No wonder why some end up with financial problems!

[khunpa]

Was in Bangkok Bank today with my girlfriend, to fix some issues related to our joint business. While there, I asked about the banks conditions, if we wanted to purchase a house together. Quickly we are passed on to the branches "expert" related to that. A non-english speaking senior employee.

The woman quickly explains that general conditions in regards to down payment etc. and my girlfriend acts as semi-translator. I then ask about ownership and explains to her that if we want to buy property, then we will do it in our joint company name and not in my girlfriends name. The bank woman looks VERY surprised over why I would want it done that way.

I explained to her, that if we buy a house in only my girlfriends name, problems can arise if we at some point break up. Problems like e.g.:

1) I leave her and she is left alone with the monthly payments, which she will not be able to pay.

2) She throws me out of the house, which I have paid my fair share of and then I would have nothing.

(After all, have we seen this happening before?)

Anyway, what really surprised me, was the reaction of my statements towards not buying a house in my girlfriends name only. She actually started laughing at me and said: "But you love each other, why do you not trust your girlfriend"... Never in my life, have I experienced a more stupid and ignorant answer from a senior bank person.

The whole situation became more and more stupid and surreal, as I had to tell sit and explain that this senior bank-woman, that this was not about trust, but simply about being SMART. I also told her, that I could not see how it could be in the banks interest to make a setup, that in the long-run could give problems to the bank and us as customers. But again... every adult oriented argument from my side, was followed by a childish stupid reaction (laughing / joking) and she started make fun of me being scared and distrustful.

Quite honestly, I have NEVER in my entire life experienced anything like it from what should be a professional bank person. In any other country, I would have been respected for my ability to think ahead of time and want to ensure both of us financially. However, I felt like I was talking to a kid and not an adult. I my own country, I would have said directly "Are you fxxxxking stupid or what?", but being in Thailand I of course have to keep the fxxxked up "lose face" concept in mind, so I acted Thai and just "smiled" and said nothing more, since this woman was clearly unable to understand common sense. The situation actually came to a point, where my girlfriend started to feel embarrassed on both our behalf's. I really did not care, I just thought the whole situation was stupid and surreal.

So you leave the bank, with the burnt in anger, were you feel like you feel you have done and said everything right - but no matter even how logical things seem a Thai person can always mess things completely up. Something completely logic and serious, can be turned into a joke or stupid smiling and laughing - especially if that subject is something the Thai-person does not fully understand.

The bank-woman clearly did not understand the rules here in Thailand related to farangs buying property. So instead of trying to actually learn something or keep and open mind, she turn the situation into a joke and tried to make a joke out of what I said. Anyway, for sure I will never ever talk with this woman, should I decide to once buy a house or anything else here with my girlfriend. But after this, I can easily imagine why farangs and also their Thai-girlfriends/wifes can get into financial trouble here.

The level of stupid people in important positions in this country is truly amazing. I have personally experienced this, not only with other bank employees but also with lawyers etc. Sometimes you feel like this country is mainly populated with adult people, that have the mindset of children. And the Thai "lose face" concept and not wanting to keep an open mind or learning anything new, can really turn out to your disadvantage in especially financial and legal matters, if you are not careful.

Edited November 8, 2013 by khunpa

[casindonet]

TiT....explains everything.

Sent from my GT-I9200 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[FiftyTwo]

Foreigner can't buy a house in Thailand.

Entire discussion pointless.

They were either laughing at your stupidity, or your gullibility.

Edited November 8, 2013 by FiftyTwo

[richard_smith237]

Society is very immature... thats why many people are here - for the most part its less stressful than back home.

Added to which people here seem to get promoted not based on merit but on who they know or how polite and nice they are.

As such there are a number of people in positions where they should know more, who are very nice, kind and polite, but they know very little.

Occasionally, when you need assistance on a matter which isn't run of the mill you will get lucky and find one of those who are extremely efficient and know what they are doing. These moments are highly refreshing.

I'm curious though: If you know the rules already, why are you asking advice from a Bank Clerk who clearly doesn't know.

After being in Thailand for more than a few days everyone should be able to recognise the 'Walk Away Situation', whereby the person you are speaking with is simply too dim and un-knowledgable to be of any help whatsoever. Why waste your time ? Just say thanks and walk away to pursue other avenues somewhere else.

