ScouseTommy

So - update... It seems the finance guy was telling HBW that he needed more from me inc. Visa etc. Which was nonsense as I gave them this 3 weeks ago. I went to HBW and they called Finance whilst I was there. He accepted that actually he didn't need any of the things he was asking for, but needed one more document from my Thai Guarantor. I don't know why he did not mention this 3 weeks ago, but got it sorted and signing the papers today.

The actual staff at HBW have been really polite and helpful I have zero issues with them (and have read old reviews). 

Has anyone got experience of financing a bike from here? I know we can do it (as Farang) because I have two friends who bought bikes from BKK on finance. I was initially told finance is "...for Thai people only" but I pushed my caser and showed details from my friends finance deal in BKK. I have a deposit lodged and provided (the hundreds of pieces of paper) the finance company requested. I keep getting told they will call me then nothing happens. Would appreciate knowing if anyone else has done this in CM specifically at Honda, how long it took and what additional hoops they had you jump through. Also am getting fed up and wondering if Kawasaki are easier to deal with? TIA

Just an update - residency certificates (seem to be flavour of the month and farang seem to need one to do anything official these days).

A lot of people used to use Tian visa service. This is still in the building opposite immigration but has changed it's name to the Colonel company and still offers all of the same services. It opens at 8am. However for The Residence certificate, it is not worth using them anymore. Immigration require Passport copy inc. latest 90 day and TM30 plus your landing card - Signed copies of all. They also want a signed copy of your condo contract (or house book). They will tell you this service is no longer free you pay 500 baht for each certificate you want and collect them the next morning. If you pay 1000 baht you get it the same afternoon. I handed in 2 photographs and paid 1000 baht to get my 2 residency certificates tomorrow morning. You can also nominate someone to collect for you as long as they have the slip you are issued ( or a picture of it on their phone sent by you). I was in and out in about 5 minutes quick easy and straight forward. I was also told that these certs are valid for one month at all Government agencies from the date of issue.

Little bit more on this topic- my previous post was not for renewal it was for getting a new licence. If you are renewing you do not need the resident cert' For a new licence you do, unless you have the Yellow book. Work permits are no longer accepted. Also I got a quick and cheap medical from a (licensed) clinic, it is not accepted! The DLT want a medical from a hospital and you need to make sure it is on the correct form. I already have my car licence and have had it for a long time, this was all for my bike licence!

Those considering doing the Bike licence - if you have the time I highly recommend using Honda Safety riding school they just take the hassle out of it (cost is 1000thb).

*Proof of residence cert' is free (2nd floor of immigration) however you have to wait 20 working days to collect it. If you use the agency opposite it costs 1000thb and you get it the next day guaranteed!!

Just an update for those who apply for a DL.  5 years ago I used my work permit to apply without an issue however this time I am told they are insisting on a proof of residence certificate from immigration. I attended CM Imm' today - For proof of residence you need (2x copies) Passport picture page, Passport visa page, Passport TM6, Passport TM30 - all countersigned. You also need a copy of your condo contract or yellow book etc countersigned. You need two photographs (they dont take them there (1"). You go direct to the second floor and you will see an intern sat outside at a large table. Tell her what you want and she will check the paperwork and issue you a chit. It takes 20 working days to get, so apply early! The chit tells you the date to return to collect it (4pm at counter 4). Took me about 5 minutes and no fee was applied at all. The downside is the ridiculously long waiting period for collection.

FINALLY- some common sense is shown! Thanks to TV for going and getting the clarification we all needed.

Interesting.

Is this more prevalent in the rural farming communities? Is Bangkok private schools also affected?

Does having pets increase the prevalence?

Does leaving your shoes outside the house help with the cleanliness?

It's in all schools across Thailand Gov'/private and International

Pets doesn't seem to increase prevalence

Leaving shoes outside is hygienic for older people. When really young kids take off shoes they tend to touch the floor/soles of the shoe and everywhere else. Hands then naturally go to mouths! If they are going to take off shoes they need to be closely watched and then told to wash their hands straight away (and watched whilst they do this as well)

Teachers do know what to look out for, and the parents are regularly given letters (with colour pictures) to increase awareness.

How to get into an XR3 holding 2 VCRs, is that?

