How to be an Expat in Thailand

OK, try riding your motorbike, one hand holding an umbrella, the other hand sending an sms, steering with your knee and then suddenly dropping everything to offer a quick wai to a roadside spirit house before crossing four lanes of traffic to make a sudden U-turn because you forgot to pick up your girlfriend and she's going to wear a sulk longer than it takes to explain the concept of 'money back guarantee' to a Thai businessman.

by Peter Melzer - we have published an article created by auswathai forum user

Remember.... T.I.T. This is Thailand

For sure, Thailand can be quite strange and newcomers find themselves conducting all sorts of cultural charades and going berserk trying to figure out some of the crazy habits of the locals.

Don't ask us why they eat ice-cream sandwiches, or drink their beer with ice. Never sleep with your head facing west, duck when you walk in front of people, paste yourself in skin whitening cream… there are all sorts of strange beliefs here.

Luckily Bangkok allows you to keep a foot both in the Eastern and Western world. An increasing number of Thais now speak English, especially in the services industry, and there are all sorts of clubs, groups and activities that suit ex-pats. Of course, you should make the effort yourself to learn the language and etiquette of Thailand and assimilate into Thai social circles to truly appreciate the place.

One important consideration if you are planning on living here is that it's not perfect. The Thai way of life is quite different to what you may have experienced back home and they have their own, sometimes strange, way of going about things. In fact the Thai here in Bangkok are incredibly good at some things, but can be quite unsatisfactory at other things we may expect or take for granted back home.

Useful Links

1. Forum Thailand - this article - add comment or see other articles about Thailand people/culture/land

2. WA Thai Community - Thai Culture A to Z 

3. Business Networks - Aussie and Thai - click here 

4. Best E Networks Aussie and Thai - click here

AustCham Thailand Members are Populating in Longdo

Australian Commerce has a substantial presence in Thailand.

It's why so many Australian owned/managed venues are populating across the Longdo Map
click on the photo expand

Reporter:  Phill Smith

It wasn't until we were introduced to AustCham Thailand that we discover the prominence of Australia, as Business owners and/or Managers. So with the help of the ever enthusiastic people of Longdo we embarked on a "Joint venture project" to populate Aussie Venues on Thailands Longdo Map.

Finding Aussie Venues became a "Needle in a haystack"

All known Aussie Govt., agencies we approached but they had no interest in the concept (most drew the curtain of "privacy laws"?  What the !  where talking about Business not Facebook!

We got tired of submitting writing requests (no one reads the content) and receiving the standard template response ... refer this (faulty website).  So what's is the job satisfaction?  "mai ben rai"

Fortunately we had some good luck, we found AustCham Thailand.

I had not idea just how substantial Australian Busines in Thailand is until I glanced at the AustCham Thailand website.

Their Key Features:

Promotion of business between Australia and Thailand

Representation and dialogue between AustCham, Thai Government and other business groups

Providing a dynamic networking, social and sponsorship platform

Community Services

The AustCham Management and staff have been a constant source of energy and synergy. Whether your a visitor on Business or Social their DOORS ARE OPEN. It's a productive culture and the reason I became a member. 

The highlight has been the AustCham's people network, it's quite remarkable! The monthly sundowners are the talk of Business Bangkok, it's a must do event.

The opportunity to meet the Expat community on a quality social platform is a credit to the organisers, it's clear evidence of their success. 

TAAWA 30th Birthday Party - don't miss out

This year is the celebration of 30th years service to the Community!

The party is in September 2010 and promises to be fun for all

DON'T MISS OUT  - Again

Many of us could not get tickets to previous events.. don't delay get your ticket now!

AusWaThai - linking Thailand and Perth W.A. "mid year report for 2010"

Our mission is populating all things good for bilateral links Thailand and West Australia.

Our FREE Community resources has helped many people locally and abroad. Evidence of our success is measured by the substantial growth of our Forum and we have now opened up other medium channels.

We are constantly inspired by your "thank you"

The last 6 months was a roller coaster adventure, political unrest in Thailand (Grossly sensationalised by the Media) and 3 year long over heating Economy in W.A. so at one end everyone needs work and at the other end there are no staff!

Anyway as "Julia will foolya says "moving forward"...

