Lately I have been meeting a lot of people interested in taking my trading course and they all pretty much want to take a course but are afraid to take it, aren't comfortable taking it, or don't have the money to invest in their education. And of course the fear of all the scams out there, all the get rich quick schemes. Guess what?
I guarantee you will NOT get rich overnight from Forexbut with some hard work and the right foundation you can live comfortably
You see I am selling everything here in Phuket Thailand and plan n traveling, after all I'm the traveling day trader ;) I just find that a life on the road, without commitment, with freedom, on a permanent vacation is the way to go. After all YOLO and there is so much to see and do in this world.
Almost everyone I've met through selling my household items, gadgets, and sports equipment, I ended up talking to for over half an hour about trading and my lifestyle. Now that I'm moving I'm meeting like minded people and almost wish I stayed longer. Putting my trading mind to work I analyzed and deduced that this is no coincidence, for one I'm meeting like minded people because they are buying stuff from me that I also enjoyed and have an interest in, and secondly because they are mostly foreigners like me here in the land of smile. I'm likely projecting a go happy lucky attitude and more open to striking up a conversation because I feel free as a bird.
I remember the first training course I took was US$999 but it was a client of mine and he comp'd it. So sure I took it because it was free but I would have gladly paid that money because I'm a big believer in education. College and University fees are much more and if I'm going to take a certification course for management consulting it's in the thousands.
Sure it's a lot of money, but is it?
Can you afford not to invest in your education?
The analogy I like to use is that of a golfer. There are 3 types of golfers:
1. The one taking lessons from a Pro
2. The one trying it on their own
3. The one trying it on their own and eventually turning to a Pro.
Which one do you think does best? and which one do you think needs to have all their bad habits retrained which takes even longer and will cost you more time money and effort in the long run.
If you're serious about trading, or anything else in life that makes you money, you need to invest in yourself and your education. It takes 10 years to become an overnight success, and you can get a headstart by taking a course from a professional coach. Or don't. But don't act surprised if you loose 3 times the money you would have invested in a coach and end up dreaming about Forex while working 9 to 5.
Showing posts with label Phuket. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Phuket. Show all posts
Monday, 9 May 2016
Tuesday, 26 April 2016
Getting a Thai Driver's License in Phuket
A few months ago I got pulled over at a Thai Road Check. I don't even remember how often I have gone through them without a hassle. My Canadian license has always been fine but just in case to avoid any hassles I got an International License.
If you are new to Thailand you have to be aware that you are held liable for any accidents (even when you are NOT at fault!) if you don't have an International Driver's License (IDL) and even your IDL may not hold up for insurance purposes if you have been in the country for longer than 3 months.
Mutual Acceptance of driving licenses. Most countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA have this agreement with Thailand under the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic or the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic.
This time it was different. The Thai cop wasn't sure about it and asked a Tourist Police Officer, a British Expat and funny enough the British Cop had an attitude and said it wasn't valid. Of all the stories I hear about corrupt Thai Police, I have never ever experienced any corruption or harassment from Thai Police, they have been super friendly and just. But not this British Tourist Police old grump...
There wasn't much I could do but pay my 500B fine and keep going, shaking my head and cursing a fellow "Farang".
The analogy I would use is that when you're a trader you think your broker looks out for you, but some brokers (especially those with dealing desks) are actually trading against you. So be sure to research your brokers and switch at the first sign of any shady business.
Your Thai Driver's License is more than just a license. It is also your ID as it has your Passport number on it (no need to carry copies of your passport around) and can be used to:
When police see your Thai license they give you a big grin and wave you right on through while other Farangs queue up to have their papers inspected.
At hotels or airport the staff usually perk up and they make some conversation with you about it.
The process for a new driver's license (motorbike or car) is quite similar to the renewal process. Note: There have been some reports that for new licenses citizens of the UK and US have not had to take a road test.
The first time you get a 2 year temporary license (used to be 1 year). If you have a Tourist Visa or Education Visa you have to renew every 2 years. With a work permit, marriage, or retirement visa you can renew for 5 years.
Overall it's not too bad BUT if you are like me and old a Tourist or Education Visa then repeating the run around (a good couple days for all the paperwork, videos, tests etc) is a pain. At least now it's every two years! If you can then pick a cool period of the year or a cool day so you don't have to do this in 40C temperatures!!
