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.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5775504

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.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6182219

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!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6179656

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.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5504236

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!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5981823

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.

Nightlife in Hua Hin

Are you a globetrotter looking to unwind in one of the most exotic resorts with an impeccable history of having attracted tourists for the last 70 years? Welcome to Hua Hin, a five-mile coastline resort. For the avid traveler who is looking forward to a getaway with a spiced up nightlife, this is the destination. When the sun goes down in Hua Hin, this secluded resort has a plethora of activities to offer. One could opt for a Filipino flavor by checking out the Satchmo Club that features a Filipino band while a Mexican mojito provides zing to the evening...a perfect way to relax far from the humdrum city life.

One could also check out the Hua Hin night market located in the heart of the town. This is the perfect place to satiate one's appetite with a variety of Thai food that is available all through the night in the market's food joints. For those diehard shoppers there are varieties of souvenirs to be had from the local handicraft outlets. The market offers a true insight into the Thai culture. The market is at its busiest on weekends.

The highlight offer of Hua Hin is the famous Ladyboyshow at Blue Angelthat packs a lot of entertainment to the fun seeking visitor. These captivating shows are structured tributes to the female artistes of Hollywood and also include the legends of the East. These shows cater to all members of the family and are considered to bring good luck according to ancient Thai tradition.

Unwind at Exciting Watering Holes

For those who prefer some action after nightfall, one could check out the best night club, the Hua Hin Brewing Company, where along with the happy hours on a drink, one could get a taste of Thai culture with an assortment of Thai rock and folk music on offer. Besides this there are a variety of beer bars and pubs for a varied experience of late night partying. If you are looking for a western flavor then you could head to J-Gene, a live music pub. For the diehard TV buffs there are some of the British pubs where one could watch their favorite sport while sipping a drink.

No visit to Thailand is complete without indulging in the comforts of a Thai spa. There are a variety of customized spa treatments available including the famous Thai massage. You can also avail the same at the luxurious hotels in HuaHin.

Doing Business in Thailand

The following article was written in an effort to provide insight to readers about doing business in Thailand and the various corporate structures used to do so.

Those wishing to conduct business in Thailand are well advised to conduct research and due diligence into Thai business customs, practices, rules, and regulations. That being stated, there are many options with regard to corporate formation for those wishing to conduct business within the jurisdiction of the Kingdom of Thailand. As in countries such as the United States of America, in the jurisdiction of the Kingdom of Thailand individuals may conduct business as a sole proprietorship. Meanwhile, some individuals or groups may prefer to conduct business as a partnership. In the Kingdom of Thailand, partnerships are authorized in the form of both registered and unregistered partnerships which could or could not be vested with limited liability protection. Limited partnerships are sometimes utilized by two or more foreign nationals doing business in Thailand.

Many of those who ultimately decide to do business in Thailand make the decision to conduct business under the auspices of a Thai Limited Company. A limited company in the Kingdom of Thailand, much like a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in the United States, the European Union, or the United Kingdom; can have limited liability which can be a significant benefit for business operators as costs arising from possible personal legal actions can be, at least somewhat, defrayed. Bearing this in mind, under most circumstances, a foreign national wishing to conduct business in Thailand is well advised to take notice of Thai regulations regarding foreign ownership of Thai corporations (often referred to as juristic persons in Thai jurisprudence). In the vast majority of cases, a natural person of foreign extraction or a foreign juristic person may only be capable of owning 49% of a Thai company.

Even though most foreign nationals cannot own more than 49% of a Thai company, there are exceptions to this general rule. Most notable among the exceptions is the US-Thai Treaty of Amity which permits Americans to own virtually 100% of a Thai limited company provided it receives Amity Treaty certification from the Thai government for the activity which the company intends to engage in. Also of note is the Thai Board of Investment, sometimes colloquially referred to by the acronym: BOI. Foreign companies may be able to acquire BOI certification and thereby enjoy many benefits not generally accorded to foreign individuals or entities conducting business in Thailand.

Aside from limited companies, partnerships and sole proprietorships Thai law permits the operation of associations and foundations. However, both of these types of juristic persons have somewhat limited business usage as they are generally only utilized by philanthropic or non-profit organizations. Those wishing to conduct business in Thailand should also note that Thai Labour regulations stipulate that a foreigner must have a Thai work permit in order to take up employment lawfully within the jurisdiction. Failure to obtain a work permit could result in fines or even criminal sanctions.

Sightseeing in Bangkok

I first went to Thailand in April, 2008. I wanted to meet my friend there. She was thinking about re-locating to Thailand.

On our first day in Bangkok together, we took a tour of the city by riverboat. The boat ride took around 1 hour. We saw more of Bangkok during that ride than we ever did during a walking tour. During the ride, a woman in a sampan paddled up to us and offered us refreshments. We felt really wonderful,with the fresh breeze in our face and Bangkok moving all around us!

