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  #1  
Old 29-12-2005, 17:54
ZippotheBrit ZippotheBrit is offline
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What keeps you here?

Seriously, what is it that keeps Expats in Phuket? From what I read it's Nye impossible to run a successful business. Most relationships are destined for disaster. And the only person you can trust is yourself!?

Most of the people that go to Phuket I imagine dream of living there. Let's be honest, a lovely thought but very unlikely for most, at least on a permanent basis. However you DID and ARE living the dream, I applaud you. However, if things are (or as some seem to portray at times) so difficult, why do you stay? Or if they are not that bad, what are the good points that make you glad you made such a wonderful life changing choice?
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  #2  
Old 29-12-2005, 18:50
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Cost of living.. Climate.. Nightlife... Good bunch of expats to spend drinking time with.. Sailing.. Interesting cities within cheap easy flights away..

While most relationships are headed for disaster your odds jump dramtically when your able to be together full time.. Also just cause one is a disaster doesnt mean the other 3 or 4 are !!

Its the Biz thing thats annoying.. I have had 4 or 5 really strong biz ideas I would have pursued in another biz climate.. I could be employing Thais paying taxes and contributing etc.. But if everyone wants to make it so tough and they dont want to treat all people equally under some measure of law then why bother.. Just enjoy the pool, take it easy...
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  #3  
Old 29-12-2005, 18:54
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Good question and nice approach. As they said it's "near near" impossible to run a successful business not totally impossible, some guys are living proof. But some if not the vast majority support them self in Thailand after making some good investments in their own countries. This is what I've read and undrestood, now the reason why they still live in Thailand is something I can only speculate and it's better for the expact them selves to answer that one...
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  #4  
Old 30-12-2005, 20:14
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After time ... for me was around two years, it doesnt really matter about being in Phuket really, although I like the infrastructure (yeah right - when its finished) ... but seriously being near decent supermarket, quality medical care as get older were considerations. I rarely go to the beach and most Thai women also do not like the sun (darkens the skin .. which most dislike immensely), so why stick here. As LivinLOS highlights .. nightlife is good, climate, cost of living and generally its pretty easy to get things done here.

On the relationship side ... I dont think really matters where on earth you are, its all boils down to being compatable, having mutual trust and respect and after that pretty much anything is possible. Life here is certainly a lot more straightforward having a stable relationship with a TG.

Would say that most important consideration BEFORE deciding to live in Phuket permantely is to have income stream from OUTSIDE Thailand (rental property, investments, pension etc), and never relying on business here, as the goal posts often get moved so long term planning is a challenge. The main reason started business here is simple fact that need something to do, and certainly don't think expect anything spectacular by way of returns from anything done here - but every little helps. Also giving jobs to locals is gratifying and a way of giving back something to my host country - Thailand.
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  #5  
Old 01-01-2006, 16:01
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Ok, I'll say it....The women, man, the women.....



Disclaimer;
Dont see myelf as an experienced Expat like the others that have chimed in here, but Im still learning.
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  #6  
Old 01-01-2006, 17:19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ZippotheBrit
From what I read it's Nye impossible to run a successful business.

And then there is Nicke...., and Urtheman....., and, hopefully, Geir, too!!!
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  #7  
Old 01-01-2006, 17:55
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The bar scene is one of the few and URTheMan has a very good skill set that applies to the industry hes involved in..

But the bar scene has hidden physical costs (I would have problems personally)..

Without pointing out a sore fact Gier still has a way to go to get back the investments put in (Tiger will easily I would say).. Bars depend so heavily on the personality of the owner / manager.. Many do make a living and its one area with simple inputs and outputs... Many of course dont survive.. The real winners are the soi owners.. They just squeeze the margins each renewal..
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  #8  
Old 01-01-2006, 18:10
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The real winners are the soi owners.. They just squeeze the margins each renewal..

And aint that the truth.
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  #9  
Old 01-01-2006, 19:11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LivinLOS
The bar scene is one of the few and URTheMan has a very good skill set that applies to the industry hes involved in..

But the bar scene has hidden physical costs (I would have problems personally)..

Without pointing out a sore fact Gier still has a way to go to get back the investments put in (Tiger will easily I would say).. Bars depend so heavily on the personality of the owner / manager.. Many do make a living and its one area with simple inputs and outputs... Many of course dont survive.. The real winners are the soi owners.. They just squeeze the margins each renewal..

I will probably never get back my investment in The Darkside Bar, but you have to fail and learn. As for Tiger, buisness is good and Ive allready managed to to save half of the money I need for next year lease (and thats only in 3 months) So I guess its possible to make a liveing from a bar in Tiger.

Exept from the landlords, I guess the boose is the barowners worst anemy

Geir
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  #10  
Old 01-01-2006, 20:20
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Beautiful Country
Happy/smiley/friendly people
Hot and Sunny everyday (well most days)
Great healthy food
CHEAP....accomodation and dental work....1/5th of what I pay in UK...clothing
Great beaches
5 ladies/man in the bars...well May-October anway in UK it seems like 5 males per female
10 times the fun in Patong than I'd have in the UK
Better quality of life


Need I go on!!?
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  #11  
Old 01-01-2006, 21:01
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Quote:
Originally Posted by landofsmiles
Beautiful Country
Happy/smiley/friendly people
Hot and Sunny everyday (well most days)
Great healthy food
CHEAP....accomodation and dental work....1/5th of what I pay in UK...clothing
Great beaches
5 ladies/man in the bars...well May-October anway in UK it seems like 5 males per female
10 times the fun in Patong than I'd have in the UK
Better quality of life


Need I go on!!?

