thailand49

So that is where all the money from fines is located? Really a good idea to invest his money to improve the HQ, so the service is better and quicker for everyone to pay future fines?

I will end because I think most can see you are getting very negative about the responses. This is part of the course of posting on the Internet the sarcastic responses?

The answer is right there the problem as I noted is your are naive and maybe living in general in Bangkok in your own world. No one likes to be called a ATM, I was and still today am a ATM in principal and I look like them and speak the language but one way or another they do things and ask things they would never ask one of their own. I have been told I am more Thai that a Thai? In the bar scene the go go girls that know me don't want me anywhere near their customers because they say I know too much wish I didn't and are afraid I might say or do something to drive their potential sponsor away. I can tell you whether you believe it or not as long as your wife is with you her family and friends also see her as a ATM?

You come across so positive as if you know your step daughter so well yet she doesn't even live and in general like most maybe come once or twice a year to visit grandparents are most likely have been raising her from day one. Unless you are sending her to a top notch International school the schools she has attended are no more that a baby sitting service during the day. I in general can safely say when you do see her you can barely hold a conversation with her. I have been around some so call top students and if I tell them what is 9x8 they need a calculator.

Yes this is 2014 and I wish it wasn't true from my perspective and I believe like you Thai people work hard but I would never come to a conclusion that 99% pay their own way? Yes they do but when they know a family member has a falang boyfriend or husband especially where your wife and step daughter live there is a standard for you and another for a Thai man. Personally I wish I had your experience but I have experience completely the opposite and wish each day I wake up that I don't end up killing a Thai man because I experience their driving. I continue to have a positive outlook for every Thai I meet although my experience has been completely opposite of yours. I live amount them not in Bangkok in a A/C house and eating only Falang food as a choice.

I hope and know your stepdaughter is a good girl and student but she was raised Thai style and have very little contact with Falang except for you. You have no idea what is going on except what you hear and from time to time you see? The simple fact you say you still have not gotten a answer to driving lessons etc. lead me to believe your question and response " you just don't get it " your western thinking that she has to go to a school wear a helmet etc.. is going to keep her alive justify why she could have a bike? get real!

There is no driving school in Thailand IMHO opinion that would justify to me why I should buy her a bike! Is that good enough a answer for you? You been better off teaching her yourself but of course she would roll her eyes along with the rest of the family!

Let me ask you this? can your wife survive on her own with everything you have provided to her house, car etc... if something happen to you and you left her nothing. Basically I'm asking you as in a Embassy interview " are you her sole supporter? " if the answer is yes! if your wife decides to buy the bike then i indirectly the money comes from you and you indirectly are buying the buy. Does you work and make enough to pay all the expenses on her own to sustain the standard of living the both of you enjoy today?

My post is very negative to you sorry but I'm just being honest. Don't try to come up with a western reason as to why you should or shouldn't buy her a bike. A new bike is not the issue or a license she with or without a license or new bike is already riding one own by someone else they are asking for a bike of her own! Either buy one or not it is that simple!

Once again good luck in your decision as negative as I have been I truly wish you and your family well!

We are in Bangkok, but the step-daughter is up north near Phetchabun.

Sorry I going to be a bit negative towards you but try to get what I have to say and not be too defensive about what I am about to say to you.

First I have been here for 10 years, Prior to coming here from the States, Until recently I forfeit my Commercial (A) License that included Instructions Passenger (LImo-Buses) basically had all the Endorsements including training hundreds of Airline workers to to tow Commercial Aircraft around the airport. Got my motorcycle license through the California Highway Patrol school and had hundreds of hours of training from the Department of Transportation.

That being said I think you are very naive based on your questions. Leave all the advice about what to tell you step-daughter basically dangling a carrot in from of her. Your situation in my opinion you are nothing more than a ATM to her and sorry your wife thinks the same too otherwise she would do something about it if her concern was the same as yours. The fact that they roll their eyes says it all! What you think advice like you can have a bike if you get a license or wear your helmet this is laughable. She as I have heard for years... she is 100% Thai.. that fact she doesn't live with you proof all my point! What you think in terms of advice you can give or demands when their own country does not demand it.

