Bangkok taxis among the best

Bangkok's taxi service has been voted 6th best in the world, according to a survey by Hotel.com.

The survey was conducted from July 31 to Aug 20, and among 4,821 respondents from 23 countries. The cabs were judged on seven categories; cleanliness, value, quality of driving, knowledge of the area, friendliness, safety and availability.

London's iconic black cabs were rated the best (and most expensive) in the world for the 4th consecutive year, followed by taxis in New York, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, Bangkok, Berlin, Helsinki, Dublin and Madrid.

The survey also found that taxis were the second-most popular mode of transportation after the bus when travelling from an airport to a hotel.

Safety is the biggest concern for travellers, followed by value for money, knowledge of area, quality of driving, availability, cleanliness and friendliness.

 

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Suvarnabhumi to introduce body scanners

The Airports of Thailand (AoT) has invested 100 million baht to improve security screen areas at Suvarnabhumi International Airport.
Eight full body scanners will be implemented for maximum security checks, according to AoT senior executive vice-president and acting president Nirandra Theeranartsin.

"We will relocate the security checkpoint zone from behind the immigration service areas to a new mezzanine floor, where passengers must take an escalator up to walk through the scanners and then take another escalator down to the immigration areas," he said.

The mezzanine used to be a lounge covering 4,500m2. He said the relocation would free up the existing security check area for other passenger-service purposes.

The AoT will soon launch a Term of Reference (ToR) for bidding for the scanners. The new security area is under renovation and will be finished with the new scanner implementation by the end of this year.

According to AoT, Suvarnabhumi Airport served 42.38 million passengers last year, of whom 12 million were domestic.

According to latest statistics, passenger numbers increase about 6% year by year. AoT expects passenger numbers to increase by 2.5 million on last year.

"Passengers will be close to the maximum capacity at 45 million this year. We need to have both short-term and long-term plans to tackle congestion, and improve facilities and services," Nirandra noted.

The short-term plan is to make the most use of existing space, including the renovation of the security check areas on both east and west wings. The AoT also plans to use Gates A and B of the domestic terminal to serve international flights at night.

For the long-term plan, the airport must expand its facilities to a second phase, he said, including building a new domestic terminal.

"It will take 3-4 years to build a new terminal at a cost of 9.3 billion baht," he said. The new terminal will be able to handle 20 million passengers a year. The goal is to make Suvarnabhumi International Airport handle up to 65 million passengers a year by 2015, he said.

Plans for the new terminal will soon be submitted to the Cabinet for approval.

Meanwhile, AoT has joined hands with King Power to promote the 5th anniversary of Suvarnabhumi International Airport by distributing a lucky-draw coupon to those who spend at least 5,000 baht at King Power's Duty Free or pay at least 500 baht in any dinning outlets at the airport. Prizes for the lucky draw are five gift vouchers worth one million baht each.

The campaign ends on Nov 15, and winners will be announced on Nov 17 at www.suvarnabhumiairport.com and www.kingpower.com.

 

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Google to launch Google Street View in Thailand

Following the opening of its first ever office in Thailand, internet giant Google has revealed that its Street View feature will be introduced to the country in association with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

In a recent op-ed released to media, Google’s newly appointed Country Manager, Ariya Panomyong, revealed that proportionally “no other country in the world sends as many visitors to [Google Maps] as Thailand does”, making the decision to introduce Street View a logical one.

It is likely to take the Street View team between two and three years to collect enough data to add the feature to Thailand’s maps, which is where TAT comes in.

The organisation has invited Thais to come forward and propose their favourite parts of the country which should be included in Street View. The most popular places will be captured by the Google team and made available via Street View, a move that the TAT believes will help raise awareness of Thailand’s most visit-worthy places amongst tourists, both domestically and overseas.

Suraphon Svetasreni, the governor of Tourism Authority of Thailand outlined the thinking behind the partnership with Google to The Nation:

The internet is a powerful platform for raising awareness and increasing travel to and around Thailand and with Google cars ready to start capturing images today, we see the long term output of Street View as a real opportunity for Thailand to showcase its tourist destinations and unique culture to the world while strengthening our economy.

While Street View is undoubtedly a popular feature with many internet users, it remains to be seen exactly how much visibility it can provide. Like many Southeast Asian destinations popular with tourists, Thailand and its hotspots are served by a huge number of travel guides – both on and offline – with a growing number of blogs and websites showcasing other, less known places.

Street View alone is unlikely to make a huge difference to Thailand’s visitor numbers but it might give the TAT a platform from which to be creative. The TAT has made a concerted effort to use the internet and social media amongst its marketing efforts, like other tourism authorities in neighbouring countries, and it will be interesting to see if further competitions are spun off from the introduction of Google Street View.

Neighbouring Singapore has enjoyed Street View since 2009 and with Google now actively expanding its presence in the region, it seems only a matter of time before other countries will be supported too.

Thailand has an interesting history with Google and its maps after the service caused controversy last year when Cambodia accused the search giant of “radically misleading” with its interpretation of a disputed Thai-Cambodia

 

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Thailand plans 100m new numbers in response to mobile demand

Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is set to increase the capacity for mobile usage by adding the possibility of 100 million new numbers through the addition of a new prefix, the Bangkok Post reports.

The new set of numbers—which will begin with ’09’—are planned in anticipation of a rise in demand for mobile services following the long-awaited arrival of 3G services in the country. The country’s high level of mobile penetration also played a part in helping the NBTC reach this decision.

