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IBAP Monthly Programs
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Suggest a Program, Speaker or Topic
Are you interested in making a presentation at one of our monthly meetings? Do you know of an interesting topic or speaker that you would like to suggest for a program presentation? If so, please send you ideas and suggestions by email to Vice President Rin who is our program coordinator. Have you signed up for the Business Fair?
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Coming Programs
September: Marine Biologist Dr. Mark Wunsch will be addressing topics related to Phuket's Marine Ecology. Dr. Mark Wunsch arrived in Phuket in September 2006 through a Post Tsunami initiative and has been primarily based with the Phuket Marine Biological Center & Phuket Aquarium. Mark will be presenting us with some ideas about the use of video and other tools for teaching and awareness as well as providing some keys to understanding the impact of development on the (marine) environment. This will not be just a presentation of marine science and beauty pictures but something useful for people to think about, possibly forming the foundation for a further panel discussion. October: Legal Eagles. Several local law firms will take the stage for an open forum on "views" and "reviews" of Phuket. |
Our Next Meeting: Friday September 12th...
Dr. Mark Wunsch: Island Development & Phuket's Marine Ecology.......
Dive into the ocean with marine biologist and filmmaker Mark Wunsch from the Phuket Aquarium, look and listen to some fascinating stories from Thailand’s coral reefs and shores and how they may relate to your business!
The ocean and the coast of the Andaman Sea are Phuket’s greatest resources and driving most of the tourism in the region. But rapid development and increasing pressure put these assets at risk.
Education is certainly one key to more understanding and essential for the establishment of more sustainability. The Phuket Aquarium is currently pursuing major efforts to become an edutainment center for the coastal and marine environment.
Mark will introduce us to the new concepts, progress and need for cooperation with the private sector.
About Mark Wunsch:
Mark Wunsch is currently advising the Phuket Aquarium in organizational and exhibition development, media production, public relations and fundraising. He trains staff in the use of digital photography, videography and editing at Phuket Aquarium. Mark accepted the 2 year assignment with the Phuket Aquarium/Phuket Marine Biological Center in the framework of a Post Tsunami project from the German government in September 2006.
Mark holds a master degree in biology and communication and studied the ecology of coral reefs in the Red Sea. During the mid 90s he started working for television and educational institutions as a producer and filmmaker and as a consultant for environmental communication out of Germany.
Mark has a deep interest in developing and communicating sustainability at all levels. He gets his inspirations from the outdoors - in and underwater, on foot or bike and by visiting different cultures.
We have our first hospitality sponsors for September and we're looking for several more. Why wait for the beer & wine to run out before you get your recognition as a Hospitality Sponsor? Sign up now... Sign up and get it starting right now and right here with your company logo linked to your website.
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Easylink Phuket |
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| James Firth | Quentin Reynolds | Your Name | Your Name |
| EAST Phuket | Easylink Phuket | Your Company | Your Company |
A few programs from the past...
Khun Woody will give us his "State of the Internet Address" with an update on some worthwhile Internet access technology that’s coming down the pike.
If you've ever experienced computer frustration or rage, and found yourself somehow lacking the right words, Woody can help beef up your vocabulary and put a grin on your face at the same time.
Woody has spent much of the last 20 years writing mostly about Windows and Microsoft office. Most of us have come across his yellow & black "For Dummies" books, the latest is Windows Vista Timesaving Techniques For Dummies, and Windows Home Server For Dummies is coming soon. Woody writes informatively, usefully and amusingly. Take a few moments to learn more about Woody and his books at his personal KhunWoody.com website, Amazon Books and through the recent Of Microsoft and muffins article in Phuket magazine.
We have 4 hospitality sponsors for August and we really could use several more if we are going to be as hospitable as we were at the June meeting. Don't wait for the beer to run out before you get your recognition as a Hospitality Sponsor. Sign up and get it starting right now and right here with your company logo linked to your website.
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| Miros Labus | Kenth Nilsson | Claude de Crissey | Alan Collinge |
| Sunbelt Asia | Zarpazo Real Estate Solution | La Boucherie | Albar Construction Management |
Administrative Staff from the Phuket Provincial Employment Office
(Labor Department)
The June membership meeting is intended as a supplement to the May meeting that addressed a few visa questions and issues.
Do you have a company here, or do you work for a company here. Then like most of us you probably have a question related to work permits. Consider sharing your question by submitting it by using the form below.
Tonight's presentation will be lead by Khun Janya Yingyong, Labor Technician Level 6, and 3 of her staff including her translator Somkiat Baiadul, one of the senior in-processing staff within her department. Anyone having a work permit here in Phuket will certainly recognize these people. Accompanying Khun Janya will be Labor Department Chief Khun Nattaya Anudit.