We have short listed a progress report in our Newsflash Page

Appreciation is always appreciated

Please jump on board, select one of the many FREE subscription options to "keep in Touch", the options are noted in the newsflash report.    Link to 6 Mid year report - click here

Take Care

Public Transport in Perth W.A.-การขนส่งสาธารณะในเพิร์ธ

Perth has two bus terminals in the city. The Wellington Street bus station is approximately 200m from the train station and services the northern suburbs. The City Busport is at the bottom of Mill Street on Mounts Bay Road next to the Esplanade and services the southern suburbs.

Both terminals have easy to follow information about times and routes as well as an information booth to answer your questions.

Late night buses leave at midnight, 1:00am and 2:00am every Friday and Saturday night from Wellington Street Bus Station going to Mirrabooka and Morley (northern suburbs only). After dark the buses will stop anywhere.                  

Report by Arwee

Thai Student studying in Perth W.A.

เพิร์ธมีสถานีรสบัสประจำทางในเมืองสองแห่ง คือสถานีเวลลิงตันบริการในส่วนชานเมืองตอนเหนือของเพิร์ธประมาณ 200 เมตร จากสถานีรถไฟ และ สถานีซิตตี้บัสสปอร์ตบริการในส่วนชานเมืองทางใต้ ตั้งอยู่สุดถนน Mill Street ที่ถนนMounts Bay Road ถัดจาก the Esplanade.คุณสามารถศึกษาข้อมูลของทั้งสองสถานีได้อย่างง่ายดาย เช่น ตารางเวลาบริการของรถ,เส้นทางการเดินรถประจำทาง และการสอบถามข้อมูลต่างๆ. รถประจำทางรอบสุดท้ายเวลาแล้วแต่สายรถประจำทาง ตั้งแต่เที่ยงคืนถึงตีสอง ทุกๆวันศุกร์และวันเสาร์ช่วงค่ำเฉพาะรสบัสประจำทางตอนเหนือจะบริการตั้งแต่สถานีรถบัสWellington Street - Mirrabooka – Morley.ช่วงค่ำๆรถประจำทางจะจอดที่ไหนก็ได้.

CATS (Central Area Transport Systems) is a free bus service which operates in the City Centre and Fremantle. They only stop at CAT stops, which are marked with the colour of the bus and a black cat insignia.

•The blue CAT travels north/south between the Barrack Street Jetty on the foreshore and the Northbridge district. They run every 8 minutes on weekdays and every 15 minutes on Friday nights. At weekends you can catch one every 12 minutes.

•The red CAT travels east/west between East Perth and West Perth. They run every 5 minutes on weekdays and every 45 mins on weekends.

•The Fremantle CAT travels around the Fremantle area only. From Monday to Friday they run every 10 minutes during the day, and every 8 minutes on weekends. There are additional services on Thursday and Friday evenings.

แคท(บริการเฉพาะในเมืองเท่านั้น)ค่าบริการฟรี เดินรถในเมืองและในFremantle.รถแคทจะจอดที่ป้ายรถเมล์ที่มีสัญลักษณ์ของแมวสีดำและสีของรถแคทเท่านั้น

- รถแคทสีน้ำเงินเดินรถทางเหนือ-ใต้ จากBarrack Street Jetty ถึง the Northbridge.
- รถแคทสีแดงเดินรถทางตะวันตก-ตะวันออกของเพิร์ธ มีรถวิ่งทุกๆ 5 นาทีระหว่างสัปดาห์และทุกๆ 45 นาที สุดสัปดาห์.

- รถแคทFremantleจะเดินรถแค่ในFremantleเท่านั้น รถวิ่งทุกๆ10นาทีระหว่างสัปดาห์ และทุกๆ8นาที สุดสัปดาห์ ในช่วงเย็นของทุกวันพฤหัสบดีและศุกร์จะบริการรถเพิ่มขึ้น.



TRAINS
 

There are four train lines:

•West to Fremantle

•East to Armadale

•North to Joondalup

•East to Midland

All of the trains meet centrally, at the Perth Railway Station, which is across the road from Forrest Place.

สถานีรถไฟ 4 สาย

•ทางตะวันตก - Fremantle

•ทางตะวันออก -Armadale

•ทางเหนือ - Joondalup

• ทางตะวันออก- Midland

รถไฟทุกสายจะผ่านสถานี the Perth Railway Station ในเมือง ตัดผ่านถนนจากForrest Place

Australia Pledges priority funding links with Thailand

The Australia-Thailand Institute (the Institute) was established in mid-2005 to promote bilateral relations with Thailand and to expand institutional, cultural and people-to-people links.

