jimmym40

Granite floors can be expensive, depending on what size and what "colors" you choose. It can run from 500 - 1500 baht per sq meter. 20 x 40 or 40 x 40 cm slabs are the norm for flooring. You can get larger pieces, but a bit more expensive. You can get the Thailand granite or I think the China granite which is the cheapest. Most of the others are imported and are like double the cost. My guess is you can probably find some granite you like for around 5-700 baht a sq meter, plus around 160 baht for the labor to install, and then you have to supply the concrete and sand. At least that is what is standard practice here in Chiang Mai.

So you can compare that with standard grade "A" tile, which you will probably want to go with 16x16 or 18x18 inch tile. Tile would run you about 295 up to 400 baht a sq meter.

Again, watch the cost of the delivery for the granite if you go that route. It's usually included in the cost but if it has to come a long distance, they might want to charge a fee.

Also, when I went to bed last night, I got to thinking. I arbitrarily upped my estimated cost from 7000 to 8000 baht a sq m. I realized that was too high. So I amend my statement, maybe plan on 7500 a sq meter to be safe. Believe me, all the little extras that are not included in the house construction ADD up fast. A/C units, ceiling fans, bathroom fixtures, screens for the windows (which are not included by the way), light fixtures and light bulbs. You'd be surprised how many light bulbs you have to buy.

Oh ya, one recommendation. You might want to check in to putting some extra insulation on the top floor ceiling atic. They have the roll-in bats that just lies on top of the ceiling drywall.

Another high cost item would be the perimeter wall if you don't already have one. That cost will not be included in the house construction.

My overall recommendation would be to go over the plans, over and over again. You don't want to have to make changes after the construction bid was accepted. I"ve built 4 houses back in US and several more here and I always seem to have missed "something" in the plans, or wanted to add something.

How soon do you expect to get started? Do you have the plans drawn out yet?

Sorry, thought about one more item just after I sent my last post.

Most material supply stores will offer free delivery if it is of sufficient quantity. However, the distance involved will come in to the equation. Make sure this subject is clear with the building also. Will he be responsible for getting the materials on site???

As Monty said previously, 7,000 baht per sq meter is about right. Depends of course on the quality of the materials, i.e., granite floors, granite countertops, and bathroom upgrades.

One point I would like to bring up. You say it will be located out "in the middle of nowhere". You may have trouble finding buildings who would want to travel with a full crew of workers if the distance is too far. You will probably have to pay a premium for the labor and/or travel time. You may want to bring the subject up and pay for this as a side cost.

My wife and I had four houses built in Lamphun in the last 10 yrs, no, not for us, but for her family. Located about 30 kms from Chiang Mai. I will say, that constructions cost have gone up considerably. Just to be safe, maybe bank on paying around 8,000 baht per sq meter.

Also, be warned, it's a very stressful time when building a house. Hope your heart is strong and healthy.

Good luck...

I would highly recommend getting approval from the "powers to be". We've built five houses in the past 12 years, located in a village not far from downtown Lamphun. It was my wife's land and built a house every few years for her brothers. The first two house, we just had built, but about 5 yrs ago when we were in the planning stages, we were told we had to get approval from the "head" of the village. No problem, just took the plans to him and was signed off immediately. Ever since, everyone in the village that wanted to build (apts or shops included) had to get his approval.

I would check personally with the "powers to be" whomever that is, and see if you need approval. Won't hurt to get approval even if it's not required.

Brand name is Sista, M525 multi-purpose foam, 750 ml can

I found it. Home Pro carries it. It's a rather large (tall) can. I couldn't find it on my own. I know the store manager, asked her about it and presto, she went somewhere in the store and got me a can. Rather expensive, 630 baht.

I believe what we see here is not the compassionate customer trying to spread benevolence to the working class through gratuity. But what we really have is a few (inferiority complex ridden) middle class types that get a real charge out of being suddenly rich in the land of smells. Such a rush of superiority - doubling someone's daily wage, simply because you can. Ooh what power! Come back soon Mr. Gates, you saved me from eating out of the dumpster tonight!

But then there are the majority of folk who have enough sense to pay the going rate, and try to respect the culture by not driving prices to farang only levels and to use their money in more effective and sensible ways. Do you tip, sure sometimes you tip, but I have had a couple of massages here where I should have sued not tipped. I imagine that until a good masseuse is located, many people get lousy and painful massages. Why tip when you are disappointed?

WELL SAID - I rest my case.

