A Visit to Malaysia – Thailand Border Area

Published by seeking on January 27th, 2012 - in Map Thailand

My thoughts recalled my visit to Southeast Asia some time back on the invitation of then Sri Lankan High Commissioner for Malaysia, Mrs. Rosy Senanayake. I wanted to crossover by land the Malaysia-Thailand border, though many friends advised me it was too risky. Muslim insurgency in southern Thailand is a major problem in Southeast Asia.

Though I had the visa to travel to Thailand from Malaysia, I stopped my journey from Kuala Lumpur at the Butterworth station and visited the Penang Island of Malaysia, the one-time British colonial capital of Malaysia. I thought of the risk at that time as the turmoil was very high in crossing the Malaysia- Thailand border. I had to study more ground realities and situations before I stepped into the border.

Map Thailand

While I was waiting for the Kuala Lumpur Express at the Butterworth station, there was a Malay young lady waiting for the same train at the next table. My casual chat with her had given me a chance to weigh the ground realities better than I assumed. She was from the neighboring Keda state of Malaysia bordering Thailand’s Muslim province.

When I spoke to her about the political unrest of Thailand’s southern Muslim areas, she came out with sorrowful stories. She told, “The Muslim province in southern Thailand was annexed by Thailand in 1902 as a buffer against British Malaya” and she further went on, “the Islamic Sultanate of Pattani is considered by some to be the cradle of Islam in Southeast Asia”.

She told about the history of the origin of the Muslim insurgency in Thailand. She said with a smile that the southern Thailand Muslims are only a reflection of Malaysia’s rural Muslims.

I little understood her worries and as she had visited these areas, she was not only well informed about the problems but emotionally attached to those areas and problems too. She came out in a disappointing voice that the Thailand government’s oppressive policies had not been beneficial to the Muslims. She pointed out, “the southern provinces of Thailand where the Muslims are located are some of the country’s poorest and undeveloped provinces to date”.

She continued, “The reason for this is the corrupt officials pilfered funds earmarked for development. The mis administration of the government combined with the high- handedness of the army personnel aggravated the alienation that was already prevalent. The daily life in the urban areas was affected by common banding and lawlessness making it difficult for the authorities to differentiate activities from that of the separatists or militants”.

After a brief interval I asked her what their needs were if the situation was prolonged without any solution. She thought for a moment and came out with the fact that southern Thailand remains relatively poor, alienated, and misunderstood by Bangkok’s government and military officials.

The Muslim way of life is based on survival and they are not benefiting from the development of large industries in their provinces.

She also pointed out importantly that in fact, as these industries continue to expand, the Pattani are being pushed farther and farther out of their markets. Agriculturists were needed to teach the small-scale land owners how to get the most out of their land. She further went on to say that the Muslims do not object to the government or its representatives but they do object to the oppressive and exploitative nature of these entities’ presence.

She enumerated some of the flawed policies of the government such as, the village fund programme and legalization of lotteries in the area which are against the tenets of Islam.

A Visit to Malaysia – Thailand Border Area

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Stunning Daytrips From Phuket

Published by seeking on January 26th, 2012 - in Krabi Thailand

Nicknamed ‘Jewel of the Andaman’, Phuket is one of Thailand’s most popular tourist attractions and all year round the island welcomes huge crowds of visitors coming from every part of the world. Phuket is like a vast beautiful playground. And even if you think you’ve found the perfect beach to sunbath and chill out on, there still a lot to see. Therefore Phuket sightseeing trips are simply a must.

Joining day trips from Phuket is an unforgettable and rewarding travel experience. Within a few hours drive or navigating by boat are some mind-boggling landscapes such as the famed Phi Phi islands, the pretty Khao Lak coast, the breathtaking Pha Nga Bay, great scuba diving options off the Similan islands, and Krabi’s stunningly beautiful karst-scapes. There are national parks which feature lush forests, idyllic fishing villages, dramatic waterfalls, blue crystal clear waters, tiny private islands, secluded mangroves and fabulous beaches to seek out.

Krabi Thailand

Phuket is definitely the most visited and best developed island you can find in Thailand. During the last 20 years Phuket has transformed into an upmarket and jet-set travel destination. If you’re decided to visit Phuket for your next vacation you’ll find yourself located at one of the several wonderful bays dotted along the West Coast. From this spot you can both hire a private vehicle or use the opportunity taking one of the various day trip tours to your chosen destination. A daytrip is really a great idea and there are numerous options as well as travel agents.

If you come here for the first time it is absolutely wise to explore the island itself. There are plenty of lively and wonderful beaches. Located south from Kamala you’ll find some of the best beaches, past the crowded and always popular Patong, and onwards to the sweeping Karon and trendier Kata. You should make a stop at each beach and sunbath for a few hours while enjoying some barbecued freshly caught seafood. Keep going south and you’ll finally arrive at the unspoiled Nai Harn beach, an excellent spot for enjoying the serene atmosphere and get away from the crowds. Phuket beaches all have their own special atmosphere.