Report by Phill Smith

Wherever possible, the ATI seeks to expand people-to-people and institutional links through programs, partnerships with other organisations and seed funding of projects to enable them to grow.
The Institute seeks to target the next generation of leaders in both countries across a broad spectrum of backgrounds from the arts and business, cultural and community groups.

The Institute comprises an Advisory Board with between 5 and 8 members appointed by the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs and a Secretariat provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). The current Board Members are as follows:

Mr Mike Courtnall (Chair),  Mr Doug Hall, Mr John Hancock, Mr Michael Laverty, Mr Jim Middleton,

Mr Sidney Myer, Prof Abdullah Saeed, Ms Gillian Bird (DFAT Ex-officio member)

The mission of the Australia - Thailand Institute is to advise the Australian Government, through the Minister for Foreign Affairs, on broadening and deepening the relationship between Australia and Thailand and to undertake and support programs that strengthen links between Australia and Thailand.

The ATI's goals are:

To contribute to the development of Australia's economic and political relations with Thailand;

To broaden awareness and understanding in Australia and Thailand of each other's culture, values and traditions, including sport
To promote increased people-to-people contacts between Australia and Thailand.
To support Australia's broader diplomatic objectives in Thailand.

Funding Priorities: youth; regional Thailand and long-term linkages

At the first Board meeting (17 February 2009) the Board determined the focus for ATI projects will be youth exchanges, programs that involve activities in regional Thailand and programs that will produce long-term links between Australia and Thailand.

The ATI awards grants through a competitive selection process. The ATI will fund programs in three Priority Areas:

Public policy (including democratic governance, public administration and trade and economic reform) Education Culture and the Arts, including sport.

If you have any suggestions or a desire to seek a grant further information is available on the ATI Website.

The page that provided notes for applicants http://www.dfat.gov.au/ati/funding_guidelines.html

You are also encouraged to make contact with the Secretariat at the following address:

Ms Alison Purnell,  Secretariat Manager

Australia-Thailand Institute

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade,  RG Casey Building

John McEwen Crescent,  Barton ACT 0221 

Phone: +61 2 6261 3202  Fax: +61 2 6261 2342

Website: http://www.dfat.gov.au/ati/

Bangkok is 101% yummy every Tuesday Night

Shuffling down Soi 19 last week I noticed something very odd …

A Posy of Thai onlookers watching Three Englishmen working!

Something was wrong !

It contradicts Western Management principles "hard work never hurt any supervisor"

 

The venue was the ever “loud” Bangkok Rocks, described by owner and renowned Social Ambassador “Billy Cove” as "the Music venue”.

I slipped in an observed the talents of the three musketeers, Billy, Benny and Ruskie.

It turns out these fanatics of music were applying a makeover for the first gig of Yummy tech 12, a new regular Tuesday night feature at Bangkok Rocks.

The theme is by the synergy from the partnership of "Beat Box Ben" and "Rebelling Raunchy Russell", no they're not tag team wrestlers, mere mortals dedicated to cranking party tune themes for a good of mankind. 

Reporter: Phill Smith

These two Englishman are wired for sound and spirited sensations (spirited means knock out drinks).

The Makeover had me curious?

Bangkgok Rocks received a makeover only last month, transposing her inner sanctum into a Romantic Cave with a new colour combo that inspires your inner workings.

The dark colours from above and Volcano Red walls delivers a stunning effect in stark contrast to what was sterile shades of white.

The new look tickles your breathe with romantic tones and those big lounge booths compliment the feeling of privacy.

So with the cave of delight already looking just right I wondered what these boys were doing with all their tradesmen's tools and scaffolding. 

The tag team were imposing a Yummy culture creating dazzling effects for tonight’s premiere.

The lads scuttled up and down ladders applying Banners, testing sounds blasters and fired up a simulation of star wars  lighting gizmos and then came the music ..

Yep it was stereophonic, megatonistic, squelching and twitching, yet it all infused to a dynamic theme at the hand of the seasoned DJTech 12 Pro, Mr Ben.




The spread word and the faithfulls arrived

The crowd was a mix of young and not so young but never too old and loads of Yummy smiles.

The DJ sounds were stylish and entertaining and the drinks was flowing.

It's fair to say, based on Bangkok's present Tourism drought (post May 19 bomb fire night) the volume of patronage was evidence of a successful night.

