Thai Tips - 5 Features Of Thailand's Serviced Offices
 
Aug 29, 2018
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Thailand is in the midst of recovering from a season where a dark cloud covered much of the economy. Since its sharp downturn a few years ago, the country is making a slow comeback, and while growth is a little slower than other countries in the area, Thailand business is preparing for an upturn that will continue into next year. In anticipation of this, many in the business community are hopeful that this growth will translate into opportunities for private ventures.

These opportunities extend to foreign business interests as well. Those looking to do business in Thailand’s growing economy might find the whole process of setting up shop in a different country overwhelming, in addition to having to look for suitable office space. Of the various types of fit-outs, businesses used to the traditional office space but needing budget-friendly options should consider the serviced office for a few reasons.

Continue reading to find out more information on the various features of Thailand’s serviced offices

Affordability

The serviced office is affordable simply because the leases provide businesses with fully-furnished space, usually, in a corporate building. While your office does share the floor with other businesses, your overhead every month is much lower than it would be if you leased a conventional office and then had to fit out the office with equipment, furniture, utilities, and internet services. Take a look at Servcorp’s offices at http://www.servcorp.co.th/en/serviced-offices/ to see what is typically included in a package. This streamlining of office services makes it much easier for businesses to budget on a monthly basis.

One of the greatest features of the serviced office is the fact it is much more affordable to conventional leases. This is important because in many of Thailand’s business districts office rents are high. Additionally, those unfamiliar with the area might find themselves having to research zoning and renting laws to gain the advantage. In the end, a more convenient, budget-friendly solution is the serviced office.

Office Amenities

Included in a serviced office plan are the same amenities you would find by leasing a regular office. For one, businesses do not have to worry about staffing an information or reception desk because many of these plans come with support staff. Additionally, serviced offices provide businesses with some of the best in IT services. As a business occupying space in their buildings, most of your IT needs are taken care of by professionals.

Location

Another feature of serviced offices in this country is that most tend to be located close to business districts, which are usually characterised by high rents. The serviced office places you in proximity to businesses in more affluent areas. In terms of image, the serviced office can provide your outfit with reasonably-priced office space in a prime business location.

Scalability

Another feature of the serviced office is that it provides your business with room to grow. If your business in Thailand grows substantially, you have the option of modifying the lease to reflect your business’s new needs, and this can be done relatively quickly with no downtime for your business. For perspective, in a standard relocation situation, businesses would need at least nine months to successfully orchestrate moving from one location to another.

International Offices

Finally, look for fit-outs that have international offices. For example, Servcorp, one of Thailand’s leading office providers, has offices around the world. These offices typically provide businesses with access to conference and meeting room space. This benefits your business in that it provides you with a place to work regardless of where you are in the world.

Finding Your Space In Thailand’s Office Landscape

The serviced office can do wonders in this landscape where you really have to know the terrain to avoid entering into disadvantageous deals. Your serviced office provides you with a one-stop shopping experience that removes the hassles associated with initiating your office set up. In saving both time and money, you can focus on being more productive at work.

 
 
Interested in Purchasing Property in Malaysia? What You Should Know
 
Feb 09, 2016
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One of the factors driving Malaysian property is the Iskandar project. This is government backed economic development policy where businesses are encouraged to set up in special development zones. The other factor is the fact that local property prices have been rising since 2008 leading to an upsurge in buying due to more land been available for less money and lower stamp duty. However, to buy property in Malaysia on Property Guru, here are factors that you should be on the lookout for to find the right piece.

Before Buying Real Estate

If you are looking to purchase a new apartment or house directly from a developer, the initial down payment is a minimum of 10 percent the property value or depending on what the developer is willing to accept. Other costs and charges you will incur include:

• If you are borrowing money from a bank, a loan application fee
• Fire and MRTA insurance if you are taking a housing loan
• Stamp duty
• Legal fees
• Deposit for utilities (water and electricity)

Purchasing from a vendor will also attract the same fees and charges as above. It is important that before the process starts, you identify and work with a qualified real estate agent. Malaysian real estate agents are registered by the Board of Valuer, Appraisers and Estate Agents. The agency fee for services rendered is at, minimal, 3 percent of the property sale value.