If you're a trader like me, you really need to pay attention to the time you spend on paperwork and licenses, I tell you one thing, at 40C temperatures it really drained me and felt like the last two days were an entire week of running around. But it's over and at least now I can drive through road blocks with a smile and I bet I won't even get asked for my drivers license, funny how that works.
When you're trading you also need to have your paperwork handy for any withdrawals, so be sure to open up a FREE 2GB Dropbox Account to store copies of all your IDs, including your new Thai Driver's License, and bank statement and utility statement copies to verify your trading account and initiate transfers. More on Dropbox here.
If you are new to Thailand you have to be aware that you are held liable for any accidents (even when you are NOT at fault!) if you don't have an International Driver's License (IDL) and even your IDL may not hold up for insurance purposes if you have been in the country for longer than 3 months.
Mutual Acceptance of driving licenses. Most countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA have this agreement with Thailand under the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic or the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic.
Things that make you go hmmm....
This time it was different. The Thai cop wasn't sure about it and asked a Tourist Police Officer, a British Expat and funny enough the British Cop had an attitude and said it wasn't valid. Of all the stories I hear about corrupt Thai Police, I have never ever experienced any corruption or harassment from Thai Police, they have been super friendly and just. But not this British Tourist Police old grump...
There wasn't much I could do but pay my 500B fine and keep going, shaking my head and cursing a fellow "Farang".
The analogy I would use is that when you're a trader you think your broker looks out for you, but some brokers (especially those with dealing desks) are actually trading against you. So be sure to research your brokers and switch at the first sign of any shady business.
Getting your Thai Driver's License (in Phuket)
Chiang Mai and Bangkok click hereYour Thai Driver's License is more than just a license. It is also your ID as it has your Passport number on it (no need to carry copies of your passport around) and can be used to:
- check into domestic flights
- check into hotels
- at the bank (even to change your address or request extra passbook pages you need ID)
- at the cell phone stores (to apply or change services)
- at National Parks, supposedly! There are rumors that you should get Thai prices at National Parks but I have always been subject to the Farang tax.
When police see your Thai license they give you a big grin and wave you right on through while other Farangs queue up to have their papers inspected.
At hotels or airport the staff usually perk up and they make some conversation with you about it.
The process for a new driver's license (motorbike or car) is quite similar to the renewal process. Note: There have been some reports that for new licenses citizens of the UK and US have not had to take a road test.
- Document Check @ Information - Be sure to show up at 8am
- Copy of Passport Information Page
- Copy of Thai Visa and Entry Stamp (Visa Exempt Stamps are not valid)
- House Certificate (you need to get this from Immigration and requires your rental contract, house owner id, and registration)
- Doctor Medical Check - you need to see a doctor (100B) or stop at any Hospital (200 to 500B) to get a Medical Check for Drivers License
- If renewing then your old drivers license
- Photocopies can be done cheaply in the booth outside next to the food kiosk, but the lineup might be long.
- Office #7 for Reflex and Color Blindness Test - You put your paperwork in the bin at the entrance, sign in and wait for the officer to call you, then you sit down and drive a simulator, you put your food on the gas and when the green light turns red then you slam the brakes. You do this about 3 times and then you have to name of the colors that appear on the traffic light. Which btw aren't coordinated with the position so red might be where green is and yellow where red and so on.
- Training Room - Before you used to watch a 1.5 hour video in English that looked like it was made in the 70s, it was quite informative. Now there are 3 videos that are in Thai with English subtitles, they still looks old, circa 2000, and they are quite long. Also it is more interactive, you will find the Officer talking in Thai and asking questions, and then there will be a Farang round for questions. Before you used to be done by noon but now it goes to lunch, you get a break, and then have to come back again at 1pm and watch the remaining video and have more questions asked. Before you leave you get your paperwork back and it has a test chip card attached to it.
- Exam Room - Someone greets you and sits you down infront of a kiosk, they take your chip card, enter it, and the test starts. You get 50 random questions, which might repeat themselves, and pick 1, 2, 3, or 4. Want to study? Here are examples of the questions (with answers).
