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Planning for retirement |
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Your “rainy day” savings can be put to work in the sunny climes of Krabi Retirement in a warm climate is a dream for many: with so much leisure time, it makes sense to choose a place where much of the day can be spent outdoors on activities such as gardening or golf. Even reading a book is more pleasurable when lounging on a sunny, flower-filled terrace.
Krabi is a growing retirement destination, as fast developing infrastructure makes this already incredibly beautiful and friendly area a viable option for those seeking the benefits of the climate and culture without sacrificing comfort and convenience. |
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Home Security |
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The team at Ton Company., Ltd. includes 18 people including licensed architects, licensed structural engineer, draftsmen, foremen & project managers. Ton company Ltd., is the leader in Architecture Design and construction Mgt in Krabi with over 40 projects under its belt. Home Security Every time we design a new house in Krabi home security is always an important factor. Living in paradise like Krabi with bars on every window just doesn’t feel right. It isn't possible to make your home completely burglar proof but if you think of it from a burglar's perspective, you can quickly determine the vulnerable areas of your home. Home security is an issue to which we all need to give considerable thought even in Thailand. You need to understand how to formulate proper home security. This understanding includes recognizing how to deter a break-in, knowing what is included in a home security system, having an emergency plan in place--just in case, and being informed on how to prepare your home when you are on vacation
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Intruders' Worst Enemies
A number of things can be done to help to ensure home security. First and foremost, you need to understand how a burglar thinks. Light, time, and noise are an intruder's worst enemies. Your home won't be considered an easy target if a burglar has no option but to work in a well lit area, if the break-in will take a lot of time, and if he can't work in peace and quiet. Darkness and shade offer protection for an intruder and an excellent breach in your home security. Force any would-be burglar to confront a real enemy--light. Making robbing your home a noisy job can also up your home security. Installing a home security system with an alarm and mounted exterior lights will help dissuade an intruder. Home Security SystemsA residence without a home security system is approximately three times more likely to be broken into than one without. Homeowners who have home security systems loose an average of THB 20,0000 less in valuables in the event of a robbery. These facts prove that the installation of a home security system dissuades intruders and protects your home. Home security systems like the wireless BOSCH VR8 can include everything you could possibly need. - Perimeter sensors on outside doors and windows
- Wireless smoke detector
- Sirens, strobe lights and other alert mechanisms
- Wireless motion detectors in key inside areas
- Sending an SMS alert in case of an intrusion
Solidify your overall sense of safety with a home security system. There aren't any good reasons for you to be fearful in your own home.
Consider the Basics
Reducing the risk of a break-in is merely making your home less inviting to burglars than the other homes in your neighborhood. Home security systems aren't the only way to guarantee home security; some basic steps can be taken to safeguard your home. If a burglar is delayed just a few minutes, he is apt to give up and try another less problematical home. Basic, ordinary home security equipment, such as padlocks and deadbolts, can discourage an intruder and stop him from entering your home. Remember, even the best and most efficient lock, if it is placed in a weak door, will not stop a determined burglar.
Emergency Plan
Sometimes, no matter the precautions you have taken, a home security system will fail to fend-off a burglar. In this instance, a predetermined emergency plan will come in handy. Your family needs to agree on a secret, yet easily remembered, code word such as "bluebird", "pajama pants", or any other term which the meaning could not be easily figured out. Everyone in your family needs to know the protocol of the emergency plan. - Alert everyone in the household by saying your code word over the intercom--this sets the plan into motion
- Keep yourself safe, you cannot help your family if you are in danger
- Call the police or press the panic button on your home security system
- Children should lock their doors and hide in their rooms--either under the bed, in a toy chest or in the closet
- Do not confront the burglar if you can help it
Everyone needs to know that their safety is of utmost importance, and staying safe is the main priority.
