Corruption in Thailand

In the past it was customary for a Chinese businessman to receive protection from influential Thais in return for payments; in the early sixties Prime Minister General Sarit is alleged to have diverted 140 million Baht from public funds into his own bank account, and a recent study revealed that 75 percent of Thai MPs received commissions from development projects in their constituencies.

One question that preoccupies many a newcomer is whether one should be prepared to grease any palms in order to achieve one's objectives. It is difficult to provide a satisfactory answer. As a foreigner you should steer clear of passing brown envelopes under the table during negotiations. Such actions are unlikely to smooth the way and could land you in deep trouble if you are bidding for a government contract and the Counter Corruption Commission comes to hear of your activities.

The best solution is to find a reputable agent who can handle any payments that need to be made. If you try to do this yourself, you will invariably get it wrong. Every organization operating in Thailand-whether local or foreign-has its own Mr., Mrs., or Miss Fixit who has good contacts and knows exactly what to do to make the wheels run smoothly.

The problem of corruption is regularly aired in Thailand, and attempts have been made to combat political corruption, in particular. At a recent election some of the contests had to be rerun because they were shown to have been rigged. Also, some of the country's more perspicacious leaders realize that foreign investors may shy away from countries that are institutionally corrupt.

One reassuring piece of advice comes from a former British Ambassador to Thailand. "You should also know that some of the most successful Western firms in Bangkok have never ever resorted to illegal payments precisely because there are so many legal ways in which these delicate matters can be resolved to everyone's mutual satisfaction."

The article writer is a lady from Thailand, she is in her mid 30's and has four children. She simply loves flowers in Thailand and taking the children to play in the beautiful flower gardens of northern Thailand. She often visits the flower garden and butterfly farm in Ko Samui and goes to Phuket to enjoy the great outdoors. She is a lover of flowers and has spent a lot of time learning about flowers. She has a flower websitewww.gogoflorist.com where she sells flowers for delivery in Bangkok & Pattaya. She loves her job and hopes one day that her children will either go to work in Pattaya or start their own flower delivery business in Thailand.

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Why Teaching English In Thailand

As the third fastest growing economy in Asia behind China and Japan, Thailand is becoming an extremely attractive place to work for westerners. With living standards still relatively cheap and the climate warm all year round, enduring long cold winters and heavy taxation seems like madness. For this reason teaching English in Thailand has become very popular over the years and is now experiencing a further period of rapid growth.

The demand for foreign teachers is growing at an exponential rate because of the increasing importance for Thai people to speak English to a high standard. The Thai Ministry of Education recently announced that it will be recruiting a further 300 foreign teachers for its state schools over the coming year, offering higher than usual salaries in a bid to up the standard of English for its expanding economy.

Monthly teaching salaries for foreigners currently stand at an average of 35,000 Baht a month (approximately $1,160), and can rise to nearer 50,000 Baht within a couple of years. When you consider it costs approximately a third of the price to live in Thailand when compared with the West, that is a salary with the equivalent of around $3,000 per month. Food is far cheaper in Thailand, as is accommodation, and around half your income is savable if you budget properly.

Teaching English in Thailand is a place to start a career as a foreign teacher, and also a great place to study your TEFL course. A number of companies offer placements at prices far cheaper than the West, and with immediate TEFL job opportunities offered on completion. Perhaps the greatest benefit in studying your TEFL in Thailand is being able to gain hands on experience teaching foreign students during your course.

Studying your TEFL in Thailand allows you to get a feel for the country, people and culture before finally making up your mind whether you want to teach there permanently. TEFL courses can be found all over the country, but are most prevalent in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, with Chiang Mai offering perhaps the most attractive balance between city and rural life.

There has never been a better time to consider teaching English in Thailand than now. Thailand is very welcoming to foreign residents and the country is desperately seeking talented, personable teachers to fill positions all over the country. Study visas are readily available through companies offering TEFL in Thailand courses and accommodation can be arranged prior to arrival.

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A Guide to Chiang Mai

With a history of over 700 years, Chiang Mai has long been considered the cultural hub of northern Thailand. Roughly 435 miles from Bangkok, it is a city that combines scenic vistas of the highest mountains in Thailand, arts and crafts centers, and modernity that have been drawing an increasing number of travelers and long-term visitors: as many as five million tourists come to Chiang Mai annually, thanks to its combination of unique culture and accessibility.