The move is latest of many initiatives from the NTSB in the last five years, as the Bangkok Post outlines:

In 2006, regulators added an 8 in the middle of the previous two-digit prefix, followed by the seven-digit number. The switch from nine digits to 10 increased the potential number of telephone numbers from 90 million to 300 million, sufficient for expected growth over the next 30 years.

Like many Southeast Asian countries, Thailand’s mobile penetration is greater than its population (currently standing around 110%). This can be explained by the region’s preference for pre-pay (pay-as-you-go) tariffs, which avoid the commitment of longer term contracts and regular payments.

The increasing popularity of smartphones is, however, challenging the preference for pre-pay, particularly in urban areas where more affluent users can be found, although it is hard to conceive of a time when pre-pay and post-pay levels will reach western levels.

Thai officials do rein in unused or expired accounts to help battle the numbers, but the addition of extra capacity will make the most significant difference, ensuring that there is more space for new sign-ups.

 

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Here Siam set sail

The new Royal Thai Naval Dockyard Museum offers a look at early shipping on the Chao Phraya River and the origins of the Thai Navy. It also promises the younger generation a chance to discover their roots.

As part of the commemorations for His Majesty the King's 84th birthday in December, the dockyard has turned a century-old wooden house into a museum full of rare old portraits, die-cast models and venerable marine gear, all enlivened by video presentations.

The two-storey building in the Thonburi dockyard was erected during the reign of King Rama IV, utilising the charming "gingerbread" architecture style of the Victorian era.

Upstairs it's all solid wood, with balconies on every side, while the ground floor is brick and cement. Capping everything is a beautiful, panya-style wooden roof decorated in some bygone time with refined scrollwork.

The museum, which just opened officially last month, is meant to be an education in boat construction and the industry's history.

Visitors first see an exhibit called "From the Palace to the Royal Dockyard", which tracks the earliest uses of the Chao Phraya and its banks.

On view is an old drawing - someone's portrait - and a scale model of Thonburi and vicinity, the Kingdom's strategic and commercial focus after the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767.

You marvel at the network of canals and fortresses that are today decrepit or in ruins but at the time provided the ideal setting for Rama I's palace and the nation's rebirth with the Rattanakosin Era.

Soon there were many temples and government buildings, including the one at the riverside that Rama III would make the headquarters of Royal Siamese Navy.

"Royal Dockyard to Naval Dockyard Department" moves into the reign of Rama VI, when the military was strengthened in the face of a growing threat from European colonialism. The king expanded the dockyard, the better to build the country's first warships.

Our fighting vessels have gone from Chinese-style junks to sailing ships and steamers, and there are models here of all of them, made from different materials. Also on view are vintage photographs of the dockyard and the Phra Ruang, which sailed into battle in World War I. Some of its unused cannonballs are here, and its chinaware too.

Lieutenant Commander Rasana Sompong is the new museum's curator.

"At present we have three huge dockyards," she says, "the Thonburi Naval Dockyard, the Phrachulachomklao Naval Dockyard in Samut Prakhan and the Mahidol Adulayadej Royal Navy Dock in Sattahip in Chonburi, which is the biggest shipyard in the region."

The exhibit "His Majesty the King with Naval Architecture" is a lesson in building a sailboat, which His Majesty famously used to do as a hobby. You see photos of the King shaping the Mod, Super Mod and Micro Mod sailboats that he designed himself.

"The King is interested in both handicrafts and water sports and he's still keen about making and sailing boats," Rasana says. "In this exhibit we show the extent of his creativity and knowledge."

A large die-cast model of the coast guard vessel Tor 991 is the main attraction in the segment called "Improve the Effective Performance". The exhibit examines the development of the Naval Dockyard Department since 1855 and explains techniques in shipbuilding through diagrams and displays of equipment.

You can learn more about the different types of ships used by the Navy - torpedo boats, tugs, oil tankers, cruisers, troop carriers, even fishing boats and - perhaps some wishful thinking here - an aircraft carrier.

"National Cultural Conservation" features a model of one of the graceful royal barges and a video of the splendid Royal Barge Procession along the river.

Descending to the ground floor, visitors discover many old tools and more vintage photos in the exhibit "Preparing for Combat", while "Dockyard and Shipbuilding Industry of the Country" explains the various enterprises involved.

Finally, but separately, there's a temporary exhibition about research undertaken by the Royal Naval Dockyard Department that also looks at submarines, a vessel that's recently moved to the top of the Navy's shopping list.

>>>
The museum is at the Royal Thai Naval Dockyard Museum on Arun-Amarin Road. It's open daily from 9am to 3pm. Visits can be arranged at (02) 475 4185 and www.Navy.mi.th/Dockyard.

 

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An outrageous Life Excursion for you to Khao Yai National Park from Bangkok

Author: JohnLilly

There is a plus opportunity of exploring landscapes of Khao Yai Nationwide Park's in depth green landscape by way of doing full day advised excursion caused by Bangkok. A lot of the tourists on community Bangkok excursions have a preference for cheap hotel throughout Bangkok with regard to their brief stay. Your excursion is suitable opportunity of escaping with the fastness of urban center life possesses experience of nature fully.

There are odds of sampling the unbooked time of indigenous berry to check out wild life in abundance one can possibly even locate tigers, black provides and leopards. The best attraction with the national park adventure is 45 units duration of hippo ride roaming as a result of Pakchong Creek. The actual Highlight Popular features of Excursion:

* Opportunity with Exploring Thailand's Khao Yai Nationwide Park.
* Chance for sampling few indigenously present along with exotic fruits including the Rambutan and Mango.
* Availing the opportunity of getting glimpses of crazy life represented by way of great diversity connected with Elephants, Black Carries, Tigers in addition to the rarely occurring Leopards.
* Getting 1 out of 3-minute ride when using Elephant's back in the backdrop of Pakchong Creek.
* The tour guide swapping information in a friendly manner.
* Essentially the most liked offer connected with pickup from customer hotel and also dropping off after the finishing of the excursion.