My son now is 14 years old and he lives with me... I got him a motorbike on his 10 birthday sure young but his friends were riding at age 9 years old. For personally reasons I did one it was because of his attitude he actually listen and is a responsible kid. Sooner or later it was going to happen and he has seen me in the States and here for years driving and told me teach me how to drive like you and so I did. I cycle here and I taught him how to ride a bike and use the bike as a test as to whether I should upgrade him to a motorbike by taking him to the main road on Sukhumvit and watching how he handle the traffic, he past. I personally taught him myself told him all the negatives about how Thais drive in the end I think he felt I hated all Thais because I was bad mouthing them so much but in the end he said while we were driving around I could 99% tell him exact want a Thai driver was going to do before he did it. When he was ready if he pass my driving test he got the bike.. my principal in teaching was defensive and get the big picture. He drove around Pattaya and while driving he had to point out several things every second.. he pass with flying colors but does that mean he doesn't do what young kids do the same B.S. I did when I was his age and worse?

I never even consider the license because here they don't care until they are older worry about it later which is this coming year. The school are useless in my opinion except for them to get pass the written test. My neighbor has a driving school and I taught her how to really drive and her business in thriving because she is smart enough to incorporate my teaching to the Thai so they can at least pass what they required. If nothing I've done here I'm pretty proud of this fact. Thailand driving speaks for itself if I were to take 10 government officials who ran this country and gave them a actually driving test I would fail each one I'm sure based on their own current laws. Why because they all believe driving is a right instead of a privilege!

Back on topic.. your stepdaughter wants a bike because she already know how to ride one correctly and safely is another thing. Thinking if you brought her a IPhone she would get robbed I seriously doubt it she has a much higher rate of dying or getting hurt if she had a motorbike. If she do not have her owned she already is using a family member bike which by the way indirectly you purchased it for the family in one way or another. She is spoiled and only look at you as a ATM this comes from someone who know what that feels like. The motorbike is the least of your worries she is 16years old and the young Soi Dogs are licking their chops how to get into her panties if not already. The motorbike will only increase her independence you be better her buying her a IPHONE?

Good luck buddy your back is up against the wall I know you will defend your wife but she is part of the problem in the end when you least expect it and make a visit to see the family you will see your stepdaughter pull up in a motorbike you will ask yourself boy that looks new and sooner or later it will come out it is her bike. One way or another you got it for her you just didn't know until now?

Most of everything especially all the legal stuff is just that? I had a Real Estate License in the States for years and have seen a number of Condos agreements here and understand as you call it " A VILLAGE " which is basically what I call a Gated community? This is very common when you have Thais living in them? it is even worse when the majority of them are Thais and even worse when the development is of lower class? Hate to think like that but time and time again it comes down to that.

My views coming is from my own experience dealing with a problem that my brother had in his so call village. Basically what not being paid is the development dues like in a Condo. it only takes one but that one can destroy the whole place. In Pattaya, one call see these throughout Pattaya where there use to be a attendant in front in their security box now it is abandon? The is usually the last part of dues not being paid.

It starts with one that the others get a wind of it others join in not to paid. There are rules to this but like the helmet law not being enforced the management company or developer is too weak or stupid to deal with the problem! That being said don't get yourself into it let the Thais deal and although nothing is being done because Thai want someone else to deal with it and when they get sick and tired of the problem they will act. What you need to do is deal with your own situation make sure everything is in order. This is a situation where the developer has promise service when they sold the property in the village and not don't have the ball to act and protect the property owner investment. Legally in most places a lawsuit would make them to act? But in Thailand it will end up being you and everyone including your girlfriend or Thai wife is going to blame you for being a shit disturber?

In time you will see especially the Farang moving out and selling at a lost.. property unable to be rented.. then the street lights will be turn off.. the story goes on so will the security and when that is gone the rats will come out and play? so shore up the security of your house?

