beginner

No, but you are really way off. I accept that you are trying to position the pattaya market as a hard and an over-rated sector, which it very much is, but:

Northpoint really is virtually finished, quite a few re-sales recently - fact - you may not know but others do, and I have no vested interest. It will finish very soon and a huge number of buyers are transferring right now. If some (or many) foriegn quota bookers were to pull out this is where the 'open' market demand is (for foreign quota) - how this is a problem? as the developer keeps the substantial deposit and re-sells very easily.

QUOTE Pattaya Mail advertisement Friday 12th March 2010 page 36.

Northpoint Bargain! one bedroom 67m2 in foreign name,on 22nd floor,now complete,cost 7.3million baht 3 years ago off-plan,willing to accept 7.3million baht now for quick sale. For further info..........

By the way, Major just commenced construction of its Reflection condo in Jomtien. Prices >100K psqm.

Thanks for the information. It will provide us all with another project to discuss and enjoy.

If the plans are unchanged, it was described some time ago as a Six Star twin tower project of 55 and 42 stories. Its quite a project for a relatively young company.

Its tempting to be sarcastic and say that another 97 floors of condos in Jomtien is exactly what is needed. Rather like beer bars. Surely you can not have too many?

The style of the first renderings I saw of it were very like the Waterfront. Lets hope it progresses more successfully.

Yes. I agree with most of what you say. I think we are basically in agreement.

The Cove and The Sanctuary. Both are fine quality projects and sure to be a success. I think they already are. They both have lots of Thai buyers as well as foreign quotas. Great sites, great views, great amenities and reasonable access.

The Sanctuary Condo environs are now being heavily developed which makes it slightly less attractive. If the Sanctuary of Truth owners ever decide to build next to the condos then it will be very overlooked and hemmed in. But, who can tell? Perhaps it will remain the best undeveloped building site in the area for a long time.

We will have to agree to differ on Northpoint. I know too many people who are trying to offload to think that lots of people are clamouring to pay 110k in those buildings. But maybe I am wrong. Time will tell.

Its The Cliff I am less impressed with. The formula hype reminds me of certain other projects that never materialised.

Regarding The Cliff, this would never have been worth anything close to THB 90k psm, this perception in Pattaya is where the problem starts. The location is secondary (nowhere near the beach) and it is very, very high density.

Well, it is 250 meters to very nice Cosy beach between Pattaya and Jomtien, close to everything. As for density – this project will be built on 3.5 Rai of landscaped land with the ample parking space underground. I've heard Colliers has been doing well selling The Cliff to thais at Siam Paragon and now at Queen Sirikit.

These two points alone establish it as B grade. At THB 90k (an A grade value)...

I would say 110-120K up is current Grade A for Pattaya. It includes The Cove, Northpoint, Sanctuary.

None of the three developments you name are actually finished.

The Cove is some way off.

The Sanctuary is fast approaching completion but new developments are making it much less attractive than originally presented.

Northpoint is attempting to get bookers to pay up and take possession.

Raimon Land are good at painting a rosy picture but the reality is that few bookers are actually in a hurry to pay the balance and move in. They fear rightly or wrongly that if they do it may be many many years before they could re-sell their units and get their money back.

Only when the many flippers who have paid deposits on those hundreds of units actually pay up will it be possible to say that the actual achieved Grade A price is 110-120k.

Flippers who do not have very large cash resources will be hard pressed to complete on their units. Already it is possible to buy at the original off plan prices where the flipper is happy and relieved to get their money back. So called fire sales are setting the real prices not the unrealisable fantasy prices the agents suggest.

The Cliff 'in the heart of cosy beach' is in a secondary location, off the baht bus routes, and is being sold/hyped by all the usual suspects. No doubt the developers and other insiders will profit from early re-sales but it could easily end up as another Pattaya unrealised dream.

Where are you Jack Dawson?

note to self; continue NOT to do "property deals" in thailand

Yes. Yes. Yes.

I am astonished that anyone would make such a convoluted justification for their behaviour on a public forum.

An old political adage is that anything that can not be explained in one simple sentence can not be politically, a good idea.

^the 6% was for 3 year fixed deposit.

I didn't read the maturity for the 5% at Barclays.

Are you expecting interest rates to average more than 6% in the next 3 years Naam?

I don't know what Naam thinks but I reckon 6% for two years is OK but three years makes it a loss leader in my book.

Unfortunately its got many strings attached. Here is an extract from their sales pitch.

