your specific individual circumstances".

Taking one step back now. You mentioned that you were a bit "green" about investment, but have gone through the process of setting out a financial plan for your own circumstances to determine whether investment in shares (in any country) is a good step to take?

This process typically addresses the issues of risk tolerance and 'diversification' of investments (or spreading of risk). Your planner would no doubt tell you that it can be better to invest in more than one market, ie. rather than choosing one over another. Note however that this objective can be achieved without taking your money offshore, e.g. invest in a local (USA?) managed fund that in turn invests in the shares of another country (Thailand?).

If you are fairly committed to actually investing here in Thailand then I would recommend extensive research before jumping in. I could waffle on for ages about what that might entail. As you have found Thaivisa however you are probably already on the right track. I assume you have already read other threads here including "Watch your steps at the Thai SET" and "global correction" amongst many other gems.

On a final note. It is not enough to just select good stocks - timing is critically important here. I know it's very easy to get impatient and just start buying shares, but you are bound to regret it later. This is doubly true given the perilous state of the market at the present time. If you do have an uncontrollable urge to stick your toe in the water sooner rather than later, then I would strongly recommend you go the way of a modest investment in a good managed fund (see the "managed fund" thread).

chock dee

- CB

CB, thank again for your answer, right now my situation is like most of my money I plan to invest in a biz that will give me 30% guaranteed annual return. On the small part of my money I wanna go and risk it as much as possible if the return is right. Banks can give maximum 4-5% and its not enough, I believe I should find a good broker that can help me out with my first steps into stock market or funds. I read here in other thread about Equity funds with ING Funds Thailand that can bring up to 30% returns. What do you think on those? Disregard the risk, cause I dont mind to lose some money if the chances are good to win big time. If not them can you recommend a good broker or company?

Cb, I wanted to ask similar question as iminthailand, however after your detailed answer, maybe you can help me to understand something else? What are the benefits to invest in Thai stock market instead let say US? I'm pretty green to all this so detailed answer will be appreciated,. Thanks.

Most 60 year olds marrying a girl 30 years his minor would find this a wonderful story.

I think anyone regardless of their age would find Happy Larry's a wonderful story. The fact that I am 66 and am married a girl 36 years my minor only makes it more relevant to me.

Happy Larry, it was interesting that in many ways our situations were very similar. I also was lucky enough to find someone that 'soul mate' would not even be adequate to describe our wonderful relationship. We have found that we are so much alike in so many ways that we do almost everything together and our life together is filled with laughter and is much like a happy fairy tale.

I also had been divorced after a mostly happy 30 year marriage but had decided that I would never marry again as I was very happy living my life as a playboy bachelor traveling around the world . Then one day at a restaurant at MBK in Bangkok, I started a conversation with a Thai girl at the table next to me. I learned that she was a scientific sales rep. for a US based company but she loved flying and was soon going to start a new job as a flight attendant. Being a pilot, our common interest started a good friendship which eventually lead to romance and marriage.

Looking back on things, it is interesting how fate and luck in additon to being in the right place at the right time can sometimes play such a pivotal role in our lives. I consider myself so fortunate to have found such unbelievable happiness in my life. Even more important is the fact that my wife tells me that she feels the same way as I do. I am really enjoying reading the stories of other TV members that have also are sharing their happy success stories. Best wishes to all.

Hey Larry, its great to hear successful story of thai/farang relationships. Me myself looking for the right gal, but unfortunately its not easy to find good one, and I cant live in Isaan for example...Keep us posted on the developments..-)

You really have to wonder where Nonglak got 60 million from in the first place.

Naka.

You are surprised that a thai can have that money?

Not that Thais cant have that money, but they wont marry Dutchman in Pattaya if they have that money in the first place.

Police to request photo cameras to collect evidence of cell phone using drivers

Royal Thai Police Spokesman Police Lieutenant General Pongpat Pongcharoen (พงศพัศ พงษ์เจริญ) stated that the Royal Thai Police will be requesting funds to purchase photo cameras to assist police in collecting evidence of transgressors of the land transport act. Police will use the cameras to snap shots of people in their cars if they see them breaking the law, which they state will promote fairness for both citizens and officers.