During our stay, we visited the Wat Po Buddhist temple. This is home to the statue of the reclining Buddha, one of the leading tourist attractions in Bangkok. The statue is 18 meters high and 48 meters long. We said prayers by the statue as a token of respect. We walked around the temple grounds and were greatly impressed by the grand design of it all. The temple is definitely worth a second look for tourists.

In our travels, we visited the Royal Lapidary jewelry exchange. Thailand is one of the leading sources of precious stones in the world. The display of precious stones in the exchange there is superb! My friend and i did not buy any jewels there, only gifts for our friends. A word to the wise, there have been many reports of scams with gems. Gems that are not authentic, or jewels where no refunds were allowed after purchase. We cannot attest to that as we did not buy any stones there.

On our last night in Bangkok, my friend and I went to a nice Thai restaurant near our hotel. We ordered ostrich steak! It was great and yes - it tasted just like chicken! My friend decided not to relocate to Thailand. We left Bangkok. She returned to the Philippines and I returned to the U.S.

My impressions of Thailand are generally favorable. However, there are many con artists and scams in Bangkok which tourists should be on the alert for. My advice to tourists is to not to be too trusting of strangers and use your good intuition and judgement.

I know that the great majority of Thai people are wonderful. That is why they call Thailand - the land of smiles!

I am a native New Yorker and have lived in New York all of my life. During the past few years I have developed a passion for travel. Since 2007, i have been to China, Thailand and the Philippines. My travels in the U.S. have been few; my main travel interest is in Asia. My blog and website address are listed below: http://rob-asia.blogspot.com/ http://mychina-travels.yolasite.com/

Explore the Natural Beauty of Chiang Mai

If you want to be pampered, enter the world of Chiang Mai hotels and experience legendary Thai hospitality where guests are treated with an unparalleled generosity of spirit.

Chiang Mai lives up to its sobriquet of 'Rose of the North'. Set in Northern Thailand, it is redolent with culture and spirituality. Inhabited since the early 13th century, Chiang Mai's history and culture has fascinated many an intrepid tourist and traveler.

One of the main sights in Chiang Mai are the over 300 temples that dot the landscape. They vary from the ancient to modern ones and from temples that are always thronged with worshipful devotees to long-forgotten ruins lost in the jungles. Each Wat or temple has its own unique feature. The Wats' architecture also differs widely depending on the time it was built and the local population at that point. Many show influence of the local Lanna Thai population. There are also temples which show a Ceylonese influence especially in the deities.

Discover Ancient Secrets

It is around 700 kilometers north of Bangkok. There is excellent road and rail connectivity between the two cities. You can make your way there by rail, air or road. Go around and visit the temples. You can use the bus, the taxi service - Se Lor, The Tuk Tuk for the adventurous or the three-wheeled Saam Lor for a relaxed, languid look around the city.

Chiang Mai has innumerable festivals throughout the year. Before planning your travel, take a look at the event calendar, there's bound to be something interesting taking place. The festivals range from simple street fairs to the elaborate rituals of the Loi Krathong festival or the Festival of Lights). For the spiritual tourist, the Doi Suthep pilgrimage is particularly awe-inspiring and serene, despite the noise and huge numbers of people. The Chinese New Year festival in mid February is also celebrated with much vim and vigor featuring lion dances, floats and fireworks. Around the same time, many people come to have a traditional Lanna wedding on elephant back at the elephant conservation centre.

On the outskirts of Chiang Mai, you can visit a traditional Hill tribe village and traditional Thai house preserved for posterity, educational and tourist purposes. Nature lovers must visit the Doi Inthanon National Park with its wondrous landscape, gushing waterfalls and the breathtaking view from the tallest mountain in Thailand. The cool mountain air also makes the park a bird watcher's paradise since it has the largest number of bird species in Thailand.

Chiang Mai has a famous night market which sprawls over several blocks selling products and imported goods of an astonishing variety and the atmosphere is conducive to watching both locals and tourists as they haggle their way to a bargain. The street vendors here sell delicious local food at very reasonable costs. It is also offers the traditional urban Thai attractions of Muay Thai, fantastic shopping and the indulgent massage. These are best relished while enjoying the hospitality of a Chiang Mai hotel.

How to Live in Thailand on $600 a Month

Many travelers, vacationers or retirees have the erroneous belief that if they come to Thailand they'll have to fork out thousands of dollars a month to experience an ideal Thai lifestyle. However, they'd be mistaken. In actual fact you can live a great Thai lifestyle for a lot less than that...