We have asked our speaker to address the most common Work Permit issues they encounter as well as providing answers to the questions posted here on our website.
We expect this to be a full-on evening so the best way to have your question or concern addressed is to submit it using our handy form further below. This gives the Employment Office staff a bit of lead time to prepare the best answer.
Before submitting a your question please make sure it isn't already posted in the list posted below.
We wish to thank our hospitality beverage sponsors for the June program. In addition to these 4 generous donors, with names and companies listed below, we would appreciate the help of 3 more sponsors to give us enough funding to equal the beverage costs incurred at the May meeting.
So, contact us today to contribute your 2,000 Baht sponsorship and have your logo and website link posted here and as part of our announcement emails. Maybe best of all, enjoy a round of thanks and recognition at the June meeting for your direct support. Email Gary to get started.
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| Tero Borvornpatsakul | Denny Bowman | Lucky Micchia | James Firth |
Work Permit Questions Submitted to IBAP
The Labor Department is working to supply us with answers,
which we will then post here.
- I have heard that there are certain circumstances whereby a non-Thai can be entitled to a work permit on the basis that his Thai wife has her own company or business. Can you clarify this?
- What are the current trends in Phuket for accepting or denying work permits and how does this compare with say one year ago and with a view to one year from now.
- How specific does the definition of job functions need to be in the work permit? Is Marketing enough or does it need to list every function that might relate to Marketing?
- I am currently teaching in Thailand. Another school has asked me to do some hours teaching for them. Can I legally do so with the work permit for the other school. If not, could you please advise me what I should do. Thank you.
- I and my husband, both hold valid company sponsored work permit for Thailand. My mom who is below 60 years of age is alone and dependent on us stays alone in India. Is it possible to get her to stay with us here in Phuket, on a Visa which is valid for one year.
- While still in the USA, what steps can I take to ensure a smooth process in obtaining a work permit? If the 90-day Visa, stamped on my passport says, Employment Prohibited, what documentation is required to over-ride this restriction? Can I obtain a Letter of Intent to Hire, or authorization to work there PRIOR to my arrival?
- I have a multiple entry visa, but I still have to check in and out of the country in person at the Immigration office. Why do I have to check out of the country prior to traveling IN PERSON at the Immigration Office, isn't that what Airport passport checks are for? More important, what is accomplished in a positive way by having "foreigners" appear at Immigration to check back into Thailand? In fact, once I have my work permit, why is an Exit Visa necessary anyway?
- If one holds a retrement visa, is there any type of work permit allowed for a part-time position or volunteerposition? For example, the foreigners at the Immigration bureau volunteer, do they have or need work permits? I raise this because many retired people still like to keep active, so is there any exceptions, where those on retirement visas may work, volunteering or part-time, seems some elder ex-pats could be a benefit to Thailand's workforce in large tourist areas, where they never have enough help anyway.
- As long as I have a work permit would my daughter be able to stay in Thailand as long as she is in an education programme here? Currently she is in an International school in Thailand, but upon leaving school I wish her to study for languages and hotel training at the local university in Phuket. Would she be dependent on my visa and work permit for this or does she apply for student visa and to what age is this acceptable?
- I understand that you are not deemed able to be a director of any kind for a thai company unless you are resident and hold a valid work permit. Also I understand that a forigner non resident with no work permit is not capable of holding a directorship in a Thai company. This seems to conflict with international corprate law with respect to corporate directorships and those who qualify generally to be a director. Further this rule appears not to have been enforced in Phuket until recently yet apparently has been enforced in Bangkok. Further still I have heard rumours that enforcement of this law is down to interpretation and choice of local officers. Since it appears to be a labor law interpretation and application rather than an issue vetted at the time of corporate set up or director nomination how can foreign investors be sure of the applicabale rules or any areas of waiver possibility? Finally this rule and recent local (re)enforcement appears to fly against recent moves by Gov't to make this market attractive again to foreign investors. Can you comment on the rule and highlight whether certain categories of Thai corporate are more exposed to interpretation changes than others.
- In the event that someone has been fined the maximum amount regarding an overstay on their visa, would that in itself prohibit them from being granted a work permit if they still satisfied all the other necessary regulations?
- Is it possible to hire a foreigner for a probation time period (3 months) without having a work permit.
