Custom-Made Suits in Bangkok - What to Expect

I attended a travel trade show in Bangkok last summer and had just enough free time, 2 days, to visit a tailor to have a custom suit made. Bangkok and many other Asian cities are great places to visit a tailor for custom made suits, shirts, sports coats, and other clothing at a great value. But it's best to be prepared and understand the process before jumping in and taking advantage of that $99 offer. Here's a quick guide on what to expect.

In almost any big Asian city, shop after shop of souvenir sellers, t-shirt vendors, jewelers, and tailors beckon you to come in and "just look." But beware, don't go in unless you really want a suit and are willing to spend $300 and up for a two piece suit with a decent quality fabric. Anything less than that and you may as well get one off the rack at K-Mart.

Most shops are small, but some may be part of a larger chain. It doesn't really matter for your purposes. All are just sales outlets with bolts of fabric that can take your measurements and send them to a factory for the actual cutting and sewing. Some may even be quite high-tech now. They will store your measurements in a database, and you will be able to order new suits or shirts or pants by email and credit card.

The Negotiation

The manager or owner (whoever has the authority to negotiate) will ask you what you are looking for. You tell him a suit or a sports jacket but that you're just looking for now. He'll engage you and be quite friendly and offer you a cold beer. He'll ask you to sit down and show you a photo book of models wearing different styles of suits to find out which ones you are interested in. If you engage, you're hooked and well on your way to a new suit.

Once you select a style (1, 2, or 3 buttons, double or single-breasted, collar type, back-center or side splits, etc.), he'll talk to you about the fabrics. He'll show you the difference between real cashmere wool and fake cashmere wool fabrics (also known as polyester) by burning a small sample with a lighter and then proceeding to assure you that he only wants the best fabric for you and that the $99 price is based on the polyester fabric. You'll succumb and agree that you really want the real wool fabric.

Note that these guys are not paragons of style and don't necessarily do a good job advising you of the right style of suit or jacket for your purposes. But they are good at leading you to make some decisions.

During this preliminary process of discovery, the tailor will avoid giving you a price, but once you decide on how many suits, shirts, ties, etc. He will finally put together a package price for you. This is finally when the negotiation begins. Bargain hard and be firm and be willing to walk away., he may throw in extra shirts or ties to finally seal the deal.

Measurements and First Fitting

Once you agree to a price, the tailor will take your measurements. You need a minimum of 2 days for the process, but 3 is better. Within the first day, you will have your first fitting. You will return to the shop to meet the real tailor who will have a rough cut of the major pieces. They will check to ensure that the breadth and length are working properly and chalk and pin the exact spots for the final assembly. You'll come back to the shop the next day for another fitting.

The Second Fitting

At the second fitting the suite is complete and the tailor or shop owner will do their best to convince you that it fits correctly when you try it on. But, here's where it's a good idea to have someone with you to validate your concerns with too tight shoulders, too long sleeves, or whatever the problem might be. Be firm and tell them what you want done and they will acquiesce. However, if the suit really does fit at this point then you're done!

The Final Fitting

After the final alterations are made, the tailor will likely want to deliver it to your hotel. This helps reduce the possibility that you might reject it. He may even send someone who doesn't speak very good English, so if something is wrong you will have a hard time articulating it. However, if it still doesn't fit right be firm and request more alterations. It may require a visit to the shop one more time.

Lessons Learned

• While they can produce a custom suit in less than a day, it's best to have at least 3 days available to ensure you get the best fit.


• Have all of your meetings in the shop because they will be more likely to try to please you there.


• Get the best fabric you can afford.


• Use a tailor that will save your measurements and you can order new clothes online at anytime after that.


• For womens' clothing, allow more time for additional fittings. The consensus is that you'll need 4 to 7 days.

My Tailor - Max's Fashions

This article is based on my experience at Max's Fashions in Bangkok. Located at No. 1/3 Soi 3 Sukhumvit Rd. Max can be contacted by email at maxs.fashions@yahoo.com or by mobile phone at +66 (089)-4020775.

Ambrose Bittner is the founder of Red Lantern Journeys, a tour operator focused on arranging travel to Asia. Visit his blog at http://www.ambrosebittner.com Vist http://www.redlanternjourneys.com

The Beaches Resort & Residences - Thailand's First Integrated Resort In Bang Saray Bay, Thailand

With the support of the Board of Investment of Thailand and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, The Beaches will be the new shining symbol of the country and will be the benchmark of destination resorts in Asia.

