F B I Real Estate, Udon Thani business closing

**rickschoppers** · 10-03-2016, 05:21 PM

Originally Posted by can123

Originally Posted by rickschoppers

So if one who does not need to work, like me, does not know the specific vocations a foreigner is not allowed to partake, you call that limited?

Sorry but I don't understand this. I wanted to go to Thailand to be with my girl friend, now my wife, and qualified as an English teacher so that I could live and work there legally.

I understand that you are a pharmacist. You would only be allowed to work iin Thailand in your profession if your status was that of a key worker in a company. You could not just work as a pharmacist on your own.

Whooosh Can. I was not talking about me working as a pharmacist in Thailand since that has never been my intent.

I RETIRED to Thailand. I do not need to work. I never want to work again. Get it?

Does my statement about not knowing certain vocations are closed to foreigners make more sense now?

**can123** · 10-03-2016, 05:33 PM

Originally Posted by rickschoppers

Does my statement about not knowing certain vocations are closed to foreigners make more sense now? rickschoppers is online now Add to rickschoppers's Reputation Report Post

I am not sure. I only sought to point out that even if you were the best pharmacist on the planet, the Thai law is such that you cannot work as one in Thailand. Almost everything is prohibited as employment for aliens. Mercifully, they accept that their own English teachers are less than gifted so I can work there legally.

I will probably end up with a retirement visa but quite fancy teaching occasionally. Might be better for me to have a visa which allowed work rather than risk being accused of working while retired. By this I mean that some evil bastard might report me for working when I was not. It's all very complicated.

**rickschoppers** · 10-03-2016, 05:44 PM

And my point was I don't really care. Only those looking for jobs in Thailand need to know about what vocations they can not apply for.

Yes, best to have a work visa if you are going to work in Thailand.

**stroller** · 10-03-2016, 05:52 PM

Originally Posted by can123

Might be better for me to have a visa which allowed work rather than risk being accused of working while retired.

There is no such visa, a work permit is granted for the specific position it's been applied for only.

**can123** · 10-03-2016, 05:57 PM

Originally Posted by rickschoppers

And my point was I don't really care. Only those looking for jobs in Thailand need to know about what vocations they can not apply for.

Yes, best to have a work visa if you are going to work in Thailand.

The difficulty with being an English teacher is that Thai people who know this will use that teacher whenever they can. So, informal English lessons become part of one's life. It is for this reason that I learned very little Thai when I lived there. Everybody wanted to speak to me in English. One of my friends in Pattaya worked in one school in which he never gave formal lessons. He just had to be available all day to speak to the students.

A retirement visa, just teaching English to family members and pretending that I am German is probably the way to go.

**rickschoppers** · 10-03-2016, 06:00 PM

Sorry about drifting of topic.

F.B.I. Real Estate in Udon Thani. I would be interested in hearing why a long term real estate business had to close shop. Having lived near Udon for 10 years, I have witnessed a relative boom in building and an influx of money from both Bangkok and the Chinese. Lots of Bangkok license plates around and plenty of building. I would think that environment would be great for an established real estate business.

I can only guess the closure was due to increased competition, poor business sense or an economic pitfall. If the Thais see a business is succeeding, they will build copycat businesses right next to the successful one not realizing that this dilutes the market.

It would be interesting to hear the true story, but I doubt that will ever happen.

**Davis Knowlton** · 10-03-2016, 06:04 PM

^Likely a rich Thai, new to the business in the area, decided to work with local authorities to get rid of a successful, foreign-run competitive business. So, he invoked the 'protected field of employment' card.

Foreigner out of business, he picks up part of the market share.

**can123** · 10-03-2016, 06:07 PM

Originally Posted by rickschoppers

I can only guess the closure was due to increased competition, poor business sense or an economic pitfall. If the Thais see a business is succeeding, they will build copycat businesses right next to the successful one not realizing that this dilutes the market.

He has had to close because he cannot get an appropriat visa.

**rickschoppers** · 10-03-2016, 06:07 PM

^^
Could be Davis and as reasonable explanation as any. Just another reason not to own a business in Thailand.

**rickschoppers** · 10-03-2016, 06:09 PM

Originally Posted by can123

Originally Posted by rickschoppers

I can only guess the closure was due to increased competition, poor business sense or an economic pitfall. If the Thais see a business is succeeding, they will build copycat businesses right next to the successful one not realizing that this dilutes the market.

He has had to close because he cannot get an appropriat visa.

And you know this as fact how?

**can123** · 10-03-2016, 06:10 PM

Originally Posted by stroller

Originally Posted by can123

Might be better for me to have a visa which allowed work rather than risk being accused of working while retired.

There is no such visa, a work permit is granted for the specific position it's been applied for only.

Yes, I am fully aware of that having worked legally in the country before.

