Irene

[quote name='emsfeld'

[

PCA,

Your observation is spot on. The SET is more interested in having the futures just to say that they have them rather than helping to activate the market. However, SET Index 50 is getting to have reasonable volume. It is good for one to gauge on the future trend of Set 50 Index. It is transparent and fair. Newcomer could start with one contract in finding footing in this market. Roughly, one contract has a value of BT. 500,000 requiring initial deposit of 50,000. So with 50,000 you can expose yourself to ten times your commitment to 500,000. If you have a loss above 3% of that 500,000, you will be called to top up by that 3%, If unable to pay, then a broker would have the right to liquidate your position. It is a good stop-loss measure. As to the fee, it is Bt. 500 per one contract on each commitment, (it is reduced to less if the number of contracts is large, (I can't remember the details since I don't pay much attention to this)). It is best to go by internet trading rather than going through marketing people who tend to confuse you. You have to control your own destiny through internet trading. Currently, I know of five brokers and just recently moved from one broker to another broker because their website broke down too often. Under my internet trading, the brokers are all the same. Kim Eng, Tisco, Trinity, KGI and Phatra are relying on the same system with slight adjustments on reporting. But Phatra seems to be best in reporting. It is one and only broker who sends you a summary of the transactions each day advising you of your profit or loss so far.

I have to warn you that profit or loss is so volatile, (quick and fast) that sometimes you thought you were in a dream land or in hel_l. Since emergency decree and 21 deaths, those in the long position are losing by 6% percent of their exposures. Opposite-wise, if index is reversed to the previous glory and if you dare to commit now, a 6% gain could result. So, it is real risky for newcomer. It is best to start with small until you have become experienced and understand the system. You will be surprised that few brokers understand this market well. You can forget gold which is influenced by local gold trader association and the system is opaque while stock units hardly have any liquidity.

The answer in laymans terms: More money is coming into Thailand than is going out. Justify it however you wish.

In laymans terms, this is the best answer and basically that is all you need to know.

The flows are: exports more than imports (therefore more dollars in than out),

tourism, (one may not believe it with the current havoc, this has turned out to be bigger and every year has been in the forefront in the best place to visit, hopefully current problem is only a hiccup),

relative term of us dollars weakened,

perception of future strength of the Thai economy, (IMF predicted 6% for 2010, may be by now they want to change their mind downward),

public debts not prohibitively high like Greece,

foreign currency reserves in the national kitty are extraordinary high,

etc.

I would love for others from reading other answers in the thread to complete the "etc.".

I just chuckle in reading Time Traveller's one short line. That is really coming from people in the know.

Interesting summary ....

And how do you think the market would react should this happen :-

( in this mornings Nation )

" Anti-democratic elements are lurking. Whether or not they played some part in Saturday's national tragedy remained to be investigated, but rumours about a coup were anything but groundless. There is a real belief among people out there that, after the "failure" of the September 2006 coup, the sus-picious handling of political protests over the past three years, and the fact Saturday's bloodbath had one root cause in anti-coup sentiment, another military intervention can put an end to Thailand's crisis. "

If there is a coup, it may not be that bad. Based on last time, the coup caused a small fall and after shock rose above previous position. If it puts an end to Thailand's crisis, it should be good for investors and businessmen who both dislike any uncertainty. Investors are not supposed to be philosophical about righteousness. But longterm-wise, I would watch my port carefully and decide to divert to overseas or other sources of investment.

By thinking of your question, I somewhat feel that politically there should not be worse than the current situation. The only difficult part is WHEN to buy. One is supposed to go at the lowest point but in practice that is impossible. My technique is to buy with a smallest sum and test one's feeling and judgement. My basis of judgment is to ponder whether this unfavourable factor could become permanently unfavourable. From experience, after any coup, an improvement would arise. The problem is not knowing WHEN? to buy.

My loud thinking is currently it could be an opportunity as well as risk. I tell myself to definitely buy when it is below 700, at 730- a small buy, 750 - small buy, 760 - a very small buy. I try to tell myself - NEVER TO SELL WHEN FEAR - it is not easy principle to adhere to but it is good comfort when you are blurred.

