A Spectacularly cultural country Thailand

The country s name was Siam until June 24th 1939 then again in 1945 until 11th May 1949. The word Thai means freedom in the Thai language.

Thai boxing muay thai is the national sport in Thailand there are two venues in Bangkok for this sport Ratchadamnoen Stadium and Lumphini Stadium. The muay thai institute was founded in 1997. However association football has taken over muay thai position as most widely viewed and liked sport in Thailand.

Thai cuisine blends five fundamental tastes spicy sour sweet salty and bitter. Some common ingredients used in Thai cuisine are lemon grass garlic lime juice fish sauce and chillies. The staple food in Thailand is rice which is included in many meals. Thai is the largest rice exporter of rice in the world over 5000 varieties of rice from Thailand are stored in rice gene banks.

There are numerous Thai Chinese and English newspapers in circulation and Thailand is the largest newspaper marker in South East Asia.
Thailand has more visitors than any other country in South East Asia.It has many temples and ruins of ancient kingdoms, breathtaking beauty and robust cuisine. Thailand is know as the land of smiles offering something for every travellers and is a sightseer paradise.

Nakhon Pathom is regarded as the oldest city in Thailand and is home to the tallest Buddhist monument in the world. In the south you will discover waterfalls lakes limestone cliffs caves and lots of wildlife.

Bangkok
Bangkok is divided by the Chao Phraya River and is one of the biggest cities in the world. Bangkok has the glittering nightlife and colourful markets. Explore the city by visiting the Grand Palace.
Bangkok has a modern monorail called the sky train and an underground system. The national transport for Thais is the tuk-tuk. There is also long tail boats for island hopping. Trains and coaches link Bangkok with other main cities.

Thailand have monsoons in July and last until late November (rainy season). They can be uncomfortably and sticky. Next is the dry cool time from November until February then comes the higher temperature from March until June. The best time to visit is February to March. If you visit in the low season the rates are cheaper and the rooms cheap.

Thai currency is the Baht. The main language is Thai but English is commonly used.

A visa is not needed if your stay is for 30 days but your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.

Travel Thailand

The Ayutthaya kings adopted Khmer cultural influences from the very beginning. No longer the paternal and accessible rulers that the kings of Sukhothai had been, Ayutthaya's sovereigns were absolute monarchs whose position was enhanced by trappings of royalty reflective of a Khmer devaraja (god-king). Brahmins officiated side by side with Buddhist monks at state ceremonies - a legacy which remains in modern Bangkok.
The 16th century was marked by the first arrival of Europeans and by continual conflict with the Burmese.
In 1569, Ayutthaya fell to Burmese forces that thoroughly sacked and plundered the city, and forcibly removed much of Ayutthaya's population to Burma. The Siamese kingdom, however, was reconsolidated by King Naresuan the Great. Under this great king, Ayutthaya prospered and became the thriving metropolis as described by 17th Century European visitors.
Europeans were primarily attracted to Siam as a door to the China trade. Ayutthaya and her ports became entrepots for goods travelling between Europe, India and the East Indies, and China and Japan. The height of European presence in Ayutthaya, especially the French, was undoubtedly during the reign of King Narai, who ruled 1656 to 1688. It was through the presence of these Europeans during King Narai's reign that gave the West most of its early knowledge of Siam. Some Western visitors compared Ayutthaya to Venice and called it "the most beautiful city in the East."

In 1767, a Burmese invasion succeeded in capturing Ayutthaya. In their hurry to withdraw from the conquered capital, the Burmese killed, looted and set fire to the whole city, thereby expunging four centuries of Thai civilisation. But despite their overwhelming victory, the Burmese didn't retain control of Siam for long. A young general named Phya Taksin gathered a small band of followers, broke through the Burmese encirclement and escaped to Chantaburi. Seven months after the fall of Ayutthaya, he and his forces sailed back to the capital and expelled the Burmese occupation garrison.

Pattaya at the PresentPattaya currently integrates the delights of a 1st class beach resort, city-like dining, shopping and night entertainmentfacilities with more than 300 assorted hotels, thousands of shops, restaurants and bars. In addition, there are anarray of sports and recreational activities including beaches, golf courses, tennis courts, go-kart, gyms for workingout, weight lifting and Thai-boxing gear. Pattaya offers a broad range of things to do. During the day, one may enjoyriding elephants or driving humble automatic mini-bikes, monstrous motorcycles, or even monster multicoloredconvertible Jeeps. Others go for shooting firearms, scuba diving and surfing, deep-sea fishing, speed boats,scooters, water-skiing parasailing, or aerial sports such as gliding ultra-lights and flying motor-propelled gliders.On the other hand, at night, there are restaurants, bars, theaters, cabaret shows, night clubs, bowling halls, billiard& snooker clubs, discos, sauna & massage parlors, not to cite its absolutely incredible shopping which is availablenon-stop both day-and-night.

