TIT – This is Thailand

Saw this in Coconuts Bangkok:

Bangkok has become a more expensive home for expats during the last 12 months according to a new study.

The Thai capital has jumped to the 147th most expensive destination globally in 2013, having been ranked at 162nd last year. 

The research, published by ECA International – a provider of solutions for the management and assignment of employees around the world – calculates the cost of living for expatriates and includes items such as food, drink, miscellaneous good and services, clothing, electrical good and dining out. Costs for accommodation, schooling and car purchases are not included in the study.

For the first time in three years, Tokyo is no longer the most expensive location for international assignees. The Japanese capital has been overtaken by Norway's capital, Oslo, and now lies in sixth place in the ranking. 

"Tokyo has always been an expensive place for global companies to send staff, and, despite its five-place fall since last year, that remains the case," said Lee Quane, ECA's Regional Director, Asia. 

"The significant depreciation of the Yen against other major currencies in recent months is the primary reason for this drop. It means that for many companies, the cost of maintaining their assignees’ purchasing power while posted there has fallen. But it's important not to exaggerate the position – Tokyo is still the world's sixth most expensive city, and the most expensive in Asia."

Within Asia, Japanese cities still dominate the top of the cost of living ranking; four of the region's top five most expensive locations are found there. 

Seoul joins them, having jumped from 7th to 3rd most expensive Asian location (and from 29th to 14th globally). Not only have the prices of goods and services there increased at a faster rate than the previous year, but the Won has also strengthened against major currencies thereby pushing up costs there for many international assignees.

Beijing (24th globally), Shanghai (26th), Singapore (36th) and Hong Kong (38th) complete the list of the top 10 most expensive locations in Asia. 

On average, prices of items in ECA's cost of living basket for Chinese locations have increased little or even seen small decreases this year. As a result, Chinese locations have fallen slightly down the ranking but the on-going strength of the Yuan against major currencies has prevented them from dropping too far.

Hong Kong, ranked 38th in the global list is 10th most expensive location in Asia. Prices of goods and services in ECA's cost of living basket have gone up approximately 4% over the year on average there. This is a slightly slower rate of increase than the year before when prices rose 6% on average. With the Hong Kong dollar pegged to a stable US dollar, the cost of living for assignees in the SAR has remained steady.

Indian locations continue to be among the region’s cheapest in terms of cost of living for international assignees. New Delhi, ranked 200th position globally is followed by Mumbai (215th).
Karachi, ranked 256th globally, is the least expensive Asian location for expatriates.

Bangkok (147th) remains a cheaper home for expats than Jakarta (127th) but more expensive than Yangon (176th) and Kuala Lumpur (182nd).

To anyone who lives here, this is no surprise.  For me, being from the US, the exchange rate has worsened over the years by about 50% since I first came here and by about a third in the last 10 years.  In addition, the price of goods in Thai baht has continued to go up.

The Thai government really needs to take heed of reports like this and think seriously if they want a strong baht.  Expats fuel this economy as do tourists.  If the baht keeps going up (in fact if it doesn't go down), people will move away from here and stop visiting here.  Once again Thailand will have shot itself in the foot.  Something they've become experts at.

I think if they would let the baht go to anywhere from 35 to 38 and keep it there with some QE measures, they would help the overall Thai economy and make things nicer for people like me and my family.

Do I expect it to happen?  NO.  Just like just about everything else here, the morons in government have no idea what they're doing.

Until next time, enjoy yourself!

Posted on June 8th, 2013 by webmaster
Filed under: Expats in Thailand, Thai Politics | No Comments »

Just saw this in the Nation:

A screen grab from a video clip that went viral on Facebook shows a traffic policeman apparently ordering medics to clear away as they try to revive an accident victim.

BANGKOK: — A man seriously injured in a motorcycle accident yesterday died shortly after medics attending to him were ordered by a police officer to move their ambulance to ease a traffic jam, according to a Facebook complaint that linked to a widely viewed video.

After the complaint including photos and a video clip of the incident was posted on RKU News' Facebook page yesterday, Metropolitan Police deputy chief Police Maj-General Worasak Noppasittiporn, who is responsible for traffic, wrote on his own Facebook page that the incident occurred in an area under Min Buri Police Station's responsibility.