I agree- i think investors foreign and local see Thailand as being a good bet for the medium long term- despite the current political problems there is huge potential here. I was one of the small foreign investors who was putting money in thai stocks even last week (and making a tidy profit). Despite the constant complaining about the terrible state of thailands people/economy/situaton the reality is that compared to many of its neighbours Thailand is still a primo destination for investment and business

Well put!

Good question!

The major reason is the common expectation of Baht strength. It could hit 31 by end year. Therefore if you bring in US dollars now with baht at 32.8, an exchange gain of 1.8 would result, 5% gain for "certain" plus the prospect of capital gain of undervalued stocks in Thailand, especially banks and energy.

With the above advantage, the reds did not affect the foreign demand of the Thai stocks at all until the crash with the army two days ago. Good stock investors do not take side. They weigh not one area of risk but an overall risk. Before the confrontation, the foreigners believed that the currency advantage and especially IMF's expected growth rate for Thailand at 6.5% gave them opportunities to make big profits in Thailand while the locals especially the institutions each day kept on saying that it was hot money and could be liquidated any day. So the locals were the only group in the past 30 days the net sellers to the foreigners as net buyers. However, the scene started to change on Thursday and Friday when foreigners were the net sellers. Why? I think the answer is panic selling. The political scene was quite frightening from CNN reports especially this weekend. So, the crunch is today, whether it will go worse with panic selling from foreigners after 30-day accumulation of buyings. The likely scenario is an early drop of 1% to 2% then recover with marginal gain by midday and by afternoon, the trend will depend on foreigners' preference in the morning. Believe me, Thailand stock index has been almost completely dictated by foreign trading and the locals have been dazed with the huge fall in 2008, 46% drop and completely lack of direction.

If foreigners believe that this political havoc is temporary, they will keep on with buying when the political scene has settled down, either dissolution or pm's resignation. The Thailand economic scene has been so unbelievably strong but under-reported by the local press. This should enhance their beliefs that baht should be stronger irrespective of the central bank's intervention.

I think aloud for others to correct my reading and not meant to be a prophecy.

Irene, Hope you are correct that the end is near. Both sides have had a few hours to contemplate the results of their decisions which resulted in death and injury to both sides.The die will probably be cast by lunch time today although it will be too late for the fatalities (RIP) Both sides have verbally expressed regret, now lets see if their actions promote a return to normalcy. The leadership apparently has come thru unscathed, which is usually a foregone conclusion. Maybe both sides could hold a set down at the hospital where the causalities have been taken, after a tour of the wards and the morgue. If, cooler heads prevail, and hostilities cease , just maybe, some cooler heads with a constructive thought for the welfare of individuals will take the role as spokesmen.

The 'I told you so's", the political analysts, arm chair quarterbacks, behaviorists, etc, are probably writing up their thoughts for prosperity at this moment. If real workable proposals come out of this circle jerk, history may show some positive's which could be used as reference by future disgruntled groups and individuals. If on the other hand, mob hysteria is stirred up again and street clashes continue more innocents/cannon fodder will become causalities.

Yes, you are right and nicely analysed. However, Abhisit's leadership is now subject to questions not because of his action but because of the third hand or soldiers' work (??) that has pushed the fatalities so high, now - 18 (RIP).

I have avoided reading or listening to the political analysts since they are so good with their book theory and extremely out of touch with the actual situation. I prefer to read the reactions in this forum which have given me a lot of fruits for thought.

I think because it is near ending because of my experience with stock index in which I keep on asking the crucial question of how low can it go lower. Similarly, this mayhem must be the worse now, can it go lower than this? If the answer is yes then I am wrong again. But one day in future, I should be right unless the country ends up like a failed state of Somalia.

cmdream,

I admire your concern for this country. Now at 1.07 am on Sunday, in my humble opinion, the end of the conflict is near. To my surprise, one protesters' leader expressed regret and called for truce as well (the army called for truce at approx. 10 pm Sat.). The death toll is now at 15. There is currently disagreement among the leaders, but Nuttawoot's regret indicates that the death of their 11 followers must have shocked him. Among Thais, there is an adage that one does not come to senses until there is a loss of life.

I hope also for my own sake, my optimism is correct.

