wcr

If you pick up a copy of the Real Estate Magazine every month Steve of WET writes an article on water. His contact details can be found there.

I know I am taking a huge risk in posting this as it is such a touchy subject. Therefore could I please ask that posters keep it on subject and do not mention the Tourist Police Volunteers. This post is NOT about them!

From November the Foreign Police Volunteers (FPV) based in Soi 9 police station at the request of the Highway Police chief will be assisting at road blocks in Pattaya. The role of the FPV's will be the same as it is in the police station. That is there to assist with any mis-understanding or communication problems between the police and the foreigner. This will initially be for a 3 month trial period to asses the benefits of making it permanent. During the trail period only day time road blocks will be manned. There will be up to 5 FPV on each road block.

The FPV's will not be out in the road, but will be in the pull in area and will assist when requested to do so by the foreigner or police. Their role will be to explain about the traffic laws and regulations. Also in a few months time it is hopped that a road safety booklet explaining all about the road laws here will be available to give to all foreigners stopped at road blocks and also to be distributed freely in tourist areas, car rental companies etc. Sponsorship is currently being negotiated for this.

Good idea, or folly? Keep it clean please.

A while ago I posted a thread about TV member Howard's new radio station 105FM and about how good it was. Most other posts were also supportive.

However we have another new station now, started by Pattaya People and called Yest2day on 96FM. Well I admit I am converted. Sorry Howard but 105 is now off my regular listening and has been replaced by 96. Why?

Well the music is a little more varied. Not really all my taste as I prefer the more newer stuff, and 96 seem to play more from the 60's and 70's as well as more modern stuff, but I think that is right for Pattaya. Also it has very good quality jingles, regular news updates that varies in content, advertisements that DON'T feature the same bloody voice (sorry again Howard) that is very repetitive.

As for 103? Well not worthy of mention as far as I am concerned.

Well done 96FM another quality radio station for Pattaya. And that can't be bad.

Yes many use them. However, I will state again. Under Thai Law, you are NOT protected with a 30 + 30 + 30 year lease. They are not recognised.

This problem is very wide spread. Be aware!

Given the to and fro, herein let me add {and restate} a few things.

[*]Leases. In Thailand leases are permitted up to 90 years, however they are, except in specific circumstances, comprised of 3 * 30 year tranches.

WRONG!!! In Thialand 3x 30 year leases are NOT recognised under Thai law and you will have no protection via the legal system.

30 year leases are the only legally recongnised lease, with the posibility to extend by another 30 years (should the original owner still be alive or contactable).

There are two restaurants that I'd like to recommend to those of you who like Thai food, at Thai prices. One is here in Pattaya. The other is along the shore in Jomtien.

FIRST:

We have found a remarkable Thai restaurant that is only a few hundred feet off of Sukhumvit Road, yet seems secluded once you're inside.

It's called "Som Poi", but the name is in Thai only, so, unless you have a Thai partner, don't look for the name.

Most importantly, the food is very good. The prices are "Thai". Two people can eat a full meal, including a couple of beers, for less than 1000 baht.

The seating surrounds a pond. There is (unfortunately) some Thai karaoke. But it's not as bad as some places. The seating is varied. On one side of the pond, there's Japanese style bench seating, where you remove your shoes, slide in, and put your feet into a clean "pit" under the table. On the next side, it's large tables with bench seating. On the third side, it's round tables with chairs. Lots of greenery everywhere. Once in there, it really feels like you're miles from the city, rather than just a few hundred feet from Sukhumvit.

DIRECTIONS: Sukhumvit, going north from Pattaya Tai. Turn left on Soi 46, directly opposite the Family Mart on the east side of Sukhumvit. (Careful. There's a 46/3, 46/2, and 46/1, before you get to 46.) Once into Soi 46, take an immediate right. The entrance to the restaurant will be on your left, just a few yards into that small road.

NEXT:

Thai seafood restaurant.

It's called Ton Hat. It's another restaurant that doesn't cater to many Falang, so there are no English language signs to help you. But it serves excellent fresh seafood, at "Thai" prices.

It's right on the shore, and has both outdoor and indoor seating. The indoor seating is a relatively small, glass enclosed room, which is air conditioned, or has the option of open windows, depending upon the weather.

