A Brief Description of Thailand Food and Thailand Culture

Thailand food
It is beyond any doubt that food is a part of any gathering, thus, becoming the part of social occasions or itself the reason to celebrate. Normally, as per the western culture, a normal meal in any restaurant consists of starter, main course and then dessert. But in Thailand, the custom is a bit different with regard to Thailand food, as there is no single dish for a single person. As a general, all present in a gathering share the same dish together. So, it's better to have many guests together around the table than to enjoy with one or two as eating alone is considered a bad luck in the country.

One of the good things about Thai food is that they never dispose away the leftover food, as they consider it inauspicious and an enraging act to a female deity, 'God of rice'. Generally there are four seasonings in Thailand food- sweet, sour, salty and spicy. The food is satisfied only if it contains all the four tastes. Thai dinner mostly include meat, fish, noodles, vegetables and soup followed by desserts including fresh fruits and colorful rice cakes. Besides meals, there are snackers consisting of chicken or beef satay, spring rolls, salads, raw vegetable with spicy dips and sweets.

Thailand culture
Thailand culture is highly influenced by Buddhism in addition to some influence of Hinduism and other Southeast Asian neighbor. Thai art is the main item included in Thai Culture. Buddha image is the main constituent in different period having distinctive styles. At present, there is a fusion of traditional art with modern techniques. India has also laid much influence on Thailand literature. It includes the most notable work, Ramakien, the version of Indian epic, Ramayana. The poetry of Sunthorn Phu is also quite famous in Thailand.

Spoken drama is not given any importance in Thailand, but instead there is Thai dance, divided into three categories- Lakhon, Likay and Khon. A form of shadow pay, Nang Drama, is popular among southern Thailand. Folk music and classical music both are have their significance in addition to pop music.

Apart from it, one of the common customs included in Thailand is Wai, a common gesture that is similar to Indian Namaste. The hospitable and generous people of Thailand pay a lot of respect and homage to their elders, as it is the core of their faith and spiritual belief. Seeking blessings from the elders is considered important mark of respect.

Pratumnak Hill Pattaya - Holiday Rentals Close to the Beach

Pattaya is made up of lots of smaller parts such as Naklua, Wongamat, Jomrien and Pratumnak.

Until 10 or so years ago Pratumnak was really just a piece of land between Pattaya and Jomtien. Now it is one of the most sought after property locations in Pattaya.

Why? Being located on a hill and between Jomtien and Pattaya Pratumnak has a beach front which boasts clean sandy beaches with views of Koh Larn island. Today many people choose to stay here on holiday to enjoy the beach with out the hassle of Pattaya. It could be said that Pratumnak has its own village community. Yet being close enough to Pattaya to enjoy all the fun and excitement but also being a retreat to relax in.

Pratumnak has many modern apartments and houses for rent and sale with views across to the islands. Also what makes Pratumnak exclusive is the Royal Cliff Resort which has royal patronage.

Something worth considering; Because Pratumnak has become so popular there is a lot of construction of new apartments taking place. Before renting make sure to ask if there is any building work near by. Please do not think Pratumnak is one big building site; because its not but there are hot spots of construction.

Interesting land marks are: Buddha hill and the View point. The View point is where every picture you have ever seen of Pattaya bay has been taken from. From here you can watch the sun set into the sea. Best to arrive there at about 6:05PM. Why 6:05PM? Because at 6:00PM the Thai national anthem is played and you will be expected to stand and listen in respect. If you carry on walking and talking expect to get shouted at by one of the naval personnel there. The Royal Thai navy has a weather station there. Also at the top of the View point is a statue of Admiral Prince Abhakara Kiartiwongse. The father of the modern Thai navy. He studied naval warfare in Great Britain in the 19th century.

Pratumnak is easy to get to. From Walking Street in Pattaya it is no more than a couple of minutes away by motor bike taxi. Or you can walk there along Bali Hi to the light house. From Jomtien you turn left at the top of Thappraya road and your there. Thappraya road is the main road that links Pattaya to Jomtien. In fact many years ago it was the main road into Pattaya. But that was many years ago. Pattaya today has changed beyond all recognition since then.

Although considered a relatively exclusive area property rentals are not outrageous. With studio apartments starting from 16,000Baht a month and Villa rental at 40,000Baht.
Getting around is easy as there are many Baht Buses running back and forth from Pattaya. Or hire a motor bike! But please wear your crash helmet. Just because you're on holiday doesn't mean to say you can forget basic road safety.

If you're thinking about staying in Pattaya then Pratumnak is worth considering.