You will also need a valuation report to show that the property in Malaysia on Property Guru value is not less that the proposed load. The valuation report is required by banks when an individual is applying for a loan.

The Basics of Home Loans

Budgeting is an essential part of your journey towards property ownership. You have to determine how much monthly loan repayment you can comfortable afford and the property’s highest price. It is advisable that your recurring monthly expenses – house, car and others – do not exceed a third of your monthly income. To get funds for your down payment, start with your savings, then the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) before getting a loan from a financial institution.

Most financial institutions have either a:

• Fixed-term loan: This will require you to pay a fixed amount every month for the length of the loan. This traditional loan term is better suited for individuals with a strict and predictable cash-flow pattern.
• Flexi-loan: Offers you the option of reducing your interest as you wish, with the flexibility in paying off your home loan when you can.

It is important that you also carry out research and find a loan package with the lowest interest rate. Financial institutions charge interest as determined by the Base Lending Rate (BLR) set by the Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). Other interest rate systems are:

• Mortgage Lending Rate (MLR)
• Base Finance Rate (BFR) – for a Shariah compliant loan

Types of Properties in Malaysia

Before venturing into the real estate world, it is important that you have a fairly basic grasp of the most basic things. Below are the most common types of properties you can purchase in Malaysia:

• Land
• Commercial
• Residential

The four key real estate market segments are:

• Developer/New: New development for direct purchase from developers once you have views the plans or show units.
• Secondary or sub-sale: Defines existing property that has been purchased by a seller who is not a developer.
• Auction: Properties within this market are usually available at below-market rates.
• Commercial: The properties within this segment are for business purposes like offices and shops.

My First Home Scheme and PRIMA

Due to the dramatic increase in property taxes, Malaysia’s government instituted two schemes to help young adults afford property. The two schemes are:

Skim Rumah Pertamaku (SRP) or My First Home Scheme: Helps young adults who have just joined the workforce to obtain 100% financing. The scheme is open to Malaysian citizens up to 35 years and with a gross income not exceeding RM5,000 a month. On purchase, the beneficiaries are expected to occupy the property and loans are payable via monthly salary deduction.
Perumahan Rakyat 1Malaysia (PR1MA): Aims to provide middle-income households in urban centeres with affordable lifestyle housing. Open to Malaysian families and individuals with an average monthly income of up to RM7,500. Applicants should be over 21 years and not own more than one property. Beneficiaries are also expected to occupy the property once purchased.
 
 
Building a House Floor Plan? Avoid These Common Mistakes
 
Feb 09, 2016
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Building a house is just about as difficult as it sounds – there are no shortcuts, simplifications, or acceptable mistakes. Homes are complicated mounds and structures of steel, wood and stone – messing up isn’t an option.

As long as you keep a few common mistakes in mind and seek professional assistance, building a home is a lengthy, but concrete step-by-step process. You may encounter some hurdles, and some difficulties, but by and large it’ll be an adventure. And with Thai housing being in a boom according to Global Property Guide, getting yourself a home won’t be a bad investment. So let’s dive right in and get you on the path to having a home of your own.

Don't Try and Be a Contractor

First things first: when it comes to executing your floor plan, don’t try to be the general contractor. A general contractor oversees the subcontractors who work on the home – from the construction crew, to the electrician, the plumber, the lighting specialist and so on. They work with the architect to create the home you want – and for some, that may seem like a job they could tackle.

The truth is that subcontractors are extremely busy people – and in their line of work, repeat customers are those that get them the most money in the long-term. They’re more likely to put more effort into communicating and working on your house with a general contractor they know, than they are to simply work with you. You cannot replace a general contractor – or at least, you shouldn’t try to.

