Farang / Falang

A foreigner. Generally someone not from Thailand - but can also apply equally to non-Samuians.

Poo Yai Ban

The local village chief.

Thai politics have many layers starting at a national / federal level, a regional level, a city level and a "village level". Our local village is Plai Leam and the Po Yai Ban of Plai Leam is Poo Yai Wit.

Tessaban

The administration level based in Nathon. Generally higher level than a Poo Yai Ban, but at times the local Poo Yai has some influence. The Tessaban is responsible for overseeing the building permits etc (amongst many other things).

Samui Family

Two types of Samui families. One is the description of someone born in Samui a few generations ago. Not sure of how many generations is required to be classified as a Samui family, but I believe it is at least 3 (i.e. Grandparents born in Samui);

Another description is similar to overseas where certain groups / families control certain businesses and are ruthless in protecting it. Some examples of the businesses which are Samui Family controlled are Taxis, speed boats and the full moon party.

Chanote

A freehold title which is registered with the Land Department in the province in which the land is located, and there is no waiting time required to transfer title. Chanote titles are accurately surveyed, plotted in relation to a national survey grid and also marked by unique numbered marker posts set in the ground (I had a photo of one which was inside Dims laundry). The land is also able to be subdivided and resold.

Chanote is also sometimes used when discussing the actual title deed - i.e. the deed itself is called a Chanote (when in fact it might be a title deed that is of a lower status such as a Nor Sor Sam Gor).

Nathon

The Capital town within Koh Samui - generally where the more senior government administration departments reside.

Plai Leam / Plai Laem

The local area where BBC restaurant is located in Samui.

Aree

Aree has worked for BBC for around 5 years. He is the general handyman and will do anything from minding the kids, to watering the plants to going and collecting debts. His previous employers was one of the Samui Families so he has many contacts.

Dim

Is the matriarch of the squatters next door. Dim is around 52 years old and is desperate to find a farang husband which I believe is the primary reason for her wanting to remain at the illegal location.

Rai

Is the standard measure of land in Thailand. 1 Rai is 1,600 square metres - about 0.4 of an acre.