For more information about Jomtien and Pattaya please contact enquiries@thaiholidayhomes.com

Thai Bar Girls - Some Friendly Advice

Alright, I'm a relatively young guy (mid-twenties) who's currently living in Thailand. I'm here training Muay Thai and the gym that I'm living at is located in Patong - which is the "nightlife hotspot" in Phuket. However, my experience is not only limited to Phuket as I was also living and training in Pattaya for about 3 months last year.

Anyway, since I'm a long term resident here and the girls don't really view me as much of an income source, they sort of befriend me and let me in on their "hustle" - which is tricking guys into sending them money. Basically, I'm the guy that sees what goes on and how your "girlfriends" behave once you say your goodbye's and head for the departure gate at the airport.

Now, before I go any further, I'll take a minute to point out that not all of the girls have bad intentions. Some of them are actually truthful and loyal, and I obviously can't stereotype every single girl in a country with a population of about 64 million People. But what I can do is give my comments, but keep in mind, I'm on the Thai bar girls and Thai women do not belong as a whole.

The girls working in bars usually much younger than the guys who fall in love with them. Are you working in bars for a reason, and earn money to return to their families back home - this is usually somewhere in Issan. If you end your friends say goodbye and go home, there is a 100 percent chance that theywill remain in the bars unless you send her money every month.

Of course, sending her money on a monthly basis doesn't buy her loyalty. A lot of these girls do an excellent job at making you believe that they genuinely love you and that you're the only one. The problem is that they're doing the same thing to multiple guys at once and oftentimes, they're stringing you all through the mud.

The internet cafes in either Pattaya or Patong become pretty interesting at around 3 in the morning. You know, because this is when the girls get home from work (the ones who didn't end up going with a "customer" that is) and they all sign into MSN to chat with their "boyfriends".

Oftentimes, I'll be working in there and it's not uncommon for me to see a girl with around 4 chat boxes going at once. However, the real sneaky girls will focus on each of their "sponsors" one on one. They will give each of them their undivided attention until they make up an excuse (usually that they're going to bed) and end the conversation.

Once they end the conversation, they will move onto the next guy (either unblock them) or switch accounts entirely. The best is when I overhear the girls ask the guys for money. It's always some sort of unexpected emergency too. You know, something like "My friend go Bangkok and take all money. Now I cannot pay for room" (of course, that's word for word how they would sound, broken English and all).

So, it begs the question. If the girls already have money coming in every month, why do they still work in the bars? Well, there's a few reasons. They realize that they're not going to remain young forever and there's a lot of pressure on them to provide for their families. They're not going to "put all of their eggs in one basket" so to speak by relying on only one guy. Rather, they're going to keep working in the bars, keep meeting foreign men and keep on trying to reel them in for long term income. After all, 5 income sources is better than 1, right?

And of course, as much as you hate to think about it, a lot of these girls will even go with guys for free while you're sending them money each month. With their income sources (you and whoever else is sending them money), they can afford it and it's foolish to think that they're not interested in younger, more physically attractive guys. It's only natural.

I've met girls here who actually work in the bars by choice (although most don't like it) and the reason they do so is because they're bored back at home. The longer they've been here, the greater the chance that they will want to stay because they lay down roots (make friends etc.). So, here's my advice to you guys who come here looking for love. First of all, you're probably looking in the wrong places (the bars) but if you insist on doing so, then I recommend that if you're going to open your heart (and your wallets) to one of these girls, you should find one who is very new on the scene.

The longer she's been here, the more hardened she will become. It's not so much about how long she's been here, but rather, if she's been "burned". And by "burned", I mean had her heart broken. If you get to her early, you can certainly be the guy that "saves" her. But if not, well, your heart and bank account will both be hurting by the end of your relationship.

Thailand Famous Tourist Attractions

Thailand has become one of the best known and most popular attractions for tourists from all over the world. E 'offered only for its beautiful landscape and many attractions for tourists. Many attractions can be found throughout the country and each of them unique in itself, which has also tourists with interesting knowledge about Thai culture.

In Thailand there are a large number of Buddhist temples, which tourists can visit to learn about thenational religion of Thailand. For Bangkok, it is the capital city of the country where there are many important temples situated around the city. One of the most important temples is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, where a Buddhist image made from a large Emerald is kept. All important issues about Royal family and country will be held within this temple. The temple of Dawn is also in Bangkok on the bank of the Chao Phraya River, where one can see a very beautiful ancient architectural art within the temple. There are many more temples throughout the country, which each of them has an amazing story and background.