To reach the northern part of Phuket will take a drive lasting about one hour. This non-developed area is not crowded with tourists while the mangroves on the eastern shore provide different scenery of the island. While you find yourself in this region you might want to cool off in the Bang Phrae Waterfall situated in Khao Phra Thaeo National Park’s or visit the Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre where you can observe these fascinating and clever animals. Touring this area is extremely rewarding!

Some of the most beautiful panoramas can be found offshore, on top of your itineraries list should be travelling to the Phi Phi Islands. This distinctive craggy island has the form of a butterfly. The island was the main location for the Hollywood feature The Beach and Phi Phi was world news when the Tsunami struck. Actually there are more than two islands, and usually all of the trips stop off giving you the option to snorkel en-route. Your lunch is served once you access Phi Phi Ley’s heavenly Maya bay. The only souls which are allowed to spend the night here are campers and park rangers so you’ll have the unspoilt beach all to yourself. Phi Phi Don features more dramatic scenery and unfortunately the island started to overdeveloped before the powerful Tsunami washed everything away. On a little sandwich of coconut trees the resorts are positioned between two lovely bays, with sky karst cliffs, rising up to the blue sky, all around. Once you’ve arrived here you may find it a drag going back to Phuket!

Similarly astonishing and popular is Pha Nga Bay’s distinctive karst seascape, which enjoyed a lot of free promotion in the Bond movie, The Man with the Golden Gun. Now the island is even renamed as the James Bond Island, on all trips from Phuket this is a must-see but its all part of an enormous theatre of pillars, positioned along this extensive bay and it is probably one of the world’s most photogenic spots. Koh Phan Yee is a picturesque fishing village which is situated in the sea on stilts and it is here where lunch will be served. Buying some souvenirs is something that you should not forget and also walking around this peaceful community. Particularly popular is kayaking among the impressive karst cliffs and wonderful caves.

If you are a diving enthusiast and there is only one chance to see the finest sites, then you might want to take a diving trip to the gorgeous Similan islands. These islands are situated West of Phuket and the trip lasts a few days. Also located here is a protected marine reserve and boat tyrips are the only means of reaching the area’s untouched reefs, or enjoy swimming in the clear soothing waters. You don’t have a dive certificate? No worries, there are many courses offering dive lessons. Hong Island makes a great daytrip as well. This remarkable island lies between Phuket and Krabi and features a hidden lagoon which is only accessible via a cave tunnel during low tide.

Drive into the hinterland by rented car is also a rewarding option. Phuket is connected by a short causeway and after you reach the mainland you are free to explore the beautiful Southern Thai provinces. Driving north to Khao Lak, you have the option to explore a wilder and unspoiled coastline, and some impressing coastal parks. The Khao Sok National Park is just a bit beyond this with its enormous lake, lush rainforests and idyllic landscapes. The park’s chalets offer overnight accommodation. The tropical national parks in Thailand boast fabulous ecosystems full of birdlife, waterfalls, streams, nature trails, and a few animals.

If you’re driving out of Phuket it is a great idea to explore the region for a couple of days, with its rubber plantations, and weird landscapes. Visiting the majestic and less visited parks such as Than Bokkharani National Park and Sa Nang Manora Forest Park as you travel en-route through Pha Nga onwards to Krabi town, is especially a great experience.

Stunning Daytrips From Phuket

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Unit Rates and Thai House Plans To Estimate the Cost of Building a House in Thailand

Published by seeking on January 25th, 2012 - in Chiang Mai Thailand

This article is based on my recent experience of actually going through the process of obtaining estimates of the cost of building a house in Thailand including getting quotations from builders in Thailand and also using unit build rates (how much square meter) to build a retirement house in Thailand.

It will be useful to anyone retiring in Thailand or planning to retire to Thailand and build a retirement house.

Chiang Mai Thailand

The Two Main Two Ways To Estimate the Cost of Building a House in Thailand

There are basically two ways of pricing a building project in Thailand.

1. Using Unit Build Rates To Estimate The Cost Of Building A House

The first and simplest method is by using Unit Build Rates, i.e. how much per square meter it costs to build the house in Baht/m2. There are a range of Unit Build Rates for houses in Thailand and these vary according to the standard of the building and the location in the country.

There are other factors that affect the price of building a house in Thailand and these are not normally allowed for in unit build rates.

Just one example is that the cost of building depends greatly upon the particular builder chosen as quotations for the same property from different builders varies greatly.

