If
you are adventurous and have plenty of time to spare, it is possible to
get around very cheaply on the extensive bus system, though it is wise
to avoid rush hour. Several good bus maps are available. There are
air-conditioner bus and no air-conditioner bus. Air-conditioner bus
fares are progessive rate depend on distance. Due to the traffic of
inner city, the BTS skytrain and MRT subway are quick and more efficient
methods of travel. The BTS also links with ferries at Saphan Taksin
station, leading to further travel options. BTS Tourist Information
Centers as Siam, Nana and Saphan taksin station, provide useful
information on attractions. Service include booking tickets for the Chao
Phrayr River Tour and providing passes to selected temples.
There are several
different types of boats and ferries that travel along the Chao Phraya
River. An interresting and relaxing way to explore Bangkok is by boat.
Not only does this offer a refreshing break from Bangkok's incessant
traffic, river tripping is a fun and convenient way to combine visits to
places of interest with general sightseeing. Shuttle boats These are
flat barges with a few seats and simply go back and forth across the
river. Public long-tailed ferry boats These are the very noisy, narrow
boats with propellers, that you see speeding up and down the klongs, If
you want to get ta a particilar place along the klongs, they are
inexpensive and quick. However, very fast stops at pier mean you have to
be particularly agile when it comes to getting on and off. Some pier now
have names in Thai and English. Private long-tailed boats These boats
can usually accommodate 5-6 adults and a number of children, sure you
establish a price before boarding the boat. However, expect to pay a
minimum of 400 bath per hour. If youi take an early morning trip, you
can see monks receiving alms, children hurrying to school and everyday
life along the klongs. On weekend trips enjoy the spectacle of children
as they swim and dive into the klongs. Sunset trips are also a must as
you float by traditional Thai houses and temples.
Department
Stores & Shopping Centers
Amarin
Plaza on Ploenchit road near Erawan Shrine. BTS Chidlom.
Big C Shopping mall with good supermarket and bakery.
www.bigc.co.th
Carrefour Household products and
supermarket, fast food and various retail outlets
Central
is the largest chain of department stores in Thailand
www.central.co.th
Central World Plaza Giant shopping
center with Izaton and Zen Department stores. Includes cinemas
and duty free shops.
Emporium is located on Sukhumvit
(near Sukhumvit 24 & connect to Emporium BTS) includes the Emporium
department store and various designer stores. Cinemas are on 6th floor.
More for upper market. Emporium is like a magnet gathering people to its
center. This area could be considered as a good area to look for
condominiums for sale nearby Emporium BTS as well.
Fashion
Island Ramintra Road Large shopping center with branch of Central
Department and boutiques.
Fortune Town Ratchadapisek Road
Shopping center with supermarket and computer (IT)
stores.
Future Park (Rangsit) Raholyothin Road Large
shopping mall in Rangsit area. There are big and nice cinemas nearby
too.
Gaysorn Plaza opposite the Central World Plaza.
(Rachadamri BTS & Siam BTS) Positioning itself as a very luxury
retail complexes. Foreign luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci,
Prada, Dior, etc..
Makro Wholesale superstore (bulk
purchasing)
The Mall Department Store is large chain of
department stores, shopping and entertainment centers http://www.themallgroup.com/
MBK Center or
Ma Boon Krong Center. at BTS Siam near National Stadium. http://www.mbk-center.com/ in-door shops, and market
like style. Bargain prices. General shopping popular among teenagers.
Goods offer such as mobiles phones, mp3 players, boutiques, various
brands of cosmetics, etc.
Peninsula Plaza Rajadamri road
Upper market shopping complex with designer stores and Jewellry
shops.
Robinson
is a one of large chain of department stores. http://www.robinson.co.th/
Seacon
Square Srinakarin Road Biggest shopping complex with cinemas and
amusement park http://www.seaconsquare.com/
Siam Center
at Siam BTS for who is looking trendy clothing stores
Siam
Discovery at Siam BTS offer decorative products, fashion, furniture,
bookstores and cinemas
Siam Paragon at Siam BTS upper
market retails and entertainment center. Various kinds of restaurants.
