Phuket Spiagge - le "K3"

Kata Noi Beach - Kata Beach - Karon Beach



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHSTi87q_AA&hl=en

Very Important Information You Need to Know Before Investing in Koh Samui Property

Koh Samui, Thailand

Koh Samui, Thailand has long been the locale of choice for paradise seeking foreigners from all parts of the globe. Its shimmering turquoise waters and sun bleached, white sandy bays are lined with bungalows, villas and resorts. Its happening night life with a plethora of restaurants feeds the epicureans and provides a magnificent back drop to beautiful sunsets and starry nights. It's no wonder that so many foreigners want to own property in Koh Samui, but like any other property market in the world, it's important to know understand the legal implications, visa requirements, and tax guidelines involved before deciding which property you are going to invest in.

Getting To The Island

Before investing in Koh Samui property, you must first feel confident that traveling to and from the island has been made easy and convenient for tourists. After all, they play a major part in helping Samui's economy grow and helping tourists get to the island should be top priority. The most convenient way to get to Samui is by flying with Bangkok Airways from Bangkok, Singapore, Phuket, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai. There are 15 daily 80 minute flights between Samui and Bangkok and 4 weekly 90 minute flights between Koh Samui and Singapore. Alternatively, several ferries and catamarans run from Surat Thani or Don Sak on the Thai mainland. There are almost 10 daily departures between Samui and Ko Pha-Ngan.

The Samui airport is a unique and highly successful experiment in building an airport that is kind to both the cultural and natural environments of a tropical island resort. Flying in, you get brief glimpses of outlying islands, streaks of surf, the wakes of small fishing craft sketched across the calm aquamarine sea. Smudges of coral reef dapple the water as you come in closer still. Then the coast of Samui appears. Two hundred and fifty kilometers of tropical hideaway scalloped by dozens of bays rimmed in white sand, carpeted in lush textures of forested hill and coconut grove, Samui is the centerpiece in a group of 80 other islands set in the Gulf of Thailand.

Located 2km north of the main village Chaweng, Koh Samui Airport serves both domestic and international flights including Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways International, Berjaya Air, and Firefly.

Koh Samui Property Tax Guidelines

If you've already done your research and you are looking to invest in Koh Samui property, you really should understand how the tax liability can affect your overall return.

All Koh Samui property owners in Thailand are liable for tax on rental income, which is based on either standard personal income tax (PIT) rates for "resident" tax payers and a at 15% PIT rate on assessable income for non-resident tax payers. A person becomes a "resident" tax payer if he or she spends more than 180 days in any tax year in Thailand. Thailand does not charge a separate capital gains tax for foreign buyers. All earned income from capital gains is taxed the same as regular income. The highest rate of income tax is currently 37% per year.

When purchasing property in Koh Samui, it is quite standard for the purchaser to be solely responsible for the payment of all transfer fees as well as taxes duly charged by the competent land office in connection with the registration of transfer of ownership of the property. This includes the government transfer fee, withholding tax and specific business tax as well as stamp duty and other costs and expenses arising out of the registration of the transfer of ownership to the purchaser.

Transfer fees are typically 2% of the registered value, stamp duty is.5% of registered value, withholding tax is 1% of the appraised value, and business tax is 3.3% of appraised value. Income tax is usually between 1-3% on Koh Samui property. There are no established rules regarding who pays the income tax while this is simply another part of the bargaining process during the property purchase as are all other costs relating to the transfer of ownership. Tax on Rental Income is 10-30% of rental income depending on the type of property. Lease Registration Fee is 1.1%

Transferring Money To Purchase Samui Property

Unlike most developed economies where transferring money to and from bank accounts is relatively straight forward and easy, this is NOT the case in emerging markets like Thailand. Before purchasing property in Koh Samui, it is very important to understand exactly how to transact and what needs to be done prior to purchase. Reason for the complexity of this issue is because of the Thai laws concerning Foreign ownership of Condominium Property. According to Thai Law, foreigners may own 49 percent of the aggregate sale-able unit space of a condominium building while the remaining 51 percent must be owned by either Thai nationals or majority owned Thai Companies. Below is a step by step guide on how to transfer money when dealing with Koh Samui properties.