I don't have an answer. But I like your forewarning to those wise guys who love to attack on OP's questions and intelligence. Thank you for being so explicit to those potential compulsive writers.

Thank you, tomazbodner. Beautiful sight!

Thanks, Irene ! I'll have a look at Boots.

One more question : being a "man", but never ever having dealt with body lotions in my lifetime before : besides the unscented body lotion which I certainly will check out, is there a mildly scented body lotion on the market, the one which doesn't make me smell like an Italian man ?

I like your Italian-man part. You may get an answer from Boots' sales people on body lotion. Their matter-of-fact approach is impressive with no push for their sales and also encourages to ask more questions.

This part also rings a very true note. They will blab on about the economy etc, nothing to do with their skills as marketers being sadly lacking.

Believe self-marketing, as suggested, only way to go.

A well described situation in this thread. However, there are a few who have been pretty good in having our property rented out. (no experience in selling our property because the last one was about twenty years ago without going through an agent). We had good experience with Richard Ellis and Plus. May be because we were lucky in having their right employees.

We know that most of them are just postboxes waiting for meeting of a property owner and tenant/buyer, hardly any services rendered. But we respect their contacts because in hard time some of them come out with surprises. So, on the contrary, we have the same feeling as yours but we do respect them because it is a wide contact that we need.

I used to have this question years ago especially unscented one until I had my courage to ask a sales lady at Boots. Boots has been my supplier for this since then. No side effects at all. No brand. On the stick, it is described as "expert ultra dry, anti-perspirant deodrant, unperfumed". You would have hard time in finding it on your own. Just ask a saleslady.

One thing sure the Government is doing Shit

A cab driver with lots of red memorabilia and hate speech on the radio, driving me to Rajaprarop asked me if I supported the reds...

Told him not even in dreams if I had any, which I don't thanks to their moron yelling all nights on the stage.

He obviously wasn't happy with my answer and refusal to accept a free red shirt (not that it would fit my size anyway) and hurried to explain that they are fighting for democracy, etc.

We finally agreed that we disagree on it, but understand each other's problems.

You were lucky that your cab driver was so open-minded in agreeing to disagree. You could one day be asked to leave the cab or being clobbered for not accepting his point of view. For me, I would just keep quiet and let him let out the steam and take his free red shirt as a small compensation for your huge inconvenience.

This site is great to read on the unique view of the historical spot. My greatest sympathy to all. I hope it can end quickly though I cannot see a light at the end of the tunnel yet because the reds are now in the upper-hand. It can end only if the number of the reds overlooking from your window is dwindling. That is my only hope at the moment. So your comment on the size whether it is increasing or stable or dwindling would help me to decide on my stock investments locally whether bullish or bearish. Many thanks again to everyone!

Is OP's transaction illegal? OP's question did not explicitly say that the Thai wife hold land for the Canadian couple. The closest was the Canadians "contributed some money to help them buy" the land. That can mean as a loan from the Canadian couple rather than the Canadian couple having the land ownership through the brother's Thai wife as a nominee holder. So what is all the excitement about OP's question? Just because one knows of the word "nominee" that was popularised by the high-profile case of Temasek, (a Singapore state investment company) on its nominee shareholdings by a Thai in a telecom company, one just uses that word unsparingly. There can be either a correct nominee or an unacceptable nominee. As the result of the case, nominee in Thailand is exclusively viewed as dubious. As to the case of nominee holding in land of a Thai wife, I and my colleagues are not aware of a single case officially challenged by the authority yet. The closest one was the guidance of the Director-General of the Land Department threatened Thai wife for buying land on behalf of her husband. Again, the word "nominee" was used. In the Thai legal circle, they all chuckle on the guidance since, under Thai basic laws, property is regarded as jointly owned by both husband and wife, so how can a wife be accused for holding land for her husband. But the announcement has its desired effect in having scared off a lot of foreigners and also causing many to stick to this DG's notion unwittingly, possibly after having only read the news in the Bangkok Post on this DG's announcement and his interview. Once some persons see a Thai wife holding land with her husband's or brother-in-law's money, there would be a scream of illegality. I would just say hold your horse and look at the gist of each situation first. For example, is it a real marriage?

