iancnx

The kitchenette is fully fitted to UK standards including fridge, hob, extractor hood, sink, drainer, drawers, cupboards above and below. High quality ceramic 60x60 tiles.

I have done this for 10 years now and the yields are good. Being an expat, you are more likely to attract expat tenants in my experience.  I have a unit for sale in CM in anticipation of my return to UK.  Take a look at my posting history for the detail.

Nick J. Never has a truer word been spoken.  Making friends (or more accurately Acquaintences) with such people can indeed lead you to significant disappointment. I tend to steer well clear of the lot of em! 

King size bed with high quality European pocket sprung mattress.

Fully furnished = two piece chair and sofa, flat screen TV, king size bed, wardrobe, dressing table.

An extremely well appointed studio for sale at a knock down price of 1.6m Baht in Chiang Mai.  The unit features a 46m² living/sleeping area en-suite with a segregated fitted western kitchenette and is fully furnished.  This studio is NORTH facing (no sun) overlooking the pool and is situated on the 3rd floor of this low-rise building consisting of just 70 units. This 5* building is reputed to be one of the very best managed condominiums in the city and has an active  committee with regularly audited accounts which are in credit with a fully intact sinking fund.  The JPM is fully supervised by the expatriate Chairman of the Committee.  Immaculately maintained with superb amenities including a large pool, fitness centre, sauna, 24hr security and ample parking. The building also boasts high speed internet, cable TV and CCTV security.  Foreign owned with Blue Book and Chanot, the studio is immediately available.

This condominium is located close to the university on the Doi Suthep side of Chiang Mai.  

Reason for sale : capital required for repatriation back to UK.

Marry her in the village. Buy a token gift of gold.  Even give a couple of £k sinsot if you love her unreservedly.  No one other than HiSo families will go and check you actually got married in the Amphur legally (similar to UK registrar). So no need to put your wealth at risk regarding divorce, assuming she is living in Thailand.  If she is with you in UK she already has claims.  

If the victim was my son, I was certainly do my utmost to engage with the attacker in order to explain that his behaviour is unacceptable and akin to a rabid dog.  I might suggest we spend the day together; a long walk in the forest might clear his mind and help him to understand my point of view.  A brutal assault on a minor is unacceptable and I would point out to him a payment of money does not make it ok.  Indeed the suggestion of payment is simply offensive.  Our day in the forest would be enlightening; he might enjoy it so much that he might choose to stay - penance.  I am a responsible guy so I would ensure we have a first aid kit with us in case of any accidents, deep forest/jungle can be a dangerous hostile place , and I could teach him how to make splints and crutches as part of his learning about being at one with nature.

51 minutes ago, wildewillie89 said:

I think it is only 3% of Thai teachers who can speak fluent English. And from memory about 40% who are of an acceptable standard to teach English (rules etc). So what's that? 57% who have absolutely no idea what they're doing. No wonder the university entrance exams for the English part is an average of 28%. His point is relevant, but he does seem like a big knob. Make the point and actually make it useful/get the message across, rather than being a dick. They learn grammar mainly to pass a test. Tests like entrance exams, police, army, government official etc etc, are all stupid. Multiple choice questions with 3 correct answers or 0 correct answers. But the way the kids are taught is based off the tests. Conversation is only relevant for the super rich who can throw money around to have their children tutored purely in conversation. The one or two hours per week teaching at school or language centres doesnt mean anything in terms of conversation. 

fair comment ww89, as I mentioned his juvenile approach would divert the less than avid viewer.  You are absolutely right about entrance exams and the woeful level set.  And I know of at least five English (Thai's) teacher who cannot speak a single word of English; they teach grammar out of a book.  I also happen to know they were not tested in English during recruitment.  They jumped through the multiple choice 'hoop' so why on earth would an HR department consider more is needed.  Non English speaking HR I might add!  Its a complete joke.

I feel sorry for any poor buggahs who are having sleepless nights over this; I suspect there are a good few seemingly without options.  Shameful way to treat folk.

The crux of the message is to understand WHAT the Thai student think about their English tuition.  We all know it's not fit for purpose. Surprisingly they realise it's not fit for purpose.  They understand they learn and commit to memory what they need to pass the examinations.  

So  I think  he is pretty smart to get that message across.  There is a large cohort of Thai English teachers (those who can actually speak, read and be able to converse in English) who understand very well it is the curriculum at fault, as well as a dozen other issues...... Too many to go into here.  My missus is a Thai English teacher! 

Clearly missed the point x3

In summary they say they learn by committing to memory (rote).

There is no conversation. Grammar, grammar, grammar.

Additionally Thai's feel the class divide. Talking English in public is considered by a vast majority to be HiSo.

Filmed outside a language school.

IMO the whole thing spoilt by unnecessary reference to menturation, kids of today eh?  

Hope he doesn't get pulled up for this.

Must MUST watch.  It has gone viral on Thai social media according to my missus.

7 minutes ago, wealthychef said:

 

You're right, I'm pretty new here.  When it starts sucking, I hope I won't complain on a Thai forum for expats. Instead, I'm hoping I'll choose to move to a better country.  Do you have any in mind you could suggest?   Of course I know some people don't have that luxury.  

