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.
