Officials To Inspect Business Licenses Of All Foreigner Owned Tourism Businesses In Phuket

[alstaxi]

One thing they don't grasp is that farang owned business, do not send the money out of Thailand, and usually bring money in, even if some of it is generated here. Regardless it is almost 100 % SPENT in Thailand.

The whinging comes from those who can't deliver,

but demand 'their share' for the shoddy product

they do try and foist on the unsuspecting.

If they had what people wanted, at a competitive price,

they would get the business without underhanded tactics.

The problem is how tightly or relaxed any definition of work is in Thailand. Basically, anything can be turned around and be claimed to not be related to work. Technically, doing anything outside your precise work address can break your work permit regulations. And as for volunteer work being classed as illegal, this in and of itself absolutely shoots the country in its own foot when there are probably many hundreds of qualified retired teachers who could teach junior school English, and would be happy to do so, but are not attracted to do so.

Does me, travelling by taxi taking some friends on a site seeing tour of Bangkok constitute being a tour guide. Technically, it probably does.

Are they going to pay you? If not, technically you are a volunteer.

But you can't legally volunteer for work in Thailand either.

You can ....if you have a work permit, but the entire process is so corrupt that making sense of it is impossible. You can do anything in Thailand if you know who to pay what, when.

[ableguy]

Yet another crack down, only in Thailand. BIB can get lists of where to collect more revenue.

[belg]

any hotline when you got scammed by tuk tuk and jetski maffia? mmhhh, guess not

let's blame all problems on the farangs...

thai's cant be part of the problem, right ?

[Soupdragon]

One thing they don't grasp is that farang owned business, do not send the money out of Thailand, and usually bring money in, even if some of it is generated here. Regardless it is almost 100 % SPENT in Thailand.

The whinging comes from those who can't deliver,

but demand 'their share' for the shoddy product

they do try and foist on the unsuspecting.

If they had what people wanted, at a competitive price,

they would get the business without underhanded tactics.

The problem is how tightly or relaxed any definition of work is in Thailand. Basically, anything can be turned around and be claimed to not be related to work. Technically, doing anything outside your precise work address can break your work permit regulations. And as for volunteer work being classed as illegal, this in and of itself absolutely shoots the country in its own foot when there are probably many hundreds of qualified retired teachers who could teach junior school English, and would be happy to do so, but are not attracted to do so.

Does me, travelling by taxi taking some friends on a site seeing tour of Bangkok constitute being a tour guide. Technically, it probably does.

Are they going to pay you? If not, technically you are a volunteer.

Work is work whether paid or voluntary. You still need a permit. Old link but illustrates the point.......

http://www.phuketgazette.net/archives/articles/2005/article4057.html

[angsta]

And so it begins.

Don't mess with the Phuket mafia/Police.

[kevvy]

Time for us "Farlangs" so say goodbye to Thailand and head for greener pastures.

MALAYSIA !!!! it has a 10 year visa program , can buy property in your name and many other benefits. called Malaysia my second home program

[oldsailor35]

Time for us "Farlangs" so say goodbye to Thailand and head for greener pastures.

Huh? Exactly why do I need leave TH?

Pease provide us with a list of your top five spots you are suggesting. Please bear in mind:

1. How delightful are the local people?

2. How reasonable is the place to live?

3. How food is the local cuisine?

4. What about the local women? Are they attractive? Open to relationships with foreigners?

It is fine to say you want to leave, but where to?

As for your last reason (women). All than well if you are a sex tourist or prefer the seedier side of Thailand but any decent Thai women wouldn't want want a bar of a farang guy.

That is such an insulting statement that i am thoroughly surprised that any mod would allow it to be posted. It is really inflammatory especially to many TV members here who are happily married to Thai ladies. My own lady has two uni degrees,has her own business, comes from a respectable middle class family in the south and they treat me with respect. Not all thai wives have had this privilege in their lives, but there many of them who are good hard working loving family wives. You really need to apoligise to these ladies. I am frankly 'pissed off' with your ignorant statement, and am sure that there will be many others in TV who would feel the same as i do.

Edited February 1, 2013 by oldsailor35

[Maseratimartin]

If there really is a "Russian Mafia" in Thailand... then I expect things to heat up for these taxi/tuk tuk thugs.. From everything I read and hear, you really don't want to piss off the "Russian Mafia"..

Correct...if the thais reach the limit they will feel a brutal wind blowing in their faces...