When you are done, the system will tell you what questions are wrong and let you review the question and answers. If you are doing two licenses, motorbike and car, you have to do the test twice. - Renewing License - If you passed and you are renewing then you're done! See Payment (last step)
- Road Test for New License* - If you are getting your license for the first time then you have to endure a Road Test. Often you have to come back the next day for the road test and it's usually @ 1pm for Motorbike and around 3pm for cars. In scolding hot temperatures, so bring water! Or buy some at the food kiosk next to the entrance to information.
Note: There have been some reports that for new licenses citizens of the UK and US have not had to take a road test.
The instructor here is your typical macho man that likes to make fun of Farangs and blurt out orders. You have to wait until the instructor calls your name and at that time you get your bike/car, hand the second officer your papers, and take the road test. - Motorcycle Road Test - You have to show that you can balance your motorbike by driving on a 1.5 foot wide strip of elevated pavement that's about 15 feet long. You wouldn't believe how many people can't do that. You get two tries.
Next up you have to drive around a traffic circle. Remember to turn left into it... you wouldn't believe it but some people turn right... and then go down a road, turn right, go through some pilons set up and demonstrate you can swerve your motorbike around them, then go up a hill, stop at the stop sign, (some people go straight thru 555) and then return back to collect your paperwork and verdict. There is an officer in the booth watching you from a far and traffic cameras, so don't do anything foolish. - Car Road Test - Slightly more difficult because you have to demonstrate parallel parking, but the Thai way which is a super exaggerated turn at almost 90 Degrees opposed to the 45 or so Degree Farang way. Best to google some videos on you tube and watch the people taking the test before you. This is the only time you want to be a farang, in other words, you are queued at the end of the testers. The instructor usually ignores you and speaks only Thai, makes fun of Farangs, and then finally talks very broken English and says watch this person take the test. I have seen spouses guide their wife's from the nearby fence and it took them a painful 15 minutes and 20 tries with near hits of the fence... Bring Popcorn! When the officer is satisfied you drive around the traffic circle, swerve around some cones or poles, and then drive up a hill, stop at the stop sign, continue, park your vehicle outside and return back to get your paperwork and verdict. There is an officer in the booth watching you from a far and traffic cameras, so don't do anything foolish.
- Payment - You go to information, get a queue number for payment at wait infront of Office #1/2. When your number is called you pay up, 205B for car and 155B for motorbike. Then you go to Office #4/5 to get your picture taken, another 220B in my case. Wait again and off you go with a smiley face and shiny new Thai Driver's License!
The first time you get a 2 year temporary license (used to be 1 year). If you have a Tourist Visa or Education Visa you have to renew every 2 years. With a work permit, marriage, or retirement visa you can renew for 5 years.
Overall it's not too bad BUT if you are like me and old a Tourist or Education Visa then repeating the run around (a good couple days for all the paperwork, videos, tests etc) is a pain. At least now it's every two years! If you can then pick a cool period of the year or a cool day so you don't have to do this in 40C temperatures!!
If you're a trader like me, you really need to pay attention to the time you spend on paperwork and licenses, I tell you one thing, at 40C temperatures it really drained me and felt like the last two days were an entire week of running around. But it's over and at least now I can drive through road blocks with a smile and I bet I won't even get asked for my drivers license, funny how that works.
When you're trading you also need to have your paperwork handy for any withdrawals, so be sure to open up a FREE 2GB Dropbox Account to store copies of all your IDs, including your new Thai Driver's License, and bank statement and utility statement copies to verify your trading account and initiate transfers. More on Dropbox here.
Saturday, 16 April 2016
Coworking Office Spaces in Thailand
For digital nomads and expats alike, having an office space can be a must to separate work & life or when space is limited at your accommodation.
Office spaces can be rented in Thailand at reasonable rates however with it comes added headaches, drama, and overhead expenses. Unless you have a business visa & work permit and intend to run a business that's brick & mortar or has several employees, I wouldn't recommend it. And even then... why run a business in Thailand, but that's another story.
Coworking Office Spaces are open concept workspaces with your typical office equipment. Wifi, Computer Desks, Office Chairs, lounge areas, a reception, and break room facilities. Some coworking spaces even offer mail box services. Really convenient but as always, remember in Thailand you always want to ship with EMS or registered mail and only to secure locations/people.
