「ＦＵＪＩＹＡＭＡ」 THAILAND PART2

Tags: PART2, Thailand, 「ＦＵＪＩＹＡＭＡ」

Thai Beach Backpacker Villas In Thailand For the Billionaire Backpacker

Those Lonely Planet-clutching gap-year students are now in their late 30s and 40s and some have progressed to the level of hedge fund managers, law partners and corporate leaders. Cash-rich, time-poor, with families in struggling, what is their dream holiday home now?

Ambitious backpacker villas in Thailand developed on the Thai island of Koh Kood, within sight of the Cambodian mainland, promises to bring back memories of barefoot bliss for former backpackers, coupled with the comforts they have grown acclimatized to in business hotels.

These are holiday homes having prices to get even a hedge fund manager to choke on his pineapple. With backpacker villas in Thailand costing up to $7.5 million, they put sand in the face of other island developments in Barbados and the Seychelles.

Many people who have strung up a hammock outside many an inexpensive Thai beach hut, were intrigued to see these rather more luxurious versions on offer. Residents will dispense with the coconut boat to get aboard a private jet which takes 45 minutes from Bangkok airport. The fourth largest island in Thailand, Koh Kood is one of the least advanced, with three quarters of it covered with rainforest. A few small resorts are already placed into its coves – the exceptional bungalows are $60 a night – but any hint of cheap luggage is placed at a safe distance from these ambitious villa sites.

“Bamboo huts” of these ambitious villa sites are vast 400sq m (4,300sq ft) private backpacker villas in Thailand, built in eucalyptus, sustainably farmed teak, New Zealand pine and local bamboo, attaches with colonial style white pavilions. Each of these “bamboo huts” will have four to six bedrooms, an infinity pool and yoga sala in up to two acres of beach or hilltop land.

The cocktail of glamorous “extras” is enough to overwhelm the senses. You can anticipate in-villa gourmet dining, walk-in wine cellars, private steam rooms and gyms. You will also get treated with a butler service, and $100,000 worth of interior furnishings in the style of Dr Livingstone goes to Louis Vuitton.

But the reality is that bamboo huts are just too costly. However the people concerned at these ambitious backpacker villas in Thailand knows the international wealthy and are extremely confident that they can sell wooden beach backpacker villas in Thailand for $7 million plus. In Oman they argue, beach backpacker villas in Thailand are bought at a price of $15 million. Money attracts money, and the ambitious backpacker villas in Thailand on offer are nothing if not reassuringly expensive.

That said, the people at these ambitious backpacker villas in Thailand do not desire for the bling brigade. Really, they would go for a mix of nationalities: British and other northern European buyers, and limited numbers of Middle Eastern, Indian and Russian buyers so as not to form cultural cliques. Thai beach backpacker villas in Thailand without doubt are built keeping in mind the billionaire backpacker.

Tags: Backpacker, Beach, Billionaire, Thai, Thailand, Villas

Investment In Resort Properties In Thailand

One of the fastest growing areas in the Thai property market is branded condominium developments. Recent examples of similar projects in Singapore where returns were up to 50% greater than for non-branded developments have inspired the Thai market. Growing numbers of tourism makes these developments very promising ventures, and the Thai government’s newly de-regulated property sector is also having a favorable effect on developments like these. In the related industry of luxury housing, there have also been large projects announced recently in Thailand by Magnolia Quality Development Co, to create large luxury housing estates and condominiums.

Thailand recently emerged onto the global property market after over 15 years of military rule and very tight controls on property ownership by foreigners. The new Thai government wants to motivate investors to put their money into the country, and so has reduced the transfer fee on properties from 2% to 0.01% until the end of March 2009. On multimillion dollar construction projects like branded hotels, this makes quite an impact on the net profit. In addition, the specific business tax has been reduced from 3% to 0,01% for the same period of time.

However, it is not only due to tax cuts that branded hotels and resort properties are becoming hot items in Thailand’s property sector. Across all of Asia, five star hotel brands are working in conjunction with developers and owners to boost the availability of luxury accommodation. It is attributed to the confidence that branded resorts inspire in investors. Projects are generally meticulously and expertly planned, by people with experience in similar successful projects overseas. Hotels and resorts with a strong track record are finding that property investment in Thailand, and in Asia generally, can yield especially high returns. In Singapore recently, a brand name condo development sold for $4,000 per square meter, as opposed to the $2,500 that such a development without a brand name usually fetches.

In a property environment where many more projects are announced than completed, brand name resorts make investors feel more secure. It offers them some measure of assurance that a project will not only be built, it will be finished to a certain standard and will come with some ready-made customers, as global visitors look for resorts and hotels where they know what to expect.