Unit rates for use in estimating the cost of house construction are readily available where I live in the United Kingdom (UK). There are many websites that list these unit rates and also there are pricing books that give rate per square metre for a range of building types and sizes. This method is commonly used in Great Britain, and other Western countries to work out a budget cost for building a house.

However, in Thailand the situation is different. I have not seen any ‘official’ Unit Build Rates for Thailand but several websites, notably those Forums catering for expats living in Thailand, give some rough figures from people who have built their own retirement house in Thailand.

But that’s all they are – a guide – and really barely worth using even for budgeting purpose.

Two Examples from Thai Websites of Unit Rates for House Build Cost in Thailand

From A1Real.com

Bangkok: “As of March 2006, buyers had to pay 81,975 baht/m2 in average to acquire a condominium unit in central area of Bangkok compared to 72,596 baht/m2 in the last twelve months”.

From Thai-AirPark.com

Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand: “A house built to western standard will cost between 160 to 300 Euros / m2″ (At 45 Euros/Baht (Jan 2010) that works out at 7,200 to 13,500 Thai Baht per m2).

Notice how the unit rate for these two examples are so different.

Another way to get unit rates for Thailand is to approach Thai builders and architects. Unit Build Rates recently sent to me by one of Thailand’s leading Bangkok-based design-and-build companies are in the range of 15,000 to 20,000 Baht/m2.

The method of application of the Unit Build Rates is simple. You work out the total floor area of the proposed building including all floors and multiply by the unit rate. There is no need to find or involve a builder for this method once you have decided on the the unit rate to use.

There are inherent inaccuracies in this approach because the mix of different types of usage will be different in different building.

For example, using my own proposed property in Pak Chong, Thailand, as an example, the house is a typical ‘post’ house and half of the ground floor is left ‘open’ to be made into usable rooms at a later date and the other half simply has blockwork walls to for a workshop.

Clearly the unit rate for these areas is different and different from the first floor that contains kitchen, bedrooms and other living area.

Another example of different type (and hence costs) of building usage using my Pak Chong house as an example is that on the first floor I have a very large (compared to the rest of the house) patio area and also another semi-open area both of which would be a much lower cost to construct than the living accommodation areas.

The fact is that new build houses in Thailand are very often of completely different style and layout to other houses. This is in comparison with the UK where new houses are often built in their hundreds all to the same design. Everyone knows what you will get in a ’3 bed semi-detached house’ in England. In this situation unit rates can be safely applied.

So what area is used in the cost calculation? Do you use the total area including the ground floor open area and workshop and the first floor patio and semi open area plus the living accommodation areas? Or do you use the unit rate just for the living accommodation and take a percentage of the unit rate for the lower cost areas?

The problem is that I don’t know the basis for the unit rate in the first place. i.e. whether it was for a property similar to mine with the open areas included, or whether it was for a property with a greater percentage of actual living area.

In conclusion the Unit Build Rates method in Thailand can only be used to get a very rough idea of the likely cost and is really not accurate enough for establishing a budget.

2. Obtaining A Quotation From A Thai Builder For Building A House In Thailand

This method depends upon finding a builder to prepare a quotation based (usually) a set of drawings (also called house plans) for the property in question. (The house you want to build to retire to in Thailand) Obviously, the more accurate and detailed the house plans, the more accurate the quotation can be.

Other documents may also be provided to supplement the house plans and these include a Scope Of Works describing the scope of the project (not normally produced in Thailand) and Schedules. The Schedules are typically a schedule of finishes, schedule of doors, ironmongery etc.

There are three major difficulties with this method.

1. Obtaining The House plans And Other Documents

I’m lucky in that I can use the Autocad Computer Aided Drawings (CAD) software package and am familiar with building design so I was able to produce my own CAD drawings and schedules for my planned retirement house in Thailand.

Also, I didn’t start with a blank sheet of paper, instead I downloaded some existing Thai house plans from the Thai Government website (Search for ‘download Thai Government House Plans’) and selected one to use as a starting point for my own Thai house design.

If you don’t fancy this do-it-yourself approach you will have to find someone to make the house plans for you. Whilst this is easy in (if somewhat expensive) in the UK, if you try to find a Thai Architect to do this for you then you may have problems.

Firstly finding an Architect in Thailand is not easy although I did find an architectural and construction company in Bangkok and I subsequently appointed then to make the construction drawings for my own house – but that is another story.

Secondly, how do you explain to an Architect what you want? This is particularly difficult (impossible?) if you don’t already have your own preliminary drawings as I did and if you aren’t in a position to sit down in the same room as the architect and pour over ideas and concepts.

Doing that by email from starting from scratch from outside of Thailand is next to impossible.

2. Translation Of The Documents Into The Thai Language

This is not so difficult if you are prepared to pay for a translator in Thailand.