[starkey_rich]

There was a story ,I think it was in on one of the sites that can not be named on here about the Bang Toa/Cherng Thalay taxi scum building an office illegally on government land or something like that.Just wondering if they are still operating from there and if so WHY?

As it is ILLEGAL

[dasy]

Time for us "Farlangs" so say goodbye to Thailand and head for greener pastures.

and that is where?

Place called Neverland where we never have to grow up and van have fun with Tinker, Peter Pan and the lost boys

[kevvy]

Time for us "Farlangs" so say goodbye to Thailand and head for greener pastures.

Huh? Exactly why do I need leave TH?

Pease provide us with a list of your top five spots you are suggesting. Please bear in mind:

1. How delightful are the local people?

2. How reasonable is the place to live?

3. How food is the local cuisine?

4. What about the local women? Are they attractive? Open to relationships with foreigners?

It is fine to say you want to leave, but where to?

As for your last reason (women). All than well if you are a sex tourist or prefer the seedier side of Thailand but any decent Thai women wouldn't want want a bar of a farang guy.

my wife doesn't want a bar of a Thai man She is a decent lady and came from a decent family , she is a manager in the car industry , so for you to say that decent Thai women dont want a bar of farang man is an insult to my wife and all decent Thai ladies. Maybe you cant get a decent women as you are one of the ones who come here for the sleazy side of Thailand

[dopenhagen]

I dont even know where to begin, if Thai people had respect for themselves (and others) they would distance themselves from this scum... but their ridiculous and unfounded pride in being Thai gets in the way of doing anything about the real problems...

Its easy to loose faith in this country, however they have been doing what they are doing for centuries, and apparently they are doing pretty well...

[chrisrazz]

The issues as I see them. The taxi 'mob' pay the politicians, the politicians in return, maintain the status quo. The big difference between locals and foreigners is that the locals have the all the 'rights' and the right to vote, so, firstly by accepting the 'mob' money the pollies are obligated to be seen to do something, and secondly, the pollies need to keep the locals onside for their votes. I imagine that if the numbers of Thai migrant workers throughout the south were given the right to vote in the location of their work, there would be a signicantly different political landscape.

As for harassment of foreigners and their businesses, a nice handy scapegoat to be exploited to the fullest. Thailand and Thais need to understand that without the tourism, places like Phuket etc would fairly similar to the majority of towns and villages in the north and northeast.

[muratremix]

Its easy for you folks to talk the other side of medallion from far far away.

These russian companies only sell products / services to Russians. They are not competing with other companies, in fact they are working private for russian people only. You may see dead sea cosmetics sold to Thais and tourists by Russian ladies in Bangkok, but that is different.

They write only in russian to their shops, you have no idea what does it say. Maybe it is a private casino? Who knows? They sell properties, houses (no idea how? maybe leasehold?), condos all written in Russian, no english or Thai.

Think again like this: They came here, they use hospitality of Thailand, but would like to keep money off themselves by participating closed-circuit tourism. This type of tourism business is not acceptable at anywhere in the world.

[Kananga]

Its easy for you folks to talk the other side of medallion from far far away.

These russian companies only sell products / services to Russians. They are not competing with other companies, in fact they are working private for russian people only. You may see dead sea cosmetics sold to Thais and tourists by Russian ladies in Bangkok, but that is different.

They write only in russian to their shops, you have no idea what does it say. Maybe it is a private casino? Who knows? They sell properties, houses (no idea how? maybe leasehold?), condos all written in Russian, no english or Thai.

Think again like this: They came here, they use hospitality of Thailand, but would like to keep money off themselves by participating closed-circuit tourism. This type of tourism business is not acceptable at anywhere in the world.

I'd like to book a taxi from Karon to Kata Noi. I'm not willing to pay more than 1000 baht. What time can you swing by and pick me up?

[stevenl]

Its easy for you folks to talk the other side of medallion from far far away.

These russian companies only sell products / services to Russians. They are not competing with other companies, in fact they are working private for russian people only. You may see dead sea cosmetics sold to Thais and tourists by Russian ladies in Bangkok, but that is different.

They write only in russian to their shops, you have no idea what does it say. Maybe it is a private casino? Who knows? They sell properties, houses (no idea how? maybe leasehold?), condos all written in Russian, no english or Thai.

