The difference in general between the West andThailandis that the typical transvestite is generally older and no where near as convincing as their Thai counterpart.

Typically a Thai Lady Boy is under 30 often early 20’s and many far below, coming back to appearance many of these guys crave what they consider to be the far more . . . → Read More: Thailand Ladyboys]]> Tweet

The difference in general between the West andThailandis that the typical transvestite is generally older and no where near as convincing as their Thai counterpart.

Typically a Thai Lady Boy is under 30 often early 20’s and many far below, coming back to appearance many of these guys crave what they consider to be the far more perfect appearance of a woman over a man.Bangkoksurgeons have a reputation of being the best in the world at changing a willing man into a woman; presumably, this is because they get so much practice.

One side effect of this easy one stop shopping surgery is there is little or no counseling for potential Lady Boys. If you have the cash you can get the hormones, grow your hair and get the surgery, this in turn leads to some transsexuals regretting their decision and wishing to change back, which is not possible, this ando ther factors result in a very high level of suicides amongst Kathoey’s.

Ladyboy

Most Ladyboys in the entertainment areas of Thailand’s resorts and city’s can be viewed by straight or gay people asThailand’s clowns or court jesters, they love to be outrageous and entertain anyone who will look their way.

Pattaya has been known primarily as a for adult entertainment and the Kathoeyor Katoy (also known in Thai as the third gender); Pattaya is well known as a place that is home to large numbers of ladyboys.

Many westerners believe that the adult entertainment industry in Thailand is there because of tourism and because of the presence of “Farangs” (“Farang”is a term for Western foreigners in Thai).

But in fact it was very well established before the arrival of American GI’s in the 60’s who came for a little “Rest and Relaxation” away from the Vietnam War. Thai culture has its origin primarily in the hedonistic philosophy of life of most Thai men. This philosophy has agreed in principle followed to this day by many Thai men cling to the right to a secondary wife.

There are places all over Thailand that in no way resemble the Westernized fleshpots of Pattaya and Soi Cowboy Bangkok it is typically unpleasant the greasy small-town establishment, in which girls relax the “stressed” men Like their female counterparts there are also numerous working “Ladyboys,” which in Thai is “Kathoey” or “Katoy” spread across Thailand in general and Pattaya in particular.

Kathoey’s are recognized in Thailandfor their outlandish and over the top female behavior. There is generally no stigma to being gay, transvestite, transsexual, bi-sexual in Thailand indeed it is well established as part of the Buddhist religion which accepted homosexual relationships as equal to ‘straight’ relationships a long time before it became politically correct in the West.

Without question the number of “LadyBoys” inThailandout number anywhere else on the planet and Pattaya more than any other city inthe world. In addition to possible genetic causes the Thai philosophy of  well groomed personal appearance certainly plays a very important role from early childhood onwards.

To Thais the importance of personal appearance is essential; you will never see a Thai girl pass a mirror without pausing to check her already perfectly straight hair, the same is true of ladyboys.

Kathoey’s are a part of everyday life in Thailand, at least for those westerners who open their eyes and look around, they work in every conceivable business, it is considered cool or trendy to have a Lady Boy working in your restaurant.

Ladyboys are a big part of the “entertainment” industry particularly in Pattaya, this in turn leads to some difficulties, there are simply too many of “them”.

The number of Lady Boys looking to “entertain” in any one evening has now way outstripped demand for their services, which has led in turn to an upsurge in crimes committed by these seemingly other wise feminine people.

Ladyboys are still the countries clowns, and mix into every part of society and are always looking for a laugh usually at their own expense. As one Kathoey once said to me in perfect English “you think you’ve got problems, I think I’m a lesbian!”

One of the primary reasons that people head to Thailand is because of the many traditional shopping opportunities that abound in the country.  From Thai beads to gorgeous silks to the many other Thailand handicrafts finding great products in Thailand is easy if you know where to look.

Many people head to the major shopping malls because . . . → Read More: Thai handicrafts and beads]]> Tweet

One of the primary reasons that people head to Thailand is because of the many traditional shopping opportunities that abound in the country.  From Thai beads to gorgeous silks to the many other Thailand handicrafts finding great products in Thailand is easy if you know where to look.

