Beachedwhale

The thread has been open for three days and no one has yet suggested going to one of the forum sponsors for legal advise on buying in on 'Living the Dream'

Or does MUG have it's own in house law firm to help take care of annoying paperwork such as contracts, which detract buyers from the full enjoyment of perusing laminated brochures of images all with the accompanying '*Photograph not taken on site' and '*Artist's impression' or the ever popular '*Subject to change' disclaimers in small print beneath them.

The success of any project (in extracting deposits form clients) is directly related to the money spent on designing their logo and brochure.

We spare no expense on legal work - we use Wikipedia which is free for finding out legal terms like the one in Thailand elite:

In civil law the phrase sui juris indicates legal competence, the capacity to manage one’s own affairs. ... and now I know what it means, I certainly do not want to be associated with Thailand Elite - I want customers who let me manage their affairs ("money") and certainly would not want anyone more competent than me.

No contracts = no translation cost + no lawyers + no company set ups + saves some trees.

That marketing guru also told me that "word of mouth" is one of the most trusted forms of advertising so please mention the project to your friends - and take advantage of the "introduce a friend" offer - introduce a friend and get a free stay cat or stray dog. Not only are you helping Koh Samui eradicate the strays, I read somewhere that people with pets have less chance of stress related heart attacks (we honestly do care about your health).

Our logo is very simple – a Coffee Mug, with a hole in the bottom. This truly represents our values:

No matter how much you pour into it, we will always take more, and you will never get to have any of it.

Is the elite card included??

We did consider the Thailand Elite card and while it does have significant benefits, we decided not to use it on the following basis:

According to the Thailand Elite website the following list sets out the Qualifications of the Applicant/the Member necessary to obtain the card:

1. Being sui juris under Thai law and be at the age of or over 20 years old;

2. Being allowed to stay in Thailand in accordance with the immigration laws or any related law of Thailand;

3. Not being a Thai citizen or the foreigner who have obtained a permanent residency status in Thailand;

4. Not having been sentenced by a judgment to imprisonment in any countries except for an offence committed through negligence;

5. Not having been adjudicated bankrupt; and

6. Not having been declared as a person of unsound mind, incompetence, or quasi-incompetence.

Aside from the fact there are some words in there that we do not understand, we felt that these qualifications were too restrictive for our client base – especially item 6. Not being declared as a person of unsound mind, incompetence, or quasi-incompetence ... this would potentially take away a large part of our target market.

Not to mention the fact there is a developer already on the Island offering the card and they have things like “guaranteed homes” and “title Insurance” which is not necessary for our development – we guarantee nothing, and certainly do not have any titles (assuming you pay the extra THB99,000).

And also, not to mention the fact it was started by a divorced, exiled, criminal who incidentally would potentially not qualify for the card under clause 4 even when he gets his Barbados passport.

And also, the person that set up the card is now under investigation by the FBI for bribery and we believe it is not appropriate to bring such high level interest into our small little development.

We want to keep things simple. Pay your money, get no stress, no expectations and no last minute let-downs. You don't need a card for that - it's priceless.

has anybody heard of South Africa Bar in Chaweng. i know the Out of Africa restarant but have arranged to meet somebody in South Africa bar, i assumed it would be easy to find but i had no luck so far

Thanks for any info

There is also "Henry Africa" bar just inside Soi Green Mango on the right hand side. if it is likely you are wanting a bar as a starting place for a night out in Green Mango, then this is more likely than the others. I find it a good place to just sit and wait for people anyway, even if I haven't arranged to meet anyone.

Is there anywhere on the island where child restraining seats/safety straps can be purchased?

Thanks.

The 2 storey "shopping centre" - Samui Mart I think it is called, in Nathon on the one way south end just before it turns back onto the beach road. On the second storey there is a childrens area and they have seats and booster seats.

Special announcement - 50% sold out already, only 1,633 opportunities left.

Second Special Announcement: Buy now and for an extra THB99,000 get a guarantee of no title documents.