Face the savings challenge with confidence

Open a Monthly Saver Account with us and be confident in the knowledge that your money is earning one of the highest rates of interest in the market.

* Enjoy a great return on your savings for the next 12 months with our 5% AER (4.89% gross)2 variable interest rate, if you don’t make any withdrawals

* For 30 days after any withdrawal the interest rate on your remaining balance falls to 0.10% AER2

* Interest paid monthly

* Deposit up to £2,000 a month by standing order (minimum £100)

* Vary the amount you deposit each month

* Take a break any time without penalty

* Easy access to your money online, by phone or through your Relationship Manager (subject to withdrawal penalties)

* Available in sterling for new deposits to Barclays Wealth

Watch your savings grow

With a typical interest rate of 5% AER (4.89% gross)2, if you save £2,000 a month and make no withdrawals, you’ll receive approximately £645 gross interest over the 12 months the account is open

If you are not interested then why are you reading and replying?

The evidence suggests that people on here do give a **** about Glitterman's lectures.

1924 views to one and 1475 to another so far.

Not bad by Pattaya Forum standards.

Ride on Glitterman.

The bank I'm switching to is Standard Bank which is a full service bank.

They are not the one that is offering the 3 year 6% account though.

I'm only interested in them for GBP and USD current accounts.

Thanks for the reply.

Standard Bank eh?

As they say on their website

Banking and other financial services to individual customers and small and medium enterprises in sub-Saharan Africa and Argentina

Wow. You are a brave man. As Thai ladies are fond of saying 'Good luck to you'.

I have no knowledge whatsoever of Standard Bank. They may be the best bank ever for all I know. I guess it all depends on what transactions you are likely to make.

That 6% pa return is a bit elusive. The best I have found is 4.25% from the good old Co-operative Bank in UK. Standard seem to be offering similar very low rates similar to Offshore HSBC. Maybe that's a good sign, after all, high above market rates usually means high risk.

^Just a standard current account in GBP.

0.5% is really not that much better than 0%! I saw 3 year accounts offering 6% last week and can use the 25k I've so far had to park with HSBC to gain more in interest than I'd be paying to HSBC for them to make money using my money.

And the irony is that the bank I'm switching to, banks with.......................HSBC!

If the 'bank' you are switching to banks with HSBC, then I am guessing it is not a full service Bank. There will be delays with all transactions and very few banking options available.

Who is it by the way? I can not see anyone offering/advertising 6% pa on a three year term on the comparison sites. Are there strings attached?

If not then please tell us the good news. Who is it?

^Just a regular Offshore Current Account.

Edit: Many banks now charge you for having money in them but some don't charge if you keet over a certain amount with them (25k in HSBC).

But now HSBC require the minimum amount AND will charge 15 Quid a month, if you don't have the minimum 25k then will charge an extra 20 Quid a month 'underfunding fee'

If you're a Premier Customer though there's no monthly fee but you must keep more than 60k with them, at 0% interest.

So I'm changing to a bank where the minimum requirement is 3,000 Quid and they'll pay me interest on that!

Yes its true that Offshore HSBC will now charge fees for 'Relationship Balances' of under UKP 60k. However you can have that amount in any account including interest paying accounts in sterling or foreign exchange or even investment funds.

There is no doubt that HSBC is targeting high value customers and is happy to lose the others. Their Premier customers do have Personal Relationship Managers and many other services that a high value person might think important.

This strategy also applies to interest rates paid. For example, Bradford and Bingley Offshore pay 2.5% AER on balances over £1000;

Offshore HSBC pay 0.2% for balances over £50,000.

There is no such thing as a free lunch and banks always try to make a profit somewhere. At least Offshore HSBC is being open and transparent on their account charges. They are not the cheapest option across the board but they give a high level of service.

Although 15 quid a month is 15 quid a month. £180 per annum doesn't seem a lot to me for the security and ease of internet use of Offshore HSBC.

as well as utmost tedious banking procedures.

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I agree that local banks have tedious procedures. Living in Thailand certainly helps farangs to develop the virtue of patience.

Once I asked the Customer Service Officer 'what happens to the many copies of my passport they have required me to sign when doing even the most basic tasks such as transferring funds from one account to another'. This is something that is not possible to do online.

We keep them for ten years she replied, apparently with a straight and serious face.

They must have a warehouse the size of an aircraft hanger for each branch if that is true.

To change my home address, Bangkok Bank required signed passport photocopies and separate forms, which were laboriously filled out by hand, for each account. The forms relating to Foreign Exchange Accounts were then faxed to another office. Yet more forms were completed for credit cards and a bank employee was kept busy and me kept waiting, for forty five minutes simply recording a simple change of address.

