The Royal Ploughing Ceremony-May 9, 2012

The Royal Ploughing Ceremony was probably, in the old times, the rite designed to remind the farmers and to give an auspicious beginning to the new planting season especially the rice farming that is the major source of food. The leader or the rulers of the country preside over the ceremony when the planting seasons begin. to remind the farmers and to give an auspicious beginning to the new planting season especially the rice farming that is the major source of food.

The leader or the rulers of the country preside over the ceremony when the planting seasons begin. After some times passed, the Brahmanic rite called Ploughing ceremony was then introduced. Its purpose is to encourage the power and happiness. Bhraman were instructors for the ceremony. The king or the leader of the country may designate this duty to a respective high-ranking officer to perform the ceremony as Phraya Raekna, Lord of the Ploughing Ceremony.

The roles of the queen or wives who had to help ploughing are designated to four celestial maidens, called the queen of sowing ceremony, assisting Phraya Raekna by carrying seeds containers and distribute the seeds after Phraya Raekna had ploughed the ground. The Royal Ploughing Ceremony has been annually performed for thousands of years in several countries such as China and India. In the reign of King Rama IV, the King had royal command to initiate the Buddhist rite together with the original ceremony. The reason was to prosper all the cereals brought into the ceremonial field. After the Buddhist rite that is performed in the first day, the Bhramanic ceremony The combined rite was so called the Royal Ploughing ceremony that lasts for 2 days.

The Royal Ploughing Ceremony is very important and it is a prosperous ceremony to encourage all the farmers.The ancestral masters had set the rule that the ceremony must be performed on the best day of the year, comprising the auspicious occasions as stated in the treatise of astrology. This particular day must also be in the sixth month and the traditional auspiciousness is based on the lunar calendar The Royal Ploughing ceremony was originally conducted at Phaya Thai rice field. But when the ceremony was reestablished in 2503 B.E., it was then moved to the Sanam Luang Ground that used to be a ceremonial ground in the reign of King Rama I, II, and III. The Phraya Raekna was the minister of agriculture.

The four celestial maidens were ladies who work in the royal palace.Since there were changes, the new duty of Phraya Raekna was then assigned to the director general of rice department, the ministry of agriculture. The four celestial maidens were selected from female officials who worked in the ministry of agriculture.In the consecutive years until present, the Phraya Raekna duty has been assigned to a permanent undersecretary of the ministry of agriculture and cooperatives. The celestial maidens are selected from single female officials, ranked 3rd-4th levels, who work in the ministry of agriculture.

The Royal Ploughing Ceremony is the ceremonial event that brings auspiciousness to cereals and also encourages farmers to carry out farming works. His Majesty the King has been interested in this ceremony. He has been to the ceremony every year to preside this traditional royal ceremony and to make a wish for prosperity of Thai agriculture. His Majesty the King has conducted the experiment in planting rice in his personal rice field in Chitrlada Villa, Dusit Palace, where he lives.

After the harvesting, he kindly gave 40-50 kilograms of rice grains for the ceremony. The King’s rice grains were separated into two portions. The first portion is distributed into the ceremonial ground. The second portion was contained in small packs and sent to provinces of Thailand. Those packs are later distributed to farmers for their auspicious believes and follows the King’s wish to encourage and support the agriculture.

Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa has Been Awarded Thailand’s Best Restaurant by Thailand Tatler

Hua Hin, April 2012 – InAzia Restaurant, the pan-Asian restaurant at Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa, has been awarded for 4 consecutive years (2008-2011) in “Best Restaurant Award” selected by the readers of Thailand Tatler, the country’s leading luxury-lifestyle magazine, for inclusion in the 2011 edition of Thailand’s Best Restaurants, the definitive guide to the best dining in Bangkok and up-country.