One of the first developments in Thailand to take advantage of such premium prices for luxury condos is Magnolia Quality Development Co, which will develop both single houses and condominiums under the brands of Baan Magnolia, WHIZ.dom, and Eco Village. The six projects to be launched will be worth around 10 billion baht. One of these is the Baan Magnolia 4 true Eco Park, which will include residential units, a resort and a hotel. They are hoping to cash in on the current boom in branded resorts. A spokesman for the company said they would be focusing on quality products to ensure strong sales, rather than lowering prices to attract more customers.

These developments by Magnolia should also have an increased profit margin, as costs have been cut by shortening the cycle from design to completion by a huge 30-50%. They are confident of having investors, and now only have to choose which of the potentials will come on board.

Tourism in Thailand is set to increase by 20% per year, owing to the prevalence of extremely cheap stop over flights, as compared to the relatively expensive direct flights. Thailand’s unique geographical position gives it an advantage for the tourism sector. Its extensive natural attractions, along with the relative inexpense of local facilities (compared to in Europe and America) ensure that resorts, five star hotels and luxury accommodation will always find customers.

Overall, the resort property market in Thailand looks set to grow, especially where branded developments are concerned.

Tags: Investment, Properties, Resort, Thailand

Our new Fair Trade bags – hand embroidered by women of Thailand

In May 2009 Wendy was lucky enough to travel to Thailand to meet some of the women making our beautiful hand embroidered Fair Trade bags.

Tags: bags, embroidered, Fair, hand, Thailand, Trade, Women

Sea Kayaking In Thailand Can Be A Memorable Adventure

Sea Kayaking has recently taken off in Thailand as a hugely popular activity. There are a number of companies, all with experienced and trained staff, who are willing to take you on an adventure, as you explore the sights of Thailand from the sea. It is a fantastic and unique way to view the country. Sea Kayaking caters for all types of people; for beginners or for those who are a little more confident or experienced; for those wishing for just a little light kayaking as they see the sights, or for those wishing to have an adventure and explore uninhabited islands. Sea Kayaking offers an extraordinary and exciting way for you to discover your own Thailand.

There are different types of water transportation available, such as inflatable craft, or fibre glass canoes with a roof to sit on, but the most popular type and probably the best way to enjoy this experience is with the traditional kayaks, using nothing more than muscle power (although it does not necessarily have to be too strenuous!). No other way will allow you to intricately explore the rocky coastline or inlets of small islands so closely – other water transportation can be too noisy, too fast or too clumsy. Sea Kayaking in Thailand enables you to connect with the stunning scenery whilst touring the beautiful coastline, observing the wildlife on land, in the sky, and under water from a unique vantage point.

There are different types of trips one could take in a sea Kayak. For example, one could take a leisurely visit to a National Park, watching the wildlife as you paddle below, an amazing experience which is a favourite with many. There are also trips to uninhabited islands, which allow you to become intrepid explorers for the day. You can even spend a few days exploring the coastline further and camping overnight (if you don’t fancy camping more comfortable accommodation is also available!). There are also many caves, or Hong(Thai for room) to be explored, the narrow sea Kayak perfectly formed to be able to investigate these natural phenomenon. There are many and varied tours, all a perfect way to sample some of the most beautiful scenery Thailand has to offer, from white sandy beaches to tropical vegetation. All fitness levels are catered for, and there will be a trip that everyone will enjoy. Sea Kayaking in Thailand is a liberating and rewarding form of transport, enabling one to escape the hordes of tourists on land, and enjoy a tranquil and unusual way to sightsee Thailand.

Tags: Adventure, Kayaking, Memorable, Thailand

Thailand Online Community Sites

Anywhere in Southeast Asia, there is no more a plague in computer literacy. The onset of modern technology is very much embraced into their culture and more specially in bridging its gaps from the rest of the world. More and more, leeway is built to link the East to the West, and vice versa. One of the nations joining the bandwagon is the Land of the Free, Thailand.

Yes, the nation known for the Siamese cat, the Mekong River and its tropical scenery is in fact an active social community that communicates well with the world through the advent of Internet and technology. Thailand online communities have sprung all throughout these years to cater to this growing demand.

An online community is a virtual community, and is one medium to promote active social networking through real time chat and private messaging, blogs, online flirting and match making. Through these various tools, one may interact with someone else, from his or her local area of from any part in the world.

In Thailand, social online networking is made possible by a great variety of Thailand Online Community Sites that connect Thailanders to each other, and to the rest of the world. Some of the most visited sites are very popular and well known. The mentioned sites host one of the most popular portals to communicate with natural Thai beauties and bachelors.

For example, thailandwebzone.com is a free social networking, sharing and dating site that features personals, blogs, photos, date finders, private messaging, chatrooms and in-site mailing that seeks to introduce the Thailand culture and its people, boys and girls, alike to the world. Their DateMate is the prime element of their site, which enables on-the-spot matchmaking for those who are looking for lifetime partners or virtual friends. This part of the website is not free, however, for those who are intending to initiate contact with fellow-members that they may fancy.