What a money saver and stress relief having no title documents can be. It is totally legal for a foreigner to have no title, you do not need a Thai partner, you do not even have to set up a Thai company and deal with lawyers, accountants and tax men. This is more than 99,000 baht in savings alone… but wait, there is more…

You will also never have to get excited thinking that your title document is coming at the next instalment only to be depressed when it is found you cannot have it. Pay now and never get a title, so no added stress and no let downs… but wait, there is even more…

Having no title document at all is 100% secure. You know for a fact it is not possible for the developer to put a mortgage against the title as there is no title … or even worse – to sign it over to a money lender at 3% a month interest which the developer is not able to meet and therefore the property gets seized. This is more than 99,000 baht worth of comfort.

And how did I get the price of THB99,000? I will not tell lies. I made it up.

But it also is a very good number because 9 is a lucky number in Thailand. Also, some marketing Guru once told me it was better to have 99,000 instead of a 100,000 as it seems much less (I didn’t want to point out to the Guru that it does not take a Guru to know that 99 is in fact less than 100, but never mind).

It also happens to be the amount I need for next term for my 2 kids to go to one of the great Samui educational establishments. THB99,000 will cover the fees, new uniforms, new shoes, the meals, some books, some gasoline (it is not enough for the minibus service) and potentially enough for a couple of beers.

So jump in now and we will throw in a “new” t-shirt ... with the term “new MUG” printed on it… come on help me find the money for my next beer.

Will my non existent villa be next to the non existent villa of a tennis pro?

We cannot guarantee that. We make no promises to do anything except spend your money and therefore cannot let you down.

However, once the beers are finished and we move on to tequila or B52's you never know what else might be dreamt up. We might even get "You know Who" here for a concert - just THB15,000 a ticket (20% off for MUG’s willing to wear their t-shirt), we might buy a helicopter to fly around the island and oversee our huge project… ooops got to go and have a beer as I am running out of ideas….

Sounds to good to be true, what are the guaranteed monthly rental losses ?

How many championship tennis stadiums won't you be building ?

Do you have a time share option ?

You can sign up for 1 or 2 years meaning you lose the whole lot over either 12 or 24 months equating to either 8.33% per month loss going down to 4.16% for 2 years. We could offer longer terms but that would require me to drink slower, which is very hard to control.

No Stadiums. That way we have no construction, no construction delays, no erosion, no unfulfilled promises, plus we do not have to give anything away to someone to help us advertise our investment opportunity - therefore you know we are not wasting your hard earned money on other people who already have enough money of their own and can afford to pay full price for a house in paradise.

No time share - you get to enjoy the whole investment opportunity on your own for the full investment period, you do not need to share it with anyone else. Just come and find me in the bar and you can sit there alone and watch me spend your money - by all means friends and family are welcome to sit with you and provide comfort and support and watch your investment at work.

I will not promise to buy you a beer, but it has been known that once I have had sufficient I can sometimes be accused of buying a round of drinks, especially when it is not my money. So if you are there at the time, there is a slight chance of getting something back - but as per the contract, we are not legally bound to provide you with a drink and will not be responsible for any opportunities for a free drink that you might have missed out on blah, blah, blah.

We do however accept offers for you to buy us more drinks in the event it might make us more like friends and therefore make you happier that at least you know your mates are having fun at your expense. We are here to try and make your investment loss as stress free as possible.

Brand new investment project in Koh Samui from Millennium Utopia Group (MUG)

No lies

No backing out of original agreement

No delays

No ugly construction shells littering the landscape.

No extra silt on the roads or need for speeding concrete trucks putting our lives at risk.

You get exactly what you paid for in the timeframe promised.

Price: THB1 million – paid up front, non-refundable.

What you get: Nothing - No villa, no club house, no communal pool, no services such as laundry, maid, gardening.

I personally take full responsibility for your funds, no third parties, no need for commissions. After the cheque has cleared, I spend it immediately on beer, food and holidays abroad or invest it in my kids education (depends how many investors I can find).

Throw your money away without the stress. Give it to me and let me worry about losing it or spending it.