Many people head to the major shopping malls because they believe this is where they are going to find great name brand products at a discount, and while this may be true, it is by far not the best place to find some authentic Thai goods such as beads.

This is due to the fact that you have to wonder outside of the malls to find some great deals at the retail markets, retail outlets, and the street markets.  Here you will find some market stalls that offer amazing deals on some Thai handicrafts that are just amazing.  Outside of the fact that they are very unique and items that you will never be able to duplicate at any store back home, they are also all sold at great prices so that you can buy enough Thai handicrafts, or silks for your own collection and for all of your loved ones as well without overspending your budget.

In fact, at the markets you will find deals that are so low that you can easily pick up dozens of beads and some silk scarves for the equivalent of five pounds or so back home.  For those who love to shop, there is simply no better place to find great deals and load up on one of a kind items then while in Thailand.  In fact, wholesalers head to the country just to buy thousands of beads and other goods because of the great prices that are available at the marketplaces. With this in mind, instead of heading out to the Bangkok mall that is suggested in all of the guidebooks, the next time that you head to Thailand consider checking out some of the great night bazaars instead.

The Damnoen Saduak is also a great place to pick up beads, silks, and even some electronics and as a floating marketplace is unlike anything else you have probably ever seen.  Finally, make sure to check out Ban Mo Jewelry Street for some additional great finds and some great gifts to take home with you.

Leasing issues

Westerners are used to the idea of signing into a mortgage and then having the right to live, work, or run a business out of the property for an unlimited amount of time, so long as they pay the mortgage. They are also used to long term leases, especially when it comes to owning a . . . → Read More: First time Thailand bar owner mistakes- and how to avoid them Part 2]]> Tweet

Leasing issues

Westerners are used to the idea of signing into a mortgage and then having the right to live, work, or run a business out of the property for an unlimited amount of time, so long as they pay the mortgage. They are also used to long term leases, especially when it comes to owning a business. This is not customary in Thailand making it important to pay attention to the wording on contracts.

In some areas leases are offered month by month, and in some areas year by year. Others have deliberate wording that allows property owners to change the lease rates at their own will.  Therefore, make sure you have a lawyer on hand before leasing any property the same as you would to protect an investment in a business.

Location, Location, Location

It can be easy to pick a major city and purchase a small corner shoebox bar with the intention of making money, but the major cities also mean a great deal more competition. Every year, the turnover among bar owners is huge in areas such as Bangkok, and most of the time the new owners end up making as much as the previous owners and then bowing out.

This is due to the fact that the same customer base rotates in and out without much change. Do your research into a location to see how many previous owners a bar has had before you. If a bar continues to change hands then you will more than likely be walking into a hopeless situation from the start.

Instead, choose a fresh location that has a shorter history as this could be your entry point. Also, consider good parking as most expats drive and many more local tourists ride motorbikes. Without parking you will lost this trade. In addition, it is worth it to pay a bit more for a location that receives a fair amount of foot traffic than to pay less for a bar that is out of the way. After all, with thousands of bars to choose from in a city, why would anyone seek yours out in a back street?

Eight days a week

Finally, if you are purchasing a bar to retire in Thailand analyse your motives carefully. Some people enjoy working and the idea of working in Thailand as a bar owner is as close to relaxation as they want to get.  However, other people envisage a life where they sit back and watch the money role in without lifting a finger. The latter is never going to happen as a Thai bar owner as hospitality is a large part of business ownership and you will be working seven days a week.

Those that do not want to invest this much time into any pursuit should rethink opening a bar in Thailand because it is a full time job regardless of what kind bar you purchase. Bear in mind that even if you only have partial ownership of a bar you must have a work permit in order to receive any income from a business.

Therefore, everyone that buys a bar, splits a bar, or has a partner in a bar that is an alien will need a work permit in order to receive income from the bar. If you do not think you will meet the terms for a Thailand work permit then it is pointless to even consider having any involvement in a bar.

