Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva briefs the foreign media at Government House, Bangkok – 29 May 2010. The national media often has little bite here and the prime minister commands great respect from the station of his office, but the foreign press are less forgiving and the questions fly sharp and fast. Abhisit’s wholly capable of the task though, he swats away the difficult questions with relative ease, answering a question with another question as is a politician’s trademark, he’s well rehearsed and well prepared, today he won’t be flying down any blind alleyways. Behind the immaculate suit, the jet-black hair and the dark eyes, he looks tired, the last few months would have taken their toll on anyone and in fractious Thailand he has had to fight fires on all sides. The Reds swept into the city demanding nothing less than his removal from the country’s top job, his “softly softly” strategy was roundly criticised by the right, they demanded decisive action to clear the protestors’ camps and if he couldn’t offer it they suggested he go, while the approach of giving more and more rope at the same time made the Red Shirts feel more and more invincible. His relationship with the soon-to-retire Army Chief Anupong Paochinda was difficult, laid bare by the awkward body language seen between these two key players in one TV appearance, while he is fighting on yet another front as his Democrat Party could face dissolution after a severe ruling by the Electoral Commission …
At 34, MMA veteran Phil Baroni traveled to Thailand to learn muay Thai, clear his mind, and figure out what comes next. Shot and edited by Gerard Roxburgh.
53030 LakeshoreDrive at Sea Colony in Bethany Beach is available exclusively for rent through ResortQuest Delaware. This 2 bedroom with private den, 2 bath garden-style apartment includes a large wrap-around screened porch, open deck, new carpet and paint , all new mattresses and new furniture in late 2006. Additions in 2008 include new wood laminate flooring in living area, dining area and hallway. Bedrooms and den are still carpeted for your comfort. The spacious master bedroom and adjoining bath feature a dual vanity along with separate tub and shower. TV’s are featured in every room along with several VCR’s & DVD players for your convenience. The shuttle stop for the beach is located approximately 50 yards from this unit. Not in the mood for the beach? Visit one of many pools this community has to offer. The nearest pool and Fitness Center is located only a couple blocks from the unit. It offers great vacation accommodations for your family. 3 DVD players 3 VCRs 4 TVs (lvrm set is 42 inch flat screen) Gas fireplace Wireless internet X Box (not XBOX 360) Sea Colony features a private beach (guarded in the summer), 12 pools (including 2 indoor, plus 7 more for the kids), world class tennis (recognized both by Tennis Magazine and Tennis Resorts Online), fitness centers (the largest has an indoor pool, outdoor pool, whirlpool, saunas, locker rooms, indoor gym, exercise room, free weights and snack shack), activities for all ages (including sandcastle contests, swim meets …
Either a great investment opportunity or a great place to build a house and retire, only 1.5 hour ferry boat ride to Koh Samui or a 2 hour drive to Krabi and 3 hours to Phuket. Enjoy living seaside with half the cost of living in any of Thailand’s tourist areas. There are 2 Million dollar properties built just down the road and a resort planned this is a real up and coming area. Only 160000 USD with 20% down you can finance up to 5 years. No credit no problem low flexible monthly payments. Your approved! I will also consider a Porsche, M3 or GTR as partial trade must be in Canada or US. I will also consider a partial trade for property in BC Canada. 0% Financing
phuketrealestate.com – This 27 Rai (43200 sqm) development is called the Scandinavian Lagoon Residence and is aimed at the Scandinavian person looking for their island paradise to retire or holiday to. The development consists of condominiums and villas set amongst beautiful gardens and pool areas. Prices start at 4000000 THB for a 66sqm condo to 11235000 for the spacious 160 sqm Villa. Contact for more information.
i just spent a few weeks in thailand and it looks like a place i would like to spend some time upon retiring..where could i find a nice coastal community to spend time ..somewhere less dramatic than pattaya?
Download from http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews2.php?news_id=275
Special Report for Andaman News NBT (VHF dial) at 8.30am & local Cable TV channel 1 + maybe FM90.5 Radio Thailand 6pm, broadcast to Phang Nga, Krabi & Phuket provinces, & possibly FM108 Mazz Radio 7.30pm in Phuket, Wednesday 18 June 2008 & http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/ Contact AndamanNews@yahoo.com
The International Business Association of Phuket or IBAP monthly meeting last Friday evening was held at the nice setting of PG’s Steak and Rib House beside the swimming pool The Yorkshire Inn in Patong.
IBAP members and guests came for a Question and Answer session with representatives from the Phuket Provincial Employment Office (or Labor Department), to speak about work permits here in Phuket, a difficult but important issue for most foreign residents.
Khun Janya Yingyong, a Labour officer and 2 independent translators tried to answer the Members and guests’ questions, some of which were prepared beforehand online at www.IBAP-Phuket.org.
For example one asked: “I am currently teaching in Thailand. Another school has asked me to do some hours teaching for them. Can I legally do so with the work permit for the other school? If not, could you please advise me what I should do?” The labour official answered through the translator that it was not legally possible to work for 2 schools at same time:
“It is not allowed to do that for other schools; it doesn’t allow to do that.”
Another member asked “While still in the USA, what steps can I take to ensure a smooth process in obtaining a work permit?” The reply was more positive for foreigners, known here as ‘aliens’:
“In the case of an alien still abroad, ask your employer to send documents to the Employment Office; submit all docs; Thai employer can consult; when alien arrives they can get work permit.”
A controversial subject was permits for volunteer work, especially among retirees, as they said it was illegal:
“If you hold retirement, you’re not allowed to work, even volunteer, it’s illegal.”
Michael Massey, president of IBAP, had to calm some of the members;
Denny Bowman, IBAP Treasurer, tried a follow up question, which got a better reply:
“If you have a retirement visa, can you serve as a board member of say Lions or Rotary Club or non-profit organization; can you serve as a Board Member for an organization like that?”
“as long as you don’t sign any paper, you can be a member of any club.”
But one member was not still not satisfied
“when you don’t have work permit, can’t do volunteer work, it really amazes me…
The reply then clarified that it was possible for specific volunteers like Tourist Police:
“For non Thai helping the government like police, they can work without work permit, because it is short time, not long time.”
Perhaps the most surprising and potentially damaging announcement came when they suddenly said the work permit fees would soon be increased:
“The coming law the price is about 20,000 baht per 2 years.”
Despite seeking clarification, it was still not clear if the new fee would combine years and/or visa fees:
“The work permit is independent of visa, in the future, coming soon, it will be 20,000 baht for 2 years.”
A couple of members also complained about capital or investment rules, and having to apply each time they travel in & out of the country, and it was difficult for the staff to answer then.
Denny told Andaman News later he has just had an invitation by the Labour office to ‘look at how IBAP can ease some of the difficulty by helping getting signage into English and confirming clear instruction on papers, forms, etc.
This is part of what IBAP was designed for. This is one very big step in Value Added for the entire working community here.’
Let’s hope this leads to better communication between all officers and residents here.
Phuket Thailand 2 Bedroom Villa with ensuite bathroom, 2 showers, European Kitchen, large lounge with through dining area. Patio with walled mature garden. Swimming pool with Jacuzzuzi car port and drive parking for two cars. fantastic investment for holidays, long term letting or retirement very good returns 5 minutes to the beach 20 minutes to the airport very good expat area. 5 yrs old with full title and holding company. contact for further details Contact expatbusiness@yahoo.co.uk
