Emmigrating To Thailand April 2007 - Help

[Steve Ireland]

Hey All,

I plan to emmigrate to Thailand (Pattaya) in April 2007. I am in the process of seeking premises in a Gay area and I need to know the Visa situation for setting up business and residing there. My understanding, having spoken with other 'farangs' and 'expats' is that I can do so provided I set up business within 6 months and employ a minimum of 50% thai staff (which frankly would be my intention). I am looking for bars (preferably in or near Boyztown rather than Suni Plaza, New build or existing and must be large enough for substantial entertainment program., not interested in a go-go bar, I'm going in a completely different direction. I firmly believe that knowledge is power so if anyone has ANY advice whatsoever I'd be most grateful. Not really interested in partnerships and I have 16 years Management experience. HELP

[backflip]

What kind of advice? Practice safe sex. There you go.

If you want to do a business, contact www.sunbeltasia.com.

[rocky]

Most new Beer bars with farang management last one year before being sold to the next starry eyed monster.

The advice I will give you is take your time, come here and look around, don’t jump at the first business you see. More people are here to take dishonest money from you.

Bars you have to pay key money every 3 – 5 years and then rent every month, the amount of key money quiet often works out when divided down to the same as each months rent, so in effect you are paying double the monthly rent.

Living here, what ever money you budget for will not be enough, there are always things that need replacing and in truth it is not as cheap to live here as what it first looks. Only Thai products are cheap. Any farang product is quiet often the same or more than the cost back in the west.

DO NOT BURN YOUR BRIDGES, we are only guest of the Thais, allow for a process of returning to the west.

[Steve Ireland]

Thanks Rocky,

I leased a bar here for 18 Months successfully and have been involved on the entertainment side of things with General Management for several companies so staffing, stock control, promotion, entertainment etc. are second nature to me. I have a Thai Bar Manager in mind (experienced) and know what I want and will recognise it when I see it. I have already had several approaches on the partnership side of things, all of which I declined and I am over for 3 weeks in February to hopefully view pre-approved bars and progress things further. I am dealing with two agencies but anyone has any agencies they'd recommend I would certainly have a conversation with them also.

Cheers,

Steve

[Steve Ireland]

By the way I have thought it through and I'm coming with approximately 4.5Million Baht and property security at home.

[h5n1]

my advice to you is to live in thailand for at least a year before even thinking about staying (and its current, unending and everchanging hassles) let alone starting a business.

but youll do otherwise, they always do...

[Steve Ireland]

my advice to you is to live in thailand for at least a year before even thinking about staying (and its current, unending and everchanging hassles) let alone starting a business.

but youll do otherwise, they always do...

Can I do that without setting up business? Is there not a visa issue there if I just go there to live and not work??

[h5n1]

my advice after 15 years in asia:

1. dont set up a business - period. spend months in LOW SEASON and see how these bars scrape by, even the best.

2. since youve never been to asia, come, stay, travel about. you can get 6 months out of one year on stamps alone. so ...just travel and see the countries. if you do stay, youll be far better prepared and knowledgable (sp) about asia and thailand.

3. put your money in interest bearing accout in your country or offshore at 6% and if you are >50 you can get an O visa. enjoy thailand.