For people interested in watching live sport, Bangkok is the home to the two largest Thai Boxing stadiums, or Muay Thai stadiums. Muay Thai has become a popular sport around the world and the best fighters in the world appear in Lumpini and Rajadamneorn stadiums. The stadiums hold weekly matches which most of famous and best fighters will be appeared in these two stadiums. There are many boxing schools teaching Muay Thai to interested people.

Another popular activity of tourist is water activities. Thailand is so well known for the home of many beautiful beaches throughout the country, where tourists can go swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, or sun bathing on nice white sandy beaches. At the same time, tourists can enjoy buying things from local venders who sell delicious fruit, local foods, and souvenirs on the beach. Samui, Phuket, Pattaya and Hua Hin are some of great tourist destinations for having beautiful beaches and relax atmosphere that tourists are looking for.

Moreover, Thailand is also a great place for nightlife. Most entertainment venues are closed very late. Some of them may be opened until dawn for parties. There are lots of famous DJs and high-quality musicians, and other entertainers that perform in the numerous nightclubs in the most popular tour sites throughout the country.

Thailand has got so many things to offer to tourists or holiday makers. It has become one of popular tourist destinations which are waiting for tourists to visit and discover the beauty of the country and its uniqueness. Thus, don't forget to visit Thailand "The Land of Smile" for the next time you are planning a vacation!

Pattaya Hotels - Abode of Tranquility

Pattaya, which symbolize 'south-west monsoon wind', is a city in the Chonburi Province of Thailand. Acclaimed internationally as one of the best well-known seaside resorts it is a land of stark comparisons and fine mixes. While you can see high rises towering the sky on one hand, you can find a number of scenic beaches on the other. In the morning the beauty of the rising sun attracts travelers, while in the night the happening city life holds an array of surprises for all. A paradise for exotic land and sea-based sports, this tourist city, is located on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand. To promote tourism and to live up to the different needs of the guests you can spot a number of hotels dotted all along the city. All the Pattaya hotels ensure a memorable vacation to all its travelers.

All the islands and the beaches of Pattaya have turned themselves to be thriving grounds for tourism industry in the city. The Pattaya Beaches like the Jomtien and the islands of Ko Lan and others are nestled with a number of hotels and resorts. All these hotels offer endless opportunity for indulging in varied sports activity. Again there are many hotels that are located close to the center. There are also a good number of hotels in North, South and central Pattaya. The Sukhumvit Road coastal highway, one of the main means of public transportation, has several hotels located along it.

Vacationers can soak in complete fun in the exquisite beaches or can walk along the promenade to purchase the local handicrafts. As travelers with varied taste, preference and needs visit the city there are many types of hotels. Money also plays an important role in the selecting a hotel. Travelers can choose from one of the budget hotels as well as the luxurious resorts in Pattaya. While the budget hotels usually require no advance bookings most of the luxurious hotels offer tourists with on-line booking facility.

If you wish to book a room in the luxurious hotels of Pattaya but your pocket does not permit you then, book a room during the off- peak season when the prices are low. Usually during the off- peak season a good number of hotels offer discount. Some of the famous hotel chains have hotels and resorts in this city. Pattaya is one of the exotic destinations to plan your honeymoon. There are special honeymoon suites in several hotels. Apart from these there are number of spa resorts that offer exclusive treatments.

Most of the hotels in Pattaya, Thailand offer lavishly decorated rooms and suites. Some of the hotels also have rooms meant for the business travelers with facilities that can help them to do their professional work. Most of the hotels have on-site restaurants and bars to satiate your culinary delights. The business facilities together with the well equipped conference rooms attract business travelers. Apart from these there are also a number of recreational facilities.

Getting Around Pattaya - Songthaew

Otherwise known as Baht Buses, these are essentially nothing more than pickup trucks that have been converted into buses to ferry tourists around the city from various attraction points, and to and from their Pattaya hotels. While other cities in Thailand offer tuk-tuks as a form of transportation, for the most part they do not exist in this city, outside of a few privately operated examples that you can hire to pick you up outside of your Pattaya hotel and take you wherever you want to go throughout the city.

There are anywhere from 800 to 1,000 songthaews in operation around Pattaya, all of them coloured dark blue and easily recognizable. While the official bus fare is five baht for trips within the city itself, expect to pay more as a foreigner given the fact that there is a distinct rate difference between local fares and foreign fares. While you do not necessarily need to know the exact change, it can reduce potential hassles to a minimum, as sometimes you can run into drivers who either do not have change or will expect you to go to another vendor somewhere along the street in order to get exact change. Flat fees only apply when the bus is operating as a public transportation method, so if you see one that is empty and parked along the roadside, you could mistakenly give the driver the impression that you are looking to charter the entire songthaew for travel around the city or to your Pattaya hotel, in which case you could find yourself paying significantly more depending on your negotiating skills.

