Jitters

[pepi1]

Don't get me wrong, I am normally a positive guy but constantly get the jitters when considering retiring to Thailand.

Should be the perfect life,apart from the B---dy! 90 visits to Imm.

I am aware now of many properties that can't sell and are open to big discounts.

Many people seem to be fed up with rules that appear to change on a weekly basis and want out.

Does the Thai Gov. want us or not?

I have two other friends in th UK, both prof.who are also worried about investing in Thailand.

Worried that if after they take the 'plunge' Rules change an wind up like many others there trying to get out and recoup some losses.

Any comments?

[johnsurin]

Don't get me wrong, I am normally a positive guy but constantly get the jitters when considering retiring to Thailand.

Should be the perfect life,apart from the B---dy! 90 visits to Imm.

I am aware now of many properties that can't sell and are open to big discounts.

Many people seem to be fed up with rules that appear to change on a weekly basis and want out.

Does the Thai Gov. want us or not?

I have two other friends in th UK, both prof.who are also worried about investing in Thailand.

Worried that if after they take the 'plunge' Rules change an wind up like many others there trying to get out and recoup some losses.

Any comments?

Move there, rent a property, minimal damage!

[glenbat]

What Johnsurin said... and adopt me and take me with you

[solent01]

I don't think there is much to worry about, but as the above have already said, if your unsure rent and test the water.

[Pepe']

Don't get me wrong, I am normally a positive guy but constantly get the jitters when considering retiring to Thailand.

Should be the perfect life,apart from the B---dy! 90 visits to Imm.

I am aware now of many properties that can't sell and are open to big discounts.

Many people seem to be fed up with rules that appear to change on a weekly basis and want out.

Does the Thai Gov. want us or not?

I have two other friends in th UK, both prof.who are also worried about investing in Thailand.

Worried that if after they take the 'plunge' Rules change an wind up like many others there trying to get out and recoup some losses.

Any comments?

----------------------------------

Hi Pepi,

I posted a thread some time ago, I think the title was No longer dreaming of retiring in Thailand/ The land I love.

I got quite a bit of flack over that but my feeling are stronger than ever not to retire there. Despite the fact that I've got good connectionsand family and friends in Samut Sakorn.

It was a dream and I have always been a pretty adventurous guy. However retiring in Thailand just seems like a bad play to me right now.

It is and will probably always be my favorite vacation spot and play ground.

Remember rule #1 Never, ever take a Thai seriously. From my buddy living there since 1964.

It works quite well actually. Try it.

Good Health,

Pepe

[KhunMarco]

Why buy? ..why? why? oh why? Come here, rent a nice place, enjoy and relax.

There isn't a single advantage in buying, zero, nada. The government don't give a crap, no benefit if you buy.

Just take a look around and consider what a crappy place your investment becomes in five years

No zoning, rules rarely enforced, crappy management, bla bla

You rent, when something goes wrong you simply move in a new place, no problema!

If the gov. decide you are unwanted , you just say, fcuck you! I'm going to spend my money elsewhere, take that!

[Pepe']

Why buy? ..why? why? oh why? Come here, rent a nice place, enjoy and relax.

There isn't a single advantage in buying, zero, nada. The government don't give a crap, no benefit if you buy.

Just take a look around and consider what a crappy place your investment becomes in five years

No zoning, rules rarely enforced, crappy management, bla bla

You rent, when something goes wrong you simply move in a new place, no problema!

If the gov. decide you are unwanted , you just say, fcuck you! I'm going to spend my money elsewhere, take that!

--------------------------

Great minds think alike....

[Loz]

I'm with Khun Marco on this one.

Why buy? EVERY horror story I have heard or read has been about someone who was so sure everything was pwerfect and his gf/wife loved him so much he had nothing to worry about. Then one day He's shafted and lost all the material things he took so much pride in owning only to find out he didn't!

To have opened this thread you have to agree you must be risk adverse so do the sensible thing and rent. No risk, everything is in your favour. Remember houses are not an investment over here!

[ThaiGoon]

Foreigners can legally buy and own a condo in Thailand, but not a piece of land or a house. There's also zoning regualtions in place. You can see how they are evidently being enforced by looking that CBD's in areas like Suan Lum, Lang Suan, Chitlom and Sathorn where skyscrappers are propping up.