Think again like this: They came here, they use hospitality of Thailand, but would like to keep money off themselves by participating closed-circuit tourism. This type of tourism business is not acceptable at anywhere in the world.

I'd like to book a taxi from Karon to Kata Noi. I'm not willing to pay more than 1000 baht. What time can you swing by and pick me up?

Just tell me when and I'll be there for 1,000 Baht. And I'll give it to my wife afterwards, so it goes directly into the Thai economy.

[pagallim]

This type of tourism business is not acceptable at anywhere in the world.

Actually, it is. If a business is legally registered, and complying with local employment laws (work permits/visas etc) then in most countries it is perfectly legal and proper to conduct a business that targets specific customers (in this case Russian speaking people). Most countries term this as 'competition'. If Thai or other foreign owned businesses wish to target the same market (in this case Russian), then they should obtain the services of a Russian translator and market their products in a competitive way.

Businesses that have signage that is only in Russian are no different than those that are only in Thai, English, or any other language.

What you are also describing would, again in most places of the world, be termed as 'discrimination'. Seeking to stop specific nationalities of people from conducting legitimate business is wrong and discriminatory, and as with dual pricing of products in Thailand such as entrance to National Parks, tickets to Fantasea, ferry tickets etc etc, would be subject to legal action.

Put these two words in a safe place and learn and understand them: 'Competition', 'Discrimination'.

Edited February 1, 2013 by pagallim

[dopenhagen]

its weakness that leads to defensive behavior... obviously Thai business men are not confident, and for a good reason... because the business they operate can not possibly survive open market dynamics, everyone knows perfectly well that the offering from Thai operators leaves a lot to be desired, particularly when most Russians dont even speak English... and Thai the same... its unfair to tourists that the Thai are too lazy to learn foreign languages and then denies operators who tries to fill the demand access to the market... the fact that the corrupt central government as well as the INSANELY corrupt Phuket administration provides the means for this is not a surprise, but certainly it should be the demise of Thailand as a tourist destination.

I just wish more people would boycot Thailand, find alternative destinations and through market dynamics force Thais to adhere to the rules of business they impose of foreigners.

[sandpaper]

Time for us "Farlangs" so say goodbye to Thailand and head for greener pastures.

Good luck with finding another country where you can get a decent ride, fresh curry and a beer for under 20 quid.

That would be Vietnam.

[PaulHamon]

Does me, travelling by taxi taking some friends on a site seeing tour of Bangkok constitute being a tour guide. Technically, it probably does.

Are they going to pay you? If not, technically you are a volunteer.

Being a volunteer is illegal here without a work pemit.

[davejones]

One thing they don't grasp is that farang owned business, do not send the money out of Thailand, and usually bring money in, even if some of it is generated here. Regardless it is almost 100 % SPENT in Thailand.

The whinging comes from those who can't deliver,

but demand 'their share' for the shoddy product

they do try and foist on the unsuspecting.

If they had what people wanted, at a competitive price,

they would get the business without underhanded tactics.

Does me, travelling by taxi taking some friends on a site seeing tour of Bangkok constitute being a tour guide. Technically, it probably does.

No it doesn't. They are your friends. But if you're charging your friends, then you are being a tour guide. But it's being a bit silly saying you'd be a tour guide by taking friends around town. Bordering on paranoia.

[berg1666]

Its easy for you folks to talk the other side of medallion from far far away.

These russian companies only sell products / services to Russians. They are not competing with other companies, in fact they are working private for russian people only. You may see dead sea cosmetics sold to Thais and tourists by Russian ladies in Bangkok, but that is different.

They write only in russian to their shops, you have no idea what does it say. Maybe it is a private casino? Who knows? They sell properties, houses (no idea how? maybe leasehold?), condos all written in Russian, no english or Thai.

Think again like this: They came here, they use hospitality of Thailand, but would like to keep money off themselves by participating closed-circuit tourism. This type of tourism business is not acceptable at anywhere in the world.

All mass exporting tourist markets (Russians to Thailand, Koreans and Chinese to NZ, the Japanese in Australia) try as hard as they can to run closed circuits. They sell the package tour in the source country, then own the accommodation in the destination country, take the tourists to specific restaurants and souvenir shops where the tour operator gets a cut etc. etc.

It's not just a Thai phenomenon, it's how mass tourism operates globally. Par for the course, as they say.

The only way it gets broken is when either

A: there is a large number of tourists who learn the language of the destination country, so they don't need to rely on the tour brokers or

B: there are a large number of tourism operators in the destination country who learn the language of the tourists, so again the tourists don't need to rely on the tour brokers.

