Thailand Musings Future Plans

I started Thailand Musings a little less than 6 months ago as something of a hobby site. I just wanted to share my own love and passion for a country that I have been visiting for 10 years and have come to think of as a second home. I know that the Kingdom has so many different things to offer people and I wanted to share my thoughts and experiences.

Since then I am seeing the blog growing and I want to devote more of my time to not only growing the blog, but also fostering a sense of community among the readers. I have seen my subscribers growing and I want to thank all of you that have already subscribed, you are my loyal readers.

As I focus more on this blog I’m planning some big things in 2008. First off we’ll be changing our look here. I am shopping for a new theme that I hope will make the blog more presentable and easier to read. Soon you’ll be able to find Thailand videos here as I expand the blog. There is a contest on the way next month and I am also developing another Thailand themed site at Golf’s request. If you’ve been thinking about subscribing why not subscribe now either by feed or by email.

Today I created accounts at all of the major social networking sites (Facebook, Hi5, MySpace, Friendster and Tagged) and I would love to see you there as my friends. You can find the links on out contact page, but please excuse the beginner profiles. I am in the process of fleshing them out. There is even a Thailand Musings Group now on Hi5. Don’t be a stranger, come join us.

I’m also planning a weekly roundup starting next week so you’ll be able to find links to some great Thailand stories and content outside the blog. If you’re a fan of Thailand like I am this will make it easier for you to find new and interesting stories, blogs and websites. I’m also open to new ideas, so if there’s something you’d like to see here let me know one way or another, either through our contact form or at one of the social sites.

I just wanted to let you all know how committed I am to Thailand Musings and to take this opportunity to join me. I can do all the writing (or you can write too), but it is the community that will make Thailand Musing most successful. So help us out and subscribe to the blog, leave your comments, let us know if you have ideas and join us at the social site of your choice.

Thanks again to all the current and future subscribers. I’m looking forward to the rest of 2008 and with your help Thailand Musings will shine and become a great resource for everyone interested in the Kingdom of Thailand.

Popularity: 6% [?]

Welcome to This is Thailand

My latest entry to the blogroll is a fairly new Thailand site called This is Thailand (I love the url) and authored by an American who is splitting his time between the U.S. and Thailand.  Go ahead over and say “hi” if you don’t mind registering first.  I must admit I haven’t commented there yet (are you reading this Bruce?) because of the need to register before you can comment.  Yes I admit it I’m lazy that way.

I was found by him rather than the other way around and I’m glad he did find me because I’ve been enjoying reading his almost daily posts detailing his experiences in Bangkok.  The tone is light and friendly and the posts are an easy read and (for me at least) a short getaway from life here in the U.S.

Recent posts have talked about cabbies in Bangkok, a night in Pattaya (no bargirls), and several posts about the service levels in Thailand.  You can tell that he loves living in bangkok and even when frustrated is able to maintain a degree of patience and understanding for the Thai culture.

One thing that is noticeably absent from This is Thailand is any mention of prostitutes, bargirls or katoeys and for that I applaud.  Lord knows there is plenty of that type of thing already available and I don’t think another blog about sex tourism in Thailand will help anyone, least of all the Thai’s.

The site is obviously growing and his blogroll has grown in the past few weeks from 4 sites to the current 50+ sites.  You’ve been a busy guy trading links!  What I really like about the blogroll he has is that it is divided into subject areas.  I rarely see that and I think it is a huge help to the readers.  In fact, maybe I should take a hint

So, if you love Thailand and need a daily fix of expat news and opinions head on over to This is Thailand and say Steve from Thailand Musing sent you.

Popularity: 25% [?]

10 Things I Miss About Thailand

On this cold and snowy winter day here in the U.S. I thought I would share with you 10 things I miss about Thailand. Typically a few of these things will enter my head at any time, but when the weather is like this they seem to be a constant in my thoughts. This list is by no means comprehensive and I’d love to hear about the things all of you miss from Thailand.

1. Obviously the heat and humidity. Call me crazy, but I love it
2. Being able to get a great cheap meal from a street vendor within minutes no matter where I am
3. Thai women wai’ing. Just something so sexy about them when they do that.
4. The crazy cabs that have that kinda incense smell and the white dots all over the ceilings.
5. The beaches and crystal clear water.
6. Thai smiles. They don’t call it the Land of Smiles for nothing.
7. Outdoor beer bars.
8. Black Canyon coffee and Roti Boy
9. Songkran Festival. I know it’s just once a year, but it is the best holiday celebration I’ve ever experienced anywhere.
10. Bargaining when I buy something.