Links

Photo slideshow  Photo Album

Bangkok Rocks featured in Exec Tours Website - Click here

Our Bio on - Bangkok Rocks

Longdo Location Map printable in English and Thai

Thammasat is the gateway for Education Australian

Australian and Thai universities collaborate together across a wide range of research and teaching areas that involve over 40 Memorandums of Understanding; Thai and Australian education departments share information regarding policy and education system developments; economic trade between Thailand and Australia has increased nearly 300 percent since their Free Trade Agreement came into effect; and Thailand hosts approximately 700,000 Australian tourists each year.

Clearly, Thailand and Australia’s relationship is strong, multifaceted and offers many benefits for both countries. ThammasatUniversity (Rangsit,PathumthaniProvince) understands the potential role of universities in fostering this relationship and, hence, was keen to host the Australian Studies Centre of Thailand at their Rangsit campus.

The Commission o­n Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Thailand, which also provides supporting funds for the Australia Studies Centre’s operations, recently selected ThammasatUniversity as the Centre’s host university.

The Centre is part of a wider strategy of the Commission o­n Higher Education to develop and support a range of area studies centres within the university sector to encourage a better understanding of Thailand’s international partners amongst the general Thai society.

For example, the Commission aims for the Australian Studies Centre to promote and support the teaching and research about Australia in Thailand, and also to provide a range of information services o­n Australia for the Thai community more generally.

Associate Professor Chulacheeb Chinwanno, Vice Rector for International Affairs at ThammasatUniversity, said the Centre will act as a contact and information resource for the Thai people, and also bring together Thais and Australians people with common interests and concerns.

‘The Australian Studies Centre is essentially about helping Thai people understand Australia better, so that when they conduct business or other interactions with Australians, they have an insight into their background, lifestyle and the way that Australians are likely to think,’ Dr Chulacheeb said.

Based at ThammasatUniversity, the Australian Studies Centre will conduct its activities through a network of university partners from all over Thailand, acknowledging Thailand’s relationship with Australia as a national initiative.

Mr Mike Courtnall, President of the Australia-Thailand Institute in Canberra, Australia, which supports institutional and people-to-people interactions between Australians and Thais, recently visited Bangkok to meet with executive staff at ThammasatUniversity and to learn more of their plans for the Centre.

Some of these planned activities include: a web-based knowledge database for Thais seeking further information o­n Australia; the writing of Thai language text books and teaching resources o­n Australia: the establishment of a network between Thai and Australian researchers; and a number of public seminars and workshops o­n issues where Thais and Australians may learn from each other’s experience.

The Centre will be led by Dr Suphat Supachalasai who will be Centre Director and who is an AustralianNationalUniversity alumni specialising in international trade.

His Excellency, Mr. Paul Grigson, Australian Ambassador to Thailand said the Centre and its university partners can play an important strategic role in further enhancing the harmonious political, economic and social relationship of Thailand and Australia.

Together we can at The Sportsman Bar Bangkok

Everybody's talken about that new Rack in Town!!

How do ya turn a well used Ladyboy Cabaret venue into well oiled sports venue and a popular place where "Together everyone can"......

by Phill Smith

The lads (yes it's owned by the U.K.) have got it sorted ! 

Situated on the main Drag of Sukhumvit a few hundred metres from the BTS skytrain station Phrom Phong.   Be careful, the venue is recessed about 100 mtrs back from the main road so if your flashing along in the taxi you will miss it.  The location is "Washington Square"  opposite Soi 31 (not easy to cross the busy Sukhumvit) so  tell the taxi driver to go to "Benjarsi Park" (almost next door) or try Emporium Shopping Mall (see the listing in Longdo Map for bearings - it's printable in Eng & Thai). 

Pictured below - Phill Smith with owner Paul Hatch

The expansive and substantially unused undercover entrance is clear evidence this venue served as a cabaret venue. A quick glance to the left as you step up and you can see the stair way leading to what was no doubt the VIP room, where the hiso (high society) gained best vantage point for the glincy spectacle of the boys in drag... anyway that's my slant .. ask Paul he might tell you the truth (hahaha this is liairland)  

I ventured upon this venue by chance!  Our crew had just visited Benjarsi Park collecting touri pics and decided to walk along Sukhumvit for a stretch and I'm glad I made the effort.

To be offering such Freebies suggested there may be a little trouble capturing patrons but once we stepped inside the atmosphere was one that captured an enjoyable culture and it was apparent it's a genuine loyalty program. 