For centuries, Pattaya was a small fishing village almost cut off from the outside world. But a big change occurred on 29 April 1961 when the first group of about 100 American servicemen who would join the Vietnam War arrived in Pattaya for relaxation. Soon, sleepy Pattaya became Thailand's premier and most successful beach resort, which annually attracts hundreds of thousands of pleasure-seeking visitors. A full range of accommodations from super deluxe hotels to bungalows and mini-pocket guesthouses replaced fishermens huts along the beach. Fishing vessels were adapted to become tourist boats and swimmers and sunbathers from various parts of the world frequented the quiet powdery golden beaches. Places of nighttime entertainment have also sprung up and are popular among international tourists.
For centuries, Pattaya was a small fishing village almost cut off from the outside world. But a big change occurred on 29 April 1961 when the first group of about 100 American servicemen who would join the Vietnam War arrived in Pattaya for relaxation. Soon, sleepy Pattaya became Thailand's premier and most successful beach resort, which annually attracts hundreds of thousands of pleasure-seeking visitors. A full range of accommodations from super deluxe hotels to bungalows and mini-pocket guesthouses replaced fishermens huts along the beach. Fishing vessels were adapted to become tourist boats and swimmers and sunbathers from various parts of the world frequented the quiet powdery golden beaches. Places of nighttime entertainment have also sprung up and are popular among international tourists.
In 1954 Mr.Pisit and Mrs. Nongnooch Tansacha bought 1500 rais (approximately 600 acres) of rolling hills and valleys at kilometer marker 163 on Sukhumvit road in Chonburi province. The newly purchased land was anticipated to become a fruit plantation filled with mangoes, oranges, coconuts as well as many other local fruits. But as fate may have it, Mrs. Nongnooch during her trip abroad, was inspired by the beauty of the world-renowned gardens and decided to turn the fruit orchard into a tropical garden of ornamental flowers and plants. At first meant for botanical conservation, the garden was later turned into a tourist attraction fully equipped with Thai style houses, cottages, villas, seminar halls, banquet halls, swimming pool, restaurants as well as other facilities constructed for tourist's convenience.

Pattaya is nestled along a picturesque bay on the East Coast of the Gulf of Thailand, roughly 170 kilometers southeastof Bangkok. From a fishing village in the 1960's, Pattaya has emerged as the favorite Southeast Asian vacation center.A fascinating escape where tourists, holiday makers and vacationers from around the world unfold an incomparablearray of possibilities to unwind during an exotic holiday beach vacation. Unlike other beach resorts, where naturalsurroundings are used as magnets to attract tourists, Pattaya makes an all-out attempt to provide the best ofeverything.Here, everything means everything a tourist can imagine while on holiday: recreation, entertainment,sportssightseeing and fun. To put it simply, Pattaya is a paradise for everyone, as it has a variety of attractions suitable forall types of visitors. This is the place where you can fill your day, from dusk to dawn, with endless activities, or youmay choose to do nothing at all and relax.

Travel Thailand

begins with the migration of the Thais from their ancestral home in southern China into mainland southeast Asia around the 10th century AD. Prior to this Mon, Khmer and Malay kingdoms ruled the region. The Thais established their own states starting with Sukhothai and then Ayutthaya kingdom. These states fought each other and were under constant threat from the Khmers, Burma and Vietnam. Much later, the European colonial powers threatened in the 19th and early 20th centuries, but Thailand survived as the only Southeast Asian state to avoid colonial rule. After the end of the absolute monarchy in 1932, Thailand endured sixty years of almost permanent military rule before the establishment of a democratic system.

Discover Pattaya Thailand

Look Inside To Discover Pattaya Thailand

Our 26m boat is Pattaya's largest and most popular, with fresh hot meals, soft drinks, hotel pickup, showers, sun deck and more! At the Baiyoke Pattaya Hotel you are centrally convenient to the beach, to the largest shopping area and to the resorts exciting nightlife arena. Our hotel has all facilities that guarantee a quality accommodation while in Pattaya. Our hotel is a new quality 62 room budget Pattaya's hotel with tropical garden and swimming pool. We seldom ate in the hotel, preferring to dine at small resturants around the resort and in the center of Pattaya. About 240 meters hight that you can see Pattaya view, hotel and bungalow accommodation are also available. Select a Pattaya hotel below to find usefull hotel information, check hotel rates and room availability. Travel Library always lists the real direct contact details for every Pattaya hotel including email, web site address, telephone and location address. This hotel has the best and most convenient location of all the luxury resorts in Pattaya. Book your Pattaya hotel stay safely, securely and without worries. Book your hotel in Pattaya before you leave home and save money! That Pattaya is not your average package destination was illustrated when I checked into the hotel.

The bar is located on Pattaya Beach Rd so it's the ideal location to call in for afternoon drink or to spend your evening. But whatever the seedy side of Pattaya's nightlife is like, the city is still one of Thailand's more popular beach resort communities. With such beginnings, its hardly surprising that Pattaya quickly gained an image as one of Thailand's seedier beach resorts. Today Pattaya is Thailand's premier beach resort and attracts annually more than a million tourists from all over the world. Even in the very heart of Pattaya you will be able to find long stretches of clean and sandy beach. Today, Pattaya is Thailand's premier beach resort and annually attracts hundreds of thousands of pleasure-seeking tourists from all over the world. The resort has its own private beach, the only one in Pattaya, where one can explore the Island situated around the resort. It is located at the heart of Pattaya near the beach and next to best shopping boutiques and restaurant. The over-abundance of jet-skis and speedboats has contributed towards the pollution of the water along Pattaya Beach. There's no doubt Pattaya Beach is a fun destination, but one that needs some consideration before a visit. We are situated within easy walking distance from the beach / seaes and the bustling shopping and nightlife in downtown Pattaya. For instance, as a beach wear some Russian women love those large adorned scarfs, sold all around Pattaya. People say that Pattaya Beach Road has a street life like no where else in the world, and it does.