Eventually one hopes they will join up the dots and enable a record of address to be applied to all accounts.

I think a better analogy is the Mercedes of Scooters. Reliable, worthy but essentially boring. An old man's transport.

Mercedes? Boring?

What do you smoke?

Yes. OK. I should have said 'certain underpowered Mercedes'.

Nissan Sunny a better comparison.

When Honda put a bigger engine in, it will be more fun. Its underpowered. Too heavy for 125cc.

Unless you are thrilled by the pointless? stop/start mechanism then the Mark 1 PCX is OK but hardly exciting.

While the PXC is the most technically advanced scooter in Thailand at the moment, it's sitting position is not for

a large individual with long legs. Due to the lumbar support, one is forced to assume an unnatural position, that

will get uncomfortable in a short while. I am 6 ' 2 and can't put my feet at the forward rest, arms and knees are bend

unnatural. Basically, I should sit exactly where the lumbar support is. Honda should have several seat options, if the PCX is

intended for a global market.

Yes I agree.

The seat forces a long legged person to sit in an upright position rather like an old lady on a pushbike. It is very uncomfortable after even a short ride.

As the handlebars are bent backwards in a chopper style, the riders arms are also bent into a near ninety degree angle which is unnatural and very tiring.

In Pattaya some of the hire companies have already removed the lumbar support and recovered the seats to cover the two holes left by unbolting the pad. Otherwise the storage bin would fill with water in the rain.

The first tweaks to the design must surely include either straighter handlebars or repositioning them forward and a new seat design.

I found that the unusually upright driving position made it hard to drive over 80kph as the wind buffeting was too great.

It strikes me as strange that a company as 'switched on' as Honda can make such a fundamental design error as that seat. This is a bike aimed at world markets not just Asians. My partner found it too big and heavy and much prefers smaller lighter bikes. Every tall farang owner I have spoken to comments on the seat and driving position unfavourably.

Otherwise a good bike but not as convenient for carrying stuff as a Yamaha Nouvo Elegance. No hooks, no fitting to attach helmets and bags apart from a little and inadequate device that attaches to the seat mechanism.

On a positive note. The rear view mirrors are excellent for a broad shouldered farang. If they are a standard fitting I would advise riders of all bikes to investigate fitting a pair. They give a clear rear view with no blind spot. They are wider than most and this restricts your ability to slide through traffic gaps but they increase your vision considerably.

The combi brakes are also outstanding. In Pattaya they can be the difference between crash or no crash.

A good bike but by no means perfect. The new Yamahas due soon may be better. Someone described ithe PCX as the BMW of scooters. I think a better analogy is the Mercedes of Scooters. Reliable, worthy but essentially boring. An old man's transport. A bit like a japanese fridge. It works with precision and is probably totally reliable but I don't think many people will take the long way home just for the fun of riding it.

[

Well the least I can say is that the OP succeeded in creating a topic with the only intention of selling his private house that has been running for 9 pages already without being removed.

Other people would be entitled to a classified only.

The reason it has run to 9 pages so far is that it is a very entertaining and informative topic.

We can all relate to Dickie's situation and have our own ideas about whether or not he will find a buyer. Dickie58 I particularly enjoy your robust good tempered replies to your sceptics.

Each sale requires a willing buyer prepared to pay a price that the seller finds acceptable. In this case the property is listed at 25m bt. Having once sold a large (7bed with stables) detached house in a conservation area on a river estuary in the UK I can say the market is small but it exists. It will only take one person to say YES and the house is sold.

Whilst living here I have been amazed at the range of prices asked and received for both condos and houses. One Thai lady I know of who works in a Bangkok restaurant as a cook has built a two storey, three bed house in Isaan for 100,000 baht so far! Walls, windows,roof and flooring but not completed yet. Its an ongoing long term Thai style project.

I wonder what the build cost was of Dickie's property? How many metres at ***? Now make an adjustment for the decline/increase in desirability of Pratunmak Hill (Up or down, Up To You). Now allow for general depreciation of farang currencies against Thai Baht. What figure are we left with?

I wish you the best of luck with your sale. Keep on posting. Its a fascinating story unfolding.

It was an enjoyable experience once they got going.

My partner was keen to leave with many others about half way through their deafening set. Once Nigel? abandoned his drums and sang My Way it took off and we stayed. The crowd who arrived later to hear Lam play definitely improved the atmosphere and the place buzzed.