The aim of Thailand’s Best Restaurant Award is to recognize hotels which have demonstrated excellence in offering the finest cuisine and high-quality dining in Thailand. This year the award was won by InAzia Restaurant, Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa’s signature restaurant, which has been continuously selected as Thailand’s Best Restaurant since the first year of resort opening in 2008.

InAzia Restaurant has shown itself outstandingly in the real success for great quality of the food, perfect wine tastes, well care services, and reasonable prices which offer the most pleasurable to its valuable guests. “I am truly proud of our chefs and staffs. Winning this award for 4 years consecutively is a real accomplishment for all associates here at our resort. The credit for efforts and hard working definitely rests with each and every associate.

I am proud to serve side by side with them” said Martin Raich, General Manager of Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa. Thailand’s Best Restaurant Award is based on the annual Thailand Tatler’s customer questionnaire; a number of restaurants are nominated for inclusion in each year’s guide, with a handful of finalists selected for review by an expert panel of gourmands.

These reviewers and contributors come from various areas of expertise, but all have two things in common: they draw upon a deep passion for food and wine, and they have no professional connection to any of the establishments reviewed. Please call (0)32 708 000 or e-mail reservations.huahin@sheraton.com for further information and reservations.

HAT CHA-AM (CHA-AM BEACH)

The premier beach resort of Phetchaburi, Hat Cha-am is just as beautiful as the neighboring Hua Hin Beach. Located approximately 163 kilometers south of Bangkok, 40 kilometers south of Phetchaburi and 20 kilometers north of Hua Hin, the beach is famous for being long and clean. In addition, it serves excellent fresh seafood. Originally a fishing village, Chaam received much attention after the royal palace, Maruekhathaiyawan, was built near Hua Hin in the reign of King Rama VI.

At that time, the Royal Family and the elite occupied the land in Hua Hin and its vicinity as a holiday seaside resort. When people started looking around for twin seaside resort town for Hua Hin, Cha-ams beauty was discovered and quickly developed. Today, Cha-am is a popular lively resort town offering a large variety of accommodations and challenging activities. Boredom is rare in Cha-am as there are a variety of water sports that can be enjoyed, while a possible alternative to water sports is bicycle riding along a 6-kilometer sandy white beach. During the weekdays the beach is virtually deserted and there are beach umbrellas and sling chairs are available for hire.

The State Railways of Thailand operates a special trip to Cha-Am at every holiday. Detailed information can be obtained from Travel service Section, Tel. 02 237- 010, 2237020. Hat Puek Tien has been developed as a tourist attraction since 1982. The charm of this broad casuarinas-lined white beach has attracted many visitors. Of particular interest are the beach’s cast sculptures of characters from Phra Apai Manee, a story penned by Thailand’s greatest poet, Sunthornphu.

Sculptures include Phra Apai Manee, the pipe-playing hero and Pi Suea Samut, a demon-woman. The sculptures can be found on a man-made hill, 100 meters offshore, built to stem coastal erosion in the area. Hat Puek Tien has a selection of seafood restaurants to serve the visitors. It is located at Puek Tien Sub-district of Tha Yang District, about 22 km from Muang District and 7 km from Chao Samran Beach. There are two ways to get to the beach by car.

The first is the same as the route to Hat Chao Samran; follow Ratchadamri Road and then straight along Route No 3177. After passing the Phetchaburi Ratchaphat Institute and the local police station (around 13 km), turn right and drive about 7 km, along the coastal road. The other route is a bypass passing Phra Nakhon Khiri cable car station.

Turn left at Tha Yang Intersection and then follow Route No 3187 along the irrigation canal for about 15 km. Songthaew services leave Phetchaburi every 15 minutes from 7.30 am to 6.15 pm and from 6.30 am to 4.00 pm for the return trip. The route passes Hat Chao Samran and takes about 45 minutes with a fee of about 20 baht per person or 200-300 baht to charter a songthaew. The station is next to Krung Thai Bank and Wat Tor, not far from the clock tower.