Things are done differently in Thailand - If you wish to discuss mortgage options a walk in off the street may not be the best idea. Instead call up head office and ask for an English speaker to call back, if they sound smart then arrange a meeting.

The idea of arguing with an idiot is idiotic... You will not convince a bank clerk with whom you cannot communicate that you are right and she is wrong.. Change the the idea of Winning or Trying show you are Right... and simply walk away, you'll learn soon enough that these little battles are not worth it, they don't care but you get annoyed.

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

In a similar fruitless situation: Before I bought a car I had a lump sum in my Thai Bank account. Not liking the idea of a large sum of money in my account linked to an ATM card I requested to open another account. I explained that I wished to have another account linked to an ATM with a small amount in it (to protect from ATM skimming etc) the original account was to have no associated ATM or debit card.... The Bank wouldn't let me open a new account. I had my passport, a Bank Book and an account with x million baht in it. But I didn't have the work permit with me.. The logic that I couldn't open an account was flawed, after all I already had an account there !!!.... It was pointless arguing or discussing the issue.. It was a 'Walk Away Situation' no point getting annoyed.

[cornishcarlos]

Foreigner can't buy a house in Thailand.

Entire discussion pointless.

They were either laughing at your stupidity, or your gullibility.

I think you need to read OPs properly first and then also brush up on 'actual' property laws. Otherwise it will be you looking stupid and gullible, taking what the guy at the bar next to you says is gospel

[richard_smith237]

Foreigner can't buy a house in Thailand.

Entire discussion pointless.

They were either laughing at your stupidity, or your gullibility.

Oh dear... was the bad man writing posts which were too long for you to take in ?

To challenging for your reading age ?

You've got to love it when some posters make accusations of stupidity after its clear they haven't fully assimilated the information they are responding to.

I then ask about ownership and explains to her that if we want to buy property, then we will do it in our joint company name and not in my girlfriends name.

[FiftyTwo]

Sorry RS can't use quote on your post, as you screwed around with the "quote" function.

So

Foreigner can no longer buy house in company name.

A small and easy search of the company records will find any foreigner shareholdings, and a prompt refusal to register the property in that company name will be forthcoming. (and that's 'too challenging' not 'to challenging')

Edited November 8, 2013 by FiftyTwo

[Jingthing]

The bank staffer saw the OP as a bad f-rang. Not willing to be sheep going to slaughter like so many blinded by so called love.

[Travel2003]

Should have ended the conversation with, and I like to close my accounts here in this bank please.

Then you will see reactions.

[Fookhaht]

I have to agree somewhat with the OP about people in responsible positions, particularly banks here, who have surprisingly little knowledge about standard business/banking practices. I speak from the experience of being a former banker (5 years) and doing export/import business throughout Asia. I am constantly presented with blank forms to sign, to be filled in later by the bank staff. I have had bank employees here completely mess up the simplest of transactions and procedures. Also, there is an appalling lack of consistency between the branches of the same bank, in my case, SBC. In one branch, you need a passport to get another ATM card, in another branch, you just show your passbook, and they look up your ID data in the system.

It's incredibly 3rd-world, at the banking level. For serious/complicated banking processes and/or dealing with large amounts of funds, I highly recommend using a foreign bank within Thailand such as Bank of America or HSBC.

[HardenedSoul]

Sounds like the OP's more pissed off about being laughed at cos, frankly, I'd have just got up, walked out and gone to a different branch or called Head Office.

[HeijoshinCool]

My GF would have gotten up and walked out, without a word.

[Thai at Heart]

Sorry RS can't use quote on your post, as you screwed around with the "quote" function.

So

Foreigner can no longer buy house in company name.

A small and easy search of the company records will find any foreigner shareholdings, and a prompt refusal to register the property in that company name will be forthcoming. (and that's 'too challenging' not 'to challenging')

Only if the express purpose of the company is to circumvents the restrictions and solely own property.

A functioning real company can own property.

[FiftyTwo]

My GF would have gotten up and walked out, without a word.

Not to mention, the OP has no idea what the conversation was really about.

Only what his gf told him, and let's face it, she wants the house 100% paid for and in her name.

For all the OP knows they might have been talking about the latest pop songs.

[FiftyTwo]

Sorry RS can't use quote on your post, as you screwed around with the "quote" function.

So

Foreigner can no longer buy house in company name.

A small and easy search of the company records will find any foreigner shareholdings, and a prompt refusal to register the property in that company name will be forthcoming. (and that's 'too challenging' not 'to challenging')

Only if the express purpose of the company is to circumvents the restrictions and solely own property.