Thailand has a large expat population, and for good reason; the pace of life is much slower, the nightlife is vibrant, the weather is almost perpetually sunny outside of the rainy season, and the girls have an appeal that is hard to deny. However, just because many people choose to settle in Thailand does not mean . . . → Read More: First time Thailand bar owner mistakes- and how to avoid them Part 1]]> Tweet

Thailand has a large expat population, and for good reason; the pace of life is much slower, the nightlife is vibrant, the weather is almost perpetually sunny outside of the rainy season, and the girls have an appeal that is hard to deny. However, just because many people choose to settle in Thailand does not mean that opening a bar that caters to this population is going to be a hit with the locals.

In fact, it is likely that this kind of venture is far from a sure thing as many westerners have tried and the amount that have failed far outweighs those who are successful. With this in mind, here are a few of the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Ownership

At first glance it may be logical to avoid getting a Thai partner (which is usually a Thai friend or girlfriend) and attempt to go it on your own. After all, this way you do not have to split the profits or worry about your Thai partner attempting to scam you down the line. Plus, with a Thai girlfriend you will end up supporting her family so it may seem as if going it alone is the best way to start off a new bar.

The problems arise when you attempt to buy land, as foreigners cannot buy land. In fact, they are only allowed a 49% share in any land purchase. The loophole is that while you can purchase a building on a piece of land, without land ownership you are taking a big risk.

Even if you are successful at purchasing a building, you will still need a Thai partner anyway as an alien cannot hold a cigarette, food, or liquor license. Therefore, it is in your best interests to find a Thai partner or consider opening a bar with a Thai girlfriend.

You will likely have to pay their medical and food expenses, but when you consider attempting to own a bar without actually owning it or providing patrons with drinks you can see how the option is a necessary evil. Make sure to have a contract drawn up by a lawyer however, as you can still protect your investment share from your partner, but you will need legal paperwork.  (Note:  Make sure to use your own lawyer, as their lawyer will not be looking out for you interests and this is a common trick.)

Cost of doing business

Now that you understand the ins and outs of true bar ownership in Thailand, the next thing you need to consider is the cost of doing business in Thailand. The real costs can only be calculated when you compare it with the annual income that a business pulls in. Many people rush to purchase a bar because £20,000 or one million baht sounds like a terrific deal.

While it is true that you cannot buy a business for such a low price as this in the UK, it is also true that there is a reason for this. Many of the bars in Thailand come at a low cost because they swap between owners every year. There are literally thousands of bars in the main party areas of Thailand such as Pattaya and hundreds in Chiang Mai, so the competition is pretty fierce.

While it may seem as if all of them are hoping during the visit that you are inspired to buy a bar, it is important to remember that April through to November is the off-season for the country as well. Therefore, you not only have to be prepared to handle a rush of visitors all at once, you also have to be prepared to take giant losses when the tourists take a break from the Thai nightlife scene. In other words, you have to be prepared to transfuse and bleed money every year.

Pattaya is loaded with places to eat and finding a meal will never be a problem, unless you tend to be indecisive when it comes to what you want to eat because the options can be overwhelming.  From foot carts to food markets to street vendors to fruit sellers to traditional restaurants you can always find . . . → Read More: Food and Drink in Pattaya]]> Tweet

Pattaya is loaded with places to eat and finding a meal will never be a problem, unless you tend to be indecisive when it comes to what you want to eat because the options can be overwhelming.  From foot carts to food markets to street vendors to fruit sellers to traditional restaurants you can always find something.  Of course there are a plethora of Thai cuisine menus, but there are also plenty of international menus as well.  As an aside, almost every restaurant offers Thai favourites so you can split tastes easily with those in your travelling group.

Those on a budget can find familiar names such as TESCO Lotus and Subway or move towards Carrefour food court near Third Road for Isaan treats and reasonably priced sandwiches.  For a mix of Western favourites with Thai infused tastes, the Kiss Food & Drink on Second Road with semi-open air seating is open 24 hours.

For continental breakfast buffets at a reasonable price (100 baht, about the same price as a beer) the Apex Hotel on second road serves a full buffet for both breakfast and dinner.  Alternatively you can head towards Walking Street to find the Bier-Ktusche restaurant and two mid-range Thai restaurants called the Soi Lucky Star and Soi BJ.

For those with a taste for middle eastern cuisine, the Parsa Restaurant offers traditional Iranian menus such as kebab with dough to compliment and down the road on North Pattaya beach road is the Mantra Restaurant & Bar which offers a full Mediterranean and Asian menu in a trendy setting although you will pay more for this luxury treat.

