General Reports

[Allover]

That is a understatement.

If you don't custody your gold in physical form, then you don't own it. If you don't own the metal itself then you are not truly providing any sort of diversification to your portfolio. Of course this is my opinion.

I understand why you would not want to do what you wrote

Oakie gave me vote of confidence confirming what I already knew but he witnessed it in action and wanted to add his 0.02 USD in a 0.67 THB world:

Here is what I do / did:

11/09/2023: Buy at 32700.

02/14/2025: Sell at 46750.

46750 - 32700 = 14,050/ Baht increase. Let's do a little trader math: +42.97% in 15 months. Now making that kind of return is not for everyone. So, please continue to do what it is you do what is best for YOUR portfolio. I simply providing an example of what is actually possible with Thai Gold.

I actually have not sold any of my gold and I have bought more. I just wanted to provide an example to everyone of the potential and show that opinions do not invalidate actual market results!

Since the OP admitted to being late to the Au game, he needs to put some work and learn. The industry sector of Gold mining stocks have been trailing behind the performance of the actual metal. IMO that is the best way to diversify your paper portfolio. Barrick Gold Corp F (GOLD) is a perfect example of this. Entered the trade at 17.13. Current price is an exercise left for the reader.

NOT FINANCIAL ADVICE

By late to the game I mean the end of 2023. And the fact I stayed in an ETF. I have enough diversification to go the distance. That's what really matters.

[SubCmdr]

Why Do Thais Buy So Much Gold? And What Do They Do With It?

Thai gold shop in Chinatown, Bangkok copyright Mark Fischer
On any visit to Thailand, you will notice quickly how much gold Thais have and how much of it they wear. Purchased by Thais, rich and poor, and worn as rings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants and even Buddhist amulets, gold in Thailand is so popular, you will not drive far in most towns without seeing a gold shop. But, why do Thais buy so much gold and what do they do with it?
Gold is a sign of wealth, being Buddhist (yep!) and for good luck.
Like westerners, Thais wear gold as a decorative item but also as a sign of wealth. The richer you are, the larger and more decorative the gold pieces and the more of them you own. Then, of course, if you are a devout Buddhist man and have money, you are also likely to wear a massive Buddhist amulet, on a gold chain and encased in gold. There is nothing like showing off your religion and your money both at the same time. Gold in Thailand is also seen as being something you should own if you want good luck, so it is often bought for birthdays, anniversaries and weddings

Gold in Thailand is an investment
The main reason Thais buy gold though is as an investmentt. In past decades, gold has rarely lost much value and, in fact, much of the time keeps increasing in price. For Thais who may be worried about losing family money then, they know if they buy gold they can always sell it if they happen across hard times. Many Thais too think putting money in the stock market, which is volatile, is far too risky, and thats yet one more reason why Thais invest in gold. It is simply seen as safer.

Thai gold too is better quality and value than western gold as most of it is 23K and 24K gold (almost pure gold) whereas, in the west, it is only 18K (meaning 25% of it is a base metal, and not actually gold). Thai jewelers also only charge a nominal fee for the craftsmanship of creating a beautiful piece of jewelry in gold. That means what you pay in Thailand for an intricately designed gold ring is often up to 40% cheaper than what you would pay in the west, and for superior quality gold too.

If you are looking to buy gold in Bangkok, the two best places are Chinatown (Yaworat) and its more than 140 gold shops, and at MBK mall, where you will also find a number of excellent gold shops.
Many of these gold shops are also completely open to the street, and most do not employ security guards. The reason? There is little robbery in Thailand like there is in many western countries, so store owners believe there is little chance of having their gold stolen.

https://tastythailand.com/why-do-tha...ey-do-with-it/

Those willing to step out of there western mentality of thinking should review the points of this article and the ones I have been making since the special girl in my life showed me about gold and explained the meaning up iit in Thailand. I knew I was special to her when she bought me gold as a birthday present. I've done the same for her many times over. But it isn't about the money. It is about knowing the true value of the gift.

When in Thailand I already have and continue to do as the Thais do!

[SubCmdr]

I came late to buying Gold via the GLD ETF fund for now.

That is a understatement.

Trying to decide what percent of my total assets to keep in some form of Gold.