The complaint alleged that the man crashed his motorcycle into an electric post opposite the Big C supermarket's Romklao branch at 9.08am. An emergency-medical-services team from Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital attended the accident scene, and found that the man was unconscious.

An unidentified police officer told them via walkie-talkie that they should move the injured man and their ambulance away as it was blocking traffic. The medics continued to help the man.

After that, a policeman rode up on his motorcycle to tell them to move their ambulance 100 metres from the scene to ease the traffic jam. The man was confirmed dead at 9.35am.

This is just another example of the fucked up priorities in this country and in this city in particular. "Cars over people". It appears that anyone driving a car can do anything to pederstians and pretty much get away with it. People drive like maniacs and totally disregard the people walking in the street. And the police do nothing.

In this case you have a seriously injured person and all the cop cares about is that the traffic isn't moving. This guy should be fired and put in prison for doing this.

Posted on June 6th, 2013 by webmaster
Filed under: Safety in Thailand, Thai Culture, Thai Drivers, Thai Oddities, Thai Police | No Comments »

I just had to be among the first to pass along the happy news, that the Thailand Elite Card is coming back!

Yes, after two failures to sell a card that gave too little and cost too much, the Thai government is going to do it yet again, amazing as it seems.

Here's the news story:

BANGKOK, 31 May 2013 (NNT) – The Tourism Authority of Thailand is planning a global relaunch of the Thailand Elite Card in June.

The TAT has instructed 18 TAT offices abroad and authorised sales representatives in 12 Asian countries to start seling the cards.

The Thailand Elite card project is revamped with a new marketing strategy aimed at attracting Chinese and Russian customers.

The agency expected to attract around 300 new members from China alone, out of the projected 650 members in total.

Under the new membership terms and conditions, cardholders will be able to sign up with an initial down payment fee of two million Baht followed by a 20,000 Baht annual fee over a 20-year validity period.

Cardholders will be eligible for a five-year Multiple Entry Visa to Thailand and a one-year stay privilege per visit.

They will also be entitled to use the Thailand Elite Personal Assistance service at Suvarnabhumi Airport and Phuket Airport.

Posted on May 31st, 2013 by webmaster
Filed under: Uncategorized | No Comments »

Saw this in the Nation today. Almost fell out of my chair laughing:

BANGKOK: — Thai police will be joining the Interpol-led weeklong crackdown on pirated goods, which kicks off tomorrow. Also participating are Bangladesh, Fiji, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, the Philippines and Vietnam.

Police adviser Pol General Chalermkiat Sriworakhan said officers will raid eight areas in Bangkok, namely the Khlong Thom Market, Ban Mor, Saphan Lek, MBK, Pantip, Sukhumvit Sois 13-19, Silom and Soi Patpong. Raids are also planned for Pattaya, Phuket, Samui, Hua Hin, and Chiang Mai.

So basically the Thai Police are announcing to the guys selling pirated goods, not only here, but all over Southeast Asia that there will be a "crackdown" tomorrow.  It's like calling a murder suspect on the phone and telling the guy "we'll be over tomorrow to get you".  Oh yeah, he'll be waiting at the door with his hands up, won't he?

But I think it's nice they picked a Thai holiday weekend to do it on.  At least the guys can go visit their families and hide their stuff to avoid being arrested or getting their goods taken away.

Come Monday it will be business as usual, or as we like to say out here "same, same".

Until next time, enjoy yourself!

Posted on May 24th, 2013 by webmaster
Filed under: Corruption, Thai Oddities, Thai Police | No Comments »

After 5 weeks in the USA, I felt like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz when my plane landed at Suvarnabhumi Airport a couple of nights ago.  I almost clicked my heels together out of joy!

I did have fun on my trip.  I went to lots of baseball games and got to cheer on my beloved San Francisco Giants, during both spring training for 3 weeks, as well as 5 games, both in LA and San Francisco.  I squeezed in a jazz show, seeing Warren Hill, one of the better smooth jazz sax players out there at Yoshi's in San Francisco, perhaps the best jazz club in the world (ok, maybe I'm a bit prejudiced, but the place just rocks!).

But the attitude of Americans, especially those in California and the women specifically made me want to throw up on numerous occasions.