Visakha Bucha Day

One of the most important days of Buddhists, Visakha Bucha is also declared the most important day of the world by the United Nations. This year, it falls on the 4th of June. Since it is the day when Buddhists worldwide pay homage to the Lord Buddha whose spiritual contribution towards enlightenment is overwhelming and invaluable for all mankind, Visakha Bucha is not merely a public holiday. There is more to know about the day as a result. Why is Visakha Bucha so important?

Typically falling on a full moon in the 5th or 6th lunar month or otherwise in the 7th month in leap years, Visakha Bucha refers to homage paying on a full moon day of the 6th month as the word, ‘Bucha’ literally means to pay homage. Informally called the Buddha’s Birthday, Visakha Bucha is a very important occasion for all Buddhists because it marks the days when the Buddha was born, gained enlightenment and passed away. All of them fall on a full moon day of the 6th month though years varied.

The Lord Buddha was born as Prince Sidhatha in the Lumpiniwan Royal Garden between Kabilapas and Thewa Thaha cities in India early in the Friday morning of a full moon in the 6th month 80 years before the Buddhist Era (B.E.). 35-year-old Prince Sidhatha, after having ordained for 6 years, gained enlightenment under the Sri Maha Bhodha tree by the Neranchala river in dawn of Wednesday of the 6th month, which was the full moon day as well. At present, the place is called Buddha Khaya and located in the Phiharn state of India. After he was enlightened, the Lord Buddha disseminated Buddhism by himself and his disciples.

He passed away when he was 80 years old in the evening of Tuesday of the 6th month, certainly a full moon day, too. The place where the Lord Buddha passed away is now in the Kusinakhara city of India. Miracle as it is that the 3 main events occurred on the full moon day of the 6th month. As a result, Visakha Bucha is the day that symbolizes the holy triple gem: the Buddha, the Dhama (His teachings) and the Sangha (His disciples), which is believed to brighten the world. History of Visakha Bucha in Thailand Legend has it that Visakha Bucha has existed since the Sukhothai period.

It is believed to follow the Lanka’s tradition when King Phatikurach had a grand and exquisite commemoration to the Buddha on this day in B.E. 420. Afterwards, other kings of Lanka have maintained this tradition until today. Since Sukhothai and Lanka are connected thanks to many Buddhist monks from Lanka who came here on a religious mission, the monks passed on such tradition to Thailand as well. Nang Noppamas, known among Thais as the Ladies of Songkran, gave some brief details in their book on the ceremony of Visakha Bucha during the Sukhothai period that people from all walks of life from everywhere helped each other clean the Sukhothai city before decorating and lightening it with beautiful flowers and lanterns.

The event lasted 3 nights and days to commemorate the Lord Buddha. The royal family observed a noble life and, in the evening, walked with lighted candles and joss-sticks in hand around a temple along with vassals. At the same time, local people observed the 5 or eight precepts proclaimed by the Buddha. They also gave alms to Buddhist monks and made donations to beggars, the disabled, the disadvantaged, the orphans or the helpless elder. Some who wished a healthier longer life would release animals like birds, fish or tortoises.

In Ayudhaya, Thonburi and the beginning of Rattanakosin periods, Brahman influenced the belief of Thai people so much that no record on Buddhist-styled Visakha Bucha was made until the reign of King Rama II who kindly asked the Abbot Mee from Wat Ratchaburana Buddhist temple to revive it. So, the ceremony of Visakha Bucha was back in the same way as traditionally organized on the 6th month of B.E. 2360 until today. What to do on Visakha Bucha Day On Visakha Bucha Day, devout Buddhists decorate their houses and buildings with a national flag or a Buddhist flag. In the evening, they will light lanterns or turn on colorful neon lights.

