nickstav

To state that Thailand is "hoarding" gold attaches a negative connotation to what they're doing. Building a gold reserve seems a wise move in this global economic situation.

21 minutes ago, FarFlungFalang said:

I was warned about something else that caused blindness!

I just got sick enough to wear glasses.

…..but we'd like you to do us a favor first.

Rather than survey us, why not survey the science community. I'd trust their opinion more than the expat community.

It doesn't say what the fuel tax rate is, so I looked it up. A 2017 article said that airlines pay 4 baht per liter in tax. The airline regulators said this should result in a fare increase of 50 baht per seat, and noted that most domestic flight's duration is 60-90 minutes. Meanwhile, the average tax for motorists filling up at the pump is 5-6 baht per liter.

While I do think that tourism will be down this high season, it's just starting now, so let's see how things play out. I don't think the boat sinking, one isolated instance, has scared off the Chinese. There may be other factors to that. The global economy certainly is a factor affecting all countries. I have noticed there seem to be more Indians in Hua Hin than in the past, families and of course the wolfpacks. The situation with the Pound Sterling, and the Aussie Dollar certainly aren't helping things. In Hua Hin we get the regular tourists, but we also get a lot of snowbirds that come for the entire winter, especially Scandinavians. Many of that group own houses or condos here as part-time residents, so I think they'll still show up as they have some roots here.

Maybe it would be prudent of the banks or private lenders to actually check on the buyers ability to repay what they will owe beforehand, which might save the poor consumer from getting into a situation that is drowning them. Not that I for a moment think that banks or private lenders have a heart, but bad debts are bad business for them too.

On 9/26/2019 at 2:20 AM, tomazbodner said:

Was Melania invited as well? At least she can point Thailand on the map...

I'll bet she cannot.

I think there are multiple factors contributing to the decline in sales, the least of which is the transfer fee rate, which is only 2% of the property's value. Regarding the foreign market, maybe making it easier instead of harder for foreigners to stay here might help. Even part-time foreign residents are concerned over the confusing immigration policies. Allowing outright ownership of a home, one purchase only of limited size, would be attractive to potential buyers. Many homes and condos are purchased by Thais, with the sole intent to rent to a foreigner and receive income on their investment. Many Thais I've talked to are aware that foreigners are being scared off by immigration's policies, and that may affect their willingness to invest. And lastly, overdevelopment dilutes the entire market (obviously). There are so many empty houses and condo units, but they just keep building more and more. 

15,000 children under the age of 5 die every day worldwide. Must be ok with God.

1 minute ago, TWWT said:

Not expensive. I thought last-minture prices were extremely high.

 

But my stuff is still in Thailand.

Well, I hope you can get your stuff if you have no way back in. If you made any friends while you were staying here maybe they can help you. Good luck.

I've noticed that there does seem to be more Indian tourists in Hua Hin than I've noticed in the past.

1 hour ago, graemeaylward said:

 

I understand your sentiment, however, as I am from the United Kingdom, where our monarch is not considered a god or Demi-God, and still performs public duties, meeting people, throughout the land, not just in the capital city, even though she is in her nineties, I must disagree. Our queen is not "shut away" from the public, resides in the UK and takes an active interest in the lives of ordinary people. She is a figurehead and as such provides some form of stability to the Nation which an elected President would not! I believe that UK has a true constitutional monarchy which works well in these turbulent times.


Sent from my iPad using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

 

I respect your opinion G. I'm an American, but I must say my best friends here in Thailand are Brits. From what I've seen your queen is a very nice old lady (no disrespect intended), and while not considered divine, has "royal" blood, which automatically makes her better than you or I am. What will you say when her bat-eared, chinless son becomes your figurehead (I got bat-eared and chinless from a Brit)? I just don't think these things are necessary anymore. Peace brother.

12 hours ago, Baggy said:

Call in Johnny English, Super sleuth

Not funny