garyinthailand

I'm trying to get an idea how much economic value is added by us farang residents. Greatly appreciate anyone who can point me to the appropriate source, and if it's been covered in the forums already, that's great too.

Some friends told me that permanent and seasonable residents bring Thailand something like 1% of it's foreign exchange earnings. Tourism 3-4%. But they didn't have the references.

Thanks for any help.

A couple of times, people have tried to convince me that the Thai population is disproportionately female, by a ratio of 2-to-1 or even 4-to 1. I haven't been able to verify this from published population stats, or from casual observation. But maybe....

Does anyone have info about this? Is there a factual basis, or is it an 'urban myth'? Appreciate any data or observations.

I have family coming to visit from 20 June through 1 July. I've been on lookout for any special events, temple festivals, etc. Seems like we're in the real low-season lull, though.

Does anyone know of anything happening in the area during that time that might interest a visitor? Naturally, we'll be doing the ordinary round of temples, beaches, night markets, etc.

Thanks for any help!

I'm planning a visit to Songhkla for a few days next month, flying into Had Yai and working with a Peking Opera troupe at a Chinese temple.

Of course I know the general situation in South, and the bomb at Had Yai airport not so long ago. But I have no read on general conditions of travel for a Westerner. Best I can tell, the conflict there has been strictly Thai-on-Thai.

Has anyone visited the area recently, or have other information to help me? Thanks much.

I've been asked, rather suddenly, to help with a program at a local school for Christmas on the 24th. Does anyone out there have material in English and Thai for a Christmas program? Translations of The Night Before Christmas or other stories would be great, as would be talks about Christmas.

If you've got anything, please email it to me direct at [email protected]. Thanks a million!

I'm about ready to go and get my visa as a retiree. I just wanna review this to make sure I've got things lined up.

I'm here (Hua Hin) now on a tourist visa. I'm presently transferring US $20K (800Kbaht) to my bank here. Then I'll get a letter from the bank that this came in from overseas.

I'll get a health certificate from a local clinic. I've been told this is 200 baht and no hassle.

Then I'll go to BKK, put on nice clothes and show up early on the 4th floor of the Immigration building. Smile, be patient and positive, and (hopefully) leave with the first 90 days of my new visa, and picking up mutiple-entry stamp while I'm there.

Do I have this right? Any new requirements or hoops to jump through? Have I missed anything?

Thanks!

I just bought Becker's 'Thai for Beginners' software, and I'm finding it reasonably useful although with some limitations and a few bugs.

A company in US called Rosetta Stone (http://www.rosettastone.com/) is heavily promoting an elaborate language training program. The Level 1 for Thai is priced at US $195. As far as I know, there's nowhere to buy it in LOS. They have an online version, but I think it's useless without broadband which I don't have. Maybe useless with, I don't know.

I think training software has potential, but I hate to spend money at that level (Becker was 1200B) without knowing if the product is worthwhile. The publicity claims are rather over the top too. I'm doubtful any program can really teach a language, as opposed to assisting with memorization.

Does anybody have experience with this program? Or for that matter, with any other software that might help leverage my efforts? Thanks in advance.

Some LBs are built as you describe (can't remember seeing 'wrinkled hands", though). Others are small and, often enough, quite lovely.

When you encounter LBs in Thailand, it's probable they'll be engaged in entertaining you and unlikely to be looking for combat (unless that's what you want ). The only situation I can see that would lead to confrontation would be for you to try to stiff them. Don't do that.

Another note is that girls (ersatz or otherwise) in bars have a job and generally will behave themselves so as not to get fired. Freelancers on the street have less to lose and may be tempted to steal from you.

This is a little off-topic, but I'm hoping someone knows the answer.

I've got Thai fonts installed on my computer. However, I'm now in Brazil for a month and trying to absorb some Portuguese. I've found that when I go to Poruguese web sites, some of the non-English characters and diacritical marks show up as Thai characters.

Does anyone know about this and how to switch to a true view of Portuguese? I can uninstall my Thai fonts if need be, but it would be better if I didn't have to.

Thanks!

Thanks, folks. Hey, 8 replies and nobody actually called me an idiot!

The voting with my feet has already occurred, and this is just post-mortem. Yes, it's what had to be, and glad I got out now rather than later.