First it was the dude at the Costco pharmacy in Phoenix, who lectured me when I thought it was wrong for the entire pharmacy to close for lunch.  The dude tried to tell me that I should know the hours, even though I don't live there.  What a tool. And I as much as told him that.

Then it was the chick who called me an ass for complaining about the terrible service at my ex favorite sushi place, then two women berated my buddies when I complained about the check (the Chinese couple who own the place always fudge a bit, but since I was picking up the entire tab I complained about a 15% error and these chicks didn't think that was right!).  Well, fuck them and their money, since they flaunted to my friends they were so rich!

I tend to be a bit loud, but I mean well.  The problem is that here, people look the other way when someone is making a point.  In Califuckya they lecture you.

I had always dreamed of once again living half the year in Bangkok and half in San Francisco.  That dream is fading, not for lack of cash, but because I just don't like this place like I once did.

Now let's talk about my return.

Coming back to Bangkok was heavenly.  No more overweight bitches, just lovelies as far as the eye can see (and that was just at the airport).

And it's not just the eye candy that made me smile.  It's the people.  Thai people have so much less than Americans and they seem so much happier (in general). The difference is amazing.

Today I went out and after dealing with the ever crashing dollar at the money exchange I took a walk down my old street where we used to live. I got a great laugh out of a fine example of Thai commerce.  There was a shop with no sign and no indication of what it was (I think it was some kind of skin center based on some products on the shelves).  So I decided to have some fun.  I asked the three girls who worked there what they did at this place and they frighteningly let me know that they didn't speak English.  And this is in a heavily western area!  No wonder so many Thai businesses fail.  I had no clue what they did and neither would anyone else!

Then I went to Big C shopping mall on Rama 4.  If you ever want to find a girlfriend, come to any mall in Bangkok.  The sightseeing is amazing! Today at Big C, what I saw in just 30 minutes will blow away the eye candy you'll find in any city in the states for an entire year.  I'm not in the market, but I'm just sayin….

Until next time, enjoy yourself!

Posted on April 19th, 2013 by webmaster
Filed under: Uncategorized | No Comments »

I just saw this in The Nation after getting raped at the money exchange, turning dollars into baht and running to the bank.  It has even gone down since 2 hours ago when I did this, down to 28.64 at the close:

Baht moving beyond fundamentals: BOT

At 8.18am, the currency hit a new 16-year high at 28.71 per dollar, gaining 2.02 per cent from end-March, according to Bank of Thailand data. At one point, it touched 28.68. This indicates the 6 per cent increase from the end of last year.

Month to date, the currency also gained 6.40 per cent against Japanese yen, at 29.26 per 100 yen. It also appreciated by 0.17 per cent against euro to 27.478.

Prasarn said today that the currency is strengthening above the economic fundamentals.

He did not elaborate further or mention any measure the contain the appreciation.

Prasarn had a meeting with the prime minister and economic government units on April 18. He said that the agenda was mainly about the export target, not about the exchange rates.

These morons, who obviously have no clue about economic principles (or it wouldn't have gotten to this point), are going to ruin this country.  It's trade will go in the toilet, if it hasn't already (there is very strong competition from Vietnam, China and others), as will it's tourism, which is now soaring again. And they will make it a place that expats won't dare live in.  It's right on the border of not being cost effective already.  30 is kind of the magic number. Low, but doable.  28.64 at the moment and free falling.  Lovely!

Isn't it amazing how Thailand always shoots itself in the foot when things are going well?  If it isn't politics and protests it's something like this.

I can stay here for awhile, but if this gets much worse we may soon be looking for greener pastures.

Posted on April 19th, 2013 by webmaster
Filed under: Thai Politics | No Comments »

Saw this in The Nation:

BANGKOK: — The Abac Poll yesterday released results of a survey showing that an overwhelming majority of people approve of bribery and had bribed officials themselves.

The survey was conducted on 1,561 respondents aged over 10 in Bangkok from March 12-16 (with an error margin of 7 per cent).

Of the total, 87 per cent approved of lying for survival and had lied at some point over the past 12 months; 87.5 per cent believed pampering state procuring committees with special treats was normal; 87 per cent said they had jumped queues to buy goods and services; and 80 per cent said they had bribed officials in return for convenience and self-interest.