Various prices, Premium cinemas. There is a aquarium called "Underwater
world".
Siam Square Siam BTS. There are like blocks have
small streets onnected from one to one. Large choices of clothing shops
for teenagers and children.
Tesco Lotus Superstore
consists of house wares and supermarkets http://www.tescolotus.com/
Hospital
List
Bangkok Hospital
http://www.bangkokhospital.com/
BNH Hospital http://www.bnhhospital.com/
Bumrungrad Hospital http://www.bumrungrad.com/
Samitvej Hospital http://www.samitivej.co.th/
Camillian hospital Tel.
662 3918786 http://www.camillian.org/
Bangkok Christain
Hospital Tel. 662 2336981 http://www.bkkchristianhosp.th.com/
Bangna
Hospital Tel. 662 3938534-5
Central General Hospital Tel. 662
5528777
King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital http://www.md.chula.ac.th/
Ladprao Hospital Tel.
662 5302244 http://www.ladpraohospital.co.th/
Mongkutwattana
Tel. 662 5745001-2 http://www.mongkutwattana.co.th/
Nonthavej
Hospital Tel. 662 5895489-91 http://www.nonthavej.co.th/
Pakkred Vejakarn
Hospital Tel. 662 9609655-9
Phyathai Hospital http://www.phyathai.com/
Piyavate Hospital http://www.piyavate.com/
Police Hospital Tel. 662
2528111 http://www.policehospital.go.th/
Rutnin-Gimbel Eye
Hospital http://www.rutnin.com/
St.Louis Hospital http://www.saintlouis.or.th/
Thonburi Hospital
Tel. 662 4120020-7 http://www.thonburihospital.com/
Vichaiyut
Hospital Tel. 662 2722100 http://www.vichaiyut.co.th/
Foreigners are
limited to buy land or house on land in Thailand except they come to
invest businesses in Thailand (they must establish company here) But
foreigners have legally right to own condo unit. These are for your
information (easy!) Foreigners can buy properties such as condo in
Thailand very easily.
The process to
buy the condo
1) You need to
open the Thai bank account here.
2) Then, you need
to transfer the foreign currency from abroad to your Thai bank account
which is the total amount of currency transfer must be equal or more to
the sold price.
3) Important!
Don't forget to identify the purpose when you transfer money to your
Thai Bank A/C is
"PURCHASING CONDO IN
THAILAND" on this matter, you will get the document from the Thai
Bank later
which is showed that you transfer money from abroad to buy
condo in Thailand and we need to use this document on the transfer
date.
4) For making
payment you make the cashier cheque to pay to the seller at the land
department on transfer ownership date.
The documents are
required
1) The document
from the Bank which show that you transfer money from abroad to buy
condo in Thailand.
2) *** If you are
single you use your passport only.***
3) But if you are
married you need to prepare the marriage certificate which is translated
in Thai language. If the original is English is usable.
4) wife/husband's
passport.
Bangkok is
Thailand’s capital. The busy business and mostly the expatriated areas
are in Silom, Sathorn and Sukhumvit. The grand palace is the most
beautiful temple is one of the tourist attractions. Bangkok provides all
kinds of accommodations, restaurants, hospitals and shopping centers.
Siam area is one of the famous shopping area. They consists of Siam
Paragon, Siam Discovery, Siam Center, MBK, Siam square, Center Point,
etc. For the long term stay, there are many kinds of accommodations such
as serviced apartment, condominiums or house for rent in various
budgets.
Pattaya is
Thailand's famous beach resorts. There are more than a million tourists
from all over the world every year. In Pattaya you will find various
kinds of hotels and restaurants which are ranged from high standard,
sports, entertainment and shopping facilities. Pattaya also offers all
kind of nightlife with variety of night clubs, bars, discotheques,
cocktail lounges and cabarets.