As tradition goes, His Majesty the King and royal family members attend a Buddhist ceremony of offering alms to Buddhist monks in the morning at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. In the evening, they will walk around the chapel with lighted joss-sticks and candles in hand before listening to the preaching by Buddhist monks. In Bangkok, the ceremonial Visakha Bucha day is usually big with a lot of Biddhist activities from many governmental and private organizations. Some Buddhists will observe 5 or 8 precepts while others do meditation all day and night to pay homage to the Buddha and cleanse their mind.

A very famous place where the big ceremony takes place is Buddha Monthon in the outskirt of Bangkok. Every year, HRH Princess Sirindhorn will do the walking around the big Buddha image with lighted joss-sticks and candles in hand there. Cha-Am, in particular, celebrates the Visakha Bucha every year at many Buddhist temples, namely Wat Cha-Am Khiri, Wat Neranchararam, Wat Nong Tapod, Wat Nong Jaeng, Wat Boh Khaem, Wat Sai Yoi, Wat Maruekhathaiyawan, Wat Huay Sai Tai and Wat Pho Suwan. Buddhist activities will be held all day and night and devotees are welcome to celebrate and commemorate the day together.

Introducing The Cha-Am National Park

Normally, the rainy season in Cha-Am starts from May to the end of September every year with abundant rain between June and August. Since the main tourist attraction is beaches, most travelers think that visiting Cha-Am is not convenient during the rainy season due to murky sea water, grey skies which brings about a gloomy atmosphere. That is why there are less visitors in Cha-Am than other seasons of the year. Looking at the brighter side, rainy season boasts verdant environs: trees are growing and plants are blossoming.

Apart from white sandy beaches, Cha-Am has many other places worth visiting all year round. To name but only a few are the Khao Nang Panturat National Park and Cha-Am National Park. Located 5 kilometers from Cha-Am beaches and north of the Cha-Am municipal area, the Khao Nang Panturat can be easily accessed via Baan Nong Tapod in the west.

The place is eye-catching thanks to its small hill that looks like a reclining woman covering the north and south. This hill is also a symbol of Cha-Am because it is the city’s gateway. Legend has it that Nang Panturat, a female giant from the famous Thai literature, ‘Sang Thong (Prince of Gold Conch Shell)’, wept to death here when the prince, learning that his stepmother is a non-human, decided to run away from her. After Nang Panturat followed and found him, she unsuccessfully persuaded the prince to come back to live with her. Extremely sad and grieve-stricken, the female giant cried to death.

After she died, her body became the hill like what people see at present. Moreover, the head of the hill has a big rock of strange shape which Thai people usually call Nang Panturat’s urn. In 1994, the so-called Nang Panturat’s urn was partly destroyed due to cement production. After passing the area and seeing what had happened in 1996, His Majesty the King called for a concerned cement industry to stop exploding the hill and preserve it. The activity was then halted and the area around the Nang Panturat hill was later declared the national park on 25 February 1999 by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation of the Royal Forest Department.

A natural tourist site, the Khao Nang Panturat National Park consists of eye-catching spots, namely Nang Panturat’s Crematory, Nang Panturat’s Mirror and the Prince’s bathing pond. Other spots can be easily visited thanks to a long wooden walkway along which ones can find rare plants and wildlife, such as langur and hog deer. The National Park’s large ground is an ideal place for campers, too. With its convenient location and beautiful plants all year round, the Khao Nang Panturat National Park is worth more than only one visit.

The Cha-Am National Park, located by the Phetchakasem road on the kilometer post 208, is less than 1 kilometer from Cha-Am. A former pine forest, it has recently been renovated to attract nature lovers and those who seek a peaceful place to relax. The Cha-Am National Park mostly covers plain areas with a lot trees, brooks and a long walkway that allows visitors to admire unharmed nature there. Among various rare flora and fauna are pine, hog plum, ebony and several ferns as well as squirrel, gibbon and wild birds.

For a perfect holiday getaway, visitors can enjoy complete facilities at the park like restaurants and beverage parlors, a picnic area, a health garden where visitors can exercise, play petanque and Sepak Raga. If one day is not enough, the park also provides a camping site or rooms to stay. A unique option for vacationers, the Cha-Am National Park will give them an unforgettable stay close to nature.