**Davis Knowlton** · 10-03-2016, 06:11 PM

^^^Most people I know who have been working under the radar, or legally - many for years - never have a problem until grassed by a local who is jealous, has a grudge, sees the foreigner as competition, or is just a dick.

^^The owner said so.

**can123** · 10-03-2016, 06:18 PM

Originally Posted by rickschoppers

And you know this as fact how?

Please pay attention. Preben said so himself. I have had dealings with him in the past.

**rickschoppers** · 10-03-2016, 06:20 PM

And you believed that is the entire story?

Sorry guys, I am not buying it, but it doesn't really matter. They are closed.

**beerlaodrinker** · 10-03-2016, 06:25 PM

Originally Posted by Dragonfly94

Bloke, German I think sells sausages from a cart outside 7/11 near us. Fancy having to do that, Thais laugh and think it's some sort of novelty, none are aware it's illegal.

indeed , I think he might be English actually. Don't know him well but bump into him occasionally when I'm in udon , he sells pies from a cart to, or used to. Well known in the sports bar and a nice bloke, seems a strange way to make a living but whatever, maybe he chooses that line of work so he to can stay in the land of snarls and it's preferable to teaching? Good luck to him if he,s flying under the radar

**thaimeme** · 10-03-2016, 06:41 PM

Originally Posted by Davis Knowlton

^Likely a rich Thai, new to the business in the area, decided to work with local authorities to get rid of a successful, foreign-run competitive business. So, he invoked the 'protected field of employment' card.

Foreigner out of business, he picks up part of the market share.

This sounds more reasonable than not and has been known to happen more often than not....especially if the said successful side has Farang implications associated.

A side note of Rick's mention of the long held copycat trend, and subsequent market saturation, would be an interesting thread in it's own standing.

The trick is plying an occupation, business, or activity that they don't have the skill or acumen to replicate - over and above jumping the hurdles of officialdom.

**thaimeme** · 10-03-2016, 06:45 PM

Originally Posted by rickschoppers

And you believed that is the entire story?

Sorry guys, I am not buying it, but it doesn't really matter. They are closed.

Yeah....I believe there is much more to this story that is being omitted or slightly covered-up.

**Davis Knowlton** · 10-03-2016, 06:47 PM

^Which is what I've done here in the security field for 16 years. I don't mess around with local security guard contracts, which is where Filipino companies make their money. And they can't do what we do. So, everyone is happy.

**beerlaodrinker** · 10-03-2016, 06:56 PM

The company I work for have operations in Thailand Lao, Myanmar and Indonesia, Malaysia, still need competent farangs to " supervise" it's not that the locals can't do the job but our company's run in a western way, eg, we don't fuk about, and we don't trust somchai 100% to not have his own agenda ?Have to jump through a few hurdles to get expats onsite in thailand but it generally isn't an issue

**beerlaodrinker** · 10-03-2016, 07:22 PM

This , from the long running udon map forum

FBI CLOSED
by FBI » March 7, 2016, 12:01 pm

It is with great sadness that I must announce that FBI is closed due to Udon Immigration, for over a year, has refused to extend my business Visa.

I'm sorry for any inconvenience it may cause.

And before some of you bloodthirsty keyboard warriors get any funny ideas, I must disappoint you, I do not escape and I have not stolen anything from anyone.

Renters and homeowners will soon be contacted individually.

Keys will be returned as soon as possible.

I am grateful for many good experiences and for the confidence that has been shown FBI through the 16 years FBI has been doing real estate business in Udon.

Preben
FBI
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FBI CLOSED
by mak » March 7, 2016, 12:59 pm

Sorry to hear that Preben. Good luck in the future.
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FBI CLOSED
by coxo » March 7, 2016, 1:06 pm

Sad news after putting in 16 solid years running a business in this difficult country. Can you let us know the reason why they would not renew your visa? Just wondering if it has to do with under the table payments or blatant anti western feelings, they have frustrated the hell out of me lately wanting tea money.
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FBI CLOSED
by mathusalah80 » March 7, 2016, 1:19 pm

Preben,
For the record, (and information of those same 'bloodthirsty warriors, to whom you have referred),we have experienced, both personal and business, differences of opinion over the past many years, and it is fair to say we are not exactly 'bosom friend's'. So this is an 'authentic' public thank you, not a 'contrived' post from one of your friends!
You have no peer as regards your expertise, knowledge and experience, in real estate matters, in this area. Also, no one can disagree that, for nearly two decades, you have provided an invaluable service to, and helped very many ex-pats, (particularly new arrivals), to overcome the many problems, and to avoid possibly disastrous pitfalls, in their search to purchase/rent a home in their new homeland. There are many expats who owe you a sincere vote of thanks, for the services you have provided.
Good luck in whatever new venture you decide to undertake.
Dennis (aka Mathusalah80).
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FBI CLOSED
by cactus » March 7, 2016, 2:26 pm

sad news indeed preben. whats there problem? good luck and thanks mate, cheers
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FBI CLOSED
by mr passout » March 7, 2016, 2:35 pm