The Bangkok tourist connected websites are full of pictures of the scenes of outrageous life and adjoining rich habitat. The majority of the photos are processed because of the tourists who invested week while moving into cheap hotel within Bangkok to economize for extending the trip stay.

The situation of Khao Yai National Store is spread over 108 square distance located in the north east direction of Bangkok and also is Thailand's appropriated park bearing in mind its most important defense against injury to the wild lifetime living here peacefully in great tranquility while using the nature's ample resources. It can be comprised of excellent forests, jungles and grassland besides presence of original monsoon rainforest region.

This do reserve has more than 150 types of varieties of animals together with about 300 elephants from the reserve and couple of rarely visible mammals like:

1.Asiatic Ursus americanus.
2. Tiger,
3.Leopards.
4. Barking deer besides a great many other species.

You'll find Exotic birds as well like: Great hornbill and the Himalayan Ribbed baseball bats basically the park and have protected through enforced law. The sightings of the animals cannot be guaranteed although fair itrrrs likely that ever present of sighting these rare animals. Planetary neighborhood is excellent experience to master about wild lifetime and their encircling environment.

While exploring park en route there exists presence of the good fruit market place situated in the province of Nakhon Nayok which is devoted to stocking by the truckloads all kinds of local fruits, the fact that members of adventure group regularly lay over to buy these fruits. By far the most enjoyable exotic fresh fruit are Mango along with Rambutans, appearing like a hairy fruits, having great similarity to Lychee. For reaching Khao Yai National Car park there may be presence of perfectly marked trails, rambling around mountains, mountains, streams and falls seen in the park.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/an-outrageous-life-excursion-for-you-to-khao-yai-national-park-from-bangkok-5166682.html

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After reading you must be thinking to travel to BangKok or Thailand, hopefully is valid you then needs to be wondering about some Cheap Hotel in bangkok. Well in making your quest easy youc an visit in order to find bangkok cheap hotel according to you budget.

Popular Thailand Honeymoon Destinations

Author: Hedin Johan

Thailand has long been considered as a tourists' mecca ever since the backpacking community discovered Thailand. The "Land of Smiles" landed itself as one of the top ten travel destinations and majority of those tourists are newlywed couples. It is not really a surprise for Thailand's rich and exotic culture, sceneries, food and shopping are legendary. A honeymoon in Thailand is surely a great way to start a life of wedded bliss.

Where do you go on a honeymoon in Thailand?

Bangkok

Flying to Thailand via Bangkok is a great idea. Spending a night or two in the capital city is a great way to start your Thailand honeymoon. Bangkok is a throbbing and pulsating city where you could treat yourselves to street food (if you are daring enough) or enjoy Thai food in authentic restaurants. The vibrant nightlife in Bangkok is a must experience. There is a club to suite anyone's needs. Shopping in Bangkok is unbelievable! Whatever it is you are looking for, it is available in Bangkok.

The historic and beautiful temples in Bangkok should not be missed. The floating market of Damnoen Saduak is a wonderful cacophony of human ding as vendors try to outdo one another in selling their wares. It would be a unique experience to try the food cooked on the spot in these boats. A Bangkok experience is has a degree of immersion in Thai culture.

The Beaches of Thailand

The beautiful beaches of Thailand are the true destinations of honeymooners in Thailand. Though a cultural and historical immersion of Thailand is an amazing experience, most honeymooners just want to unwind, relax and have fun in the beaches of Thailand.

Hua Hin is faces the Gulf of Thailand. It is a favorite spot for newlyweds because it is in the oldest beach resort town in all of Thailand. It was a quiet fishing village that King Rama VII discovered sometime in the 1920s. The King loved the place so much he built a Royal Summer Palace in Hua Hin. The rest of the royalties and nobilities followed suit that Hua Hin boosts of some of the most spectacular summer palaces in Thailand.

The PhiPhi Island is some miles off from Phuket in the Andaman Sea. It has become a very popular destination when the island was used as a backdrop for two Hollywood movies.

Koh Tao is the diving capital of Thailand. It used to be a prison island but hardy backpackers stumbled on the island and right then and there took root to establish the first crude resorts in Koh Tao.

The largest island in Thailand and the most popular destination at that for honeymooners is the island of Phuket. There are several great beaches in Phuket and they are: Patong Beach, Kamala Beach, Karon Beach, Bangtao Beach and Kata Beach. All of these beaches offer fun, sand and sun but each beach has a different ambiance to offer. There is a beach to suit everyone's needs. A must-see for honeymooners is the Phuket FantaSea show and the Simon Cabaret Show for a little bit of Las Vegas in Phuket.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/popular-thailand-honeymoon-destinations-3201674.html

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Take you pick from among a wide range of honeymoon packages from Kata Resorts in Phuket Island. Make your honeymoon a memory that will last a lifetime.

Exciting Island Hopping in Krabi

Author: John Nathaniel

Krabi has fuelled the holiday fantasies of many a vacationer on the basis of the movie "The Beach". The undulating sandy beaches coupled with the beautiful blue green waters proved irresistible for a few generations of tourists as they set out to find their very own perfect beach. Krabi province lies on the east coast of Southern Thailand. Its spectacular natural beauty is mainly untouched. Krabi Thailand hotels tend to be cheaper than those in the more developed parts of Thailand. Accommodation is dotted across over 150 islands but the main Krabi cheap hotelsmay be found in Krabi city on the mainland.