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This is a personal site providing nightlife reviews and a snapshot of articles that illustrate life in Pattaya. More infornation about the nightlife in Pattaya, the best places to enjoy a party... Conveniently sited close to a great number of Pattaya shopping centers and tremendous nightlife entertainment complex. Nightlife Pattaya beer bars along the waterfront Pattaya is renowned for its nightlife, much of which revolves around its massive sex oriented industry. Although this is the part of Pattaya that has most accommodation available, the nature of the nightlife can put families off. Especially, Pattaya nightlife entertainment is the most favorite attraction one should not miss. When it comes to nightlife in Pattaya, the go-go bars and beer gardens dominate. Probably more has been written about Pattaya's nightlife than any other place on the planet. Night life and entertainment Pattaya is famous for its nightlife and the bay is lined with lanes full of fun bars and friendly people.

Non-stop excitement in the sun, shopping, entertainment, sports and excellent night life, Pattaya is a true world class destination. For shopping, fashionable boutiques and ready-made garments are flocked in the main street of central and South Pattaya. Les grands magasins et autres bazars de Central Pattaya offrent une autre vision du shopping. Shopping Pattaya has some surprisingly fashionable boutiques and shops selling clothes, silk, coral and shells, paintings, handicrafts, gemstones, jewellry and souvenirs.

Thus you have your car hire in Pattaya for sure and you avoid troubles on arrival by not finding the hire car that suits your needs. Don´t wait for the final call to book your car hire in Pattaya! car hire country guide Thailand lloguer de cotxes pattaya, autonoleggio pattaya, autoverhuur pattaya Beneluxcar wants your Pattaya car hire experience to be as enjoyable as possible. For cheap car hire Pattaya, find and compare prices from leading car hire companies. Find lowest car rental rates and best discount deals for car rental Pattaya. Just ninety minutes by car from Bangkok, Pattaya allows you to shed your suit or the city stress and let your hair down.

In Pattayaland you will find every service imaginable starting from the traditional karaoke bars to the impressive dance clubs and strip clubs. These are just some of the hundreds of so called beer bars that litter the streets of downtown Pattaya. Many ex-pats own bars in Pattaya, where the prostitutes work (you have to pay the bar a fee to take the girls home). Some end up staying in Pattaya for years and becoming mamasans, or recruiters for the bars.

The whole reason I went with them was because I thought that it would be exciting to get sex for free in Pattaya. Gerd Cornelius and his porn ring harem were arrested for producing live internet sex shows in Pattaya. However, Pattaya is still home to many international resorts and is crowded primarily with sex tourists. But even for those who have no interest in hired sex, Pattaya is still a fascinating place. There is no shame in Pattaya, sex is not a vice here, it's as normal as eating or sleeping. By night, Pattaya isn't short of entertainment and is well known for its sex scene.

Watersports, off-beat museums, wildlife and amusement parks and extensive sports facilities, including 10 superb golf courses, have added to Pattaya's fun and sun. There are several highly recommended golf courses to choose from in the Pattaya area. Then, indulge in breathtaking adventures on the water, below the waves, on the golf course, or among the exciting sites of Pattaya. Justly famous for its night-time party zone, Pattaya's also has first class golf courses and surprisingly, lots of family attractions. (coming) Golf around Pattaya is pretty close to golfers heaven for high and low handicappers alike. Twenty or more international standard golf courses are within an hours drive of Pattaya.

Thai Boxing

Is Muay Thai The Martial Art YOU Need To Discover?
With the rise in popularity of mixed martial arts and the UFC, muay thai has become more popular then ever before. But is it the best form of martial arts for you to learn?

Let’s take a closer look at Muay Thai…

It is rather hard to pinpoint the exact start and history of Muay Thai as it has evolved through the years and still continues to evolve today.

Muay Thai is considered by some to have been a deviation of a martial art from south east China. Others believe that it came from an enchant form of kickboxing in India.

Muay Thai began as Krabi Krabong, the Siamese military fighting style with a sword in one hand. Developing through time and natural evolution of the art, it gave birth to Muay Boran, ancient style muay thai . As battlefield warfare evolved into a more technological basis, hand to hand combat was no longer required within the military, and Muay Thai became a sporting martial art, kept alive in Thailand as a competetive sport, and for many, a way of life.

The basic concept of muay thai has not changed much over the years… Martial Arts like karate and tae-kwon-do mainly focus on striking and ‘hard’ forms of very straight kicks. Muay Thai has always had a focus around punching with a boxing style, using knees and elbows to defend and block kicks and punches as well, the kicking is not as ‘hard’ in its form as other main line martial arts.

The one very unique strategy that Muay Thai embraces is a technique called the “Clinch”. How the “Clinch” works is, your hands are wrapped around the other person’s neck for leverage so you can use your knee to get in and start working on the other persons mid section. It is a very effective technique if you know what you are doing.

The one thing you need to know about Muay Thai is that it is a FULL CONTACT SPORT. Yes it is a martial art at its core but from a functional prospective it is a sport and with that means you are going to get into very good shape when you train in Muay Thai.

This also brings up another challenge… Your risk of getting injured is greater with Muay Thai then it is with most other traditional martial arts. The reason for this is because your always training with contact!

The one thing that Muay Thai has is a great built in self-defense component. Because you spend most of your time sparring with others, you get to experience full-contact fighting on a regular basis. So from a self-defense perspective… It is a real winner!

Is Muay Thai For You?

The only way to find out is to go and checkout a few schools in your area so you can see first hand if you like Muay Thai! They will offer you a free class and sometimes a free month. It is well worth your time to check out your local schools.

