darbyman

I'm a Brit and totally ashamed of what my fellow Brits get up to when travelling abroad - not only to Thailand. I believe it's due to the cradle to grave nanny state we live in, with an inbred feeling of entitlement thrown in. There really is very little respect for others nowadays.

Coming back to Thailand for 15 days holiday next week- first time for several years. Wife plans to visit several of her numerous relatives, probably short stays at 5 or 6 homes. Do they have to complete a TM30 for every visit?

We intend to move back to Thailand in 3 years. In the meantime I am considering using the 3 month o-visa. If an application is successful is there a period of time within which I must use it. Say I applied, but can't get away for a couple of months, is it still valid and, if so, would I still get 3 months use?. Thank you

Met mine through dating agency. She 40 years younger than me; good looking; engineering degree; good job as QS. I asked her why interested in older man. Answer-Thai men completely unreliable, lazy drunkards. Older westerner more likely to be faithful, reliable and more financially secure. First 3 years of marriage spent in Thailand then came back to UK 12 years ago. Wife has her own care business and works hard. Money saved to return to Thailand in 3 years and she need not work again. Great! her experience as carer in UK means she takes care of me in future. Age difference fully accepted by others both in Thailand and UK. One small exception was when we went shopping when a little girl came up to me and said " my mum says you are a dirty old man" I looked to her mum and thought "yeuk!!)

I visit family in November. Stay at various relative's homes throughout stay. What about this 100% stay at hotel business?

Just hope that when mine start to bear fruit in 4 years the demand will still be there

I'm with you. Booking for November.

Our trees are grafted and only been in the ground for 5 months so it hasn't been possible to get an accurate cost of maintenance, but I think the highest cost will be labour which, in my case for the time being, is mostly free! (in-laws). More labour will be required in the future when it comes to keeping the undergrowth down and pruning. Once the trees are mature, say 7 to 8 years, I anticipate minimum of 10,000 baht average. Take a look at "lowbrow Thailand" on YouTube, There is a wealth of information there.

Good. They're getting there. But I will wait until it gets back to pre-covid level ( I will accept requirement for full vaccination) and come in with the tide of visitors who are waiting for that day

A friend of mine is planning to visit family in Thailand in October. I told him I would like to do the same but not until restrictions are done away with. He told me 1. British Airways were to resume domestic flights to Thailand in 4 weeks 2. There were plans afoot to lift all restrictions and go back to pre-pandemic terms in the near future. My response was that he was either on some substance or listening to false news. Has anyone heard similar?

Another 2

Yes water can be both a blessing AND a curse. Durian hates flooding. We are fortunate being in the mountains so flooding not a problem. A good irrigation system essential. I agree (and hope) that the Chinese market is likely to grow.

This, of course, is what I worry about as stated earlier. Malaysia now has a foot in the Chinese market with their Durian as well. But, like any business venture, there is always a risk. It's a matter of keeping an eye on the production costs and pray for sunny days to come. The pandemic is also a worry. China has only just opened its doors for our fruit. Hoping this will all be cleared up before 5 years when we start harvesting.

Sorry for delay in responding. Our land is mountainous and excellent growing soil. So far planted 700 trees from grafted plants at various stages of growth, Only lost 20 so far so bodes well. Expecting to plant another 800 about May or June. Got lakes and pumping up to tanks using petrol pumps but have seriously considered solar. Maybe you can recommend?

Heck! I hope you are wrong. We jumped on the band wagon when Durian prices started to explode. Hoping for the first harvest in 2026.

Thank you, that clears it up. I thought I had to apply for the 90day permission whilst in the UK.

79 years old. Married to Thai national 15 years. Lived together in UK for most of those years. Enquiries into travel and covid insurance showed that I can get UP TO 1 month but not 3 months. Under present circumstances if I applied in UK for 3 month visa by way of marriage which, I understand, does not require me to have health insurance, how would I overcome the fact that I can't get insured for the 3 months which, I think, would be stamped on my passport.? Hope the question is clear.

Yes, I've done quite a bit of research into the costing. For example, the first fruiting usually takes at least 4 years from time of planting a grafted tree and even then in small quantity. The real profit shows after some 5 to 6 years, maybe even 7 years in worst case. I guess $150 in US would be about right in view of the shipping but it depends upon which type of Durian it is. Wholesale price this year was about 100 baht per kilo for Monthong. However, what puts the average farmer off is the initial capital cost together with the 4 to 5 years of maintenance. My current opinion is that if you have the funds it looks to be a good investment PROVIDED THE MARKET ISN'T SWAMPED IN 5 YEARS TIME! Farmerjo put me on to a useful article but it dates back to 2012 when wholesale prices were about 30 to 40 baht per kilo.

Hi Farmerjo, No, still not made the move ! Covid and work prevents. Wont even be visiting until they make it a bit easier. Anyway, we DIDN'T get the harvester after all that. Dad wanted to use it on his own land and rent it out to other farmers. Frankly I couldn't see any profit in it without too much hassle. We've been offered a parcel of land ideal for durian trees and I'm looking for ideas.

If there are any members directly involved in Durian farming I would be pleased to hear from them. Cheers