If your utilities are paid separately by you continue to do so but stop paying the Village dues? because most likely many have already. so the best you can do is keep up your place and watch and listen as to what the others or doing.

Good luck...but not good...

I am not a mechanic I also own a one year old PCX, have had no problems and service it regularly and treat it with kitten gloves. I drive approximately 70K running around town and at various speeds. I taken the bike on many late evening coming home at 100 on Sukumvit for not for very long period just long enough to fool around.

Here is my take... although the bike is a 150 CC, the distant and constant high speed personally is too much for this bike. If you are putting that amount of distant you should think about buying sometime larger like the 300 cc, a bike this small can only take so much for so long?

I am not a mechanic either. Here is my take:

Per my research, modern engines are designed, produced to run continuously at high power settings.

Honda and the others pull random engines off the production lines and run them 100% for thousands of hours.

Animals need to rest; not so machines.

You butt will give out long before your well maintained PCX.

Many motosai taxi guys run their air-cooled 110 Waves >200,000km. before rebuild.

Everything you noted is true but on a personal note deep down I feel a larger engine would take the strain off the bike especially when you run it at that length and speed. I have a click 110 with and can hear the difference on the road at 60K/H when I'm on the 150cc. I just feel or sense a larger bike for this type of usage might be better and might have a contribution to his problem.

I am not a mechanic I also own a one year old PCX, have had no problems and service it regularly and treat it with kitten gloves. I drive approximately 70K running around town and at various speeds. I taken the bike on many late evening coming home at 100 on Sukumvit for not for very long period just long enough to fool around.

Here is my take... although the bike is a 150 CC, the distant and constant high speed personally is too much for this bike. If you are putting that amount of distant you should think about buying sometime larger like the 300 cc, a bike this small can only take so much for so long?

I think if one was in the States everything being said would make sense but we are on ThaiVisa and talking about a 10 million baht purchase for a car that is much less in the States. You are missing on all cylinders no one is disputing how good this car is and what does Consumer Union has anything to do with this conversation with this car in Thailand, if any, look at the price quoted on Consumer Union and if they knew it was being sold in Thailand for 10 million baht = $330,000 they would rate it as a no buy unless you have money to blow. The question I have for you! would you pay that amount for this great car as you noted? If not, end of conversation about how reliable!

If you got the money knock yourself out but in my opinion it is just a glorify Toyota Fortuna that is important therefore the ridiculous import tax like 40% more. Benz and BMW great but limited to service as far as I can see. If you drive it upcountry and it breaks down What and where?

Save the money but if you got it knock yourself out! enjoy!

"...it is just a glorify Toyota Fortuna..." Do you mean 'Fortuner'?

You've obviously never been in a Lexus!

"...and it breaks down What and where?"

That's one of the reasons they tend to appear expensive, they tend not to break down.

I have in the States my cousin who is a surgeon owns a Lexus 370 Hybrid? it is nice and I can tell you he didn't pay 10 million baht for it. He pick me up for lunch and after 10 minutes in the car I didn't really know if I was in his previous SUV, Toyota Highlander? And if I was in Pattaya I don't think I would noticed after 10 minutes sitting at a red light inside whether I was in a Lexus or Fortuna either.

They do not appear expensive and I commend you because you maybe have it but like I said and others 10 million baht for a Lexus? Break it down in USD and from the Baht = 312,000 USD for a Lexus?

You can buy one in the US, ship it to Thailand slip the some baht under the table at customs and have plenty of baht left to buy two or three Fortuna and have pretty much the service history? You know what I mean the spelling might be wrong as you noted but you really think attacking on a personal note is going to sell your point to me and others that spending over and beyond is going to make you right! Like I said if you have it and actually own one I said more power to you and I'm sure you enjoy it. But in Pattaya... If I sat at a red light and you were in your Lexus and I in my Fortuna or Fortuner 9/10 Thais wouldn't even know the difference? The difference would be I have 9 million baht more in my pocket to go down to Walking Street tonight and party back at my place with a car load of ladies to boot!

