Starting up new business in Buriram - advice/ideas please!

[Hetti]

I'm thinking of setting up a business with a local lady from Nong Ki - shop/agriculture/bar?  Are there any expanding markets in the area? Where to begin?  Comments gratefully accepted.
I'll be visiting in December.

[Admin]

I'm thinking of setting up a business with a local lady from Nong Ki - shop/agriculture/bar?  Are there any expanding markets in the area? Where to begin?  Comments gratefully accepted.
I'll be visiting in December.

Do you want to open a business for your wife or do you want to open a business that will give you an income to stay in Thailand?

To open a shop/business its an easy task but you will need to have a market research by yourself in that area.
Agriculture or Minimark sound like a better idea other than open a farang Bar IMHO.
Internet cafe is also a good idea because you will always have a cash flow in the shop/house.
It is all depend on the market and environment of the specific area you wish to start business.

[urleft]

If you are looking for a business, take Admin's.  All set up already.

[Vombatus]

As you are a visitor I assume that your lady will have day to day responsibility for running the business.

What skills and experience does she have ?

[Hetti]

Thanks for the comments everyone - really useful. 

I am seriously considering retiring in Thailand next year when I hit 60. I'll have small pension so income for me to live on from the Thai business is not a major issue but income needs to be enough for my friend  Noi and her two children to live on.
I may want to be involved in the business I set up for Noi but I'm aware I'll need a work permit or I might set up a second one for me - the internet cafe sounds good as I have computer skills but Noi doesn't but she is able to learn.  Her past experience is based on unskilled work on farms / cattle / factory work. She is currently a bar girl in Hua Hin,  a line of work she wants to get out of to be with her kids and ageing mum.
I agree - I'll have to spend more time market researching.
How much for Admin's business?
Is Minimark a franchise?

[Admin]

Buriram Expats Building + Business For Sale/Rent.
http://www.buriramexpats.com/forum/index.php/topic,5480.0.html

Minimart option,
Not necessarily have to be a franchise but private brand is also a good option in the right location.
I think you should advice with her also what interesting business might be for her, if she is willing to spend time and learn, work, etc to know what is best suitable business for her.

[Vombatus]

I would suggest that you take at least 6 months looking round to see what YOU think will work.

For example, in Prakhonchai, we now have 12 Internet shops - most charging around 20/30 Baht an hour.

[urleft]

The 10,000 baht a month rental for the 3E internet shop and building is a super deal in my opinion.  I considered it, but I already have a building and internet shop and did not want the extra hassle.  Main expenses are power and internet provider. 

Most of the time, just need someone to take money and keep track of customer time, however, about once a day need some computer savvy to fix something, and about once a week have to do some kind of repair or replacement.  But overall, a fairly profitable business. 

What you do have to consider is how long before Thailand catches up and everyone will have home computers and internet.  My assessment is that it is years away from that happening.

[Hetti]

I agree - it's exactly the sort of thing I'm looking for but it's come very early in my search -  I'll have to talk to admin about ways round that plus I need to see if it's a reasonable commute from Nong Ki. Does any one have an idea of travel distance / journey time?

[Vombatus]

I agree - it's exactly the sort of thing I'm looking for but it's come very early in my search -  I'll have to talk to admin about ways round that plus I need to see if it's a reasonable commute from Nong Ki. Does any one have an idea of travel distance / journey time?

Nookie will tell you to the nano-second. I am sure he is lurking around the forum somewhere and may be tempted to answer this question.

Otherwise try Google Maps + directions.

[Hetti]

Just used Google and a good old fashioned ruler - it looks like its over 150 mile Buriram to Nong Ki. I calculated Prakhon Chai just over 70 miles from Buriram - does that sound about right?

[Admin]

Just used Google and a good old fashioned ruler - it looks like its over 150 mile Buriram to Nong Ki. I calculated Prakhon Chai just over 70 miles from Buriram - does that sound about right?

Nai muang, Buriram - Nong Ki, Buriram: Distance: 88 kms.

[Vombatus]

Just used Google and a good old fashioned ruler - it looks like its over 150 mile Buriram to Nong Ki. I calculated Prakhon Chai just over 70 miles from Buriram - does that sound about right?

Prakhonchai is 44km from Buriram - Hetti, don't go into the ruler business ! 

[urleft]

If you are interested in 3B, seriously consider moving into the Building with your GF and just visiting Nong Ki.  One problem with living among the family is that they will be hitting you up to money all the time (all Farangs are rich). 

I would not commute that far, but then I realize I get pissed off at stupid drivers, which seem to make up about 95% of all drivers. 

[jones the rice]

If you are interested in 3B, seriously consider moving into the Building with your GF and just visiting Nong Ki.  One problem with living among the family is that they will be hitting you up to money all the time (all Farangs are rich). 

I would not commute that far, but then I realize I get pissed off at stupid drivers, which seem to make up about 95% of all drivers.

one problem with living among the family is that they will be hitting you up for money all the time.
UNBELIEVABLE
not everyone is the same,some good some not so good,the way you have put it ,ALL thai people (family)come across has TAKE TAKE TAKE AND THAT IS MOST CERTAINLY NOT TRUE.
it's also called taking care of your FAMILY.