Nong Khai as a place to settle. Good Idea ?

[Semeya]

MonkeyLoo.....How difficult was it finding a house within that price range. Also any information would be greatly appreciated.

[MonkeyLoo]

MonkeyLoo.....How difficult was it finding a house within that price range. Also any information would be greatly appreciated.

It wasn't too difficult, but others i spoke to here said it is hard to find good rentals here. Maybe i just got lucky.

The guy who owns this house owns several and i believe he has one available right now. I will PM his number to you.

[rct99q]

Some great information there thanks everyone for sharing.

From what i have seen Nong Khai has a lot going for it. Ive rented a nice 3 bed house with a garden for just 4000 per month, There are some really good markets, fresh fruit and veg grown beside the river, Golf, fishing and cycling. Many many temples. Udon Thani just 50 mins drive, Vientiane just across the river.

Some decent bars and eating places.

I can see how people would say it can get boring, but its what you make it i guess, like anywhere.

If i can get something going here it will do for me.

I see many people from Laos coming across. I wonder what they are all here buying?

Virtually everything in Laos is more expensive then here in Nong Khai (thailand) so you will see truck loads of people from Laos at Macro and Tesco loading up on everything and anything. Mostly shop owners or small restaurants.

[Semeya]

Thanks but I'm not in Thailand. I was just curious because I was looking for a peaceful place that I could leave every six months

and return in one month....during the year.

[simon43]

[quiote]

Beer bars and guest houses need a regular supply of customers

And you have them! A daily stream of visa-runners. How many rooms would the GH have? 4? 8? All you have to do is to persuade a few of those visa-runners to spend a single night at your GH, eat your food, drink your beer. Then repeat the next day.

You could do a commission deal with the visarun minivan services.

Some of you have half-empty glasses - Mine are always half-full or overflowing...

[choochoo]

[quiote]

Beer bars and guest houses need a regular supply of customers

And you have them! A daily stream of visa-runners. How many rooms would the GH have? 4? 8? All you have to do is to persuade a few of those visa-runners to spend a single night at your GH, eat your food, drink your beer. Then repeat the next day.

You could do a commission deal with the visarun minivan services.

Some of you have half-empty glasses - Mine are always half-full or overflowing...

Simon the problem is your actions dont jibe with your words.

Why are you teaching in myannmar if guesthouse are such a great deal???????????????????????

Edited March 25, 2014 by choochoo

[simon43]

Why are you teaching in myannmar if guesthouse are such a great deal???????????????????????

I build the GHs, then run them 'remotely' via the internet. My thai family look after the guests but don't have any responsibility for marketing, accounts etc.

I am actually in Phuket now because I am building a new GH, but I was previously in Myanmar, teaching at an international school. So I was getting a GH income AND an international school teacher income.

As to your question, the answer is because I can!!

[choochoo]

I m sure you pay your familee PREMIUM pay because they are familee and not below mkt wages because they are familee.

[simon43]

...because they are familee...

Nope - they are best described as 'dysfunctional familee'. They are d*mn lucky to have a roof over their heads, all thanks to me. Whilst they may take the p^ss now and again, the bottom line is that they know which side their bread is buttered.

However, they are soooo dysfunctional, a break in Myanmar away from them is always a pleasure

Back on topic, apart from a GH in NK to look after visa-runners, I can't think of another viable business for that town...

Edited March 25, 2014 by simon43

[lanng khao]

Spent a year in nong khai one weekend.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[choochoo]

No offense but you really make a good case against running small guest houses,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,lol.

[samran]

To be honest if I was going as far as Nong khai I'd go 15 more kms and move to Vientiane.

[HooHaa]

Now we getting somewhere. You dont want to put up a lot. You just want a plaything then. Go do it. Im sure lots of people would sell you a gh thats going nowhere(financially) to you in a second.

Seriously i cant remember the last time i chose a place to stay because of a personable owner................lol. You want to socialize buy a BEER BAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ps i was under impression you were looking at prime land so that indicated you were thinking serious money.....SORRY!

you are right i cant think of one place i have chosen because i had heard the owner was sociable.

i can think of plenty i haven't been back to because the owner was a <deleted>.

not really sure what your axe to grind here is all about, i know plenty of folk with small businesses in LOS that keep them busy and make them money improving the quality of their lives.

[choochoo]

such lac of understanding of business here.

If op said his lifelong dream was to run a gh -then im all for it. But he didnt. He said what kind of business without being specific(i wonder if porn shop was recommended would he go for that.................lol) was open for making little money just to get by.