Each little island is an oasis of tropical splendor and pristine beauty. There are many Krabi Thailand hotelson some of the bigger islands and excitehotels.com will endeavor to get you the best accommodation for your budget. With the 75% discount that Excitehotels.com offers its customers you may get a great resort at the price of a Krabi cheap hotel.

Absorb Natural Splendor

The Krabi province is a wondrous sight with giant limestone formations rising out of the sea and the green and lush islands in the sun. The warm Andaman Sea in between, has some spectacular dive sites and is ideal for snorkeling. The sea abounds with coral reef formations and a varied marine life. Ko Lanta Yai, the largest island has many Krabi Thailand Hotelswhich offer diving and snorkeling as the main attraction. You can even earn your PADI certification. On the beaches, you are certain to find small, local Krabi cheap hotels.

Mainland Krabi shares the same characteristics of the rest of Southern Thailand. It boasts of tropical rainforests, craggy limestone mountains with mystical caves and waterfalls, and mangrove forests which allows the unique marine life of Thailand to flourish. Many of the caves in Krabi are still home to monks today and bring home to the tourist the spiritual aspect of Thailand. Krabi city is a popular day trip destination from Phuket and there are many Krabi cheap hotels catering to these tourists. Because of the unique landscape and varied flora and fauna, Krabi is popular with eco tourists and birdwatchers.

Allow Excitehotels to take you to a world apart and introduce you to unparalleled beauty while staying at a Krabi Thailand hotel, tailor-made for your requirements.

Excitehotels takes the Traveler through Unparalleled Beauty to Enjoy Krabi Hotels

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hotels-articles/exciting-island-hopping-in-krabi-3023540.html

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Offering hot hotel deals and stunning discounts, Excitehotels.com leads visitors to Krabi hotels where they can experience the much-spoken about Thai hospitality, culture and cuisine.

Obtaining a Work Permit from the One Stop Service Centre in Thailand

Author: RSM Thailand

To work legally in Thailand, a foreigner must usually obtain a work permit from the Alien Occupation Division, Ministry of Labour & Social Welfare or a provincial employment office. Foreigners will normally be granted under Thai immigration law a one year work permit after the submission of the original application. In order to obtain a one year work permit, various renewal applications may be required under Thai law during the months following submission.

To speed up the process, foreigners may apply for a work permit at the Visa and Work Permit One Stop Services Centre, Chamchuri Building, Bangkok as opposed to at the Ministry of Labour & Social Welfare where a separate visa application to the Immigration Bureau is also required. There are certain legal requirements which enable a foreigner to obtain a work permit and visa from the One Stop Services Centre in Bangkok and these are as follows:

1. The Employer The employer should meet one of the following criteria:
Be a company registered in Thailand under any one of the following special laws i.e. the BOI, IEAT, Petroleum and which can conduct its business activities in Thailand without the usual constraints of the minimum registered capital/asset required under Thai law;Be a limited company lawfully registered under the Thai Civil and Commercial Code and which must have a minimum capital or total assets (in the balance sheet) of at least 30 MB; orBe a representative office, regional office or branch office or ROH of any overseas business entity or foreign bank operating in Thailand.The Foreign Employee The employee should meet at least one of the following criteria:

Be an employee of a business that is subject to the special laws in Thailand which are mentioned above (this also includes businesses that are located in other provincial areas of Thailand);Be an applicant who works as a representative of the press with an approval letter from the relevant Thai government agency;Be a researcher, developer of science and technology with an approval letter from the relevant Thai government agency; Be an applicant who works as an official of either a Branch office of an overseas bank or the representative office of a foreign bank certified by the Bank of Thailand;Be a foreigner who works for the branch office of a foreign business entity in Thailand;Be an employee who works for either a representative office or a regional office under Thai law (Alien Business Act B.E. 2542); andBe an IT expert with the requisite certification issued by the Ministry of IT and Technology. In most cases, the work permit application lodged at the Visa and Work Permit One Stop Services Centre must comply with any one of the company criteria as mentioned in 1) and the Thailand's legal requirements of the foreigner in 2) for it to be successful.

According to the special laws in Thailand, foreigners need to be granted approval from relevant government agencies prior to the issuance of a work permit and are therefore legally required to meet the specification of these agencies in Thailand in order to obtain the appropriate letters or support and/or certificate. Relevant Thailand government agencies have legal authority to consider the approval of work permits. The Visa and Work Permit One Stop Services Centre can consider issuing a work permit if consistent with the approval granted by the relevant government.

Practically, the fulfillment of consideration for approval of work permits through those agencies are completely different.
In general cases, foreigners can get a one year work permit approval only after renewing their work permits 2 or 3 times with the balance of the one year approval being granted subsequently based on the length of time required to proceed their visa applications with the Immigration Bureau.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/law-articles/obtaining-a-work-permit-from-the-one-stop-service-centre-in-thailand-4892478.html

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RSM Thailand

http://financial-and-legal-thailand.com/2011/06/10/obtaining-a-work-permit-from-the-one-stop-service-centre-in-thailand/

Alien Land & Condominium Ownership Rights in Thailand

Author: RSM Thailand

Alien Land & Condominium Ownership Rights

Under normal circumstances in accordance with Thai law, aliens (foreigners) and alien juristic persons are not permitted to own land in Thailand. However, certain aliens or alien juristic persons may acquire land for certain purposes as described below:
Alien juristic persons (foreign business entities in Thailand including companies and partnerships) land ownership rights