Police Lieutenant General Pongpat stated that the cameras will be purchased in anticipation of projected arguments that may occur from motorists who protest that they were using mobile phones. The police spokesman also said there may be more study done into other forms of technology that will assist in the upholding of the law.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 November 2007

Ok, here is the trick: need to purchase the cameras..:-) Now watch out for companies connected to politicians, who will win the bid to provide those cameras..:-)

Can someone here recommend me a place that can make custom car plates? I need some name to be done on the plate. Thanks for the info.

On my personal level I see no problems, with all the young gals having babies and leaving them upcountry with moms when they down to BKK, Pattaya and Phuket to work.

Night vision is so cool.

Cool stuff.. Every time you posting I see you have too much spare time on your hands..:-)

Yes,

BMW 520D Power Chip can be installed. It adds 30hp and 45ft tq. Also a HP unit that adds around 55hp and 70ft tq.

They sell for around $13,000 bht.aand $15,500 for HP unit.

There are two different connection on this Car, One for a vp37 fuel pump and the other for common rail sensor K pin plug.

I have not seen a vp 37 pump plug around for a while as they had some problems with them, But rail sensor type are easy to find.

Thank you for the info, its sounds pretty good deal and not expensive as well. What shop/garage can make those upgrades and how safe is it?

I saw advertisements in Bangkok Post regarding power package for Mercedec SLK 200, that add 40 HP to the engine. How about BMW520D? Can it be empowered to get more HP?

All right, I guess I will add this law as well to my list of rules and regulations that I can easily avoid to comply with by slipping 100 baht note to the police officer that stops me. I love Thailand. I my country it cost 4500 baht and call to court if you caught second time..:-)

Very true that I have no idea about what's going under the bonnet, except maybe checking oil and water, plus that car has no gears as its automatic. As expected Mazda cant pick up my car, so Thai friend of mine looking for another solution. I love Thailand..:-)

Guys as soon as the OP said he had no idea how to locate the starter all logical mechanical remedies should have stopped. Call the garage and have them collect the car. I still find it astonishing that so many people have no idea what happens under the bonnet, or hood for our US friends. How do you check oil / fluid levels and washers fluids????????? A small bit of knowledge can save you a lot of money. Get somebody to show you the basics on the engine. You dont need to be a rocket scientist

The car wont start, battery was checked and is not a problem, need to bring the car to Mazda garage I think tomorrow morning. Anyone had experience with that situation? Any service I can trust? Seems to me dealing with Mazda for picking up my car will be long story as always with them.

Before you have it towed find a big wrench or long bar, locate the starter, and give it a few sharp whacks. That sometimes is enough to get a recalcitrant starter going again. That way you could drive it it and save some time and headache. Might work, might not, but nothing to lose.

Thanks for your advice, but I have no idea where starter is located, cant see it outside anyways...:-(

The car wont start, battery was checked and is not a problem, need to bring the car to Mazda garage I think tomorrow morning. Anyone had experience with that situation? Any service I can trust? Seems to me dealing with Mazda for picking up my car will be long story as always with them.

I just checked exchange rates and noticed that the baht had weakend dramatically against the USD

http://corporate.visa.com/pd/consumer_serv...HB&rate=0.0

Hot money in; hot money out. Buckle up for a bumpy ride

The $ is still up, lets hope it will be the beginning of the end of strong baht !

I drive myself and not looking to rent the place out, just live there myself, rats is everywhere in BKK,old news....:-)

Not walking distance to the BTS the traffic is heavy all day , go down this soi early in the morning and count the rats hanging around the place . CBD lmao i have lived in this soi and they cant find renters .

Have seen 100 + sq mt condos offered there for 28-35k baht a mth i wonder why they cant rent them ?

JB

Ps if coming to this soi from the oposite /side of the road you have to overshoot the soi by 2 km and then u turn back .

Pps If you dont drive the taxis dont like going there good luck i stayed 3 months and moved out .