The problem with large tippers is that it is socially irresponsible. It's like going to a gift exchange that had a set limit, and some yahoo buys a big fancy gift anyways. And not only do you come off as a pigeon and a cad, you also encourage the receiver to expect a repeat performance. Supply and demand, and self imposed inflation. The only benefit of this act is a stroked ego, and an unreported increase in the Thai GDP.

I'm NOT cheap. (are you sure?) I reward those who do above what their job requires. But, I have to say, you farangs you farangs? are tipping WAY, WAY too much. We farangs that is better are the one that started the "tipping" process and now it's gone way too far. The thai people don't expect a tip from other thai people not always true, so why should expect a tip from us???because quite often tipping is not only appropriate .. it is expected

Agreed, the thai massuese sits around for hours waiting for a customer. But, that's what they like doing - nothing. tacky generalisation If they do not make enough income to suit their fancy, they will move on to something else. yeah! like rice farming! ... factory work! ... contruction jobs! Don't feel sorry for these people and feel you HAVE to tip.

I'm getting mad just thinking about how you over-tippers are spoiling it for the normal customer, either it being a thai or farang. how could it spoil it for anyone much less a Thai .. you already said, erroneously, that tips are not expected from Thais Please re-think your "habit". Because I come from Vegas, the tipping city of the world, and believe me, I was stuck in the "habit" of tipping, even when the service was poor - dumb me...

Think of what the reason you are tipping. Hey, good question? Why do you tip???

I tip because it is appropriate ... why are you cheap?

granted the 500 or 1000 baht tips are not appropriate at TRADITIONAL Thai massage places .... but some tip IS!

Okay, you tip because it is appropriate. Who says it is appropriate to tip massueses? Like a previous poster said, why don't you tip the clerk at MacDonald's... Seems as if you have been in thailand long time, and you mean to tell me you don't see the laziness of these people. Do they ever do anything right the first time, or rather ever??? Try to get some quality work (especially in construction) - doesn't happen.

I'm NOT cheap. I reward those who do above what their job requires. But, I have to say, you farangs are tipping WAY, WAY too much. We farangs are the one that started the "tipping" process and now it's gone way too far. The thai people don't expect a tip from other thai people, so why should expect a tip from us???

Agreed, the thai massuese sits around for hours waiting for a customer. But, that's what they like doing - nothing. If they do not make enough income to suit their fancy, they will move on to something else. Don't feel sorry for these people and feel you HAVE to tip.

I'm getting mad just thinking about how you over-tippers are spoiling it for the normal customer, either it being a thai or farang. Please re-think your "habit". Because I come from Vegas, the tipping city of the world, and believe me, I was stuck in the "habit" of tipping, even when the service was poor - dumb me...

Think of what the reason you are tipping. Hey, good question? Why do you tip???

I need some help on bringing my GF to the states for a short visit to the states. She owns a house and has some money in the bank, but realy does not have a job. She lives in her village and I support her. What do her and I need to do for her to get a tourist Visa. I appreciate any help on this subject. If another forum already has this info please direct me.

Thanks

TSOCR

I'll at least get this thread started for you. It's not just a cut and dry answer. What she will have to do is to convince (prove) to the american consulars that she has reason to come back to Thailand and not "disappear" in the states.

How old is she? Has she a passport? Has she made any other international trips (HK, Singapore, etc)? Family? Family have a business, income, etc. These are some of the things that could work in your favor or not.

Are you in Thailand at the moment? You can go to the embassy/consulate and get the current requirements.

We (wife and I) know of several people that used "agencies" to help coordinate all the paperwork requirements. Costs I believe range from 3-5,000 baht. You (or she) can do it all herself, I can't really say if it's worth the cost.

Hope this helps.

Wow, what a big headache you have. Sorry to hear of the circumstances. Whatever you do will not be easy, as you probably already know.

It's difficult for anyone to offer advice on this subject. The best thing I would say is to get a lawyer. But, in the end, the lawyers are always the one who WIN.

Good luck.

If all you people tip so much for a massage, what percentage do you leave for a tip when you go out to a restaurant???

You people are tipping way too much! Is 20 percent not enough? Sure on certain occassions a bit more would be nice, but all the time. We all know the thais don't tip. Are "farangs" expected to tip, and also make up for those thais that don't tip.

I tip 20-40 baht an hour, most of the time 20 baht. That's 20%. And they are happy...

Tesco Lotus have it in the insecticide section. Look on the bottom shelf.

Thanks all. I check those places.

