Irene

Forgive me if this has been proposed before but surely the simple solution for Farangs worried about their illegal Thai companies and unable/unwilling to pay the cost of transferring their property to their Thai wives is to resign as a Director of the company and install their wife as the 49% shareholder instead?

Right, if you can trust the wife.

The baht has gone back a bit since it's quick rise last week. Not much, but perhaps it will begin to stabilise?

Too soon to say. The governor's job is on the line for firing. You need time to tell on the outcome.

only the first 30 years is registered...........the lease contract might state that the lessee has an option to renew for another 30 years or even state that the option is exercised with full advance payment now, but nevertheless, the second 30 year lease needs to be registered in future... if something happens (death, liquidation etc) to the original lessor (during the first 30 years) the contractual option to renew is gone... (BUT it might just be possible to mortgage the land in favor of the lessee to secure lessee's rights)....

besides the legal issues, I've seen leaseholds for sale (on Rajadamri Road) but it seem as the remaining lease term approaches 15 years or so, the re-sale prices drop dramatically...

Upon death or liquidation of the lessor, the lessor through his estate executor or the company's liquidator still has the legal obligation of granting the rights to the lessees.

I am one of the leaseholders of a few properties along the Rajadamri Road and Rajprasong Road. Both lessors are famous and respectable. Under both long-term leases which are all well registered, the future renewal clause was at the mercy of the lessor and the lessee went in with the opened eyes recognising this disadvantage. But the lessees have the hope that when the time comes, the lessor would be fair like their past conducts.

The value of one property has gone down at a certain level but not proportionately to the prices they originally paid. The declining value is mainly caused by bad management even though the property is situated at the most desirable location facing the whole view of the Royal Bangkok Sports Club. The investment return is not that great.

However, the value of another property on that vicinity has gone up not down while the remaining period is shortened. The reason is mainly due to a good management and sporty Executive Committee who conducts the place like a hotel. There will always be refurbishing and improvements to the corridors etc. Occupancy rate has been in the range of 90% with high rental. The return to the investment is in the two digit range with large capital gain potential.

Irene, Trajan is correct. The only legally binding lease is for a period of 30 years - registered at the Land Office.

The rest is just not worth the paper its is printed on! You say you have these 'well registered' with lessors 'famous and respectable'. Come off it - 'pull the other one' as they say in the UK. Who can say what these companies will be like in 30 years. Lets face it Enron were 'famous and respectable' just a few years ago!

I don't wish to be rude, but you really should not peddle this stuff as 'fact' on TV as is just confuses people.

I think you are rude. Tell me what do I gain from so doing. I am a seasoned investor for thirty years on condominiums and equity. I am sharing my experience not as an observer because I have been so impressed with TV for the past help some of the members have given me. I am doing this just as a pay-back for the good deeds of others.

only the first 30 years is registered...........the lease contract might state that the lessee has an option to renew for another 30 years or even state that the option is exercised with full advance payment now, but nevertheless, the second 30 year lease needs to be registered in future... if something happens (death, liquidation etc) to the original lessor (during the first 30 years) the contractual option to renew is gone... (BUT it might just be possible to mortgage the land in favor of the lessee to secure lessee's rights)....

besides the legal issues, I've seen leaseholds for sale (on Rajadamri Road) but it seem as the remaining lease term approaches 15 years or so, the re-sale prices drop dramatically...

Upon death or liquidation of the lessor, the lessor through his estate executor or the company's liquidator still has the legal obligation of granting the rights to the lessees.

I am one of the leaseholders of a few properties along the Rajadamri Road and Rajprasong Road. Both lessors are famous and respectable. Under both long-term leases which are all well registered, the future renewal clause was at the mercy of the lessor and the lessee went in with the opened eyes recognising this disadvantage. But the lessees have the hope that when the time comes, the lessor would be fair like their past conducts.

The value of one property has gone down at a certain level but not proportionately to the prices they originally paid. The declining value is mainly caused by bad management even though the property is situated at the most desirable location facing the whole view of the Royal Bangkok Sports Club. The investment return is not that great.

However, the value of another property on that vicinity has gone up not down while the remaining period is shortened. The reason is mainly due to a good management and sporty Executive Committee who conducts the place like a hotel. There will always be refurbishing and improvements to the corridors etc. Occupancy rate has been in the range of 90% with high rental. The return to the investment is in the two digit range with large capital gain potential.