Sorry to hear about your situation Preben.
Hope it all works out for you.
cheers Mike
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FBI CLOSED
by glalt » March 8, 2016, 6:57 pm

Hopefully, he'll be able to sell the business to a Thai.
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FBI CLOSED
by Khun Paul » March 9, 2016, 6:10 am

Preben you were there when I came and now you seem to be leaving ( well anyway the business is ). Sorry to hear about your problems with the faceless ones who cannot be named, but it is of no surprise to me. They seem to enjoy in some cases making lives miserable .
Hope to catch up with you at some juncture, take care .
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FBI CLOSED
by Leofinn48 » March 9, 2016, 7:15 pm

Hi Preben,
Very sorry to hear , that your company FBI Real Estate, is closed.
I have NO idea why some incompetent people in Udon imigration, want to close a 16 years old good running company ???
Because they don´t give Mr. Preben a new bussines visa,
FBI - and Preben , have done so many good things for Udon , many people come to Udon because they know they can
buy / rent a house from a very fair and honest man Preben / FBI.

Whish you and you family , all the best in future in Udon.

Cheers Leo
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FBI CLOSED
by oangh » March 9, 2016, 7:41 pm

WHY was you refused visa???
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FBI CLOSED
by possom » March 9, 2016, 7:57 pm

Sorry to hear the news regarding closure of FBI. I was looking forward to purchasing a house for my wife and family. I was very happy with FBI website and the price of the properties. Most of all, Preben seemed to be an experienced and trustworthy person. I hope that the Thai authorities reconsider their decision.
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FBI CLOSED
by Twixies » March 9, 2016, 8:37 pm

oangh wrote:
WHY was you refused visa???

I was thinking the same. Very strange to be refused Visa after 16 year
Twixies
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FBI CLOSED
by Twixies » March 9, 2016, 9:02 pm

Unable to edit.
But maybe there is something about that

Thai nationals have been warned not to act as nominees of alien businessmen operating in tourism and real estate businesses or they may face a maximum three-year imprisonment and a fine of between 100,000 and one million baht, said Ms Pongphan Jianviriyaphan, director-general of Business Development Department

Thais warned not to act as nominees of alien businessmen - Thai PBS English News

Preben, i hope you will tell the reason, so other don't have the same problem
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by jai yen yen » March 10, 2016, 6:20 am

It could very well be that the Thais don't want a foreigner dealing in real estate now that is becoming big buisness in Udon. I think just a sign of the times and a sign of what is yet to come. All the Thais in control only want is foreigners to spend money and leave, not make it. They want the whole pie for themselves, the poor Thai are lucky to get a few crumbs as well.
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FBI CLOSED
by Wee Jimmy » March 10, 2016, 10:34 am

Tottaly agree with last post.
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**beerlaodrinker** · 10-03-2016, 07:27 PM

Got to feel sorry for the preben geezer. and guessing he,s correct, things are gettin ugly in the land of smiles?

FBI CLOSED
by FBI » March 10, 2016, 3:18 pm

First, thank you for the positive response and the many hundreds of compassionate mails that I received the last few days.

I have asked over and over again, but Udon Immigration don't want to inform me, why they do not want to prolong my existing business visas.

My feelings are that Jai Yen Yen unfortunately is right, the Thais don't want a foreigner dealing in anything now.
I too think that it is a sign of the times and a sign of what is yet to come.

Be careful out there

I am sad that it had to end this way

Preben

**rickschoppers** · 10-03-2016, 07:40 PM

^
This is the real reason, nothing to do with visas. That is just a smoke screen, as I suspected. No foreigner will ever get a fair shake when it comes to running a bussiness in Thailand, especially if it is successful.

**thaimeme** · 10-03-2016, 08:09 PM

Originally Posted by rickschoppers

^
This is the real reason, nothing to do with visas. That is just a smoke screen, as I suspected. No foreigner will ever get a fair shake when it comes to running a bussiness in Thailand, especially if it is successful.

Yep...or, if there's the sense that Thais could be on equal footing [which they usually aren't] - and the Farang is squeezed out.

**beerlaodrinker** · 10-03-2016, 08:19 PM

Psst, wanna know how to make a small fortune in Asia?

Start of with a large one and wait.

**stroller** · 10-03-2016, 10:12 PM

Originally Posted by thaimeme

The trick is plying an occupation, business, or activity that they don't have the skill or acumen to replicate

What will happen is that your best employee will leave with your list of clients after he's learned the basics from you and open up shop next door.

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