Alien juristic persons may be granted promotional privileges under the laws of Thailand (Investment Promotion Act B.E. 2520). In accordance with Section 27, these persons with promotional privileges shall have the right to own land in order to carry on the promoted activities to such extent as the Board of Investment deems appropriate.
Juristic persons are not classified as aliens under Thai law (section 97 and 98 of the Land Code). Juristic persons with less than half of their shareholders being foreign are able to purchase land. However, in general practice a juristic person who has foreigners holding shares ranging from forty to forty nine percent must receive prior approval to purchase land from the Land Department or the Governor of the Province in which the land is situated.
Aliens

The amendment of the Land Code Act dated 19 May, 1999 allows certain aliens to own land. Aliens who wish to acquire land must bring foreign currency into Thailand for an amount as specified in the ministerial regulations but not less than 40 million Baht for the specified investment prescribed in the same ministerial regulations. Aliens meeting these Thailand legal requirements may obtain permission from the Minister of Interior. This permission allows aliens to own land for residential purposes in an area not exceeding 1 rai. In addition, aliens are permitted to own condominiums under Thai law (Condominium Act). In a building containing condominiums, aliens including alien juristic persons may own a total percentage of such condominiums up to but not exceeding forty nine percent.

Aliens permitted to own condominiums:

Alien juristic persons
Alien juristic persons under section 97 and 98 of the Land Code B.E. 2497 who are registered juristic person under Thai laws.
Alien juristic persons who have been granted promotional privileges under the investment promotion Act.
Other juristic persons may own condominiums by bringing in Thai or foreign currency to purchase condominiums or using Thai or foreign currency from their accounts to purchase such.
Aliens
Aliens who hold residence permits under the Thai Immigration laws.
Aliens under the investment promotion laws of Thailand.
Other aliens who are not permitted to reside legally in Thailand or have not entered into Thailand under the investment promotion law may own condominiums by bringing in foreign currency to purchase condominiums or using Thai or foreign currency from their own accounts to purchase such.
Any Thai who has an alien spouse including those who have divorced their alien spouse.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/law-articles/alien-land-condominium-ownership-rights-in-thailand-4892486.html

About the Author

RSM Thailand

http://financial-and-legal-thailand.com/2011/06/09/alien-land-condominium-ownership-rights-in-thailand/

General Information About Thailand

Author: RSM Thailand

General

With a coastline spanning 3,219 km, the Kingdom of Thailand (formerly known as Siam) geographically lies in South East Asia and shares borders with Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. It encompasses a land area of approximately 515,000 sq km roughly equating to the size of France and consists of 76 provinces, which are divided up into four main zones: The North, The North East, Central and South.

History

Thailand is a country with rich traditions and a long history from various influences from the east as well as from the west. From the Kings of the early Sukhothai Period up to today, Thailand has built a distinct characteristic appearance to the outer world.

Government

Thailand has been an independent nation since 1238 AD and is proudly the only country in South East Asia that was never been colonised by a foreign power. Thailand's government has been a constitutional monarchy since 1932 and authoritarian ruling bodies have maintained power throughout most of the Thai political history.

From 1958 to 1971 the executive powers of the King were exercised by the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, his legislative powers by the National Assembly, and his judicial system composed of the Courts of First Instance, the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court.

Since 1971, Thailand's government has experienced numerous changes. However, the Monarchy and the bureaucracy has remained, maintaining stability.
Monarchy The King of Thailand (His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej) is the world's longest reigning monarch and is held with utmost respect by all Thais.

The year 2006 marked the King's 60th year on the throne throughout which he has tirelessly devoted six decades to initiating and implementing thousands of projects for improving and sustaining land development, irrigation, agriculture, healthcare and to the education and the well-being of the Thai people.

While it may be common for many people to openly criticise the Thai Government, it is considered an insult to criticise or disparage any members of the Thai Royal Family.
People Thailand has a population of approximately 65 million and has an unemployment rate of approximately 2.6%. While this may seem low, it represents a sharp increase from 0.9% in 1997 before the start of the Asian financial crisis.

Language and Religion Thailand's official language, Thai, is tonal and understood and used nationwide. English is also used and understood for business and international purposes. Additional regional dialects also exist, differing from north to south and east to west, all of which are members of the Thai half of the Thai-Kadai family of languages. The Thai script derives from the Indic ancient writing systems of Pali and Sanskrit and consists of 44 consonants and 32 vowels.

Buddhism plays a key role in society and shapes every aspect of daily life in Thailand. With approximately 27,000 temples throughout the country, Buddhism has long since been recognised as the country's most widely practised religion by roughly 95% of the nation, significantly influencing both Thai society and culture. Islam also accounts for approximately 4% and Christianity and other minority religions accounting for 1%.
Education The average years of schooling in Thailand is 6.5, with its literacy rate standing at 95.5%, one of the highest in South East Asia, thanks to the high priority given by the Government towards an increased national budget being allocated to education.

There are several universities and colleges, the majority of which are based in Bangkok, offering degree courses, and scores of training colleges and vocational schools. Two of Bangkok's universities, Thammasat and Chulalongkorn are considered to be among the Top 50 in Asia.

There has also been significant growth recently in the internationally accredited and affiliated large international schools due to the number of expatriates based in Thailand but also due to wealthier Thai families preferring their children to receive a more global style of education.

Climate

The majority of Thailand is very humid, with humidity levels of between 66% and 82%, depending on the time of day and season. Winter (November to February) is relatively cool and dry with an average temperature around 21º-24ºC. Summer (March to May) is hot and humid with an average temperature around 35º-40ºC. The monsoon season (June to October) is hot and rainy, with average temperatures ranging around 24º-30ºC.
Time Thailand's time zone is 7 hours ahead of GMT/UTC (London). Daylight saving is not followed.

