Running A Company

[solent01]

I don't speak Thai, the only reason is because I'm lazy, All I can do is order a beer, whisky, food and as many women as I can handle in Thai, but the fact is I'm married, so women don't matter to me........ well, at least not at this point.

However, I do find it so frustrating to organise our contracts, because I don't speak Thai, I can't go out in to the field and gee it up so to speak, so I have to rely on my staff,

This is what you posted.....you are frustrated because you don't speak Thai and you are too lazy to learn.....these are your words not mine!!!! So don't get all in a huff about my anal tendencies.

Chownah

P.S. This is the first time I have ever heard of a farang owned Thai construction company so it is very interesting to hear about it....especially since its a Thai construction company doing big contracts with Thai gov't entities and owned by a farang who can't speak Thai!!!!!.....and a faranag who doesn't seem to know about the way biribes are handled!!!! I wonder how this all came about because maybe I could do the same thing because I don't speak Thai and I don't know how the bribe system works....sounds like I'm a natural for this kind of work!!!

Chownah

So come and see me (just pm me), I'm not the construction company, my family is, however I am the man holding the money/MD so when it comes to the meeting yes I have to be there, if you are so confused you are more than welcome to come and sit behind me on the next meeting we have, but I'm guessing your not that privy because you simply don't have the money that have, and that I am investing. And yes I do know how it works, and if you can be bothered to read the posts above you would realise what I am saying, why do you think most of the contracts go wrong (Chiang Mai super highway for another example) is it because a farang doesn’t know how to bribe? No this one is Thai. And if my company is so bad at getting contracts how come we are involved with the new Army HQ that’s being built in Hat Yai ???????????????

[solent01]

You guys really make me laugh, because you have been here a little while you think you know it all, you guys are the reason this forum has threads about the old school, I am telling you right know, I am doing business, very good business, our contract is already signed for Hat Yai, we start in three months time, just come and see us, in fact, I will even put on a coach for you guys. Don't assume you know everything.

And how dare I argue with such know all’s like yourselves, get bloody real.... I’m an investor not a bloody fester

Edited March 8, 2007 by solent01

[ThaiGoon]

Solent01, you should submit your story and its evidence to AEC. They might have their hands full with all the allegations against Thaksin right now, but at least they will hear the story. It might help solve your problem for the long term better than posting it on an internet board......

Edited March 8, 2007 by ThaiGoon

[Dupont]

You guys really make me laugh, because you have been here a little while you think you know it all, you guys are the reason this forum has threads about the old school, I am telling you right know, I am doing business, very good business, our contract is already signed for Hat Yai, we start in three months time, just come and see us, in fact, I will even put on a coach for you guys. Don't assume you know everything.

And how dare I argue with such know all’s like yourselves, get bloody real.... I’m an investor not a bloody fester

Why ask for advice and then knock it?

Is it "empty vessels make most noise" or "pride cometh before a fall" with you?... Time will tell.

Not learning Thai is a terrible mistake and a great slur on Thailand. The longer you stay here, the worse people will think of you, and the worse they will say about you, in front of you and you will never know!

With your attitude, you will have friends as long as you have money... and not a day longer.

Good luck to you if you think you can ignore long timers advice about the dangers of doing business over here. After all, you have one mouth and two ears. The idea (IMO) is so you can listen twice as much as you talk . Try it sometime!

[soundman]

Is this a joke or what?

You building contracts (in an industry barred so foreigners) from Chiang Mai to Hat Yai. Next you will telling us you have the contract for the new worl Trade Centre.

Sounding very very trollish, or just plain full of ......

Soundman.

[ThaiGoon]

The Army in Hat Yai had to go all the way to Chiang Mai to find a company run by a farang who can't speak Thai and is too lazy to learn it...to build their headquarters.

[solent01]

How come cdnvic understands what I am talking about (and can see the "family" connections) within a few posts, yet chownah, and soundman just want to stir the <deleted>, I don't give a monkeys what you two think, and sorry about ranting everyone, but its guys like this that make the rest of us not want to post, seems all they want to do is flame anyone that doesn't fit into their version of Thailand.

[solent01]

How come cdnvic understands what I am talking about (and can see the "family" connections) within a few posts, yet chownah, and soundman just want to stir the <deleted>, I don't give a monkeys what you two think, and sorry about ranting everyone, but its guys like this that make the rest of us not want to post, seems all they want to do is flame anyone that doesn't fit into their version of Thailand.

I never said they came to me, i said I am involved........ learn to read

[ThaiGoon]

Solent, you have to report your problems to AEC. I'm serious.

[dgoz]

Doing business here is beyond frustrating, it's ridiculous.

I leave for Cambodia next month and am quitting Thailand and it's corrupt and xenophobic people.

If you're a farang there's only one rule as far as the Thais are concerned; "Milk the b@#^ard for all he's worth, then,when another one comes along do it again".

The corruption ramps up to another level if a Farang is involved, that's why the OP is having more trouble than is usual. They wont be happy until you're busted and then they'll take over the half done project (and receive the full $ amount). This is common practice here. Use your money, expertise and know how and then dump you.

Internet forums such as this are invaluable, as there is now a resource for people to learn what Thailand's really like.

Being able to post candidly helps as people are often too embarrassed to talk about money or business in person.

[ThaiGoon]

Doing business here is beyond frustrating, it's ridiculous.

I leave for Cambodia next month and am quitting Thailand and it's corrupt and xenophobic people.

If you're a farang there's only one rule as far as the Thais are concerned; "Milk the b@#^ard for all he's worth, then,when another one comes along do it again".

The corruption ramps up to another level if a Farang is involved, that's why the OP is having more trouble than is usual. They wont be happy until you're busted and then they'll take over the half done project (and receive the full $ amount). This is common practice here. Use your money, expertise and know how and then dump you.