A Thai bank account must be set up in your name in order to transfer money to yourself before exchanging your currency to Thai Baht. Any foreign currency can be used to purchase a condominium unit. The foreign currency must be transferred into Thailand as foreign currency and then exchanged into Thai Baht by a local bank in Thailand. In many cases, the developer may offer to help you establish a bank account in Thailand due to the complexity of establishing an account yourself. This may come at an extra cost, however developers are always willing to negotiate or waive this cost if it helps get the deal done.
Foreigners are required to remit at least USD 20,000.00 into Thailand per transfer to receive a FOREX Transfer Form. (Transfers of funds must be made in FOREIGN CURRENCY only and NOT in Thai Baht, i.e. if you are working in US Dollars then remit in US Dollars. Do not remit in Thai Baht. This form will be needed to transfer the unit under foreign ownership and also remit money back out of Thailand if so needed in the future.
Documents needed when buying a condominium: For foreigners to be eligible to purchase a condominium unit in Thailand they must present proof to the Department of Lands that the funds have been remitted from overseas in foreign currency. Without such proof, the Department of Lands will not register the transfer of ownership to the foreign buyer.
Remittances must be sent in exactly ("to the letter") the same name as appearing on the purchase contract, (i.e. if Tom Smith is the buyer then the name Tom Smith must appear on the remittance advice. T. Smith or Smith Enterprises are unacceptable.) If the buyers are two individuals, then two names should appear on the contract and two separate remittances should be made by such two persons, in equal amounts.
The purchaser has to include the transfer instruction indicating that the purpose of this money is to buy a condominium unit. The bank that receives money in foreign currency will issue the document (Foreign Exchange Transaction Form) which contains the following information:

The transferred amount in foreign currency
The transferred amount in Thai Baht
The name of money sender
The name of money receiver
The purpose of transferring

Normally throughout the transfer process, the purchaser has to instruct the gateway bank to identify the name of the sender to be the same as the receiver's. The Land Department will accept the name of purchaser to be either sender or receiver of the transferred money.

**Remark**

If the money receiver is an individual but wants to put the unit in the names of two people, the sender has to instruct the gateway bank to specify the names of two people together with the purpose of buying condominium.

For example:

Mr. Smith transferred money to Mr. John and would like to put down the names of two people, Mr. Smith must also instruct his bank to specify the purpose as being to buy the condominium by both Mr. Smith and Mr. John. In this case, the land department can accept this and permit the transfer.

The Land Department also can accept the transfer even if the sender's name of the receiver's name is not the purchaser's name but the sender should instruct the gateway bank to put the purpose as being to buy the condominium by (Purchaser's name). The amount of money must be equal to or higher than the selling price declared to the Land Department.

Alternatives To Transferring Money To Purchase Koh Samui Property

For the avoidance of any doubt, we recommend wherever possible that Samui property buyers arrange for their local bank to issue the Foreign Exchange Transaction Form for all remittances. In this case you would transfer the funds directly to the Developer's bank account in the prescribed format, and the Developer will arrange for the Foreign Exchange Transaction Form to be issued by the Developer's Bank.

For the buyers convenience, we strongly recommend that you transfer the funds directly to the Developer's bank account, but ONLY do so if you know and trust the developers and know exactly where your money is going. In most cases, the developers will use a third party escrow arrangement typically put together by a local attorney. This is always the most secure way to exchange contracts as the developers are not allowed to access your funds until the title deed on the property has been transferred to you.

Why does the developer need to use Foreign Exchange Transaction Form?

Because the Bank of Thailand controls the flow of foreign currency, every single baht must have a source and a reason. The Land Department must perform in accordance with this regulation. By this restriction, every foreign buyer must transfer money from abroad.
Non-residents who sell the condominium and transfer the money out of country do not have to pay the remittance tax (normally the tax is around 30%)
In case of transferring money out of the country, the tax-free amount is determined by the initial amount transferred.