So, those are 10 things I miss right now from Thailand. What about all of you, what do you miss from Thailand? Or if you’re living in Thailand what do you miss from your home countries? Please don’t tell me snow

Popularity: 6% [?]

Thailand Visa Changes - Penang Feb. 1st

There has been a lot of talk recently in Thailand related forums about possible visa rule changes. What is being said is that airlines and passport control in Thailand are now requiring visitors to have onward tickets out of Thailand to countries other than those immediately surrounding Thailand (Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Singapore). Without an onward ticket some people are claiming that visa’s will not be issued. The initial report for this came from the Thai consulate in Penang as of Feb. 1st, 2008, and follow-up reports are confirming for some, but others are having no problems. Obviously something has changed, but at this point there seems to be no rhyme or reason.

I have taken a look at the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Kingdom of Thailand and here is what I can see:

There is a list of 40 countries whose passport holders are permitted to enter Thailand without a tourist visa for up to 30 days. The list can be found here and includes the U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada and other European and Asian countries. Foreigners entering Thailand under the Tourist Visa Exemption category must possess adequate finances for the duration of stay in Thailand (i.e., cash 10,000 Baht per person and 20,000 Baht per family).

Note that the 30 day Tourist Visa Exemption can only be used for a total of 90 days every 6 months. This change was made last year to decrease the number of people staying in Thailand longterm on the Tourist Visa Exemption by making monthly visa runs outside Thailand’s borders.

There is a list of an additional 20 countries who can apply for a 15 day visa upon arrival to Thailand. That list can be found here. This type of visa requires the same financial stipulation and also requires the applicant to present full paid ticket which is usable within 15 days since the date of entry.

So as you can see there is nothing here that indicates visitors from the U.S, England, Australia, etc should need an onward air ticket when coming to Thailand as a tourist. I’m not sure where the confusion lies or what change may have been made. It is obvious that if a change to the visa regulations in Thailand have been made then it has not yet been made public knowledge.

I am continuing to monitor and investigate this situation and will provide updates as I find more information. I will also be putting together a guide for those interested in staying longterm in Thailand. What is required in the way of visa’s and work permits if you want to make Thailand your home for longer than 90 days. Stay tuned.

Popularity: 17% [?]

Where to Find Apartments in Bangkok Thailand

Cody asked how to find an apartment in Thailand recently.  Sorry Cody that it has taken so long to get back to you on this, but I know you’re traveling in Spain right now so I figured there was no rush.  Hope you’re having a great time!

The answer to this question has always been just go and start looking once your there and that is still the best answer to finding an apartment in Thailand.  Actually the very best answer is to get to know some people, preferably Thai’s, who are already resident in Thailand and enlist their aid in finding an apartment.  They typically have at least some leads on available places.

Apartment hunting can be a bit different in Thailand for sure.  Many cheap and good places are not even advertised.  The only way to find out about them is by word of mouth or by stopping in the lobby of a building and asking.  Of course the local Thai’s are going to have the very best information about available apartments, but even resident expats can sometimes steer you towards a very good deal in a nice place.

If you want to do some preliminary research these are three decent sites that have condo’s listed for rent and for sale in bangkok:

Thai Apartment.com
Sunbelt Asia Properties - Tends to be more upscale
Bangkok Condos

This should give you some idea of what you can expect in terms of price, size and amenities when you go apartment hunting in Bangkok.  Of course if you can use your networking skills to get to know some people you can find much better deals than you’ll ever find using a broker like this.  Plus, if you are looking for really cheap places (less than 10,000 baht a month) you’ll never find them listed here.  In that case your only real option is to go looking once you’re already in Thailand.

Another very useful resource on the web is at the Thai Visa forum Thailand Accommodation Finding Forum.  You can sometimes find good deals and you can also post an ad looking for a place.

My advice would be to take some time and look around at the resources I’ve given you, but don’t commit to anything until you get to Thailand.  You’ve given the impression that you don’t really want to stay in Bangkok for the entire year and may even continue to travel in which case you would be looking for short term leases in a variety of places.

Cheap rooms are not hard to find in Thailand whether long term or short term.  With a small bit of looking and talking with people you should easily be able to come up with something that serves no matter where in Thailand you are.

I for one am looking forward to your trip to Thailand and I hope you keep reading Thailand Musings and even come back to let us know how it’s going once you get there and get your feet on the ground.  Good luck and keep in touch.

Popularity: 3% [?]

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