A functioning real company can own property.

Who judges if it's a real functioning company, I'm thinking a poorly paid and educated clerk at the land office (who hates foreigners and loves Thais).

Edited November 8, 2013 by FiftyTwo

[HardenedSoul]

My GF would have gotten up and walked out, without a word.

Not to mention, the OP has no idea what the conversation was really about.

Only what his gf told him, and let's face it, she wants the house 100% paid for and in her name.

For all the OP knows they might have been talking about the latest pop songs.

[crumpled]

My GF would have gotten up and walked out, without a word.

Not to mention, the OP has no idea what the conversation was really about.

Only what his gf told him, and let's face it, she wants the house 100% paid for and in her name.

For all the OP knows they might have been talking about the latest pop songs.

This is a good point.

The OP has relied on his g/f to do the translating and he has no real idea what was being said. Not that I am doubting the honesty and integrity of the g/f because I (we) do not know her. Yet, to be taking steps to buy a house and have no idea or only the g/f's account of what was being discussed seems crazy.

That is also how many foreigners get ripped off - by not using an independant translator.

[10Yen]

My GF would have gotten up and walked out, without a word.

Not to mention, the OP has no idea what the conversation was really about.

Only what his gf told him, and let's face it, she wants the house 100% paid for and in her name.

For all the OP knows they might have been talking about the latest pop songs.

Classic.

[krisb]

Well you chose that bank.

And honestly, if you foresee problems arisingwith your wife, why go into business with her, and why get married?

It's called trust. Stop being so paranoid of failure.

[Thai at Heart]

Sorry RS can't use quote on your post, as you screwed around with the "quote" function.

So

Foreigner can no longer buy house in company name.

A small and easy search of the company records will find any foreigner shareholdings, and a prompt refusal to register the property in that company name will be forthcoming. (and that's 'too challenging' not 'to challenging')

Only if the express purpose of the company is to circumvents the restrictions and solely own property.

A functioning real company can own property.

Who judges if it's a real functioning company, I'm thinking a poorly paid and educated clerk at the land office (who hates foreigners and loves Thais).

On the basis that we don't know he doesn't have an unreal company let's assume he does. So yes companies can own property.

[Jingthing]

Well you chose that bank.

And honestly, if you foresee problems arisingwith your wife, why go into business with her, and why get married?

It's called trust. Stop being so paranoid of failure.

Ever heard of a prenup?

[Chivas]

Foreigner can't buy a house in Thailand.

Entire discussion pointless.

They were either laughing at your stupidity, or your gullibility.

What are you banging on about ??

[Chivas]

Well you chose that bank.

And honestly, if you foresee problems arisingwith your wife, why go into business with her, and why get married?

It's called trust. Stop being so paranoid of failure.

Thought OP said Girlfriend ??

[Munger]

Well you chose that bank.

And honestly, if you foresee problems arisingwith your wife, why go into business with her, and why get married?

It's called trust. Stop being so paranoid of failure.

<deleted>, who would be so stupid to buy a house in your thai girlfriends name. Wise up

[JSixpack]

Anyway, what really surprised me, was the reaction of my statements towards not buying a house in my girlfriends name only. She actually started laughing at me and said: "But you love each other, why do you not trust your girlfriend"... Never in my life, have I experienced a more stupid and ignorant answer from a senior bank person.

How long have you been here? The banker was trying to help your GF.

It's Thai tribalism and "girls stick together." Very common and expected; watch out for that, esp from a lawyer supposedly protecting YOUR interests.

[camo007]

First I love the last paragraph of the last poster its very true.

I have had no end of issue with Banks in Thailand. To the point I flew to Hong Kong to open a company and Bank account with an ATM card.

Now have 100% Western Owned Thai company (BOI)and the Thai Bank account gets only the money it needs transferred into it the day before its needed. Dont trust savings in Thailand!

I have had the bank call to inform my staff to tell me that big money has been received from overseas into my personal bank account! (No Privacy) and then other times staff at the branch have told my partner how much the balance is in my company bank account. Even one time local BIB told me that they often ask the bank staff how much somebody has available in there account.

My advise is don't buy property in Thailand. You cant sell it easily and if your neighbors upset you you cant do anything about it. And if you do buy property dont put any of it in a Thai partners name as even if they love you they could die (Motorbike accident?) and you are left to deal with family... This being said it is possible to legally buy property in Thailand 100% in your own name its just not common and not easy (EG: BOI).