[ThaiGoon]

http://nationmultimedia.com/2007/04/09/bus...ss_30031432.php

RESORT CONDOS

Overseas buyers to fuel boom

Foreigners expected to take sizeable share of new condominium market

Property experts believe foreign buyers will snap up a significant chunk of the Bt40 billion worth of new condominiums completed or coming on the market in resort destinations.

Sansiri will manage the J&W project. President Srettha Thavisin said demand for resort condominiums has grown enormously among foreign buyers looking for holiday homes. Popular locations are Hua Hin, Phuket and Pattaya.

Condominiums are the most popular option for foreigners, because of ownership laws and shared maintenance and security expenses.

As at December 2006 the average Pattaya per-square-metre price was up 29 per cent compared with the same period in 2005.

Most Phuket properties offer sea views and beach access but only a few are beachfront. As at December, the average selling price in Phuket was up 59.3 per cent from the previous year - a strong rebound by the post-tsunami market.

There is limited new supply but buyers like the lower average prices. Sales forerunners include beachfront developments like Las Tortugas, Baan Saunrimsai and Baan Chaan Talay, all by developers with a good track record in Hua Hin. The average per-square-metre price as at December 2006 was Bt62,990 - up 16.9 per cent from 2005.

Edited April 9, 2007 by ThaiGoon

[solent01]

The end result, to quote so many well educated Expats, don't invest more than you can afford to loose, myself, I live in Chiang Mai, when I go to Bangkok, I go to my own home, like wise when I go to Pattaya, I go to my own home, in all my years I have never had a problem, I guess it depends on how you buy your house or structure your company, I'm looking forward to many more years in Thailand.

[KhunMarco]

http://nationmultimedia.com/2007/04/09/bus...ss_30031432.php

RESORT CONDOS

Overseas buyers to fuel boom

Foreigners expected to take sizeable share of new condominium market

Property experts believe foreign buyers will snap up a significant chunk of the Bt40 billion worth of new condominiums completed or coming on the market in resort destinations.

Sansiri will manage the J&W project. President Srettha Thavisin said demand for resort condominiums has grown enormously among foreign buyers looking for holiday homes. Popular locations are Hua Hin, Phuket and Pattaya.

Condominiums are the most popular option for foreigners, because of ownership laws and shared maintenance and security expenses.

As at December 2006 the average Pattaya per-square-metre price was up 29 per cent compared with the same period in 2005.

Most Phuket properties offer sea views and beach access but only a few are beachfront. As at December, the average selling price in Phuket was up 59.3 per cent from the previous year - a strong rebound by the post-tsunami market.

There is limited new supply but buyers like the lower average prices. Sales forerunners include beachfront developments like Las Tortugas, Baan Saunrimsai and Baan Chaan Talay, all by developers with a good track record in Hua Hin. The average per-square-metre price as at December 2006 was Bt62,990 - up 16.9 per cent from 2005.

What a load of BS

Lol it doesn't take a genius to understand people don't buy in the middle of a coup, the market is booming

But whatever you want to believe or make to believe... it's not your money after all.

[ThaiGoon]

Lol it doesn't take a genius to understand people don't buy in the middle of a coup.

You yourself might not buy anything, but others do.

Here's another example:

http://nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/r...newsid=30031480

More than 13,000 orders placed at motor show

Toyota topped the bestseller list with almost 3,900 vehiฌcles sold after the Bangkok International Motor Show wrapped up on Sunday.

Trailing Toyota was Isuzu at 1,863 units, Honda at 1,323 units while Chevrolet clocked up 1,306 sales and Mitsubishi 1,119.

According to show organisers more than 13,000 orders were placed at the 10day event.

More than Bt10 billion is believed to have changed hands at the 10day auto extravaganza.

Show chairman Dr Prachin Eamlumnow said sales were positive despite a slowing economy and gloomy political atmosphere.

..........

Actually in real estate, IMO, it's pretty wise to buy when the economy is down and you have money. Because you definitely can make profit when the economy starts to pick up and the value of real estate property rises again.

[solent01]

Marco, I don't understand what your saying, people with money are buying, within the next two or three years, the property market is going to increase ten fold, right now is the time to buy........ Buy it when its cheap, cause its going up very soon, I give it eighteen months, then watch the market, you'll wish you did.

[ThaiGoon]

Marco, I don't understand what your saying, people with money are buying, within the next two or three years, the property market is going to increase ten fold, right now is the time to buy........ Buy it when its cheap, cause its going up very soon, I give it eighteen months, then watch the market, you'll wish you did.

