State Of Emergency

[Korat Correct]

I have been advised that if a State of Emergency is called unsecured funds can be confiscated.Money in a bank account is exempted. Anyone know of this happening in the past?

[jts-khorat]

I have been advised that if a State of Emergency is called unsecured funds can be confiscated.Money in a bank account is exempted. Anyone know of this happening in the past?

What do you understand under "unsecured funds", if not the money in your bank account??

I would rather worry, that the Thai Baht and the economy will crash, as in 1997, if the Thais do not handle this turmoil on the quick; already a lot of corporate customers (conventions etc) are cancelling Bangkok because of possible unrest and instability.

As far as I know, even in 1992 the Thai government did not confiscate any funds and in the current situation there seems to be not much reason for it.

[Gary A]

I wish someone would tell the baht that it is SUPPOSED to be weakening.

[Korat Correct]

unsecured funds includes cash in your home or safe.

[boppia]

Just a note.

Has anyone noticed that there are a lot of empty billboards around BKK? This seems to be something that has been going on for a few months. Either there is just too much supply of billboards or advertisers are cutting back. The economy may be softening despite the current political climate here.

[Korat Correct]

On the subject of the strength of the baht against the dollar and pound,which is affecting all our exchanges,I should point out that there are interesting developments at foot.

There is a movement away from the petrodollar. Several Middle-Eastern countries have announced that a % of their reserves will now be held in Euro's not dollars. Large players will become increasingly nervous about holding their currency reserves in dollars. There could be a run on the dollar,so sell early. The pound could be dragged under due to the close links and Britains uncertain economic position.( Only 15% of our income comes from manufacturing now. 80% comes from property and the retail industry.) ( Our oil and gas reserves are falling rapidly)

A collapse in the dollar would create an inflationary pressure in the US who depend on their $750billion annual deficit being maintained by those holding up the dollar.

Now How much of Thailand's Baht is supported by the dollar? Good question? Answers on a postcard please,but China and India have been steadily reducing their dependency on the dollar.

It is suggested that there is a major turning point in the world economy.Not because of something the Iranians did but what the US has done to the Middle East.

This is not an advisory service but I hope it helps you to consider which currency to hold your reserves in and which not to.

IF Thailand's Baht is heavily linked to the dollar then expect inflationary pressure here too. Under those circumstances current incomes will have a reduced exchange value, the baht will be worth less and prices will rise.

We all know what happened to the Lawson era in Britain. High inflation meant property,and other prices doubled until the bust in 1990.

If Thailand has a massive balance of payments deficit too, then expect some belt tightening. Look at the recent increases in Thailands fuel prices. That's inflationary in itself.

In the short term land and property purchased wisely looks the safest bet, with spare cash in Euro's held off shore,but don't quote me. I repeat this is not an advisory service and my crystal ball may be cloudy.

Your guess will probably be as good or better than mine.