DIRECTIONS: Sukhumvit going south. Pass Alangkarn, then make a U-turn. Coming back, just past Alankarn, you'll turn left on a road that has a large sign - but in Thai - with the name of the restaurant on it. Just follow the road to the end, turn right, and you'll find the restaurant on your left. There's covered parking directly opposite. If you pass it, you'll know. The road ends shortly after the restaurant.

And thats cheap!!!!!!

My thoughts as well. How many "ordinary Thai" couple can spend 1000 baht on a meal?

Oh Ar Harn Thai, on Pattaya Tai, opposite Soi Day Night offer excellent Thai food at 40 - 60 Baht per meal. Two of you can have a feast there for well under 500 Baht with drinks.

Hi. I employ 3 Thai gals in an admin role.

I pay them 6000 baht a month. They do live free though in an upper floor apartment which is beautifully furnished along with cable, wifi etc.

They receive 10% profit share of monthly takings ( split between them ).

We buy them meals on occasion and treat them to a night out clubbing etc.

They have 2 days holiday a month but we still give salary if they are sick etc. Usually they will have the odd couple of hours off work for shopping etc.

Depends on their ages and qualification. I have an office manager who does all my admin and accounts preparation/invoicing etc. She gets 15,000 p/m and has 1.5 days holiday per week.

Back of the Q8 gas station on Sukhumvit road 50m north of Central Pattaya road.

OK that one I know. But he said "on Pattaya Klang", that to me mean Central Pattaya Road!

There are busses that go from the bus terminal on Pattaya Klang to Korn Kaen and all parts Issan. They are a VIP service. Talk to the folk at the window marked Mudharhan (the last window). The first one leaves at 7:30am and the last at 8:30pm.

If their schedle does not suit you there is the Issan Terminal near the end ofPattaya Klang as described above.

Where is the bus terminal in Pattaya Klang? Never seen one and I've lived here 4.5 years!

So basically it looks like I am not the only one to have become ill after eating at Sizzler. Well, I won't be going again regretfully, as I do like that bloody salad bar.

Ideally i would like 50mpg as i don't want to spend all my wages on fuel.

Fuel is fairly cheap here. I would be very surprised if you spent all your wages on fuel!!!

Thanks technocracy. Please can you give me a phone number of Chaleunxay Hotel. Also, don't forget I will be with my bf, so they need to be "friendly" hotels that aren't going to call the police, as per your reply to the thread on sleeping with Lao nationals.

As for car insurance, no. You must buy it at Friendship Bridge, before the car will be allowed into Laos. Cost about 500 Baht I am told for up to 5 days and is valid only in Vientiene provence.

I am going to Vientiane next week for a few days. Previously I have not been happy with the accomodation I have stayed in.

I want to spend about 1000 Baht per night and need a nice room with aircon and a decent bathroom. It can be in a Guest House or Hotel. I am driving up this time from Thailand, so need somewhere to park the car also. Any recommendations please?

Thanks

Thanks so far for the tips. Here are some more questions!

1) In relation to the gay thing. I have been to Laos a few times also, and stayed in hotels/GH's with my bf, no problem as you say. However I am aware of the law relating to having sex with a Lao National without being married and how some have been arrested for this in the past. As a gay couple we cannot legally be married, so I was wondering if that could lead to potential problems?

2) Is it possible to rent a GH or small hotel, same as in Thailand?

3) I presently publish an English language magazine in Pattaya. Do you think there is a market for a general magazine aimed at tourists and expats in Vientiene and maybe LB?

4) I am presently a President of a Rotary Club in Pattaya. Are there any Rotary or Lions clubs in Loas, or do you have business clubs/networking meetings etc?

As for my bf and Thailand. Well I am in the process of finding out about getting him a B Visa and Work Permit. It is possible. I am meeting up with an aquantance who is able to put me in touch with an immigration office who will do this for me. It is legal, you just need to know the correct people. BTW he is not aware of the possiblity of me going th live in Laos with him. This is very early days now and I am just dipping my toe into the water.

Dear all,

There is a strong possibility that I may have sold my business in Thailand.

I am in two minds about what I should do next. Firstly let me give you some small background info.

I am 45, I own a publishing/graphic design/website business in Pattaya. Looks like the graphic design and publishing side have been sold, but the website has not. No problem as that can be done from anywhere. I am gay, and have a Lao boyfriend who live with me in Thailand. I have been to Laos several times, see that there are opportunities to be had there. However I am concerned that it maybe to slow for me. So my questions are.

