Lose sleep over.....

Recently, been losing sleep quite often, the mind just cannot stop thinking and calculating. I think this is the burden of a young father with young children and a non-working, non singapore-born wife. Everything that concerns myself or my children and wife will be under my belt.

First and foremost is my 5rm flat. Almost a month since the decision to sell and yet still no firm offer from a buyer. Downgrading is the utmost and best decision to make if you only have one sole breadwinner in the house. Although my agent had brought a few buyer/viewer couple of times, no price was offered. "Sign........."

Secondly, in order to have more loose change, I may decide to sell off my vehicle, a Kia picanto. I reckon if i make full settlement, i may only loose less than 10k. Over the long run, I may had actually saved a lot on petrol, insurance, road tax, interest and maintenance fee, etc.

Thirdly, in the foreseeable future, the cost of living will be so high that even a cup of tea will cost 1.50sgd in a non airconditioned coffee shop. Thus, a second income is the second best thing to have.

Compare the life in singapore and kengtung, sometimes I maybe better off living in the latter. In Kengtung, things maybe hard to get, but consider that the hard work you put in the fields and the returns are totally worth it. The basic necessities are there, just need to sweat it out. Take for example our staple food, rice. Work for 2 to 3 times a year for 1 month on average will yield a year's supply of rice for a family of 10. How much do you think you need to pay for a year's supply of rice in singapore?

If I had the chance, I shall build myself a solar powered house in Kengtung. No need to wait for the power to come from the local authorities at night. Then, sell some wares in the local plaza or maybe set up a shophouse or some other business.

Well, so much for the crazy dreams from a nut head.

Dos and dons in land of thousand smiles

Called a friend in Maesai, is the chief executive of an NGO called Child's Dream in Chiangmai. Got first hand informations for the dos and dons for a farang(foreigner) in thailand.

Firstly, visa runs are restricted to 3 times in a row only. ie after 120days and getting 3 re-entry stamp, a farang is required to leave thailand for 90 days before he/she can return again.

Secondly, it is illegal to purchase land by a farang however, it is legal to lease the land for 30years renewable and have a title deed or document from the relevant authorities. Useful when the land is being sold. You still get to stay in the property on the land.

Thirdly, if a farang wish to get a long stay in thailand through means of work permit, think again, because, the authority requires the loacl company to pay the farang approx.USD3k monthly and also have a capital of not less than 1million USD. Furthermore, the company also has to employ thais as well.

What a load of inconvenient. Think 1st and 2nd option still viable.

So many things to do, but $$ so.......

Still no news from my housing agent who is overseeing the sale of my 5rm flat. 'Sign.......' needed the sale proceeds urgently to pay off some debts. Was told that the cash portion of it will only be given once the house key was transfered and that I reckon should be some time in June or July. Such a long time to wait. Furthermore, company hold up our bonus til July too. Wah lau......!