Santorini Park Cha Am Countdown to the Grand Opening! 5 May 2012

Prepare Yourself for a Brand New Shopping & Tourism Phenomenon in Hua Hin & Cha-Am Enjoy browsing through superior brands in leading shops appealing to the tastes of every generation, as well as a fine selection of restaurants that place a premium on quality cuisine and a. relaxed dining ambience. Have fun with a variety of thrilling rides spread out over an airy naturally green landscape, peruse exquisite artwork, or buy unique handicrafts in a garden market atmosphere.

In addition, an abundance of special activities will be held throughout the year to continually entertain and enlighten. Come experience it all within a setting where the architecture and sculptures are inspired by the iconic beauty of Greece’s Santorini Island. At SANTORINI PARK CHA-AM, every nook and cranny beckons you … with unforgettable memories of a lifetime. Free entry passes on Monday – Thursday at 10.00 – 21.00 hrs. Only Friday-Saturday- Sunday and holidays opens till 22.00 hrs. With a 50 Baht pass ticket per person).

Kiss Food & Drink Restaurant

We were in for a surprise as we were asked for a food review at the Kiss Restaurant. A simple lay out n not entirely haute voleé but kind of cosy, especially at night, opposite the Grand Market, next to the Thai Boxing Sport stadium. Seating is simple but comfortable. We were welcomed with a smile which is exceptional these days.

The Chefs ( 3 9 were introduced and our forts Chef, all three were ladies, has a history of at least 10 years in international kitchens in Pattaya, which was confirmed in the quality and presentation of the food. Our menue consisted of crispy tacos filled with chicken, salad and topped with shredded Chester cheese and sour cream. An absolute delicacy, crunchy and all. Close your eyes and you are in Mexico. A shared dish of Penang Curry, as creamy as it can get with a slight spicy nuance (touch) and fried rice as a between dish surprised us .

The creamy Penang practically melted on out tongues and matched perfectly with the tasty fried rice. I have become a delusional fried rice consumer as most fried rices are tasteless, blunt and oily. Not this one. It had a particular taste to it which I could solely indulge into, given nothing else.

A cold beer and Kiss fried rice that should make my day. As a main dish, BBQ ribs covered in a Smokey tastin BBQ sauce with mashed potatoes, onion rings, tomatoes slices and baby corn rounded of our lunch appointment. The meals were absolutely delicious, well presented and very reasonable priced. We chose to have a matching cold beer to the lunch which teamed up perfectly with the menue. There are several wines to choose from as well but opposite a colorful market a cold beer served it´s purpose best.

For a dessert, a vanilla ice cream filled pancake topped with sweet whipped cream and fruit cocktail made sure our calorie intake was plentiful. Congratulations Kiss and Co., a well deserved praise to your Kitchen, Chefs and Personal, Friendly service with a good command of the English language. Find Kiss in the street going to the Grand Hotel, as you enter, on the right side.

KISS FOOD & DRINK:
Open daily 11 a.m.-23 p.m.
Tel: 032-513 499 or
Mobile: 083-273 6152

Saturday Night BBQ at The Intercontinental

The Saturday night BBQ at The Intercontinental is amidst a romantic setting on the beach front with live music adding to the tropical ambiance. Every Saturday, a sumptuous BBQ takes place with plenty of good food and fresh seafood to enjoy. We were gallantly accompanied by lobby personal to the beach front where our reserved table was waiting. For a mere THB 1490 ++ per person and an additional THB 900 for a free flow beer and wine, you have the most complete BBQ dinner available in Hua Hin. A large selection of entrees, salads and bread gets you started.