1) What is the situation for me as a white European living in a relationship with a Lao person same sex as me?

2) Are there any expat/tourist type magazines in the major tourist/expat areas in English similar to the ones found in Pattaya, Bangkpk and Phuket etc?

3) Where is the best place to find out if any existing business maybe for sale. I would be interested in renting a guest house or buying a reastuarant.

4) Are there reputable lawyers who help you through the investment process and obtain the correct visa and work permits etc.

Thanks in advance for any help.

It's just a Newbie complaint ... you'll be ok after a couple of years here

Naka.

How long is one a newbie?

I have been here 4.5 years, and my partner is Asian from neighboring country!!! We are both newbies???

Actually the Pattaya Tourist Police Volunteers (TPV) has a website but there's not much to learn about them there.

The Udon Thani TPV has a very informative website here.

A big thank-you to Howard for his clarification on the role of the FPV.

With respect Howard has posted nothing about the role of the Foreign Police Volunteers as he is not a member of that particular group. He is a member of the Tourist Police Assistants (Volunteers). It is myself and a few other TV members who are members of the FPV's who have informed members about the FPV's role.

Just to be clear on the issue

I have a wife & 2 children under 12 ,which restaurants would you recommend ?

Why ?

What would be the best time to go ?

Wiley Coyote

Well i personally wouldnt go in the bar/restuarants mentioned, especially nickys and p and w,( passive smoke ) cherrys on road 2 is excellent, sizzler of course,and i can ( if you want to budget ) thouroughly recommend neeroys off soi bhukaow,.i reckon best rimes to go are earlier like 6pm ,not too many people,

P & W = Passive smoke??? Not if you go into the back NON SMOKING room. I hate smoke filled bars, and the P&W is certainly not that, in the non-smoking section.

Sizzler = sickness for me (see my thread)

About 6 months ago now I had the salad bar in Sizzler. That night I was ill, and had to go to see the doctor next day. I was sick on and off over a one month period with food poisoning and had to have different tablets to try to get rid of it. The doctor confirmed it was food poisoning, and after discussing it with the doctor she confirmed that all probabilities it was from the salad bar.

I haven't been back there since. However I am a fan of Sizzler salad bar and on Monday evening, myself an my partner entered Sizzler, eat food and had the salad bar. Next morning I am suffering with a bad stomach again. This time it lasts only 4 days, and no need for medication. But also my partner is affected with a bad stomach. Also a friend of mine who has now stopped going to Sizzler has compalined that everytime he went he always has a bad stomach.

Anyone else suffered the same fate?

Bad luck 'wcr'. I think almost everyone gets some kind of gastro-intestinal complaint when living in Thailand. The hot weather and the local water contribute to this. Food quickly spoils, even in the best restaurants. I avoid salads unless I prepare them to my own standard and try to eat only hot foods at restaurants.

Meanwhile, persistant gastro-intestinal problems should be investigated by the medical profession. A stool sample can reveal much and antibiotics are not always the answer.

About 6 months ago I banged my head against a brick wall and blood spurted out and I ended up in hospital

So last night I decided to bang ny head against the same brick wall and guess what? blood spurted out and I ended up in hospital again.

Sure I agree - a good idea - warn folks not to bang their heads against brick walls

But come on......

Come on yourself! Thats a bit harsh. Just because I had one bout of food poisioning doesn't mean I am going to boycot a place forever. Everyone has off days. However, 2 times is too many times, so now I will not go back in. My partner BTW is Asian, not farang, and his stomach was upset too.

About 6 months ago now I had the salad bar in Sizzler. That night I was ill, and had to go to see the doctor next day. I was sick on and off over a one month period with food poisoning and had to have different tablets to try to get rid of it. The doctor confirmed it was food poisoning, and after discussing it with the doctor she confirmed that all probabilities it was from the salad bar.

I haven't been back there since. However I am a fan of Sizzler salad bar and on Monday evening, myself an my partner entered Sizzler, eat food and had the salad bar. Next morning I am suffering with a bad stomach again. This time it lasts only 4 days, and no need for medication. But also my partner is affected with a bad stomach. Also a friend of mine who has now stopped going to Sizzler has compalined that everytime he went he always has a bad stomach.

Anyone else suffered the same fate?

