Thai Life 2008

3rd July		Would you Credit it?...

	Rules for farangs to get Thai credit cards
	From the Nation
	Thai banks set guidelines on minimum Thai work experience and monthly income for foreign customers wishing to use plastic For a credit-card application, each card issuer requires a work permit and passport from foreign applicants. However, each bank has different conditions for credit-card applications. The Bangkok Bank credit card is available to foreign applicants who are permanent residents or have had a work permit for at least one year, while other conditions are the same as for Thai applicants. Kasikornbank requires foreign customers to have a minimum of one year's work experience in Thailand to apply for a credit card, with a minimum monthly income of Bt50,000. They must also provide a credit bureau's authorisation, and their work permit must be valid for at least six month after the application date. Customers will be informed of the approval result within 16 days for applications in Bangkok and 19 days upcountry. Siam Commercial Bank requires a work permit and minimum monthly salary of Bt100,000, compared with Thai applicants' minimum income of Bt15,000. The bank also needs foreign customers to show a bank statement covering the past six months. Krung Thai Bank requires foreign applicants to have had a work permit for at least two years, but their requirement for minimum monthly income is Bt15,000, the same as for Thai applicants. They must also show a bank statement covering the past three months and their passport. TMB Bank offers two choices of credit-card applications for foreigners. The first requires lending deals with corporations of at least three years and a minimum credit line of Bt30 million. Expats employed by these companies are eligible to apply for a TMB Bank credit card. A work permits must also be shown. The second choice is offered to individual foreigners who open a fixed-deposit account with the bank. They must use the account as collateral for their credit-card application and will receive a credit line of not more than 80 per cent of the deposit amount. Bank of Ayudhya requires three years' local work experience and a minimum monthly income of Bt50,000 for a classic card and one year's local work experience and a monthly salary of Bt100,000 for gold and platinum cards. Self-employed customers should have average cash flow in their bank account of Bt350,000 a month or more for the classic card and Bt700,000 or more for gold and platinum cards. Applicants must submit copies of their passport and work permit valid for at least six months. Company employees need a copy of a payroll slip and a bank statement covering the past six months. Remember that if any of your credit cards has been lost, stolen or retained by an ATM or if you suspect you have been the victim of fraud, contact your card issuer immediately. In cancelling your card or putting a hold on your account, you will be liable for all transactions made before notifying the bank.

13th January

Offsite:

With so many Britons murdered in Thailand...

Why does our Government not warn of the dangers?

From the Independent see full article by Andrew Spooner (author of Footprint Thailand)

At least 17 Britons have been murdered in Thailand since 2003 � including Toby Charnaud, brutally slain by his Thai wife. Now, his family want to know why our Government is so reluctant to warn that the 'Land of Smiles' is one of the most dangerous places on earth for its British residents

The Charnauds discovered a Thailand not seen in its tourist authorities' glossy brochures. Yet what also emerges from the death of Charnaud and many others is the fact that Thailand, despite its popularity with the British, is among the most dangerous places in the world for UK visitors � a fact that the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has been reluctant to publicise.

Charnaud's death at the hands of his ex-wife provides a tragic glimpse of an altogether darker aspect of the so-called "Land of Smiles". Thailand has one of the world's highest per-capita murder rates � when the UN last counted it in 2000, it stood at 5,140 per year, though the annual total is now speculated to be more than 6,000. In the years 2003 to 2006, 17 of these victims were UK nationals, according to the FCO.

On average, about 50 civilian UK nationals are murdered around the world each year (excluding terrorist attacks). This means that almost 10 per cent of all murders of Britons abroad are committed in Thailand � a chilling figure, given that Thailand comprises only 0.6%of all foreign travel from UK shores.

The murder rate is perhaps surprising; of the 420,000 annual British travellers to Thailand, a tiny percentage are the victims of crime. The Thais are friendly and engaging hosts and, with their famous beaches, handsome resorts and low prices bringing in millions of tourists, it is easy to understand why we have fallen in love with the country, and currently comprise its highest proportion of Western visitors.

Yet its dark side is quite visible. Hua Hin, where Charnaud lived and worked, is one of Thailand's most relaxed resorts, located 150 miles south of Bangkok. Long a getaway for Thai royalty, who have attracted a whole section of the Thai elite in their wake, it has a smattering of seedy bars, but the town is a picture of innocence compared with Pattaya, 150 miles north across the Gulf of Thailand. It is here that the country's less-welcome foreign visitors encounter the darker, more dangerous reaches of Thai culture; it is here that Thailand's huge sex industry has its epicentre.