Currency

The national unit of currency is the Thai baht (THB), which is divided into 100 satang. Notes are issued in 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 baht denominations, while coins consist of 25 and 50 satang and the more common 1, 2, 5 and 10 baht coins. US Dollars may also be accepted in tourist areas or towards the borders of neighbouring countries. Credit cards are also widely accepted nationwide in many shops and all major department stores. Exchange rate USD1.00 = THB34.00 (October 2007).Business Hours Most companies operate an 8 hours day, 5 days a week, beginning between 8.00am and 9.00am with a one-hour lunch break from noon. Banks are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 3.30pm. Private shops do not have set business hours and in many cases stay open late.

Communication

Thailand has an efficient postal service and a modern telecommunications network, including an international direct telephone service in operation 24 hours. International postage is also cheap, reliable and efficient.

Mobile phone networks are also on the increase such as AIS, DTAC, True Move and Hutch. Prepaid sim cards for mobile phones can be purchased and used in any imported phone and respective recharge cards are also reasonably priced and easy to find.

The Government has approved further expansion of the telecommunication networks to meet the expected further growth in the economy. Internet cafes are numerous, especially in areas with a high number of tourists, e.g. Phuket, Samui and Bangkok.
Thailand is more advanced in the cyber world than the majority of South East Asia and with the popularity the high-speed Internet rates continue to competitively drop each year.
Medical Facilities Medical facilities in Bangkok are comparable to those available in Western countries. Bangkok has 3 University research hospitals, 12 public and private hospitals and hundreds of medical clinics.

Transportation

Entry by land, air, river or sea into Thailand is permitted at various border crossing points from Malaysia: (Betong, Padang Besar, Sadao and Sungai Kolok), Myanmar: (Mae Sai, Mae Sot, Ranong and Three Pagodas Pass), Laos: (Chiang Kong, Chong Mek, Mukhdahan, Nakhon Phanom and Nongkhai) and Cambodia: (Hat Lek and Aranya Prathet).

The new Suvarnabhumi Airport is Thailand's major international airport and is the main hub for all in and outbound air traffic in Thailand since September 2006. It serves over 80 major international airline carriers with direct flights to destinations throughout both the Asia-Pacific region and worldwide.

The national carrier, Thai Airways International and the smaller domestic airline, Bangkok Airways, provide an extensive domestic schedule to all major centres in Thailand. In addition, the low-cost airlines such as PB Air, Orient Thai Air, Phuket Airline, Nok Air and Thai AirAsia provide an extensive schedule to centres in Thailand and the ASEAN countries.

There are also extensive and regular rail links and bus routes between Bangkok and all major towns and cities throughout Thailand and neighbouring countries.
In Bangkok, the well serviced and regular 2 lines of the elevated-rail system known as the Skytrain (BTS) and the single underground 18-station subway network (MRT) relieve people of the traffic congestion, providing daily commuters air-conditioned comfort and speed.

Living Conditions

Bangkok is a cosmopolitan city, where expatriates generally enjoy a high standard of living. Supermarkets stock a variety of imported food items in addition to local produce, and a wide range of leisure activities are available including soccer, rugby, tennis, cricket and in particular, golf.

Bangkok does have its frustrations however, particularly the traffic and pollution, however a number of resorts and scenic attractions including Pattaya, Hua Hin, Rayong, Kanchanaburi and Khao Yai National Park are within easy reach for weekend breaks outside the city.
Housing & AccommodationA wide range of accommodation is available, particularly in Bangkok, from basic, relatively low priced apartments to expensive luxury condominiums and serviced apartments.

Most expatriate accommodation is located in the Sukhumvit and Sathorn/Silom areas, which are close to retail and business centres. In many cases, employers of expatriates may also provide financial assistance for accommodation.

Chambers of Commerce

There are a number of active international Chambers of Commerce operating in Thailand, including the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM), Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce (AUSCHAM), Belgian/Luxembourg, British Chamber of Commerce (BCCT), Canadian, Chinese, Danish, Finnish, German-Thai Chamber of Commerce, Franco-Thai Chamber of Commerce, India-Thai, Italian, Japanese, Korean-Thai, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norwegian, Singapore-Thai, South African, Swedish.

These arrange a number of seminars and networking functions and the joint committee of the foreign chambers regularly lobbies the authorities on behalf of their members.

Clubs & Networking Events

A number of clubs provide good social and networking opportunities for expatriates. These include the British Club (now open to all nationalities), the Heritage Club, the Bangkok Club, the Pacific Club and the Lighthouse Club. Rotary International is also active in Thailand with a number of clubs located throughout the country.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/general-information-about-thailand-4521993.html

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Lionel Richie Live in Bangkok "The Love Songs Legend"

Lionel Richie will be coming to Bangkok for a concert entitled 'Lionel Richie - The Love Song Legend'. It will be held on the 8th of April 2011 at Impact Arena in Muang Thong Thani.
Lionel Richie is an American R&B and pop singer-songwriter, who has released nine studio albums, three live albums, and seven compilation albums. Since his debut in 1982, Richie has released forty-two singles, of which, five became number-one hits on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

Richie's first four studio albums have all been certified "Multi-Platinum" by the Recording Industry Association of America. His second album, Can't Slow Down, is his highest certified album, being certified 10× Platinum.

In addition to multiple pop, R&B, and adult contemporary hit singles, two of his singles reached the Top 30 of the Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart (now Hot Country Songs). "Deep River Woman", which features country music group Alabama, was a Top 10 hit on the country music charts in 1987.