- Incidentally - to dispel an urban myth here in Thailand - there is no such thing as a 30+ 30 lease. Only 30 years is recognised legally and then its up to the owner if they want to extend.

There can effectively be 30+30 years lease, if the first 30-year lease is stated with the option of renewal by the lessee with specific future increment for that renewal period. This is well protected since the lease has to be officially registered.

I realise all sales have taken a bit of a downturn lately but in general, is there a resale market for leases? If I build a house on the piece of land I have rented can I sell it in ten years? or if I had 20 years remaining on a lease now, would there be a buyer?

I have also heard a few 'anti' comments about leasehold having loopholes. Just how safe am I from a dishonest landlord/freeholder?

Besides the legal issues, I don't think there will be much market for leasehold unless you are right in the centre of town like Rajprasong or Rajdamri Road or beach front.

What I meant to say is that there is a fundamental difference with citizens in a

multicultural country like Malaysia because I got the impression no one feels

superior to anyone else ? Malaysia constitutes a wide variety of races.

So even if you are Caucasian I don't think you'd be treated any differently ?

In Thailand regrettably from time to time you are reminded that you are

an outsider and that you'll never be entitled to participate in some things.

No matter how long you live here you will never be anything other

than a " farang " ? just my opinion

A farang in Thailand can sometimes be looked up to, sometimes looked down to and sometimes indifferent. But the overwhelming advantage in Malaysia is the English language and the better infrastructure.

*EVERYONE* brings such items as carry-on luggage. It'd be pretty silly to put a laptop in a checked bag; screens crack far too easily.

Plus you can use them to hide liquids over 200 ml. Put the laptop on top, they'll notice there's a laptop and ask to rescan the laptop separately.. but the bag is not scanned again..

Furthermore, your checked bag could be forced open and the laptop disappears.

Was talking with a friend who is considering buying a condo. I explained the freehold purchase as long as the project is more than 51% Thai majority owned. He asked what happens if condos are sold and the project becomes less than 51% Thai owned what happens then. Not sure how that would work but

I couldn't answer.

LL

I don't think it can happen in practice since the Land Department has to monitor each registration as not coming under 51% Thai-owned otherwise the officials could be accused of derelict in his duty.

If you're in Thailand and work here. Their Long Term Equity Fund is worth considering. Performance is similar- slightly better recently than growth. But you can actually get a reduction in your income tax. Ing's website used to explain it quite well. Basically you can reduce your income tax in this year, in return you need to hold for 5 years. I thought it was well worth while. I timed it towards end of year, so ended up paying no tax in December for Xmas. You need to get a cert etc.

Recommendations? I wouldn't recommend to you or anyone else I don't know. It would be very unprofessional, plus what gives me the right anyway? What is right for me isn't necessarily same for you. But I would say:

The Aberdeen ones I mentioned earlier I only acquired in 2007 so haven't had much time to see yet

Aberdeen Growth. I hold it. Will continue to do so.

Aberdeen LTEF. I hold it. But unfortunately I'm outside Thailand now and not earning there so can't take advantage to buy any more. That will change soon, and I'm looking forward to getting some tax benefit form Thai Gov for all the stuff I put in. Might choose Ing LTEF this time though

You can seee the Thai only funds can be very volatile. You can lose money. If you bought aound Feb98 you could lose about 30-40% before end of year, That was the worst one I remember. In 2000's only 2003 made a loss -4%. It's made money over virtually any 5 yr period since start though, even worst years.

The other fund managers are mainly Thai companies. I have less faith in them. Ing being an exception - Dutch, and UOB Singaporean. Basically the Thai players are newer to the game. Also feels safer with an international name. Aberdeen couldn't afford a fraud in a small market, it would affect their worldwide business....They'd sort out if something went wrong legally...

Hope the above is useful. Again it is in no way a recommendation to anyone.

Just to share with others on three points:

First, I went with Aberdeen in late 2005 on Asian Fund and later on European fund and Small Cap Fund, and now are quite pleased with the outcome. Again, timing is important not only an efficient asset-management company.