Yeah, I share your views about posting personal views in public, but let me tell you in Thailand this forum has in some respects been invaluable for almost instant information during my 10 years here.  Life can 'suck' anywhere in the world. I have made this my home, built a house, married a wonderful woman and have a super smart son who is now trilingual.  The plan is to return to UK for his education, and be closer to my family.  Without that need I would continue to go with the flow with my family and not run to the next port of call because the latest adventure 'sucks'.  GL & ATB

13 minutes ago, NamKangMan said:

 

 

The writing is on the wall for the future.

 

Ignore it at your peril. 

Totally agree, ignore at your peril.  Plan for the eventuality.

I luckily remained on a marriage extension despite [heavy handed attempts] persuasion to change to retirement.  I think the next step for the marriage extension category will be compulsory insurance.  Looks like BUPA inpatients policy @4000 baht per month might be what I have to plan for.  I am 55 and this is doable, though it is another £1000 per annum! -  I would much rather self-insure.  For older folk who have a low income the future might start to look bleak.......... poor buggahs

16 minutes ago, LivinginKata said:

Here is a good recent news article ---> http://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/business/2016/11/24/details-10-year-visas-meet-mixed-reactions/

 

There is talk on Thaivisa that 50% of the 3 million on one year deposit can be taken early for medical expenses (and condos ?) . I still looking for an official anouncement.

 

Seems to the government has released some initial information without details.  Seems like they are still working through the details ... TIT

 

Edit : and it's an equivalent of US$ 10,000 baht health insurance cover.  I have the BUPA Thailand platinum policy that covers 2 million baht = not enough 

 

Apologies for asking but could you say how much the premium is for Bupa Thai Platinum policy 2m baht coverage?  Could be of interest to those worrying themselves here.  GL to all those affected if this all turns bad for retirees.  

7 minutes ago, wealthychef said:

 

Please go back to your own country and fix your own government.  Personally I enjoy the chaos here;  it's why I moved here.  The USA has a stiflingly efficient culture of repression in place.  

Sounds like you have not yet had the opportunity to experience the 'real' Thailand.  Sooner or later the bubble bursts and reality smacks you in the face. Good luck when it happens, your enjoyment of chaos may well be stymied as a result.

 Lol.  Funny as hell.  This is for medical tourists.  Hmmm. So how do such tourists open a bank account to deposit baht 3m before applying for this visa?  Can the apply with a visa exempt on arrival 30 day stamp? Do they hand carry the cash and? And? 

Ok, so it is really aimed at expats already here....... Hmmmm shame most of us in the know realise routine expat medical insurance is extortionate in this country, and out of reach for many pensioners for a variety of reasons, let alone the commitment involved in depositing baht 3m given the difficulties of repatriation of funds.  As someone mentioned on another thread if I get so sick that Requires major expenditure (by that I mean over baht 1m) I will take my chances with a one way to LHR.  I would simply declare my permanent return to UK and claim resident status.

I have long suspected the retirement visa rules might be 'amended' in some way, this appears to be the start of something....... Such perceived changes forthcoming are exactly why I have refused the kind invitation to become 'retired' each year when I apply for my annual marriage extension.  

I accept they they may well attempt to make it harder for us married folk..... Time will tell, and planning for that is stressful, but a necessary process nonetheless.

Mikeyidea.  Thanks for sharing that.  Do you have the title/ number of the form needed from the Amphur? Thanks.

My expat tv latest version on a Mac is perfect for me. Downloads are easy and seamless in the background.   I also have the latest quad core android box supplied by them.  I think, togetether with Sport 365, it is a superb service and excellent vfm.  

That's not what I said and you presumptions are bang out of order and troll like at best! 

23 hours ago, Pat in Pattaya said:

 

Will be a very big move with no guarantees that it will work out. Will you be looking to rent or buy? assume you are well past the mortgage stage now! As for your investment, I hope it's not with one of these so called 'financial advisors' over here..

I manage my own stock market investment with some success.  If I don't hit the jackpot next year, then my return to UK in 2018 will most likely be rented in the first instance. Mortgages can still easily be obtained at my age if the deposit is big enough.  Fortunately I have a reasonable pension.  Long term aim is the Grandpa flat or annex so we can take care of the grandkids and their uncle at the same time....lol.  Another aspect to consider is my grown up kids are progressing quickly up their respective professional ladders so the financial risks of returning are mitigated to a degree.

I don't have the answer. On the face of it you would think no problem, but if you daughter was born in Thailand on her passport immigration might well raise a red flag.  IF she was born in Thai, I am assuming she originally had a Thai passport? If yes, then she will be in the system........

A just concern I should have thought.  

I recently left with my wife and son for a holiday in Europe. My missus got a real grilling as to who our son was.  My son has my surname, my wife has retained her maiden name.  Immigration were intimating my wife might not be his mother and we were somehow leaving without the 'real' mums consent.  In other words an abduction.  My son has a British and Thai passport.  Next time we will travel with birth certificate and marriage certificate and house books.

I intend to travel to UK with my son at Xmas (mum has to work, no hols).  I am wondering what problems immigration will give us without mum present?