Belgian Erika left for Thailand to open B&B there
Baan Chang Phuket Bed & Breakfast
The Belgian Erika Samain owns a bed and breakfast in Phuket, Thailand. The prestigious travel website Trip Advisor gave her an 'excellent' rating for the second year in a row.
Two years ago, Erika Samain from Antwerp came up with the idea of starting a bed and breakfast in Phuket, Thailand. 'We have been going on holiday to for more than ten years Thailand and the way of life there really appealed to us,” says Erika. For the first two years she ran her hotel alone. 'For the time being, my husband Dirk flies back and forth every six weeks and my son Jeremy (21) first had to obtain his diploma in Belgium.'
In the meantime that has been successful and soon Jeremy will live with his mother in Thailand. Erika's bed and breakfast is not too big with five rooms. 'That offers the opportunity to constantly engage with my customers and show them everything the area has to offer.
Kind of Michelin star
Apparently those customers appreciate that, because Erika was already awarded the 'certificate of excellence' by the well-known travel website Trip Advisor after the first year. This is based on the number of assessments and their level. 'The highest score is only given to very few hotels and B&Bs', says Erika proudly.
Although she is happy with the recognition, it also brings stress. 'It's like a Michelin star, when you have it you don't like to give it up', Erika laughs. She noticed that many tourists were attracted by the positive review. Still, she's not thinking about expanding. 'It's impossible as long as I'm on my own. First and foremost, I want to continue to offer visitors a good service.'
Erika is not thinking about returning to Belgium. “The mentality of the people here is great. Everyone helps you and you never feel unsafe. Moreover, the food is wonderfully tasty and healthy.'
More information: Baan Chang Phuket Bed & Breakfast (www.phuketbedandbreakfast.com/)
Source: Nieuwsblad.be
And I just think because of all the stories here that it is impossible to start a business in Thailand as a farang????
There are options, if you know the way. Formally speaking, you also have to employ Thai, but there is always a (financial) sleeve to adjust 😉
I once said that here, that we also had the idea of starting a B&B in Thailand and then I was told that was not possible, so if I lie, I lie on commission. 😉
Mike,
As so often here in Thailand: if you ask something and someone doesn't know the real answer, they just make up an answer. So I came here about 4 years ago and wanted to buy a tomtom. So just ask where that could be. Answer: That does not exist in Thailand. Then you should have a navi system built into your dashboard! (had seen them in new luxury cars of course, but never a tomtom).
So asked where that could be. Arriving at the relevant store, I immediately walked on a column with several tomtoms (Garmin in this case). There you have it.
From that moment on I learned to ask at least 3 Thais if I want to know something. Then you have a reasonable chance of getting correct information. So I think you should have asked more people.
My girlfriend and I also bought a restaurant that way. I do administration and pricing and my girlfriend manages the staff and does advertising.
So it is possible. Of course I'm not on the payroll, but that's not really important. However?
Not really important? I hope so. You are not allowed to work without a work permit, and they are sometimes very annoying about it. Do they call catering establishments where they know there is a farang involved, and if you even just pick up the phone, you are screwed. That is work and that is not allowed without a permit. Can all be arranged again of course, but you can pull your wallet.
Most Thai never know anything and indeed make it up in front of you. After all, admitting that you don't know something means losing face.
Teun, I asked the question here on the forum... Is your wife/girlfriend Thai? My husband and I both have Dutch nationality, so according to several people here on this forum it was impossible for us to start a B&B.
Miek, my girlfriend has both nationalities. But Erika is Belgian and so is her husband. So everything is possible! Just organize and definitely involve a few Thais. You organize and they execute. Under your leadership. And anyone who says it can't/shouldn't be done...don't believe it! Execute your own plan and certainly don't let it scare you,
We will then think carefully about that because with the current plans of the government it remains to be seen when my husband can retire at all, but thanks for the tip anyway!
Hello Mike,
Erika does it beautifully.
I think if there's anything you need to know, Erika is the best person to provide you with intelligence that isn't out of the blue.
Indeed, loss of face for a Thai if he / she does not know something, so say something.
Success.
Louise
Mike, how did you get there? as a farang you are not officially allowed to work, but the position of “conductor/organiser” is not included. as long as you are not on the “payroll”. it is like the fact that a farang cannot own land/house. there are many roads that lead to Rome. you know that saying, right? especially here in Thailand.
As a farang, even without your own company, you can work in Thailand, you just need a work permit.
It certainly looks beautiful and I suspect it is worth its price. After all, quality has its price and if that quality is met, I accept it rather quickly. If I ever want to get out of here I'll definitely keep it in mind.
Furthermore, I do not understand why people always think that they are not allowed to work in Thailand. It's just a matter of applying for the right visa. (By the way, these are the cat B-Series visas, including B / BA / IB…) There are indeed conditions if you want to invest, open a business or just work, but you do not have to know “the way”. There are certainly more work opportunities than opening a bar (see, among others, this B&B, teachers, chefs, hotel managers, etc.). People like Erika can perfectly open a B&B and work in their business or you can be on a payroll without this being illegal.
The first thing that came to my mind was
“Why would you want to start your own company there? You deserve a scratch! ”
That was until I saw the rates.
Just use Western European hotel prices, in a country where business operations cost almost nothing. Great idea.
Good luck Ericka
The land prices to rent or buy tourist areas in Thailand are sometimes Western European
Hello, where in Phuket can I find this B&B?
I'm mailing from Singapore right now, on my way to Phuket.
The website is at the bottom of the article. (www.phuketbedandbreakfast.com/). I think everything is clearly stated there. Take a look at service. You will be picked up at the airport for free.
how good of you what you are doing there I am Joachim Bos from the Netherlands and I am 29 years old and have been going to Thailand for a few years on holiday and I love that country. I also wish to be able to do something like this someday! if you need someone who speaks dutch english and italian would you think of me i have experience in the hospitality industry! I don't ask much in terms of wages, only board and lodging plus a little pocket money, in any case, thanks and great what you do.
my email address is [email protected]