- I own a hotel business in Kata. When I went to get my 3rd work permit, I was required to change my company capitol from 4 mil to 10 mil, because after 3 years in business we almost broke even, but did not. No profit for 2007, even though 2005 was the first year after the tsunami. We were just a few hundred thousand away from breaking even for our third year in business. It seems an amazingly difficult and unreasonable to require a start-up business to make a profit in 3 years. We employee 18 Thai staff and will make a profit in 2008, but my work-permit was VERY difficult and expensive to obtain this year. WHY!
- For my job I need travel 2-3 times a month overseas. In Surat I am told that my work permit is dependent on my visa. Does this mean I must make a new work permit every time I go out and return to Thailand? I have a main office in Samui and branch office in Phuket.
- Is it possible for an individual with a work permit to take an "out of Thailand" leave of absence for more than three months, and continue to maintain the viability of the work permit?
- In addition to meeting with IBAP, what is the Labor Department doing to make it easier and clearer for anybody considering applying for a working permit?
- Many foreigners' employment revolves around meetings and site visits all over Phuket and sometimes to Bangkok and other provinces that are outside of the registered office. As I believe, when a work permit is issued there are stringent rules, with evidence required, on where you will work. Photographs of the office and detailed maps etc. are required. It is impossible to specify where clients will come from in the future and so where you will be required to work outside of your registered office. Could you please inform us of what we should do in this instance so that our work permit is valid when working in various different places. Thank you.
A common denominator for all of us living here is that we are required to hold a current and valid VISA.
Finding reliable answers to the various VISA qualification requirements, then going through the process of obtaining or renewing a VISA can be very frustrating to say the least.
What are the consequences resulting from an overstay, insufficient business income, not employing enough staff, or even being hospitalized and unable to go to immigration. Are there answers? solutions?
This evening's presentation will be by the knowledgeable members of Bangkok Legal Service, experienced in guiding their clients through the necessary steps to obtaining and renewing all VISA types.
Bangkok Legal Services offers nearly 30 years of experience serving the business community of Thailand.
Learn more about » Bangkok Legal Service.
New York City Native, passed both the New York State and California State Bar Exams. Worked with Baker & Mckenzie in Bangkok, Khattar Wong & partners in Singapore, and Kallan & Torchio in NY City.
Moved on from just practicing law, to doing both law and business.
Became Product Development Manager for multi-national firm, doing business through-out Southern Asia and the Far East. Set up Joint Ventures and supply partnerships across the globe.
Became a Partner in an Architectural Design / Build Firm, consulting Fortune 500 Cos. in NYC. Implemented Facility programmes in New York City, Paris and Chicago.
Thailand - First came to Thailand in 1985 as a AFS Exchange Student. Spent one year living with Thai family in Phattalung. Returned to SE Asia frequently, completing graduate programmes at the National University of Singapore and Chulalongkorn University. Fluent in spoken Thai, working on my reading and writing.
Returned to Thailand this year and have business with Bangkok Legal Services, consulting both Foreign and Thai Nationals on business and legal issues.
Josh Bolen has offered to help us put answers to some of the common problems foreigners face with Visas here. Please use the form below to send us your question.
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Visa Questions Submitted to IBAP
Please review this list to assure that your question is not already listed. Our guest speaker will review these questions and address many at our membership meeting. We hope to provide answers to all questions.
- I have new work permit for about 1 month now. My Non Imm 'B' runs out in June. I am married to a Thai lady with 2 kids. Am i best to get new visa as Non imm 'B' or 'O'?
- I have a son who will be 17 at the end of this month and will be leaving school next month. At the moment he has an ED Visa. What do we need to do when this exspires. He wont be working so how does he obtain a 12 month Visa? Or cant he? I look forward to your reply.
I am a foreign national, married to a Thai woman, and I am the father of two kids here with her. I have small company registered in another province, I have a NonImm-B visa connected to that company and a work permit in Phuket connected to that visa. The company has two Thai employees and pays tax on the employees. I pay personal tax on my personal salary. The company earns profit and pays corporate tax on that profit.
For the past few years, I have been receiving one-year visas (three-months per stamp) issued at a Thai Consulate outside Asia. But now I am hearing lots of stories of longterm residents either being denied a visa outright, being hassled harder on their submissions, or being restricted to 3-month visas.
Is there any validity to the general feeling that the closer the consulate, the greater the hassle and the shorter the visa duration?
I am a warden for the American Embassy here in Phuket. Recently I assisted a 80-year-old retired soldier who has been living in Phuket for the last 20 years while holding a continuous retirement visa. He has had 2 failed hip prostheses and is able to walk only 4 meters, with help. With great difficulty he made it up the steps at Phuket Immigration only to have his application refused for not having his certificate of income notorized by our embassy. His traveling to Bangkok is not an option.
