duchovny

"Now Jim pays her Baht10,000 a month so she can support her child (from a Thai man years before) without working in the bar. And he's trying to fix things up so she can come and live with him in Hartlepool."

I never tire of the classics.

Seriously, is there anyone on this forum who is sending a BG money?

(and has the guts to own up to it?)

Opening a bank account in Thailand is easy the best for the lack of little rules is Kasikorn, only passport with non resident visa is preferred i opened one in 20 minutes with 300 baht charge for the card & pin number which is given there & then, i only deposited 500 baht that day & this caused no problems.

You can open an account in Kasikorn with only a 30 day stamp on arrival.

Sweeeeeeet

Definate troll who is VERY familiar with the TV membership. Bring up the subject of smoking and watch out. You would think that smokers were kiddie molesters or sexpats on the prowl... There is a heavy hatred of smokers in this forum.

What's wrong with sexpats on the prowl? Is that illegal?

If so, why haven't I been arrested yet?

Please, don't group me in with criminals. Littering is an offence. fuc_king is not.

The BMA "Police" have been scamming tourists for years. Stupid thing to do in a major tourist town.

Photos here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/29324583@N05/...4418287/detail/

Wait a minute. There are actually some of you that are surprised that the police in Thailand are operating scams against Farangs?

When did you get off the boat?

Land in Cambodia certainly seems to be on the slide.

Predictions are for further decreases in prices.

A good time to sell. Good luck.

Kasikorn it is.

Thanks

y

Bank accounts are used to store money in a somewhat safe and secure manner. There are many advantages to putting your money in Bank accounts such as having access to your money almost anywhere in the world (via ATMs) without having the risk of carrying all of it on you in the form of cash and in some cases the Bank will pay you interest on your money. This means it will pay you a percentage of the money in your account annually as a "thankyou" for having your money with them. Why? They use your money to lend to other people/businesses/etc at a higher rate, that's how they make their money.

Modern Western economic and financial history is usually traced back to the coffee houses of London. The London Royal Exchange was established in 1565. At that time moneychangers were already called bankers, though the term "bank" usually referred to their offices, and did not carry the meaning it does today. There was also a hierarchical order among professionals; at the top were the bankers who did business with heads of state, next were the city exchanges, and at the bottom were the pawn shops or "Lombard"'s. Some European cities today have a Lombard street where the pawn shop was located.

After the siege of Antwerp trade moved to Amsterdam. In 1609 the Amsterdamsche Wisselbank (Amsterdam Exchange Bank) was founded which made Amsterdam the financial centre of the world until the Industrial Revolution.

Banking offices were usually located near centers of trade, and in the late 17th century, the largest centers for commerce were the ports of Amsterdam, London, and Hamburg.

Modern Western economic and financial history is usually traced back to the coffee houses of London. The London Royal Exchange was established in 1565. At that time moneychangers were already called bankers, though the term "bank" usually referred to their offices, and did not carry the meaning it does today. There was also a hierarchical order among professionals; at the top were the bankers who did business with heads of state, next were the city exchanges, and at the bottom were the pawn shops or "Lombard"'s. Some European cities today have a Lombard street where the pawn shop was located.

After the siege of Antwerp trade moved to Amsterdam. In 1609 the Amsterdamsche Wisselbank (Amsterdam Exchange Bank) was founded which made Amsterdam the financial centre of the world until the Industrial Revolution.

Banking offices were usually located near centers of trade, and in the late 17th century, the largest centers for commerce were the ports of Amsterdam, London, and Hamburg. Individuals could participate in the lucrative East India trade by purchasing bills of credit from these banks, but the price they received for commodities was dependent on the ships returning (which often didn't happen on time) and on the cargo they carried (which often wasn't according to plan). The commodities market was very volatile for this reason, and also because of the many wars that led to cargo seizures and loss of shipse lucrative East India trade by purchasing bills of credit from these banks, but the price they received for commodities was dependent on the ships returning (which often didn't happen on time) and on the cargo they carried (which often wasn't according to plan). The commodities market was very volatile for this reason, and also because of the many wars that led to cargo seizures and loss of ships.