The city offers a vast range of attractions, sightseeing options and adventure tours that appeal to any traveler, whether you are traveling with your spouse, your extended family, or your elderly: in Chiang Mai there are various ancient ruins, public parks and botanic gardens that will readily suit the tastes of travelers looking for a quiet spot, while for adventurers and/or families with children the Chiang Mai Zoo and Aquarium-as well as rafting adventures, caving, tiger farms and elephant camps-provide the perfect diversions. For the shopper there are numerous markets such as the Warorot Market and the Night Bazaar that give you a glimpse into Thai culture and lifestyle, as well as an opportunity to buy unusual souvenirs to take home. The famous Walking Streets, available Saturday and Sunday, fulfill much the same function but offer an even wider range of merchandise usually sold directly by artists, sculptors, silversmiths and weavers. Outside the city itself there are various crafting villages and factories from which high-quality, unique goods can be bought.

Another reason to choose Chiang Mai for your destination in Southeast Asia is that it is one of the cheaper cities in Thailand as well as one of the least expensive in the region while not giving up cleanliness and safety. While a trip to an Asian city of a similar price range will require compromise with your accommodation, hygiene and personal security, in Chiang Mai this is not the case: it is possible to stroll about the city late at night, alone, in most areas without having to fear for your life or your valuables.

The tourist hotspots such as the Night Market and Walking Streets have a remarkably low rate of crime (indeed the city as a whole has a vanishingly small rate of violent crime, at about 0.02% in 2009, especially since obtaining firearms in Thailand is difficult for the average citizen) and travelers rarely need to fear pickpockets. Tourist police are moreover stationed throughout the Sunday Walking Street in case of any (unlikely) emergency. Depending on the location of your hotel or guesthouse, most of these markets can be reached on foot; failing that transport costs do not generally exceed 100 baht (roughly 3.50 USD as of April 2011) but are often much cheaper than this figure. Food, drinks, places to stay and nightlife are similarly priced. If you are looking for an economic option for your Thailand holiday that fits a careful budget while retaining comfort and excellent sightseeing, there are few destinations better than Chiang Mai.

Last but not least, the renowned hospitality of Chiang Mai is easily one of its biggest attractions. As you step into your accommodation you will notice beautiful décor in the style of the Lanna Kingdom that transports you back to the Chiang Mai of centuries past, and you will be greeted by friendly staff in the traditional costumes of the same. Authentic Thai cuisine, both of central Thailand and northern Thailand, can be had at every street corner. Service is prompt and friendly across the board, and the locals are generally helpful and don't mind taking a few minutes out of their time to give you directions.

Given these reasons and more, why not consider including Chiang Mai in your list of places to see before you die? A perfect combination of price, culture, and tropical climate: you would be hard-pressed to find a city more welcoming and tourist-friendly!

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Scuba Diving Destination Koh Samui

One of Thailand's best loved islands, Koh Samui's charms are evident as soon as you arrive at its award-winning thatch-roofed airport. When you stay on the island of Samui you will not only enjoy the excellent beaches and wonderful nightlife, but you will also have access to the best diving in this part of Thailand. Most of these sites are found around Koh Tao and can be dived via daytrips from Samui.

Dive sites that can be visited from Samui, including the famous Chumphon Pinnacle and Sail Rock, are characterised by submerged pinnacles, large rocky seamounts, colourful corals and reefs with plenty of marine life for you to enjoy, including good chances to see whale sharks. Because the Gulf of Thailand is a large sheltered bay, the seas tend to be calm and provide excellent conditions for Koh Samui diving throughout the year.

Highlights

Chumphon Pinnacle -- If you have come to "find Nemo" you won't be disappointed since there are numerous anemones dotted around, each with their resident anemonefish. While sightings of plenty of batfish, jacks and barracudas are likely, whale sharks are the number 1 attraction here, particularly between February and April. You won't forget an encounter with this gentle giant, the biggest fish in the world. Generally considered the best dive site in this part of Thailand.