Transfer of title deed Documents needed: For Individual Purchaser

Passport (copy if applicable, marriage/divorce certificate including a letter of consent
From your spouse if married [Thai Language]).
Foreign Exchange Transaction Form or credit note.
Power of attorney, if anyone but yourself is representing you, in Thai script with a
Notarization by Notary Public or if overseas by the Thai Consulate.

Corporate Documents needed: For Company Purchaser

Certified copy of the certificate of incorporation
Certified copy of the memorandum of association
Notaries certificate
List of shareholders (in English, but must be accompanied by a Thai translation)
Minutes of directors' meetings, which have a resolution to sell/purchase the property
(specifying name and number and agenda dealing with the finance of the purchase if the
company's registered capital is less than the purchase price)
Letter of advice regarding specific¬ signature
Power of attorney, if the authorized directors do not make the transaction by themselves
(Land Department form)
Free debt letter
Foreign co-owner letter
The certified copy of the I.D. Card of the authorized directors
The certified copy of the house registration of the authorized directors
Title deed of the condominium unit

Thai Visa Requirements

Please note that whilst we believe the below information is accurate, it is recommended to verify requirements with the Royal Thai Embassy before travel.

Many Non-Thai residents require a visa to stay in the country for more than 30 days. However, most African countries require a visa to enter Thailand - Cyprus, Czech Republic, India, Maldives, Oman, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Ukraine are allowed 15 days under the visa exemption. A Non-Immigrant Visa is valid for up to 90 days, but can be extended for up to a year at a time, depending on eligibility criteria. Retirement visas for individuals over 50 years old are readily available, subject to certain other criteria, tourist visas for stays of more than 30 days and less than 60 days and work permits for those with specific skills can be applied for via the Thai Embassy or consulate in your home country.

Use An Investment Firm Or Relevant Developer To Assist You With The Purchase of Your Koh Samui Property

Well you can't say we didn't warn you that purchasing property in Samui would be extremely complicated which is why we strongly suggest that you use a real estate agent or investment firm to assist you with the purchase of your Samui property. Often times the developer or agent that you are purchasing the property from will do everything they can to make this process as affordable and convenient as possible. After all, it's in their interest to get this property deal done, and they should be more than glad to help you through it. Another reason it is beneficial to use the developer or registered agent, is because they already have the experience and connections to get you through this transaction. Because they've transacted several times before on Koh Samui properties, they know exactly who to go to and for what circumstance. It is very likely that they already have escrow arrangements established and banks in place to handle all of the paper work for you. In many instances, they may even use their company as the "buyer" and then issue shares in the company which then gives you legal ownership. This method of purchase avoids the issue of only being able to purchase 49% of a unit due to Thai law.

Global Timeshare Market Expansion, Regulations, and Events

RCI, the largest vacation ownership exchange company in the world has been adding more and more member resorts in exotic locations which make more international exchanges possible for its members. To date, there are now 82 member resorts in India. The consumers are benefiting from the new and expanded choices. RCI has more than 4000 member resorts.

If you want to look at some of the developments in Asia, Africa, or the Mideast you can go to websites such as YouTube where savvy developers such as Absolute are showing footage of projects being developed. Gone are the days when all you could do was get on an airplane and check out the exotic places. Today, your vacation resort options are  available for inspection right on your computer. 

Vacationing has always been much more widely practiced in Europe then in the United States. US workers tend to do more working and less vacationing that our European counterparts.  Statistically, Europeans have an average of 30 vacation days while here in the USA we average about 10 or 11 days of vacation. The Europeans living in big metropolitan cities will vacation to seaside locations in Europe, Asia, the Mideast, Africa, the Australian Continent, and across the pond to the United States.

People ask me if there are specific companies who are pushing forward on the international  markets and making an impact on the market. Absolute is embracing Asia with offerings in Phukhet and Hong Kong.