Travel & Tourism

Visitors to Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand come for the quaint, unhurried pace of life, the bargain shopping and the potential to break out on retreats into the mountains and jungle with a trekking trip. Whatever your reason for coming, Chiang Mai promises plenty of opportunities for excitement, relaxation and historic journeys into the city's past.

A trip to Mae Sa A 30-minute drive to Mae Sa is a fun event for the entire family, as the area is packed with activities. Tourists venture out for the orchid nurseries; the well-known Elephant Camp where visitors can ride elephants and watch performances including a football match played by elephants; a snake farm and bungee jumping. Finally, the Mae Sa Waterfall offers a place to relax or perhaps go hiking.

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar Chiang Mai is well-known for its handicrafts, silk and large markets. This all comes to a focus at the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, a veritable shopper's dream. Stretching the entire length of Chang Klan road, this market has become more of a tourist's domain than it once was. Here you'll find an assortment of jewellery, clothing, antiques, silver, all manners of souvenirs and knock-off designer items. It's open every evening until midnight. This is where you’ll find many of Chiang Mai hotels.

Doi Inthanon National Park Situated south of Chiang Mai, Doi Inthanon National Park is a unique wildlife preserve and often makes for a comfortable cool weather retreat after spending time in the city. It's the tallest mountain in Thailand at a grand height of 8,415 feet. Camping is permitted in the park and the natural surroundings make for an excellent getaway. This is one of the best places for trekking in Northern Thailand.

Wat Phratat Doi Suthep Overlooking the Old City of Chiang Mai, the mountain of Doi Suthep holds one of Thailand's most sacred temples. The 300-stair climb leads you to the large chedi and golden spire. This large temple complex dates back to the 14th century and the view of the city achieved from the marble courtyard is worth the trip alone. No trip to Chiang Mai is complete without visiting Doi Suthep. Ask the concierge at the hotels for assistance getting up there, it’s one of the most important in Thailand.

Thai massage and spas Places to get a massage can literally be found on almost every street of the Old City, and prices range depending on quality and accessibility. Thai massage is world-renown, and some of the most skilled masseurs can be found in the more upscale spas, which also offer body scrubs and detox and beautification treatments. Even at these high-end facilities, the money spent is still fantastic value when compared to the superb quality of the treatment.

Chiang Mai Zoo Don't be surprised if a local asks you if you've visited the zoo yet—most likely, they're wondering if you've seen the pair of pandas which are on loan from China, an endless source of pride for locals. These are only two of the more than 6,000 animals on display at the zoo which sits at the base of Suthep Mountain, from where there are wonderful views of the city.

Courses and training Chiang Mai overflows with all sorts of courses in which tourists can enrol for only a few days or weeks at a time. Due to the affordable prices and the comfortable atmosphere in Chiang Mai, visitors are tempted to dig in and stay a while. So whether you're looking to learn the art of Thai massage, perfect your Thai cooking skills or study Thai boxing, you'll find it here for every level and length of time. When in Thailand this is highly recommended.

The Old City A tour of the Old City is easily done on foot or by bike, and is the best way to come face-to-face with Chiang Mai's legacy. Portions of the old wall were restored in the 19th century, and the 700-year-old moat that surrounds the city has been beautifully preserved. The city gates have also been restored, and each marks an important commercial avenue in or out of the city. Temples are spread across the entire Old City, and some of the more important include Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phrasingh and Wat Chiang Mai.

Adventure sports Any number of adventure sports can be organised through travel agencies in Chiang Mai. Some of the more popular outings include white-water rafting on the Mae Tang River, which is 1 hour, 30 minute drive out of town; mountain biking on Doi Suthep with the added bonus of spending time at the temple if you make it all the way to the top, and rock climbing at Crazy Horse Buttress. There's also an outdoor climbing wall located to one side of the Night Bazaar. Trekking in Chiang Mai is perhaps the biggest drawcard

Trekking Northern Thailand It's impossible to list the major attractions of Chiang Mai without mentioning trekking. Tour guide operators use the city as a springboard from which to organise trips into the surrounding mountainous jungles. Expeditions are packed with a variety of activities and range from daytrips to several night journeys that include hiking, elephant riding and bamboo rafting. Routes are planned around hill tribe villages, where overnight accommodation is provided. Trekking is the best way to see rural Northern Thailand.

Condominium Purchase in Thailand

Purchasing a condominium in a tropical paradise is a dream for many foreigners who wish to escape the cold winters and the high cost of living in their home country. Thailand offers the foreigner many benefits including beautiful beaches, tasty food, friendly people, world class health care and inexpensive property. Many foreigners come to Thailand to purchase a condo for various reasons: for their retirement, as a second residence or for investment purposes. For those who desire to stay longer in Thailand, the ability to acquire property is an important issue. Many foreigners prefer to reside in a condominium since there is less maintenance involved for the owner. You can simply close and lock the door until your next stay. Projects in Thailand offer 24 hour security so you can feel safe that everything will be as it was when you left. From the perspective of a Legal Advisor, I would like to share with you the process so you'll feel secure of your purchase of a condominium in Thailand.

Legal Structure

In Thailand, a foreigner may own a condominium 100 percent in his/her own name. Freehold title for the condominium purchase is the most secure method of ownership for the foreigner. If the project is over the 49 percent quota for foreigners, you may need to draft a lease contract for your transaction. In Hua Hin we do not find this problem since Thai owners are the majority in most condominium projects.