Thinking it over, I've concluded my gf's experience was all in playing the guy and being nice in order to collect a good tip at the end of the night (or whatever period). Once I had paid up front and she didn't have prospect of any more sizable gifts for a while, I think she was all at sea and really didn't know what to do. I don't think she hated me, but once the cash was in pocket, she just couldn't keep the act up in the same way.

In retrospect, it was a mistake to enter on an arrangement with her on that basis, but I don't think I could have anticipated that without the experience. We had talked about it all ahead of time like (supposedly) sensible adults, but when it became reality everything was different. Next time, I'll know better.

It's been saddening, because I realley did like her and I'll miss her. I don't think that she's bad people in any way. But it could not go on. Thanks all for your comments and help.

Appreciate anyone's thoughts on this. I see a lot on the forum about financially-oriented relationships, some complaining, some cheering the girl for getting everything out of the guy she could.

I just ended what seemed like a promising relationship because I saw myself being exploited more than I was willing to be. I had no problem with giving my girl money. Gave her what she asked for. But the more I gave, the worse I was treated. So I pulled the plug, quite early on. Feel I had to, but still don't feel good about it. I actually liked her, and she seemed genuinely devastated when I gave her the news. I felt like a mugger, when my brain tells me I was the muggee in at least equal measure.

I've no objection to supporting a girl. I just want to get a good value for my money. If I pay as much as she says she was making in the bar, I think I deserve to be treated at least to a good fantasy as long as it lasts.

Does anyone think this is possible? Or am I just kidding myself.

Thanks for the input, everyone. The biggest thing I've learned from this is to be very careful when speaking of this, as it's easy to misunderstand intent.

The agreement I have in mind generally will describe what I propose to do for her, over a period of years, rather than being a set of leg irons for her. More like an incentive plan that makes it interesting and worthwhile for her to stick around and treat me well now and into the future.

The agreement could be terminated by either party at any time. She can go if she wants, with only future benefits lost. Likewise I can elect to toss her out and only lose money spent to date.

Interestingly, no one answered the question as to whether such an agreement can be a legal contract in Thailand. The lawyers tell me it can.

Meeting 'Sis tomorrow, and have been asked to meet the parents in Fall.

Written agreements for relationships are becoming common in many countries, and have legal force in some times and places.

What is the practice in Thailand? Can a written agreement protect the interests of both parties? Is it useful for mutual understanding? Can it be registered and enforced in case of a dispute?

I'm on the brink of making an arrangement for an ltr with a much younger person who I'll be supporting. I want to let her know I'm sincere while at the same time providing protection for myself if things don't work out.

Really interested in any information or experience about this.

Here's one for you all.

Recently, I've started getting more serious with my Thai ladyfriend, and we're talking in terms of an 'arrangement'.

I accept that she's sincere, as in: she'd sincerely like to be supported by a farang. Fair enough. If she can take care of me and make me happy for the rest of my life, I'm also cool that she gets short and long-term ecurity in return.

Presently, she's in Ramkhamheing U., with two years to go (much younger than me, natch). I live in Hua Hin where I own a house. My intitial proposal will be along the lines that I support her in Bangkok until she finishes school, during which time she'll come to HH on the weekends to play house. After that, I hope she'll come to live with me, as I do find her company keeps me smiling.

I'm thinking that it makes sense for us to make our agreements in writing, as it may get a little complex and both of us may need reminding of what was agreed to. Some provision of dispute resolution and termination of agreement seems appopriate, too.

So, does anyone know if a 'companion agreement' of this sort can have legal standing in Thailand? Can I honestly protect myself, and at the same time reassure my ladylove that she's not going to be left in the lurch, although we're not planning marriage at this time? Any experience with this kind of thing?

Will be very intested in the responses.

I'm getting ready to buy a townhome, and go the route of a 30-year extendable lease on the land it's on. (No kids).

Does anyone have experience with a lease of this kind, and how is it structured relative to the value of the land?

Is it typical for the leesee to pay the agreed value of the property up front, for example? Or are monthly, quarterly, or annual pro-rated installments typical?

In the case of extension after 30 years, what payment then?

thanks. new to this, obviously

I'm presently here on 30-day stamp. My good friends have offered me an attractive deal on a townhouse, and I'd live to go ahead and acquire it. I'm not very clear on the practical options or how to execute the deal.

