General Reports

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;1845199]By real estate he means condos? Because that is all a foreigner can own around here.[/QUOTE]Yeah, I watched this program on TV a few times where couples who are in the home buying market are presented with three choices, and then by the end of the 30 minute show they pick one. Twice, homes in Thailand were featured, and I don't mean condos either. I was thinking like WTF? Foreigners can't own an estate like that! I knew better, and then I was just reading something the other day that pointed out how that show was fake on many counts (including the fact that the couples' decision was always made before their actual show aired and they were reenacting what happened). I also noticed that the homes in Thailand that were presented were never the ones chosen. Yeah. I wonder why? Maybe because it's a bullshit fake show where the Thai homes presented could never be purchased by the couples in the first place! We know that, but how many other eyeballs viewing the show do? They have no clue. I guess the show's producers figure what the audience doesn't know won't hurt it!

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;1845199]By real estate he means condos? Because that is all a foreigner can own around here. If he does you better tell him again what a dumb idea it is.[/QUOTE]I know, Mr. E. !

But someone has been putting ideas in his head that will need some professional advice to put right again. I guess we can all imagine where these ideas are originating from.

W.

[QUOTE=MrEnternational;1845199]By real estate he means condos? Because that is all a foreigner can own around here. If he does you better tell him again what a dumb idea it is.[/QUOTE]I came within a signature of spending 5 million on a Pratumnak Hill condo. Glad I didn't now. The place is 1 million cheaper now since the $ got so strong. I wonder what will happen in the country when the king pass away?

[QUOTE=Wolvenvacht;1845218]I know, Mr. E. !

But someone has been putting ideas in his head that will need some professional advice to put right again. I guess we can all imagine where these ideas are originating from.

W.[/QUOTE]Been here 16 years and the longer I am here the happier I am that I never bought a condo. Most condos have stagnated or lost value. What has appreciated during my tenure here is agricultural land and of course foreigners are shut out of that market. Buying ag land anywhere is a pretty safe investment.

[QUOTE=Goatscrot;1845371]Been here 16 years and the longer I am here the happier I am that I never bought a condo. Most condos have stagnated or lost value. What has appreciated during my tenure here is agricultural land and of course foreigners are shut out of that market. Buying ag land anywhere is a pretty safe investment.[/QUOTE]In addition to everything else, there is just too much political uncertainty in Thailand for a foreigner to invest in a condo. Unless, of course, someone is stinking rich and doesn't really care if he loses the money but is more interested in just having a place to stay; in other words isn't really investing for a return on capital.

[QUOTE=LAGuy5;1845377]In addition to everything else, there is just too much political uncertainty in Thailand for a foreigner to invest in a condo. Unless, of course, someone is stinking rich and doesn't really care if he loses the money but is more interested in just having a place to stay; in other words isn't really investing for a return on capital.[/QUOTE]I completely disagree with you. The country is now more stable than it has ever been before. No more shut downs, corrupt Thaksin politicians, at least all business can go on as normal now. Immigration has tightened up to try and keep out criminals. I know it's not perfect but nothing ever is.

[QUOTE=Wolvenvacht;1845169]Guys,

Does anyone know a lawfirm in Thailand that could provide some legal info on buying / owning / investing into Thai real estate?

And please, don't tell me that it is a bad idea. I know that. A friend asked me some info and I could not convince him of the unsoundness of his ideas, so perhaps if he asks a lawyer he might get back his senses.

Wolvenvacht.[/QUOTE]I'll PM you the info, but the service is not free.

[QUOTE=Bkkdog;1845392]I completely disagree with you. The country is now more stable than it has ever been before. No more shut downs, corrupt Thaksin politicians, at least all business can go on as normal now. Immigration has tightened up to try and keep out criminals. I know it's not perfect but nothing ever is.[/QUOTE]My post made no comparisons to Thailand "before. " It simply stated I would not buy real estate there owing to political uncertainty about the future. Maybe you are correct the military dictatorship will continue in its present form ad infinitum and maybe the King will never die (another possible triggering event for political unrest). But I don't know many who would bet much on either proposition.