Legal & Financial Planning

Before you sign any deposit agreement or contract, you should sit down with a lawyer or solicitor to discuss the legal process. You need to know the correct legal process in Thailand for the foreigner to purchase a condominium. Remember that you are spending part of your life savings to acquire this property and you must carefully plan your steps in the process. Some banks will offer up to 70 percent financing to foreigners for purchasing a condominium. The repayment term can be as high as 20 years. Siam Legal offers free legal consultation to potential property buyers. You should get the legal facts of the property and contract laws in Thailand before you deposit any money.

Title Investigation

A comprehensive examination of title deed recorded at the Land Department should be done. You need to verify that the Seller has clear and legal title of the land before you enter into a contractual agreement. The title search will trace the land to its first possession. Don’t take the word of anyone who tells you it has been checked before. The lawyer conducting the title investigation will provide you a full report and a copy of the title deed in English language.

Due Diligence

Every financial transaction requires some sort of due diligence on behalf of the purchaser to verify that it is a sound investment. When you purchase shares of a company listed in stock market or a mutual fund you will generally research the profile and performance of the company or fund. The same is true when you purchase a property from a developer. You should check with the previous buyers to see if they are satisfied with the quality and time frame of construction. If you don’t have the time to spend on checking the history of the developer, a local lawyer near the development will know or can check the project, its directors and their reputation.

Deposit

When you feel satisfied with the property and it meets your expectations, you will be asked to make a deposit to show your good faith to continue the process. In return, the Seller will reserve the unit for you and start the process by drafting the contracts for purchase. Unless you write specifically a “get-out” clause in the deposit agreement, for example “subject to clear title” or “subject to agreement on the contract terms,” the money deposited is non-refundable.

Construction Contract

There are some fundamental elements which should be included in every contract. These are, among others:

1. Time frame

An agreement should have a time frame which stipulates clearly the starting date for construction as well as its completion date. Check for any extension clauses which normally give the developer a few extra months to complete without incurring any penalties.

2. Payment Penalties

Check that the penalties for default of payment are not too burdensome on you. Terms such as immediate rescission of contract and retaining the money you have already paid are not uncommon but there should be a period given to you to remedy this default.

3. Developer’s Default

Ensure that you have some recourse to a full refund in the event that the developer does not complete the construction due to insolvency or for any other reason.

4. Late Completion

Penalties should be given to you if the completion is late. This is normally deducted from the final payment due upon completion. Penalty rates vary greatly in Thailand although for condominiums there is a daily minimum penalty of 0.01% of the total unit price.

5. Assignment

Many things can happen in the future so it is useful to have an exit clause should your plans change. An assignment clause allows you to transfer the obligations of the agreement to a third party. Note the administration fee due to the developer for this action. An assignment clause may also allow you the option to ‘flip’ the property should the market be conducive.

How to Pay

You will transfer funds into Thailand from overseas for the purchase. The funds transferred will be in foreign currency and converted by the Thai Bank to Thai Baht. A British couple for example will transfer Sterling from their London bank and wire to the bank in Thailand. The Thai bank will convert the funds into Thai baht and deposit it into local bank account. The Thai bank will issue a Foreign Exchange Form to confirm the transaction. The bank will only issue this form if the transaction is over $20,000 USD. When you wish to repatriate the funds back to your home country, you will need to show the Foreign Exchange Form and supporting documents. Your lawyer or solicitor in Thailand can act as an escrow agent and disperse the payments to the Seller per your instructions.

Pre-Construction Purchase

The pre-construction real estate acquisition is the practice of buying a property very early on in the construction process. Developers are selling these future condominium units to customers in order to finance the development itself. The customers, on the other hand, are banking on the appreciation of the property once the infrastructure and amenities have been put in place. There are distinct advantages to buying during pre-construction such as the relatively discounted price, the choice of selecting a more appealing unit within the project or other added incentives offered by the developer to the early buyers.

Some condominium projects can sell out very quickly upon the launch if the condominium units are reasonably priced and in a good location. For example, Baan San Pluem condos by SanSiri Plc. which is located beachfront opposite Hua Hin Market Village, reportedly sold 80 percent of the units in just a few weeks from the Grand Opening earlier this year. The local Thai buyers saw this project launch as a great opportunity to purchase beachfront condos at the attractive pre-construction prices.

Handover of Condominium

At the conclusion of the construction period, you will receive notification from the Seller that your condominium is ready for inspection. You or your representative will go to the property site and conduct a thorough inspection for any defect in construction or materials. Once you have accepted the condition of the property, you will go to the Land Department for the transfer or registration process. If you are not able to appear in person, a lawyer or third party can represent you by means of a Power of Attorney.

Property Financing

When we buy a property back home, one of the fist things we would think of is financing. Even for those who have sufficient funding and liquidity for an acquisition, financing is often seen as a means of leveraging our investments. For buyers with less access to funding, financing is an indispensable vehicle they use to own that dream home. In this instance, Thailand is the same as any other country. Most of the financial institutions in Thailand provide loans for real estate purchases to local Thais and Thai companies based on similar criteria we are used to in our home country. However, the similarities do end there for most foreigners buying property in Thailand.

International Condo Loan Schemes for Thailand Around the middle of 2005, Thailand saw the emergence of a new financing service offered by Bangkok Bank’s Singapore branch. At this time we saw Bangkok Bank starting to offer offshore financing for foreigners wishing to purchase real estate in Thailand. Up to 70% of the property’s value was made available to foreigners who did not qualify for a local loan. This gave many foreigners access to finance for their dream homes even if they did not reside in Thailand. Up until this time, there were only a handful of private offshore firms offering lines of credit of this kind and often at rather stringent and unattractive terms.