Around the time of Adam Smith (1776) there was a massive growth in the banking industry. Within the new system of ownership and investment, the State's intervention in economic affairs was reduced and barriers to competition were removed at all times.

In the 1970s, a number of smaller crashes tied to the policies put in place following the depression, resulted in deregulation and privatization of government-owned enterprises in the 1980s, indicating that governments of industrial countries around the world found private-sector solutions to problems of economic growth and development preferable to state-operated, semi-socialist programs. This spurred a trend that was already prevalent in the business sector, large companies becoming global and dealing with customers, suppliers, manufacturing, and information centres all over the world.

Global banking and capital market services proliferated during the 1980s and 1990s as a result of a great increase in demand from companies, governments, and financial institutions, but also because financial market conditions were buoyant and, on the whole, bullish. Interest rates in the United States declined from about 15% for two-year U.S. Treasury notes to about 5% during the 20-year period, and financial assets grew then at a rate approximately twice the rate of the world economy. Such growth rate would have been lower, in the last twenty years, were it not for the profound effects of the internationalization of financial markets especially U.S. Foreign investments, particularly from Japan, who not only provided the funds to corporations in the U.S., but also helped finance the federal government; thus, transforming the U.S. stock market by far into the largest in the world.

Nevertheless, in recent years, the dominance of U.S. financial markets has been disappearing and there has been an increasing interest in foreign stocks. The extraordinary growth of foreign financial markets results from both large increases in the pool of savings in foreign countries, such as Japan, and, especially, the deregulation of foreign financial markets, which has enabled them to expand their activities. Thus, American corporations and banks have started seeking investment opportunities abroad, prompting the development in the U.S. of mutual funds specializing in trading in foreign stock markets.

Such growing internationalization and opportunity in financial services has entirely changed the competitive landscape, as now many banks have demonstrated a preference for the "universal banking" model so prevalent in Europe. Universal banks are free to engage in all forms of financial services, make investments in client companies, and function as much as possible as a "one-stop" supplier of both retail and wholesale financial services.

Many such possible alignments could be accomplished only by large acquisitions, and there were many of them. By the end of 2000, a year in which a record level of financial services transactions with a market value of $10.5 trillion occurred, the top ten banks commanded a market share of more than 80% and the top five, 55%. Of the top ten banks ranked by market share, seven were large universal-type banks (three American and four European), and the remaining three were large U.S. investment banks who between them accounted for a 33% market share.

This growth and opportunity also led to an unexpected outcome: entrance into the market of other financial intermediaries: nonbanks. Large corporate players were beginning to find their way into the financial service community, offering competition to established banks. The main services offered included insurances, pension, mutual, money market and hedge funds, loans and credits and securities. Indeed, by the end of 2001 the market capitalisation of the world's 15 largest financial services providers included four nonbanks.

In recent years, the process of financial innovation has advanced enormously increasing the importance and profitability of nonbank finance. Such profitability priorly restricted to the nonbanking industry, has prompted the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to encourage banks to explore other financial instruments, diversifying banks' business as well as improving banking economic health. Hence, as the distinct financial instruments are being explored and adopted by both the banking and nonbanking industries, the distinction between different financial institutions is gradually vanishing.

Hope that answers the question why and provides you with a little understanding?

I'd also like to hide some cash in Thailand so I don't pay tax on it to a country that I no longer live in which has an incompetent government at the present time who will squander it anyway.

