spidermike007

3 minutes ago, DaLa said:

I may have missed something , but why can't they have joint ownership?

 

https://www.samuiforsale.com/knowledge/practical-legal-for-condos.html

That is a reasonable question. Condo law allows foreigners to hold title to the unit. Obviously she is signing for the loan, so she is likely to be on the title. The bank may insist on that. Also, some banks tend to cower away from loans, if they know foreigner is involved, for some reason. So. joint title might be tricky, in regard to the bank and the mortgage. For a cash deal, no issues. 

I could consult a good foreign property lawyer working here. Not a local. It will be expensive, but worth it. 

5 minutes ago, Cryingdick said:

 

I am from Minneapolis and have family there 187 businesses were burnt. It started at Lake and Cedar and went up to 1st Ave, If you aren't from there don't pretend to know anything about it. 

I am aware of the devastation. And I do not approve of it, on any level. I am not condoning it. I feel for you. Quite a terrible thing to see your city burned down. You and I are quite far apart on our positions on many issues. But, I like your posts. Many are thoughtful and articulate, and I appreciate opposing points of view. How boring a world this would be, if we all felt the same way, about everything. Mayhem is not a good thing. I am simply pointing out the fact that there are reasons why people reacted with such strong actions.

Many do not want to examine that, discuss it, or introspect over it. Many seem to be ready to simply demonize all protestors. Most protestors had nothing to do with the rioting. Many on the ground are speaking out about this fact, that the media seems to be ignoring in their insatiable quest for sensationalism. 

Total BS. No science whatsoever. Second hand air? Total nonsense. The unfounded hysteria continues, from an administration so devoid of talent, it boggles the mind. I am not fond of tobacco. Personally, it has taken out countless people that I loved, and really miss. And I find the smell of smoke to be foul.

But, at the same time, I am not fond of big brother, and over reaching laws. If a person cannot smoke outside, where can they smoke? Is it reasonable to tell someone they can only smoke in their homes? 

Everyone, and especially the media, seems to be dwelling on the riots. Many people on the ground have stated that the vast majority of the protests, have been peaceful, but the media cannot resist the blood and gore, and the burning buildings. 

The real questions are not being asked. That anger comes from somewhere. Few are discussing the underlying issues. You take a marginalized group of people, who are barely surviving. High unemployment rates due to their skin color. Decades of bad behavior by rotten cops, who are overly entitled, and feel they are above the law they are employed to protect. Then you force them into lock down, and deprive them of work and income. Then three months later something like this happens, and everyone is so surprised.

The real questions are: 

Why are the people so incredibly angry with the police, and law enforcement in general?

Why are so many black men getting murdered by the police? 

Why would so many protests erupt spontaneously like this?

Where does that disapproval of law enforcement come from? 

Why is there so much socioeconomic disparity in the US?

Why is the unemployment rate for men of color so high in the US? 

Is anything being done to address any of this? Will anything be done? One thing that I do know, is that these incidents did not happen in a vacuum. Derek Chauvin had 17 complaints on his record, and several killings. He appears to have been a homicidal maniac, and an extremely violent man. Police are sworn to a higher standard. If they are supposed to serve and protect, what kind of reaction can be expected from an oppressed public when they instead commit murder and mayhem, and intentionally assault their own citizens? 

I think it is important, to remain consistently aware of the fact that the number one priority of this administration is to protect everyone in the army, and the administration, as well as all high ranking police, immigration and customs officers, the super wealthy, those that are well connected, and those who are very influential. So, this outcome was never in doubt. Ever. Not for one nanosecond.

Righteousness, although the army loves to preach it, talk about it, and push the concept on the people, is something they rarely ever practice. 

Social distancing and the inane wearing of cloth masks, are absolute nonsense, when there are no new infections in the nation, the others that were previously infected, have passed the incubation period, and anyone coming into the country is being quarantined. No restrictions need to continue on any activity. End the hysteria now. The Zombie Apocalypse never happened. 

The very untalented leader continues to divide and offend. That is who he is, and that is what he does. No matter. Just seven months to go, before he is unceremoniously ushered out of the very white house, into a life of obscurity, humiliation, shunning by investors, and declining fortunes. He will NOT be signing any book deals. And the NRA may be the only organization willing to pay him for a speaking engagement, which he might need. 