If op said he was going to antartica and what kind of business should he get into Simon woul say guesthouses............lol.

[simon43]

If op said he was going to antartica and what kind of business should he get into Simon woul say guesthouses............lol.

You can take the p*ss if u want, but my suggestion was entirely credible, based on my own knowedge of NK and the visa-runner situation there.

You seem to 'have it in' for the OP...

[choochoo]

if op were my son id tell him the same thing. Op has no passion to run houses like you do. He just wants little extra money to get by.

I think a paper route might do the trick..................lol.

Im surprised simon recommended an eatery to feed these visa runners. No way is feeding the guests in a 4-8 room house financially viable-unless wife does it for free and all they serve is rice.............lol.

Edited March 26, 2014 by choochoo

[Noi657]

if op were my son id tell him the same thing. Op has no passion to run houses like you do. He just wants little extra money to get by.

I think a paper route might do the trick..................lol.

Im surprised simon recommended an eatery to feed these visa runners. No way is feeding the guests in a 4-8 room house financially viable-unless wife does it for free and all they serve is rice.............lol.

Lol......lol.....lol..... You do realise your the only one loling!

Simon is speaking from experience, he has credible and successful businesses. May I ask what you do? Lol..lol.... If you wanted to help the OP out, why not explain to him in a constructive manor, your opinions why you don't think it would work? All I'm hearing is a jealous muppet that would rip into anything or anyone! Lololololololololololol

[Fookhaht]

Some constructive replies thanks for those.

I'm not looking to get rich here just get by. I'm not the sort to just sit around doing nothing.

I think the guest house with visa run service is a good one if I can get the location.

My wife is a great cook and could take care of that side of things easy.

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

For the perfect mix of ambiance and service, go spend the weekend at Mut Mee resort and see how they do it.

Then add on all of the visa-run related amenities. Then you've got it!

Edited March 26, 2014 by Fookhaht

[ttthailand]

Two reasons why opening a business in Thailand could be a problem. One is that in order to really work you should have a work permit. Without a work permit you are asking for trouble.

Two, you will be working with your wife. This is an easy way to end a relationship as many people don't want to be told what to do by their second half. Your ideas and her's are unlikely to be same.

With that said, why add more stress to your life and lock yourself and wife down to a business. Get yourself a sport that you enjoy, golf, tennis, bike riding, or something similar and get in shape and meet some people. I would not worry about the wife so much, she will make her way quickly. You need to find something to do other than sit a drink all day. Enjoy !

Sent from my iPhone using ThaiVisa app

[choochoo]

if op were my son id tell him the same thing. Op has no passion to run houses like you do. He just wants little extra money to get by.

I think a paper route might do the trick..................lol.

Im surprised simon recommended an eatery to feed these visa runners. No way is feeding the guests in a 4-8 room house financially viable-unless wife does it for free and all they serve is rice.............lol.

Lol......lol.....lol..... You do realise your the only one loling!

Simon is speaking from experience, he has credible and successful businesses. May I ask what you do? Lol..lol.... If you wanted to help the OP out, why not explain to him in a constructive manor, your opinions why you don't think it would work? All I'm hearing is a jealous muppet that would rip into anything or anyone! Lololololololololololol

I forgot to add a reason . OP admits he has hard time controlling his imBIBING.

[enyaw]

Is the best idea you got a run of the mill Guesthouse?

Er.. yes. Some GHs make money you know...

Simon

Owner/builder of:

Phuket Airport Hotel

Phuket Airport Overnight Hotel

Phuket FLY Guesthouse

Phuket 24/7 Hotel

Phuket Airport B&B

Ao Nang VIP Hotel

Phuket Airport VIP Guesthouse

Just saying....

seriously sir. does op sound capable? for buddhas sake, his idea of business is his wife cooks edible meals.

2nd serious-ness....lol.. why do so many say they want to make enough bahts just to get by. Can you forcast profit to 8000 baht a month. Seems a good way to guaranttee lose your investment.

just going by income metric one would need to at least clear a teechers salary-one would think.

Hell- a million usa dollars would get you @ 2% interest . withdraw that and $10,000 of principal would last you forever and a legacy to boot.

ps it aint that hard to accumulate 1m$ in usa if you understood basic finance and started saving n investing right out of skool!

Choochoo

You make many assumptions.

Perhaps like other considering the same have already made money in the western world and just want a semi retirement without getting rich but more as a pastime and social activity.

If it pays the way all well and good.

A guest house would be an ideal semi retirement. And yes my wife cooks fantastic food and really enjoys cooking. So what is the issue in using those skills in a guest house. I would say quality catering is an important factor.