Indian is also represented and served exclusively at the She-e-Punjab Restaurant located on Soi 11 beach Road.  It is an excellent choice for vegetarians although meat dishes are also on the menu.  Vegetarians will find that throughout Pattaya there are plenty of dining options however including the Five Star J. Restaurant that has a full lacto-vegetarian menu on Third Road and the Chinese Vegetarian Café on Thappraya Road.

Sometimes when you are away from home you may want a taste of home, which is where the Pig Whistle on Soi 67, The Sportsman on Soi 13, and the Queen Victoria Inn on Soi 6 come in handy.  Here you can find roast beef and Yorkshire pudding or a traditional fish and chips meal.

For a steak dinner you should splurge a little however and head to the pride of Pattaya, Manhattan Steakhouse, Benihana the Japanese steakhouse near the Royal Garden Plaza, or splurge at the TICINO Restaurant & VespaBar which serves exquisite and Swiss and Italian cuisine infused with the Thai taste.

Drinks are available at most restaurants, but you can also find them easily along Pattaya Beach Road and in South Pattaya at nightclubs, discos, open-air bars, karaoke bars, coffee shops, and cabarets.  Expect to pay anywhere from 50-200 baht depending on where you go with small restaurants charging less than discos and go-go bars.

Most of the food in Phuket is somewhat cosmopolitan compared to the other parts of Thailand given the fact that the city caters to foreign travellers and tourists.  Of course, you can still pick up the traditional Thai dishes such as Khanom Kin and Fried Noodle dishes but a larger emphasis is placed on seafood options . . . → Read More: Food and Drink in Phuket]]> Tweet

Most of the food in Phuket is somewhat cosmopolitan compared to the other parts of Thailand given the fact that the city caters to foreign travellers and tourists.  Of course, you can still pick up the traditional Thai dishes such as Khanom Kin and Fried Noodle dishes but a larger emphasis is placed on seafood options given the close proximity to the ocean.  Pineapples and cashew nuts are grown and available around the year and are traditional tourist favourites for a quick snack.

Due to the location of city and Patong Beach, the nightlife in Phuket is always raging and there are plenty of bars and sidewalks bars to stop for a drink.  In addition there are plenty of discos, clubs, and restaurants.  Therefore, you always have a choice of where to drink and what to eat in Phuket.

Phuket offers everything from budget food to fine cuisine.  With restaurants that cater to the tastes of international visitors, you can easily find Arabic food, Mexican food, Italian food, Indian food, and of course authentic Thai cuisine in particularly their seafood.

For seafood you can head almost everywhere and find an accommodating restaurant.  Many of the main Phuket beaches are lined with seafood restaurants but you can head inwards for quieter areas that are visited by the locals and thus offer a more authentic experience.  For example, along the east coast of Phuket Town you will find Laem Hin and towards the north of the island is the Bang Pae Seafood restaurant.  Towards the zoo there is also Kan Eang in Chalong and the Kan Eang @ The Pier whih is a bit more expensive than the others but offers a true fine dining experience.

Many people enjoy eating at the many restaurants in Phuket that let you eat with the sea as the background from an open air balcony.  Along the main tourist beaches you will find plenty of these restaurants but the price tag can be expensive for what you get, thus it may be better to head toward Cape Panwa and visit The Beach Bar or head over to Koh Sirey where there are a handful of local sea side restaurants such as Nakkerd Seaview and Haad Pleum Suk.

If you want to eat some cuisine from back home then you may want to head towards the main beaches for lunch at the Mama Noi near Karon.  Towards Patong is the BBQ Hut which is a great place to grab some Mexican food or a great cheeseburger.  If you feel like splurging you can head to Patong’s the Ninth Floor.  You can also find some great Thai infused Italian food over at the Thai-Italy or head towards the Coffee Pot for a nice morning café start-up.