Children and Home Security
Teaching your children about home security and how they can protect themselves will keep them safe and lower your anxiety level. Eventually every child gets to an age where you can leave him or her alone at home for short periods of time. There are safety practices that your child needs to know. - How to arm and disarm the home security system
- How to properly answer the door
- How to reach you when you are at work or running errands
Instructing your child to never allow anyone into the house under any circumstances--not even someone who claims to be a policeman--will keep him or her safe and your home security intact. Your child also needs to know that he/she should never let a caller know that he or she is home alone. Advise him or her that they should tell the caller you are unable to come to the phone. No one needs to know that your child is home without you.
Vacation Tips
Vacations are a wonderful way to get away from the day to day grind, but worrying about your home security can add unnecessary stress to your getaway. Taking a few precautionary steps to assure your home security will allow you concentrate on the sand and sun, not the state of your home. - Leave your blinds open or in their regular position
- Stop the delivery of your newspaper
- Lower the ringer of your telephone so it can't be heard outside
- Arrange for your lawn to be mowed or walk shoveled
- Ask a neighbor to pick up circulars that are left on your door
- Have your mail and packages picked up, forwarded, or held at the post office
- Program a timed device to automatically turn your lights, stereo, or TV on and off at appropriate times
The easiest way to establish home security while you are not at home is to put on the pretense that you are.
A Few Extra Steps
Adding a few extra precautions into your daily routine can make your home security more effective. Each night you should make a habit of checking that all doors and windows are locked and your home security alarm is turned on. It only takes 21 days to form a habit, and these three weeks can save your life. Take special care when it comes to your keys. Never carry your house keys on a key ring bearing your home address, leave your keys in your car, or hide a key in a "secret" place outside your home--burglars usually know where to look.
Ton Company Ltd. has selected Bosch VR8 wireless desktop Alarm System for all its residential projects.
Bosch Security Systems is one of the biggest Security companies in the world. Bosh Security Systems offers security products that are easy to use, powerful, aesthetically appealing and yet affordable for the residential and small business segments.
Integrated wireless intrusion alarm system
The integrated wireless intrusion system VR8 is a desktop or wall mounted control panel. The aesthetically pleasing unit has been designed to fit easily into modern interior designed homes whilst offering a high level of security. Each element of the wireless system can be installed or removed simply and quickly. Enabling and disabling of the system can be undertaken from anywhere within the property using remote keypads or key fobs. VR8 is suited for application in homes, apartments, retail shops, convenience stores.
"In the residential segment, there is an increasing interest among property developers, which was missing till a few years ago”. The VR8 Easy Series with a single-button control, is capable of sending an SMS alert in case of an intrusion, and allows the user to remotely access the system over phone.
It detects forced openings, gas leaks, fire and unauthorized movement, and can communicate in about 20 languages. The Wireless Intrusion Alarm System can be operated through remote keypads and is meant for homes, apartments or shops.
Ton (Pierre-Yves) Loriers
Managing Director Ton Company Ltd. Ao Nang Beach
You can order this system directly thru any Bosch Authorized dealer in Thailand and in Krabi at Ton Company (price THB 29,900.00).
Ton company is an Authorized dealer for Bosch Alarm systems and can be reached during business hours Phone: (075) 695 633 Fax: (075) 695 634 or by email:
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Mission Statement and Design Philosophy |
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DESIGN PROCESS: A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY, CLIENT INCLUSIVE APPROACH
Every design project is a collaboration between architect and client, though every firm is different in how they handle this relationship. Here at Ton Company, we see clients as contributing members of the design team. Their needs are foremost throughout the process, which is an open dialogue of creation, analysis and modification.
A multi-disciplinary team, including in-house draughtsmen, engineers and landscape architects, offers the benefits of a smooth, integrated experience. It also allows clients to be involved at every stage, and receive expert advice and guidance on the legal, aesthetic and structural practicalities of their project.
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A home away from home - and so much more |
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 Make family holidays less stressful by staying in a serviced pool villa
Getting cranky toddlers to behave in restaurants; trying to find a place to warm baby's bottle during the night; sharing a tiny room with two active children for a week or more: if the thought of a family holiday makes you more stressed than excited, it may be time to change your tactics.
Let’s face it: hotels, even those that claim to be child-friendly, rarely are – especially when travelling with younger children or infants. This is why more and more families are turning to Ton Company’s serviced holiday villas for their vacation in Krabi.