A translator can easily translate the schedules but adding Thai to CAD drawings in not easy unless the translator also knows how to use the CAD software! My own house plans and schedules are in English only and I was able to get a quotation from a Thai builder.

You might try English only and just get the translator to translate the technical phrases that the builder doesn’t understand. Again, much easier to do if you are in Thailand alongside the translator and builder.

3. Finding A Builder In Thailand

This can be one of the most difficult tasks you have to do.

My wife has contacted at least six builders from within Thailand and only one has produced a price. That price was based on the house plans and schedules that I produced but was about double what we expected, at 2.1 million Baht, which works out at 16,000 Baht/m2.

The answer we get from most of the builders is that they are too busy to work on providing a price for a small house build job. It seems that many builders are engaged on large projects in the coastal resorts of Thailand (e.g. Phucket) and that our tiny little project in Pakchong is not worth their while.

The method I used to find builders consisted of knocking on doors “You have a nice house, can you tell me who the builder was?” I find it easy to approach people and one day I was chatting with the Security Guard at our hotel, “The Mansion” at 8/8 Soi Tedsaban 8, Mittrapap Rd., Pakchong, Thailand, and he announced that he could get a price from at least two builders.

We took him up on that offer but never received the quotations. One was too busy and the other wanted 5,000 Baht up front before preparing a quotation in case we didn’t select him as our builder! By the way, the Security Guard said that his commission was 10 percent!

In this short discussion on how I obtained budget estimates for a retirement home in Thailand I have covered the two main methods, using unit rates and house plans, to secure a budget price and the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Also I have explained the three difficulties you will face when trying to get a builder in Thailand to give you an estimate for building your retirement house in Thailand.

Unit Rates and Thai House Plans To Estimate the Cost of Building a House in Thailand

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Health Benefits of Thai Soup Under Study

Published by seeking on January 24th, 2012 - in Thailand Restaurant

BANGKOK, Thailand — For years, zesty Tom Yum Gung soup has been a mainstay of Thai cooking. And now researchers are thinking it just might have cancer-fighting ingredients as well as good taste. “Tom Yum Gung is Thailand’s most favorite soup,” according to Chef Rolf Schmitz of the Regent Hotel’s Spice Market restaurant. “It’s a shrimp soup with herbal ingredients like coriander, lemon grass, lime leaves and even galangal roots.” Also called hot-and-sour soup, the dish often includes straw mushrooms and a variety of chilies.

A recent joint study by Thailand’s Kasetsart University and Japan’s Kyoto and Kinki Universities has found that the ingredients in Tom Yum Gung soup are 100 times more effective in inhibiting cancerous tumor growth than other foods. Scientists are seeking to extract the chemical compounds that are most effective from soup ingredients, said Suratwadee Jiwajindra of Kasetsart University. Research also is focusing on edible plants in the region. “The ratio of the cancer pattern in Asians, especially southeast Asians, is very low compared with the pattern in the European and Western countries,” Jiwajindra said. In fact, Thais have a much lower incidence of digestive tract cancers than people do in other countries.

Thailand Restaurant

Traditional Thai cuisine — famed for its heavy use of herbs and spices — has long been known to have health benefits, Jiwajindra said. And despite its spicy taste, Tom Yum Gung continues to be popular, said Schmitz, calling the soup “definitely the best seller if you look into the statistics.” Every month, the soup is “at the top of the charts,” he added. “A day, I’d say we are making 50-60 cups in a restaurant like the Spice Market,” said the chef.

Health Benefits of Thai Soup Under Study

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Things to See in Thailand

Published by seeking on January 23rd, 2012 - in Map Thailand

Thailand has long been a popular tourist destination. Cheap, navigable, family friendly, and with a range of activities, it is easy to see why it is so popular. With the world economy shrinking, Thailand has become an even better choice to visit. Hotel prices have been cut and flights have become cheaper. If that wasn’t enough of a reason, here are some others:

Thailand has some of the best beaches in the world. Whether you want empty beaches or lush resorts, Thailand has an island for you. You can choose between Phuket, a popular family destination, Ko Phang Nagn, a popular destination with backpackers, or Ko Lipe, an out of the way destination in the south of Thailand. No matter where you go, you will find wide white sand beaches, crystal clear diving, cheap accommodation, amazing seafood, and great diving.

Map Thailand

If beaches and diving aren’t interesting to you, Thailand a a variety of other activities for you. There are many historical sites such as Sukkotthai, Lopburi, and Ayutthaya There you can see the old capitals of the Thai Empire. and some stunning Khmer influence architecture.

Keep heading north for lush jungles, hill tribes, and river rafting expeditions. Up north in Chiang Mai you will also find some of the best shopping in all of Thailand at the Chiang Mai night market. Chiang Mai also boasts some amazing temples and is one of the centers of Buddhism in the country. If you head a little further north to Chiang Rai, you can use this city as a base to explore the wild and undeveloped north.

