Considering Casino Gambling The recent announcements by PM Samak and several other high-ranking government officials that the Administration will push for the legalization of casino gambling in tourist areas like Pattaya, Phuket and several others has put this issue back on the front burner of public discussion. It really should have been anticipated that the PPP would raise the legalization of gambling as a means of raising revenues now going to illegal games and to other ASEAN countries. Former PM Thaksin Shinowatra had backed legalizing casinos before he was overthrown in the September, 2006 coup, and the current PM has spoken out in favor of legal gaming several times over the course of his career, dating back some 30 years.
What in the World is "Key Money"? Or, why should I have to pay so much for a key…If you’ve read ads for businesses for sale in the Pattaya area, you've no doubt noticed that a typical listing will say “Price is 1.5 million baht plus 200,000 baht key money", or "Key Money of 500,000 baht is included in the price". Some ads may neglect to mention "key money"…but don’t imagine for a minute that you’re going to get away without paying it.
VISAS & PERMITS REQUIRE PROFESSIONALISM - Getting It Right The First Time Is Important If you are lucky enough to meet an expat who has lived in Thailand for many decades, take the time to get to know them, as there is much to be learned from listening to their advice. I was fortunate, when I chose to reside in a guest house with such a gentleman when I first arrived in the Kingdom many years ago, and the advice that he gave me on day-to-day living saved me many a headache.