I'm looking for this type of insulation. It comes in a spray can and used to seal up leak in whatever (framing, a/c ducts, etc.) Anyone ever come across it in CM?

Thanks.

Anyone know where I can find the liquid solution that you mix with water in a 5 litre sprayer to spray for insects. I found the powder type, used it, and after it dried, a white power was visible everywhere I sprayed.

Thanks.

Thailand, like the USA, does not have any law that allows dual citizenship. But they also do not have any law that prohibits it. So as a practical manner it is allowed. There has not been any recent change except for discussions specific to Malaysia due to the current border situation.

As for US Immigration don't know who you asked but there is no law against dual citizenship. The only restriction is that those with a US passport must use that passport to enter or leave the USA.

Okay, there are going to be many variations of these "laws". As I know, you cannot always believe what you even see in writing about the thai laws because the people you come in contact with (at immigration) do what they want to do. My conviction is that you are only asking for trouble (at some point) if you use two passports to enter/leave the country.

I quit using the services on the thai consulate in LA because they always gave us a hassle for one reason or another. That's where we were told the wife would have to give up her thai identifications. So maybe, it is not illegal, but surely not know widespread to the thai immigration officials. Why would they question it? They maybe let you go, stamp both passports because we all know (those of us that been in Thailand for some time) that the thai people "always" take the easiest way out.

I think the law changes every time someone comes up to immigration and produces two passports - they make their own law up at the time.

I also have 2 passport from different countries. It always really really confuses people who think that I am doing something illegal. When they see it is me in both they calm down a bit.

I once had an issue that I needed to get a stamp into my passport to show my itinery and begged the Swiss Immigration officer to stamp my passport. He grudingly complied and when I came back to Thailand I used this passport with the stamp which everyone was happy with.

Showing 2 passports in Thai tax offices does cause consternation and I would not advise it at all!

I would not tell Immigration any more than I have to.

I know people have done it and are still getting away with it, using two passports. As everyone posted, there WERE questions asked at immigration upon entering/departing. And we all know that thai immigration is tightening the strings and will eventually realize that dual citizenship (US and Thai) is now illegal. I don't exactly, but my guess is at least 10 yrs ago, you could have dual citizenship. I checked this out with US Immigration and also my Thai wife checked with the consulate in LA. She was told if she gets a US passport, she must turn in all her Thai ID cards including her pp. This was just over a year ago. And as we all know, you talk to three different thais, and you get three different answers.

So, just a warning, be cautious. Requirements change rapidly...

I would suspect that Pattaya has by far a greater concentration of farangs, like most people I started in Pattaya. for a "non Thai" speaker it is easy to get by speaking English, however it is for the most part a "party City" and most of the population reflect that fact. there is also large resident farang population, who live and work in various occupations in and around the City. Those are the guys to get advice from, but of course as with anywhere there are some "crooked rascals" so don't trust anybody until proven otherwise! Spend some time reading Thai Visa, there is some very relevant and useful information amongst the dross.

I would advise that you start in Pattaya, use it as a base to explore what Thailand has to offer. Do not make any decisions based on your initial time there, I personally found it too "in your face" and "bugged out" after 3 months partying. if you intend settling down then unless you are going to be involved in the "tourist service industry" you will probably move out sometime in the future. remember as your circumstances change so do your priorities, and what is fun now may "wear a bit thin" as time goes by.

Have you ruled out ChiangMai completely. Weather is much nicer than Bankok, people are very friendly. Depends on your age and desires, check out CMai. It's pretty laid back, not much night life, many good western restaurants, and only two malls to go shopping. Much easier to get around than bkk or pattaya.

So, rent don't buy, party till you drop and when the hangover subsides have a look around to see what the real world has to offer.

Enjoy.

Looking for advice on the cheapest way to fly from Southeast Asia - to America..

Some have said just go directly to the airline itself, whichever it may be..

Others have said travel agent..

What's the best way guys??

I fly in about 1 month..

Thanks

Not really sure which way to go. I would try these options: For sure China airlines is probably the cheapest. (1) Go to the airlines direct (online) and call them, (2) Check a couple travel agencies. My educated guess would be you will get the best price from China-air.com

Don't fall for those cheap prices advertised with travel agencies in the bangkok post.

My wifes passport (Thai) will expire in November this year and will need replacing.

In her existing passport she has a valid 10 year multi entry US visa.

What happens to this visa when she gets her new passport ?