Sail Rock -- This is another pinnacle and a real highlight of Samui scuba diving because whale sharks are commonly sighted here. Whether you are on the surface or below you will be amazed at how long these sharks stay around seemingly enjoying the presence of divers. Catfish, trevallies and reef sharks also call Sail Rock home. In terms of topography, 'The Chimney' will probably stay long in your memory. You can enter the rock through a hole at around 20 metres and exit either at 15 metres or 10 metres having checked out the masses of glass fish, boxer shrimps, moray eels and other inhabitants of the chimney which makes a lovely swim-through.

How to Dive Samui

The dive sites can be visited by daytrip boats from Samui Island. Large powerful speedboats depart every morning, normally in quite small groups. You will normally return at 5:00 pm in time to return to your resort and relax for the evening. You can book daytrips only, or combine your diving with accommodation in one of our recommended Samui resorts.

Diving Season

The dive sites in the Gulf of Thailand around Koh Samui and Koh Tao can be dived throughout the year. However the peak season, which sees the optimum conditions, runs from March to August.

There may be a reduction in visibility during the September to November period when monsoon winds and swells can be present. However these are rarely sufficient to interfere with diving trips, except maybe for making the speedboat journey a little bumpier. If you are planning a dive trip between November and February, Samui is not the best bet since rain and wind can visit the Gulf at this time of the year.

Reef Summary

Good for: Small animals, beginner divers, dive value-for-money, snorkelling and non-diving activities
Not so good for: Wrecks and drift dives
Depth: 5 -- 40m
Visibility: 5 -- 25m
Currents: Can be strong
Surface conditions: Calm to choppy
Water temperature: 27 -- 29°C
Experience level: Beginner -- advanced
Number of dive sites: about 10
Access: Samui speedboat day trips
Recommended length of stay: 5 days

With some excellent hotels and resorts, great beaches, the spectacular Ang Thong National Marine Park, and a mix of nightlife and quiet retreats, Samui Island caters to all sorts of tourists including young independent travellers, families and couples seeking a romantic beach break. When Phuket and the west coast are in low season, many consider that Koh Samui is the perfect destination for sun, sand and scuba diving.

Make A Profitable Investment In A Bangkok Apartment

Most expats seeking a good Bangkok apartment or a Bangkok condo rely upon the many real estate agencies in the city to find one that suits their needs and pockets. As such, Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is the cultural, educational and political nerve-center of the country. The city is a top tourist destination in Southeast Asia thanks largely to its fantastic attractions such as the temple of Reclining Buddha, Erawan Shrine, Royal Grand Palace, Bangkok National Museum and Bangkok University Art Gallery. In addition to being a vacation spot, Bangkok also forms the economic backbone of Thailand. It houses the Stock Exchange of Thailand and a number of commercial banks and financial institutions which form the heart of Thailand's booming economy. In addition, Bangkok is also a safe city and has a low cost of living that fits most budgets. No wonder then that the city attracts people by the millions from all over the world!

Considering the attractions that Bangkok holds both for the tourist and the job-seeker, finding a good Bangkok apartment can be an asking task not because it lacks these, but because it has so many to choose from that any newcomer to the city is bound to be confused and intimidated with regards to the best one! Bangkok offers a range of accommodations to choose from that includes independent houses, villas, bungalows, luxury apartments and condominiums. Among these, most expats to the country prefer condominiums as they offer for well-furnished and cheaper accommodation facilities.

A Bangkok condo is available in the form of apartments, townhouses and single detached homes that contain a furnished kitchen, bath area and bedrooms and also provide uninterrupted water supply. Given the recent real estate boom in Bangkok, condominiums are available all over the city for purchase or for rent. To choose the best among them always keep in mind your requirements and your budget. Some good areas you can choose from include the Central Business Districts i.e. the areas of Silom, Sathron, Chidlom and Sukhumvit and the classy neighborhoods of Thong Lo and Asoke. Other posh areas where you can find luxury condos are the Sathora and the Central Lumpini neighborhoods.