Phuket is in the
west coast of Southern Thailand and Thailand’s largest island and
surrounded by small islands. Accommodation ranges from luxuriously
hotels with superb convention facilities or resort style to simple
guesthouses. The famous beach called Patong is one of the area that
there are of various restaurants, nightlife and shoppings.
Chiengmai is the
city of culture, handicraft of wood, silk and silver. It could be called
city of temples. One of tourist attraction is Doi Intanont natural park
which is Thailand’s highest mountain. There are various ranges of
accommodation, restaurants are offered for tourists along with the night
shopping braza.
Koh Samui is in
the province of Suratthanee. It is very lovely island and full with
activitiesTo Koh Samui we can take the ferry from the mainland. There
are various kinds of hotels and resort including quest house are offered
to the tourists.
Business
Opportunity
Chambers of
Commerce American http://www.amchamthailand.org/
Australian http://www.austchamthailand.com/
Belgian-Luxembourg
http://www.beluthai.org/
British http://www.bccthai.com/
Canadian http://www.tccc.co.th/
Chinese http://www.thaiccc.or.th/
Danish http://www.dancham.or.th/
Delegation of the
European Commission http://www.deltha.cec.eu.int/
Finnish http://www.thaifin.or.th/
Franco-Thai http://www.francothaicc.com/
German http://www.gtcc.org/
Hong Kong Trade Development
Council http://www.thta.or.th/
Indian
www.itcc.or.th
International Chamber of Commerce http://www.iccthailand.or.th/
Iris-Asia-Ireland http://www.asia-ireland.com/
Israeli http://www.thaiisraelcc.or.th/
Italian http://www.thaitch.org/
Japanese http://www.jcc.or.th/
Korean http://www.korchamthai.com/
Netherlands http://www.ntccthailand.or.th/
New Zealand http://www.nztcc.org/
Norwegian http://www.norcham.com/
Polish-Thai Business Club
http://www.polbizbkk.com/
Singaporean http://www.singaporethaicc.or.th/
South African
Swedish http://www.swecham.com/
Swiss http://www.swissthai.com/
Trade
Association
Thailand
Automotive Institue http://www.thaiauto.or.th/
Thai Food Processors
Association http://www.thaifood.org/
Electrical &
Electronics Institue http://www.thaieei.com/
Department of Export
Promotion http://www.thaitrade.com/
Thai Airfreight
Forwarders Asoociation http://www.tafathai.org/
Thai Contractors
Association http://www.tca.or.th/html/index.asp
Thai Frozen
Foods Association http://www.thai-frozen.or.th/en/index.asp
Thai
Furniture Industries Association http://www.tfa.or.th/
Thai Garment Manufacturer
Association http://www.thaigarment.org/
Thai Gem & Jewelry
Traders Association http://www.thaigemjewelry.or.th/
Thai Leather goods
Association http://www.thaileathergoods.net/index.php
Thai
National Shippers Council http://www.tnsc.com/html/
Thai Tanning Industry
Association http://www.thaitanning.org/
Thailand Textile
Institue http://www.thaitextile.org/
Bank in
Thailand
Bangkok Bank http://www.bangkokbank.co.th/
Bang of Asia http://www.boa.co.th/
Bank of Ayudhaya http://www.krungsri.com/eng
Citi Bank http://www.citibank.co.th/
DBS Thai Danu Bank http://www.dbs.co.th/
HSBC Bank http://www.hsbc.co.th/
KASIKORNBANK Public Company
Limited (KBANK) http://www.kasikornbank.com/
Krung Thai Bank http://www.ktb.co.th/
Siam City Bank http://www.scib.co.th/
Siam Commercial Bank http://www.scb.co.th/
Standard Chartered Nakornthon Bank http://www.standardcharterednakornthon.co.th/
Thai
Military Bank http://www.tmb.co.th/
TISCO Bank Public Company
Limited. http://www.tisco.co.th/
Thai Military Bank http://www.tmb.co.th/
Type of long term
accommodation
Apartments and
condominiums
When you are apartment hunting, it is worthwhile buying
one of the maps or location guides which lists apartments and
condominiums in Bangkok-see Recommended reading at the end of this
chapter.