The busiest route is the beach circuit from the Pattaya hotels in that district, ranging from the junction of Second Road and South Pattaya Road and north along Second Road to the Dolphin Circle roundabout, then along the full length of Beach Road before it heads east along South Pattaya Road to complete the circuit. Because the service is nonstop you can easily find transportation even in the middle of the night when everyone else is sleeping. While the routes can vary from time to time, depending on whether or not the driver has decided to pick up a single fare for a taxi ride, for the most part the routes stay the same, other than little jaunts down side streets that you are not expected to pay extra for. If you feel that you have been overcharged by a driver, there is always a three digit vehicle number in the top left of the windshield which you can then report to the police or city manager, as well as the district bus cooperative. However, the chances of this happening are fairly rare as the fares are very cheap and dishonesty is incredibly unlikely.

How Can a Foreigner Finance a Property in Thailand?

Foreigners generally cannot obtain a mortgage from local Thai banks to finance the purchase of their Thailand property investment. Most of the financial institutions in Thailand provide loans for real estate purchases to Thais and Thai Companies.

In recent years Bangkok Bank (Singapore) has had a loan program for foreigners with qualification being very similar to that in the west. You complete an application, submit proof of income, tax returns and other documentation. With this program, buyers can finance up to 70% of the purchase price of the home. The problem with this program is that it has not been consistently offered, and as of this writing the program has been suspended.

In some resort areas such as Pattaya, local banks have begun to design loan programs for foreigners who live and work in Thailand. Kasikorn Bank, for example, allows foreigners who possess a work permit for 2 or more years to obtain mortgage financing for up to 50% of the value of the subject property. This program was just launched early 2010.

With the current global financial situation you are best to explore your options directly with Kasikorn Bank, Bangkok Bank (Singapore) and other lending institutions to determine the existing status of any loan programs which may be available for foreigners.

If you cannot get a Thailand mortgage to buy your dream property in Thailand, don't worry. Several options are available to you.

Developer Financing

Developer financing has become more prevalent in Thailand over the past two years. Deals ranging from 2-year to 10-year financing are available to buyers of new Thailand houses and condos. These financing deals are available directly from the developers. As a result, the structure of each deal varies.

An example of such a program is The Meadows, a housing project in Pattaya. The developer offers 50% 3-year financing at 8% per annum. Although the loan term for this and other programs is not as long as conventional mortgages in the US and Europe, such programs are useful.

Be leery of offers for "free financing" or "0% interest". Obviously the purchase price under these scenarios has been inflated to cover the cost of capital to the developer. It's best to negotiate the best possible purchase price then negotiate the financing deal separate from the price. Make sure you have a clear indication of the market and market prices before agreeing to a financing arrangement.

Seller Financing

Individual property owners have recently become more open to extending financing to buyers of Thailand houses and condos as a means to stimulate interest in their resale property. Under such an arrangement, the buyer and seller sign both a purchase and sale agreement and a promissory note.

If you are working with a real estate agent, let them know you require financing. They will likely have some inventory of properties where sellers are extending payment terms. If you are negotiating directly with the seller, simply ask them if they are willing to accept payment terms for a defined period and rate of interest.

As with developer financing, negotiate the purchase price separate from the terms and conditions of the loan. Important to note is the fact that the seller will continue to hold the title deed (Chanote) to the property until the loan repayment is made in full. Make sure your lawyer reviews your deal and ensures that all documents are updated and properly safeguarded to protect your investment.

Other Options

There are generally two other options available to foreigners to finance their Thailand house or condo purchase. Historically, many foreign buyers had taken a mortgage against their property in their home countries. This is more difficult than ever given the economic crisis, yet still an option for some. Again, check with your local bank to determine what programs are available to you.

In some instances, the Thai spouse of a foreign national may qualify for a mortgage. In such event, the sale and purchase agreement (and promissory note) would be executed by the Thai spouse. If the foreign national is funding a substantial portion of the cost, the foreign national should register a long-term lease in his/her own name (with the Thai spouse as the "lessor" and the foreign national as the "lessee"). Consult with your attorney to minimize the tax implications of such an investment structure.

You may also use a lease structure to make your desired property affordable. Available structures include lease with the option to buy and long-term leases. Any lease for a term of more than three years can be registered on the title deed at the land office, thereby creating a property right in addition to a contractual right to occupy the house or condominium. Most local Thai lawyers can handle this transaction on your behalf for a small fee.

So don't worry if you cannot obtain a Thailand mortgage for the purchase of your property. There are options available to you. Work with a real estate professional to help find the best property and financing structure for you.