OI, abusing scousers is just plain nasty!! Lucky we have more of a sense of humour than the average TV poster!!

Theres evidence of great mental health everywhere in this country-

The bar girls off their faces on Ice every night and stabbing 'boyfriends' to death

The insane drivers (and drunk or stoned taxi drivers)

The people who attack and kill others in the street in broad daylight (taxi driver kills american with Katana sword)

Loss of face for a family is more important than prosecuting a parent who has beaten their young child with a bat

Everything is the fault of evil Farang, and not Thai's

Farmers committing mass suicide

The list goes on and on.... total clean bill of health!

Teachers do know what to look out for, and the parents are regularly given letters (with colour pictures) to increase awareness. Further to that children with any sort of (overly) runny nose or even the mildest fever are sent home. They cannot return without a medical certificate. We also check the mouths of students daily, as well as temperatures. The school also has a body temperature scanner in the entrance which shows up students entering who have a fever. Schools are doing everything they can (with what resources they have). Unfortunately this disease is on the rise and very easily spread, particularly with very young children.

With 2 small children in school it is disconcerting to read this OP. Though at least I can keep an eye out for any symptoms and take appropriate action.

Thanks TV for sharing this news story for concerned parents as myself.

I teach in Thailand and this has been an ongoing problem for the last couple of years. The schools are pretty good tbh. Cleaning everywhere and having professional companies coming in after hours to treat the classroom and office area's. Unfortunately when the kids are really young they put their hands everywhere. When they get it, their older siblings usually follow suit. All you can do is ensure they are washing their hands every chance they get. Especially after removing shoes to go in to a class/home etc. Also consider the child friendly hand sanitizer. They are easy for the kids to carry and can be used frequently (the alcohol free version). FYI its not fun as an adult when you get it, or its little cousin Herpagina, either!

I think this is made up. Only put on here to bring the TV community together. Red and Yellow are all having a good long laugh and saying the same thing! Makes a nice change lol

Despite being critical of the BIB in relation to this thread, its unfair to paint them all with the same brush. Hopefully the EDS do not mind the link I am posting here? It is a different perspective on the BIB, and relevant to the thread in as much as it relates to how they operate. Also relevant for any Dads who have sons who may be off to party on the Islands.

Apologies in advance if the link is not allowed Eds?

http://www.samuitimes.com/letter-editor-brutal-attack-praise-efficiency-samui-police-force/

Seriously you just can't do that, it's stupid and unprofessional. People saying "well you cant blame the cop if he just heard the guy confess...." really! Would you then say its ok if the case goes to court and is thrown out and the guy walks free, because of that cops actions?

Think I am joking? I'm not, this happens all the time in the US and the UK. The cops have to be above that sort of behaviour and actually apply professional interrogation techniques to get answers. Cases have to be locked down and water tight leaving the scum no room to wriggle out of the charges! Sure we would all like to be in a locked room for an hour or two with this guy. However would we then want to face the family when he walks on a technicality? Yet again this is the BIB showing lack of professionalism, lack of training, and stupidity on then posting it online. I hope the forensic evidence is strong enough to convict without having to reply on ehem....'confessions'

By the way- I fully accept the Thai courts wont care if the confession was under duress'. I still think its wrong though! I am also not a bleeding heart liberal. Trust me his immediate future in prison is going to be a lot worse than what the TV keyboard army would actually do to him!

Yet again this is the BIB showing lack of professionalism, lack of training, and stupidity on then posting it online. I hope the forensic evidence is strong enough to convict without having to reply on ehem....'confessions'

Be careful of your writings... I could point you to worse beatings done out side of Thailand but where the roads are paved in 'gold'

Just think before accusing others.

This world is not perfect anywhere - some think they are.

I'm not saying the roads are paved with gold, and I know of more serious beatings here and abroad! I am commenting on this thread only. What they did was stupid. You arrest, you interrogate (within the law) you send to court. END OF

Unless of course you think they should just scrap the courts and allow the police to do whatever they want?

I get the anger and the outrage because I feel it as well. This crime (one of many, that just happened to get reported this time) is a national disgrace. What does get me is the TV warriors sat on there sofas furiously typing on their keyboards, swearing death and injury etc.

1, your all talk, faced with having to do something the simple fact that you are human, have a conscience and are not a sociopath, mean you would do nothing. So lets stop with the useless (I am such such a hard man) threats!