However, the best part of Thailand is its beaches and any trip to the country requires spending a lot of time at one of its many islands. With so many islands, there is bound to be one that suits your travel style. The lesser known and touristed islands such as Ko Lipe, offer travelers cheaper accommodation, more authentic interaction with the locals, better diving, and less crowds to share the beaches with. Most people come here for the sun and there is good reason to. Whatever your reason to come here, you will have a great time with so many available choices.

Things to See in Thailand

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5 Most Beautiful Islands of Thailand

Published by seeking on January 22nd, 2012 - in Koh Samui Thailand

If you are looking for a getaway, consider visiting Thailand islands. Some of the most beautiful islands of Thailand include Koh Chang, Koh Samet, Koh Phangan, Phi Phi island and Koh Samui. They are surrounded by beautiful waters, beaches and plenty of wildlife.

Here’s a little bit more about each island…

Koh Samui Thailand

1. Koh Chang is the second largest island located in Eastern Thailand. It received its name from the elephant shape of its headland. There are currently around 5,000 residents who live there year round but it has dramatically begun to increase in tourism the last few years.

Koh Chang gets its beauty from the white sandy beaches, wildlife such as elephants, birds and deer and the blue waters surrounding the beach. There is also plenty of area to go snorkeling to explore the deep waters. Those who would rather not get wet can also go hiking to view the wildlife.

70% of the island remains undisturbed; this includes rainforest, steep hills, wildlife, fine beaches, waterfalls, coral reefs and plenty of active marine life. If you are planning on visiting Koh Chang, the best time to visit would be during the cool season between November and February.

2. Ko Samet is located on the Gulf of Thailand and sits off the coastline of the Thai province of Rayong, about 140 miles southeast of Bangkok. Ko Samet received its name from the cajeput tree that is found all throughout the island.

This island s a popular getaway for the tourists as well as a weekend retreat for the residents who live in Bangkok. You will find most of the beautiful beaches on the east side of Ko Samet. Most of the beaches hide away in small beaches and stretch around 200 meters. The fine white sandy beaches stretch almost into a complete circle.

Individuals who visit the island can enjoy activities such as windsurfing, snorkeling and diving, volleyball and frisbee, boat trips, fishing and massages from masseurs offering their services along the way. Those who are shopping for unique products can browse the high quality crystal and reed products.

When visiting Ko Samet, you won’t have to worry about being rained out as this is one of the driest islands in the area. Their rainy season only extends from May to July.

3. Ko Pha Ngan is located in the gulf of southeast Thailand. The island of Ko Pha Ngan is widely known for its moon party at Haad Rin Beach and also a backpacker destination.

The Moon party consists of electronic music which happens every full moon each month. Thousands of partygoers flock to the island event each time. To make the event more family friendly, police watch the beach and streets during the day and evening.

Not only is the island just known for its moon party, but it is also a peaceful retreat to visit. Tourists can lounge under the coconut trees or walk along the fine white sandy beaches.

4. Phi Phi island is the largest and only populated island. It is known as a tropical paradise. Every view of the island seems picture perfect. There are fine white sandy beaches and rocky formations that sit within the turquoise waters of the ocean.

Visitors can explore the beauty of the island by snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking or rock climbing. The climate of Phi Phi is tropical. The hot season extends from January to April and then the rainy season is during the months of May through December.

If you would rather your stay not get rained out, then it is best to visit during the hot season of Phi Phi. Temperatures average anywhere from 77 to 89.6 degrees.

5. Koh Samui is the third largest island of Thailand. It is known as the island of coconut trees. It also is an island of abundant natural beauty that is enjoyed by about 40,000 full time residents. 90% of its residents are Buddhist.

The island is very large and be quite the workout for those who are adventurous or fit, yet can be explored in just a few hours by car or motorbike. During the months of April through September, the island stays mostly dry while others may be experiencing their seasonal rainfall. October through December is when the island is experiencing most of their rainfall.

Most of the sites to see around the island of Koh Samui is the white sandy beaches, but there is a Buddhist statue that does bring attention from the tourists. Other attractions include coral reef, a butterfly garden, an aquarium, snake farm and a theatre.

With so much natural beauty found within the beaches and the crystal waters of the islands of Thailand, there is plenty of places for a getaway. If you plan on snorkeling, scuba-diving or just lazing around on a beach, you can take in the beauty that surrounds the islands of Thailand.