With extra ordinary assistance from the embassy a letter was issued, the painful climb up immigration steps was made, Immigration was satisfied and a Visa issued. However, this gentleman was surprised to have the additional requirement placed on him (he hadn't experienced this before) that he must now report in at immigration every 90 days. This will become increasingly impossible.
With this man's physical health in measured decline we can expect him to become ever more house bound, even bed ridden.
As we are experiencing an increase in numbers of senior citizens being attracted, even invited, to the "health hub of Asia" and seeing situations like this occur in larger numbers what best advice can we provide them?
- I speak with many foreign nationals who are legally working in Thailand under non-immigrant visas with a work permit. The frequency of visits required by different immigration offices varies wildly and doesn't seem to be consistent at all. What is the criteria for "showing your face" at the immigration offices? For example, I have been in Thailand now for almost 9 years, of which I spent 5 years in Bangkok only having to visit immigration once a year. Now in Phuket I must visit immigration every 3 months.
- There are (apparently) 2 types of Non-B Visas (one where you have to leave every 3 months and one where you don't. QUESTION - What is the difference regarding Company/Work permit laws when holding (a) 12 Month Non-B Multiple Entry Visa requiring 3 monthly "visa runs" amd (b) a 12 Month Non-B Visa thats does not need you to leave the country? I have been advised by a Lawyer that with (a) you do NOT need to employ 4 Thai staff per Work Permit but with visa type (b) you do. Please explain and clarify as no one else seems to be able to CLEARLY explain WHY this is so.
- I am currently on a non-immigrant O-A retirement visa. I will be getting married to a Thai woman in July. What are any advantages and/or disadvantages to remaining on a retirement visa or changing to a non-immigrant O marriage visa.
- What advantages, if any, does the Thailand Elite card offer apart from golf course privileges & a special lane at immigration?
- I have spent hours on the phone trying to explain the current situation, but the inconsistencies of the office and the different representatives have led me down many different paths with no resolution. This year alone I have received four very demanding letters from these Visa people demanding additional funds. I pay them each month but they want more and more of my money. Neither my wife nor I are Thai, nor do either of us live in Thai Land, but we would appreciate your help trying to correct our problems with Visa.
Security is no longer only a topic of casual conversation, it’s a growing issue of concern for all residents, visitors, businesses owners and residential developers here in Phuket.
We all love living in Thailand, and as everywhere we prefer to think there are no problems here. The sad reality is that the more successful, the more affluent and the more prominent you are, the more you and your family become targets. Serious and potentially dangerous crime has come to Thailand. Violent crime especially has increased astronomically in the past few years.
Is your home secure, is your office secure, are you secure? Our program this Friday will provide useful information including 10 basic tips you can put into effect right now at your home or office to improve your "security score."
We have two program speakers this evening. Speaking about security issues related to property will be Elliot Klein, Director of Operations for the Maximum Security Division of Saen Yim Co. Ltd. His extensive experience in security analysis in Pattaya, Bangkok and here in Phuket will certainly provide an interesting and informative viewpoint.
IBAP Board Member and Karate Teacher Darren Brinkman will offer some tips on personal security and help us understand what are some of the options available to us here in Phuket.
March is our Annual Meeting and a changing of the guard so to speak. We'll be thanking the outgoing Officers and Trustees and welcoming in the new.
We would like you to take the time to speak with the incoming trustees to learn more of what projects they're taking on and ideas they're developing. Support these leaders with your thoughts and a bit of your time.
And tonight is our 1st Annual Business Awards Night. We've done it again. We've made it through yet another year of business adventures here in Phuket and we need to celebrate. Come and enjoy the "roasting" of some of our "survivors." There is sure to be some fun.
Tonight we will be honoring a few of our members with some very special awards and we'd like you to be there to contribute with your applause.
Each time that IBAP presents our "Legal Eagle" night the response is overwhelming asking that we schedule it again, so here it is. The program is especially interesting this year as Thailand enters into a new phase of government leadership.
This evening our panel will be addressing some of the issues they find most impacting on businesses here in Phuket:
Friedrich 'Sam' Fauma is the founder, director and shareholder in International Law Office, Patong Beach. International Law Office is a registered Law Firm with Bars Association of Thailand having 5 Thai Lawyers and Notary Public as well 2 foreign lawyers (members of the International Bar Association) working as advisors for the firm.
Sam is long recognized for his in depth understanding of the legal scene here in Phuket. Sam's skills at speaking, reading and writing Thai give him interesting perspectives on how the law works here in Phuket
For nearly 20 years Sam has been consulting local individuals and businesses. As the laws and their interpretations have changed so has our need for adaptive methodology for finding workable solutions to our ever changing situations...