Can I ask how do you get all that inside info? Do you own a unit in that building?

the location is excellent. the facilities are above average.

the problem with a lot of thai condos is not the building or the location. it's the people managing the places. so many crooks in the business. you need to watch out.

before the current management took over, the guys running the place were crooks. they would always advertise that only a couple of units were still available. and yet, here we have it, the developers sold the new owners - like 320 vacant units. ..makes you wonder?

another thing that happened at this place...

under the old management, maintenance fees were suppose to be spread evenly between all the units owned. since the management couldn't sell HALF of the units due to the condo laws limiting ownership to foreigners, HALF of the maintenance fees were not paid. so, guess what the old management did? the crooks took the money out of the emergency fund that each condo development has set up to pay the HALF that was not being paid because they were vacant. the true owners of condos in sathorn garden only found out what happened AFTER the emergency fund ran out of money.

crooks.

if crooks here steal you blind, do you have any recourse? ask yourself that. remember, as a guest of the country, you don't have any rights here.

remember what happened at the sukhumvit soi 10 demolition? remember the clinton plaza sub-lease scam? remember the 2 british tourists murdered by the thai policeman? there are so many examples of criminal behavior where thais got away with things - even murder.

if you still want to spend your money here (it's not an investment), do so. but don't say nobody didn't warn you.

The place located in the beginning of Sathorn road,however inside small soi, so it should not be noisy+Australian and Malaysian embassies and Metropolitan hotel is near by. That why I'm thinking ist good location. Correct me if I'm wrong?

Thank you for the answer, what do you think about pricing? Seems a bit high?

I can offer that Pacific Star is Singaporean property investment group, the Thai operations are run by Pritpal Singh Gill previously of Golden Land and architect for President Park.

Plenty of money behind them, and some wise heads in the group.

What else do you want to know?

Just saw advertisement in Bangkok Post on Sathorn Gardens condo, very good location, 41 floors, swimming, tennis etc. Gave them a call, told me its 1997 building that Pacific Star company bough and making a condo. The prices are 85-88K baht per square meter, can move in in early 2008,would like to know more info if available...Anyone?

So what are you going to do with them when restored ??

Wont be able to road register or legally drive them.

Who cares about legally driving here? Now I pay 100 baht every time they stop me, if i had no driving licence or my car isnt registered I will pay 200-300, so what the difference. I saw my good friend doing it here in BKK. Just put any Thai plates, they sell it to whoever ask.

My guess bring it as a metal scrap, or through the Cambodian border inland, never directly to BKK port.

Looks like a mix between BMW and Honda SUV's...where they make them? In China or Korea? For me Chevrolet losing its crediability if its not produced in US, but its subjective...

Yesterday I saw the Cheovrolet Captiva up close and must say I was captivated. I currently drive a 1.8 Chevy optra and have been happy with it's sturdiness.

This new SUV seems to have the best of the CRV and Fortuner and is available in deisel at 1.5 million.

Does anyone else in TV land have one or have any experience with this car?

I was going to buy the new CRV but now can't stop thinking about the captiva.

been out for awhile now in Aus and NZ, good looking as well,should hold its value due to styling imho captiva

Captiva review

should be a good one but wont outsell CRV or Fortuna

Just hire 2-3 low ranking police for few thousand baht and go to bid, the local police allowed to have a part time job after the service hours and even to use their uniform.

Periodically I see in The Nation a notice of a Thai Customs Dept. auction of seized cars, illustrated with some potentially interesting photos (although I doubt these are photos of actual cars for sale). Today there is a notice of an auction on 18 July of 123 cars. The notice gives a couple of web addresses for more information. One is the Customs address, which appears to contain nothing about such auctions. The other is a company called Katha Communication. Their web site only has horoscopes (in Thai). Maybe you are supposed to be psychic to find out what is for sale! I cannot physically go to the Customs Dept, because I do not live in Bangkok (if there were anything of real interest on offer, I would come to Bangkok, but not just on the off chance). Does anyone know anything about these auctions, such as how to find out what is for sale, bidding arrangements etc? Thanks for any info, Neil

I’d be interested to know how you get on at these Auctions.

As far as I know they are controlled by a gang who are in league with the Customs Officers; they make sure no outsider is allowed to bid on vehicles they have their eye on.

I have Thai friends who have been threatened with knives when they tried to bid.

Patrick

Yes, it's hearsay but I have heard the same story. I talked to a guy who buys and sells used vehicles and he told me that it would be too dangerous to try to get involved as it is all insider controlled.

Or it's just these Thai 'ftirnds' trying to make sure they have less competition for the bidding.