Some of Thailand community sites have a variety of tools for its members. Its features include Profile Voting, Journaling, In-Site Private Messaging, Chatrooms, and Event Announcements. This website has about 51,555 members, from Thailand and all over the globe. Well, apparently, it makes it possible to span oceans and miles to make people meet and find new friends and lovers. This is a free site upon registration but may require paid memberships for more optimized tools.

Also, you can find some other sites that may be the most interactive, fun and funky one. It prides itself with embedded flash games in many different fields, also forums, blogs, videos, music, as well as private messaging and real time chat. At the same time, it is quite inviting as it promises an incentive point, which may be redeemable through cash or items, for every activity done within the site. Thailand Online Community Sites may grow in the next couple of years, considering the popularity it enjoys and the coming of newer technology snippets that seem to improve online community sites endlessly.

Tags: Community, Online, Sites, Thailand

The Kingdom of Thailand

Why are so many people fascinated from this kingdom? Maybe because it was never colonized by the Europeans and therefore remained original and unique without the dominating influence of European culture or language (colonialism). Speaking in geographical terms Thailand’s surface area makes a large part of South East Asia. Its territory extends from the Himalaya foothill to the Malayan peninsula, also embracing the Golf of Thailand. If people see this on a map Thailand’s territory often reminds them of an elephant’s feature. Altogether Thailand has a surface are of about 513.000 square kilometers.

But surely it is not the elephant’s shape on the map which influences so many people to travel to Thailand. The northern part of the kingdom is very hilly. There you have a very dry climate in summer and people who live there a very poor since agriculture is nearly impossible due to the lack of rain. But the central part and south east coast of Thailand are completely different. Here you have a humid climate because of the Golf of Thailand which surrounds this part of the country. The average temperature is about 18° Celsius.

When tourists decide to travel to Thailand they will not think about the seasons of the year but check how many rain there is for example from June to September when it’s monsoon time. In the months before monsoon there are the highest temperatures of the year – quite often around 40° Celsius. So when you like cooler temperatures and not so many rain you should decide to travel between November and February.

Now what can you see in Thailand? It’s a very colorful country. First of all you have the impressive capital Bangkok (the Thais call it Krung Trep) with its fascinating mixture of tradition and modernism. No problem to walk the streets of Bangkok and see a Buddhist monk talking with his mobile.

Tags: Kingdom, Thailand

Health Tourism in Thailand

Private healthcare in the West is notoriously expensive, for some, prohibitively so. Commonplace medical items like dentistry or health check ups are high-priced, while surgery and major operations can completely bankrupt many individuals. Thus, the rapidly-growing practice of traveling across international borders to obtain healthcare.

Many have found their solutions in Thailand, spurring a trend in “health tourism” within the country. Why Thailand? Because the Thai medical profession is one of the most advanced in the region. Thailand’s hospitals and clinics are world class. Investments in equipment and management standards are so high that major hospitals are “internationally accredited”.

The following are some “ball park” cost comparisons. The cost of surgery can be one-tenth of what it is in the United States or Western Europe, and sometimes even less. A heart-valve replacement that would cost $200,000 or more in the US, for example, goes for $10,000 and that includes round-trip airfare and a brief vacation package. Similarly, a metal-free dental bridge worth $5,500 in the US costs around $500. A knee replacement in Thailand with six days of physical therapy costs about one-fifth of what it would in the US. Lasik eye surgery worth $3,700 in the US is available for around $730. In the US cataract surgery for one eye runs around $8,000, but at a prestigious International hospital in Thailand cataract surgery can be performed on both eyes for around $2,500. Cosmetic surgery savings are even greater: A full facelift that would cost $20,000 in the US runs about $1,200. A thorough dental cleaning and checkup runs around $10.00.

Tourists are drawn to Thailand for many reasons – tropical beauty, splendid beaches, and a fascinating culture. Now however, health is yet another reason that lures visitors to the kingdom. Thailand has become the spa capital of Asia. The country abounds in health clubs and spas, and offers an incredible amount of sporting activities, everything from golfing to scuba diving, and from biking to cave exploring.

Thai Airlines features what is known as Royal Orchid Holidays. Medical checkups, has become so important, Royal Orchid Holidays has added medical checkups to its package tours. It’s an unusual theme for a package tour, perhaps, but a very practical one, giving travelers the opportunity to have a comprehensive medical checkup while they are in Thailand for business or pleasure. Quality healthcare combined with a tourism holiday at a low price attracts patients from all over the world.

On the medical side, an Internet search of the International hospitals in Bangkok will provide all the information necessary regarding medical procedures available and the related costs. While the list is long, to start, your search should include the popular Bumrungrad Hospital, Bangkok Hospital, Samitivej Hospital, and Bangkok Nursing Home Hospital. They are all internationally accredited hospitals.