Or buy a penthouse condo in Jomtien with my own personal pool around 7 million baht, a new fully loaded Toyota Fortuna 1.5 million baht and still have 1.5 million baht to spend throwing ping pongs, drinks, and a personal party back at my penthouse.

If you had a survey right now what would others pick what do you think the result would be? Personally you already know my choice.

Another 2 cents, I have nothing against either brands as I said if you have the money go for it! In the end, we are talking mostly status? And people who are willing to spend double the amount for the vehicle I guess just have it and to be honest if I had it I would certainly pay the extra money to have one. And that being said those who have brought up the cost of fuel and how long one can drive one here in Thailand paying more for one compare to at home one would assume they have the money! So gas is of not important and neither would a person have money like this would ever have second thoughts of owning one for 10 years etc... That is just ridiculous and just not in the equation in my book.

When it comes to status, oh I drive a Subaru or I drive a Lexus,Benz, BMW, what sounds better?

In the end, in my opinion regardless of the service history or not or how good the Lexus might be.. What I do know as a common man when I first saw the price tags of a Lexus at Central Festival a year or so ago and what the price tag of that same model different model number in the States the vehicle is like 2-3 times.more in Thailand. And if I had the money I certainly worry about driving one for 500 K or owning it for more than 2 years before I traded up for a newer model. I could buy 2 Fortunas and 1 fully loaded Hilux and still have more than enough to bar fine 10 girls at a major go go in Pattaya for some major fun. That is just how a common guy like me think sorry if people don't agree.

If you got the money knock yourself out but in my opinion it is just a glorify Toyota Fortuna that is important therefore the ridiculous import tax like 40% more. Benz and BMW great but limited to service as far as I can see. If you drive it upcountry and it breaks down What and where?

Save the money but if you got it knock yourself out! enjoy!

Spot on IMO, a spruced up Fortuna. I have never owned a Lexus but have a couple friends that own one and both say they OK vehicles are not worth the $$$$. In Thailand I have owned two Camrys, the first one was great, the second one is a total POS!! I am currently in the market for a new Accord. No more Toyota's for me.

Honda great choice here in Thailand, but they also have a upscale brand like Lexus, can't remember the name now not sure it they still do? But the lines on that Honda Accord and size I really like great choice Too bad they don't have a Honda Pilot here?

If you got the money knock yourself out but in my opinion it is just a glorify Toyota Fortuna that is important therefore the ridiculous import tax like 40% more. Benz and BMW great but limited to service as far as I can see. If you drive it upcountry and it breaks down What and where?

Save the money but if you got it knock yourself out! enjoy!

it is always an interesting and entertaining experience when arrogance is used trying retroactively to mask displayed ignorance.

The mirror waits you! 25,368? Funny 20 people like what I had to say so I guess I'm not alone in my simple ignorant opinion. I happy not to be so anal retentive.

Goodbye Khun!

Everyone and everything needs a rest.. next time put your hands on the motor and keep it there after it has been working continuously? good luck!

let me tell you a secret Khun Thailand. it doesn't make any difference if you put your hand on an aircon compressor that has run for 30 minutes or for 30 hours. in both cases you will suffer bad burns whereas the temperature (85-90ºC) will be

Khun Naam, if all this technical stuff makes a difference to you knock yourself out and continue to up your post count. To the 99% we couldn't care less. What we all want is to go over to the remote and it turns on and work when we need it! What I do know is a undersize unit has to be on more at a lower temperature which means more money to keep it running even if it doesn't get hot or has anymore wear and tear?

I go by my rule of thumb go one unit higher and maybe the use of the word was improper " harder " that is the why I call it when it stays on forever at 18 trying to cool the room. Without the science the longer it is on the money baht out of my pocket.

because of due respect Khun Thailand i will very politely point out the latest flaws in your comment.