For starters, pretty much everything in Thailand will cost you a LOT less than a similar lifestyle in Europe or USA might cost. But don't just take my word for it. Let these examples (in US$) prove it to you:

o You can enjoy superb high speed Internet (broadband) for under $30 a month.

o You can rent a lovely, 2 story home with huge garden for around about $150 a month (depending where you live of course. Some areas more expensive, and some a lot less!)

o You can go out at night and tantalize your taste buds with a 3 or 4 course Thai dinner for about $15 (depending what you eat of course!)

o Alternatively you can 'eat in' and still eat really well (feel full to the brim after) for a mere $3 (and that's pushing it!)

o You can buy your own zippy little 115 cc Honda or Yamaha automatic motorbike (scooter) for about $1000 - or snap up a used bike for half that. (If you want to brave motorcycle taxis - it'll be anywhere from $1-$15 per trip).

o And as for general living costs, you'd stay right on top of things for about $6-10 a day...

Anyway, I'm sure you get the idea. As you can see, you can live a pretty comfortable Thai lifestyle for a lot less than $600 a month. Even more so if you budget your expenses carefully. Of course, you could just as easily fork out $6000 or $60,000 a month too, if you felt so inclined! So what are you waiting for?

Expatriate Employment in Thailand

There are three distinct, but inter-related, laws that impact on expatriate employment in Thailand, and expatriates need to comply with all three of them:

• Immigration law;

• Labor law; and

• Tax law.

Immigration law

Immigration law requires foreigners entering Thailand for work purposes to have a Category B Visa. These Category B visas are obtained from Thai Embassies and Consulates outside Thailand and the visa must be obtained prior to arrival in Thailand. Accompanying spouses (not intending to work) should obtain a Category O visa prior to his or her arrival in Thailand, again, from a Thai Embassy or Consulate outside Thailand.

Both Category B and O visas are valid for just 90 days, and if the period of work extends beyond this period of time, the visas need to be extended (within Thailand) upon their expiry. Extension periods of 30 days (at a time) are granted as and when necessary for completion of the work permit application procedures, and following approval of the work permit application, a 1-year visa extension is then granted.

However, the Immigration authorities will only extend a visa, either for 30 days or for the 1-year period, after an expatriate employee proves to the Immigration authorities that a work permit has been obtained or is in the process of being obtained and personal income tax has been paid in Thailand. If an expatriate employee can't prove compliance with both requirements, the Immigration authorities will not extend the visa and the expatriate will have to leave the country to obtain another visa at a Thai Embassy or Consulate outside Thailand.

Labor law

The labor law prescribes that all foreigners working in Thailand must have a work permit. The period of validity of work permits follow the same dates as the Category B visa. It is therefore necessary to re-apply for extension of work permits at the same time as applications are made to extend visas.

A work permit specifies the place where an expatriate employee is permitted to work, the employee's job description and the period of validity. A permit is non-transferable and if a permit holder changes employers whilst in Thailand, a new work permit application is generally required. Work permit applications are a document intensive and cumbersome process, and the permits can be difficult to obtain, taking anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

The Labor Department has an official list of documents that are required from the employee and the employer. Whilst it is an extensive list, more documents could be required to prove bona-fide employment in Thailand. If your employer is of the type and size that allows you to use the One Stop Service Center, your work permit may take just a few hours.

Tax law

Whilst not being sophisticated law, the income tax laws in Thailand are quite encompassing, and prescribe that the following earnings are subject to tax in Thailand:

All earnings derived from performance of duties in Thailand, including duties performed in Thailand for an employer outside Thailand and earnings for duties performed in Thailand that are paid outside Thailand; and

All earnings paid in Thailand regardless of where the duties are performed; and

All other earnings that are derived from offshore sources that are remitted into Thailand in the same year in which they are derived.

The tax laws permit standard deductions and standard allowances to be claimed against your salary earnings in Thailand. These standard deductions and standard allowances are shown in our sister publication, Guide to Expatriate Taxation in Thailand. The tax laws also contain strictly enforced withholding tax provisions that require all employers to withhold the employee's personal income tax liability at the time of payment, and remit such withholding tax to the Revenue Department on a monthly basis.

Foreign expatriate employees cannot opt out of the withholding tax provisions and volunteer to pay their own taxes. The employer must deduct withholding tax on all:

Earnings physically paid in Thailand; and

Earnings paid overseas, which has been or will be charged as an expense in Thailand.

If an expatriate employee has a work permit but all of his salary or wages costs are paid by and borne by an entity outside Thailand, a withholding tax requirement in Thailand still exits due to the Immigration and Labor laws.

Double tax treaty considerations

When an expatriate employee is in Thailand for 183 or fewer days, it may be possible for the employee to be exempt from Thailand tax on his earnings pursuant to a double tax treaty. But a double tax treaty does not override any of the Thai Immigration and Labor (work permit) laws.

Thailand Exotic Islands

Beach Holidays in Thailand

Thailand may offer you the best beach holidays - doesn't matter what you prefer quiet beach or touristic are. Excellent place for diving.

Festivals in Thailand

Festivals and Holidays in Thailand can be very colorful and exiting.

Nong Nooch Tropical Gaden

Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden is a 500-acre (2.0 km2) botanical garden and tourist attraction at kilometer 163 on Sukhumvit Road in Chonburi Province, Thailand.