I have read the horror stories,heard all the tales,have been told many times how stupid I am. IE; brother is husband,she has 5 farang sending money.The familly take you for a mug and steal all your stuff. I have had marriages in England which have cost me more than all the money I have spent in Thailand in five years almost.I am under no illusions ,I am the provider,this is the same the whole world over. Man works Woman makes family.If I was selling the BIG ISSUE on the high street or driving a nice BMW who would the females look at ? I do not make a big deal out of the fact that I bring in the money,and she does not bring up the fact that I do not send enough. Many bar girls want just the same as many farang want. Someone to take care off them,look after them,that is not to much to ask.If you could imagine the bullshit they have had to listen over time,you must understand they might take your words with a pinch of salt. I have had five years of happiness,I wish I had visited LOS many years ago , perhaps then I wouldent have been ripped off so much in the UK. But a word of caution to anybody who will take notice. DO NOT SPEND MONEY THAT YOU ARE NOT PREPARED TO WALK AWAY FROM. To try to reclaim anything you have bought/built or invested in is a waste of time. Be tollerant,do not get angry,be strong,earn respect, and be lucky.

You might want to refer to the " I drink too much" forum.

Is it possible? I've heard the is a bank that overlooks some of the formalities.

Also, does the Australian government/tax man have any rights to inspect such an account?

just wish a place like Cambodia will get its act together sufficiently, because to be honest Thailand is getting to me finacially too.

It's happening faster than you think.

My advice would be to try a different country in the region.

I had the same ponderings when I was living in Thailand. I finally packed up and tried Cambodia much to my delight.

Now I live back home but spend about half of my time in SE Asia, mainly Cambodia.

6% GDP from tourism is an official guestimate that includes Hotel rooms, food/drink, domestic transport and some entertainment.

It doesn't include "gentlemens entertainment" or the Billions of Baht sent to Thailand annually by the imbeciles who fall in love with BGs and send them monthly Western Union cheques.

As was previously pointed out, the black tourism market would equal the official market so the real benefit from tourism is much higher than official figures.

If the real market is down by 50% that probably means the black market is also down. May not be as much gold sold in Isaan this year.

The fact that Pattaya is dead is no surprise to me. I predicted this 2 years ago, only to be flamed of course.

I used to love the place, but the bad attitude of the Thais there in recent years really put me off as well as the crime. The girls in Pattaya are ugly compared to other places in SE Asia (especially Cambodia) and are getting too old for me. If I want a 30+ year old with 2 kids I'll stay home thanks.

Because there are too many bars, they have a desperation feel about them. Definitely not fun to be in.

so I take it from your posts that you will be leaving us soon?

Already left and glad I did. Sure is a dying city.

The fact that Pattaya is dead is no surprise to me. I predicted this 2 years ago, only to be flamed of course.

I used to love the place, but the bad attitude of the Thais there in recent years really put me off as well as the crime. The girls in Pattaya are ugly compared to other places in SE Asia (especially Cambodia) and are getting too old for me. If I want a 30+ year old with 2 kids I'll stay home thanks.

Because there are too many bars, they have a desperation feel about them. Definitely not fun to be in.

As a resident in Pattaya, I am quite happy with the reduced tourist numbers coming to Pattaya. Of course, if you had a financial interest in tourism or if your employment is tourist related, you may not share my opinion; I understand and accept that.

My reasons, and I admit they are purely selfish, are that the reduced number of tourists means less , there seems to be an inverse relationship between tourist numbers and my quality of life. High season was always a pain (except the weather) with traffic, crowds, litter and usual problems with crowds/drinking/partying; low season was always a joy to drive around, shop, going to beach etc. I know it is selfish but it's my honstly, I am not exactly upset that there are fewer touritst in town.

If you don't like "crowds at the beach, less trafiic jams, less pollution etc...basically the way Pattaya is"

what the hel_l are you doing living in Pattaya????

My advice is to move to any of the hundreds of towns in Thailand that are not like Pattaya.

It's getting to the point where you have to be very careful in Thailand.

Land of Grimaces indeed.

The OP admits he has already had 2 STDs he was aware of. The operative phrase.

You don't really need a genius to interpret the implication of this?

No, it appears that you are NOT immune...

Fair enough?