While there is no suggestion that Charnaud was in any way involved in this world. But Pattaya is worth including in his story for a fuller picture of the society in which he lived and died; it is believed by some that more British citizens meet a violent end here than anywhere else in Thailand.

On any given day, tens of thousands of prostitutes can be seen working the brothels, bars, streets, hotel lobbies, beach fronts and even shopping malls of this gaudy city. Pattaya is also the focus for high levels of criminal activity involving international gangs from Russia, Germany, the UK and China. The number of deaths of British nationals' in Pattaya is hard to ascertain � though some sources claim that it is up to four every week, neither the FCO nor the Thai authorities have any data they are prepared to release. However, what can be speculated with some confidence is that of the 226 average annual deaths of British citizens in Thailand recorded by the FCO, a large percentage are in Pattaya. (The FCO refuse to list causes of deaths, so we must also speculate as to the reasons for this morbid hotspot. Anecdotal evidence suggests straightforward causes of death for some, such as road accidents and health problems; then there are the suspicious-sounding "suicides" � jumping from balconies seems to be a favoured method.)

At present FCO information regarding deaths in Thailand is limited. Andy Pearce, the deputy head of mission at the British Embassy in Bangkok, admits that the murder rate of Britons resident in Thailand is about the same as the domestic Thai rate � roughly five times higher than in the UK � but adds that this is only an estimate. (There are thought to be about 50,000 British resident in the country at present).

Read the full article

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27th April		Farangs seek the warmth of large Thai Families...

	Bollox conclusion from survey of farangs marrying into Isaan
	From the Nation
	The Cambodian Government recently suspended marriages between local women and foreigners after hearing from the International Organisation for Migration about the plight of women who migrate to their spouses' countries. But in Thailand, a migration of foreign or "farang" husbands to live in their Thai wives' rural villages in the northeastern provinces (Isaan region) has revealed other sides of cross-cultural marriages. Most foreign husbands today know well that they are not married only to a Thai wife but also to her large family, senior anthropologist Suriya Smutkupt said. From 2005 to 2007, Suriya travelled intensively from his hometown in Chiang Mai province in the north to talk to farang husbands in villages in the northeastern provinces of Khon Kaen, Nakhon Rachasima and Udon Thani. They told me their wives' large families gave them warmth that they could never find in their own countries, Suriya said. Also, foreign sons-in-law of Isaan find all the conveniences of their home countries here and can stay connected to their friends and relatives via the Internet, he said. Suriya spoke to 34 men from Austria, Belgium, England, France, Germany, Switzer-land, Sweden, the Netherlands and the United States. Their Isaan wives are of rural, low-income and low-education families and many couples met in tourist destinations such as Pattaya, he said. They said they understood that Thai women become sex workers because their families are poor.

6th January		Airlines on Thai Time...

	Compensation now due for severely delayed or cancelled flights
	From the Bangkok Post
	Airlines operating in Thailand are facing stringent new legal requirements that make them more accountable to passengers in cases of flight delays, cancellations and boarding denials. Effective this month, passengers on scheduled domestic routes are entitled to ticket refunds and compensation under rules set by the Transport Ministry. Modelled on European Union (EU) rules, the regulations promise to make it fair and transparent for passengers in terms of what they can legally expect in events that affect reserved air travel. The rules also include clear guidelines on how airlines are expected to treat passengers and avoid disputes that often are raised through the media and the Consumer Protection Board. Notably, they will make low-cost carriers more accountable for on-time performance and better passenger treatment in case of delays, cancellations and denied boarding. If a passenger has booked, paid and checked in at the time specified, but is denied boarding for no good reason, he or she is entitled to a full refund of the ticket price, compensation of 1,200 baht per sector, or 600 baht if the airline can board the passenger in less than three hours from the original departure time. Carriers must also provide appropriate free food and drinks to passengers waiting for new flights, and allow them to use phones, fax or e-mail twice at no cost. If a flight is delayed by more than one day, airlines must provide lodging and airport transfers without charge. But there are exceptions if the airline has informed the passengers of the delay at least three days in prior to the departure, and the cause is not due to a political situation, weather conditions, security or industrial action by third-party aviation service providers. Airlines reserve the rights not to offer compensation in cases associated with health, aviation security, air safety and incomplete travel documents. Passengers also have the right to ask the carrier to provide the soonest replacement flight with no additional cost, or to pay the difference if the replacement fare is cheaper. If a flight is delayed for more than three hours, passengers can seek ticket refunds, change the flight or choose other modes of transport to arrive at their destination at or near the time specified in the original tickets without additional charges.