Is OP's "collateral" or "ownership" in that Lanta land illegal? That depends on the

details of the arrangement of the "loan". On the face of OP's question, it is still legitimate on its sibling

relationship that the "loan" was granted to his brother and certainly not to the brother's Thai wife.

Returning to OP's immediate concern as to pay or not to pay 40K, after reading another writer's

experience (#14) which is similar to ours, it now dawned on me that the upgrading is done as a blanket

cover for each district and not discretionarily on each piece of land. Lannarebirth #14 described "In due

course (18 months later) the land department got around to upgrading the entire area at no expense to

landholders. I don't know how things work on the islands but that's our experience.". That is similar to our

Saraburi land. If the Thai wife can wait, a letter will come around eventually. If no buyer is waiting to buy

her land now, or there is no threat to the wife's right of ownership (because #4 is less strong against

encroachment than #3), then it might be better to wait since the committee may have already approved

and ordered the bureaucrats to issue upgraded titleship. The corruption money demanded may be real or

imaginary. If it is real, then it is for jumping the queue since the deeds of NS3 must have been printed in

bulk and waiting for signatures.

The more important part is how the Canadian couple can have their debts refunded with interest or gain

when eventually there is a sale. That is the time when one knows the real colour of the wife and whether

he has got the right spouse.

Why do I get involved? Because I saw the question highlighted in the Nation online and thought that I had

the experience that OP can benefit and felt painful for OP on some of the replies given. Will I benefit from

having more fee-paying clients? Not at all, because I have already retired from the practice and now right

in the midst of stock and property investments

(I was suspended by the moderator for 24 hours for having the contents of one writer, who sent his message privately to my inbox, copied and highlighted under this thread. It was subsequently deleted by the moderator. I regret this lapse. The moderator has advised me to block this inward mail in future should I desire to do so.)

Presumably the suspension was for publishing a private message on the open forum. Not only against forum rules but against common etiquette. also not professional

The observation is humbly accepted but excused myself for having anger against its contents and like to have others to view the writer's mentality.

I have lived in Thailand for 43 years with a son of 43 years old. My family has been in legal field and property business for ages and have never run foul of Thai laws. I speak and write Thai fluently and read 5 Thai newspapers daily in addition to Bangkok Post, the Nation, Financial Times, International Herald Tribune and weekly, the Economist. I sit in various governmental committees for almost 30 years and now still involved with two committees.

And you're still not Thai?

Just guess!

Is OP’s transaction illegal? OP’s question did not explicitly say that the Thai wife hold land for the Canadian couple. The closest was the Canadians “contributed some money to help them buy” the land. That can mean as a loan from the Canadian couple rather than the Canadian couple having the land ownership through the brother’s Thai wife as a nominee holder. So what is all the excitement about OP’s question? Just because one knows of the word “nominee” that was popularised by the high-profile case of Temasek, (a Singapore state investment company) on its nominee shareholdings by a Thai in a telecom company, one just uses that word unsparingly. There can be either a correct nominee or an unacceptable nominee. As the result of the case, nominee in Thailand is exclusively viewed as dubious. As to the case of nominee holding in land of a Thai wife, I and my colleagues are not aware of a single case officially challenged by the authority yet. The closest one was the guidance of the Director-General of the Land Department threatened Thai wife for buying land on behalf of her husband. Again, the word “nominee” was used. In the Thai legal circle, they all chuckle on the guidance since, under Thai basic laws, property is regarded as jointly owned by both husband and wife, so how can a wife be accused for holding land for her husband. But the announcement has its desired effect in having scared off a lot of foreigners and also causing many to stick to this DG’s notion unwittingly, possibly after having only read the news in the Bangkok Post on this DG’s announcement and his interview. Once some persons see a Thai wife holding land with her husband’s or brother-in-law’s money, there would be a scream of illegality. I would just say hold your horse and look at the gist of each situation first. For example, is it a real marriage?

Is OP’s “collateral” or “ownership” in that Lanta land illegal? That depends on the

details of the arrangement of the “loan”. On the face of OP’s question, it is still legitimate on its sibling

relationship that the “loan” was granted to his brother and certainly not to the brother’s Thai wife.