Advantages of
living in an apartment include readily available maintenance and repair
services, 24-hour security and facilities such as a gym, pool, garden or
children's play area. For families, the advantage of having other
children on the premises to play and travel to school with can save
having to brave the after-school traffic to meet friends. Apartment
blocks vary widely in terms of style, quality, location and facilities,
not to mention price. Look at a range of apartments, and talk to various
people before you make a decision to rent Don't be pressured by real
estate agents. Changing your mind and breaking a lease can be done, but
is usually an expensive and stressful exercise
Condominiums
offer the same level of service as apartments. Condominium implies
individual ownership, so the interior facility and decoration can vary
considerably within the same building. Issues may also arise regarding
responsibility for maintenance and upgrading. Take particular care with
contracts.
Townhouses
Interesting
townhouses are tucked away down many sub-sois. They are usually less
expensive than apartments and many have a semi-detached appearance.
Often they are multi-level with small garden areas. Some apartment
complexes have a mix of apartments and townhouses in the same compound,
with the same level of security and other facilities as the apartments.
Agents should be aware of complexes which include townhouses. Single
townhouses with individual owners are often advertised in newspapers
rather than leased through agents.
Houses &
housing estates
One option is to live in a house. A house involves
maintenance and garden upkeep and in most cases the necessity for more
live-in staff, such as a night guard and/or gardener. House contents
insurance will be necessary, and many find that burglar alarms are
required. Few houses have swimming pools and, although comfortable
houses in tropical gardens do exist, they can be expensive and may take
some time to find, particularly in the more central areas. Some houses
and townhouses are in compound and many have communal swimming pools and
gyms.
Although the authorities have improved Bangkok's drainage
system, the city still floods in places during the rainy season. This is
usually not a problem in an apartment, but houses can be affected. Check
high water marks along the street walls and ask the neighbors about
flooding.
Expatriate moo
baans
These are villages similar to housing estates, and are
generally on the fringes of the central areas, e.g. Chaeng Watthana,
Bang Na or On Nut area. Moo baans offer a different style of living than
apartments in the city-the houses have gardens, outdoor play area and
are often large and two-storey. Moo baans usually have shared facilities
such as tennis courts and swimming pools, and have the feel of a small
community. The streets are usually quiet, and some families with small
children prefer this more Western style of living. There are advantages
and disadvantages of moo baan living some distance from central Bangkok.
For example getting to the city for work, hospital visits, schools,
children's activities, or dining out, can be a time-consuming exercise.
It is also necessary to have at least one car.
The lease
Tax
structures allow for the division of rental into two components: rental
of premises and rental of furnishing and fixtures, the latter being
exempt from tax. This explains why most landlords prefer to provide
furnished or semi-furnished accommodation. Landlords will remove
unwanted items of freestanding furniture, however, there is unlikely to
be a reduction in the rent. The usual lease is for one year, the rent
payable one month in advance. There may also be a two or three month
deposit. If possible, attempt to have a termination clause (known as a
diplomatic clause) included in your lease agreement, in case of
unexpected moves overseas. This allows early termination of a lease
provided that at least two month's written notice is given.
Many landlords
are happy to include utility expenses (such as electricity, telephone
and water) as part of the overall rental cost. Some have been known,
however, to charge over and above the standard rate. They may also
charge an additional amount for electricity used in common areas. Always
check the per unit charge for electricity as well as any other
additional costs and make sure you have a complete list of all charges
before signing. Landlords should provide you with monthly accounts of
all extra expenses incurred.
