When Thailand Divorce Turns Deadly

Although the majority of Thailand divorce cases are resolved without serious conflicts, some divorces do culminate in tragedy. A survey of recent news stories demonstrates a number of notable Thai-foreign marriages, ending not in an amicable divorce, but rather ending in a violent murder.

In October 2012, South African Oswald Heinrich Duvel was shot dead on the head by a gun man amid ongoing child custody battle in Thai courts with his ex-wife. The gun man was later identified by media to be his ex-wife’s half brother but police however, identified the gun man as the “new husband”. Duvel’s ex-wife and her mother confessed to the murder.

In 2008, 69-year-old retired Brit engineer Ian Beeston was beaten and stabbed to death at his home in a village in the north-eastern province of Thailand. Beeston’s 42 year-old Thai wife plotted his murder so she could enjoy his money with her Thai lover. Prior to his death, Ian Beeston predicted his own death in a letter to his lawyer saying “It is just a matter of time now. I am in real fear for my own life.” Beeston’s wife and her lover were arrested and charged for his murder.

In 2005, UK national Toby Charnaud was beaten to death, barbecued and his body fed to the tigers in Kaeng Krajan national park in Thailand after he divorced his Thai wife and removed her from his will. Charnaud’s ex-Thai wife and her three accomplices were later charged and sentenced to life imprisonment in 2006.

Divorce can turn deadly. As Thailand divorce attorneys like to say, while bad people can be seen on their best behavior in criminal court, divorce often showcases good people at their worst. Taking precautionary measures is a wise course of action prior to entering situations that involve child custody or the division of money and assets.

Read on article Thailand Marriage and Divorce: Thai Dream or Foreigners Nightmare?

Thailand Real Estate Industry Expects Upbeat 2013

The Bangkok Post recently reports that Thailand real estate prices are set to rise, adding that the Thai real estate sector is growing and consumer demands in all regions are on the rise. The Bangkok Post article stated that many properties were already made available for sale or for rent in 2012 and the number is expected to grow with more properties in the pipeline for big and small developers in 2013.

The Nation however has a different view and in a recent report included the Thai real estate marked as one of a number of economic bubbles that threaten the Thai economy. According to The Nation article, although Thailand real estate market may expand this year, a booming real estate create a financial bubble.

Foreign nationals dealing with the Thailand real estate sector need to exercise caution and obtain legal assistance from Thailand property lawyers. Thai- US law firm Chaninat and Leeds based in Bangkok has recently published the complete English translation of the Thailand Condominium Act. The Act is in legal language and is used by attorneys, professionals and interested consumers as well.

The text book of the Thailand Land Code in complete English translation which is available in many bookstores in Thailand is also published by Chaninat and Leeds. The Thailand Land Code covers the full text of the Act on Ministerial regulations prescribing the rules, procedures and conditions of land acquisition for residential purposes by foreigners.

  Related Articles:

• Buying a Condominium in Thailand
• Thailand’s Condominium Bubble a Reality or Myth

Thailand Culture and Customs

The authentic culture and customs of Thailand are deeply rooted within the Thai family structure and Buddhism faith.  The following are a compilation of videos that dramatize some of the most popular Thai culture practices which aims to encourage interest and understanding in Thai culture among people of different culture and ethnic background.

Showing Anger in Thailand

 

This video shows that Thai people are taught in the family and in school to keep their temper at all times so that they exercise calm and patience under any frustrating or upsetting circumstances. Showing anger especially in public is perceived by Thais as mental illness or poor breeding.

Public Display of Affection in Thai Culture 

 

Thailand is a conservative country in terms of showing affection especially in public. Some Thai couples may be seen holding hands. However, kissing in public is frowned upon in Thai society as depicted in this video. 

Understanding Kreng Jai in Thai Culture  

This video explains about “Kreng Jai” which is literally translated in English as “fearful heart”. This is regarded as popular culture among Thai people to avoid conflict or cause inconvenience to other people especially those who are in higher social status so as to show politeness and respect.

Western vs. Thai Parenting: Jobs and Works for Teenager

The difference in parenting style between a western spouse and a Thai spouse is depicted in this video. It highlights the western culture allowing their teenagers to get a summer job which they believe can help their child develop a sense of responsibility. On the contrary, most Thai parents don’t find it suitable for their teenagers to get a summer job.

Taking Showers in Thailand

Cleanliness, neatness and personal appearance is highly regarded in Thai culture. This video demonstrates how Thai people place a high priority on taking showers several times a day even when it means being late to a meeting or family occasions.

Thai Respect for Elders: Thai and Foreign Culture

 

The great emphasis Thai people place on politeness and respect for elders, family members and those in authority is highlighted in this video.

More articles regarding Thai culture, customs and family laws are found in Thailand Family Law Center website.

 

The Thailand Business Law Center is now Live!

We are pleased to announce a new website providing basic legal information for Thai and foreign businesses in Thailand. The Thailand Business Law Center  is a new website project created by the law firm of Chaninat and Leeds. The following subject areas of business law are discussed:

• Company Registration Thailand - Types of business entities and procedures for registering a company in Thailand is discussed in this area.

• Registering a Thailand Foreign Business License - This web page provides general information on foreign business restrictions and the process for obtaining a business license for foreign business in Thailand.

• Thailand Contracts Formation - This section discussed the basic principles of forming contracts in Thailand.

• Registering a US-Thailand Amity Treaty Company - This section offers an overview of procedures for registering a company under the US-Thailand Amity Treaty.

• Applying for a Thai BOI Promotion - The Pros and cons of applying for a Board of Investment promotion in Thailand is discussed in this area.

• Thailand FDA Registration - This area discusses registration requirements for manufactured and imported products in Thailand and classifications under the Thai Food and Drugs Administration in Thailand.

• Thailand NGO Registration - This section provides procedures for registering and operating a Non-Government Organization in Thailand.

•  Registering a Thailand Trademark - Find procedures for registering a Trademark in Thailand in this section.

• Tax and Accounting Regulations in Thailand -  This section gives a general idea of Thailand’s tax and accounting rules and regulations as prescribed by the Thai Revenue Code.

• Obtaining a Work Permit in Thailand - This page discusses the procedure for obtaining a work permit to work legally in Thailand.