5 Most Beautiful Islands of Thailand

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Nightlife in Chiang Mai

Published by seeking on January 21st, 2012 - in Chiang Mai Thailand

Enjoying Chiang Mai’s Nightlife

Traveling to Chiang Mai will not be complete without experiencing the nightlife and dining along the rare and astonishing city in Thailand. With influences from China and Burma, the cuisine that can be tasted in this part of Northern Thailand results in flavors that spark & soothe the tastes of locals and tourists alike.

Chiang Mai Thailand

Try the various carts and stalls that can be found along the streets – the favorites of the Thai people and others in the know. After eating noodles there, you have your choice of bars and clubs along Chiang Mai. Filled with locals, business types, university students, tourists, and expats, these locations just turn out to be the spot of the night for those who want to unwind and have fun with the tastes, sights, and sounds there are around Chiang Mai.

Get hip as you bounce onto the dance floor while the hits are being played. Maybe you enjoy some bling with flashy lights or just stay cozy inside the more serene corners of the area with your closest friends? The choice is yours. Just take your pick among the different hot spots in this town.

Bars and Pubs

Chiang Mai bars and pubs can go from the thematic ones to the British-type pubs. As for the place to look into when it comes to the center of these destinations, the usual venues line the side streets of Moon Muang Road, through the moat near Tha Pae Gate. Moreover, there are various live musical performances along Ping River. Likewise, the sois or alleyways near the night bazaar also cater to several pubs, many of which promote different nationalities. For university students, there are also bars which target the younger crowds such as those studying at Chiang Mai University. Usually, these places are filled with different sorts of customers during the weekends as much as they are common destinations for meet-ups.

Van Bars

One of latest additions to the city’s hot spots are cool van bars. Customized Volkswagen Vans and Chevy vans converted into mobile pubs that are fully-packed with sound systems and even stools for customers to enjoy the one-of-a-kind experience of Chiang Mai nightlife. Hence, some of these van bars even have extendable roofs as well as light shows. One of the most popular of these bars is located opposite of Tha Pae Gate near the THC Bar. And even if this does not offer you disco-like moments, you can nevertheless take great photos as you enjoy a drink at the van with the crowd.

Going along the Other Hubs

Theres a small side street in Chiang Mai behind Ratvithi road, you will come across different bars featuring Reggae, Latin, and Rock-n-Roll that can satisfy many tastes in music.

For a special night out, head off to Chai Blues House. Chai relocated from Bangkok to play the blues and rock and roll in Chiang Mai. It’s a fantastic little art house with great music. There’s a website with directions here.

http://www.ChaiBluesHouse.com.

Nightlife in Chiang Mai

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Golf Holidays In Thailand

Published by seeking on January 20th, 2012 - in Thailand Holidays

Thailand is fast becoming a preferred destination for golf holidays and there is without a doubt that this fascinating and exotic country does provide you with a unique golf experience.

Golf courses in Thailand have excellent and modern facilities along with proper infrastructure and roads. In fact, many golf enthusiasts claim that golf holidays in Thailand are much superior to those in Europe.

Thailand Holidays

This could be because there are many golf courses spread across Thailand so you will rarely find an over crowded golf course. Even in the most popular places, golf courses have sprung up and you will find each course providing you with an exclusive and special atmosphere where golf culture is undiluted by tourism.

Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hua Hin, Khao Yai, Koh Samui, Pattaya, Phuket and River Kwai all have golf course ideally suited for different budgets. You can always create a custom golf tour package to suit your pocket, and, if necessary, you can also combine two locations.

However, you should take into account the time of the year you are planning your golf holiday in Thailand. Remember, Thailand basically has three seasons. The cool season starts from November until February. During this period, there are clear skies and the weather is highly conducive for golfing. However, this is the peak tourist season in Thailand and you would need to make reservations well in advance to get accommodation you want.

Summer in Thailand begins in March and temperatures gradually increase. April and May are hot and humid. Do remember that the Thai New Year is celebrated in May and this is the time when Thailand comes to a virtual standstill.

The rainy season in Thailand is from June until end of September. It rains most days and the weather can be highly unpredictable. During this period, there is less sunshine and this can definitely dampen your golf holiday in Thailand.

If you are looking for a budget golf holiday in Thailand then October is the month for you. During this month, the prices are still low and the tourist season has not started as yet. You can decide when to play and get bargain deals.

Golf Holidays In Thailand

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Trekking in Thailand – What to Take, What to Wear

Published by seeking on January 19th, 2012 - in Thailand Weather

You may trek wearing flip-flops with a t-shirt, but wearing them may not protect you from the branches in the jungle or from sun or protect your feet from getting hurt and sore. You have to follow some tips to trek safely in Thailand.

Footwear is very important for the trekkers. Get footwear which is strong. The terrain in Thailand will be wet and muddy. That is why the feet have to be protected. You can go with sturdy sandals, but see that the grip is good. While trekking in a jungle, you may land on the sharp objects. So, it is better to wear strong footwear. The climate is hot, humidity is unbearable and the weather is sticky. So, take a shower after trekking and change your clothes. Take clothes which are cotton and loose.