If you don't custody your gold in physical form, then you don't own it. If you don't own the metal itself then you are not truly providing any sort of diversification to your portfolio. Of course this is my opinion.

I don't want to do as SubCmdr* likes to do: buy gold at a gold shop for B1500 and hold it for 6 months and go back and sell it back to the gold store for B1600.

I understand why you would not want to do what you wrote

Oakie gave me vote of confidence confirming what I already knew but he witnessed it in action and wanted to add his 0.02 USD in a 0.67 THB world:

The secret to success in the markets is simple. Buy low and sell high! Sell high, buy low!

Here is what I do / did:

11/09/2023: Buy at 32700.

02/14/2025: Sell at 46750.

46750 - 32700 = 14,050/ Baht increase. Let's do a little trader math: +42.97% in 15 months. Now making that kind of return is not for everyone. So, please continue to do what it is you do what is best for YOUR portfolio. I simply providing an example of what is actually possible with Thai Gold.

I actually have not sold any of my gold and I have bought more. I just wanted to provide an example to everyone of the potential and show that opinions do not invalidate actual market results!

Since the OP admitted to being late to the Au game, he needs to put some work and learn. The industry sector of Gold mining stocks have been trailing behind the performance of the actual metal. IMO that is the best way to diversify your paper portfolio. Barrick Gold Corp F (GOLD) is a perfect example of this. Entered the trade at 17.13. Current price is an exercise left for the reader.

NOT FINANCIAL ADVICE

[SubCmdr]

Here endeth the lesson for you!

The purpose of the forum is the share information. Today a ISG brother contacted me via PM for a recommendation for a Gold Shop in Pattaya. I sent him the name and address of my favorite one. Along with a link to an educational article about buying Thai Gold. That is why I won't let anyone try to silence me with their opinions. Because others might be interested in mine even if you disagree. All the satisfaction I needed was contained in that request. Maybe based on your opinion someone won't buy gold. Applause for a job well done!

I don't know what you heard about me; But a ***** can get a 1 BAHT of gold out of me; No Cadillac, no perms, you can't see; That I'm a motherfuckin' S-I-M-P!

You wrote:

Lastly, about the issue of trust. I am tired of repeating myself about why I buy Thai Gold. I do not trust the fiat currency system. I do not trust the banking system.

In your mind walk through the scenario of how trade / barter would work without the fiat currency system. All the gold in the world is not going to work if everyone is not on the same page. Your dooms day mentality is a symptom of. Never mind, talk about waiting someone's time. I am the one waiting time on this ridiculous discussion.

And in case you missed it, check this out:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0Oz4P-NX84

The Technological Republic: Hard Power, Soft Belief, and the Future of the West.

By Alex Karp.

[Larbmoo555]

Hey everyone,

I'll be in Bangkok for three weeks and need to get some dental work done while I'm there. My dentist back home told me I need a root canal and a crown, so I'm looking for recommendations on good dental clinics that offer quality work at a reasonable price.

If you've had similar work done in Bangkok, I'the love to hear about your experience. Also, what kind of price range should I expect for a root canal and crown?

Appreciate any advicethanks!

I had a root canal & crown done at BIDC 2 years ago, at their EmQuartier office as it's next to where I live, but their main building is on Ratchadaphisek. Can't remember the exact price, don't think it was more than 50 k thb /$1500 USD for everything and I think that's on the higher side of prices here. In Thailand the clinics publish the prices on their website so there's no "gotcha". Was very good work, almost no pain (my regular cleanings are more painful than my root canal was). You should download LINE because you can add most clinics on that app and easily get quotes / make reservations.

[TallDarkUsa]

Hey everyone,

I'll be in Bangkok for three weeks and need to get some dental work done while I'm there. My dentist back home told me I need a root canal and a crown, so I'm looking for recommendations on good dental clinics that offer quality work at a reasonable price.

If you've had similar work done in Bangkok, I'the love to hear about your experience. Also, what kind of price range should I expect for a root canal and crown?

Appreciate any advice—thanks!

[TConor]

You wrote:

Lastly, about the issue of trust. I am tired of repeating myself about why I buy Thai Gold. I do not trust the fiat currency system. I do not trust the banking system.