I don't understand why Dave allows his bands to play at such a dangerous and damaging volume. My partner is still complaining of ringing in the ears now which is 12 hours later. No doubt rock musicians are used to it and have already damaged their hearing irretrievably but many potential customers find such an aural assault painful and unwelcome.

Despite the above, we enjoyed the band and as Aussiechick says they had an unusual for Pattaya repertoire. No hotel California!

Genuine Blues Factory Ear Plugs would make a good addition at the bar.

Moderator. Can we try Ladies in Thailand as we have had no response in this forum?

A friend has a small lump in one breast.

8 years ago she had a small lump removed in a Bangkok hospital. As she does not have insurance, she is looking for the best place for diagnosis and treatment here in Pattaya.

Can anyone recommend somewhere with the right expertise?

Is Banglamung Hospital a good place to go?

Any advice is welcome.

Thank you SOUJOURNER007 for taking the time to write such an interesting and informative post.

I learned a lot about our new Russian tourist friends.

A couple of comments.

You say "Uzbek girls of Russian background working in Pattaya mainly go with Indian and Middle Eastern customers as those do not expect their companion for the night to smile to them or show any affection."

I was told that part of the attraction of Uzbek girls is that they are mainly Moslem and therefore appeal to fellow Moslems.

The Russian operated Bars on Walking Street have a reputation of operating as 'clip joints' and fleecing their customers at every opportunity. The expansion of their bars seems to suggest that the technique is successful and profitable. The Good Old Days of a fair reward for a fair service and a little fake Girlfriend Experience seem to be coming to an end.

Enjoy it whilst we can.

In these troubled times, personal security is becoming more of an issue for everyone.

Andre from Master Safety once gave a talk to the Pattaya City Expat club (he was Chairman one year) and pointed out the difficulties of securing any house in any location. He regarded condos as a much safer, more secure option.

Some hi-rise condo buildings which have restricted access and lifts that are overseen by security personnel claim that no one has ever been burgled in those buildings. The problem for the potential thieves is that they couldn't get the stuff out even if they successfully broke into a unit.

On the other hand, there are lo-medium-rise condo buildings which are every bit as insecure as anywhere. The steel door plates and padlocked iron gates over the outer door tells you all you need to know about the occupants and security. You tend to get what you pay for.

I know of three people currently trying to sell Farside houses in order to locate in beachfront condos for many reasons including a feeling of general security.

What happened to the Business Opportunity that you offered in 2007?

And is it in any way connected to the Full Size Snooker tables that you were trying to sell also in 2007. "start A New Business", SNOOKER TABLES FOR SALE for 480,000baht post 2007-09-07 10:10:55

This is what you said in "start A New Business", SNOOKER TABLES FOR SALEpost 2007-09-07 10:10:55

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I am a New Zealand National aged 52 years, and have been an Expat, residing in Rangsit Pathumthani, Bangkok, Thailand for the past 13 years. I returned to New Zealand on Dec 15th 2008.

In recent months I have spent time with my ailing Mother here in New Zealand.

I have been married to a Thai National for 10 years, we have a home and farm in the north east Sa Keow.

Now I want to come back to my second home in Thailand.

I have been working within the Clean room Laboratory Construction & Equipment Industry (Turn-Key) (Quality System Management Environment), in Rangsit, Bangkok, Designing the laboratories and supplying Electronic and Medical equipment for a total of 13 years. I have held the designations of Sales & Marketing Manager, Managing Director & General Manager.

I have a total of 30 years experience working in National and Multinational organizations in New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Southern China, and Thailand.

I now do not have work to go back to in Thailand, so have decided to start my own business.

I speak Thai, and know how to set up companies in Thailand. I have one already in place, but require a "hands on" Director/Partner Investor to help get this off the ground, as it will entail us to run it from New Zealand and Thailand, involving a select niche group of tourists from New Zealand.

The Investment package will come with a full 50% equal partnership, through a lawyer of your choosing/if requested, full Visa/Work permit documentation, use of my vehicle, and a small Office to run the Thai side off the business, with guidance from my Wife.

I have the other (6) Thais available to make up the numbers for the business, whom I would trust to my grave.

For under 20,000 Euros, only 10,000 Euros up front, 480,000 Thai baht, is their a hard working honest bloke out there that wants to live in Bangers, Work in Bangers, and run a business in Bangers, has a vibrant personality, enjoys a beer, a real people person, then send me your story, and I'll tell you mine.