Returning to OP’s immediate concern as to pay or not to pay 40K, after reading another writer’s

experience (#14) which is similar to ours, it now dawned on me that the upgrading is done as a blanket

cover for each district and not discretionarily on each piece of land. Lannarebirth #14 described “In due

course (18 months later) the land department got around to upgrading the entire area at no expense to

landholders. I don't know how things work on the islands but that's our experience.”. That is similar to our

Saraburi land. If the Thai wife can wait, a letter will come around eventually. If no buyer is waiting to buy

her land now, or there is no threat to the wife’s right of ownership (because #4 is less strong against

encroachment than #3), then it might be better to wait since the committee may have already approved

and ordered the bureaucrats to issue upgraded titleship. The corruption money demanded may be real or

imaginary. If it is real, then it is for jumping the queue since the deeds of NS3 must have been printed in

bulk and waiting for signatures.

The more important part is how the Canadian couple can have their debts refunded with interest or gain

when eventually there is a sale. That is the time when one knows the real colour of the wife and whether

he has got the right spouse.

Why do I get involved? Because I saw the question highlighted in the Nation online and thought that I had

the experience that OP can benefit and felt painful for OP on some of the replies given. Will I benefit from

having more fee-paying clients? Not at all, because I have already retired from the practice and now right

in the midst of stock and property investments

(I was suspended by the moderator for 24 hours for having the contents of one writer, who sent his message privately to my inbox, copied and highlighted under this thread. It was subsequently deleted by the moderator. I regret this lapse. The moderator has advised me to block this inward mail in future should I desire to do so.)

Caf,

I have lived in Thailand for 43 years with a son of 43 years old. My family has been in legal field and property business for ages and have never run foul of Thai laws. I speak and write Thai fluently and read 5 Thai newspapers daily in addition to Bangkok Post, the Nation, Financial Times, International Herald Tribune and weekly, the Economist. I sit in various governmental committees for almost 30 years and now still involved with two committees.

Need I say more? Now how are you going to label me beside "You obviously have no experience of living in Thailand and complying with Thai laws. And flaming only shows the sort of person you are and why Thais have problems with these farang " better than thou - this is not how we do it in the west" attitudes

I care for this forum that is why I offer my view on crudeness and self-righteousness in this forum.

I am not being philosophical and I feel for the opening poster.

But look at what she said.

"My brother-in-law is Canadian but married to a Thai woman. A few years ago my husband contributed some money to help them buy about 20 rai of unimproved land on Lanta, in the hope that it would increase in value in the coming years. When they bought it its status was #5 (I believe). Now it has electrical service and a road. We just received news that the land is about to go No So Sahm (#3). Suddenly, the land office says we have to come up with about $40,000 (haggled down by my Thai sister-in-law from twice as much) by the new year (April 13)! We are told that once we pay that sum, the land will be No So Sahm within a week, and worth about 10 to 12 times what we originally paid for it. I am getting all this information second-hand so I don't understand fully how the system works. Are we certain to recoup our investment here, assuming we are then able to sell the land? Clarification of the process would be greatly appreciated. "

If she did not understand the laws or was misinformed when she bought the land as an investment hoping to make herself some money here then I certainly symphathise. I don't agree with their land laws. We can't own land but there are many rich and influential Thais with expensive property portfolios in for example London. Totally unfair in my view but that is the law both in Thaialnd and the UK.

But in this case it would seem that she knew what she was doing and is now aggrieved that her risk is coming unstuck.

Does she really not know how the system works. Did she really not know that what she was doing as effectively a "nominee" was illegal; putting an investment, as she herself calls it, in a thai's name?

Just to reiterate. I think the system is unfair but if you live here then keep to the law. If you don't then you really have to face the consequences. The laws here are not "WHAT WE WOULD LIKE" they are "WHAT THEY ARE"

And look up philosophical. I am not being philosophical . I am stating what the actual position is. What you mean of course is that you don't like the system here, that the law should be changed to that similar to the west. and that should keep any profits you make from land appreciation.

So stop the flames and stick to facts.

caf

Do you have answers to her problems? I can see that you do not have. Then keep quiet, don't dam_n her. Your above explanation just proves my point. Then I also see that you do not get my message either.