In your mind walk through the scenario of how trade / barter would work without the fiat currency system. All the gold in the world is not going to work if everyone is not on the same page. Your dooms day mentality is a symptom of. Never mind, talk about waiting someone's time. I am the one waiting time on this ridiculous discussion.

And in case you missed it, check this out:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0Oz4P-NX84

The Technological Republic: Hard Power, Soft Belief, and the Future of the West.

By Alex Karp.

[SubCmdr]

Feb 4 (Reuters).

Gold prices regained an all-time high on Tuesday, driven by investors seeking the safe-haven asset after China retaliated with tariffs on the U.S. in response to President Donald Trump's tariffs.

Spot gold gained 1.1% to $2,844.56 per ounce as of 01:40 p.m. ET (1840 GMT), after hitting a record high of $2,845.14 earlier in the session.
A line chart titled "Spot gold price in USD per oz" that tracks the metric over time.
A line chart titled "Spot gold price in USD per oz" that tracks the metric over time.
U.S. gold futures settled 0.7% higher at $2,875.80.
"The tariff news came out like it did overnight; I think right now that's the main driver than any other thing and data that comes out today, (but) I think it's going to be overshadowed by the tariff news," said Bob Haberkorn, senior market strategist at RJO Futures.
"The dollar was strong going into the week here, but with a lower dollar, that also definitely helps the price of gold," Haberkorn said.
The dollar fell 0.9%, making gold less expensive for other currency holders.
China imposed tariffs on U.S. imports, swiftly responding to new U.S. duties, escalating the trade war between the world's top two economies even as Trump offered reprieves to Mexico and Canada.
The Trump administration's plans for trade tariffs come with inflation risks, three Fed officials warned on Monday, with one arguing that uncertainty over the outlook for prices calls for slower interest rate cuts than otherwise.
Data showed U.S. job openings in December fell to 7.6 million, falling short of the consensus estimate of 8 million, indicating potential economic slowdown.
Bullion is traditionally considered a hedge against both inflation and geopolitical uncertainty, but higher rates reduce the non-yielding asset's appeal.
Given the disruptive nature of the current U.S. administration creating market uncertainty, coupled with central banks possibly increasing gold purchases to diversify from U.S. dollar holdings, gold prices could reach $3,000 this year, said Jim Wyckoff, a senior market analyst at Kitco Metals.
Investors' focus now turns to the ADP employment report on Wednesday, the payrolls report on Friday, and speeches from several Fed officials.
Spot silver rose 2.5% to $32.33 per ounce. Platinum gained 0.4% to $967.94, and palladium fell 1.3% to $994.

I use Thai Gold as store of value here in Thailand!

NOT FINANCIAL ADVICE!

[SubCmdr]

Good NVDA trade and no need to document trades, what's the diff. It is what it is.

Actually there is. Only if to cause others to loose face. I gots people claiming I am lying on my flow, my stack, my trading ability and my dick. Serious accusations all. Done only by keyboard warriors who reside safely behind their computer screen.

I can't bring myself to buy any more NVDA except via a DRIP. I am in at $2. 62, lucky really.

You cannot bring yourself to buy Thai Gold either. I use Thai Gold as a store of value and I wear that shit on my fingers and around my neck and wrists. I can do that in Thailand as I feel perfect safe and don't have to worry about being jacked like I would in the Dominican Republic, Colombia or the United States of America.

Again if you think the USA is a shit hole why are you dealing in US $?

Lay out your country of origin and tell us why you operate in the various currencies that you do?

If you must know, I currently operate in DOP, COP, THB, MXN, $BTC, $LTC, $USDM, $USDT, $USDC and USD. A man has to know his limitations. I know mine. My father is dead. I think for myself. I answer to no man. This is especially the case when it comes to International Tricks. Do you want to talk finances or do you want to talk about me? This is the General Reports in the Thailand Country Thread. The original discussion was about Thai Gold. If you wish to pivot from that discussion (for whatever reason), if you want to talk about the United States of America there is a Thread called American Politics. Meet me over there and we can have whatever discussion THE ADMINISTRATOR allows.