Ticket are available at Thai Ticket Major
Price :

7,500 Baht
6,500 Baht
5,500 Baht
4,500 Baht
3,000 Baht
2,000 Baht

Guide to Expatriate Employmentin Thailand

Author: RSM 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.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/law-articles/guide-to-expatriate-employmentin-thailand-4138065.html

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Zakk Wylde Live in Bangkok

Zakk Wylde Live in Bangkok will be performing on Friday April 1st, 2011 at the Thunder Dome, Muang Thong Thani. For directions to the concert, see map for Impact Exhibition Centre on this page. Ticket prices for the concert are 1,500 baht should you wish to sit or 1,200 baht if you prefer to stand. Doors open approx. 30 minutes before the start of the concert at 20:00 pm.

Slash Live in Bangkok

Slash, A well known guitarist during the late 80's to 90's is coming to Bangkok for a one day concert which will be held at Muang Thong Exhibition Hall 2 Thursday, March 10, 2012 at at 19.00
He became popular during his Gun's N Roses days but after departing from GNR, he focused doing project with other bands such as Snakepit and Velvet Revolver.

Band members
Slash - Guitar
Myles Kennedy (ALTER BRIDGE) - Vocals, Guitar
Bobby Schneck (WEEZER, GREEN DAY) - Rhythm Guitar
Dave Henning (DOUG PINNICK, BIG WRECK) - Bass
Brent Fitz (ALICE COOPER, VINCE NEIL) - Drums

Songkran Festival

Author: CampingStoreOnline

Songkran is the Thai traditional New Year and an occasion for family reunion. At this time, people from the rural areas who are working in the city usually return home to celebrate the festival. Thus, when the time comes, Bangkok temporarily turns into a deserted city.

The festival falls on April 13 and the annual celebration is held throughout the kingdom. In fact, Songkran is a Thai word which means move or change place as it is the day when the sun changes its position in the zodiac. It is also known as the Water Festival as people believe that water will wash away bad luck.

This Thai traditional New Yaer begins with early morning merit-making, offering food to Buddhist monks and releasing caged birds to fly freely into the sky. During this auspicious, any animals kept will be set free. Paying homage to one's ancestors is an important part of the day. People will pay their respects to the elders by pouring scented water over the palms of their hands. The elders in return wish the youngsters good luck and prosperity.

In the afternoon, after performing a bathing rite for Buddha images and the monks, the celebrants both young and old, joyfully splash water on each other. The most-talked about celebration takes place in the northern province of Chiang Mai where Songkran is celebrated from April 13 to 15.

During this period, people from all parts of the country flock there to enjoy the water festival, to watch Miss Songkran Contest and the beautiful parades.

In Bangkok, the Buddha image Buddhasihing is brought out from the National Museum for people to sprinkle lustral water at Sanam Luang, opposite the Grand Palace.
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Maroon 5 Live in Bangkok

U.S. rock band Maroon 5 will be back in Bangkok April 23 to promote their latest album, "Hands All Over."

The Grammy-winning band will perform their latest single, "Misery," along with many of their popular songs from the previous albums: "This Love," "She Will Be Loved," "Makes Me Wonder," "Wont Go Home Without You," "If I Never See Your Face Again" and more.

Tickets start from 1,000 baht, available at Thaiticketmajor.com.

Eagles Live in Bangkok

The legendary country rock outfit The Eagles will be back to march across the stage in Thailand, once again later this month, a concert designed to Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, February 20

Double aspect has been a phenomenal success here in 2004, playing two concerts in the ability of the public and selling nearly 20,000 tickets total.

And this time, almost certainly once again wow the fans and Thai expat success after success, what we have promised to be a three hour-long concert with better sound quality and advanced equipment, production teams class world.

One of the most beloved American rock bands country / the Eagles includes Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit. They have sold over 120 million albums worldwide and has five albums to reach No. 1 on the charts, received four Grammys - including Album of the Year (1977) to the Hotel California - and the main singles charts in five occasions.

They are also artists in music history for having released three albums that have sold over 10 million copies.

Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975 is the best selling album of all time in the United States, holding the highest certification from the Association of Recording Industry of America, and platinum at least 29 times.

2007-release Long Road Out of Eden rose No. 1 in the charts, going gold in one week - a remarkable feat in itself, which was exacerbated by the fact that the group took a hiatus of 28 years recording music.

So far, no other band has managed to achieve this degree of longevity and selling of international importance.

The quartet has also obtained a position in the beloved Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, their first year of eligibility.
Tickets cost 2,000, 3,000, 5,500, 6,500 and 7,500 baht (Gold Package) and are available from Thai Ticket Major booths. Call 02-262-3456 or visit http://www.thaiticketmajor.com.

Lea Salonga's Valentines Treat Live in Bangkok

Lea Salonga a beloved Broadway actress/singer will join the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra on Valentine's Day to entertain the audience with a lot of love songs from famous musicals of yesteryear such as West Side Story, Cinderella, Les Misérables and more. The orchestra will be conducted by Gerard Salonga.

Lea Salonga is back in the second concert of the Queen Sirikit Centre in February

Scheduled for February 14 at 08:00 am at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, the special concert entitled "Lea Salonga Sings Great Love Songs For Valentine's Day" is part of the series of great artists in the world 2011

A Filipino singer, who enjoyed a sell-out concert in Bangkok two years ago, will also be singing songs made famous by legends such as Barbara Streisand and Carpenters, and popular themes such as Love moves in Mysterious Ways, My Romance and honestly, I love you.

The 40-year career began at a humble age of seven when she made her professional debut in the Philippines playing in the musical The King and I. Since then, she has not looked back.

Her talent has won numerous international awards - namely the coveted Tony Award and Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical, and shot to fame internationally in 1989.