Bangkok Bank in Singapore still offers such loans to foreigners and the demand for this is increasing. They are able to tender loans in several currencies including US and Singapore Dollars (SGD). Currently, the interest rate for SGD loan stands at 6.00%. A processing fee will also be incurred upon application. Bangkok Bank does insist on meeting the applicants in person and this means you would usually have to travel to Singapore to apply for this.

Bangkok Bank was the first bank in Singapore to offer such financing services. However, this year we saw the introduction of United Overseas Bank (UOB) in Singapore jumping on the band wagon and offering similar lending services to foreigners wishing to purchase real estate in Thailand. It is a relatively new scheme for UOB and it was introduced largely as an alternative to Bangkok Bank’s hold on this lucrative market. It is a good thing that we are starting to see some competition in this area and in the future this will hopefully create an environment that would improve the consumer’s position with various banks trying to outdo each other with more competitive rates. At the moment, the terms for a UOB international loan is still very similar to Bangkok Bank with their interest rate currently also at 8.75% for USD and 6.00% for SGD. However, it appears their processing fee may be slightly higher but offers the advantage of applying for the loan locally in Thailand without having to set foot in Singapore. UOB’s entrance into this niche market is a welcoming sign to the area of financing to foreigners in Thailand.

“Flipping”

Many investors target a condo project when the development first launches. They are keen to purchase the plum units in the project as an investment. Later, the investor will resale or “flip” the unit typically before the legal interest is registered at the Land Department. The value of the unit increases prior to the completion or title transfer. These investors will capture their profits without their names ever appearing on the title deeds. Care and caution should be exercised if you are “flipping” the unit since some developers will not allow assignment of the unit to another person. Some developers will allow this option but they will charge a very high administrative fee or even a percentage penalty.

Summary

Living in Thailand should be an enjoyable and relaxing experience. If you plan and prepare in advance for the acquisition of your property, you will be rewarded for your efforts. Those who take short cuts in the recommended process above will save some money but in the end it will not be worth it if something goes wrong. Property is a solid investment in Thailand as well as a great place to live while enjoying life in paradise.

10 Things You Must See In Thailand

You just can’t escape the appeals of delicious food, tropical climate, fantastic culture, and gorgeous beaches of Thailand. Certainly, Thailand is one of the most appealing countries in Southeast Asia. Surely, one of the most exotic places, Thailand is a real magnet for the globetrotters from all over the globe.

Offering a number of vacation paradises on its wonderful arenas, Thailand is one of the most coveted vacation destinations in the world. It’s a fantastic destination for beach vacations. Thailand really has numerous tourist attractions, yet here are 10 things that you must see while in Thailand.

Grand Palace – the royal palace and the official residence of the king of Thailand, located on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. The Grand Palace is best known for Wat Phra Kaew, the temple featuring Emerald Buddha, Mythological Giant (Yak), Kinaree - Mythological Creature, Half Bird & Half Woman, Bell Tower, and Chakri Mahaprasad Hall. Wat Arun – the “temple of the dawn” – a surreal Buddhist temple (Wat) located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. The remarkable temple, featuring the central prang – Khmer-style tower, is one of the popular tourist attractions in Thailand.

Wat Pho – the temple of the reclining Buddha – a famous Buddhist temple in Phra Nakhon district of Bangkok. It’s also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon. The temple is known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. It’s one of the major tourist attractions.

Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center – an ultra modern multimedia historic and cultural education centre, located in the very heart of the old city of Chiang Mai. The center documents the history & culture of the region from the pre-Muang period (7,000-12,000 years ago) to the early river civilizations.

Chaweng Beach – the largest & the most famous of Ko Samui’s beaches. The beach is beautiful and attracts youngsters and families alike. It has many restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, and fast food eateries. It’s a nice place for scuba diving, with many dive shops on the beach. Lamai Beach – a fantastic beach located on the east coast of Ko Samui, Thailand. The beach is a nice place for swimming and other water & beach sports. It’s a wonderful place for eating, drinking, and shopping. It’s a very popular beach vacation destination.

Hin Ta & Hin Yai – the “grandfather” and “grandmother” stones that look like human genitals, located south-west of the Lamai Beach in Ko Samui. The grandfather stone looks like an erect penis, and grandmother stone looks like a vagina. It’s a popular tourist attraction.

Ban Chiang – a famous archeological site located in Nong Han district of the Udon Thani Province of Thailand. The site is famous for the attractive red painted pottery discovered in 1957. The site has been listed in the UNESCO world heritage list. Khao Yai National Park – one of the first and the most famous national parks located in the Dong Phaya Yen Mountains in Thailand. The national park covering an area of 2,168 square kilometers has been listed in the UNESCO world heritage list.

Thungyai – Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries – the two famous wild life sanctuaries located in the provinces of Kanchanaburi, Tak and Uthai Thani in Thailand. The two adjoining sanctuaries have been listed in the UNESCO world heritage list.

Author writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing listings for Hotels, Villas, Villas Koh Samui, and Beach Villa rental in Thailand.

Business,Small Business

Thailand is one of Asia’s tiger economies, with many opportunities for enterprising companies to make use of both a relatively cheap but well-educated labour force, together with an increasingly efficient infrastructure.

However, there are many pitfalls that need to be avoided when looking to start a business in Thailand for such a venture to succeed.

Where to Start

The Thai government offers a business visa to applicants wishing to come to Thailand to research the opportunities that might exist for their company. This application is best made at the Thai consulate in your existing location, rather than entering as a tourist.