More about International Law »
"Belmont Limcharoen is a full service international law firm headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand. We provide the highest quality legal advice and representation to clients from around the world. Our firm defines itself by the success of our client relationships and the notable business and litigation accomplishments we help effect.
Our practice is organised into three major groups:
as well as a number of specialist groups. We have three offices in Thailand: Bangkok, Phuket and Samui, and affiliate offices and links to advisers throughout South East Asia." More about Belmont Limcharoen »
Most owners of companies in Thailand also serve as directors of their company. Make sure that you are fully informed of the risks and benefits of being a director, and that you understand fully the distinctions between a shareholder's and director's rights and risks.
Members and Friends of IBAP are invited to a presentation by the Board featuring the draft Business Plan and Objectives of IBAP this year.
The presentation will be interactive, and we will be seeking feedback from you on a broad range of issues including:
The recent Board meeting uncovered new and revisited older ideas and concepts for IBAP - and in the interests of a healthy and congruent association we want to be sure that the Board's vision for IBAP reflects the desires and involvement of the members and supporters.
Lets have a great turnout this Friday and a lively robust discussion on what is best for IBAP and its members as we move into 2008.
Dinner from 6:30pm
Presentation commences 7:00pm
See you Friday and bring along a friend,
Michael Massey
President
It's Our End of the Year Party and You're Invited
& It's A Digital Image Showdown, and You're the Judge.
As 2007 comes to a close this is your chance to show an image to us that meant something special in some way.
Give us your Best Picture or Image and take your Best Shot competing for some geat prizes, and the audiance is the judge.
Sometime over this last year you captured, created or saved an image so great that you'd really like to share it. Maybe you caught something by chance like this "Tunnel-to-Patong" truck test, or something else interesting, or something very colorful, some rocking fun, or showing staff or travels, or even cats and fish. Even together. Now you can share these. For 4 seconds.
Vice President Charles asks that you arrive a few minutes early with pictures on a handidrive or CD for him to arrange for the show, or you can email your pictures to him at vp@ibap-phuket.org.
This is a night of competition, prizes, surprises, laughter, awards and lots of fun.
Rumors are there will be some pretty hot prizes to be presented by some pretty cool Santa's Helpers, or maybe it was some pretty cool prizes and some pretty hot helpers.
This night will be the perfect time to join IBAP if you're new, or renew if you've been a member. Maybe you'll even win a picture of you with Santa's Helpers. Please take a few minutes to review the membership types. more details » Please remember that it's your continuing support that allows IBAP to continue being the success that it is.
Well the evening is shaping up to fun and for sure you're not going to want to miss it.
Technology: The future and what to do about it.
With all the fuss around the island about Apple’s new iPhone, we thought you would want to hear the facts from local experts before deciding if an I Phone is going on your Christmas list this year.
This Friday night come and be introduced to the iPhone. Find out what the truth is on the -black market phones- currently on offer. Find out how much you should be paying for one. Most importantly - find out if you need one or not!
Great Food, Great Venue, Heaps of Parking, Free Food & Drinks for members, Lots of good people - including you!
Our meeting is from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM this Friday 9 November.
Check here for any updated details and see our map for instructions for locating the Loch Palm Golf Club and our meeting room
It is the room with a view.
In addition to being hugely attended our opening meeting at our new venue Loch Palm was covered by TV Channel 11 Phuket.
Quoting TV Channel 11Our interview is with Michael Massey, International Business Association of Phuket or IBAP President for 2007-9, at their new meeting place on the 2nd Friday each month at Loch Palm Golf Club in Kathu, and just before their 4th annual IBAP Business Fair at Jungceylon, Patong, next Saturday-Sunday 21-22 October. First he tells us about his role as current President: ... (We will also have a Vox Pop/Special report with IBAP members later this week.)
To see or download mini-video, go to its VDO Clip page, then click on white camera button at top of page To see the filmed interview - Michael Massey, International Business Association of Phuket or IBAP President.
IBAP Announces a NEW VENUE for our Monthly Membership Meetings
Beginning with our next membership meeting on Friday 12 October our monthly meetings will be held at the Loch Palm Golf Club in Kathu. Members and guests are invited to join together for dinner and drinks overlooking the beautiful golf course.
Although we normally open our doors for check in at 6:15 we're welcoming everyone to arrive from 6:00 PM onwards to take in the sunset and evening light.
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Please drop your business card into the box at check in for your chance to win one of the following:
4th annual Business Fair they are also the hospitality beverage sponsor for this evenings program.
AbsolutePhuket - The FREE Lifestyle Magazine
that's always full of colour.