There is a wide variety of restaurants for dining in Krabi although a great deal of the food and drink is influenced by Muslim tastes given the fact that the city is largely inhabited by those of the Muslim religion.  Food in the region for the most part is not only cheap, but is also good . . . → Read More: Food and Drink in Krabi]]> Tweet

There is a wide variety of restaurants for dining in Krabi although a great deal of the food and drink is influenced by Muslim tastes given the fact that the city is largely inhabited by those of the Muslim religion.  Food in the region for the most part is not only cheap, but is also good and at times the night market which offers great food from market stalls has a small show for diners on a stage that is located near the night market that is next to the promenade piers.

However, a better market with plenty of authentic Thai dishes and fresh fruit is located near Maharat Soi Lane 10 directly in the centre of town.  There are great menus for all palates but the only downside is that you cannot purchase alcohol at this location.  Those who want fresh morning foods may enjoy the morning market offerings on Maharaj Soi 9.  Here you can find great sticky rice, fresh vegetable, fresh fruit, hot soymilk, and Thai tea.  Tourists should avoid the fresh meat and fish however as their stomachs will probably not be able to handle it.

Those who want to pick up some Western food will find that many street vendors in the Krabi town centre offer hot dogs and hamburgers.  The Tesco Lotus Shopping Mall also offers a great food court that offers traditional Thai dishes alongside some Western franchises that allow you to sample some of your favourite bites from back home.

Throughout Krabi there are a few Italian restaurants although most of the dishes show the obvious Thai Muslim influence which against all odds unite to create intriguing tastes.  The RuenMai restaurant which is about 2km from the Marharat Road morning market centre offers great dishes for just 100 baht but closes during lunch hours from three to five.

For breakfast, the best stops are Arun and Relax Coffee both located near the pier, both of which include a house-Gekko which is a great way to start out the morning.  However, be aware the coffee is quite strong and even a cappuccino is surprisingly strong.

Drinks are available mainly in the Krabi town centre at café bars and bars that cater to tourist’s needs and palates.  Some of these areas also offer cover local bands which can make a quick drink an even more delightful experience.  In particular, the Roof Top Bar on Chao Fa Road is a great place to see the sunset while sipping on a cocktail.  For an inside drink the Chillin bar is a great place to watch western sports on a large plasma screen television.

The nightlife in Chiang Mai is vibrant and on par with the nightlife offered around the country in areas such as Pattaya and Patong Beach.  Here you will find a nice variety of nightclubs, ladybars, go-go bars, beer bars, pubs, discos, and other related events.  Of course, there are also plenty of karaoke bars, cinemas, and . . . → Read More: Nightlife in Chiang Mai]]> Tweet

The nightlife in Chiang Mai is vibrant and on par with the nightlife offered around the country in areas such as Pattaya and Patong Beach.  Here you will find a nice variety of nightclubs, ladybars, go-go bars, beer bars, pubs, discos, and other related events.  Of course, there are also plenty of karaoke bars, cinemas, and bowling alleys for those who want a more relaxed night.  Serious shoppers will also love the Night Market where most Thai trinkets can be picked up for a great price.

If you are in search of typical nightlife activities, Loi Kroh Road, Tapea Gate, and Charoenrat Road are mainly where all the action is.  However, you can find a place to hangout, find girls, or sing your heart out almost anywhere in Chiang Mai.  Most of the tourist bars and pubs however are located on the strip of Loi Kroh Road and it will be easiest to find your way from here.  Those heading out after the Night Bazaar will want to head towards the Beer Bar Centre where about 30 bars including sports bars and beer bars are lined side by side.

In the Beer Bar Centre you will also find a Muay Thai boxing ring and depending on the night you are out at the Centre you may be able to see exhibition bouts for free.  On Thursdays you are guaranteed a match although you will need to pay a small fee to enter.

After checking out the Centre, it is a great idea to stroll down the Moon Muang Road where you will find the smaller trendier expat pubs, sports bars, and go-go bars allowing you a more authentic feel of the nightlife in Chiang Mai.  Here you will find western television and sports on the TV’s and even some music videos and pool tables.  Among the tops of these is So Cool, which offers cheap beer prices, the 2gether Bar where you can easily hang out without worrying about ‘lady drinks’ and pool is always free.