Of students, 92 per cent said they had copied homework in the past 12 months; and 74 per cent had taken a peek at friends' answers during exams. Some 85 per cent believed the questions in teachers' exams had been leaked.

Of respondents who are state officials and company staff, 81 per cent said they had used office time to conduct private business; 83 per cent said they had acted out of self-interest; and 88 per cent believed there was graft in all state agencies.

This has a lot to do with why the Thai culture is so screwed up by Western standards.  Bribery is accepted.

Until which time that Thai people start to know the difference between right and wrong, Thailand will never become a first world country and will always be a third world society.

Posted on March 18th, 2013 by webmaster
Filed under: Uncategorized | No Comments »

I know this may sound bad, but I'm going to say it anyway.  One of the things that drives me absolutely nuts is the ignorance level in Thailand, even in the capitol of Bangkok.

Check out this item from Yahoo: http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/daily-buzz/hitler-fashion-statements-confuse-offend-tourists-thailand-160709484.html

It is absolutely beyond me how anyone would glorify this monster.  Being a Jew makes this even more sickening.

People were also selling Osama Bin Laden T shirts after 9/11.

I know these kids are young and have never heard of Hitler.  But someone older needs to tell them, as opposed to just staying silent.

Not that the older generation is any less ignorant, but for god's sake, when the first news story came out about the uproar when kid's dressed up like Hitler, they should have received the memo.

The Thai people are very kind, don't get me wrong.  But they are horribly ignorant and sometimes I just get crazy over it.

Until next time, enjoy yourself!!!

Posted on March 9th, 2013 by webmaster
Filed under: Uncategorized | No Comments »

I saw this today in The Nation.  More police corruption:

Funeral gambling session raided

Six policemen yesterday raided a gambling operation set up at a local residence in Nakhon Si Thammarat that was hosting a funeral rite, seizing about Bt160,000 in alleged gambling money.

The raid angered people at the funeral, as a relative of the host said he had paid Bt10,000 to police to allow them to gamble, which is a custom at some funerals.

They claimed four police arrested the gamblers while two others rushed to seize about Bt160,000 and left.

Angered by this, gamblers detained the four police, until others turned up and negotiated their release.

So the cops got paid for protection, stole their money and then 4 cops got "detained". I'm sure that was hilarious! Sounds like the cops should have been the ones arrested.

Until next time, enjoy yourself!

Posted on February 24th, 2013 by webmaster
Filed under: Corruption, Thai Culture, Thai Police | No Comments »

I saw this today on Thai Visa:

Taxi drivers face harsher penalties for rejecting passengers

BANGKOK, Feb 15 – Any Bangkok taxi driver found repeatedly shunning would-be passengers will soon be at risk having his/her driver’s license suspended or even revoked, the Department of Land Transport chief warned.

The department is considering additional penalties against taxi drivers who turn down passengers as the agency has been flooded with complaints.

Land Transport Department Director General Somchai Siriwatanachoke said the department imposed a Bt1,000 fine on any taxi driver who refused to accept intending passengers since September. However, complaints from passengers over the issue account for over 60 per cent of all complaints regarding taxi services.

To solve the problem, he said, the department has prepared to take legal action against those who repeatedly reject passengers by suspending and revoking his/her public driving licences.

Moreover, Mr Somchai said, the department has invited managers of 35 leading department stores in Bangkok and adjacent areas where there are taxi stands nearby to discuss measures to solve the problem.

All department stores have been asked for cooperation to install signboards publicizing regulations that taxi drivers are forbidden to refuse passengers.

He said that CCTV cameras will also be installed at the taxi stands to record the images and publicizing of taxi drivers who violate the regulations.

Call centre telephone number 1584 for receiving complaints will also be published, he said.

The Land Transport Department's passenger protection centre 1584 hotline is available around the clock. Passengers may lodge complaints by giving details on the registration number, time, date and place to make it easier for the authorities to track down violators. (MCOT online news)

I really hope people start calling 1584 and reporting these assholes who refuse to take you somewhere just because "there's traffic". You're a taxi driver buddy, it's your job. If you don't like your job then find another one!

Until next time, enjoy yourself!

Posted on February 15th, 2013 by webmaster
Filed under: Bangkok Cabbies | No Comments »