LOL LOL LOL $40,000 in land office bribes to get an 'upgrade' in land title from #4 to #3?

well it would seem it's a long & winded road to a real 'chanote' (proper #1 land title verifying you as owner with full development rights etc).

Surely no such bribes are part of any 'system,' here, but given the land is 'bought' by a foreigner in a high profile resort island (Lanta) why are we not surprised?

So what was original purchase price & how many rai's? Less than $40k I assume (per rai)...

Good luck!

Thanks for your reply. Yes, I'm aware it's a bribe -- but is there any way around it? We are foreigners, but my sister-in-law is Thai and it's in her name. She's the one who has been dealing with the 'officials' on this thing. Anyway it's about 20 rai on top of a hill with ocean views. We paid less than $30K for the entire parcel originally so that's about $1,500 per rai. My first instinct was to flat out refuse the $40,000 because it's extortion. Should we keep trying to talk them down? Are there any TRUE official channels we could go through or are we stuck with this situation because we're outsiders?

You don't like the nature of the corruption but that is the game that is played here.

You say: "Are we certain to recoup our investment here, "

You did not make an investment. You used your money for someone to buy land in their name. i.e it is their land.

No TRUE official channel can support you in that can they?

caf

OP did not seek for a philosophical opinion. She sought for any idea to guide her to make a decision especially those who could be in the same situation especially in Lanta or Phuket or Samui. I do wish those who do not have any idea just keep quiet instead of doubling the pain on OP in teaching her lessons for ever taking risk in buying land through a Thai or aversion on corruption. The premise is given and no insult, please.

The trouble with this forum is having too many compulsive opinionated writers who just post on whatever reactions they have. Humorous comment is good to lighten up OP's concern but not those "serving you right" responses. Do have feeling for an OP. OP is not seeking for judgment on his or her deed but for ways out especially those who may have the same experience. With those compulsive writers around, I bet that there are many who could have helped but prefer not to because of not wishing to mix up with this undesirable lot.

LOL LOL LOL $40,000 in land office bribes to get an 'upgrade' in land title from #4 to #3?

well it would seem it's a long & winded road to a real 'chanote' (proper #1 land title verifying you as owner with full development rights etc).

Surely no such bribes are part of any 'system,' here, but given the land is 'bought' by a foreigner in a high profile resort island (Lanta) why are we not surprised?

So what was original purchase price & how many rai's? Less than $40k I assume (per rai)...

Good luck!

Thanks for your reply. Yes, I'm aware it's a bribe -- but is there any way around it? We are foreigners, but my sister-in-law is Thai and it's in her name. She's the one who has been dealing with the 'officials' on this thing. Anyway it's about 20 rai on top of a hill with ocean views. We paid less than $30K for the entire parcel originally so that's about $1,500 per rai. My first instinct was to flat out refuse the $40,000 because it's extortion. Should we keep trying to talk them down? Are there any TRUE official channels we could go through or are we stuck with this situation because we're outsiders?

My family's experience of having the status of Nor Sor Sahm 3 lifted up to a real chanote (full title deed) was very routine. We received a notice from the district land office telling us that we were entitled to convert our previous NSM 3 now. We went there and paid a small fee and got our chanote. This may be different from your lower grading and being at Lanta (ours is in Saraburi, not a cashy land yet).

Now you need to find out from the Thai wife whether others in the adjacent area have got this uplifting and whether it has cost them anything. (in other words, find out whether 40K is heard of or common among the neighbouring owners). Another thing you need to find out is to recap from your relationship with this Thai whether she has been trustworthy with your family, (just try to recall some small things). Remember that you must have trusted her for having bought the land under her name. Can you trust her further for this 40K? Is it really true that once the grading is lifted up, then you can have your gain less this 40K? (this is crucial since you don't want to take more risk if it turns out to be an airy expectation of salable value. I have heard so much how high the land price is worth but you cannot find a buyer).