Second, except index fund, LTF and RMF fund, other funds tend to fare badly when compared with the average. Why? Unitholders of other funds are so sensitive to volatility of the market and will sell and buy units when the market is low and high. They sell when the market is down because of certain bad news and buy when the market is up. This is not the fault of the Thai asset management companies but because of the rules allowing unitholders to sell whenever they like. Unlike other countries, unitholders are restricted to exercise their rights of disposal at an interval thereby allowing cooling time. You will always see the net buy/sell of Local Institutions buying a lot when market is up and selling when it is down. What sort of future they would have in the stock market? I realised this in mid-2003 when there was a run on one equity fund. Since that day, I only go for LTF and RMF which penalise you if you liquidate within five years. Unitholders are small holders who are most sensitive to rumours, news of any sort that reflect on the behaviour of most funds they hold.

I intend to watch ETF's performance the first month. When it has reached its working as intended, I will, on a fixed date of each month,buy a fixed sum not caring of the price they command in the market. This is called dollar averaging. One American lady did that since her working days in buying GE monthly. When she passed away at the age of 80's, to the pleasant surprise of her offsprings, her fund surpassed S & P 500 by thousand folds. This was due to compounding effects of the investment. In a way she was lucky since she picked one and only right company. The story would be otherwise if she picked a company like Enron. In the case of the coming Thailand's ETF, there is the diversity because the fund will represents 50 top companies in Thailand. The top 5 covers half the value of the fund.

(Can someone pinpoint for me the source of information of this lady? I recall this story from reading one of the many investment books that I read but cannot remember which one.)

Does anyone have any experience with (or are invested in funds of) any of these outfits (or other recommended companies) and can recommend any particular funds?

medium term play (for the future) with some risk, but better returns than those dismal fixed deposits?.....

TMB Asset Management

Aberdeen Asset Management

Thanachart Asset Management

Kasikorn Asset Management

Auydhya JF Asset Management

Tisco Asset Management

ING Mutual Funds Management

UOB Asset Management

KT Asset Management

One Asset Management

Stick to the SET 50 Index Fund set up by SCB Asset Management. The fund moves with the up and down of SET 50 Index. PTT, BBL, SCC and Advanc represent more than half of the value of the index. Timing is important when to buy. Wait for crisis and buy.

In another few months, a new fund will be set up called ETF, (Exchange Traded Fund of SET 50 shares). It again will move with the SET 50 Index. ETF has a better edge than the mutual fund since it will be traded on the stock exchange and fees are far cheaper. This is good for medium and long term investment.

"One of my worries (and I have many) is the expected building life span of some of these Condos"

Do you know of any Bangkok condo buildings that had to be "scrapped" because of poor construction? Neither do I. Since you won't be retiring for another 15 years, perhaps you should worry about something else.

This brings up a question I asked in another thread and didn't get a thorough answer.

How many concrete and steel buildings were built more than 30 years ago? Irene asserts that Tai Ping Towers at Ekamai Road was the first condo in Bangkok and it is not yet 30 years old. Does anyone have any other examples of old concrete and steel buildings in Thailand?

Go to Chinatown, there are so many buildings built before the Second World War or go Rajdumnern Avenue, they were all built pre-War. One building with nine floors is still standing in Chinatown though somewhat dilapidated.

Hi there guys ,im a new guy here and im really happy i can join this lovely Forum i hope to make a lot of friends

As such i might as well start with a question that is puzzling me and i was wondering if you guys have an opinion,can help

I have been tring to find a "renowned" company in BKK who deals with expats Investments ,Insurance needs ,savings.life cover

Up to now i really have been able to find only one company that "seems that it has it all " (see link :

http://www.infinsolutions.com/

However i would rather get some opinions of the guys in the know who are already happy with the service that they are getting from theyre brokers or whoever they use for this sort of thing in BKK

PS :If anyone has dealt with the above company could you please also let me know ,your opinion is very much appreciated guys

I think you are better off in dealing with an investment company under the control of the Securities Exchange Commision of Thailand. The one that seems to appeal to me is the Phatra Securities Company which is in alliance with Merryl Lynch. www.phatradirect.com At least these companies are accountable to the authority for their conducts. Phatra has got a private wealth management division.

It's 9.45pm and I've just flicked through to Bloomberg. They are reporting that the offshore dollar rate is now 29.85. Yeap, you read it right. 29.85.