Yes Please do so
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  #12  
Old 02-01-2006, 02:48
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Quote:
Originally Posted by landofsmiles
Beautiful Country
Happy/smiley/friendly people
Hot and Sunny everyday (well most days)
Great healthy food
CHEAP....accomodation and dental work....1/5th of what I pay in UK...clothing
Great beaches
5 ladies/man in the bars...well May-October anway in UK it seems like 5 males per female
10 times the fun in Patong than I'd have in the UK
Better quality of life


Need I go on!!?

Probably why I feel better in LOS than in my own country... for people first
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  #13  
Old 02-01-2006, 08:24
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Geir
As for Tiger, buisness is good and Ive allready managed to to save half of the money I need for next year lease (and thats only in 3 months) So I guess its possible to make a liveing from a bar in Tiger.

Exept from the landlords, I guess the boose is the barowners worst anemy

Geir

I am glad to hear that you are doing well with Love Bar, Geir!! Good for you!!!

Try and go easy with the drink! Pace yourself, and always take a few dry days once in awhile. You only have one liver!!

JayBee
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  #14  
Old 02-01-2006, 10:34
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Try and go easy with the drink! Pace yourself, and always take a few dry days once in awhile. You only have one liver!!

JayBee

Thats one of the reasons I got out when I did. Its easier said then done to have a night of the beer, as there is always someone that buys you a bloody beer.
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  #15  
Old 02-01-2006, 13:21
JockLOS JockLOS is offline
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All I do is sit by the pool in January and think of where I came from (Northern UK)...
Everything else is a bonus
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  #16  
Old 02-01-2006, 22:03
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Thats one of the reasons I got out when I did. Its easier said then done to have a night of the beer, as there is always someone that buys you a bloody beer.
The owner of Alice bar could stay off the booze. I only saw him drinking coffee...
Suppose this annoyed his Thai wife as she had him murdered.

Last edited by Captain : 04-01-2006 at 16:03.
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  #17  
Old 04-01-2006, 13:50
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Yip Love Bar makes money for sure. I got out for my health & relationship, it was seriously affecting me. Also I have to say I was not very good at saving money, I was spending about 130k baht per month partying, wasnt my fault honest

G
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  #18  
Old 10-01-2006, 15:47
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Why Phuket?

UK: Getting ready to go out: Jeans, t-shirt, sweater, coat, umbrella, wallet (Lots of cash) change for parking the car, mobile phone, hat, scarf, gloves, watch, train timetable, house keys, car keys, newspaper.

Phuket: T-Shirt, shorts, flip-flops, sunglasses and 2 x 1000 Baht notes.

Heaven
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  #19  
Old 14-01-2006, 15:57
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Quote:
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Why Phuket?

UK: Getting ready to go out: Jeans, t-shirt, sweater, coat, umbrella, wallet (Lots of cash) change for parking the car, mobile phone, hat, scarf, gloves, watch, train timetable, house keys, car keys, newspaper.

Phuket: T-Shirt, shorts, flip-flops, sunglasses and 2 x 1000 Baht notes.

Heaven


Why two?
I take 5 out of the ATM.
Don't spend it
Get a thrill putting some back
Makes for feel-good
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  #20  
Old 14-01-2006, 18:39
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Why take two ?? One for him.. One for Bob..
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  #21  
Old 15-01-2006, 06:45
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the bigboy the bigboy is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ZippotheBrit
Seriously, what is it that keeps Expats in Phuket? From what I read it's Nye impossible to run a successful business. Most relationships are destined for disaster. And the only person you can trust is yourself!?

Most of the people that go to Phuket I imagine dream of living there. Let's be honest, a lovely thought but very unlikely for most, at least on a permanent basis. However you DID and ARE living the dream, I applaud you. However, if things are (or as some seem to portray at times) so difficult, why do you stay? Or if they are not that bad, what are the good points that make you glad you made such a wonderful life changing choice?

i have one for you WHAT KEEPS YOU AWAY FROM LOS
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  #22  
Old 17-01-2006, 01:33
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i have one for you WHAT KEEPS YOU AWAY FROM LOS

How about the 200000bt price of a trip each time.
the 25+hrs spent getting there.
getting the time off.

If not for those things...no problem.
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  #23  
Old 17-01-2006, 15:19
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So it would seem that the business climate is rough and having an income stream from outside Thailand would be wise. Would that also apply to owning property to rent, say vacation condos or apartments?
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  #24  
Old 25-03-2006, 21:29
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all so true

Quote:
Originally Posted by K2
Would say that most important consideration BEFORE deciding to live in Phuket permantely is to have income stream from OUTSIDE Thailand (rental property, investments, pension etc), and never relying on business here, as the goal posts often get moved so long term planning is a challenge. The main reason started business here is simple fact that need something to do, and certainly don't think expect anything spectacular by way of returns from anything done here - but every little helps.

all so true.

If living here successfully, you will need money coming in from outside -- or you will need to work 10 times as hard as back home and years of living from the hand in the mouth -- and this dream could explode overnight and anytime.

TIT
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