This is a fast track way to spend your money and get nothing for it. Perfect for all of those people who thought they missed out on the boom in Koh Samui.

Limited to THB5 million per investor.

PM me to get my bank details.

PS. Invest before 1 January 2009 and get one limited edition t-shirt with the Millennium Utopia Group logo on it – MUG.

PPS: Business partners wanted to help me invest the money. Pay just THB500,000 for a 20% share in the business – only 10 partnership opportunities available - don't delay or I might have to get drunk on my own.

Oh, Himmapan.

Have they built the 13 swimming pools, 11 restaurants, Cinema, Bowling alley, 600 meter lake with water taxis, etc etc?

:D

It looks like they are starting to build the beach side restaurant and facilities. The Thai vendors have gone from the vacant space and replaced with a pile driver. Now about 20 concrete piles driven in.

For the last few years I have visited the war graves in Kanchanaburi on 11/11 at 11.00. Often I've been on my own.

I contrast this with the amazing turnout for ANZAC day, with hundreds of Ozzies, Kiwis, ambassadors, Pooyai and diverse panjandrums. I've often felt ashamed that the UK embassy could do so little (lest we forget) though they did attend find time to attend ANZAC day.

Today I went to the cemetary again and was pleasantly surprised to see a few wreaths, presumably left over from Sunday. A small one from the UK embassy, one from 'Alex Salmond, First Minister, Government of Scotland' (sic), one from the Dutch embassy, a few regimental ones and others dedicated to family members. Its a small step, but it is progress.

Still, I wish we could shame our respective embassies into arranging a turnout as impressive and well-attended as the ANZACs.

I believe the official Remembrance was held in Bangkok this time ..Bangkok Remembrance, so that probably resulted in less happenings at Kanchanaburi.

It appears from the article that it covers more than just the original WW's so while it was not held at Kanchanaburi, I am sure they were offered just as much Remembrance.

I personally abhor the thought of having to go to war, but am always willing to offer Remembrance to all who have given their mind, body and or life for their country and for us. I am eternally grateful that New Zealand as my home country was so well defended by all - Kiwis, Aussies, Brits, US, Ghurkhas etc etc

Does anyone have information as to when bars are to be closed between 14th and 19th November

I believe it is 3 days from 14 - 16th. No alcohol, no parties, no live music no revelry.

come on guys, i need some more ideas!

Well dear, have to say, people here try to help you a lot already but you not happy on anything. You say need to find something what you cannot do as 'everyday' on your holiday, hmmm with money to spend is only as from 500 to 5 000 THB you cannot expect too divine evening.

Am personally going to have my fifties on April in The Island and had ask 40 people to party from my country, will have private Villa for it with food and drinks, some local band and dancers, fireworks on sky and finally night out. Its not about the show its about the time to share with your friends and enjoy when they have come so far just to take part of evening.

Am sure your mother does not expected to have wild night out, just time to spend with her son and friend, that is something what you cannot buy with money, believe me. And the dinner out on Chaweng beach restaurant is nice so many ways and the food is also great and fresh, well if you can eat seafood. Good and interesting life is made of small things, you do not need to break the bank everyday to feel that you are alive, you will learn it later but your Mom knows it already. Happy birthday party to all of you.

Yes Bubu, pavlo is absalutely right, your mom isn't expecting more than your love on here birthday Well put pavlo.

I agree. Your mum probably wants to see you as much as possible.

I remember when I came here 16 years ago it was great just sitting on the beach having some nice Thai food, a few beers and watching the sea roll in and out.

You can do this in many places ranging from expensive to cheap.

I still like it and go to the following on a regular chill out occasion.

I would recommend Beach Love in Chaweng Noi, Paradise Bungalows on Phang Kha, a couple of beach bars in Lamai (but cannot remember the names as they are really cheap and cheerful – but just behind McDonalds .. plus I probably had a few too many), Lolitas in Maenam etc. None of these are expensive, none offer 5 star service but they all provide a certain level of “Thai ambience” which is hard to explain but also hard to find back home. What would mum be happy talking about back home at the bridge club? Some fancy 5 star hotel or the experience on the beach at Beach Love or Lolitas with son Bubu? Lolitas service if far from 5 star but worth talking about.