Thai Life	Marriage: Farangs seek the warmth of large Thai Families: Bollox conclusion from survey (27th April)
	Crime: With so many Britons murdered in Thailand Why does our Government not warn of the dangers? (13th Jan)
	Travel: Airlines on Thai Time Compensation now due for severely delayed or cancelled flights (6th Jan)
	Visas: Retirement Requirement More proof of income required for visa extension (30th Dec)
	TV: Truely Bollox Work permit required to subscribe to True telephone, TV or internet (18th Nov)
	Background: Thai National Anthem An illuminating translation (31st Aug)
	Travel: Visa Fees Visas for Thailand more expensive (3rd July)
	Environment: Tap Water is Clearly Green Whereas bottled water is clearly not green (2nd July)

	Background: The Wai To wai or not to wai...that is the question (March 2007) Background: Gestures Just a Matter of Interpretation (Feb 2006) Background: Rent Not Buy Mixed Blessings of being hitched with a Thai (Feb 2006) Background: Red Tape Hard lessons in expat paradise (Dec 2006) Background: Thai Whiskey How tax keeps Thailand tipsy (Feb 2006) Background: Living Up Country Stickman doesn't recommend the 'Real Thailand' life (14th Dec 2005) Background: The Morning After Ever woken up with LT girl only to wish you had gone ST (Nov 2005) Background: When Last Orders may Really be Your Last Be wary of late night violence (Aug 2005) Background: Use of the Word Farang ie Westerner (July 2005) Background: The Bangkok Hilton Life on death row (June 2005) Background: Opting out of the Thai Family Pension Scheme (May 2005) Background: Foreigner in your own House Farangs have names you know! (March 2005) Background: Mia Farangs Thai wives and the Thai economy (June 2004) Background: Why Wai? when it is better not to (Jan 2003) Background: Losing Face Stickman explains (Jan 2003) Background: Foreigner Prices Dual pricing (Sep 2003) Banking: Money Transfers to Thailand 30% held by bank for 1 year (Dec 2006) Banking: Mortgages More on Bangkok Bank mortgages to foreigners (Aug 2005) Banking: Farang Friendly Banks Which banks will open a foreigner an account (July 2005) Books: Book Reviews About the Thai Life Buying a Bar: Renovate Your Ideas Successful Bar Ownership (March 2007) Buying a Bar: Business GoGo Going Gone Why do people want get into the GoGo business (Feb 2005) Buying a Bar: A Bar in a Million Will people come to yours? (Nov 2005) Buying Property: Discouraging Property Purchase Via Company Sleeping partners to be checked for tax (May 2006) Buying Property: Home Affairs Buying property in Thailand (June 2004) Corruption: Tea Junction Identifying hot spots for illegal traffic police 'tolls' (Feb 2006) Crime: Guns in Thailand Thailand near the top of the league in gun murder (Dec 2006) Health: Don't Let your Typhoid Jabs Lapse Food hygiene is not good in Thailand ( Nov 2005) Health: Rabies First aid after an animal bite (May 2005) Law: Work Permit Law Official Memo (Jan 2007) Law: Sex Toys Illegal to sell in Thailand but tolerated by Customs (July 2005) Law: Young Adults Should Avoid Thai Holidays Drinking age is 20 ( July 2005) Law: Farang Volunteer Tourist Police Their role in kill joy operations (June 2005) Law: Divorce Thai Style essential reading by Stickman (June 2004) Law: Age Related sex & marriage (Sept 2003) Marriage: Married to Isaan How Issan ladies meet their husband (Dec 2006) Marriage: Pizza vs Somtam How Thai life adapts to accommodate farang husbands (Nov 2006) Marriage: A Good Little Earner Farang/Thai marriages a hot in Isaan (Aug 2006) Marriage: The Ultimate Mother In-Law Joke Paying the bride price (March 2003) Motoring: Drink Drive Limits in Thailand (April 2006) Motoring: Traffic Carnage High toll amongst motor cyclists (Feb 2005) Politics: What's Up Down South Summary of the unrest in South Thailand (2Oct 2005) Politics: Who Runs Thai TV? Ex Prime Minister Thaksin, the army and Thai Rak Thai (Nov 2005) Tax: Tax Allowances to Raise (6th Aug) Travel: Hotline for Work Permit, Visa Queries Thai Immigration service (June 2006) Travel: Passports Last 6 Months Longer Change of immigration rules (May 2006) Travel: One Way Tickets and travelling to Thailand without a visa (April 2006) Travel: Tourist Police Overstay their Welcome Overstayers 5 day ordeal (Feb 2006) Travel: Surviving Homeland Customs Tips to minimise hassle on your return home (21st Dec 2005) Travel: Mug Shots for the Surveillance State New specification for UK passport photos (Aug 2005) Travel: Border Hassle Beggars Belief Beware of thieving Cambodian children (Aug 2005) Travel: UK Immigration are Coughing Blood Long stay UK visitors need pre-travel TB test (July 2005) Travel: Beware of Barcodes in suitcases and parcels to the UK (Nov 2005) Travel: A Customary Warning An unpleasant welcome to Thailand (Oct 2006) TV: Pattaya's Sophon Cable TV Line Up How does Sophon compare to satellite (July 2005) Working: Extending Non-Immigrant-B Visas More hoops to work in Thailand (May 2007) Working: Prohibited Occupations for Farangs (Oct 2006)