2. 'it was just a little slap...' How many of you would be saying that if it was you in a room with the BIB and they gave you just a little slap? Regardless of what you were in there for, it is wrong. Its not their job to be judge, jury and executioner. You all bang on about how corrupt the BIB are, then pat them on the back when they do this??

3. (Although I think this pond life is one of the guilty men) This guy has not been proven guilty of anything yet. DNA takes weeks to process. The guy looks stoned off his head as well. Shall we all go lynch him now, and find out in 4 weeks he was actually innocent?

There is a reason civilized societies have rules, checks and balances. The lynch mob mentality is out of date and reactionary. I don't blame anyone for reacting as this crime is emotive and seriously f*%ked up. However it shouldn't mean we all lose the plot!

The best place for the guilty parties is banged up in a stinking hell hole of a prison (take your pick in this country), where disease is rife, and food is short. Where he cannot sleep or rest due to the fact he is likely to be beaten to death by other prisoners. After a time of living this miserable existence, he will eventually get caught by the 'gen pop' and get whats coming to him.

mate, I get pretty riled up because this is how my 14 y/o daughter died in Australia, she was raped and thrown from a train. Sympathy for this type of scum is non existent in me, it may have happened over 20 years ago now but I still know and remember exactly what happened to the piece of sh*t druggie that did it, as do a few police officers. I have no remorse at all, it provided me with a great deal of relief and I do not regret it at all, sometimes action is needed, especially when the ones involved think they have "protection" and will get away with it.

My heart goes out to you mate. I wouldn't have sympathy for him either. I am not saying the scum who did this does not deserve endless pain and eventual horrible death. I am saying a cop has to be above this. They have to be professional and make a water tight case, that ensures the scum are convicted. I know this is Thailand and they won't care about 'the slap' but why give defense lawyers anything at all to work with? The BIB are paid to arrest suspects and gather evidence. They are not Judges and should not act like it.

I am really sorry this has obviously brought it all back to you and am genuinely not a bleeding heart liberal. Just someone who dislikes keyboard soldiers and wants things done the right way.

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To every who wants lynch justice. Maybe you prefer interrogation style like around 200 years ago where it was kind of normally to be tortured and confessions were forced. Think about how many thousands or even millions of people in our history were killed in lynch justice.

I don't want to play down what this man did. But violence ends in violence... the police has no right to torture suspects and humans fought many decades or even centuries for this victory...

That's right. Cops have no right to mete out any punishment. That is for the courts. Innocent until proven guilty or confessed in a court of law. Cops should only respond if threatened. Coward jerk.

Year right!!! That was a pay attention slap if ever I saw one.

If you're going to be a c*** expect to be treated like one.

The police have to deal with this sort of scum everyday and try and keep their cool.

Many police have families and daughters and would happily have put a bullet in this guys head yet he sits there unscathed.

So what's to critisise?

You guys are wired to the moon and have lost touch with reality. You'd think he'd been stoned to death not slapped rouind the earhole for being pig ignorant.

I couldn't care lesss if they sat this guy in a chair and plugged it in to get a confession if it saves the life of another young girl.

It is blatantly obvious this guy is guilty until proven guilty and that must bug the hell out of every policeman who has to deal with the piece of sh!t.

The only stir this video should have caused is people saying hit him again only harder.

Am sorry mate, this guy is scum no doubt, but I have to say 'grow up'! Guilty until proven guilty? Its ok for the Police to strike someone because they have families too? Seriously this is an elementary school argument from someone who is so outraged he can't use reasonable thought, or someone who is just plain stupid!

I get the anger and the outrage because I feel it as well. This crime (one of many, that just happened to get reported this time) is a national disgrace. What does get me is the TV warriors sat on there sofas furiously typing on their keyboards, swearing death and injury etc.

1, your all talk, faced with having to do something the simple fact that you are human, have a conscience and are not a sociopath, mean you would do nothing. So lets stop with the useless (I am such such a hard man) threats!

2. 'it was just a little slap...' How many of you would be saying that if it was you in a room with the BIB and they gave you just a little slap? Regardless of what you were in there for, it is wrong. Its not their job to be judge, jury and executioner. You all bang on about how corrupt the BIB are, then pat them on the back when they do this??