I would recommend something that stretches her a bit but gives her the ability to eat and not feel squeamish and also be able to talk about it back home. Don’t just think that expensive is good … go for Thai food on the beach with a few cold beers (that will be the real challenge and perhaps you should take some coolers and ice).

Good luck and enjoy

Cheers

samui prison as at may 07

Could still be the same guy as he was arrested in January 2007 for failing to pay his Hotel bill and sent back in April 2008.

There must be more to this story..........

I believe there is. My understanding is that this was the same guy that killed his wife and fled to Thailand.... see the previous thread..

Scot sent home for murder

He probably made the story up about the whisky as it would be more likely to get sympathy than telling the truth.

Maybe I am wrong but there might not be too many guys named Scottie in jail after being arrested in a Koh Phangan.

So, did this English guy come and inspect the premises, have a chartered independent accountant audit the books, have a lawyer examine the title, etc.? Probably not. Would you do that, and more, in your home country? How many bars make big profits you can take top the bank each month? Or is there something magical about bars in paradise?

My understanding is different and it was told to me by a guy (Peter) who had loaned THB1.2 million Baht to a bar owner (named Paul). Peter was evidently a neighbour or friend that was trying to help out Paul who was havig some "short-term" financial problems. Peter had no intention of owning the bar at all, just lending him the cash. The same sort of due diligence should have been done and the same sort of comments can be made about someone lending money without security etc but the motives were different.

While Peter is certainly feeling bad about this transaction he is feeling slightly better lately as he is learning that he is not the only one that lent money to Paul as the total known debt at this stage is around THB5 million (he has met a few of the otrher creditors waiting outside the bar which is now closed).

(I couldn't think of how to get Mary into the story so will have to do without it)....

I don't see where the OP has said she is asking for money, just that he wonders if she is working in a legitimate massage place or not. So, anyone in the know want to set the OP straight or shall we all just give him relationship advice instead

Since SBK has given us the option, I vote for relationship advice.

Me too..

If you love her go for it. If not you should not be asking the question.

You are still alive ???

Long time no 'see'

Nearly 1 year.......must be beached somewhere far away ........

Been working 70 - 80 hours a day to try and make my business successful.

I don't see where the OP has said she is asking for money, just that he wonders if she is working in a legitimate massage place or not. So, anyone in the know want to set the OP straight or shall we all just give him relationship advice instead

Since SBK has given us the option, I vote for relationship advice.

Me too..

If you love her go for it. If not you should not be asking the question.

So either nobody has kids, or knows anyone with kids, or there's nowhere to go?!

naomisri

I have kids and have lived on Samui for a while and not found anywhere such as a decent playground. It has been so frustrating that I have actually started the process of looking to build one myself. I have found the perfect location, have started doing the feasibility study, have investors lined up, have specialist (off-shore) playground designers providing input etc ... just stuck in the process at this time. It may happen, it may not, but I will keep looking into it until I strike some barriers too large to continue, or it will actually come to fruition ... in the mean time my kids have to play at home or on the beach or a vacant plot of land nearby...

1. Are other A negatives the only other compatible blood group ?

2. Can people donate from other cities in Thailand ? (If yes, perhaps this should be in the General Forum).

Note to anyone with a negative blood type : it is quite rare to have a negative blood group in Asia, thus hospitals may not have large - or perhaps any -supplies on hand. (If anyone knows of hospitals which do have supplies, pls. list here.)

It's therefore all the more important to donate when emergencies arise, and to be very careful out there . (Anyone know how/where regular donations can be made?)

P.S. Shouldn't this thread get some "important post" stars ?

While giving a unit of A-ve blood today I talked with the doctor at Bangkok Samui hospital about the situation and he stated that they had offerred (to the red cross) to become a blood donation centre but were turned down because they are a private institution. They can collect blood for their own patients but not for general distribution. They do run collections at times at the hospital and also at Chaba resort in Samui.