Simply put, you can work in isolation, focus on your work, away from distractions at your home, and still part take in water cooler talk if you want.
Packages start at only a few dollars per hour and you can purchase different packages like weekly, monthly, or block packages of 10 hours and more.
The best part is that you aren't committed to your typical 1 year lease and ongoing monthly expenses.
Regus is one coworking space I would NOT recommend. They are expensive and remind me of a bank that has so much red tape and bureaucracy that they are more of a hassle than a convenience.
UPDATE: A new website has emerged that has simplified finding a coworking space! Shared Desk
Here is a list of coworking spaces in Bangkok thanks to Chris The Freelancer:
Office spaces can be rented in Thailand at reasonable rates however with it comes added headaches, drama, and overhead expenses. Unless you have a business visa & work permit and intend to run a business that's brick & mortar or has several employees, I wouldn't recommend it. And even then... why run a business in Thailand, but that's another story.
Coworking Office Spaces are open concept workspaces with your typical office equipment. Wifi, Computer Desks, Office Chairs, lounge areas, a reception, and break room facilities. Some coworking spaces even offer mail box services. Really convenient but as always, remember in Thailand you always want to ship with EMS or registered mail and only to secure locations/people.
Simply put, you can work in isolation, focus on your work, away from distractions at your home, and still part take in water cooler talk if you want.
Packages start at only a few dollars per hour and you can purchase different packages like weekly, monthly, or block packages of 10 hours and more.
The best part is that you aren't committed to your typical 1 year lease and ongoing monthly expenses.
Regus is one coworking space I would NOT recommend. They are expensive and remind me of a bank that has so much red tape and bureaucracy that they are more of a hassle than a convenience.
UPDATE: A new website has emerged that has simplified finding a coworking space! Shared Desk
Here is a list of coworking spaces in Bangkok thanks to Chris The Freelancer:
I'm planning my next adventure and stumbled upon this awesome coworking website. Appears to be global and UI is similar to your AirBNB type of websites, easy to use. Quite slick!
Bangkok- Hubba - Ekkamai http://hubbathailand.com/
- Pah Creative Space - Ekkamai www.pahspace.com
- The Hive - Phrom Phong http://thehive.co.th/
- One Day Forward - Klong Toei http://www.onedaybkk.com/forward_type_price.html
- Wolf Coworking Space - Silom http://wolfwork.co/
- Launchpad - Silom http://www.launchpad.co.th/
- Draftboard - Chit Lom http://draftboard.co.th/
- Pah Creative Space - Ekkamai www.pahspace.com
- The Hive - Phrom Phong http://thehive.co.th/
- One Day Forward - Klong Toei http://www.onedaybkk.com/forward_type_price.html
- Wolf Coworking Space - Silom http://wolfwork.co/
- Launchpad - Silom http://www.launchpad.co.th/
- Draftboard - Chit Lom http://draftboard.co.th/
Here is a list of coworking spaces in the rest of Thailand thanks to the facebook group Digital Nomads Thailand
Koh Phangan
Koh Tao
Krabi (Ao Nang)
Koh Lanta
- Star Work: https://www.facebook.com/StarWorkChiangMai
- Mana: https://www.facebook.com/manaspacechiangmai/
- Pun Space:
Nimman: https://www.facebook.com/punspace
Tha Phae Gate: https://www.facebook.com/punspacethaphaegate
- Mana: https://www.facebook.com/manaspacechiangmai/
- Pun Space:
Nimman: https://www.facebook.com/punspace
Tha Phae Gate: https://www.facebook.com/punspacethaphaegate
Koh Lanta
- Kohub*: https://www.facebook.com/kohuborg
Koh Phangan
Koh Tao
- Tao Hub: https://www.facebook.com/TAOHUB.THAI/
Krabi (Ao Nang)
- Phansa Space: https://www.facebook.com/phansa.space/
Pattaya
- Anchor Space: https://www.facebook.com/anchorspace
Phuket
* means it also provides accommodation
Tuesday, 12 April 2016
New Perspective
Here I am in Rawai, Phuket Thailand sitting at my house and looking forward to traveling to get away and then I see this video...
...and I realize, hey I'm living in a pretty cool spot. Funny how we perceive things that aren't at all what they are. Like newbie traders that say they are doing well, in the same conversation they tell you they haven't been profitable... ever!