Cheers for your input

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Nong Khai why not.

Edited March 26, 2014 by enyaw

[MonkeyLoo]

Thanks again all.

To put things in perspective, I earned the equivalent of 8 million baht last year on a contract in the gulf. I'm not doing this for money. I can go back to contracting anytime. It's a lifestyle thing for us.

Many people don't get that concept. I'm sure the sensible ones know what I'm saying.

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[choochoo]

we get it. You not in it for the money.

I dont know why you say earlier you need just enough to get by. im thinking you changing your narrative to fit the naysayers comments.

All these detail would have been helpful in your opening statements. One has to assume someone looking for business oppurtunities is looking for one that makes baht. The hobbyist who knows what their motive is.

8 million baht contract or say $12,000 profit per year on guesthouse? what really is your wifes thought on this?

now the question is <deleted> are you thinking. i bet if simon had a 8m contract somewhere he ditch the guesthouses in a minute..................lol.

anyway its really hard to give any advice wo knowing ones whole story. If you got family take the contract. If its just u and wife do the guesthouse..............lol.

[MonkeyLoo]

Like I say it's not about the money but still nice to cover living expense.

We enjoy Thailand.

I've done the hard work now it's time to kick back and enjoy.

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[choochoo]

About nice owners. Im stay at asoke hotel $630 a month. I need a place to stay for a year. Ownervery nice and pleasent but all of a sudden her wi-fi system sucks. I dont care how nice she is i got to take my $7,000 hotel expense over the next year to a hotel where wi-fi is workable.

Lady can be thai mother theresa if she dont deliver product i go elsewhere.

Anyone recommend nana-asoke area hotel for under $700 a month im there..................lol.

[bannork]

Aabout nice owners. Im stay at asoke hotel $630 a month. I need a place to stay for a year. Ownervery nice and pleasent but all of a sudden her wi-fi system sucks. I dont care how nice she is i got to take my $7,000 hotel expense over the next year to a hotel where wi-fi is workable.

Lady can be thai mother theresa if she dont deliver product i go elsewhere.

Anyone recommend nana-asoke area hotel for under $700 a month im there..................lol.

That's great news choo choo that you're down in central Bangkok in th,e heart of sin city, Soi Nana, with all its pollution, both chemical and organic, and not up in the lovely rolling hills and fields of Issan where folks are mire laid back and broad minded.

Sorry to hear about your wifi problems, I suggest you move to under the bridge over Saen Saep canal on Asoke/ Phetburi road, you'd save on rent, laundry,( the canal is right there), and DTAC reception is perfect.

lol

[arunsakda]

I would recommend for anyone to live here not less than 5 years, before they invest in the country. Preferably 10. Preferably not to invest at all.

1) Do not purchase a home to be registered in womans name.

2) Never raise ones' voice in public and especially do not get into a physical altercation with a Thai.

3) DO NOT OPEN A BUSINESS.

Three rules to live by and all will be fine in Thailand.

[MonkeyLoo]

I'm not investing I'm renting and i would do the same if I did a guest house. No point if I can't own it myself. Seems like common sense to me

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[choochoo]

Aabout nice owners. Im stay at asoke hotel $630 a month. I need a place to stay for a year. Ownervery nice and pleasent but all of a sudden her wi-fi system sucks. I dont care how nice she is i got to take my $7,000 hotel expense over the next year to a hotel where wi-fi is workable.

Lady can be thai mother theresa if she dont deliver product i go elsewhere.

Anyone recommend nana-asoke area hotel for under $700 a month im there..................lol.

That's great news choo choo that you're down in central Bangkok in th,e heart of sin city, Soi Nana, with all its pollution, both chemical and organic, and not up in the lovely rolling hills and fields of Issan where folks are mire laid back and broad minded.

Sorry to hear about your wifi problems, I suggest you move to under the bridge over Saen Saep canal on Asoke/ Phetburi road, you'd save on rent, laundry,( the canal is right there), and DTAC reception is perfect.

lol

i know a hotel a minute from nana plaza-looks like thats where im headed. i can live with the organic pollution.......lol.

to test that my computer wasnt the problem im at a hollys coffee shop where my computer works flawlessly.

im not computer savvy. but my computer worked for 2 weeks then all of a sudden the last 3 days- s h i t!

i really feel bad moving as the lady is really nice ,she even helps her kid with his homework, her(what i think r parent) seem nice too-they say hi and all that)

but to me a working computer is much more important than nice owners..................lol.

[Rooo]

Moved to Issan Forum.