Hua Hin Hot Topics - Property Problems
It maybe a sign of the times but two hot topics that are always generating a healthy response are the cost of living and the increasing crime levels. As currencies and exchange rates continue to squeeze expats that bizarre Thai concept of increasing the prices when the customers are scarce just adds to those financial woes. The fact that virtually no Thai businesses in Hua Hin can acknowledge that there is a difference between a two-week-tourist and a permanently residing expat is frustrating. Hua Hin is a tourist town hence you’ll largely be paying tourist prices, an expat ID card to get local rates would be a great idea but as with many others it’s unlikely to happen.
The government recently added to the misery of those that enjoy a tipple now and then by increasing taxation on alcohol by up to ten percent. Since most of the population is known for its tendency to crack open a cold one on a hot afternoon the price hike will no doubt affect all but the ardent teetotalers out there.
The bickering in the property section continued and the moderators had their work cut out as the usual trouble makers engaged in another round of digital mud-slinging. There will always be a number of distinct groups when it comes to real estate in Thailand, those that think everything is rosy and it is perfectly safe to invest here (these are usually involved in the industry in some way), those that would prefer to rent than put money into something they can never legally own and those that have been burnt already and are out for some kind of justice.
The advise that has always been given when dealing with real estate in Hua Hin is to use a competent lawyer, preferable a Bangkok one as Hua Hin’s legal ‘professionals’ are often involved in the property industry anyway. Another solid suggestion is to never invest more than you can afford to lose because, as we all know by now, you can’t own it anyway!
An interesting trip report was posted on visiting the Philippines and how it compares to Thailand. There was little to separate the two as tourist destinations though the Philippines did have the upper hand on costs (it worked out to be around 30% cheaper), communications (everyone speaks English), nightlife and cultural barriers whereas Thailand came up better for cuisine, transport infrastructure and crime/safety.
The visa situation is very similar between the two countries however there are less bureaucratic restrictions over there whereas Thailand seems to be continually clamping down on the requirements for long-term resident foreigners. The full report, lots of comments, and many photos can be found on the forum.