Thai temple

It is the end of an era in Thailand. Political changes occur rapidly in SE Asia. Nowhere is that more evident than inside the Land of Smiles. In the wake of the John Karr / JonBenet Ramsey fiasco, Thailand has tightened restrictions on Tourism Visas and stymied the lives of tens of thousands of travelers. Officials claim the two are not connected.

For many years now, backpackers have flocked to Thailand. It’s tropical climate, gentle citizens, inviting beaches and ease of travel beckon youthful exuberance. Over time, many of us have matured to suitcases and still less-stylish travelers followed suit.

During these Golden Years of Thai travel visitors form 39 countries could enter the Kingdom of Thailand for thirty days without obtaining a visa before their arrival. Those staying on longer would simply make a border run, cross out of the country and return, often within minutes. Whish! Stamp! Boom! They had another thirty days.

Currently details of the new regulations are as clear as mud in an unlit cave. It appears starting October 1, 2006, travelers such as myself will be able to make a maximum of two border runs. We receive thirty days on arrival. Then, we receive thirty days each for the two reentries. After that we may not enter Thailand again for ninety days. In other words, after ninety days in, we must leave for ninety days. Whish! Stamp! Stamp! Out!

The tourism industry will suffer! From taxi drivers and guest houses, to massage schools and laundry services, the impact will be felt. I imagine a Tuk Tuk driver will look up this January and think, “Hey, where’d everybody go?” I like to believe the cumulative economic loss will be more than the Kingdom fathoms and policies will loosen again over time. I also still hang a Christmas stocking up for myself.

Alongside Thais, how are long-term travelers being affected by the changes? If you think the inconvenience to individuals is negligible, consider the following. Here are some examples.

Donald Wood - UK
“My sister and her family were to spend February in Thailand with me. They have canceled their trip. Why? Because, I’ll be out for ninety days by then.”

Kelly Laidlaw - USA
“I paid for a one month TEFL Course and two months ‘volunteer’ teacher training on Samui next year. That’s three months total. I lose days from each 30 day allotment, because I have to do my visa border runs on weekend (to not miss class). This is what I’m left with. I leap into Thailand the day before class starts and sprint for Samui. Then, I fly out the day after I finish teaching/graduate. Perhaps a prospective school can interview me in the Tuk Tuk on the way to the airport.”

Claude DeVosjoli - France
“I had many plans for my six months- sure to travel, but more. I’m always doing something. Mahout training, an expansive meditation experience, maybe I learn to cook Thai. And, there’s trekking, Muay Thai courses There’s so much to do here. Now I can do only half. Half lose my francs. It’s so hard to choose.”

Barry Anderson - Australia
“Funny thing is Burma (a.k.a. Myanmar) lost business because of the Thai regs. I wanted to hop over there bouts for a week mid-November. Can’t now. That would use up one of my precious two visa runs early. Don’t wanna torch thirteen days I figure.”

Kathy Taylor - Canada
“I sold my home to come to SE Asia for a couple years. The thinking was I would maintain a small apartment in Chiang Mai, take some classes, travel around a bit and have a place to nest and write in between. Now when I travel to other countries it will go lock, stock and barrel, along with my tourism dollars for many months.”

Alan McLawrie - UK
“I’m currently taking classes to learn to speak Thai. I’ll miss the third level now. Of course, I’ll be off in Vietnam not able to practice what I just learned anyway. Also, I volunteer at a dog rescue and will miss the pups. I’m financially independent, yet too young to meet the 50 year old requirement for a Retirement Visa here. Officials actually said this new law will stop bad people and not hurt good people. Well, if financially successful, charitable volunteers who study their culture are bad guys, send me to the front of the line.”

Anita Kroll - USA
“This change is a bit of a pickle for me. I have a three month course this spring. So, in December when my 90 is up, I have to leave Thailand for almost four months, not three. I’ll need the whole next lot of ninety days to cover my class time. The course starts in late April and I’m out in December. I wish there had been more notice before the government changed things, though in retrospect I did not have to pay in advance.”

As you see there are dozens of ways Thailand’s new policies will cause little inconveniences. But, how little are they? You see, I am Anita. I am Alan. I am Kathy, Barry, Kelly, Donald and even Claude DeVosjoli. All these issues occurred for just one peaceful gal who simply loves Thailand. What else do these issues have in common? That’s easy. They take money away (Whish!) from the Kingdom of Thailand and its citizens.

Nola L. Kelsey is the author of Bitch Unleashed: The Harsh Realities of Goin’ Country and coauthor of the scathing political satire Keeping the Masses Down. To read more of Kelsey’s work, visit her rarely up-to-date website at: http://www.nolakelsey.com

Tags: asia, book, changes, guides, lonely planet, Nola Kelsey, SE, thailand, tourism, travel, visa, visasasia, book, changes, guides, lonely planet, Nola Kelsey, SE, thailand, tourism, travel, visa, visas

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Yes, you CAN retire on $50USD a day!