Will her US visa still be valid within her old passport in conjunction with the new passport or must we go to the US embassy here in Bangkok to get it transferred to the new passport ?

Thanks in advance.

Hi, I just read maybe on some other forum the same question. And I believe the reply was something like this: When your wife gets her new passport, somehow or someway, maybe combining the two passports, the current visa will remain current. I'm almost 100 percent sure she won't have to get a new visa. Best thing to do maybe is to call the US embassy and ask.

I'm Currently getting married to a Thai tommorrow and will be leaving for the U.S. on tuesday. How long should it take for her to get to the us. I will not be here for her interview. Any helpful tips? Thanks Alot. Domm

Gee, what's the rush??? Did you just meet her? None of my business, but leaving her here with no help/support on her side is kinda selfish. Anyway, to answer your question to the best of my knowledge. It'll take a ton of paperwork, probably many visits to the American Embassy (consulate), along with all translations in to English, etc. It won't be that easy. Probably take 4-10 months, just a guess.

Good Luck.

I would not say you are a "Mug".

You are not the first person who has been in this situation and you certainly won't be the last.

The reality of your sitaution must be very depressing, the problem of airing them on a public forum to find a glimmer of hope also attracts the idiots that post on here that will say som nom na (serves you right), although this hurts your feelings there are many posters who really do feel sorry for you and want to offer their advice...and you have received some good advice here already.

If it was me I would just give her the house and chalk it up to experience, but that all depends on wheather you can afford to do that or not?

HI,

This has not happened to me personally, but I've been married to the same thai lady for 25 yrs. We had many friends, plus ones I new when I was single and saw this situation before.

I would highly recommend getting a lawyer and thrash out what your options are. I'm assuming you can proved that it was "all" of your funds when you purchased the house, that you would have a good case in a divorce settlement. Go thelegas route, don't play games with her. Believe me, she'll win if you play the games. She probably has friends that did this before, and who knows, maybe this is not the first time for her in this situation...

Good luck, I hate to see decent guys getting ripped off like this.

Jim

However are you absolutley sure that the marriage is rocky? You are bound to have doubts about her faithfullness because of her background...but these may be just thoughts in YOUR head with no substance

She may well be missing everything about Thailand, its not uncommon.My Wife can really only manage about 2 weeks before She starts missing her food and freinds ...and the weather. That may be one reason for her being "Cool" towards you

Good Luck and keep posting ..but be thick skinned in regard to the <deleted> on this forum

TP

PS I think I was born in the building NEXT to the pic in your Avitar!

Obviously Blizzard and Think too mut are twins and are both mensturating at the same time. Where do you weeners get off, I asked a simple question and you two try hards come on and talk shit.

I sypathise with you for the ridiculous, non-sensical answers you have recieived. What Maestro said was only verging on common sense - as he sees things - but didnt answer your question. I think you were looking for opinions on the current climate towards foreigners doing buisines in Thailand. Well in my opinion there are many reasons to avoid doing buisiness in Thailand : 1) new foriegn buisiness act 2) Strong Baht 3) unstable

political situation 4) tightening of visa rules 5) current anti ferang sentiment

google any of the above

I totally agree with all of the above. And you know what, I don't think any of the above will change any time soon... It has been this way for the past 30 years that I have been coming to/and living in Thailand. Sorry, not good news.

I live far from embassies and consulates, so (for logistical reasons) it would be more convenient for me to get a voucher (proving my monthly income) from the US consulate in C.Mai - 3 to 4 months in advance to the time I would actually show it to Imm authorities. Does anyone know if that's too long of a delay (from the time its issued - to the time its shown)? thanks in advance.

I'm living in CMai and just went to get my first OA retirement visa. I don't have to show the monthy income, just that I have 800K in the bank. I had the bankbook and a letter from the bank stating the amount (same as the bankbook amount), but I was 30 days early for getting the OA visa. He immig officer told me I would have to get a new letter from the bank (not over 7 days old). Not same situation as yours, but thought I'd offer this up.

HI All,

Thanks to those who posted pros/cons about the Honda/Kawa topic.

I'm leaning towards the Honda Phantom, but would like to hear from those who own one and now wish they hadn't or can tell me about any negative aspects of the bike.

I now own a 3-4 yr old Kawa Boss 175 and it seems to be to be a bit clumsy. Not much to compare it to besides riding a 5 yr old Honda 200cc and sitting on a nice brand new Phantom in the showroom.

Please respond, I'm going to make a decision in the next few days.

Thanks.