On the tourism side, Thailand is known as The Land of Smiles. It is often referred to as the most exotic country in Southeast Asia. In Bangkok a visit to the Grand Palace is a must see. Trips to a floating market or to the Bridge on the River Kwai, or other popular destinations, are easily arranged and inexpensive, even with a personal driver. A short flight or overnight train trip and you can be enjoying the pristine beaches in the Southern Islands or the Northern mountains with its waterfalls, elephants bathing in mountain streams, and Hill Tribe villages.

Consider Health Tourism in Thailand. You will readily see that you can have a medical procedure, and a wonderful holiday, all at less cost that you would have paid for the medical procedure alone in the West.

Tags: Health, Thailand, Tourism

Swimming With Dolphins in Thailand

About swim with dolphins in Thailand

What to expect…

Many people dream of swimming with dolphins, there are two ways to do this. One is to plan a wild dolphin expedition. This is the best way to experience dolphins in their natural environment. It is an expensive thing to plan, and there are no gaurantees that you will find the dolphins there. You may have to go again each day until you find them.

Another way to get the chance to swim with dolphins is at a dolphin aquarium or dolphin park. There are many sea world and aqua parks around the world, USA, the Bahamas, Mexico or other busy tourist locations.

In thailand there is only one Sea World, “Oasis Sea World” where this “swim with dolphins” dream can easily be turned into reality in the picturesque costal town of Laem Sing in Chantaburi province, Eastern Thailand.

The atmosphere at Oasis sea world is one of good spirit and family fun. The dolphins seem to really enjoy the work at the training shows. The swimming sessions are 1 hour, which depending on how busy the park is, means you can have an up close and personal “swimming with dolphins” experience.

The water is cloudy at Oasis Sea World, not bright blue like you might imagine. This is not because it is dirty, but actually there to provide a natural environment for the pink bottlenose dolphins, and for the irrawaddy blue dolphins. Also the natural algae in the water helps to provide a filter for the UV sun rays which can be harmful, especially for the pink bottlenose dolphins

In contrast to the more famous sea parks, such as in america, Oasis sea world does not look as grand or as well polished. But here they provide a great opportunity to swim with the dolphins, and an easy way to do it without having to cost the earth. Perhaps after swimming with the dolphins in Thailand, it will help you to decide whether or not to plan a more adventurous swimming with wild dolphins holiday.

And so, all in all, swimming with dolphins in thailand is great fun, safe, and easy to arrange. If you are already in Thailand, or you are planning a trip, then be sure to consider Oasis Sea World in your plans. Also Laem Sing Beach, and Chanthaburi are nice places to visit. So have a look at the available accommodation and consider staying one night. You might decide to stay longer!

Is it cruel?

Of course the debate will continue for ever, and we dont want to start a heated discussion here.  But in an obvious way it can be said that wild animals belong in the wild and should not be made a spectacle of in a zoo or aquarium.

I have been to many different animal shows here in Thailand. Elephants, Tigers, Crocodiles, and the Dolphins.Nearly all of these places left me feeling sorry for the animals involved and angry at the peopl who were profiting from their exploitation. 

However, at Oasis sea world the dolphins are mainly rescued animals which have been involved in fishing or other accidents. The dolphins look happy and to be enjoying the training shows and the interaction with people. There have been no dolphin mortalities there other than natural causes. It is a fact that dolphins and other sea mammals in captivity usually have a high mortality rate due to physical and emotional depression and lack of care. 

When I see the dolphins playing and interacting with the staff and the public, it brings me a sense of joy, which I have rarely felt at any other animal show. Theres no hiding it, the dolphins here are having a whale of a time!

Anyway. If you would like to swim with the dolphins in Thailand here is how…

1) Go to www.swimwithdolphinsthailand.com

2) Reserve your tickets online and arrange accomodation and transport on this website.

3) Confirm your booking by making payment with PAYPAL or secure online credit card.

4) Wait for your eTickets and Travel/Accommodation vouchers.

5) Get down to Laem Sing, Chanthaburi Thailand on the day and exchange the eTickets for the entrance to Oasis sea world for swimming with dolphins and the dolphins training show.

Other Notes:

The restaurant at Oasis Sea World is quite good, there is a good selection of Thai food and drinks. If you would like western food, then get down to Laem Sing Beach and find “Marine Cafe” near to Siri Hotel.

Accommodation.

See www.swimwithdolphinsthailand.com about booking great value accommodation in Laem Sing Chanthaburi, Thailand.

Tags: Dolphins, Swimming, Thailand

「ＦＵＪＩＹＡＭＡ」 THAILAND PART1

「ＦＵＪＩＹＡＭＡ］ JAPANESE TV travel to thailand

Tags: PART1, Thailand, 「ＦＵＪＩＹＡＭＡ」