When it comes to lawyer to each his own like everything else here? In the past I've done a lot of interviews with Lawyers even went through a whole list provided by the USA Embassy. Not sure if the list has changed but the one listed years ago they barely could speak any English. I asked the Embassy why provide me with a list if they couldn't even speak to me? That being said make sure they can speak and understand you as if you are speaking to any other English speaking Farang. From personal experience the one's in Pattaya are far and few but I do have one. I also have one in Bangkok if the one's BKKDog does not work out. Here is my opinion around buying a home in Thailand, my experience is only in Pattaya. I have purchase 1 rai land and house and another 1 rai and had a apartment built on it from ground zero. My personal opinion is do not buy anything here unless you can walk away without being Bankrupty, if you got to sell it to continue living here or to go home then Don't! If it was a personal choice and just me I would buy a Condo, but Real Estate 101, at home or here is to keep the project size to minimum 12-20 units, and make sure to read the CC&are which is the Condition / Rules, not sure what they call it here? Foremost you need to review the financial records and what is in the reserves. If your friend is looking for a Investment outside of Bangkok, unless he has money to burn (spare change) forget it! I know a number of Expats who own Condo's here and they seem happy with their purchase, some feel it is better than paying rent, but if you think you are buying at 1 million and selling for 2-3 million I say wake up and smell the coffee.

As for the political unrest here, In my opinion there isn't any no matter who is in charge. The only reason puppet general is in charge is because the color parties will never stop fighting to be in charge. What they are fighting for is the corruption money they are missing out on not being in charge. The reason the election is constantly pushed back is because the man is still alive or they got a body double? The puppet (who happens to be his best friend) was put in charge was for the reason when the time comes all hell will not break loose? But after two years people are sick of him especially after it was reported he now has 1 billion in USA Dollar stashed away oversea? He is just a former soldier surrounded by all the K favorite advisers. Regardless of all this stuff aside I have no problem or second thoughts about buying a Condo in Pattaya or Bangkok which when the time comes is where all the fighting will happen. I wouldn't let a few bullets flying around deter me at all, it just makes life more exciting!

[QUOTE=Bkkdog;1845392]I completely disagree with you. The country is now more stable than it has ever been before. No more shut downs, corrupt Thaksin politicians, at least all business can go on as normal now. Immigration has tightened up to try and keep out criminals. I know it's not perfect but nothing ever is.[/QUOTE]I am sorry but Thailand will never be stable, as long as the "Have" are not willing to share the wealth with the "have not". And, the military are as corrupt as the Thaksin crew, or any other Thai politician for that matter.

[QUOTE=Bkkdog;1845394]I'll PM you the info, but the service is not free.[/QUOTE]I'm sure the service will be cheaper than making a foolish investment.

[QUOTE=Wolvenvacht;1845490]I'm sure the service will be cheaper than making a foolish investment.[/QUOTE]For starters all your friend has to do is Google it or go to ThaiVisa. They have a section (forum) for it, also they section for legal Advice from a Thai Lawyer, but personally I would not use this lawyer he is a fucking crook!

[QUOTE=LittleBigMan;1845492] go to ThaiVisa. [/QUOTE]All he has to do is read the huge thread on ThaiVisa on whether or not to buy a place in Pattaya (same would apply for BKK). If that doesn't convince him no crooked lawyer will.

[QUOTE=BananaBoi;1845544]All he has to do is read the huge thread on ThaiVisa on whether or not to buy a place in Pattaya (same would apply for BKK). If that doesn't convince him no crooked lawyer will.[/QUOTE]What I have learned at my age and living here there are lots of people who can read but do not comprehend what is being said. People ask questions but it seem they already have their minds made up before and after they hear the answer it is like they never read or heard it? You think when people get burn they learn from their mistake but it isn't always the case. They just start off again where they left off?