Actually, if you are broke and have grave concerns whether Baht will appreciate from 34.96 to 34.94 per dollar tomorrow, buying a real estate property in Thailand might be the least of your priority. I agree.

Edited April 9, 2007 by ThaiGoon

[solent01]

Marco, I don't understand what your saying, people with money are buying, within the next two or three years, the property market is going to increase ten fold, right now is the time to buy........ Buy it when its cheap, cause its going up very soon, I give it eighteen months, then watch the market, you'll wish you did.

Actually, if you are broke and have grave concerns whether Baht will appreciate from 34.96 to 34.94 per dollar tomorrow. Buying a real estate property in Thailand might the least of your priority. I agree.

But I did say, "people with money", no disrespect meant, but I don't give a flying F about the exchange, there is money to be made, if your that worried about the baht, then sorry I'm talking out of turn, but I did state "people with money".

[ThaiGoon]

But I did say, "people with money", no disrespect meant, but I don't give a flying F about the exchange, there is money to be made, if your that worried about the baht, then sorry I'm talking out of turn, but I did state "people with money".

I do agree with you then.

Edited April 9, 2007 by ThaiGoon

[Nebukanezar]

Rent, definetly rent if your jittery. I'm about as sure as I ever will be about living here and buying...that being said I'm getting a 30yr mortgage in my fiance's name and making minimum payments just to be on the safe side and not tie up a big chunk of $$$$ at once. You really can't go wrong in this way. If the Dollar strengthens then you only lost your down payment and some interest payments on a crap exchange and you can double payments on your principle during times of plenty. If the Baht strengthens further it will sting a lil but no more than renting would. If you have marital problems and you need to split, then your only out of the down payment and the monthly payments not the whole home and land, let her pay it off if she wants it so bad...

AND Home & Land.. not just a cramped condo, you can have your own place. I intend on buying land around the new airport and having my soon to be Father-in-Law Design an all wood large Thai Style Home, elevated off the ground with decorative serene landscaping flaunting old school classic Thai looks and modern amenities.... Its what keeps me going working months at a time in Iraq.

[KhunMarco]

Look, the problem here is that I'm not stupid nor broke, first Thaigoon posts a piece where it is stated that a lot of stuff costs much more than last year before the coup and demand is increasing, now you both are stating that proprieties are cheaper and it's time to buy, than the piece about the car show (what the heck it's got to do with foreign investments).

I'm not saying that the economy wont pick up again in the future, I don't know and you don't know for sure unless you have a crystal ball, buying in a bear market can be rewarding indeed but it is a risky business that requires "broad shoulder" and "deep pockets".

Imho in this climate of uncertainty it's better to wait and see.

And again if you have the money there are better places to invest in terms of risk management.

Anyone interested in Dominican Republic bonds 19% ROI a year?

Edited April 9, 2007 by KhunMarco

[bingobongo]

Lol it doesn't take a genius to understand people don't buy in the middle of a coup.

You yourself might not buy anything, but others do.

Here's another example:

http://nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/r...newsid=30031480

More than 13,000 orders placed at motor show

Toyota topped the bestseller list with almost 3,900 vehiฌcles sold after the Bangkok International Motor Show wrapped up on Sunday.

Trailing Toyota was Isuzu at 1,863 units, Honda at 1,323 units while Chevrolet clocked up 1,306 sales and Mitsubishi 1,119.

According to show organisers more than 13,000 orders were placed at the 10day event.

More than Bt10 billion is believed to have changed hands at the 10day auto extravaganza.

Show chairman Dr Prachin Eamlumnow said sales were positive despite a slowing economy and gloomy political atmosphere.

..........

Actually in real estate, IMO, it's pretty wise to buy when the economy is down and you have money. Because you definitely can make profit when the economy starts to pick up and the value of real estate property rises again.

yes, debt makes people very stupid........

ECONOMY

Pressuremounts for large rates cut

Industry leaders warn confidence, spending badly need stimulating

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/04/10...es_30031546.php

[solent01]

Mr Marco, please forgive my arrogance, I have very deep pockets, but having said that, I do believe if you have money to spend, you will do very well spending it in Thailand, just do your home work first, spend it wisely, safeguard your investment, its not impossible to do, just keep your eyes open.

[Naam]

Anyone interested in Dominican Republic bonds 19% ROI a year?

i'd very much interested. unfortunately the yields of the three existing DomRep bonds are much lower:

7,207%, 8,21%, 9,008%

[KhunMarco]

Anyone interested in Dominican Republic bonds 19% ROI a year?

i'd very much interested. unfortunately the yields of the three existing DomRep bonds are much lower:

7,207%, 8,21%, 9,008%

Ouch, but they told me it was a sure thing at 19%, bloody brokers...