If you go back and read my OP, I never stated that i was immune, but said

"not have as much of a chance to catch these diseases?"

In other words, I don't seem to be getting STD's as much as we would be led to believe.

I'm not immune, but only catching something twice after sleeping with 1000 questionable girls is not as much as we are told I should have. From what we are taught/read about I should have had every nasty at least a few times each and be HIV+. But that's not the case. Why? Some people say "lucky", but I say there's not as much danger out there as we are told there is.

I have been to all those countries, and I still live in Thailand and would never consider those as an alternative, how about you ?

I go to SE Asia a few times a year or more.

I have always started in BKK for a few days and then taken off to where-ever.

My next trip is planned for next month. I will be starting in Phnom Penh for a few days. I prefer it.

I probably wont even bother with Thailand this time.

It's strange how 2 out of 2 guesthouse owners have come here and stated they are full (albeit only 15 rooms between them) and then there's this:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Crisis-hit-H...le-t265130.html

Thailand will always get Tourists, it will never dry up.

I mean, the weather in Europe isn't gonna change overnight is it, UK will still be cold and damp and miserable in the winter, just like it has always been, Scandanavian countries will also be cold, so countries like Thailand will always attract tourists.

Why do so many people from the UK come to Thailand, Scandanavians and Russians too ?

Cos they freeze their nuts off in their own countries 6 months of the year........and there is a hosepipe ban for the other 6 months.

The problem for Thailand is that once people discover the other nearby countries, such as Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam and Indonesia, which they will because they'll be sick of being jerked around in Thailand, those tourists probably wont come back. They'll make one of the nearby countries their new

holiday destination of choice.

Thailand does not have a mortgage on sunshine and pretty girls.

If you still have ample funds;

If you are a foreigner who isn't tied to a Thai;

If VietCamLaoMalay pushes all your buttons;

Get out of here with our blessings.

Almost all Thais don't move to other SEAsian countries. They can't or won't.

Obviously I'm not talking about Thais. This is an expat forum, is it not?

8 days

Brilliant. Keep going.

So, what about the general view..........are many/most hotels hurting?

Is the area economically better or worse than one year ago.

It's fairly obvious if the tourism numbers are down 50%, that means the average occupancy rates are down 50%. Ya geddit?

If the hotels usually have a yearly average occupancy rate of about 70%, that means they're at about 30% now. Hardly enough to make a profit or stay afloat in most cases.

Might be some cheap hotels on the market in about a year or 2 in Thailand.

And Simon, I dont think having a pissant 10 rooms full for a night makes a good season. If anyone has a real hotel that's full now, please inform us.

The Thais have no idea about international currencies and the need to lower their prices or adjust their currency to compensate and stay competitive.

The classic example is the tax increase on Beer at a time when the hospitality industry is already on it's knees.

Tourism down 50% is no surprise to anyone who has a clear, unbiased view and who has been watching events unfold in the last 6 months. The Land of Smiles had already turned into the Land of Grimaces before this red shirt/yellow shirt childishness, and now it looks like a civil war if you watch CNN or BBC which most foreign tourists do. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot. It's all straight out of the "Watch me ruin an economy" handbook.

I predicted this on a previous thread a few months ago only to be flamed and told I didn't know what I was talking about. I said last year that it was time to take your business abroad to neighboring countries. I'm glad I did.

The funniest thing is that the Thais and Farang biz owners all think things will recover soon.

Try a few years at the very earliest. If you're in biz in Thailand I hope you've got some fat on your bones to last the long dry season approaching.

Best of luck with that.

He predicted tourism would return to normal in October, the beginning of the usual, annual peak period.

the women were open to mutually taking the risk with him.

Exactly.

I never forced or tricked any of them to go bareback. Most of them didn't seem interested whether I had a condom or not.

But it's funny how no-one mentions their role in this 50-50 crime.

As usual, let's gang up on the white guy, he can't cry sexist or racist.