1) I understand that farang can own buildings. Is this straightforward? Is there any special paperwork or requirements? Do I need to be on a longer-term visa when I do this?

2) For the land, I've heard of two options. One is a long-term lease, the other to form a company. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each, and what's the legal procedure in each case?

Thanks. My sellers are very good friends, and they'll work with me as needed to make this happen.

I'm presently here on 30-day stamp. My good friends have offered me an attractive deal on a townhouse, and I'd like to go ahead and acquire it. I'm not very clear on the practical options or how to execute the deal.

1) I understand that farang can own buildings. Is this straightforward? Is there any special paperwork or requirements? Do I need to be on a longer-term visa when I do this?

2) For the land, I've heard of two options. One is a long-term lease, the other to form a company. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each, and what's the legal procedure and requirements in each case?

Thanks. My sellers are very good friends, and they'll work with me as needed to make this happen.

>>>your work permit will expire every time yor entry permit expires - meaning every 90 days. 

>>>meeting the Revenue Department standards for documenting their registered business address is the single toughest aspect of operating a "shoestring" company. 

Thanks, Steve. Very helpful. A couple questions.....

1) I've been planning to 'land' as a pensioner. I'm over 50 and have the capital to deposit, and it seems the easiest way to go. Does this rule out owning a company and being its MD/employee?

2) Another reason for forming a company is to own the land my residence is on. I know other people doing this, but no one's mentioned having to document a business address. Is there something different in their situation, or is there a dodge they use?

3) I'm also investigating Treaty of Amity (I'm American) registration. Is this worthwhile if the company's purpose is limited, as for property ownership and/or work permit?

Thanks for your attention. I'll check out your web site and see if I can bring you any business.

Cheers,

Gary

I'm a US citizen. I just found out about the Treaty of Amity, which allows US citizens to own 100% of a company in Thailand. I'm also aware that this treaty will be no longer in effect as of next year, when GATT/WTO rules supercede it.

Has anybody here registered a company under the TOA recently? Any hassles or issues because of the treaty's lame-duck status? I'm interested in getting in under the wire, as I expect existing registrations to be honored.

Any information or advice is greatly appreciated!

Looking at the qualifications for a work permit, it seems I can get one if I work for a company with 2M baht in the bank.

If I form a legal company, as many do for land ownership, and put the requisite money in, can I then get a work permit for myself as the company's sole employee?

I'm a musician, looking for a way to play occasional or steady gigs without being arrested and deported (as my friend was). If I'm able to do this, my company would contract to the client to provide entertainment. The company would then pay me.

It sounds too simple. Are there catches, other than the the need to tie up 2M baht?

thanks

Sofitel in Hua Hin has an interesting lineup. There's an excellent female Cuban pianist (with backing band) playing each night. Some sets are electric, in the nightclub, and some are "unplugged" in the upstairs lobby using the house grand. There's an older Thai woman (actually think it might be two different ones) playing the same grand in the early eveing, doing classical and light pop. But not bad at all. Then there's a French fellow who plays original music in a classical style at tea time. He's quite good, though not as dynamic as I like. The Cuban girl is *hot*!

I suspect they book through an agency. But it's been a piano oasis since I found it. (I also play, and have been jonesing for some good stimulus and collaboration)

Overall, I don't think gig prospects are too good here. btw, a good friend of mine was arrested and deported for gigging without a work permit. Do be careful.

Does anyone know if it's possible to do work of any kind when on retirement visa? I'm retired but active, and would like to be able to do volunteer teaching, etc.

Any hospital should be able to provide the medical certificate here in Thailand.

Thanks, Lopburi.

Since you're so helpful, I've got another question to ask. Once I have the retirement visa, how difficult is it to get exit/re-entry permits for travel out of Thailand?

I'm planning to live here 10 months out of the year, and make a trip home or elswhere once a year. Likely to travel in-region as well.

Thanks again for your help.

If you have the money in the bank and medical certificate/bank letter you should be able to convert your visa with a visit to immigration; if you have a tourist visa. But from your mention of 30 days you do not have a visa (you have a 30 day entry without visa stamp) so you need to exit and obtain a real tourist visa (60 day type) first.

Thanks. That helps clarify it. What about the medical certificate? Can I get that in Thailand?