When Visiting Model Homes, Strip Them Bare

If you’re fond of visiting other homes to get an idea of what yours should look like, don’t be entranced by shiny amenities and interior detailing. Strip away the beautiful floors, nice furniture, carpeting, drapes and windows – just the walls and structure remain. Then imagine what you would do with the space, and if you could live in it.

See the house for what it is – an empty structure. All the added finishing is there to sell the place to you – and if you like the floor plan because of its finish and interior design, rather than the nitty gritty of the plan itself, you’re setting yourself up for a disappointment.

Be Efficient, Rather than Grandiose

It may be tempting to make large foyers and halls and cathedral-style high ceilings in your home – but all these things do is waste space and square footage, while driving up your heating or cooling costs as your home becomes larger and more expensive to regulate.

Cut out the unnecessary rooms and large halls, and instead focus on spacious dining areas, a large garden area and backyard, a beautiful terrace for eating under the sun or stars, and whatever else you could want that makes more sense space-wise.

Take a Few Lesson in Basic Floor Plan Structure

You don’t need an internship at an architecture company or a degree from school – a basic online crash course on architectural terms and the jargon of house layouts will help you understand exactly what it is you’re looking at when confronted with a house plan.

You’ll be better off for it – once you know how house plans are formulated and made, you’ll also have a basic idea of what’s a good idea and what’s a horrible mistake. For one, avoid building a “Garage Mahal” – that is, a large unsubtle home unsuitable to the family and neighborhood it’s situated in, and with a major focus placed on its garage – so much so that the garage takes over the front porch and invades the potential for curb appeal.

Don't Ignore Your Location

Remember where you’re building your home. Since you have control over your house plan, you can save yourself a lot of money and make a beautiful home by adjusting it to the location you’re building in. Where is east? Where is south? Where is west? Build a floor plan with most of the rooms you spend your mornings in – the bedroom, the kitchen – in the east, to catch the warmth of the morning sun as it rises. What do you do in the afternoons? Have these rooms – and their windows – in the west.

As Houzz points out with various examples of architectural ingenuity, the sun can be an important factor in home design. Having more windows in the south than in the northern portion of the home lets you catch more sun all year long, if that’s what you want. This way, you’ll have no need for lighting during the day, and you’ll easily get your share of sunlight, even if you get to frolic under the sun on rare occasions.

Keep It Simple

There’s no need to overcomplicate your home. A garage, a few bedrooms, an area for cooking and dining, easily accessible yet hidden bathrooms, and whatever else you can make use of – these are all essential rooms because they’re rooms you’ll use every day. If there’s a portion of your home plan that you don’t see using daily, then that’s space you don’t need, and could be used in a more efficient manner. In the end, all that’s left to do is bring your house plans to a professional like DDProperty, and work out the details to building your dream home.

 
 
5 Things you should do during your Weekend Getaway in Bangkok
 
Dec 23, 2015
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Bangkok has been in, or around, number one spot as the world's top tourist destination for several years now, and for good reason. This thriving metropolis of more than six million people, which sprawls across more than 1,500 square kilometres, is a vibrant city which successfully displays a rich heritage alongside a thrusting new, modern veneer. Taking the pulse of such a unique place in a weekend is almost impossible, but these top tips will give you a chance – along with a weekend never to forget.

1. The Grand Palace

This dazzling complex of buildings on the banks of the Chao Phraya river was home to the Kings of Siam and, later, Thailand, for almost 150 years, until 1925. Now only used for ceremonial occasions and official events, the palace remains the city's most recognisable landmark, this deeply royalist country's spiritual heart and one of its most visited attractions. It's a must for any visit to Bangkok, and at over 218,000 square metres, there's plenty to see.