To his credit, WCR has been very clear in his responses, if I recall correctly and please correct me if I’m wrong, he was a Tourist Police volunteer but was quite dismayed by their lack of professionalism and left that particular group early on after he joined. I also understand he was a policeman back in Farangland. I personally have no problem with WCR doing what he is doing now for the ‘real’ police in Soi 9, manning a desk in the police station, just as long as it’s with the full backing of the labor ministry.

On the other hand, the TPV have had a bad reputation from the fellow farangs right from the start, this is due to their total lack of professionalism and just too many unanswered questions.

Correction. I never officially became a TPV. I did go to WS on several occasions to do on the job training. I was sent on patrol without an ID card or back-up. I felt vulnerable, and uncomfortable. I won't open up old wounds as one poster here and I had some runs in about this subject on the board and away from the board. I don't want that to start again.

I was a police officer in London, including some specialist experience, which I thought could be useful to the Thai police also and I would have been happy to help out in that area. And it would have also benefited the general public here in certain situations. However I won't push myself onto them unless asked to do so. My last 2 years in the police I was a training officer. I am happy to assist the Thai Police and volunteers IF ASKED to do so with any training they may think I can help in. I believe this should be requested and not forced.

I moved to Cambodia a year ago and I've never been happier. Friendlier people, not xenophobic, easier visas (1 year biz visa $260 no questions asked, come right in and enjoy)

Magnificent.

You obviously don't know Cambodia very well.

Whilst there a few years ago, my wife was subjected to obvious, deliberate and needless racist behaviour and comments from Cambodians. (She's Thai.)

The enmity and animosity that exists between Thailand and Cambodia is REAL.

duchovny - no disrespect - but you won't experience this racism and xenophobia if you're a westerner there.

Yes, and that goes both ways. What about the Thai's treatment of Cambodians. And the Thai's look down on anyone from Laos and speak lowly to them. The Laos people don't trust the Thai's. They are all as bad as each other.

Thank you for your replies, wcr. Thank you also for originating one of the original threads on this topic in a very candid manner. Your views and others at that time expressed a lot of the same misgivings on the TPV that are being expressed here 3 and half years later:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=6592

It seems not much has changed and I would encourage all readers of this thread to read the above cited thread as well.

My god srircha john, what a memory you have. And what a nice stroll down memory lane for me I noticed I put myself down as a yank in that thread. Don't know how that happened.

Anyhow, that was over 3 years ago now. I personally felt uncomfortable with the set-up of the TPV's at that time, and frankly my opinion hasn't changed. I feel much more comfortable with the FPV's working in the police station and that is why I got involved with them. Each to their own I guess?

If you are doing voluntary work to help the Thai's do you think the Police are going to arrest you?

Allow me to refresh your memory with the following:

Tsunami volunteers warned: get work permits

PHUKET: Foreign volunteers assisting in tsunami-related charity work are required to hold work permits, regardless of whether they are being paid for their efforts or not.

Sayan Chuaiyjan, head of the Phuket Provincial Employment Service Office [ESO], told the Gazette yesterday that there could be no exceptions and that his office would begin to enforce the regulations soon – possibly in March.

“There can be no exceptions. Work is work, even if it is for charity,” he said.

He urged relief workers to apply for work permits, adding that those working for recognized charitable organizations would find them easy to obtain.

“They can just present a document certified by the charity organization they work for and we will issue them with work permits, then they will be able to work legally,” he said.

He pointed out that any foreigner caught working with out a work permit is liable to hefty punishment.

“If our officers, police officers or immigration police learn [of foreign volunteers] who don’t have work permits, the maximum penalty is three years in jail, a 30,000 baht fine [or both],” he warned.

“We did not enforce this law too rigidly [in the immediate aftermath of the tsunami], because we knew that everyone wanted to help out.

“But now that the situation is returning to normal, we will have to start taking it more seriously,” he said, adding that a crackdown could begin as early as next month.

Phuket Vice-Governor Winai Buapradit, who is charged with overseeing work permit procedures in the province, agreed with the ESO stance and said that the law needed to be enforced both in Phuket and throughout Thailand.

“Now that the post-tsunami relief operations are slowing down, they should have work permits to continue working. Otherwise, government officials will have no idea what they are actually doing here – and this could result in trouble in the future,” he said this morning.

Brought to you by:

The Phuket Gazette

Yes, fine, so The Phuket Gazette quote some minister. DID IT HAPPEN?