Lastly, about the issue of trust. I am tired of repeating myself about why I buy Thai Gold. I do not trust the fiat currency system. I do not trust the banking system. So I think it is wise to hold a percentage of your assets outside of the traditional banking system. Those with access to high quality banking systems simply do not understand. They have been sitting in their comfortable countries growing fat and soft. They know nothing of the struggles of the Global South. They only know comfort.

I'm old, but I am hard! In real life, not behind a keyboard. Brought up in the school of hard knocks and have had to endure things that would have broken lesser men. Not afraid of death. But not seeking it either. I keep a go bag packed and ready. Why? Because you never know!

It takes money to be an International Trick. You need to create a flow, so you can build a stack, that way you can pay for your flights, hotels, food and everything else you need to engage in International Trickin activities. We even have people posting up in here that have never even been to Thailand. That is how interesting Thailand is compared to the places they reside. We should be proud of ourselves TConor. We have taken the conversation to an entirely different level. So much so others feel the need to get in on the action.

Ballin like a Thai Gold Pro!

[TConor]

Order filled this morning at 141.26. Going to make an another gold run to my favorite spot to buy in Thailand. Much to the chagrin of others. I will document my trade via photo. I have a friend who constantly reminds me that the internet never forgets. So, it will be right here for all who choose to to review it.

Let's check back in a year, shall we?

Good NVDA trade and no need to document trades, what's the diff. It is what it is. I can't bring myself to buy any more NVDA except via a DRIP. I am in at $2. 62, lucky really.

Again if you think the USA is a shit hole why are you dealing in US $?

[Oakie]

Order filled this morning at 141.26. Going to make an another gold run to my favorite spot to buy in Thailand. Much to the chagrin of others. I will document my trade via photo. I have a friend who constantly reminds me that the internet never forgets. So, it will be right here for all who choose to to review it.

Let's check back in a year, shall we?

The secret to success in the markets is simple. Buy low and sell high! Sell high, buy low!

Likewise, the secret to fucking hoes is to go cwhere they at, and bring money!

Suprising it gets so complicated in practice, LOL.

[SubCmdr]

When the news about Deep Seek came out NVDA stock price got knocked back to 116. I picked some up at 118. It has moved to 138 and I think it is time to take profits. I plan to use my original capital and the profits from that trade to buy Thai Gold. Not as investment. As a reserve asset.

Order filled this morning at 141.26. Going to make an another gold run to my favorite spot to buy in Thailand. Much to the chagrin of others. I will document my trade via photo. I have a friend who constantly reminds me that the internet never forgets. So, it will be right here for all who choose to to review it.

Let's check back in a year, shall we?

[SubCmdr]

I went into physically holding bullion late last June (2024). Certainly can not say that I am sorry. LOL Premium pricing has held steady while profit on paper has been gratifying to say the least..

Strong move! I only have praise for you brother. I have a very narrow use for Thai Gold. I have laid out below.

I see gold as a store of value. I take 70000 THB and buy gold with it in Thailand. If times get hard I can sell that gold and (depending upon the price of gold at the time of sale) and get more or less 70000 THB back. No exchange rate issues.

I am sharing my gold plan in Thailand. In fact, I have spoke with several Thai people who told me that is how they survived in Thailand during the down turn of tourism in Pattaya. They sold their accumulated gold they had purchased when times were good in order to get them through the lean times.

Those arguing with me who say they don't want to argue, completely miss my point of WHY Thai Gold works in my personal portfolio. I have no interest in the bigger picture because I am not trying to incorporate Thai Gold into my overall investment portfolio. This is an assumption made the the overly argumentative who have a strong anti gold bias. I don't see any value in pussy that costs more than 2000 THB. Others disagree with me. There is no way to argue about it. Because it is personal preference.

Here is what I know. If I need THB I can see my gold in the gold stores from it. It is a spurious argument at best that the Gold Stores are like casinos. House always wins. In that case the US Stock Market is the same way. Between the fees that are paid and collected by the market makers, the large institutions front running your trades etc. The house always wins. They treat you like a kid. You don't even hold your own stocks.

Purchasing gold is for men. I pay cash and the gold is in my hand. If the financial system breaks down, if you have your gold in small increments you will indeed be able to pay for it directly.