In 2009,  laws passed in the United Arab Emirates regulating vacation  ownership and agreements were signed between developers and RCI pertaining to their  exchange.

We are excited to say that there is a new Vacation Ownership Association of Southern Africa which is hosting a conference in Johannesburg, South Africa to discuss the changes in the industry laws. New to South Africa is the Zorgvliet Private Residence Club and their offerings  of ownership in a luxurious river lodge on approximately 40,000 acres of privately owned Big Five Game Reserve, or  of a vineyard and boutique hotel.

In London, the Fractional Summit was to help participants understand the emerging  market in Europe.

For economic reasons, many who could afford to buy the entire vacation home are opting  to purchase a portion of the property as a way to share the economic  risk, cost, and maintenance expenses with others.  

Many vacation ownership  purchases in Asia, Africa, and Mideast locations may also include the use of other luxury assets and amenities during their stay. Consumers are opting for more access to luxury vehicles or other luxury transportation options such as yacht usage, boat docking, butler service, and even flight hours on a private jet. RCI has added two Malaysia luxury resorts as affiliates and they are the Country Villas waterfront homes and the Palace of the Golden Horses. The Palace of the Golden Horses and the Country Villas are located 20 to 30 minutes from Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Millennium Resort, Patong Beach, Phuket, Thailand will host Asia's first shared ownership conference Oct 12-13, 2009 called the Alternative Ownership Conference Hotels and Resorts-Asia Pacific to help provide knowledge and understanding of this growing industry .

Paul Mattimoe, Editor of The Perspective Magazine,  specializes in sharing with world the latest developments in the timeshare  and fractional industries. His high-quality magazine publications cover trends in development, financing, and industry employment.  The Perspective Magazines also  provide industry updates online and global  job listings.

World's Coolest Beach Hotels

Stretches of unspoiled white sand, shady palm trees, sparkling turquoise seas - beach holidays are still the most popular way to escape from it all!

Here are the 10 top spots to pose in your Chanel swimsuit with a cocktail in your hand; the coolest beach hotels in the world.

1. W Retreat and Spa, Maldives

One of the world's premier chains, W Hotels have truly outdone themselves at their Maldives retreat. Set on a private island, it's a favourite hideaway for VIPs. From the infinity pool to the six lavish dining options and designer cocktails at UMbar, this luxury hotel is the epitome of beachside chic.

2. Albergo della Regina Isabella, Ischica, Italy

Ischica has been famed for centuries for its thermal baths and, with one of the best spas in Europe, the Regina Isabella has become a home from home for the cream of Italian high society. Opulent, hand-carved furnishings and soft sorbet shades compliment the old-fashioned elegance of the island setting.

3. Aleenta Phuket - Phang Nga, Thailand

Luxurious villas and a long stretch of private beach make the Aleenta Phuket an idyllic place to indulge. In every room, pre-programmed iPods keep guests entertained with the latest tunes. Nearby, the Phang Nga National Park is home to many of the world's best dive sites.

4. The Chedi, Muscat, Oman

Oman might not be the first place that springs to mind for luxury beach hotels, but everything about The Chedi is fashionable. The emphasis on clean lines and exquisite gardens add to the oasis calm. For party-lovers, there are complimentary (and refillable) decanters of gin, whisky and vodka in each room.

5. Four Seasons Resort, Maui, Hawaii

Both the Four Seasons and Maui conjure up images of Hollywood stars sipping champagne, and this lavish hotel doesn't disappoint. Smooth service, seaside massages and free diving keep the iconic resort a firm favourite.

6. Tivoli Ecoresort Praia do Forte, Salvador, Brazil

Eco-chic is hot on the celebrity scene right now, and this sumptuous hideaway offers sophistication, Ocean views and a five-star spa - all with a clean conscience.

7. El Hotel Pacha, Ibiza, Spain

Long a by-word for cutting-edge music, Pacha has the world's coolest clubbing clientele. This minimalist suite-only hotel is a stone's throw from the super club and includes free entry.