For the younger crowd and those looking for a bit more spice, west of the city centre towards Chiang Mai University is a lively pub and nightclub area with plenty of spicy options lining Nimmanhaemin Road to visit.  Be warned however, there are not many English speakers here but there is a lot to do.  The Monky Club on Soi 9 and the Warm Up Bar are great places for those in their twenties to dance the night away or chill with a beer out n the garden pool areas.

On the eastern side of the Mae Ping River down Charoenrat Road is an area worth checking out for older tourists as the area is famous for its pubs and nightclubs that offer live music spanning Thai, rock, jazz, western, country, and pop genres.  The Chang Jazz Club is a great place to stop for Saturday night live jazz and the Good View is a great stop for a variety of sounds, a large menu, and riverside views.

The best place to head for nightlife in Krabi is the town centre.  Although Krabi is not quite as active or vibrant at night as other locations due to its Muslim influences, there are still plenty of places to head afterhours for tourists in search of a drink or a nice night out.

The town centre bars . . . → Read More: Nightlife in Krabi]]> Tweet

The best place to head for nightlife in Krabi is the town centre.  Although Krabi is not quite as active or vibrant at night as other locations due to its Muslim influences, there are still plenty of places to head afterhours for tourists in search of a drink or a nice night out.

The town centre bars and café bars are catered around the needs of tourists so you will easily find an atmosphere that you can seamlessly blend into.  Chillin bar for example located on Chao Fa Road offers a large plasma television that broadcasts western sporting events so that you can grab a beer and watch the latest game.  On the other hand, for a more relaxing authentic Thai open air bar experience the Roof Top Bar (also on Chao Fa Road on the second floor of the KR Mansion) offers cocktails against the beautiful Krabi sunset.

There are also two separate night markets to explore afterhours that can easily capture your attention for most of the night.  The first is close to the piers on the promenade where you can eat, drink, shop, and sometimes even catch a show if the town has organized one for the night.

Maharat Soi Lane 10 is the location of the second night market where you can find plenty of fresh foods, local imports, and great prices although you cannot drink here.  The good news is the town centre has plenty of pubs so you can shop and quickly head over to a pub to grab a drink for the night.

The wildest nightlife in Krabi is located in adjoining Ao Nang, although it is much mellower than the nightlife that Patong and Pattaya have to offer.  Here you will find places to watch the sunset, participate in a pool game, and of course meet other tourists from across the world.

Railay Beach is another great place to head at night as fire dancers shine against the dark sky with their talented displays and vivid clothing.  Usually Bob Marley compliments the nightly show across the sound system with the sea nicely contributing to the soundtrack lapping against the shore in the background.

Those who want to take in a Muay Thai boxing bout or are in search of some live music will want to travel towards Nopparat where you can find a great seafood meal and some great drinks.  Karaoke is close by in Koh Lanta where the atmosphere is low key, but the bar singing is not and you can shop up until 10pm when the shops close over at Saladan Village before grabbing a drink.

Five telecom operators, as well as Clearinghouse Co, are to meet with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications commission to discuss an increase in the capability of mobile-phone-number movability.

Appointments have been made to open discussions on whether the capacity could be boosted from 2,500 to 40,000. Prawit Leestaporwongsa, the NBTC member who made the appointments, said that . . . → Read More: Conference planned to discuss the movability of mobile phone numbers]]> Tweet

Five telecom operators, as well as Clearinghouse Co, are to meet with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications commission to discuss an increase in the capability of mobile-phone-number movability.

Appointments have been made to open discussions on whether the capacity could be boosted from 2,500 to 40,000. Prawit Leestaporwongsa, the NBTC member who made the appointments, said that they would also talk about the length of time the expansion would take and what date they could start.

Portability regulations enable subscribers of mobile-phones to use a different network, but keep their old phone number. Clearinghouse was co-founded by five telecom operators to mediate the service.

Total Access Communication (DTAC) and Advanced Info Service have recently commenced expanding the areas where clients can ask for portability service; currently this is only accessible in approximately 20 provinces. It is hoped that major telephone operators will soon offer this service nationwide. TrueMove’s 250 nationwide outlets will be able to oblige number-transfer requests.

TrueMove and Real Move, both part of the True Group, would like to move most clients to Real Move’s third-generation service through the portability channel. Other operators are blaming technical limitations for their inability to comply with the moves.