And yes I'm an only child and happy to keep that attitude... (LOL)

[Kudel]

First I love the last paragraph of the last poster its very true.

I have had no end of issue with Banks in Thailand. To the point I flew to Hong Kong to open a company and Bank account with an ATM card.

Now have 100% Western Owned Thai company (BOI)and the Thai Bank account gets only the money it needs transferred into it the day before its needed. Dont trust savings in Thailand!

I have had the bank call to inform my staff to tell me that big money has been received from overseas into my personal bank account! (No Privacy) and then other times staff at the branch have told my partner how much the balance is in my company bank account. Even one time local BIB told me that they often ask the bank staff how much somebody has available in there account.

My advise is don't buy property in Thailand. You cant sell it easily and if your neighbors upset you you cant do anything about it. And if you do buy property dont put any of it in a Thai partners name as even if they love you they could die (Motorbike accident?) and you are left to deal with family... This being said it is possible to legally buy property in Thailand 100% in your own name its just not common and not easy (EG: BOI).

And yes I'm an only child and happy to keep that attitude... (LOL)

All very nice but if its not safe to have a simple bank account in Thailand why did you invest millions in to a BOI registerd company in Thailand wich would allow this company to own one measly rai of land.Sounds strange to spend so much in a country like Thailand and a bussines does needs the service of banks i would think. Edited November 8, 2013 by Kudel

[Baerboxer]

Society is very immature... thats why many people are here - for the most part its less stressful than back home.

Added to which people here seem to get promoted not based on merit but on who they know or how polite and nice they are.

As such there are a number of people in positions where they should know more, who are very nice, kind and polite, but they know very little.

Occasionally, when you need assistance on a matter which isn't run of the mill you will get lucky and find one of those who are extremely efficient and know what they are doing. These moments are highly refreshing.

I'm curious though: If you know the rules already, why are you asking advice from a Bank Clerk who clearly doesn't know.

After being in Thailand for more than a few days everyone should be able to recognise the 'Walk Away Situation', whereby the person you are speaking with is simply too dim and un-knowledgable to be of any help whatsoever. Why waste your time ? Just say thanks and walk away to pursue other avenues somewhere else.

Things are done differently in Thailand - If you wish to discuss mortgage options a walk in off the street may not be the best idea. Instead call up head office and ask for an English speaker to call back, if they sound smart then arrange a meeting.

The idea of arguing with an idiot is idiotic... You will not convince a bank clerk with whom you cannot communicate that you are right and she is wrong.. Change the the idea of Winning or Trying show you are Right... and simply walk away, you'll learn soon enough that these little battles are not worth it, they don't care but you get annoyed.

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

In a similar fruitless situation: Before I bought a car I had a lump sum in my Thai Bank account. Not liking the idea of a large sum of money in my account linked to an ATM card I requested to open another account. I explained that I wished to have another account linked to an ATM with a small amount in it (to protect from ATM skimming etc) the original account was to have no associated ATM or debit card.... The Bank wouldn't let me open a new account. I had my passport, a Bank Book and an account with x million baht in it. But I didn't have the work permit with me.. The logic that I couldn't open an account was flawed, after all I already had an account there !!!.... It was pointless arguing or discussing the issue.. It was a 'Walk Away Situation' no point getting annoyed.

Similar story with UK bank. I used to go into the branch almost every week. Introduced my wife when we married. All the girls there were keen to see my son when he was born, talk about Thai food, Thai holidays etc. When my daughter was born I went to open an account for her as some of my uncles had sent cheques. I was asked for "proof of address - utility bill ect. I had accounts with that bank for over 30 years, we had joint accounts and my son had an account. No - they wouldn't budge, Seems to be a banking thing. No one in banks will risk common senses anymore.

[Soutpeel]

Based on some of comments in this thread glad I only have a small day to day pocket money account in Thailand and do all my real banking via Singapore

[HardenedSoul]

Well you chose that bank.

And honestly, if you foresee problems arisingwith your wife, why go into business with her, and why get married?

It's called trust. Stop being so paranoid of failure.

<deleted>, who would be so stupid to buy a house in your thai girlfriends name. Wise up

Yes that's what you'd think but there are SO many TV forum members who've done exactly that.

The archives are littered with stories about once-smug tossers who were convinced theirs was "different"