A wine of your choice is served at the table. We chose a cool white wine as an aperitif and cooling companion as we enjoyed our appetizers. Our beachfront Chef grilled the Black Angus steaks over a charcoal fire medium rare as I requested it. The incomparable taste of Angus beef is by far my favourite as I also remember the fantastic Sunday brunch we had a few weeks ago. If made to choose between a Wagyu steak or Black Angus, my choice would go out to Black Angus, lean and juicy.

Our chef also grilled New Zealand Lamb and free range chicken to the perfection. Red wine was in place his time to match the beef and lamb. King Prawns, crab and shrimp with a fresh catch of the day rounded off the protein part of this BBQ. Fresh salads and other steamed vegetables took care of our intake of carbohydrates. With the present fashion of detox and juicy vegetable diets I felt a bit guilty of slightly overdoing my normal appetite only to discover fortunately that you only live once (yes Mr. Bond !) and this doesn´t happen every day. We really enjoyed the food, the atmosphere and the music by Benjamin, Anna and partner.

A complimentary coconut based dessert composition is offered but a selection of fruit and ice cream is on standby as well. All together, a great evening with not much to desire for. Kids can walk around freely and the bonfire with a pillowed sofa around it would take care of honeymooners, lovers alike looking at the stars, the Gulf of Siam and our loved ones. It is wise to make reservations well in advance as it looked pretty much booked out that Saturday. For more information contact: + 66 (0) 32 616 999 or Email: rsvn@ichhuahin.com

Kids Clubs at Hua Hin Hotels

Hilton – Kidz Club
The youngsters can have their own dose of fun at Kidz Paradise. This fully-supervised kids’ zone is open for children between 4 to 12 years old. Located at the Mezzanine Floor, this enjoyable place offers a variety of toys, board games and play stations. Kidz Paradise also offers outdoor entertainment (in or out of the swimming pool) including games such as: bamboo run at the pool, nail painting, sandy pictures, hat making and sculpture painting. You won’t run out of things to do.

Sheraton – STAR CLUB”
Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa is launching its new “StarClub”, the resort’s new children’s wonderland offering enjoyable and entertaining activities for kids, creating fun-filled times during their stay with great memories to take home. Housed in a colorful, cube-shaped building, the eye “StarClub” opens daily from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm for children aged between four to twelve years old. Our well-trained staffs will fully supervise the children through all activities. The normal hourly rate is THB 150, free of charge for kids under four years old when accompanied by parents.

Hyatt – Camp Hyatt
The resort has introduced a number of special touches for the young ones, to make their stay fun and enjoyable. Camp Hyatt is one of the highlights of these special touches. Camp Hyatt is a programme featuring cultural and educational activities and programmes for children aged between four and twelve years old who are on holiday at the resort. Parents can enjoy any of the resort’s facilities knowing that their children are being cared for by our friendly childcare staff.
Children can enjoy either a half-day or full day programme. A children’s menu for lunch and refreshments is also available.

Holiday Inn – Kid´s Club
Holiday Inn Resort is heaven for children, and a blessing for parents. We’ve so much for the kids that Mum and Dad have the freedom to enjoy their own vacation. Newly re-invented, our Kids’ Club is designed to keep the youngsters happily and safely amused entertained all day long.
Following a railway motif depicting a ride from the mountains to the sea, the Club has four zones offering TV, X Box, art and crafts and games. Outside are two dedicated kids’ pools, complete with slider, water cave, water guns and whale and turtle statuary. For the teens, there is Club 12, a “parentfree zone” with Internet access, Play Station, DVD player and karaoke corner. Throughout, qualified staff provide supervision and coordinate activities.

Anantara – Kids Club
A nice Kids Club with daily activities, games, arts and crafts

Evason – Just Kids!
A Professionally managed kids’ club, with its own swimming pool, keeps children entertained all day. The emphasis at Just Kids! is on mind challenging activities, adventure games, and making learning experiences fun. Closely supervised “sleepovers” are arranged nightly to give parents the Resort to themselves.