Sometimes you need to step back and take a "bird's eye view" (like in this video) to do a quick audit on yourself and where you are.
Same goes for... you guessed it.... trading.... sometimes you are so caught up in trading that you are losing sight of the bigger picture. For me it goes back to the days where I made 10% profit consistently. A DAY! It started with per month, then per week, then per day. And then it derailed a little when I got greedy and had 200% days and -50% days.. the rollercoaster that probably all traders go through.
Until the day I took trading seriously, stopped making greedy and stupid mistakes, set some rules, and followed them. Trading hasn't been as much fun, but I sure don't miss the rollercoaster of draw dawns.
Sometimes you need to step back and take a "bird's eye view" (like in this video) to do a quick audit on yourself and where you are.
Same goes for... you guessed it.... trading.... sometimes you are so caught up in trading that you are losing sight of the bigger picture. For me it goes back to the days where I made 10% profit consistently. A DAY! It started with per month, then per week, then per day. And then it derailed a little when I got greedy and had 200% days and -50% days.. the rollercoaster that probably all traders go through.
Until the day I took trading seriously, stopped making greedy and stupid mistakes, set some rules, and followed them. Trading hasn't been as much fun, but I sure don't miss the rollercoaster of draw dawns.
Thursday, 3 March 2016
Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead
About 3 weeks ago I watched Fat, Sick, & Nearly Dead and ordered a juicer just a few days later. It's been two weeks now and I have slowly been juicing more and more, and loving it!
Today I start my 7 Day - Reboot with Joe - Juice Fast. Only fresh vegetable/fruit juice (80:20) and no solid foods, sugars, coffee, wheat, or dairy. I had my last espresso (I'm down already from 4 doubles to just one) and ate all the "normal" food and junk food that I have so that I won't get tempted or break down. I'm excited!!!
Juicing is a little bit of work but if you buy and wash your produce at the same time and juice first thing in the morning for the day, and leave your juicer out for any impromptu cravings, then it's not that bad. I don't have a dishwasher here in Phuket, seems in Thailand everyone believes in the old fashioned way... but if I did.. boy would it be easier.
It's good to keep your body and mind healthy, and detoxing your body once in a while can help with that. Ever since I started juicing I feel better and am calm and focused. Yoga, weight training, and my sunset walks around Lake Nai Harn or swimming at Nai Harn Beach help too.
As a trader you need to keep focused and sharp. Even if you "feel" healthy and don't have to take an prescription medication, I highly recommend you look into "detoxification" and watch this movie:
Wednesday, 2 March 2016
The Ujjayi Breath
Yoga Breathing or Pranayama, is the foundation of your yoga practice. This deepening of your breathing helps you stay focused and calm while doing yoga poses, especially difficult ones. You will find "breathing" is the foundation for many sports and exercises, allowing to push yourself, and really enjoy your work out.
I was introduced Ujjayi Breath in Phuket at the Traditional Ashtanga Yoga Shala in Phuket when I first got into Ashtanga Yoga. The instructors, a Russian couple were simply great and I really advanced my Yoga skills. Ujjayi btw means victorious.
Breathing especially helped me advance my practice, it's funny how some of the most important fundamentals, that we do without thinking, are often overlooked, never mind improved or perfected.
I was introduced Ujjayi Breath in Phuket at the Traditional Ashtanga Yoga Shala in Phuket when I first got into Ashtanga Yoga. The instructors, a Russian couple were simply great and I really advanced my Yoga skills. Ujjayi btw means victorious.
Breathing especially helped me advance my practice, it's funny how some of the most important fundamentals, that we do without thinking, are often overlooked, never mind improved or perfected.
Lately I have been finding myself applying breathing exercises when I hit the gym. I have been bulking up a little, following the "Body for Life" plan that I followed back in the day, alternating days of cardio and weight training with a simple meal plan.
So circling back like a Seinfeld episode, what does Ujjayi Breath have to do with Forex? Well if you want to be "victorious" in trading you need to have to be calm and focused. While breathing can help here too, it can go "deeper". A set of systems, safeguards, and standard operating procedures. And a lot of analysis. What exactly depends on you. Just stay calm, and keep trading ;)
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