It has also joined with True Corporation, one of Thailand's largest technology companies, to create Thailand's first wireless lifestyle convergent communities which will feature state-of-the-art technology throughout the entire project.

The masterplan architect and designers behind the success of The Beaches Resort & Residences are award winning world class design firms - Carl Ettensperger of C&C Studio and Terry Henriksen of Henriksen Design Ltd, who have worked on 5-star hotel projects such as Mandarin Oriental, Hyatt Hotels, Ritz Carlton, Siam Paragon Bangkok, Huvafen Fushi Maldives (2008 Worlds Best Beach Resort, Harpers Bazaar Travel), Hard Rock Hotel - Universal Studios, Florida, and many more prestigious resorts.

Set over 88 rais of landscaped gardens, man-made beaches, and water lagoons, The Beaches private community will have four grand 5-star hotels, stunning water villas and Private Residences. The Beaches Resort has the best of everything - International Waterpark and Surf Park, The Beaches Longevity & Wellness Spa, state-of-the-art fitness club, a Grande Promenade with an international village with over 20 restaurants and retail, tennis academy and a Watersport centre. It is also centrally located in the heart of Thailand in Bang Saray Bay, a tropical oasis - 10 minutes from Pattaya and only 90 minutes from Bangkok.

The 88-rai first phase of The Beaches Resort & Residences includes two hotel condominiums with 300 units each worth a total of two billion baht, a 450-room hotel worth three billion baht and an 800-million-baht water theme park. Construction would start in mid-2008 and be completed in 2012.

Pacific Shore Developments, registered in the British Virgin Islands, has registered capital of 306 million baht. The Bangkok Bank is its main infrastructure creditor and it would invest in the construction of the buildings in which about 70% of all investors are foreigners. The Board of Investment (BoI) has approved long-term land rights for the company but the exact duration was not revealed. It plans three phases worth a combined 20 billion baht but details of the other two phases would depend on feedback from the first phase.

Living in Bangkok, you see glitzy front-page supplements that dominate Thailand's English dailies, full-page magazine and newspaper colour ads that abound large project launches, and the billboards that predominate the city and Skytrain. We can only imagine the cost of such publicity and its significant impact on a project's bottom line. This is the reason why the eMarketing is employing Web 2.0 technologies.

That is not to say that elegantly-produced brochures and local media advertising doesn't have merit, but it has always seemed to us that it is a sort of marketing overkill - a gunshot rather than rifle approach to project exposure, but The Beaches, to my knowledge, will be the first large-scale real estate development project in Asia to employ Web 2.0 as its online publicity vehicle.

Media Director of V9 Design & Build (http://www.v9designbuild.com), providing both local and outsourcing web and SEO services: we provide both brochureware and custom-designed websites, with tasteful design and branding, professional design and build, proven and successful SEO and e-marketing, e-commerce-driven database integration and content management systems.

Property Law in Thailand

Thailand is becoming an ever more popular retirement and choice of country to live with its low costs and beautiful scenery not forgetting of course the world famous friendliness of the Thais themselves. But finding out about the laws governing property ownership here can be confusing. Here are the bare bones of Thai property Law

o A foreigner can own a condominiums long as less than 40% of the condos or apartments in the building are owned by foreigners. Many people believe it to be 49% although this regulation was an addition to the existing law and was only meant to be in place for one year and has since expired.

o A company can own property such as land and a house (and hence the foreigner can buy land and a house via their Thai registered company) as long as no one foreigner owns more that 39% of the company (recently amended from 33%) and total foreign ownership of the company does not exceed 49%.Still ambiguous and under review.

o The Thai wife of a foreigner can own property (a recently changed legal status due to gender equality in the new 1997 constitution revision), in her name only. This is fine as long as you don't have marital problems. (The same, of course, goes for a Thai husband, but the law was changed recently for Thai wives due to the new constitution guaranteeing equal rights.)

o A foreigner can lease land for 30 years, with an option for another 30 years, the first 30 years are guaranteed they are registered with the Land Department, however the second can be contested.

o If you gain BOI approval you may as a company is able to buy up to one rai of land. Although this is meant for very large investors.