I think I'm going to cash up here and go and retire to a cheap third world country. Arizona anyone?

bendix,

I thought I was the only one who noticed that. You think it will be tough for you, then think of the Thai exporters who will receive far lesser billion of bahts from their exports for dollar settlements. I don't know whether it is too late for them to revert the trend short of drastic actions like fixing the rate to 35.

I has found this song from the block of a business men ,I used to work for his company before. Luckily I jump out before the boat sink

This song was originally written by Elton John and also sung at Princess Di's funeral. This 'finance' version was published in Bangkok Post, Sept 1997.

Goodbye Finance One,

I wish I'd never know you at all.

You brought me to ruin,

And I've lost my Benz and all.

Maybe I was greedy,

But I thought I just couldn't lose.

And Pin was so convincing,

Though it clearly was a ruse.

And it seems to me I must live my life

Growing mangoes like before.

No more big expensive dinners,

Back to squatting on the floor.

And if only I'd got out and quit

While I was miles ahead,

I'd still be eating caviar

'stead of wishing I was dead.

I really loved my car,

My "Mia Noi", big fat cigars,

The latest mobile phone,

Drinking wine beneath the stars.

But then it was all gone,

With no one there to lend me a hand,

And my wife has even left me,

Having first transferred the land.

And it seems to me I must live my life

Back in Nakohn-on-the-farm,

With those frumpy country bumpkins

and their dark-skinned toothy charm.

And if only I'd got out and quit

When I was miles ahead,

The banks would not be calling,

Telling me I'm in the red.

Goodbye Finance One,

Why have you given me such pain?

My Gucci shoes were never made

For chasing buses in the rain.

Goodbye Finance One,

I wish I'd never heard your name,

So I curse the wretched farang 'cause there's no one else to blame.

And it seems to me I must live in my life

Eating noodles like before,

No more chauffeur-driven limo,

No more knocking off at four,

But if only I'd got out and quit

While I was miles ahead,

I still might have a candle

To light my way to bed.

streetdoggy,

Thank you. That made my day.

BOT scrambles to regain control

Overseas US dollar holdings among planned steps

BANGKOK: -- The Bank of Thailand (BOT) is considering additional measures to stem the spiralling baht, including allowing Thai businesses to hold US dollars in offshore accounts.

BOT Governor Tarisa Wata-nagase told a Joint Public/ Private Committee meeting that she had discussed the off-shore accounts measure with Finance Minister Chalongphob Sussang-karn yesterday.

She did not reveal details of the measures, which will be proposed to Chalongphob.

Last week, it was agreed Thai listed companies should be allowed to invest unlimited amounts in foreign stock exchanges and as direct investment, while individual investors could be encouraged to invest overseas.

Tarisa talked about more measures when the Joint Public/Private Committee came up with seven short-term and four medium- and long-term proposals to rein in the rising baht.

The proposals were submitted yesterday at the meeting

with Tarisa, Chalongphob, Commerce Minister Krirk-krai Jirapaet and Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont. Deputy Prime Minister and Industry Minister Kosit Panpiemras has been assigned to review the proposals.

"We are open to any suggestions from the private sector. We expect to stabilise the baht as soon as possible," Kosit said.

The proposals were floated as the baht continued to make gains against the US dollar. The baht yesterday appreciated to close at Bt33.26-Bt33.28 against the greenback after it opened the market at Bt33.31-Bt33.33. So far this year, it has appreciated over 7 per cent against the US dollar, which has prompted concerns about Thailand's diminishing competitiveness against other countries.

Highlights of the proposals from the committee comprising the Federation of Thai Industries, the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Thai Bankers Association include extending the period exporters could hold dollars from the current 14 days. The dollar holding limit of US$200 million should also be lifted.

The general public should also be allowed to hold dollars for longer than the present 14 days and they should be allowed to deposit the foreign currency at Thai banks with interest.

The government has been urged to speed up tax redemption for exporters to help increase their liquidity, which would encourage them not to sell dollars and increase the baht value. State enterprises should be encouraged to retire dollar loans before due date while business operators should make advance imports of raw materials. The government should also set up a fund to help small and medium-sized companies, which have been affected by the strong baht.

Apisak Tantivorawong, chairman of the Thai Bankers' Association, said the short-term measures would help to stabilise the baht and further increase the country's exports.

"The short-term measures could be used temporarily but it would depend on the market. But we can't tell when these measures should be removed," he said.