Thailand Weather

Binoculars are the must when trekking across Thailand. In case you forget to carry a pair, there is nothing to worry because you can get them in Phuket, Bangkok or Patong for reasonable rates before you start out. You can have a look at the Elephant Hills. The mountains are full of wildlife, hornbills and monkeys.

Carry a mosquito spray to protect yourself from mosquitoes. These mosquitoes do not cause malaria, but they can be irritating and cause you discomfort in the night. If you have scratched yourself after a mosquito bite and it is not healing, then do not stay in the humid climate.

Torch is also important to carry especially when you are out in the wilderness. The nights are darkest in Khao Sok. So, torch will definitely come handy when you are out trekking and camping.

Medication is also important because you will have no access to a drugstore when you are in the wilderness. Carry all the necessary pills for headache, indigestion, and cough. Also, make sure that you are carrying some antiseptic ointment, bandages and band aids. Do not forget to carry a pocketknife. You never know when you may need it!

Make sure you carry all the above mentioned things when you are out trekking in Thailand. This will ensure that your trek goes of smoothly without any problems.

Trekking in Thailand – What to Take, What to Wear

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Discovering Thai Cuisine

Published by seeking on January 18th, 2012 - in Thailand Restaurant

If you’ve never tried it before, you might think that Thai cuisine tastes a lot like other Asian cuisines. While it does have both Chinese and East Indian influences, it also has its own identity that separates it greatly from the foods served in neighboring countries. Thai food consists of four regional cuisines and is known for its balanced flavors, fresh ingredients, and fantastic aromas.

Thailand happens to be the number one exporter of rice in the world, and as such its rice (particularly its aromatic Jasmine rice) is the staple food of its people. While Western cuisines generally focus on a main entree of meat accompanied by several side dishes such as bread and vegetables, Thai cuisine usually consists of one dish with a base of rice or noodles accompanied by fresh herbs, vegetables, and a meat or mixture of meats. Thai food also contains five flavors: sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and bitter. What makes Thai food unique is that it balances all of these flavors harmoniously into a single dish.

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Some of the most common vegetables found in Thai cuisine include shallots, cucumbers, carrots, bean sprouts, eggplant, zucchini, green beans, celery, and mushrooms. Popular meats in Thai recipes include seafood such as shrimp, prawns, clams, fish, and mussels. Pork, chicken, beef, and duck are also heavily used. Tofu, a meat substitute made from soybeans is another frequent addition.

Unlike many other cuisines that use dried spices and herbs, Thai cooking uses the freshest ingredients available. One of the primary flavoring agents used is a strong fish sauce called “nam pla”. Many dishes also call for oyster sauce or shrimp paste. Shrimp paste is basically a combination of ground shrimp and salt. Other ingredients you’ll find in Thai cuisine include lime juice, pineapples, Thai chilies, curry paste, garlic, sweet basil, lemon grass, coconut milk, soy sauce, peanuts and peanut sauce, cashews, mint leaves, cilantro, and galangal root (similar to ginger but more delicate in flavor).

One of the most important dishes to the people of Southern and Central Thailand is curry, which they serve over steamed jasmine rice. While Indian cuisine is also known for curries, Thai curries are considerably different. They are cooked for a shorter amount of time than are the Indian versions, and Thais use more garlic and fresh herbs whereas Indians use dry spices. In addition, Indian curries tend to be drier whereas Thai curries hold more liquid making them more soup-like.

In Thai cuisine you’ll find water-based and coconut milk-based curries. Red, yellow, and green curries are the best known of the coconut milk variety. Thai curry pastes generally consist of fresh chilies, garlic, lemon grass, shallots, kaffir lime, fresh turmeric, shrimp paste, and cilantro roots. While curry is known for its spiciness, the amount of heat does vary depending on the type of curry you choose.

Discovering Thai Cuisine

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US K1 Visa Thailand – How to Get it the Surest Way

Published by seeking on January 17th, 2012 - in Thailand Attorneys

A US K1 Visa Thailand is also known as the Thai fiancée visa. This is a perfect visa for engaged American man and his Thai fiancée to acquire so that the Thai can easily come to the US for marriage. However, obtaining a US fiancée visa is tough ordeal because of the many requirements and complex procedures which it entails. There are many hoops to jump through indeed. But if the applicant follows the proper path and have a true relationship with her petitioner, then getting the K-1 fiancée visa will be the joyful outcome.

The US K1 Visa requires a great deal of information about the American petitioner as well as the Thai fiancée. The American will have to complete an affidavit of support, proving financial capability to support the Thai fiancée in the United States. The last three years of tax returns, a letter of employment, bank statements and more are required.