Nice. Conceptually, it is a good idea. And only $17,000 for a 14 day stay, I would estimate. Sweet deal, if you have huge money. The reality is, that Thailand attracts very few of these really big fish these days. Well before Covid, their numbers were fast declining, for a dozen good reasons. And who is going to willingly subject themselves to a 14 day prison sentence, no matter how comfortable? My guess is that most people in that position financially, will just wait this thing out elsewhere. 

We are not allowed to comment on four of those principals. Let us just say that things are evolving and changing.

The exact target market for Thailand, is the group of people the hardest hit by the economic shutdown, and Covid. It will take a long time before they are in a position to take vacations. The vast majority of that market are scraping by, making up for lost work, trying to pay household expenses, rent, mortgages, car payments, etc. Thailand is in a dream state, expecting them to fill the gap. And that group rarely spends anything approaching 50,000 baht here. Not gonna happen this year. Maybe next. Just write off 2020. Maybe a million of so arrivals, balance of the year. Period. Very few if any Western tourists will come, with the heavy restrictions in place. I understand the restrictions. Thailand does not need, nor can they afford another shutdown. 

40 minutes ago, PaceArrow said:

Sounds like a perfect opportunity for the Thai gov't to clean up it's seedy sex business in Thailand!!!

What on earth is seedy about the business? Can someone, who is not weighed down by a religious background break that one down for me? I find it entirely wholesome. 

At my age, I find a scooter to be far more comfortable. I had super bikes for many years. My favorite was a Triumph Daytona Super III. Amazing bike. But now my top choice would be the BMW C400. But at 399,000 baht, it is bit pricey, in these days of Covid. The second choice would be a 2020 Suzuki Burgman 400. At 200,000 baht it is alot of bike for the money. They are nice bikes. Well built, super plush ride, amazing suspension, and alot of fun to drive. My last choice would be the 2020 Honda Forza 300. It appears to be highly improved from the older model, which I thought drove like a river barge. Anyone who has driven both, do you have anything to say about an improvement in steering, and suspension? At 165,000 it is reasonable. I looked at the Yamaha X Max, and though it is a very nice scooter, the ride is far too stiff. I would need to upgrade the suspension, and with Olin shocks, we are looking at around 40,000 baht. And I still do not like the fit. Seems to be made for a smaller guy. 

Patpong has been on the decline for many years now. But, this thing is going to force alot of locations out of business. It will be a complete re-set of the nightlife scene here. The risks are very low, as Covid is basically gone. Dead. Zero. Zombiefied. Nunca. Nada. DOA. So, little to no risk of close contact. At least until they open the borders again. That will be the big variable.

The other variable will be if these spots do open, who will patronize them? Tourism is not returning to Thailand anytime soon. With the restrictions in place for incoming tourists, combined with the devastation of the wallets and savings of the target market for Thailand, no one knows what they will open to. Ex-pats, and a few Thai customers. Not enough to even pay for electric and rent, much less salaries. 

11 hours ago, paulikens said:

so why has thailand in the last 5 years made it so hard foreigners to stay longer than a couple of weeks if tourism is so important? why is it they have totally shut down their country when they have hardly any cases of the virus and are still not opening their country for tourists and yet again are gonna make it near on impossible to get in?yet europe is starting to open up again. why is the thai baht staying strong and will remain strong even tho they have no tourists?   but according to you is beyond catastrophic?  i genuinely wanna know as i admit im no expert on economics and would like it explained to me. apart from the man in charge is anti foreigner surely the 20%  is more important than his non love for us?

You are asking the right questions. Frankly, it completely mystifies me that most of the major economies of the world united in shutting down their economies, for the first time in recorded history. There are so many reasons it has never been done before. It is an experiment in insanity, and all of the forecasts mean nothing, as they are based on nothing. I do know the opening of the economy is going to be far harder, take far longer, and it is going to end up being 200 times worse than Covid itself. Millions of businesses will never reopen. Unemployment will remain high worldwide, for years to come, especially if there are second waves, which are bound to happen in the US, and Europe. 

In terms of tourism, all of the nations that Thailand targeted, have been hardest hit by both the shutdown, and Covid. So, it will be a long time before they start returning in any sort of meaningful numbers. Thailand (and the rest of the planet) is in for a world of hurt.