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Published on March 8, 2008

Let the government and exporters worry about the strong baht while the rest of us try to make the best of the currency's strength.

No, we are not advising you to buy an island off America or make risky financial moves, but here are some possible ideas you might consider.

1.Shop for imported goods whose prices have turned you off in the past.

2.As the baht is likely to peak this year, parents with kids studying abroad should transfer as much money as possible so they will spend less baht for the same amount of dollars.

3.If you have always wanted to travel to America or watch your beloved English Pre-mier League team in the flesh, go now. But forget Japan, Switzerland and Australia: their currencies are appreciating against the US dollar.

4.Online shopping is recommended.

Better still, check out websites offering to waive transportation costs if you spend up to a certain amount.

5.Find a good online package for your kids to study at summer camps in other countries.

6.If you are reasonably well to do, purchase  American property that has been put on sale thanks to the sub-prime crisis.

7.Diversify your money into US dollars and put them in a Thai bank's foreign-currency deposit account. When the baht depreciates again, you will get more baht at maturity.

Make sure you don't over-invest, though.

8.As the baht is expected to depreciate after this year, buy foreign investment funds (FIF).

Putting money in FIFs for more than two years will result in significant returns .

9.ove reading British Cosmo-politan or US Vogue? Buy a subscription.

These magazines are finally affordable

10.Since current mortgage rates will bottom out by mid-year, those who are considering getting a mortgage should do it now.

By Anoma Srisukkasem

Daily Xpress