View the Magazine on line from Friday the 12th by visiting the
AbsolutePhuket.com web site.
Extreme Networking: You will get known!!
Get ready for a FUN nite. Two of IBAP's most experienced & professional Teambuilding and Networking experts have some innovative and creative games, contests, challenges and prizes ready for us. Nigel Burt and Adrian Gardner are willing to bet that not one person attending will really know who they are after they enter, but they will before they've had their second drink... And somewhere in the middle of this our Vice President Charles will be demonstrating how to fold a shirt neatly and cleanly in less than 3 seconds. OK maybe 4!
Last April we held an "Extreme Networking" night where every 90 seconds the air was punctuated by the sound of a whistle signaling each person to shift one seat right or left, coming face-to-face with the next person and business to meet, to introduce themselves, and to exchange business cards. This evening is still being talked about for the outstanding effectiveness it had in "creating" real business leads.
Our members asked us to do this again, and so we are, but with some new twists and turns making it even more fun than before, including inviting our visitors to save the 500 Baht entry donation by donating of a bottle of wine instead.
Last month more than 90 IBAP members and guests attended our "Legal Eagles" meeting. Who are these people and what kind of businesses do they have? Do they know who you are and what your business offers and what services it provides. By the end of this evening the answer will be yes.
This is a tremendous opportunity for you to personally introduce yourself, your company and your servcies to a room of like-minded business owners and managers.
IBAP membership fees are increasing in 2008. Register before the end of 2007 for 2,000 Baht and save. more details »
This month the following students, each a 4th year Hospitality and Tourism Management student at PSU, will be available for you to welcome to IBAP and help network with the local business community and potential employers:
Again tonight the IBAP Board would like to especially thank Alexandra Gonzales, a lecturer at PSU, and also our emcee, that has organized and arranged the participation of these students.
Tonight's Student's Sponsorship is courtesy of Gary and the Natural Rock Pools more details »
FUNMAG CONCEPT - ADVERGAMING & EVENTS
Funmag is a monthly publication that concentrates on events and games in combination with advertising. It also provides up-to-date maps and information, which means that people are actually going to ‘USE’ the magazine as long as they stay on Phuket.
We like you to look at the magazine as an agenda for fun.
Our layout lists all the events happening at our advertisers venues. Each time you flip a page, you get the events of the next day(s). Events range from Beach BBQ’s to Live Music, from Wine Tasting to Boat trips...
We leave a few areas in the magazine for people to make notes: trips they plan, events they don’t want to miss, phone numbers...
The games we use in the magazine are Sudoku’s, the world’s most popular puzzle game. They can be played by people from all ages and all nationalities.
We integrate the games into your full page advertising which means that people are going to spend at least 15 minutes on your advertising.
We also put a few more games for children (Photo Hunt) and a crossword (English) to complete the package.
The center of the magazine contains detailed maps of the different towns and beaches, major hotels, government offices, bus stops, post offices, banks, ATM’s, exchanges, places of interest and the locations of all the advertisers.
You can advertise your business or promote your events on a quarter-page, half-page, full-page, next to the maps, or even the front cover.
All advertisers get their events listed in the daily listings and the location of their business or event on the map.
Take a walk on the Fun Site »
If you would like to be a Hospitality Sponsor please contact IBAP Vice President Charles for details, or see him at the meeting.
Over 25 years ago a system was developed in Australia which enabled natural pebble, bonded with white cement and additives, to be used as an interior pool lining. It was primarily developed as a refurbishment for pools which had problems but soon became the 
industry standard for producing an attractive, slip resistant and very durable finish which could be applied to any shame or size of concrete swimming pool.
In the U.S. around 30,000 swimming pools each year are now finished in Pebble Technology products, now available here in Thailand with us at Natural Rock Pools.
More information about Natural Rock Pools (Phuket). »
A big "thank you" to Gary for being this month's Student Sponsor. You can also visit Gary and the Natural Rock Pools exhibit at the coming IBAP Business Fair.
Meet this month's students. »
If you would like to be a Student Sponsor please contact IBAP Treasurer Denny for details, or see him at the meeting.
Phuket Law, Thailand Law and You...
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About This Program
More than 90 IBAP members and guests attended this outstanding presentation.
TV11 Andaman News was there to film... view online VDO »
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Belmont Limcharoen, International Law, and McEvily & Collins
"Belmont Limcharoen is a full service international law firm headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand. We provide the highest quality legal advice and representation to clients from around the world. Our firm defines itself by the success of our client relationships and the notable business and litigation accomplishments we help effect.