Well, that is my opinion for whatever its worth. BTW, if you decide not to go along with paying 40K, then don't say "No" immediately, you should just say that "you will think about it, since your resource is now quite limited because of the economy in Canada". Why? Because you might find out eventually how true is the demand of the 40K. If there is no feedback afterwards, then it could be true. But if there is a reduction to say 20K, then watch out, this woman is in need of money.

Another setback for Abhisit -- makes him look foolish for asking.

He already had the authority, can't he take "yes" for an answer?

Actually no. He wanted it verified for all to see.

Dot the I s and cross the T s very publicly IN ADVANCE.

The Parliament makes laws

and the courts interpret law in relation to facts.

So in this case the need for an injunction was stated as redundant.

The courts need not give a ruling because the courts understand

that the government already has the appropriate powers in hand.

But now the protesters ALSO have been told this quite publicly.

So for Jatuporn to say Abhisit has lost makes no sense, except in his scattered mind I guess,

since the courts have just stated Abhisit is more powerful than he pretended to be.

They said he can evict them right now under existing law, an injunction is not needed.

That is the executive power to maintain order in the public places of the nation.

"Walk softly, but carry a big stick."

What Teddy Roosevelt also said was be prepared to use it too.

Remember San Juan Hill, and Rajprasong Square!

The only reason Red protesters can rejoice is

if the don't understand the rulings real meaning.

Where again did you get you law degree?

Animatic with his bold type comments is correct irrespective of the colour of his shirt.

While the rank-and-file protesters "consider this a victory" I have to wonder if they were read the whole of the court statement. If it has been read, has it been explained? (Legalese can be very difficult for the lay person to understand.) Obviously, I haven't read the court's decision; but as reported it seems as though the government has been given the court's imprimateur to continue within the bounds of the existing order.

I'm also curious...if the attorney for the Red Shirts was there in court, why did he not appeal the ruling on the grounds that the order in effect was unconstitutional? I don't know if that's possible under Thai jurisprudence, but if it is possible I would think it could hang up the order for quite a while.

Your reading is right on the dot. It is a decision that Abhisit hopes for. Legal confirmation of his right to disperse the mob at Rajprasong. In this scenario, if tear gas is used, then it is within the boundary of his right. (Abhisit's lawyers are not dumb to ask a silly order from the court. They have their agenda in dealing with Thai politicians who love to call Abhisit, a murderer. Weng has already done so)

As to your curiosity, the red-shirts' attorney did file a challenge with this court on the order being unconstitutional. The court ruled that the challenge is irrelevant since it has already ruled that the government has the right to disperse the mobs without requiring a court's order.

Even with this sanction, Abhisit is not sitting in an enviable position to decide on how to disperse this crowd without loss of life or serious injury even the court has said to him that he has power to do so. His political life could either shine nationwide or be buried forever in his young age. My heart is with him in what to do next. (I always thought water spray from a fire truck is safest but then I don't know of the technics. It is this area that should be given thought to instead of lambasting Abhisit destructively).

Technically: It is work, a permit would be required but you are unlikely to get one merely on those facts.

The manager is trying to scare you because you would be taking money away from a Thai.

That will of course be the motivation for trying to make problems for you regardless of how ridiculous the law you would technically be breaking may seem or not having broken other laws that you may be found guilty over.

As with anything its for you to decide.

No, it cannot be regarded as services rendered. It is a negotiation for rental reduction that a lease agreement is changed from previously the maintenance of pool and yard was the responsibility of the landlord and now revised as that of the tenant. Get this in writing from the landlord or the tenant writes a letter and the landlord signs and accepts in writing. Then the whole thing should be fine. I love to know the name of this agent.

Though not a resident there, and only a frequent visitor. My impression of Hua Hin is a place far different from Pataya where expats and Thai gfs are almost everywhere. In Hua Hin, few are there and certainly not predominant. However there is a rising trend. Hua Hin is still a preferred place to the locals to take their families for holidays. Pataya has lost its glamour for family Thais. But in term of infrastructure, Hua Hin is far inferior to Pataya where one's need starting from health care is always met and best of all it is near to Bangkok, one and a half hour drive. If one can close one's eyes from seeing the dislikes or be selective on one's contacts, then Pataya is preferred. Pataya is more strategic for infrastructure improvement than Hua Hin. More improvements can be expected in the long run.