Local business ideas

kendo · Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 7:43 pm Post subject: Local business ideas

Hi to everyone,
My name is Kenny from Southampton U.K
I have been coming to Hua-Hin for 3 Years and met my wife here so its a very special place to us.
We talk a lot about living the dream, as i am far to young to retire i would have to do some kind of business.Can anyone give my some ideas on wot Hua-Hin needs or has a lak of.My mate Craig suggested a multi story car park as parking can be quite difficult,but my funds wont go that far.
Is it really correct that bars and restarants dont make money out of the high season and the cost of leasing property has gone through the roof. Cheers

crazy88 · Professional Joined: 21 Jun 2007 Posts: 387

You could try giving elocution lessons .

Wink

Crazy 88

buksida · Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 8:31 pm Post subject:

Here are a couple that Hua Hin really needs:

1) Fine tailored clothing made in a sweatshop round the corner.
2) Opticians.
3) Swanky overpriced posh joints for Bangkok weekenders.
4) Real estate agents.

And here are a few ideas that shouldn't be attempted unless you're in with the local brass:

1) Car park as you've already mentioned.
2) Parking meters - theres a mint to be made there.
3) A decent internet service.
4) A real newspaper offering real news in English.

Seriously though, that was all tongue-in-cheek, welcome to the board, have a read around and you'll get a few ideas though Hua Hin seems to be becoming a rapidly diminishing pie of opportunity in business terms.
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Named must your fear be before banish it you can.

icebear · Member Joined: 29 Nov 2007 Posts: 64

Hi Kendo

Welcome to Hua Hin.

How old are you if you don't mind us asking and what experience or backgournd would you have?

kendo · Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 9:00 pm Post subject:

I am 38 and a crane driver in Southampton docks.I really would like a life style change and think about Hua Hin all the time especially when working 12 hour night shifts.

Sabai Jai · Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 9:17 pm Post subject:

Welcome to the forum Kendo.

This is a good place to find answers to lots of questions...with the possible exception of what a good business would be in Hua Hin.

Be very careful with your hard earned cash.

Bide your time don't be pressurised into anything, walk away if your not happy.

Regards SJ

matthew80 · Specialist Joined: 17 Apr 2006 Posts: 199 Location: Canada

Howdy! I too, am constantly thinking of a business idea that would allow me to retire a little earlier to Hua Hin. I'm an English teacher by trade, with three university degrees. However, teaching in Thailand, as stated earlier in a different thread, does not bring in a lot of money - or at least not enough money to live a certain lifestyle. The only concept that might work for me, is some sort of "editing" or "proof-reading" buisiness where I would do contract work with the various hotels, resorts, or other businesses that require English communication and documentation. Theoretically, I would establish "contracts" with local businesses - a monthly retainer, if you will, and then do the work whenever it was required. Ultimately, I think that finding substantial employment in Thailand will be extremely difficult, and the best solution for me is to stay where I am and wait on my pension. However, if I was young and full of piss and vinegar, I would no doubt take a teaching position. I imagine it would be a fantastic experience! Good luck in your job search! Cheers

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Maverick

kendo · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 2:17 pm Post subject:

Mattew 80 Maybe you could start a sign company,there used to be signs for real estate reading, Mediterranean life style,but there was one sign on the Phetkasem rd the big mother by the temple, reading Maditerranean life style!

icebear · Member Joined: 29 Nov 2007 Posts: 64

keno you probably earn enough money to make a living instead of coming to LOS too early and here, whatever job you would get (if any), the money would you not last as long as you think. Wy don't you keep on going and get your pension and then enjoy Hua Hin during your deserved vacation.

buksida · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 3:02 pm Post subject:

Coupled with the fact that the government are making it tougher and more expensive every year for foreigners to start up businesses here. The basic requirements are increasing by the month!
_________________
Named must your fear be before banish it you can.

crazy88 · Professional Joined: 21 Jun 2007 Posts: 387

Kendo

There are many ways to make a living here for those with the drive to do so and a bit of initiative .Your profession is very specialised and skilled .

I would think that large international contractors such as Balfour or Costain may have need of people with your skills in supervisory positions on major projects in the region .The pay would be much higher if the appointment was made from the UK .

A number of people I know here make a few hundred pounds a month sending clothing and cigarettes back to the UK via post .Not that I am advocating these activities just citing an example of a bit of initiative .

An earlier poster told you to take your time and be careful with your hard earned cash .Good advice .

Whatever you decide to do don't buy a business and think it will run itself while you are on the piss elsewhere .It won't .

I wish you every success in whatever you decide .

thumbs up

Crazy 88

kendo · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 4:06 pm Post subject:

Icebear everything you say does make sence, i had a mate who has just given up living his dream in Hua-hin, but his out look is very different to mine.I have allways had a real good feeling about this special little, or not so little any more place.I think many farangs have all asked the same questions but with things changing so fast around town i allways look for a idea.
Buksida can you tell me how basic business requirements are changing. Confused

icebear · Member Joined: 29 Nov 2007 Posts: 64

you addressed this forum and many members wish to assist you in any way they can. Experience, however, guide us in advising you to be careful with your intention to get a job here in Thailand. It was also mentioned that the visa and work permits are a restriciting factor as well.

I am sure anyone of us would be happy to hear that you find something suitable. Don't give up. Maybe visit the place on holiday and check-it out. It's the same with buying property; rent first and decide later.....

Wishing you honestly all the very best....

buksida · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 4:43 pm Post subject:

Korkenzieher · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 7:33 pm Post subject:

There is also a pretty extensive list of reserved occupations too. Jobs which it is simply not allowed for non-Thais to undertake in LOS. Many of them are basic manufacturing jobs, such as working with fabrics.

There is a list at http://www.ethailand.com/index.php?id=1836. I don't know if this is definitive, but certainly some of the categories can cover an awful lot of specific jobs - consider 34 (Tourist guide; agency) & 37 (clerical; secretarial) for instance. They are so open to interpretation that on their own they probably kill the jobs market for most people.

In HH, if the local cop on the sois sees a farang behind a bar, he gets in an awful strop and threatens action. And bar work isn't even on the list as such. The owner of one bar (no names) had to go behind to try and troubleshoot some problem with the HiFi which was clearly beyond the girls' ability to cope, and was seen. All hell broke loose.