Among the four medium- to long-term measures, the government has been recommended to set up a fund, as in Japan, to handle the baht appreciation. Other suggestions include more privileges to local investors to encourage overseas investment, cooperation between government sector and private sector to develop the competitiveness of Thai businesses, and stimulation of mega-projects to encourage the country's imports.

TCC chairman Pramon Suthivongse suggested the dollar-holding period be extended to three or six months.

FTI chairman Santi Vilassakdanont said if the government could control the baht's appreciation, exports should be on target, and no more businesses would have to be closed down. He urged the government to stimulate the country's economy via mega-projects, while helping develop industries to increase their competitiveness in world markets.

Rejecting proposals by economists that Thailand set a range for the baht's movement against the dollar, Chalongphop yesterday said the fixed-exchange regime is old-fashioned.

He said the way to tackle the baht appreciation was for the central bank to fully implement existing measures. He said the central bank may have acted too slowly so far.

Tarisa reiterated the central bank would not revive the fixed-exchange regime, which was replaced by the managed float system in 1997.

Asked how the central bank would help exporters amid the rising baht, she said the BOT has already helped "oversee" the baht. In addition, the central bank has already fully implemented existing measures and there was nothing much left for it to do about the baht.

Despite the strong baht, Krirk-krai insisted Thailand's export growth would be 12.5 per cent this year in dollar terms.

"So far, the problem has been the unstable baht, which is affecting mostly the agricultural sector and some other industries such as textiles and garments, furniture and rubbers that use local content as raw materials," he said.

But he said agricultural exports, including rice and tapioca, would be less affected this year as the harvest season was nearly over.

To minimise the impact of the strong baht, the ministry would soon discuss with all concerned government agencies ways to formulate concrete actions for stabilising the currency and act on proposals from the private sector.

Krirk-krai said besides dealing with the baht's appreciation, the ministry would also support the private sector to increase their competitiveness by utilising the Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement and promoting business adjustment in accordance with trade liberalisation under the Asean Economic Community within 2015.

He said the government would consider setting up an "SME Fund" to ensure SME exporters could survive despite many negative factors. Initially, the fund would support those sectors that are facing a heavy impact due to the strengthening of the baht.

Somruedi Banchongduang,

Petchanet Pratruangkrai

-- The Nation 2007-07-17

I don't feel comfortable with the government seeking for helps from private sectors on ideas to weaken the baht. I got the feeling that they are now leaderless.

Economists Split on Whether Thailand Will Keep Rate Unchanged

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=206...&refer=asia

I would be surprised if the rate is not reduced further given the present strengthening of the baht. The unimaginable baht strength below 30 (offshore) has now become a reality. They are all now groping for anything to stop its strength in order to save their export industry. If the onshore hits 30, then that would be a crisis. Therefore, the lowering down by another 25 basis points would make sense and help.

O.K first I know absolutely nothing about Building construction.

As I have about 15 years until I retire I am considering buying an Investment condo which I can then move into when I retire.

One of my worries (and I have many) is the expected building life span of some of these Condos that are going up.

Ta

Anthony

Anthony,

The first condos in town, Tai Ping Towers at Ekamai Road, must be approaching 30 years and still going strong. They are in the process of changing their lifts. It still can command a respectable rental. With that as an example, the condo building can have a life of 50 years at least assuming appropriate maintenance and well occupied. If you go by the London standard, you can still live in an apartment built in the 19th Century.

First time reading Weho's trip. Wow! Those are the reactions that I like to do and yet afraid to do it. Weho must be a big guy.

I refer to the following law:

3.SPECIFIC BUSINESS TAX (SBT)

SBT will only be imposed if you are selling your property, which you have own less than a period of five years. The tax rate is 3.3% of the selling or assessed price of an asset (whichever is higher).

My question:

Is our company, which holds 5.5 rai of land (chanote title) during a period of 12 years, required to pay this tax or not. We have information that only individuals holding land for a period of more than five years are exempt from this tax.

Would appreciate to get some correct advice...

Your information is correct. The five-year rule is applicable to individuals not companies.

"I booked one unit two years ago of a five-star condos at the price of Baht 8.8 M and having paid 30% thereof, as advertised in the Post, there have been people trying to sell at a price of 13 M. This is another cause for the high price. "

I am sorry but expecting a 40% return on an real estate investment in 2 years time is pure greed and the clear sign that people in Thailand mistake the real estate business with the casino.