Jokes aside they are called commercial paper 10-20% yearly.

if you are interested google for Banco Global in Santo Domingo or Ascot Advisors , risky stuff, but as they say no pain no gain

Edited April 9, 2007 by KhunMarco

[KhunMarco]

Mr Marco, please forgive my arrogance, I have very deep pockets, but having said that, I do believe if you have money to spend, you will do very well spending it in Thailand, just do your home work first, spend it wisely, safeguard your investment, its not impossible to do, just keep your eyes open.

I'm sure it is possible, but here we have a guy who wants to retire here not Gordon Gekko in disguise

[solent01]

So very true, as a prospector you have to read trough the bull, and see the end result.

Edit......

@ the OP, stay where you are for now, build the collateral, when you can, invest. up to you where, maybe just UK, but invest all the same, then relax.

Edited April 9, 2007 by solent01

[solent01]

And Mr Marco, I'm not going to apologise for being successful, I have already said sorry for being arrogant, that is enough, as you say Gordon Gekko....... hahaha, no, that is being too rich with no thought at all about the people around you. I love the fact that I have retired at a young age, but it was not with out very hard work, and the biggest gambles a man can ever take in his life, it could have easily ended up with me being on income support, I simply chose to gamble, and I won.

[onzestan]

And Mr Marco, I'm not going to apologise for being successful, I have already said sorry for being arrogant, that is enough, as you say Gordon Gekko....... hahaha, no, that is being too rich with no thought at all about the people around you. I love the fact that I have retired at a young age, but it was not with out very hard work, and the biggest gambles a man can ever take in his life, it could have easily ended up with me being on income support, I simply chose to gamble, and I won.

Good for you,

Maybe you were lucky, or maybe you know the game better than most of us.

However there are a lot more people that gambled and lost, than winners, and thats why casinos make so much money.

It's much easier to make money when you have money and can afford to take some risks.

Some of us can't afford to take any.

Cheers

onzestan

[Furbie]

I wrestle with the “buy” question all the time. The concerns I have are:

- I don’t see the buildings here holding up very well over time.

- Rent is so cheap, it bares little relation to current purchase prices.

- The “land boom” being described is in a limited number of areas.

- Most property here does not appreciate very well.

Generally speaking, a property purchase is a long-term purchase for most people and not merely an investment. I suppose if I felt I could buy a decent property (ie condo), get more equity, trade up to a better property and so on every 7 years or so, that may be worthwhile – but I just don’t trust the property market here. The people who make money on condos here are the people who flip the new developments.

[solent01]

And Mr Marco, I'm not going to apologise for being successful, I have already said sorry for being arrogant, that is enough, as you say Gordon Gekko....... hahaha, no, that is being too rich with no thought at all about the people around you. I love the fact that I have retired at a young age, but it was not with out very hard work, and the biggest gambles a man can ever take in his life, it could have easily ended up with me being on income support, I simply chose to gamble, and I won.

Good for you,

Maybe you were lucky, or maybe you know the game better than most of us.

However there are a lot more people that gambled and lost, than winners, and thats why casinos make so much money.

It's much easier to make money when you have money and can afford to take some risks.

Some of us can't afford to take any.

Cheers

onzestan

Mr Onz, I think you are taking my words to the literal sense, when I say gamble, I don't mean with cards or casinos, rather the life style I chose (I had to work 18 hour days, 7 days a week) when putting everything I owned and could raise on the line with property during the height of a recession, (I'm sure you understand) during such times property is at it cheapest, yet interest rates at the highest, I made a forecast on the market and it paid off, but it could have easily backfired, and seen me bankrupt (loosing everything I had been working towards). What I am now seeing in Thailand, is similar, there are many Farang that need to sell and "escape", if one has the funds, now is a great time to bargain hunt. If your funds are sufficient and time is not an issue you can make huge returns.

Edited April 10, 2007 by solent01

[helicoptor]

Marco, I don't understand what your saying, people with money are buying, within the next two or three years, the property market is going to increase ten fold, right now is the time to buy........ Buy it when its cheap, cause its going up very soon, I give it eighteen months, then watch the market, you'll wish you did.

And what colour is the moon where you live

An associate of mine has just sold an excellent property in a secured development he purchased for 4 million baht 5 years ago .... for 4 million