Our practice is organised into three major groups:
as well as a number of specialist groups. We have three offices in Thailand: Bangkok, Phuket and Samui, and affiliate offices and links to advisers throughout South East Asia." More about Belmont Limcharoen »
Sam will be addressing the questions he's been most asked during this last year:
Friedrich 'Sam' Fauma is the founder, director and shareholder in International Law Office, Patong Beach. International Law Office is a registered Law Firm with Bars Association of Thailand having 5 Thai Lawyers and Notary Public as well 2 foreign lawyers (members of the International Bar Association) working as advisors for the firm.
Sam is long recognized for his in depth understanding of the legal scene here in Phuket. Sam's skills at speaking, reading and writing Thai give him interesting perspectives on how the law works here in Phuket
For nearly 20 years Sam has been consulting local individuals and businesses. As the laws and their interpretations have changed so has our need for adaptive methodology for finding workable solutions to our ever changing situations...
More about International Law »
Marcus moved to Thailand 17 years ago and has worked and lived in Thailand since. He was born and raised in the Netherlands but holds a British passport. He has law degrees from Erasmus University in Rotterdam, the Netherlands and Cornell Law School, Ithaca, New York. He is admitted in New York and the Netherlands. He started his career working for Skadden, Arps, Meagher and Flom in New York City in the heydays of corporate raiders and was involved in a number of high profile mergers and acquisitions in those days. He moved back to Amsterdam to do his "articles" at Clifford Chance and after a return to New York 4 years later he rejoined Skadden, Arps and moved to Jakarta on secondment to a local firm. He never left South East Asia and his career took him from a partnership position at ILCT in Bangkok and to a partnership at Allen & Overy. During the financial crisis in Thailand he represented the banks in the debt restructurings of 2 of Thailand’s top 10 listed companies. He joined Matthew McEvily 6 years ago together with Orawan Tejapaibul with whom he has worked at ILCT and Allen & Overy all those years. Marcus is a well known corporate and property lawyer and represents developers, investors and buyers alike, especially in Phuket and Phang Nga.
More about McEvily & Collins »
This month the following students, each a 4th year Hospitality and Tourism Management student at PSU, will be available for you to welcome to IBAP and help network with the local business community and potential employers:
Again tonight the IBAP Board would like to especially thank Alexandra Gonzales, a enthusiastic PSU Lecturer that has organized and arranged the participation of these students.
Tonight's Student's Sponsorship is courtesy of Arjan van Loo and BYD Lofts more details »
Tonight's presentation, questions, answers & opinions will certainly give us another outstanding evening to remember. If you're thinking of introducing a friend to IBAP this is a perfect night to do so, especially with the 2,000 Baht special Membership fee offered by the Board in time for this meeting. more details » It's advised to arrive early for choice seating. And bring your questions on paper for the speakers and submit at check in.
Early arrivals will be additionally treated to a working demonstration of "Tools & Tricks of the Trade" as civil engineer and IBAP Board Member Best Wanamakok demonstrates the use of a Surveyor's Transit Level. We've all seen them, now you have the chance to look through one...
IMAGE asia was formed in 1999, and has become a prominent player in the Phuket publishing industry, with an innovative approach to producing information sources and advertising media.
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The company now operates in two distinct fields IMAGE asia produces and distributes printed sources of information for visitors to Phuket and surrounding areas, with the single philosophy of complementing the region’s ‘glossy’ magazines by presenting ‘hard’, comprehensive and practical guidance on a single market in an attractive, easy-to-use format. Publications include Exclusive Homes on Phuket, Where to Eat in Phuket, The Phuket Property Map, Andaman Sea Pilot, and the brand new, totally different, Shop WINDOW on Lifestyle, to be launched on 1 September 2007. Over 90 percent of the content of each publication is targeted at a single market. Visitors looking for information on a specific subject find it quickly with IMAGE asia. Markets currently covered by Image Asia include |
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On the events side, Image asia conceived and inaugurated PIMEX, the Phuket Boatshow, Phuket Raceweek - an international regatta held every year in July - and, this year for the first time, organized the Koh Samui Regatta.
More information about IMAGE asia »
BYD Lofts Phuket provide the ultimate in upmarket, trendy serviced apartments to spoil yourself or let someone else spoil you. Second to none, BYD Lofts Phuket are fully equipped, serviced (hotel) apartments, where one can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, be it for business purposes, a short holiday or a long term rental.
The Jean Pierre Restaurant & Bar has an exhaustive selection of drinks & specialty beers, and is a favorite meeting point for expatriates & locals alike. Weekly parties and promotions take place, and there are daily specials. The Western & Thai cuisine are both of extremely high culinary standards, as well as contemporary & aesthetically pleasing at affordable prices.