I don't think you get my message. I tried to explain why the condos have shot up so much. It is this sector of the speculators that have forced up the price. I do not belong to this category of going for quick profit but more for rental income and future capital gain which todate has proved to be realistic especially in the proximity of the rail stations. Around that area, in future there will be limited supply of land. With that scenario, the gain in future will be far more than the present gain.

I put in this posting not to boast or to justify the gain but like to let others to have the indepth knowledge of how the market is working. This is a give back to this webboard for what it has given me so much of other people's indepth education.

Fiscal and monetary experts analyze Stock Exchange of Thailand

The Stock Exchange of Thailand reached 800 points last week, marked as the highest value in 10 years.

Fiscal and monetary experts reports that trade value at the Stock Exchange of Thailand reached 6.4 trillion baht last week, the SET's highest recorded investment circulation since its opening in 1975. Assc Prof Dr. Montri Soktiyanurak (โสคติยานุรักษ์ ) from the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) reports that the Stock Exchange of Thailand index achieving 800 points last week was due to several factors, including improvement in Thailand's economic foundation, resolution of many political conflicts, improvements in investors' confidence, and improvement in Thailand's P.E. ratio.

Assc Prof Dr. Monti revealed that in order to determine whether the Stock Exchange of Thailand will improve further in the next few weeks, investors will have to compare the SET's achievements with stock exchanges in other nations.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 July 2007

I rely on one measurement only. That is how far the baht could be further strengthened. If continuously, the foreign investors will keep on coming in.

a bunch of you have claimed that the market is going to decline, however more and more projects are launched every month and at higher prices.

the sukhothai residence will be priced around 200,000/m2 and there are several other projects in the 150-180,000/m2 range. A Condominium in the quiet Lad Prao area is coming in at 80,000/m2. A new condo on Suk 39 will start at 120,000/m2 for the lower floors and make its way higher.

So are any of you changing your forcast on the future of the Bangkok property market?

It depends on the location. For me, I will stick to the condos in a brief walking distance to the rail stations only. Once a condo is empty and not earning rental, it is painful and doubly so when you have to pay monthly maintenace fees for an unoccupied property.

Another point is most condos are booked by speculators who expect capital gains when building is near completion. With good economy, this can be a good investment with least risk. I booked one unit two years ago of a five-star condos at the price of Baht 8.8 M and having paid 30% thereof, as advertised in the Post, there have been people trying to sell at a price of 13 M. This is another cause for the high price. So if there is a financial crash or an earthquake, then one could imagine the situation would revert to the 1997 position with empty and unfinished "see-through" buildings all over town.

In conclusion, do not be so sure of the high price which is not resulted in full from bona fide demand but in substantial part from a special sector of the community who specialises in taking this risk. If things go wrong, they just lose 30%. If it goes right, the chance of hefty profits is there. So far they have all succeeded. The speculative population is growing.

Been a while since I've been to Thailand, and most inconviently they've gone and built a new airport that from what I understand isn't up to building codes and international arrives in one airport and national works out of another, at least that has been my impression. I need to scoot up to Chiang Mai for a few days of in-law visiting and a visit to Grace Dental Clinic.

Do the airlines provide shuttle buses? or are you left on your own to grab whatever transportation is availible? Recommendations please.

Also I remember that the U.S. Embassy is a skip, hop, and a jump from the Nana area. Nothing against the hotels there, but is there a lodging that is very close to the Embassy that isn't in Nana.? I've a 7 am appointment at the embassy and would like a bit of rest before going, and I may have my mother-in law and my sons fiance in tow as well as my stepson.

As I've not had any reason to enter the U.S. Bangkok Embassy before any advice will be appreciated.

There are flights from Suvanaphumi Airport to Chiengmai. Plaza Athenee Hotel Bangkok is the nearest to the US Embassy.

I was diagnosed as having a polyp and prescribed colonoscopy and removal of the polyp,

the quotation in Bangkok was 97.000 thb (incl one nt in the hospital)

I doublechecked with my GP while in Europe (20 Euro) who send me to an internist (40 Euro).

the internist said it wasn't necessary to move what she thought was an irregularity but not a polyp.

The two procedures aren't comparable, but off course I was happier with the second diagnosis and cost.

You are right only if your second diagnosis is right!