Although it may be crass to say, MONEY is everything in this world-by having money, you have the FREEDOM to do most anything you want. You’re fortunate to live in the West where you have the opportunity to earn and save sufficient capital to last a lifetime. Even if you don’t have a lot, most Western countries’ governments will guarantee a monthly income (pension) of around $1,000 (USD) beginning in your early 60s.

And while not much in your home town, it is A LOT in Pattaya, Thailand.

Here’s what I mean:

Sample monthly budget based on $50 day-

Housing (including ALL utilities)-$300
Food-$180
Transport-$20
Entertainment-$500
Misc/Everything else-$500

Not bad, eh! 1/3 of your budget is going towards entertainment which is A LOT of SANOOK (fun) in Pattaya!

While our budget of $50 a day exceeds the $1,000 monthly pension mentioned, a little tweaking in the entertainment or miscellaneous categories could bring it in-line. Or, having $100,000 in savings at 6% yields $500 per month thus putting you at the $50 figure.

Note that didn’t factor a ’separate’ travel fund for the annual trip back to your home country. Inevitably you’ll need to back, so ensure you plan for it.

Now if you’re too young for a pension, their is hope!

If have around $350,000USD saved, you’ve hit the mark, assuming a 6% return on your money.

And DON’T be discouraged if you’re too young for a pension and short on money–consider ’semi-retirement’.

Make a plan to spend six months or so a year in Pattya, Thailand and the balance working in your home country. This is the ‘having your cake and eating it too’ strategy!

Go to http://www.retire-to-pattaya-thailand.com for more INSIDER information on retiring to Pattaya, Thailand.

John Galt is the nome de plume of a frequent Southeast Asian traveler and writer. He’s the creator of the http://www.retire-to-pattaya-thailand.com website, and the author of the Internet’s ONLY newsletter devoted to Pattaya, Thailand retirement.

Tags: asia, bangkok, Cheap, holiday, Pattaya, retire, retirement, save, thailand, travel, vacationasia, bangkok, Cheap, holiday, Pattaya, retire, retirement, save, thailand, travel, vacation

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Burmese Pythons have long been a favourite among reptile keepers. Their large size and excellent temperament has made them a very popular pet snake. Unfortunately, for many keepers their sheer size eventually proves too much. They often become very tame with handling, but are aggressive feeders. Adult females can grow to over 20ft, more commonly 15-16ft. This is a formidable force coming at you if they smell food. Burmese pythons make wonderful captives if they are given the right conditions; they are the real gentle giants of the snake world, but must never be under-estimated and should be treated with great respect.

For lovers of these huge pythons who cannot afford the space that they need, there are exciting projects in progress which may alter your decisions. Dwarf Burmese Pythons were imported into the UK and USA for the first time in 2003. They occur from a small off-shore Island in South East Asia and grow to a maximum of 7feet. Adult males have bred at just 4feet, and females at 5feet. They have an almost identical appearance to their larger cousins, and youngsters will tame easily. The unfortunate side however, is their current price range.

Housing

When keeping any snake as a pet, you generally want to be able to view the snake from the outside of its enclosure, in the most natural surroundings you can offer. This will be more aesthetically pleasing and also aid in the general condition of the snake. If the snake likes its surroundings, it will have a better feeding response and generally grow quicker. A larger vivarium also offers more interest to the snake’s life, and by adding branches and other natural products you will enhance the quality of life the snake has, and stop it from becoming lethargic and overweight. Also, being stronger it should have more of a resistance to any viral infections or any other problems that it may encounter later in life.

For an adult Burmese python, a vivarium 3m Length x 1m Width x 1.5m Height is ample. These pythons are one of a few species which are generally not worried about the size of their enclosure. The more room you can provide; the better. Many keepers decide to dedicate a whole room to their beloved python. Other keepers may decide to use a corner of a room as the back walls and ceiling of the enclosure, and simply build 2 front walls. This will cut down the costs of building and allow for a larger space for the python.

Snake enclosures can be made from a number of materials. Most commonly used is a melamine coated wood which covers all sides except the front, which has glass sliding doors. Aquariums can also be used for juvenile Burmese Pythons, although a specialist lid should be bought or made rather than the original aquarium lid. It is essential when thinking about what type of enclosure you use, you think about these 6 ‘SSSHHH’ factors:

1) Safety - Can the snake or owner injure itself from the enclosure or any appliances held within?

2) Secure - Can the snake escape through any small hole or cavity?

3) Size - Will the enclosure be appropriately sized?

4) Heating - Is the enclosure able to regulate the temperature properly?

5) Humidity - Will the enclosure last well in humid conditions? Is there enough ventilation for the moisture to escape?

6) Hygienic - Will the enclosure build up a lot of bacteria in small cavities? Is it easy to clean?

By following the steps above, you can have a suitable enclosure made from a variety of materials.

D

Tags: asia, bivittatus, Burma, burmese, china, large, molurus, pet, python, snake, thailandasia, bivittatus, Burma, burmese, china, large, molurus, pet, python, snake, thailand

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