A visit to Lake Chapala, Mexico

An alternative to Pattaya for Expat living. Such a place was the topic at the Sunday, May 13, meeting of the Pattaya City Expats Club. Fellow expat Wilson Fletcher gave a presentation about such an alternative; Lake Chapala located in Mexico. Wilson said that he wanted to share what he learned on his recent visit there. As with many of us, he was looking for somewhere to escape during Songkran. In doing so, he came across “Focus on Mexico.” This is a program established by a Canadian couple that holds seminars in Lake Chapala on living in Mexico; particularly Lake Chapala. Their fee includes accommodation, seminars on living in Mexico (Lake Chapala in particular), and tours of the area; an eight day program. Their website is: http://www.focusonmexico.com/.

Pattaya City Expats member, Wilson Fletcher gives a presentation to PCEC about an alternative to Pattaya; Lake Chapala located in Mexico.

He said that what he found could be summed up in that popular expression, “same same, but different.” Wilson proceeded to provide some highlights about Lake Chapala. First, he mentioned that although there has been a lot of publicity on the violence of the drug wars in Mexico, this generally involves drug gangs settling differences among themselves and is not reflective of what you will find in much of Mexico. Lake Chapala is located about 50km from Guadalajara, which is Mexico’s second largest city. Lake Chapala is accessible from there by one road. It has beautiful scenery being surrounded by mountains and the climate is considered by National Geographic to be the 2nd best in the world. The Lake is located about 5,000 feet above sea level and can be quite cool at night; with daytime temperature dropping rather rapidly when the sun goes down.

The Lake Chapala expat community was originally established by hippies who set up an art colony there. Although there are still some artists in residence, it is now a fairly large resort community with many foreign residents; mostly Americans from the North (USA & Canada). On entering Lake Chapala, Wilson said that what he observed on his entry was more likely to be found in the north rather than in Mexico - a large Wal-Mart store, a Starbucks, and local cinema featuring English language films.

Roy Albiston conducts the Open Forum, where questions may be asked and answered on the many aspects of life in Fun City, and in Thailand.

Some of the things he learned in the seminars were that the Mexican government welcomes foreigners. Unlike Thailand’s 90 day reporting, holders of a resident type visa in Mexico only visit Immigration once a year for 5 years and none after that period. Housing is modern and available with some condominiums, but many housing estates. A difference between Mexico and Thailand is that foreigners can own real property and receive bank loans of 5, 10, or 15 years. Houses generally cost a bit more, around 150 to 200 thousand US dollars. They appear to be well constructed and most have their own water filtration system. Real estate taxes are around US$200 per year. Fuel prices are much lower as Pemex is a state owned company that pumps, refines, and distributes all petroleum products, including Butane which is used for cooking and heating as it is cheaper than electricity.

Being a resort area, Lake Chapala offers many forms of entertainment including golf courses, boating and other recreational diversions. However, he said they did not have a “Walking Street” or anything similar. Another factor to consider is that it is easier for a foreigner to work in Mexico as the government wants their investment and hiring of Mexican citizens. He mentioned that because of bureaucratic paperwork and import duties, most expats purchase their vehicles in Mexico. Also, he noted that except for a few large motorcycles, there was a general absence of the smaller motorbikes that are in abundance here in Thailand. Overall, Wilson found his visit was worthwhile - will he be moving there? He said, “no,” at least not in the foreseeable future, but it is nice to know it is available if he should so choose.

Wilson concluded with the showing of the “Mexico Myth Busters” (produced by Focus on Mexico and available on You Tube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSnDBowJmWk).

Master of Ceremonies Richard Silverberg then updated everyone on upcoming events and called on Roy Albiston to conduct the always interesting and lively Open Forum where questioned are asked and answered about expat living in Thailand; Pattaya in particular.

The Pattaya City Expats Club meets every Sunday at the Amari Orchid’s Tavern by the Sea Restaurant. Read more about the Club’s activities on their website at www. pattayacityexpatsclub.com.

PCEC Board member David Garmaise speaks about another scam to watch out for, during the Open Forum part of the meeting. Roy Albiston looks on.

German Foreign Minister toasts 150 years of diplomatic relations at chamber gala

Elfi Seitz

Thai and German politicians continued to commemorate 150 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries with German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle appearing at a 50th anniversary celebration for the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce.

Karl Heinz Heckhausen welcomes people to the gala event.

Industry Minister Pongsavas Svasti represented the Thai government at the April 28 gala at the St. Regis Hotel in Bangkok. Guests were treated to a champagne reception, five-course meal and performance from the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra.

Chamber President Karl Heinz Heckhausen welcomed the guests, which included German Ambassador Rolf Schulze, new chamber director J๖rg Buck, and Sen. Jetn Siratharanont.

Pongsavas detailed the friendship and diplomatic relations between both countries and pointed out that Germany has always been one of the most important partners in all sectors, particularly technology and culture. He expressed hope that relations will grow further over the next 150 years.

“Many Thais live in Germany and have their business there. Many Germans live in Thailand and found their new homes here,” Pongsavas said. “Many German companies have been established and the German high-quality work is well known everywhere. These two anniversaries are remarkable milestones for both our countries.”

Industry Minister Pongsvas Svasti.

Westerwelle said, “The friendship between our two countries is based on strong common values. It is an all-embracing partnership connecting both our countries. Both Thailand and Germany determinedly believe in freedom, democracy and the rule of law. Both countries also cooperate closely together in the fields of economics, culture and education. The exchange between our schools and universities is very vivid.”

The minister said about 1,000 Thai students live in Germany and said officials would be happy to host more. At the same time, 600 German companies have invested in Thailand, he said.

Westerwelle thanked Heckhausen and Pracha Chivapornthip for their commitment to the chamber.

Foreign Minister Westerwelle delivers his speech.

Dr. Volker Treier congratulates the chamber.

Germany’s Ambassador Rolf Schulze and wife Petronella.

Austrian ambassador visits CPDC

Ambassador Peterlik (right), Consul Rudolf Hofer (middle) and Stephan Heisler (left) enjoying watching the children dance.

Elfi Seitz

Austrian Ambassador Johannes Peterlik paid a visit to the Child Protection and Development Center to lay groundwork for an upcoming visit by the country’s interior minister.

Peterlik, his deputy Stephan Heisler, and Counsel Rudolf Hofer were welcomed to the center April 25 by children who put on a special dance number for the guests.

Peterlik told Radchada Chomjinda, director of the Human Help Network Foundation Thailand which operates the CPDC, that Austria’s interior minister would like to tour the facility during his July trip to Thailand.

The Austrian officials also called on former CPDC Director Parrison Noja, who now runs the Anti Human Trafficking Office & Child Abuse Center.

Group picture after the talks.