This will allow you to stay up to 90 days at a time and is renewable under the right circumstances. There are many websites that offer detailed advice on the best methods of applying and also the best consulates to apply at with up to date information.

Getting yourself an office

The best method of hitting the ground running is to look into using a serviced office, at least to begin with. Not only will this offer you immediate support services, you will be able to move into a fully functioning office within a matter of hours.

Most of the facilities you will need (phone, Internet, secretarial, fax, etc) will be immediately available, together with an all important address. Remember too that Thai culture places a great emphasis on status, so make sure your serviced office will impress both in terms of location and decoration.

When looking for a serviced office, remember the following:

· Communication can be a challenge in Thailand, so choose an office where you are able to communicate easily with the staff. They will become invaluable to you when you need to talk to other Thais.

· Location is critical, with Bangkok roads still jammed on a regular basis. Make sure you choose somewhere close to the two train networks. This will save you a great deal of time later on.

· Keep an eye out for hidden costs. Some offices will not be clear on just what is included, so ask about VAT, phone, Internet and installation costs.

· Bargaining is a way of life in Thailand, so be prepared to negotiate a little.

Incorporating in Thailand

Advice on this topic would fill an article in itself, but the crux of it is simple. You will need professional help with this task if you are to avoid getting bogged down in administration to the point of not being able to focus on your own business needs.

There are many professional companies that specialize in just this task, and you should get quotes from at least three different companies. Your checklist of factors to consider:

· Once again communication is critical. Any company you choose has to have the ability to communicate with you without misunderstandings. Check to see who will be your point of contact on an ongoing basis.

· Check for a strong history of satisfied customers. Go so far as to ask for references and be diligent in checking them.

· Choose a company that is conveniently located to your base. Bangkok can be troublesome to get around, so bear this in mind.

· Always check the costs and try to make sure you are comparing like for like. If a quote is not clear, request further details so that you can accurately see how one company’s service costs compare with another.

· Negotiate as always, and use this as a way to test communication channels.

Once your company is set up properly, it will be necessary to apply for an official work permit to continue to work in Thailand. Again this is something that you can outsource and is probably in your best interests to do so.

Finding New Business in Thailand

Many companies find the easiest way to start in Thailand is to look for a Thai business partner right off the bat. This way, you can plug right in to an existing network and take advantage of partnerships that have been in place for many years.

Of course, this means finding the right partner, which may not always be possible.

The alternative is to look for networks that you can work into quickly and may include:

Your embassy in Bangkok Clubs such as the British Club or American Club Industry associations

Expect to spend the first few months meeting as many new people as you can in order to start connecting with the right people.

The one piece of advice that will be relevant throughout your time in Thailand is this:

Always keep smiling and try to keep your temper.

Travel & Tourism

You visit it any time, view it any way, Thailand never disappoints you. Well, Thailand certainly looks enchanting and mesmerizing every time and every way you view it. It is the destination known for its numerous expressions of scenic beauty. Honestly, Backpacking is one of the best ways to explore the beauty of Thailand.

Certainly, backpacking is growing very popular way of touring Thailand. The best thing about backpacking is that it’s really cheap way of traveling, and furthermore, you get the fun & adventure of tramping, bushwalking, hiking, trekking, and camping in a single trip. The idea sounds pretty good, certainly it does. So, just pack your gear including food, water, clothes, and shelter into a backpack and get going. Here are some of the extremely popular backpackers’ sites in Thailand.

Kanchanaburi – a town located on the confluence of Khwae Noi, Khwae Yai, and Mae Klong rivers, in the west of Thailand. The reasonably priced town is a paradise for backpackers, who usually come here for the infamous River Kwai Bridge, Erawan Falls, Thailand-Burma Railway Museum, JEATH War Museum, Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. Offering an easy access to the nearby Tiger Temple, the town is the birthplace of the Buddhist monk Phrabhavanaviriyakhun.

Pai – a small town, located along the Pai River, north of Chiang Mai, on the northern route to Mae Hong Son, in northern Thailand near the Myanmar border. It’s a well known site for backpackers. It’s nice place for trekking countryside, enjoying waterfalls, and visiting hill tribes, such as Karen, Hmong and Lisu. There are plenty of cheap guesthouses, souvenir shops and restaurants in the town.

Santikhiri – formerly known as Mae Salong – a wonderful hangout for backpackers, located 45 kilometers (28 miles) north of Mae Chan district, in Chiang Rai, on the mountain of Doi Mae Salong, in the northern Thailand. The Alpine reminiscent area is known for its hill tribe villages, tea plantations and cherry blossoms. The town hosts the annual cherry blossoms festival from 28 Dec. to 2 Jan.

Nan – a small town, located in the northern Thailand, is a superb site for backpackers. This is actually the place for the backpackers, who prefer quieter and peaceful areas. It is known for a museum and good trekking opportunities. The place is reasonably cheaper and you can find several cheap accommodations here.

Soppong / Tham Lod – a small relaxing village, located on a small river, about 75 km from Mae Hong Son. It’s a wonderful place to explore countryside, caves and surroundings Karen villages. It is widely famous for a huge cave known as Tham Lod. It’s a nice place for bird watching.

Additionally, Sukhothai, Chiang Khan, Sang Khom, Ayuthaya – the former capital of Thailand, and Bangkok, the present capital of Thailand are some other nice sites for backpackers. Home to teak houses, fabulous temples, fine museums, lively markets, vibrant nightlife, and lots of cheap stuff for backpackers, Bangkok is one of the favorite sites for the backpackers.