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From rocky hillside to 5 star luxury |
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 The design and construction of Baan Kantiang See, a unique villa-only family resort in Koh Lanta, is Ton Company’s biggest project to date. Here, Pierre-Yves Loriers (Ton), the managing director, explains some of the challenges involved and how they were overcome to create this beautiful new holiday complex. “Our clients approached us in April 2007. After two years of searching for the perfect piece of land, they had finally found their ideal spot: nearly 6.5 rai on a steep hillside overlooking the breathtaking Kantiang Bay in the south of Koh Lanta. They wanted to create a family-friendly, villa-only resort, with large individual units and a central pool – all with panoramic sea views. They had a clear concept of what was required: it was then up to us to transform that into reality.
Engineering challenge
“Our first site visit gave us an idea of the task that lay ahead. The land – then barren scrubland - is steeply sloping, and mostly rock with little to no topsoil. There was no water, electricity, or access road. Our in-house engineers did a thorough survey of the area, then worked alongside the architects to create strong and stable retaining walls, required both for the actual house construction, and also for the landscaping - to prevent erosion while allowing proper drainage. All foundations needed to be raised as it was impossible to embed them in the rock.” |
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Husqvarna comes to Krabi |
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Husqvarna is the global leader in outdoor power products fo forestry, park maintenance and lawn and garden care. Their range is designed for consumers as well as professional users and includes lawnmowers, garden tractors, trimmers, leaf blowers, hedge trimmers and chainsaws as well as products for irrigation and gardening equipment such as pruning shears, rakes and shovels. UK and US readers may know their equipment better under brand names Flymo and Gardena. "We are very excited to be associated with the Husqvarna brand family," says Pierre-Yves Loriers (Ton), the managing director. "Its ideals and strategy fit perfectly with out own philosophy of cost-efficiency, environmental awareness and high levels of customer care." |
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Building on solid foundations |
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 Sittiporn Chouypasit (Sit) is Ton Company's in-house structural engineer, providing expertise in the design of concrete, wood and steel structures. After graduating in Civil Engineering frome Technology Mahanakorn University in Bangkok in 2002, he returned to Krabi to do sub-contraction work. He has been full-time with Ton Company for more than 4 years.
Why does Ton Company have an in-house engineer? What is your role?
“My job as a structural engineer is to create the basic frame for any building, the beams and columns – so you could argue it’s a pretty fundamental role. It’s a mix of technical know-how, safety considerations and knowledge of available materials. Many pure design firms simply outsource a completed plan to an engineer for the structural analysis. But by working with the architects and clients during the planning itself, I can help the team achieve the design goals in a way that is both cost efficient and makes the building as comfortable as possible.” |
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Protect your home from termites |
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In Thailand all sorts of unwanted visitors such as termites try to vacation in your home. Although there are many different types of termites they all have one thing in common: a voracious appetite for the cellulose found in lumber. Termites especially like to eat moist wood so it is very important to keep the house dry. Once termites are inside your home they're harder to get rid of. The last thing you want to do is make their job easier. |
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Investment Incentives |
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With investor confidence left in tatters by last year's political upheavals, the BOI is going on the offensive to tempt international capital back to Thailand
In the past, political upheavals in Thailand have in general caused only a short-term impact on the economy.
Thailand's current political situation however coincides with a global economic slowdown, proposing a far greater challenge than in the past to attract foreign investors to Thailand.
The Board of Investment (BOI), the government agency responsible for providing incentives to sitmulate investment in Thailand, has announced that its top priorties for 2009 will include new investment promotion measures, overseas road shows and the establishment of more oversea offices.
The Department of Export Promotion, the Office of th BOI, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand are planning to arrange road shows to the Middle East and Asia to restore confidence in the Thai economy and promote Thailand's tourism industry. The Prime Minister will be invited to lead the road shows, to be organized from January to April 2009
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Maintain your new home |
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Some of the most important things to think about before, during and after a property is built are energy consumption, space requirements, assets, water and waste management systems and the day-to-day service delivery that the building will employ once it is ready for use.
