I am buying an $8500.00 pet from Ratchaburi. I am in Little Rock Arkansas. I was going to vacation and then bring back with me but had some things come up. Is anyone there or know someone (I speak only English) that couldput me in touch with someone to check this out. I am nervous about wiring so much money now that I won't be there in person. ANY ADVISE OR HELP I would pay . This thing is now worring me to death. Thank You for any help

Cathie,
Thanks for your post and welcome to the forums. I'm moving it to the Thailand forum where you should receive more responses. May I say, I would never "wire" that amount of money unless I was covered by some kind of consumer/fraud guarantee (e.g. insured by my credit card). Bank transfers or Western Union wires are notorious for having zero protection if the other person reneges on the deal.

For large purchases I have always used escrow companies, where both the funds and the item go to a trusted independent third party and when both are received (and only then) the payment and item are then sent on to the seller and buyer respectively - but I have no idea how this would work with a pet!

Perhaps someone else here can offer some ideas and advice.

I know I should have had a back up plan. But I really planned on doing it all in person. Any chance you know any people in that area in the forum that could help me out. Thank You

We have a few long-term members of this forum who are based in Thailand, so they may be able to give you some advice and recommendations. If you really can't get out there in person then perhaps the best bet would be to get a recommendation of a reliable expat/English-speaking law firm in Bangkok who could act as an intermediary on your behalf?

Does anyone else have any bright ideas?

Personally, living here, I wouldn't even consider buying an $8,500 animal in Thailand, let alone wiring money to do so.

Cathie G,

I think you should get a firm of Thai lawyers to act on your behalf immediately. Don't wire any money until you have talked the matter over with them.

This company has acted for me in the past in contract negotiations. They are an international company, not cheap, but they are honest and importantly, they are good.

Others on this forum will tell you that I have no pecuniary interest in this Thai law firm, I am just simply a member of this forum trying to help others.

Name: Baker & McKenzie,
25th floor, Abdulrahim Pl, 390 Rama IV Road,
Bangkok.
Phone (66) 2636 2500

I hope this helps, but I reiterate - do not send any money for this expensive pet until you have received legal advice and they have arranged legal representation in regards to the mattter.

Emdee
Melbourne

What kind of pet are we talking about?

I was thinking one could pick up a used elephant for that price!

It may be better all round if the poor animal is left where it belongs,as Thailand is not known for it's consideration for it's animals.Sorry to be contraversial,but it is well documented how the Thai's treat animals

If Thais treat animals poorly, wouldn't it be better to remove it from harm's way?