I will now make a point of going along every few months and giving some blood ... I might need it myself sometime ...

Let us know what Hospital your friend is in, makes it easier to spread the word

Hope all goes well

Bangkok International in Koh Samui .. contact number given already ... Max, phonenumber 08 50694979.

Wrong, he is in Bangkok at Lerdsin (not sure about correct spelling) Hospital. But you can still donate here.

sorry, my mistake, I just assumed it was here as I am going in to donate at Bangkok samui hospital at 9am tomorrow and I had heard that the person is a Samui expat... and the posting is in the Samui forum ...

Let us know what Hospital your friend is in, makes it easier to spread the word

Hope all goes well

Bangkok International in Koh Samui .. contact number given already ... Max, phonenumber 08 50694979.

..... there are more tourists but they are not centred anymore in the main spots as before...

I sign that!

I live for the last 17 years on 'mui - same, same, same every year. and the story will repeat every year.

The point that the development is spreading ever more to other beaches is true and an important factor to be considered as well.

I agree .. it is low season it always drops off dramatically after songkran / easter

My 3 tourism related businesses are running at 107% of last year (based on daily figures up to yesterday) ... it is not as good as I hoped, but it is at least an increase. It took me 3 years to build up the businesses and now we are in the 6th year of operation, I am happy with the growth. The problem I have is the fact too many people came for the quick return and walk away disappointed ... that is nothing to do with Koh Samui, that is naivety (which I admit, I had at the beginning but was fortunate enough to have enough backup cash to get through the early rough stages). I am feeling quite confident about Samui and that is primarily because I feel that the (supposed) downturn will result in less naïve people coming in and a few more will go away ... the place will settle down and the “fast-money” projects will not start up and we will have more investors that are here for the long-term.

I never trust government statisticians, but I feel that the tourists are certainly still coming – perhaps it is more of the Korean and Japanese package tourists who stay in five star hotels, get taken to specific restaurants and spas and shops by their guides and less likely to be out in Chaweng partying.

Samui needs a bit of a shake up, but it is still humming along OK…

In my humble opinion….

When I was in Lamai I thought I saw a sign for a screenprinting company on ring road. Has anyone tried them? Was the quality good?

Are there any t-shirt wholesalers on Samui or would I need to find one in BKK?

Sorry for all the questions, I'm thinking of opening a T-shirt shop in Lamai/Chaweng. I would bring in the designs and then have them made in Thailand. All advice welcomed.

Thanks

Joey

Samui Cotton on the right hand side after Lotus toward Lamai (just before the traffic lights). I have used them for 6 years, found them to have good quality, the owner speaks good English and has a very good service attitude - quite unusual. They do screen priniting and embroidery. They have their own machines and can do small to large orders (sometimes they send the large orders to Bangkok)

I only get runs from 5 to 100 but some of my friends have got around 5,000 or so at a time (and they just went back for a second order).

Number: 0894746807

Well it looks like there is a marina happening in Maenam. I have seen the signs out for the last few days and there is a significant dignitaory arriving at 11am to be part of the announcement festivities.

Obviously there is still a long way to go as there is nothing yet constructed, but to even to get this far is a great achievement and I congratulate all those involved. Well done and PM me when you want to come and get that free beer.

Cheers

sheds?

Regardless, alot of people rent and don't want to go on the tabien bahn of their landlord. Tabien amphur would fit the bill of most people.

Do you know where I can get the form or some more information in Thai ... so I can also give it to my staff.

I employ quite a few thais in my various businesses plus I have a restaurant where they come to eat plus I have an ATM where they are all queueing at this very time to get their salaries ... I agree, we should try to encourage it as much as possible but also we need to be fully aware that there are a number of influential people who are just as happy with it the way it is ... but I am very keen to see how I can help ...

By the way, can I register my 50% thai Children (ages 3 - 14 ) who are currently on their mothers house book in isan? .. if so, then there is 3 more on the way to being registered...