The old saw is, that the "intrinsic" value of one ounce of gold will currently buy a finely tailored man's suit of clothes. This seems to be the mean around which the price tends to trade, with wide swings in either direction. "The reversion to the mean" on the Bell Curve

This is all I am looking for from my Thai Gold holdings.

But since the argumentative want to do what they do best, I just bought Barrick Gold Mining Co. (they have two big mines in the Dominican Republic actually). Because gold stocks have not kept pace with the price of gold. The reversion to the mean on the Bell Curve. ROTFLMO! Got to love it when a plan comes together!

Ballin like Thai Gold Pro!

[TConor]

If an individual who said I would lose my shirt in Thai Gold cannot accept the results I have posted with my actually Thai Gold purchases (lets remember I consider it a reserve asset) then they simply cannot accept the facts. If gold is not an important reserve asset why do Central Banks around the world purchase it to back up their fiat currencies.

Central banks typically hold a variety of assets in their reserves to ensure economic stability and liquidity. The composition of these reserves can vary, but generally includes:

1. Foreign Currencies: The largest portion of central bank reserves is usually held in foreign currencies like the US dollar (USD), euro (EUR), and Japanese yen (JPY). These are highly liquid and widely accepted globally1.

2. Gold: Gold is a traditional reserve asset, valued for its stability and lack of credit risk.

3. Special Drawing Rights (SDRs): These are international reserve assets created by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to supplement member countries' official reserves.

4. Securities: This includes government bonds and other highly rated securities from other countries.

5. Other Reserve Assets: This category can include financial derivatives, loans to nonbank nonresidents, and other assets.

The exact percentages can vary by country and over time, but foreign currencies and gold typically make up the largest shares of central bank reserves.

Country Percentage of Gold Reserves.

United States 77.3%.

Germany 69.1%.

Italy 64.7%.

France 60.8%.

United Kingdom 57.2%.

Japan 53.5%.

Canada 50.1%.

Going back to an earlier post 1st. What recession? The one predicted for the past 3 or 4 years? There will always be a future recession. That's called the business cycle.

Fact: Gold does not grow, pay interest, or dividends and in some way or another will costs to store (rented vault, safe deposit box, buying a home safe). And while it sits there waiting for the next greater fool to pay you more for it than you paid for it there is such a thing as opportunity cost to what the fiat currencies could be making.

Fact: The old saying is "A rising tide lifts all boats" and you have been lucky, period. If you don't want to admit it here at least look in the mirror. These gold shops don't stay in business losing money; thus, their customers can't be winners or the shops would be out of business. In the long run if you sit at the table long enough the house wins, the house always wins. That's why the buy / sell "odds" are what they are.

Out of curiosity what "deleted" hole country do you come from. I just know in most of the world I can't buy a bottle of beer with gold dust or if I used a Krugerrand – they'the have to give about $2900 in change- not going to happen. Gold will not reasonably let me buy most thing =a movie tickets, food, gas, pay my water or electric bill. Pay college tuition, pay my streaming bill, pay for my massage or air fare, car rental, buy a car. Hell the list is endless. It all looks good on paper – gold gold gold – but when the rubber hits the road without a financial system with fiat currencies your gold dust / bars are pretty worthless.

So, your theories about gold ownership parallels those of Bitcoin ownership. Why are you backing a dog in the race when for in the last 6 months Bitcoin "a store of value" some say is up nearly 400%?

Anyway good continued luck and next time you need dental work choose GOLD 555.

[SubCmdr]

When the news about Deep Seek came out NVDA stock price got knocked back to 116. I picked some up at 118. It has moved to 138 and I think it is time to take profits. I plan to use my original capital and the profits from that trade to buy Thai Gold. Not as investment. As a reserve asset.

I see gold as a store of value. I take 70000 THB and buy gold with it in Thailand. If times get hard I can sell that gold and (depending upon the price of gold at the time of sale) and get more or less 70000 THB back. No exchange rate issues.

Note I said from that trade. I still have plenty more NVDA to sell off. I started taking profits after I saw I had a return of over 1000% Currently accumulating AMD. I think the market is sleeping on that one. Also accumulating mining stocks! They pay good dividends.

Thai people use gold as a savings account. Gold shops are plentiful and allow you to buy and sell gold for fiat currency (THB) very easily. When in Thailand it often makes sense to do as the Thai people do.