8. Bora Bora Nui Resort and Spa Hotel, French Polynesia

Stranded on a tiny tropical island in the South Pacific, the Bora Bora Nui Resort is breath-taking from the moment of arrival. Refined service draws in the cream of the paradise-seekers.

9. Cap Estel, Cote d'Azur, France

The top hotel on the star-studded French Rivera, Cap Estel is so outrageously trendy that it looks like a set from a James Bond movie.

10. Floris Suite Hotel, Netherlands Antilles

Oozing elegant style, this luxury escape in the Dutch Caribbean is a top spot for hip urbanites. Philippe Stark's design brings New York cool to the minimalist interior.

thailand allowance bout (part 2)

part 2 because my mum kept pressing the button.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nNWmJlrYks&hl=en

How to Find the Right Lawyer in Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is the largest island of Thailand found in the Andaman Sea. Its economy mainly relies on the rubber industry (being the biggest rubber producer in the world) and tourism. Though relatively one of the most expensive retirement destinations in Thailand, thousands of expatriates still prefer to reside in Phuket.

Due to the enormous progress in the island, services of Thailand lawyers have become more in demand for both Thai nationals and foreigners alike. Instead of personally handling Phuket real estate transactions, for instance, people hire legal experts in order to save them time and effort, as well as to prevent any complication with Thai property laws. Investors who want to establish a business in Phuket also prefer to hire a lawyer for the Thai company registration, visa and work permit and other legal matter concerning to registering a company in Thailand.

Increasing demand for legal services in the island has brought in many small and big time law firms in Thailand to expand their practice to Phuket. Though there are few licensed local attorneys based there, not all can be classified as competent and knowledgeable on the legal technicalities involving law from the foreigners' home country as it relates to their activities in Phuket. Samples of such instances are the Thailand prenuptial agreement and its relationship to the laws in the foreigners' home country or drafting of a Thai Will to fully cover both the assets in their home jurisdiction as well as in Thailand. A Thailand lawyer with experience handling legal works with foreigners is a necessity.

Extra care must be observed in order to protect your interest and by way of making sure that the Phuket law firm that you will hire is worth the fees. Take the following tips to save yourself from the hands of inept attorneys.

1. Do not grab the first lawyer who offers his service. Always check all the available options. Talk with 2 or 3 lawyers and select the one you feel most comfortable with.

2. Do not be deceived by advertisements. Some are actually too good to be true. It is better to select one that proposes realistic claims.

3. Do check the internet. Typically, the most popular and established firms are able to create websites that covers the Phuket legal services they render. Some even render free assistance via chat or emails. Their replies will reflect their expertise on the field and will actually reveal if they are capable enough to handle the case.

4. Do try to check their law office in Phuket. A personal visit at the place of business can show you how professional the Law Firm operates. This will also give you the opportunity to ask the Phuket lawyer some questions such as the field of legal expertise, services being rendered and the corresponding rate being charged.

Spicy Thai Restuarant Beach Pier Coast Ban Phe Thailand TEFL International

www.tefllife.com guaranteed job placement. Traveling through Asia in Ban Phe Thailand as a volunteer TEFL English Teacher. World Locations: North America, Europe, South America, South East Asia:Alexandria Egypt, Ban Phe Thailand, Barcelona Spain, Beijing China, Buenos Aires Argentina, Catagena Colombia, Cebu Philippines, Chiang Mai Thailand, Corinth Greece, Costa Rica USA, Dubai UAE, Florence Italy, Granada Spain, Ho Chi Min City Vietnam, Istanbul Turkey, Kathmandu Nepal, Kolkata India, Limassol Cyprus, London UK, Medellín Colombia, Montreal Canada, New York USA, Phuket Thailand, Plelauff France, Port Elizabeth South Africa, Prague Czech Republic, Rome Italy, Seville Spain, Shanghai China, South Korea, Sydney Australia, Wejherowo Poland, Zhuhi China.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwJHHPShytM&hl=en