Oh, and the local tourism providers develop a reputation for fairness and honesty. Otherwise no matter how badly they get ripped off by their home country package tour seller, the mass tourism pre-packaged bus coach type tourists will stick with their own. Just human nature really.

Edited February 1, 2013 by berg1666

[davejones]

Time for us "Farlangs" so say goodbye to Thailand and head for greener pastures.

MALAYSIA !!!! it has a 10 year visa program , can buy property in your name and many other benefits. called Malaysia my second home program

I wish the people who keep saying they are going to leave would actually leave. Don't understand why you are all still here if you hate it so much.

[terryp]

Why should they need to inspect any licence?; They are all numbered and on file with the relevant Government office that issued them LINKED to the COMPANY papers...so it would be a Government licencing official at fault or the Company directors if there are licences being misused ,

Thailand is so full of morals, that is why the systems here is so corrupt from the top down …how about cleaning out all the corrupt officials, Police , Government etc etc …but that would affect the Thais also??? So it will never happen.

Thailand the most hypocritical on the planet...A Buddhist Country that is the bigest joke of all

[Kananga]

Time for us "Farlangs" so say goodbye to Thailand and head for greener pastures.

Good luck with finding another country where you can get a decent ride, fresh curry and a beer for under 20 quid.

That would be Vietnam.

Or Malaysia, Or Cambodia and in the not to distant future Myanmar too.

[RogueLeader]

If there really is a "Russian Mafia" in Thailand... then I expect things to heat up for these taxi/tuk tuk thugs.. From everything I read and hear, you really don't want to piss off the "Russian Mafia"..

Correct...if the thais reach the limit they will feel a brutal wind blowing in their faces...

If that's the case, Thai police should remove all Russian business owners from Phuket immediately and without explanation. You absolutely cannot afford to have foreign criminal gangs controlling your economy. It's the first step to becoming a vassal state. Ask the Indians and Burmese who remember the Raj.

[davejones]

Its easy for you folks to talk the other side of medallion from far far away.

These russian companies only sell products / services to Russians. They are not competing with other companies, in fact they are working private for russian people only. You may see dead sea cosmetics sold to Thais and tourists by Russian ladies in Bangkok, but that is different.

They write only in russian to their shops, you have no idea what does it say. Maybe it is a private casino? Who knows? They sell properties, houses (no idea how? maybe leasehold?), condos all written in Russian, no english or Thai.

Think again like this: They came here, they use hospitality of Thailand, but would like to keep money off themselves by participating closed-circuit tourism. This type of tourism business is not acceptable at anywhere in the world.

I don't understand your logic. These tour companies bring 1000s of visitors every month, and it certainly helps the local economy. If they are selling property, as you say, then that is certainly being built by Thai companies. Also, the land was bought from Thai people/companies, so that is money back into the Thai economy. And they are buying food and drinks while they are. Even if they buy at Russian restaurants, all the fruit and vegetables will most likely come from Thai markets. And the people that run the companies live here, so they spend most of their profits here.

What's the alternative? Shut them all down and let the tourists go to another country where they feel more welcome?

Maybe you could let us know what your solution is.

[BTM]

Time for us "Farlangs" so say goodbye to Thailand and head for greener pastures.

and that is where?

Philippines, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar....

Ok, well its your opinion, but not mine having been to all of these places.

PI.. food is terrible IMHO and it has an American undertone which I find annoying.

Cambodia.. Ridiculously expensive real estate and 20 years behind the times in relation to hospitals & schools IMHO

Vietnam is far from living a free life..

Myanmar - open to ideas and yes in the near future you might be right. At the moment a little to primitive to move a family there.

IMHO ofcourse

[davejones]

Why should they need to inspect any licence?; They are all numbered and on file with the relevant Government office that issued them LINKED to the COMPANY papers...so it would be a Government licencing official at fault or the Company directors if there are licences being misused ,

That's not true. A company could just set up shop without a licence. They only way to find out is to check. A government official doesn't have time to travel around every street, every day, and check every building just to see if a shop opened illegally. Don't see why you say it's the fault of a government official. Try thinking through what you said logically. You'll see (hopefully) that it doesn't make sense.

[hhiser]

Apparently free enterprise competition=causing trouble, in Thailand.

ASEAN here we come!