-99% of TVmembers who are reading or commenting on "aircon" threads are interested in saving energy and therefore cost. numerous postings mention "no need for a/c, get used to the heat, buy a fan, just sweat, low electricity bill means more money for beer!"

-a unit should be sized to cope with the potential maximum heat load. nobody has suggested installing an "undersized" unit.

-it does not matter on what settings you put the thermostat (a typical mistake technical ignorants laymen make). if a given unit can cool a room to only 26ºC and you desire 25ºC any lower setting, e.g. 18º will not add additional cooling capacity and no matter how long the unit runs it won't cool to 25º. there is no Baht saving when using a bigger unit needing less run time! you pay Baht for capacity used. "no less money out of your pocket" for "more beer" period!

-the wear and tear of moving parts is influenced by various factors. compressors and aircons in general and their peripheral parts (relays, capacitors, electronic switchgear, rectifiers and inverters) are concerned "off/on cycling" will add more wear and tear than a continous run.

worthwhile to mention is that, though i'm addressing you, i write my comments for those who seek advice and information in the tech sections of Thaivisa.

off topic note which might be interesting for potential buyers:

all aircons in my home are Daikin. i got a "special deal" when i built it. now, seven years later my "special" judgment is... "crap²"! 6 out of 19 units fan motor of indoor units replaced (worn out bearings), fan noise much too loud on speed setting 5 and 6, a dozen or so starting capacitors burned out inspite of an installed hi/lo voltage protection for my home, drain pans not sloped = condense water never drains completely if unit is not mounted crooked, etc., etc. etc.

when my Daikins are due for replacement (another 2-3 years) they will be replaced by Panasonic. several Panasonic units in another home are working without any problems since 1997. it goes of course without saying that they are by far not as energy efficient than modern units.

In all due respect I agree with you! you are 100% right you got to be right? you got what over 25,000 post most likely due to commenting on comments made by others like me?

See while you LOL, am reading or over thinking what you need to buy I'm the type of guy that keeps it pretty simple! I just look things over purchased the product make sure there is a warranty and have it install and keeping me cool? Mean while a guy like you of course right am spending time over thinking and sweating your butt off because your brain is so overloaded with all the technical information given to you. The little difference to me doesn't really matter because I have better things to do.

You remind me of a friend... in Thailand... he is exactly like you.... a example he is so technical he one day got technical over a Thai broom cost was 40 baht.. he felt he could get a better Thai broom for the same price or less so he walk in the sun over 30C looking for me. I told him knock yourself out I wait for you here when he return a hour later I look at the broom he got along with a soak shirt and sweating all I said to him. " you are always right at times at a cost being so stubborn " What did you really prove to the others in this room. He looked around saw no one really gave a shit?

You are right?

Everyone and everything needs a rest.. next time put your hands on the motor and keep it there after it has been working continuously? good luck!

let me tell you a secret Khun Thailand. it doesn't make any difference if you put your hand on an aircon compressor that has run for 30 minutes or for 30 hours. in both cases you will suffer bad burns whereas the temperature (85-90ºC) will be same.

Khun Naam, if all this technical stuff makes a difference to you knock yourself out and continue to up your post count. To the 99% we couldn't care less. What we all want is to go over to the remote and it turns on and work when we need it! What I do know is a undersize unit has to be on more at a lower temperature which means more money to keep it running even if it doesn't get hot or has anymore wear and tear?

I go by my rule of thumb go one unit higher and maybe the use of the word was improper " harder " that is the why I call it when it stays on forever at 18 trying to cool the room. Without the science the longer it is on the money baht out of my pocket.

Whaever the Brand make sure the unit or BTU, is more than the room needs this will allow the unit not to work so hard less of a Bill.

there is no such thing like an aircon "working hard". in fact wear and tear is reduced when working continuously.

Call what you want working hard or wear and tear! Mr. Tech! When the unit is too small for the room the unit has to stay on longer which translate the unit will wear and tear to get to that point the unit has to work harder? Correct give me at less that buddy!