These considerations are often not taken on board early enough in the design and development stages. Identifying the building´s ultimate purpose, tenant requirements or expectations and foot traffic patterns, for example, require the kind of foresight that can make all the difference to the long-term success and value of a particular development.
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A kitchen or bathroom refit can make the difference |
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It is certainly the case that kitchens and bathrooms often seen to have a much higher value than that of other rooms, and by ensuring that both of these important spaces are stylish and elegant, sellers can, indeed, clinch a sale more easily.
Clearly, developers have been quick to spot these magical spaces, and so high expectations have become the norm. This alone makes it especially important to invest in an upgrade where possible, since an old kitchen or a below-par bathroom will certainly stand out as a negative in today’s highly developed market. In fact, the very same illusion of value may well work against you as the expectation on the part of the buyer will be that a replacement or upgrade will be expensive.
So, which approaches work and which ones do not when it comes to planning a kitchen and/or bathroom refit with re-sale specifically in mind?
Following the trend in the market and adding a few extra touches is the best way to proceed.
For kitchens, neutral colors have a wide appeal, and this is important when looking to secure a quick sale. “Clearly you could spend a great deal of money on a new kitchen and still find that it doesn’t interest prospective buyers due to extraordinary colors or a difficult to appreciate design.
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Designs for Life |
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Saksit Namwong (Tor),
from Loei in north-eastern Thailand, is a graduate of Mahasarakham University (MSU). After gaining a degree in architecuture he broadened his knowledge and experience through working in the fields of urban planning, interior design and traditional furniture making, as well as for architectural firms such as Charoen and Associates in Bangkok. He joined Ton company as senior architect in 2007.
Coming from Bangkok, what do you make of the housing scene in krabi?
"There are currently very few players in the market, but it is an area with huge potential. As more people come here to build, urban planning becomes very important. We should be concerned that Krabi develops into a place that people want to live in and that retains some of its orginal character and charm.
"For example, many people complain about the hundreds of shop houses no being built. This is because they tend to look fairly generic. I think that these type of buildings do have their place in a growing town but the key is to give them character and style so that the streets are not boring."
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Finding a competent and reliable contractor |
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 Finding a competent and reliable contractor is the first step to a successful and satisfying building project.
Your best bet is a reality check from those in the know: friends, neighbors, or co-workers who have had improvement work done. Get written estimates from several firms. Ask for explanations for price variations. Don’t automatically choose the lowest bidder.
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Before building your house in Thailand |
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Khun Sittiporn (Tut) and Khun Surasit Poonperm (Man) are foremen at Ton Company in Krabi. they are in charge of supervising the construction sites with the Engineers and Architects.Theyexplains in plain English how to sort Road access, Water and Electricity issues before building your dream house in the land of smiles.
Many people find themselves buying/leasing undeveloped land in rural areas with a plan to build a house.
Government road
In Thailand, a government road may be little more than a dirt or sand track. Regardless of the condition for the road, buying land on a government road is the safest bet because you will be guaranteed access. A government road should be on the government map at the land office unless it has recently become a government road. In either case, you must have your lawyer check if the road you are on is actually a government road.
If the government road is in poor condition, and you want to spend some money to develop it, most local governments will be happy to let you do so.
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Interview with Jom Chainapong |
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Project manager at Ton Company Architecture and Engineering group in Krabi. She holds a bachelor degree from Thammasat University in architecture and a master degree from Thammasat in Architectural Design Research in Bangkok.
What are you designing and building now?
Managed private luxury pool villas are becoming more and more popular in Thailand. Ton company ltd. built Baan Oriental 4 years ago in Ao Nang beach. Last year the occupancy rate for this particular villa was over 80%. Ton, the managing director plans to have 15 to 20 villas in Ao Nang under management by the end of 2008.
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On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the founding of Ton Company Ltd, we talk to the managing director, Pierre-Yves Loriers, a.k.a. Ton, about the company’s origins and vision 
Ton Company is proud to introduce the latest villa in their rental portfolio, 