Salonga was also chosen for the lead role of Kim in the world premiere of the musical Miss Saigon in London's West End, a role that continued to repeat when the musical was performed on Broadway in 1991.

A charming lead singer of world famous singing voice is also heard blockbuster hit film Princess Jasmine Disney's Aladdin and Mulan and Fa Mulan and Mulan 2

Lea Salonga Sings Great Love Songs For Valentine's Day
Tickets for the concert cost 800, 1,500, 2,000, 2,500, 3,000 and 3,500 baht and can be purchased from Thaiticketmajor booths (tel 02-262-3456 or visit www.thaiticketmajor.com). Call the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra Foundation on 02-255-6617 or visit www.bangkoksymphony.org.

Eric Clapton Live in Bangkok

Eric Clapton, one of the legendary guitarists of the world and a household name of Rock n 'Roll Hall of Fame, will return to Bangkok in this February 16, 2011.

More than 50 million copies sold to increase his fame in the '70s, Eric Clapton returned to Bangkok for his greatest hits, many of which have become requirements for any guitarist, as Tears in Heaven, Bottom Blues, Change the World, Badge, Cocaine, Wonderful Tonight, Layla, Key Highway, Sunshine of Your Love and the Blue Eyes Blue.

Eric Clapton took part in two concerts sold out in Bangkok in 1979 and 2007. This time will be presented at the Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, February 16, 2011. Tickets are available priced Thaiticketmajor 1,000, 2,500, 3,500, 4,500, and 5,500 baht for the gold package.

Chinese New Year in Thailand 2011

 

Chinese New Year celebration in 2011 in Thailand

In Thailand, the Chinese New Year, also known as "Chin trut ancestor worship festival marks and praise. This is the time for a reunion with the family. The Celebration of Chinese New Year in Thailand, 2011, which is celebrated on February 3, Thursday.

Chinese New Year is celebrated mainly in central Nakhon Sawan province and in Bangkok's China Town. Performance of lion dance is an important part of the festival, as it considers performance exorcise evil spirits. Burning paper and incense sticks that offer food to ancestors, street opera is the most common customs of Chinese New Year celebrations in Thailand.

Visitors flock to Nakhom Sawan region to participate in the festivities. Food stalls line both sides of the street. In addition, banquets displayed in the streets that are designed to meet the Chinese ancestral souls. Some parts of Thailand, where the Chinese New Year is celebrated with great pomp, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Songkhla and Chon Buri. The atmosphere in Thailand is transformed into another world with the drums with cymbals and gongs creatures Thurs Fireworks are also an important part of this festival, which echoed from all parts of Thailand.

 

Also known as Spring Festival and Lunar New Year, the Chinese community in Thailand continue preparing for a week to celebrate this great festival. Organization dragon dances and colorful processions are carried out by the Chinese community living in Thailand. Red flags are usually installed at the main entrance of the houses and shops. The interior rooms are decorated with vases of flowers, mandarin oranges and nuts.

In preparation for the celebration, Chinese people buy food at the market two days before the start of the new year. And for the last day before the New Year is a day for  prayers and offerings to the gods and ancestors. The Chinese have three types of prayers that includes the morning prayers to the gods of the earth, the noon prayer with the ancestors and evening prayers for those who have no parents. Burning of paper gold is made by the Chinese, after each sentence of the prayer.

 

New Year's Day

The first day of the new year is also marked with prayers and normally done in the morning for the blessing good luck. The biggest party of three days of New Year, people to meet their relatives. One of the most common changes is the duty of the oranges and giving away "Ang Pow" for younger children.

Celebrating Valentines in Bangkok

Valentines is a very special day for every lovers. Everywhere in the world celebrates Valentine's Day though it is not considered as a holiday. In Bangkok, Lovers of all ages, have their different ways in celebrating Valentines. Mostly they buy special gift to their special someone and go to a special romantic restaurant or an ordinary restaurant just to celebrate the day and others go to see a movie.

Other romantic ideas or ways to celebrate valentines in Bangkok are Dining Out in a Five Star Hotel especially at the roof top and enjoy the view of beautiful Bangkok at night time. Going for a Cruise Trip at Chaophraya River is another way to celebrate but be sure to get a reservation before Valentines day. Another thing is Wine and Dine at the park. There are many parks around Bangkok where you can relax and spend a good time with your love one.

Santana Live in Bangkok

Carlos Santana will be coming to Bangkok for a special concert in Impact Arena in Muangthong Thani. Carlos Santana is a Mexican-American Rock Legend and he is one of the most popular and influential musician since the late 60s to present. He became famous with his band, Santana, which pioneered rock, salsa and jazz fusion. To all musical and guitar enthusiast, this is your chance to see the great Carlos Santana Live.

For more information and details about the ticket, contact Thai Ticket Master http://www.thaiticketmajor.com/concert/santana-live-in-bangkok-2011-eng.php

Children's Day in Thailand

Children's Day is another holiday that is celebrated in the Kingdom of Thailand though this is celebrated during the first Saturday of February. This celebration started in 1955 and it was held every first Monday of October then later changed to second Saturday of January. Normally, this day is a family activity to treat their children somewhere like amusement park, malls, restaurant, beach etc. In addition in this celebration, parents bring their children to some place like Government offices which are open to children and their family enter. Children have an opportunity to check out the Prime Minister’s office and the Royal Thai Air Force to go and explore the aircraft.
There are some shows and other promotion for children. One of this is from BTS Sky Train which will give children with the height of not over 140 centimeters to ride the BTS Skytrain for free on the day from 6 am to midnight at all 25 stations.