Amala Spa is a sanctuary designed to peel away the layers of daily stress with select restorative and rejuvenating therapies that combine the best of time tested holistic treatments. At the Amala Spa, you will be soothed and pampered with our own range of products. Choose from a wide selection of treatments.
Meet this month's students. »
More information about BYD Lofts. »
If you would like to be a Student Sponsor please contact IBAP Treasurer Denny for details, or see him at the meeting.Spa Wellness & Corporate Health in Phuket
Although the program is past there are some great video clips provided by TV11 Andaman News.
Check out their news item coverage and excerpts from the speakers.
Tonight is a night especially planned for you and your spouse. Thai Privilege Spa will be recreating our room to produce the ambiance of a relaxing Thai Spa. Arrive a bit early and enjoy a short demonstration massage for hand, head, and shoulders from the well-trained staff of Thai Privilege Spa. The program presentation will feature stress reliving suggestions, techniques and programs suited to the business world. Thai Privilege Spa will be passing out Spa treatment vouchers and discount cards to IBAP members and guests. More about Thai Privilege Spa »
Puriti Programs for Life will present on "Corporate Wellness." Puriti was founded in 2006 to create a truly viable 21st century Purification Program that empowers and educates the user on their pathway to optimum health and vitality. The Puriti Purification Programs comprehensively detoxify the body using an extensively researched blend of Thailand’s purest, natural and organic ingredients.
The Prriti team includes: Deborah Williamson a highly renowned Herbalist and Clinical Hypnotherapist, whose inspiring work has driven us to achieve global recognition; Marcus Williamson, Health Educator and Writer, Clinical Hypnotherapist, specializing in natural preventative health solutions.; and Nadine Oliver who has specialised in Luxury Spa PR for over 10 years on a global scale. More about Puriti »
This month the following students, each a 4th year Hospitality and Tourism Management student at PSU, will be available for you to welcome to IBAP and help to introduce to the local business community and potential employers:
The IBAP Board would like to specifically thank Alexandra Gonzales, a enthusiastic PSU Lecturer that has organized and arranged the participation of these students.
This evening certainly promises to be interesting, informative, and relaxing, and certainly a program your spouse will be interested in too. IBAP members and guests be receiving very special discount vouchers, discount cards and actual massages, all in the ambiance of a Thai Spa. Prepare to go home feeling enlightened, pampered and very relaxed.
Tonight our speakers will highlight a few of the main types of insurance that most people living in Phuket will require: Automobile, Motorcycle, Medical, Accident, Business, House and Condo. Benefit by listening to their experienced approach to avoiding some of the related difficulties experienced by foreigners living, working, and visiting here. Following their enlightening presentation that is sure to contain some humor and surprises there will be a Q & A period, so bring your questions.
You may want to update your own understandings about insurance by making a visit to both Boon's and Eric's web sites.
"Over a billion dollars of investment capital is about to be poured into the Phuket area over the next 3 years alone. What does this mean to Phuket business owners?"
Tom Travers, managing partner of Indigo Real Estate Ltd., will be reviewing the newest luxury hotel developments in the Phuket area, all with residential components, in order to update Phuket business owners of the opportunities in the market place.
As many of you are aware Indigo Real Estate specializes in premium lifestyle properties on the main West Coast of Phuket Island. Their focus areas include the beaches of Kamala, Surin, Bangtao, Laguna and the area to the north called Natai. Being a traditional agent their range of resale properties is extensive: from 1-bedroom apartments through luxury villas, exclusive land plots and beach properties. Indigo also offer a range of luxury villa properties for rent.
More about Indigo Realestate »
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May Hospitality SponsorCoyote PhuketIn addition to their sponsorship Coyote Phuket invites all to their Grand Opening on May 19th in Patong Beach. Please take a few moments to check out the atmosphere at their great location right on the beach road in Patong Beach, have some spicy Mexican food, try some of their amazing Margaritas while listening to some "hot salsa" live music. It's a certainty you won't forget their fun staff and their "spicy" outfits... More about Coyote Phuket » Coyote Phuket Features
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Your support is important to us and makes a difference in the services that IBAP is able to provide...
IBAP is seeking support from you or your company to help sponsor local university students to attend our monthly meeting. Currently our experimental program is working to have soon-to-be-graduating students available to be introduced to our business members.
For a small financial commitment you or your company can sponsor these students for the evening. You'll have the opportunity to meet each student and help introduce them to other business members attending. Also you will be introduced as their sponsor and have your name, company name and logo promoted on our web site and emails, another way to effectively promote your business, and support education.
Please contact IBAP Trustee Jean Leon for details, or see him at the meeting.