I have put a great deal of time to survey if I have a viable business opportunity, and the answer is a very definite YES.!

Here is another version of the same incident. Take your pick. Up to you!

Courtesy of Pattaya Daily News

Updated: [November 11, 2009 ] :: 15:00:34 [view 740]

RUSSIAN ARRESTED STEALING CLOTHES FROM PATTAYA SHOPPING CENTER

During a shopping trip with his family at the Mike Shopping Mall in Pattaya, a Russian national has been arrested for allegedly stealing a pair of pyjamas.

Pattaya, the 10th of November 2009 [PDN]: At approximately 11:00pm on Tuesday the 10th police Lieutenant General Chatchai Srisuwan an investigator with the Pattaya police, received a call from a shop assistant at Samwell (clothing store) in the Mike Shopping Complex Beach Road, South Pattaya. The assistant explained to police that a foreign man had just stolen an article of clothing from the store and was attempting to leave the premises

When police arrived at the scene they were met by a Mr Sarod Aimarom age 23, the shop assistant that had initially contacted police and a center security officer. The center security had detained a Mr Vladimirouih Kolesov age 51, for the theft of a pair of pyjamas with a retail value of 780 baht. The pyjamas were found to be in his possession hidden amongst other items in a bag that Mr Kolesov was carrying.

Mr Kolesov explained to police that after earlier shopping in Samwell’s with his family he had purchased a shirt from them and had thought that the Chinese style pair of pyjamas was a complimentary gift for the earlier purchase.

However Mr Aimarom insists that although Mr Kolesov and his family did visit the store and buy a shirt, as well as ask the price of several other items, at no point did the family or Mr Kolerov get offered a complimentary item of any description. Mr Aimaron explained that after the family had left the premises he walked around the shop and discovered an item was missing. Suspecting the recently departed Russian family he alerted security at the mall. The center security managed to apprehend the family whilst trying to flee the complex. Upon looking in the bag that Mr Kolerov had on him they discovered the missing article of clothing.

Security from the shopping complex escorted Mr Kolerov back to the Samwell shop where Mr Aimarom asked him politely to pay for the item. Mr Kolerov refused to pay for the item, still insisting that the article was complimentary. No agreement was reached between the two parties and so, police were called.

Police escorted Mr Kolerov back to the local police station where he was charged with theft. Mr Kolerov still persisted to plead his innocence; however Mr Aimarom had plenty of witnesses and evidence to give police reason to charge him for the

Honda have announced a new 125cc fuel injected low friction water cooled engine in the PCX 125i.

Motorcycle Thailand com have some technical details and a 'review' but do not give any riding impressions. It starts off 'The Honda PCX 125i is pretty close to the best two-wheeler Honda has ever made'.

It has a catalyser fitted and an automatic stop/start system to save fuel. Both features seem a bit over the top for a run around scooter but are needed in the foreign markets that Honda intend exporting to.

The usual Honda Airblade features of combi brakes, plus an improved Fuel Injection system and larger seat and wheels are promised. Prices expected to be a little above the Airblade.

Local Honda sellers seem to have an embargo on giving out any information and say come back in November. They are not pushing for advance orders yet.

Has anyone actually seen one or come across a Road Test anywhere?

It sounds like a great new addition to the choices available.

Wouldn't read too much into the share price, the company reported a sizeable profit and dividend for FY 2008.

I am sure you are correct. The share price is rather more important to those who bought at 2008 prices.

Recent Stock Performance:

Current Price (3/6/2009): .17

(Figures in Thai Bahts)

1 Week -5.6% 13 Weeks -29.2%

4 Weeks -34.6% 52 Weeks -82.8%

I would be very surprised if my Northpoint apartment is not handed over to me on the due date of December of this year as its almost complete. Not sure about Southshore though, as construction hasnt even started.

If by any mischance you are very surprised and your Northpoint apartment is not handed over on the due date.

Then on behalf of the hundreds of party goers who enjoyed Raimon Lands extravaganzas with wonderful entertainments, free flowing wine, spirits, beer, plus great food and firework finales,, may I say Thankyou. Thankyou to all the deposit payers who contributed to such great evenings.

I wish you luck and hope that history does not repeat. Northshore was completed by Raimon but only after the original investors lost their money.

Northpoint will surely be finished one day but who knows if the developer will be Raimon Land who are now suffering like everyone else in the market. Current share price 0.17baht. Hmmnnn.

Good luck Ground Engineer. At least you won't have to find the final balance if the project stops.