Internet forums such as this are invaluable, as there is now a resource for people to learn what Thailand's really like.

Being able to post candidly helps as people are often too embarrassed to talk about money or business in person.

Good luck in Cambodia. I'm sure it's paradise over there.

[solent01]

I posted this to express my experiences, now I am starting to agree with this thread http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=109187 this forum is full of stuck up <deleted>, go and poke it., you flamers, just because your life in Thailand and family isn’t the same as mine does not give you the right to the <deleted> your giving me,

I am with a very well connected family, I have contributed to the family an awful lot, we are now doing very good contracts, all I was expressing was my understanding on why a lot of contracts don’t get completed, or if they do, why they are bodged, if you flamers are the calibre of expats, then I hope you all get refused re-entry..

[ThaiGoon]

Solent, I'm not kidding. You should report your run-ins with the corrupt officials to AEC. It should do some good. Use all the connections your family has to make those officials pay!

Edited March 8, 2007 by ThaiGoon

[solent01]

Solent, I'm not kidding. You should report your run-ins with the corrupt officials to AEC. It should do some good. Use all the connections you family has to make those officials pay!

Thanks, but you know as well as I do now, that any serious thread is going to get flamed because of those who think they know all about Thailand, Thread closed.

[dgoz]

Doing business here is beyond frustrating, it's ridiculous.

I leave for Cambodia next month and am quitting Thailand and it's corrupt and xenophobic people.

If you're a farang there's only one rule as far as the Thais are concerned; "Milk the b@#^ard for all he's worth, then,when another one comes along do it again".

The corruption ramps up to another level if a Farang is involved, that's why the OP is having more trouble than is usual. They wont be happy until you're busted and then they'll take over the half done project (and receive the full $ amount). This is common practice here. Use your money, expertise and know how and then dump you.

Internet forums such as this are invaluable, as there is now a resource for people to learn what Thailand's really like.

Being able to post candidly helps as people are often too embarrassed to talk about money or business in person.

Good luck in Cambodia. I'm sure it's paradise over there.

It's certainly not at the moment, but at least they appreciate our investment and expertise.

For 10,000 baht I can get a 1 year biz visa with work permit attached. I can own my own biz and work hands on and direct and teach my staff. And if some lazy cashier or receptionist decides she doesn't want to turn up for work or can't handle being told what to do, no problem, I'll serve and write out the check bins myself, without the threat of a jealous Thai taking snap-shots of me and handing it to the police for a 50,000 baht "fine".

Last time I was in Cambodia I was amazed at the excellent level of service in most establishments compared to Thailand. This is because there is a Farang working there hands on directing and teaching (not necessarily serving). I know you can't comprehend it or believe it, but be assured, Cambodia will grow and grow as a tourist destination in the coming years at the expense of Thailand.

I'm not the only one moving managerial experience and $$$$. You'd better hope Thailand changes its thinking though. If Farang companies and investors start moving en masse it will only snowball, and then we'll see how you go without us.

[Johpa]

Ya know, if I were a Farang living in Thailand who did not speak any Thai and who did not need the money, I most certainly would not be operating a construction company that was taking away road contracts from a Thai owned construction company. You have been most fortunate if your only concern so far is paying out a little tea money.

I think your a little bit paranoid, I'm not, my interest are with my family, and they sure aren’t the type that would F you over, Thailand is a big country, don't think that all the storeys you hear are true for the whole country

And why do you think I am such a target, just because I'm not fluent? Do you think I don't have high powered friend that are Thai and speak English??

You are a potential target not because of your lack of Thai fluency, but because you are not Thai and I believe, if you are correct in stating that you are running a company, that as a previous poster noted, you are running a business in a sector that is not open to foreigners. So I do indeed hope your friends are "high-powered" and that you have, and understand the concept of having, a high-powered phuu yai.

I repeat, and I have far more experience in Thailand than yourself, I would not bother with such additional risks if I did not need the money.

[lannarebirth]

If I have to go, I just force myself to be polite and keep grinning like an idiot while I let my my staff do the talking.

Feels awful UG, but your right, this was the third time, but the only one I turned down. Mind you the Coffee is always good, and I love the barta, starts way high, my staff whisper in my ear, then I laugh out loud...... all ways get looks.........

Don't know why, but your post made me think of this:

"If you've been playing poker for half an hour and you still don't know who the patsy is, you're the patsy." --Warren Buffett

[ThaiGoon]

It's certainly not at the moment, but at least they appreciate our investment and expertise.

For 10,000 baht I can get a 1 year biz visa with work permit attached. I can own my own biz and work hands on and direct and teach my staff. And if some lazy cashier or receptionist decides she doesn't want to turn up for work or can't handle being told what to do, no problem, I'll serve and write out the check bins myself, without the threat of a jealous Thai taking snap-shots of me and handing it to the police for a 50,000 baht "fine".

Last time I was in Cambodia I was amazed at the excellent level of service in most establishments compared to Thailand. This is because there is a Farang working there hands on directing and teaching (not necessarily serving). I know you can't comprehend it or believe it, but be assured, Cambodia will grow and grow as a tourist destination in the coming years at the expense of Thailand.

I'm not the only one moving managerial experience and $$$$. You'd better hope Thailand changes its thinking though. If Farang companies and investors start moving en masse it will only snowball, and then we'll see how you go without us.

No offense, but I'm pretty sure Thailand will be quite all right without foreign investors who have to leave Thailand because it's cheaper to get a business visa with work permit in Cambodia.

Anyway, it was unfortunate that you couldn't find any good quality Thai staff to work with you. This might come as a shock to you, but those Thai people do exist. Not all Thais are what you described, and good luck to you in Cambodia.

[Wolfie]

Closed At OP's request