Foreign Stock Exchange

Siam Firm Inter Laws was established by Khun Somsak Chopaka an Attorney at Law with 30 years of working experience in domestic and international law, for individuals both foreign and local, domestic entities and in-house legal counsel for numerous established international companies. Khun Somsak will be giving legal advice about the ever changing situation in regards to Thai Law and keeping readers up to date with the constant changing business and social environment here in Thailand.

I have seen many cases of foreigners coming to live here and either not understanding or caring about the legal right to sell foreign shares here in the Kingdom of Thailand, even though they may own or operate a company abroad that is involved in this business. Whenever they sell shares from a foreign stock exchange here in Thailand upon receiving any payment they will be charged by a Thai court of law, as it is against the stock exchange act. While this is the case for illegally set up companies or individual parties there are legal ways to be a part of this business, they require you to set up a public company with a capital of one hundred million baht, that runs an actual business here in Thailand which is then used to apply for a permit to sell stock locally.

It is possible though quite difficult to gain this permit. A lot of foreigners will choose not to go this way as it requires a lot of investment in time and resources and decide to cheat their clients by falsely claiming that they indeed have the aforementioned permit. They will then ask the client to transfer the money to a staff account here in Thailand as per the norm in this kind of transaction. Most companies that operate using the stock market follow up the profit and loss of shares, paying when the shares are up whilst keeping the invested money in the company and also deducting the loss when the stock market is down.

But there are companies which never return a single baht back to the investor and we call these companies “call center boiler rooms”. In the past when someone is caught operating this kind of business they will be arrested and charged by a prosecutor over visa charges or operating a business without a work permit. When they are in court they will only be punished by a lax fine of only two thousand five hundred baht for each charge followed by being deported out form the country. The boss meaning the owner of the company will have to pay an increased fine of eight thousand baht and will also be deported.

But now this has changed; right now the penalty for such a crime is the aforementioned fines along with a one year jail sentence after which the individual will be deported back to their home country. I have seen many cases of boiler room businesses and it is an easy way of cheating many people from abroad especially from Australia, America or the United Kingdom. Nowadays these companies will use a Thai bank to receive money from clients buying shares when before they would only use a foreign bank, the local bank account will also usually be under the name of a Thai spouse or colleague of the company owner. When a client becomes suspicious they will usually follow the account and if taking the issue up with the company owner amounts to nothing then they will involve the local police.

If the police see that the account in question has an abnormal amount of transactions and/or an abnormal amount of money in it then they will place the owner n the suspicion of money laundering, requiring them to prove their innocence. If their innocence cannot be proven then the account in question will be frozen by the police, they have to prove that the money was made in the correct way, declare what businesses it came from and how the money came to be in their account to prevent this from happening which is not easy. Even so there are still many foreigners coming to Thailand for sightseeing or a short term stay that will come to work for an illegitimate business such as this making enough money to spend on that length of time.

Not knowing that they are causing a lot of trouble for other people and that if they are arrested they will receive severe punishment for the crimes committed, I have seen many serious cases like this in the Thai court system. Our comment: If you see a business or an organization similar to what I have mentioned above please do not become involved in any way. It is not good for yourself or for the people who are cheated out of their life savings, some are old or handicapped and it social effects are staggering.

If you plan on making an investment in the stock market make sure you do so through a legal broker agent, even if you have to pay a brokers fee you will be safe in the knowledge that whenever you want to buy or sell at a profit or loss you can be sure that you are not being cheated and that whoever you are doing business with has the proper license and permits.

By Somsak Chopaka of Siam Firm Inter Laws English Hotline:
081 808 9175, 089 774 6001, 084 979 4714

Pattaya Office:
+66 (0) 38 906 721-3 Bangkok Office:
+ 66 (0) 2 260 3025 – 7 Hua Hin Office: +66 (0) 32 531 508 somsak@siamfirm.co.th For more information see www.siamfirm.co.th