3. (Although I think this pond life is one of the guilty men) This guy has not been proven guilty of anything yet. DNA takes weeks to process. The guy looks stoned off his head as well. Shall we all go lynch him now, and find out in 4 weeks he was actually innocent?

There is a reason civilized societies have rules, checks and balances. The lynch mob mentality is out of date and reactionary. I don't blame anyone for reacting as this crime is emotive and seriously f*%ked up. However it shouldn't mean we all lose the plot!

The best place for the guilty parties is banged up in a stinking hell hole of a prison (take your pick in this country), where disease is rife, and food is short. Where he cannot sleep or rest due to the fact he is likely to be beaten to death by other prisoners. After a time of living this miserable existence, he will eventually get caught by the 'gen pop' and get whats coming to him.

Seriously you just can't do that, it's stupid and unprofessional. People saying "well you cant blame the cop if he just heard the guy confess...." really! Would you then say its ok if the case goes to court and is thrown out and the guy walks free, because of that cops actions?

Think I am joking? I'm not, this happens all the time in the US and the UK. The cops have to be above that sort of behaviour and actually apply professional interrogation techniques to get answers. Cases have to be locked down and water tight leaving the scum no room to wriggle out of the charges! Sure we would all like to be in a locked room for an hour or two with this guy. However would we then want to face the family when he walks on a technicality? Yet again this is the BIB showing lack of professionalism, lack of training, and stupidity on then posting it online. I hope the forensic evidence is strong enough to convict without having to reply on ehem....'confessions'

By the way- I fully accept the Thai courts wont care if the confession was under duress'. I still think its wrong though! I am also not a bleeding heart liberal. Trust me his immediate future in prison is going to be a lot worse than what the TV keyboard army would actually do to him!

Why do smokers always cart out the same three arguments?

1. Name-calling/typecasting of those who dare oppose their dirty habit: e.g. Anti-smokers are akin to Nazis - telling us what we can and can't do, e.t.c.

2. Use projection - cars are just as bad, going on the tube is like smoking 10 cigarettes a day, e.t.c.

3. Tell us that old chestnut about their great gran who smoked and lived till 91, bless her.

Let's break it down to make it simple for those smokers who can't get their head around the issue:

1. Smoking is harmful - your smoke harms not just you, but those around you. Everyone should have the right to not have to breathe in the smoke of smoker. There is NO debate here - smoking in public places - that means anywhere that someone else may have to suffer your smoke - is unacceptable. To suggest you have a god given right to do what you want while harming others is slightly more 'Nazi-esque', than someone trying to rightfully fight against which is unequivocally wrong.

2. That other things harm us is not the debate here. Are those other things essential in the world we live in? In most cases yes. Is smoking essential? Obviously not.

3. 91? Great - I'm happy for you. She would've lived a bit longer if she didn't smoke though.

Smokers don't have a leg to stand on (sadly some literally don't due to the gangrene) when it comes to their rights to smoke in any public place (i.e. anywhere outside their smelly, brown-stained hovel). Thankfully they are a dying breed.

ERM.... read my post- didnt do 1, 2 or 3 and pretty much agreed with your numbers 1 and 2 in the second batch. Can you explain why your happy about some 'HUMAN BEINGS' dying?you don't know me, or half the others you are wishing death upon.

The only issue I cannot get my head around is your almost sociopathic need for someone you don't know to die?

What is with the levels of hate on here? Why as non smokers would you wish another human being dead? Dont get it at all! I am someone who smoked became an ex-smoker for years, fell off the wagon and smokes again. I think it stinks, damages my health, but like all addicts I still do it again! I dont like inflicting my habit on others. I will not smoke indoors anywhere. I make a concious effort to blow my smoke upwards when outside, and hold the things away from people as I pass. I don't think I am bad, evil or a 'selfish bastard who should die'. I do think that people who would wish someone else death over a cigarette needs some professional help, I am sure the mental health section of TV could benefit you greatly. Rotting away in the Prem for murdering a smoker might be much worse than lung cancer

On a serious note, and back to the post- if they seriously wanted to reduce smoking then why ban e-cigs and vaping. I know 40 year smokers who have stopped over night. These produce no 'bad chemicals' and obviously work. Seems to me as previous posters have already said, the tax and income generated is much too large, making smokers a powerful lobby group in this country!!