Buying a Bangkok apartment or a condo in the Central Business Districts would be ideal for those working in the city as this saves them considerable commute time. These areas also have a variety of facilities that include shopping centers, hotels, hospitals, embassies, theaters etc. that offer great entertainment, relaxation for the after-work hours and cater to emergency needs. In addition, condos in such areas also provide easy accessibility to sky-trains and expressways thus easing commutation to and from your workplace. Moreover, these condos have a water-tight security system to ensure that your personal belongings remain in place while you are at work. You can find both expensive and affordable condos in these areas and it is up to you to choose one from among these depending on your budget.

The Thong Lo, Asoke, Sathora and Central Lumpini areas in Bangkok are the more fashionable and expensive neighborhoods in the city and are more suitable for those retirees wanting to invest in a Bangkok apartment rather than for those who are still earning. These areas harbor many luxury condos that boast of facilities such as pools, Jaccuzi, meeting rooms and even separate male and female saunas.

On the whole, investing in a Bangkok apartment or a condo is a great idea considering the real estate boom in the city. In addition, condos require minimum maintenance and are quite safe from thieves and robbers particularly if you are looking for overseas property investments. Apart from these benefits, it would be prudent to bear in mind that only condominiums can be owned legally by foreigners in the country so that if you are a foreigner you are left with the condo as your only choice for property investment.

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Full Moon Party

Once a month, under a full moon in Thailand, people gather on the Koh Phangan's Haad Rin beach to witness the moon in its full beauty. Around 10,000 people congregate on the beach at various venues that host parties such as the Backyard Club, Beach House Club, Drop Inn, Cactus Bar, Orchid, Paradise and The Rock, to name a few. With celebrations kicking off at dusk, the tables are laid out over the beach, lanterns are lit and in time, the moonlight takes over creating the perfect atmosphere for a night out under the stars.

Food and drink is provided to keep the party going all night and with the yearlong warm temperatures of the crystal clear waters, most people will end up taking the plunge and celebrating in the sea! No entry fee is ever asked, just payment for the food and drink you take, so everyone is free to join the party and you can absorb the atmosphere till your heart's content. Many people plan their Thailand vacations around the dates of these parties (including Christmas day and New Year's Eve) to make sure they get to take part in this magical experience.

As is the general advice given to all tourists and travellers, always keep your valuables (including travel documents) in hotel safes, always keep your wallet and money in front pockets, and always be wary in crowded places as pickpockets will always be close by. It is also never advised to remove your shoes as there will probably be some broken glass. In this country, drug charges are far more severe than other regions so be alert when accepting drinks from strangers as too often the consulates can provide little help with such matters.

Above all, enjoy your time at this marvellous celebration in the moonlight!

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Thai New Year - Another Reason to Visit Thailand

Whether they are held in reverence to religious beliefs and cultural significance or for plain entertainment, the festivals of Thailand are certainly unique and extraordinary. The most anticipated of such events, The Songkran Festival, is one that includes a mixture of both tradition and fun.

Every 13th of April, the people of Thailand celebrate the Songkran Festival. Songkran, which is of Sanskrit origins meaning the beginning of the solar year, is the Thai's traditional New Year. The event can last between 3 to 10 days, depending on varying areas in the country.

During the Songkran Festival, it has been customary for families and friends to gather and visit temples for prayer and offering. As an act of cleansing, the Thai people also cleanse Buddha images from household shrines and monasteries, pouring down water mixed with Thai fragrance on them. It is believed that doing this will bring them good luck. In some cities, Buddha images are also paraded on the streets where locals can shower them with water.

In addition, young people pour scented water into the hands of the elders and parents as a sign of respect. This is done by taking the water after it has been poured over the Buddha images for cleansing. The water is then poured on the shoulders of the elders and family, symbolizing good fortune being showered upon them.

In most recent times, the celebration of water is more for merriment and entertainment rather than spiritual or religious in nature. The people have fun carrying water guns and buckets of water to the streets, spraying and splashing anyone in their path. No one is exempt and given the fact that April is Thailand's hottest month of the year, the experience can be quite refreshing.

Of course, the festivities are not limited to the locals alone. Indeed, scores of tourists flock to Thailand to experience this extraordinary event. Many Phuket hotels welcome the festival with their own traditional Songkran ceremony while some offer special hotel packages to accommodate tourists.