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The relationship between the Thai fiancée and the American must be fully substantiated. It is important to provide proof of the relationship and the more of this evidence the better. This can be in the forms of photos together, plane tickets, phone bills and anything else that might prove their relationship. Letters of how they met each other and fell in love may also spell the difference.

Once all this information had been compiled, the US citizen must submit a K1 petition on behalf of his/her Thai fiancée with the United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS). Assuming that the K1 visas petition has been approved it will be sent for visa processing at the National Visa Center (NVC). From there, the entire package will be forwarded to the US Embassy in Thailand for the penultimate step, the interview.

The interview is the highlight of the process because it will result either in the approval or denial of the K1 visa from Thailand. The US embassy usually provides the appointment as soon as the visa fees have been fee paid. The applicant must show up on time and have all of the information presented in the original petition. This means copies are really important in case something was lost along the way. During the interview it is important to be honest and upfront providing all the information requested by the interviewing official at the US Embassy in Bangkok. If the relationship can easily be proven then the K-1 visa is not that difficult to obtain.

However, despite the notion that the application can be accomplished by the applicant with simply following the instructions, it would be still be wise to consult a professional trained and experienced in US immigration concerns for assistance. She would need a US visa attorney in Thailand to help him/her, because the Thai fiancée applicant is not usually trained to carry out the complex processes involved in the application. It is important to remember that once a mistake is made, it might be too late to rectify and come up with a possible remedy.

Many people have filed their K1 visa Thailand by themselves only to find out that they made costly errors on the application that resulted in long delays or oftentimes denials. Thus, it is important to plan ahead with a US Visa Lawyer in Thailand to assist the Thai fiancée applicant so the problems with the Embassy or USCIS, can be avoided. The US visa attorney in Bangkok can identify and prevent the red flags from becoming problems, before the USCIS or Embassies make them issues that could permanently prevent the beloved Thai fiancée from ever coming to the United States. Simply stated sometimes the Thai fiancée can say the wrong thing to the interviewing officer at the US Embassy in Bangkok without realizing it.

US K1 Visa Thailand – How to Get it the Surest Way

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Commercial Property Agents – Top 10 Tips for Your Sales Pitch and Listing Presentations

Published by seeking on January 16th, 2012 - in Thailand Property

Let’s face a fact here that is just so common for agents working in commercial real estate. Almost every listing opportunity with office, industrial, or retail property, will involve a detailed sales pitch or presentation with the individual property owner or corporation board that owns the property. Commonly they are experienced people that know commercial real estate, and they have likely asked 3 or 4 agents to all pitch for the listing. Competition for the business will be fierce.

The pitch or presentation will normally take no more than 30 minutes and it will be your only chance to close on the listing. To successfully compete with and against other real estate agents, it pays to set some rules so you can control the situation as best possible.

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Confidence is the key to a great listing presentation. The way you get that confidence is to know your market trends, the property precinct, the deals, prices, time on market, the supply and demand factors, and the best way to market each individual property to its target audience.

Here are some tips for a great presentation or sales pitch for the commercial property listing:

Understand the listing and selling (or renting) needs of the client from their perspective. What is driving their actions today and how can you best serve that need? What is the ideal outcome for them and how long should that take to achieve?
Talk about and tell your story, but ask questions of the client about their understandings and needs. The whole presentation should be connecting and not a one way conversation.
Look the part from the start. Your physical presentation will impact your pitch from the outset. Any distractions or diversions on your clothing or in your appearance will not help you in any way. The client will assess you visually before they listen to what you have to say.
Never give out or send any proposal material to the client beforehand. Wait until the presentation actually starts. Your brochures and marketing material or proposal should be explained in ‘real time’ to avoid any misunderstandings and to encourage agreement.
Use lots of visually based concepts and ideas that are relative to the property listing. Pictures and graphs are great for the purpose.
Get plenty of pictures of the subject property and automatically run a ‘slide show’ on your computer or laptop screen. The pictures help your dialogue and conversation.
Get small agreements from the client as you proceed. Small step agreements move the discussion ahead and help you with the final agreement.
Show comparisons and trends of the market with photos and chart the outcomes in time and monetary terms.
Deal with the clients questions as they arise. If you put off a question, the client will suspect that you have some problem or issue. Expect them to test you on many concepts and ideas.
Have 3 or 4 relevant stories from the market to tell the client as part of the presentation. Stories are the most powerful tool you can use in a sales pitch or presentation. It has been proven that the client really listens and remembers.

These simple tips have helped so many people over the years. Take command of your presentation; it’s the only time you can convert the business that you need.

Commercial Property Agents – Top 10 Tips for Your Sales Pitch and Listing Presentations

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