Diary	Diary: Public Holidays
	Diary: Sex Drugs and Nanny-State Politics Dry election days in Thailand's bars (11th Aug)
	Diary: A Return to Civility Enjoying Songkran (19th April)
	Diary: Civility or Civil War Celebrating Songkran (8th April)

Scams	Hanging the Pumps Beware when you fill up your car (29th June)
	Beach Road Surveys Fronting for timeshare salesmen (18th Jan)
	Jet Ski Scam Money extorted for trivial or non-existent damage (23rd Dec)
	Distractions and Pickpockets on Baht Buses (10th Oct)
	Fake ATM Keypads False plates covering keypad and card slot allow card cloning (21st Sep)
	Credit Card Rip Off Don't sign credit card bills showing farang currency (May 2007)
	Data Loss Surreptitious copy made of hard drive of PC in for repair (Dec 2006)
	Memory Loss after computer repair (Nov 2006)
	Good Gold for Bad Just hold on to my fake gold whilst I hold onto your good gold (Sep 2006)
	Bars Facing the Music Fake licensing police (Aug 2006)
	Hands Off Beware of outstretched hands, they may well be pickpockets (Aug 2006)
	The Suite Smell of Scam 'Only suites' available in half empty hotels (July 2006)
	Street Urchins: Flower Sellers and Pickpockets (June 2006)
	The Thai Wife Scam but hopefully rarely as extreme as this case (May 2006)
	Motor Cycle Rentals and the 'stolen' bike (April 2006)
	Beer Bar Hawkers & Pick Pockets (April 2006)
	Keyboard Loggers at Internet Cafes Beware your bank login may be recorded (March 2006)
	A McShortChange & Fries Please Check your change (Feb 2006)
	Lost in the Post Before it Leaves the Post Office Beware of deferred stamps (Dec 2005)
	Beauty Sleep Kiss a ladyboy and wake up robbed (Nov 2005)
	Hand Wash Towels Given Freely are not Always Free (Nov 2005)
	Tooth Whitening Turns Victim Red in The Beauty House, 2nd Road (July 2005)
	Mobile Registration Fees Registering a Pay as You Go SIM is free (July 2005)
	Patpong Upstairs Bar Scams Beware of outrageous charges (June 2005)
	Kenda Rubber Scam Don't let your relatives get screwed (March 2005)
	Beware of the Thai Gem Scam (March 2005)

Speak Thai	A Thai Primer an introduction to speaking Thai (10th August 2007)
	Months in Thai (15th May 2007)
	Not Enough Hours in the Day to Learn Thai (July 2006)
	Learn Online Suggested websites (March 2006)
	Sex & Slanging A few useful words and phrases (Jan 2006)
	Learn to Speak Thai in 1 Easy Lesson...and then ten years of summer school (Oct 2005)
	Use of the Word Farang ie Westerner (July 2005)

Pattaya Information	Pattaya Phone Book Emergency Numbers & Hospitals (Dec 2005)
	Farang Radio PCNFM 105 radio station specifically for farangs (Aug 2007)
	Pattaya Transport (Jan 2007)
	On Google Earth jj's Pattaya place markers (Sep 2006)
	Pattaya Movies and Times Select Pattaya for cinemas at Big C & Royal Garden Plaza
	Pattaya Sophon Cable TV Listings

Pattaya Articles	Good guys go to heaven, bad journalists go to Pattaya (Dec 2007)
	An Irish View Seedy Sex Resort Home to Hundreds of Irish (Dec 2006)
	The People's Paradise Tabloid town with broadsheet aspiration (August 2005)
	Costa del Pattaya British criminals said to settle in Pattaya (April 2005)