On the left is a quiet dinning area where patrons can relax in a choice of private booths or open bar stools. All decor is a calming blend of cave brown and smooth vintage Red. The colours are elegant for dining and whilst the choice of western food on Que the kitchen crew delivered perfection with stunning Thai food.

The prices are reasonable and the serving is generous!

 Picture below Staff from The Sportmans Bar Bangkok 

Staff left to right Gan, Duan and Jane

Khun Duan served us with the undeniable "Thai Smile" .. I remember mummy used to say ... "the food always taste nicer with a smile" .. it's so true!

Duan has been part of the  team for the past 7 months and speaks proudly of her home (most Thai workers are 50 + hours a week.  I asked Duan... why do you like and she was quick to answer.. My Salary is very good and I'm allowed to chat with customer and band on Friday night is lots of fun.

We bided farewell and declared a prompt return. From our dining table we could see all, the large screen, smaller TV's galore a good spread of Pool tables, separate area for darts and a roomy bar service. We must return for a road test .. and we did ..... 

The following month my good friend Billy Cove, colourful local Social identity, from Bangkok Rocks invited me to join his team for a round of pool at "the Sportsman".

I said "yes" before I knew what the competition was, it didn't matter I was going anyway!

Billy's tips about "9 ball", as we walked the beat to the venue were "Primitive"!

This night we were well beaten by the Manager Rob's team. (rob is top left in blue shirt).   His team of multi-nations Canada, Uk, Ireland earned their stripes as they slayed us.

what I liked most about this place? ....   EVERYTHING!

The interior is sprightly and clean, the staff are warm and friendly (what Thai isn't), everything had a place and purpose, it all worked seamlessly for the Patron.  Such is evidence of the Management's competency.

The pool tables are of exceptional good standard with abundance of space between so you don't have that cramped in feeling which features in many Thai bars.  The extra lighting to the ceilings brings a friendly atmosphere that can make you otherwise "jolt" on entrance .. where you look and only see a darkness above the waist and tend to step forward with slight caution, but not here.

I expose our team!

it was our 1st outing together, it's a fair (to fairly weak) excuse for losing. 

all our photos of the Sportsman Bar select slideshow or Photos.

Aussie Exec Tours Bangkok have partnered to provide special Corporate rates for our tour clients. We will provide you with the VIP card to enjoy the benefits.  Take the family and enjoy the facilities, the Park just few metres down the road is bonus.

LINKS
Our Travel forum Photos of Benjarai Park - click here
For more on Ladyboys (gae-toeys) use the search box at the top of this blog
To know more about the BTS skytrain - click here
The Sportsman Bar website

Bangkok's Burning Question - howz our Risk Management and Insurance

AustCham Thailand event

Landmark Hotel, Bangkok

July 6th 2010

Guest Speakers:

KHUN SORACHON BOONSONG, Principal of Baker & McKenzie

and

ROBIN ARMSTRONG - Chief Executive Officer, Marsh PB Co., Ltd.

AusWaThai reporter Janis

Recent events in Thailand have demonstrated the  significance of robust risk management and insurance programs in helping your business get back on its feet quickly. They have also highlighted the importance of considering the events that your insurance will cover. It is then paramount to understand the implications regarding insurance contracts and how they operate in such events.

The Guests speakers delivered an overview of insurance contracts and how you can best protect your business for the future. Khun Sorachon Boonsong covered the significant legal issues, whilst Robin Armstrong cover gave intricate insight into the relevant business issues. 

Khun Sorachon is a Principal at Baker & McKenzie Bangkok.

Khun Sorachon has become well-recognised for providing advice and legal assistance to a variety of clients, wide ranging from domestic clients to large multinational corporations. His vast array of expertise has served clients in a broad range of commercial transactions, including mergers & acquisitions, with numerous high profile and landmark insurance company; in his portfolio; power/renewable energy projects; real estate, hotel/resort and property development; environmental law; as well as his foremost specialty, being insurance law and insurance regulatory matters. Khun Sorachon kindly provides a PDF version of his slide presentation at this page.  The PDF provides the fundamentals from prospective of law where Khun Robin sliced and diced the Insurance policy.

Photo right  .. 
May 19 Bangkok

The photo is from a collection from
our forum article about

"Together We care".

The article incldues a video showing the genuine character of Community.. the article is detailed here