Can I do this??

[ferris]

Hello all,

I’ve been coming over to LOS for about three years, and, like a lot of folks, I’ve fallen in love with the place. I’m now 50 years old, divorced, living alone but comfortably off, but I need something new to have a go at, so I’ve decided to move to Thailand. (you’ve probably heard that one before). I run a business here in the UK that exports goods to LOS, so I thought I would set up a small manufacturing base in LOS and deliver direct to existing customers. I would have assets/cash of about 6-8 million baht maybe a little more but no less.

The Plan:
Option One

I have a degree in English, so I thought I’d take my TEFL, try and get rid of the Brummie accent, and teach English while I get myself up and running. You never know I might enjoy it.!!

While teaching

I rent a house close to where I might set up a small unit. After I get established I would only need to employ five or six people. This is where you guys come in. Can I just rent a small unit (about as big as the average bar) and start work? Initially I wouldn’t need three phase electricity, or any special machinery. Is this realistic, would I be allowed to set up and run the business myself until I get a few orders or must I have a Thai partner/employees.

Option 2.

Buy into an existing business. Not a bar. Still have loads of work to do on this one. Not sure if I can trust some of the figures I see on ‘Businesses for sale’ websites. Some opportunities look to good to be true, so I figure, they probably are. So at the moment Option One looks favourite, what do you think??

I’m not asking you lads to hold my hand on this, but if you could point me in the right direction I would be grateful.

Option 3.

There is no option 3


Without going into too much detail, that’s the jist of it.

Be gentle with me!!!

[slinggalin]

Looks like you have it all figured out. soemtimes it just takes guts to do it.

I would do it if I had the means to support myself like you do.

good luck

[ferris]

Originally Posted by slinggalin

Looks like you have it all figured out. soemtimes it just takes guts to do it.

I would do it if I had the means to support myself like you do.

good luck

Cheers mate, yeah I think this is one time in my life where I just have to go for it, if it all goes t*ts up well at least I had a go. My da used to say, you don't regret the things you do, you regret the things you don't. I just don't want to be sitting in this flat in ten years time sayin' 'I wish, I wish'.

Thanks again

[dan boy]

If i was in your position i would give it a go , You seem to be quite clued up and Los has gotta be better than Brum ....! Take your dads advise ....

[K2]

Good to see some thought going into your plans ....

For teaching read up on Stickman's now getting dated but very insightful piece: Teaching English in Thailand

Teaching salaries are not great and its hard work - if you could get employed at an international school (in Thailand) but interview /appointment in the UK then chances are better of a good package. Times Ed Supplement has section for this worth checking out.

Import/export biz should be relatively easy for you to get a work permit for and since this is your current occupation seems natural to stick with what you know. With regards to work permit etc check into Home - Thaivisa.com.

As you already have assessed buying into a business and bar owning should be approached with extreme caution.

Good luck in your endevours.