Author writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing listings for Hotels, Villas, Thailand holiday accommodation, and Holiday villas worldwide.

Kingdom of Thailand

Facts at a glance in Thailand Thailand, meaning "land of the free", formally the Kingdom of Thailand, is a country in Southeast Asia. To its east lie Laos and Cambodia; to its south, the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia; and to its west, the Andaman Sea and Myanmar. Its capital and largest city is Bangkok (Krung Thep, meaning " city of angels").

National Flag : The red, white, and blue stripes symbolize the nation, Buddhism, and the monarchy, respectively.

Time : The time in Thailand is seven hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+7 hours GMT).

Geography of Thailand: At 514,000 sq km (198,000 sq mi), Thailand is the world's 49th-largest country. It is comparable in size to France, and somewhat larger than the US state of California.

Thailand is divided into 4 natural regions: 1. The north of the country is mountainous, with the highest point being Doi Inthanon at 2,576 metres (8,451 ft). Profusion of multi-coloured orchids, fastinating native handicrafts and winter temperatures are sufficiently cool to permit cultivation of temperate fruits such as strawberries and peaches; 2. The northeast consists of the Khorat Plateau, bordered to the east by the Mekong river, which still jealously guards its many archaeological and anthropological mysteries; 3. The Central Plain, one of the world's most fertile rice and fruit-growing areas with colourful traditional culture and way of life as well as dominated by the predominantly flat Chao Phraya river valley, which runs into the Gulf of Thailand; 4. The peninsular South where the unspoiled beaches and idyllic islands complement economically vital tin mining, rubber cultivation and fishing. The south consists of the narrow Kra Isthmus that widens into the Malay Peninsula. The local climate is tropical and characterised by monsoons. There is a rainy, warm, and cloudy southwest monsoon from mid-May to September, as well as a dry, cool northeast monsoon from November to mid-March. The southern isthmus is always hot and humid. Major cities beside the capital Bangkok include Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Sawan, Chiang Mai, Phitsanulok, Surat Thani, Phuket and Hat Yai.

Demographics of Thailand: Thailand's population is dominated by various Tai-speaking peoples. Among these, the most numerous are the Central Thai, the Northeastern Thai or Isan or Lao, the Northern Thai, and the Southern Thai. The Central Thai have long dominated the nation politically, economically, and culturally, even though they make up only about one-third of Thailand's population and are slightly outnumbered by the Northeastern Thai. Due to education system and the forging of a national identity, many people are now able to speak Central Thai as well as their own local dialects.

The largest group of non-Thai people are the Chinese who have historically played a disproportionately significant role in the economy. Most have integrated completely into mainstream Thai society, and do not live in Bangkok's Chinatown on Yaowarat Road. Other ethnic groups include Malays in the south, Mon, Khmer and various hill tribes. After the end of the Vietnam War, many Vietnamese refugees settled in Thailand, mainly in the northeastern regions.

According to the last census (2000) 95. Some provinces and towns south of Chumphon have dominant Muslim populations, including many ethnic Thai. Often Muslims live in separate communities from non-Muslims. The southern tip of Thailand are mostly ethnic Malays and they are mostly concentrated in the south, where they form a strong majority in four provinces. Christians, mainly Catholics, represent 0.75 humidity); rainy with plenty of sunshine from June to October (average day temperature 29 degrees Celsius and 87% humidity); and cool from November to January (temperatures range from 32 degrees Celsius to below 20 degrees Celsius with a drop in humidity). Much lower temperatures are experienced in the North and Northeast during nighttime. The South has a tropical rainforest climate with temperatures averaging 28 degrees Celsius almost all year round.

Electricity: The electric current is 220 volt AC (50 cycles) throughout the country. Many different types of plugs and sockets are in use. Travellers with electric shavers, hair dryers, tape recorders and other appliances should carry a plug adapter kit. The better hotels will make available 110-volt transformers.

Tap Water: Tap water is clean but drinking from it directly should be avoided. Bottled water is recommended

Clothing: Light, cool clothes are sensible and a jacket is needed for formal meetings and dining in top restaurants. Shorts (except knee length walking shorts), sleeveless shirts, tank tops and other beach-style attire are considered inappropriate dress when not actually at the beach or in a resort area.

Weights & Measures: The metric system is used throughout Thailand. Numerals on vehicle speed ometers, highway markers and speed limits all indicate kilometres.

Business Hours: Most commercial concerns in Bangkok operate on a five-day week, usually from 8 am to 5 pm. Many stores open seven days a week from 10 am to 10 pm. Government offices are generally open between 8.30 am and 4.30 pm with a noon to 1 pm lunch break, Monday to Friday except on public holidays. Banks are open Mondays to Fridays from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm except on public holidays.

Postal Services: Thailand's mail service is reliable and efficient. Major hotels provide basic postal services on their premises. Provincial post offices are usually open from 8.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.

International Roaming Mobile Phone: A Subscriber Identity Module Card (SIM Card) is now available for Thai and foreign customers who are travelling around for work. The SIM Card must be used in conjunction with a Digital GSM mobile phone within the 900-MHz range or a Digital PCN mobile phone within the 1800-MHz range.

Fax and E-mail: All of Thailand's leading hotels offer facsimile (fax) and e-mail services. Numerous private businesses offer such facilities, most often in conjunction with translation services.

Internet Services: Thailand has been expanding its information service for residents and tourists alike through the Internet system. Services are now available at Thailand's leading hotels and at the many "cybercafes " that are cropping up in all major tourist destinations