At the end of the day if you are seriously looking to invest in Thailand you should consult a good lawyer who will be familiar with the latest property laws.

Chris Heath is the sole proprietor of Soho Properties a real estate agency located in Bangkok Thailand.

http://www.soho-properties.com

7 Things to Do in Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, is a vacationer's paradise. Sights and shopping abound. Beware; the city is crowded and the traffic is pretty appalling. On the upside, however, is an excellent public transportation system that allows visitors to get around easily. Bangkok's many attractions include the following:

Grand Palace

Grand Palace contains over 100 buildings and courtyards, and provided inspiration for the story The King and I. Tourists can walk through the many buildings and see the lavish, gilded decor. Any trip to the Grand Palace is capped by visiting the Wat Phra Kaeo: the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The statue, carved from jade, sits atop a 34-foot golden throne.

Aythaya

This former capital of the dynastic rulers lies 50 miles north of Bangkok. It can be reached by river on a luxury cruise. The ruins of the former kings' palace, with its canals, are worth seeing as-is, and are also currently being restored.

Chatuchak Weekend Market

This 30-acre market is one of the world's largest. Thousands of booths selling nearly everything at bargain prices runs along under awnings. Since it is outdoors, the crowds and close quarters can get pretty hot, so consider going in the early morning.

The Oriental

In a city famous for its luxury accommodations, The Oriental has a charming 130-year history. Among other famous guests, many authors have stayed in its rooms. The hotel offers lectures, a cooking school, a spa, and dance performances.

The Bridge on the River Kwai

Visit the Jeath War Museum to learn about the history of the bridge that inspired a book and movie. It was built by POW's held by the Japanese during WWII, and was known as the "Death Railway".

Wat Pho

Among many wats, or temples, to be seen in Bangkok is Wat Pho, the largest. Wat Pho is a complex, in close proximity to the Grand Palace. The giant gold reclining Buddha is especially impressive.

Wat Arun

The stunning and unusual Temple of the Dawn may be best viewed from the river. Its distinctive appearance comes from the fact that its walls are covered with a mosaic of broken Chinese porcelain.

Any traveler can find something to love in Bangkok. The glittering temples, the bustling energy, the museums, shopping, and luxury hotels offer a selection of experiences that will make travel to Thailand unforgettable.

Read more about Thailand Vacations or Things To Do In Bangkok

Bangkok, Gay Friendly Hotels - Where to Find and Stay

The popularity of tourism has been growing steadily in Bangkok Thailand. This is true especially for gay and lesbian travelers looking for a holiday in an exotic destination. Bangkok offers some of the best nightlife for alternative lifestyles and finding the right hotel and area to stay in will make your trip more memorable.

When it comes to gay and lesbian nightlife the red light district of Patpong is the place to be. Though Patpong is more well known for go go bars and sex shows the area has always had a strong presence of popular gay bars and clubs.

These widely popular bars and clubs are spread out in several locations in Patpong's red light district:

• Silom Soi 4 and Soi 2


• Patpong Soi 2


• Soi Pratoochai on Suriwongse Road, also known as Duangthawee Plaza

Though spread out they are all still within a 5 minute walking distance to each other. All of those places can be easily reached by using the BTS and MRT trains if you're not staying in Patpong. But ideally it's best to stay in a gay friendly hotel nearby so you won't have to worry about travel time.

One new hotel that just opened up recently in Patpong is called Glitz Hotel. It's a small 4 story boutique hotel with a totally gay friendly attitude. Just one word of caution though, they don't have elevators but they do have plenty of people to help you with your bags.

Siam Heritage Boutique Hotel is another place to consider for your stay in Patpong. Though it has been around for awhile the hotel property especially the rooms have been very well maintained and decorated in true Thai style, a rarity these days in newer hotels.

Finally there's the budget friendly Wall Street Inn which is directly opposite Duangthawee Plaza and it's gay go go bars. Overall the hotel is not in the best condition but the location and rates which usually includes a free breakfast is definitely a good deal.

Visit Bangkok Guest Friendly hotels for a list of popular hotels in Patpong's red light district.

James P. Hunt is an avid traveler and writes hotel reviews for numerous blogs and website. Currently he resides in Thailand and is a contributor to http://www.bangkokguestfriendlyhotels.com, the largest source of no joiner fee hotels on the Internet.