"Madness Pills"!

Having seen the effect these pills have on the brains of those who take them, I would say the name is very appropriate.

Having been stuck in a taxi, with a driver who had obviously just smoked (more then once), I agree. Very scary experience, with the potential to explode and get violent! Always make an excuse and get out and walk away!!

I have a great sense of humor, sometimes I just grow weary of the endless America bashing.

How will the new constitution get around the majority rule thing?

Good question! I suppose this interim gov' will be in place and presumably the upper house will re-form? I am unsure tbh, maybe the new constitution can only be fullyy ratified when aa new democratically elected Gov' is in place? There are people on here with more knowledge who may be able to clear it up for us?

And on a side note, what the bleep is up with rewriting the constitution ?? How about

taking a tip from America, a somewhat successful country. That is where a group of

brilliant people write up a constitution that is fair to all citizens, and then you stick to

it. These Thai constitutions may as well be written on dissolving paper, as historically

each new government rewrites it in order to maximize their looting of the country.

I agree with a lot of what was said, but the above!!! You lost all credibility when you started with Team America- world police! Written by brilliant men (debatable), fair to all citizens (blatant lie). As I remember it your constitution was fully functional when you tried to ethnically cleanse the continent of indigenous peoples! It was also in place when you signed agreements giving land to said people, then ripped them up in order to 're-claim' the land because gold had been found on it. Your constitution also gives everyone the right to bear arms (written in the wild west so understandable), never amended to recognise a modern world! This has lead to incidents like Columbine etc. Sorry, but I could go on and on with this. I don't want to seem like I hate Yanks, I don't! Your post was great until you turned condescending and written a load of old codswallop at the end!

Wow, not even sure where to start. My reference was only to the constitution as it was originally written, and its durability over 200 plus years. And if you think the brilliance of Thomas Jefferson is debatable, you have lost ALL credibility. The anti-America sentiment must be reaching a fever pitch

here if your bringing in the issue of the treatment of Indians in America from 150 years ago.

Hmm let's see. Your board name has the word scouse in it, so either you like the sound of that word, or you are a scouser from Liverpool. In which case, given the history of England and its colonization issues in the past, you would be best to keep quiet and not make a fool of yourself anymore.....

LOL seems unlike you I have a sense of humour. Yes I am from Liverpool, a city built on the proceeds of slavery, which was blatantly wrong and evil. I don't deny my past at all. Neither to the people of my city, which has a large (very honest) anti-slavery museum. So, I won't keep quiet and I don't think I am making a fool of myself, by debating a point with you? I wasn't abusive or rude, if you are a sensitive soul I apologise profusely! I simply tried and obviously failed to highlight the fact the US constitution isn't as perfect as you have made it out to be. I apologise for having an understanding and knowledge of US history and in future I will not comment on this country as obviously people from 'scouseland' should remain quiet and not have an opinion. Hope this soothes your injured soul. Have a great day as they say in the US

LOL fair enough apologies accepted good sir! What you have written proves my point "...it is politicians that are dysfunctional" and politicians drive policy. That policy does not have to be in line with the original intent of a constitution as long as it does not breach that constitution. I stand by everything I said in my post. I do not claim to be an expert at all, but the things i mentioned are historical fact. They are not something pulled out of thin air! What I wrote about is based on greed you are correct. However the US constitution you obviously love was in full force whilst this went on. Doesn't that imply (even a teency weency bit...) that this isn't a 'solid' constitution? I have done my research via gun laws which are enshrined in the second amendment of the constitution (are the people amending the constitution as brilliant as your vaunted forefathers?). I am against an average citizen buying and legally owning an assault rifle, so shoot me for my personal point of view! Anyway getting back on point for this thread, the original OP ridiculed all the previous Thai constitutions because they were 'corrupt or driven by greed'. He then put up the US version as a shining example and parody of excellence! I merely pointed out this was a bit silly and not true. As you said the US Gov't breach of early agreements and everything else was about greed, under policy from the White house and when the constitution was in force!! Exactly the same thing the original OP was saying about the Thai constitution! Last point, where in the constitution does it say it is fine to data mine and spy on your own citizens private (non- threat to national security) communications? It seems to be allowed though!