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The palace complex is comprised of numerous buildings, halls and pavilions set around open lawns, gardens and courtyards. It includes several majestic and eclectic constructions, including the most important temple in the country, Wat Phra Kaew, so named in Thai after the greatly revered Emerald Buddha housed there, which dates back to the 14th century.

The Outer Court of the palace housed government departments, such as the treasury, army and civil administration. The Inner Court was where the King's royal consorts and daughters lived, and this area is still not open to the public. Visitors are allowed inside the spacious European style reception room or Grand Palace Hall. There is also the opulent Dusit Hall, the antique throne room and a museum detailing the palace's history.

2. The Hangover Tour

This tour takes you around some of the locations made famous – as opposed to simply infamous! – by the movie The Hangover Part 2. It also provides a great and safe way to visit the seedier parts of Bangkok (and a cast-iron excuse, too!)

Guided by an experienced 'nightlife specialist', the tour visits featured bars from the movie in the nightlife hotspots of Soi Cowboy, Patpong and Nana. Also included are visits to other venues, such as for Thai boxing bouts and go-go shows. The overall experience can be tailored to suit the particular tastes of the group, and it's good to know that the 'seediness factor' can be turned up or down. The duration of the night can also be adjusted to fit the good sense / wildness of the group, returning you safely to your hotel by midnight, or else to a club to party through the night.

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3. Chatuchak Market

With more than 8000 stalls arranged in 27 sections, Chatuchak is certainly Thailand's biggest market and one of the largest in the world. It opens on Friday evening and runs through the whole weekend, and with plenty of great places to dine and snack along the way, as well as the occasional live act to enjoy, Chatuchak is a great day-out.

The market's 27 sections offer a range of goods that are grouped into nine categories: plants, antiques, pets, food and drink, fresh and dry food, ceramics, furniture and home decoration, clothes, and books. There's plenty to see even if you aren’t tempted to buy anything – and most likely, you will be.

Clothing dominates the market, from youth items to those from more sophisticated labels. The home decoration section is a great place for inexpensive Thai ceramics. And many of the plants stalls are also open on weekday afternoons. Thankfully, there's an information centre and maps to find your way around – and your way back out!

4. Tuk Tuk Tour

The tuk tuk is another great symbol of the country and zipping around Bangkok in one is a truly unmissable fun experience. While the vast majority of tuk tuk drivers are reputable, a few will try and take tourists for a ride in more ways than one. With an established tuk tuk tour and English speaking guide, you can't go wrong.

You can take a day tour that takes in such sites as Phra Sumeru Fortress, Thammasart University, where you will learn some of the history of the area, the temple of Wat Pho, birthplace of Thai massage, Phahurat Market in the heart of Little India, and the 'Thieves Market', so named for its now, thankfully, lapsed reputation for dealing in stolen goods. The tour concludes at Wat Saket with its 360 degree view of the surrounding Rattanakosin Island.

A night-time tour affords a different view of the city, its tourist sites quieter and, perhaps, more beautiful, lit up for the evening. This is certainly true of Wat Pho, which at night instead is far calmer and emanates a mystic atmosphere. The flower market wakes up at night and is a riot of colours, and activity, too. The tour also stops for some delicious sampling opportunities of the best in Thai street food.

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5. Sing Sing Bar and Theatre

For an especially memorable evening out in Bangkok, visit Sing Sing Bar and Theatre in Sukhumvit. New for late 2015, this retro-futuristic venue is described by its designer as "a classy cool sexed up hiso club" set amidst a warren of hidden rooms.

The highly creative design integrates feng shui elements into a concept loosely modelled on a Chinese brothel theme. Here, intricate wrought ironwork features dragon motifs, beautiful lanterns hang from the ceiling, and elegant hostesses complete the look in classic Qipao dresses.

You can see live performances on the stage here, including international recording artists, erotic dance, comedy and martial arts. From midnight onwards, DJs spin hip dance music, including electronica and house, for a cool crowd.