I personally don't care too much about the science.. from my experience it the guy comes in and says to me you need a 9,000 BTU for this room I tell him o.k. give me a 11,000 or 13,000 one the next step up and it goes on and on for each room. Call what you want overkill I don't really care!

I like everyone read all the stuff and the science as to what is being given to me or as they call it features! but the most important thing is if it breaks down how easy is it to fix and are the parts available quickly and not have to order? .Like consumer reports reported a few years back in one of their studies everything is marked energy savings like 5 stars, has anyone seen anything being sold less than 5 stars here? I could put a sticker and there is not one person here would ask any questions about the sticker.

Everyone and everything needs a rest.. next time put your hands on the motor and keep it there after it has been working continuously? good luck!

Whaever the Brand make sure the unit or BTU, is more than the room needs this will allow the unit not to work so hard less of a Bill.

My wife avoids the Chinese tourists as she believes they are carriers of swine and bird flu.

It is most likely your wife is Thai with very little education and wearing the pants in the relationship because this statement is ignorant! you being some what educated should know better but most likely can't disagree otherwise you would get the silent treatment.

I understand fully what you are saying. In times of political correctness if goes overboard at times. I will correct you first, I'm Chinese born and raised in the States and I'm open and liberal and I enjoy a good ribbing take it as I can dish it out even more! But I did have second doubts because of the day and age we are living in today.

Not to take away your own experience growing up etc.. but there is a huge difference in using the comparison of a Texan draw etc.. if I'm wrong that just shows you as you said the boot being on the other foot?

I know what is like growing up walking miles to school because all I had was lunch money and not enough for the bus. I know what it is like having to get to school not going directly instead around and over the hill because the white guys were waiting for us to take our money. Calling us chink chong chinamen and making the same eye gesture go back to where you came from etc...

If this was a average guy like you and me and it was a harmless slip but the people who approve this ad and produced it are educated people and to me in the 21st century that is where I draw the sometimes and agree to disagree.

Why should anyone be surprise! You see the Thais doing it to their own people day in day out so regular the people don't even know it.

This is the 21st Century a country so much want to be part of the elite but time after time shoots itself in the foot because they can't help themselves. Oh but if you did this to the Thais or say a wrong thing it the slammer? they loose face big time!

Is as one MP, said last year on the Bangkok post, " the more they love their country the stupid they are " another example!

This is my experience and for years I noticed this but kept it to myself! This is embedded in their culture not to except or handle criticism well. In the western world it is the root of learning and getting better. Thais do not and the less education they have the worse it gets! This has lot to do with they think if you are living in Thailand you have no idea what is going on and nothing you learned growing up outside of Thailand is valid. Call it ignorant whatever but it is there. I experience this first hand with my ex-wife and I say the less exposure they have with the western world the more ignorant they are except when it is time to get their monthly allowance or they need money! They have no problem as to where that comes from?

Thai scholars have written articles in Bangkok Post just last year. A MP.. said and was quoted if Thai women want a better life marry a Farang he got lots of heat for being honest but the biggest slap was on him since reassigned is he said " The more they love their country they more stupid they become " when I read this it hit the nail in the head and I know you say you love this women but get a new one it will only get worse. Nothing you do will be right! If you raised a question or anything she loses face............. when she is upset does she avoid you and not speak to you etc... until you say sorry even when you haven't done a damn thing?

Get out while you can... it took me a while nearly cost me my life but I still care about her but I'm much happier not being with her 24/7!

You will get to your destination soon enough. Why remove it even if you can what is you hurry to get to your grave so fast?

It is not the spirits that is causing accidents. Holidays are just a big result of what is never done throughout the year. Until the country leaders understand and recognize the problem which is them!

See you got to truly see the problem and they don't! Each day these same people who can actually make a change practice what they preach people will continue to die. Stand out any government office, police station, hospital, school and watch how they drive. Their habits are no different than those who are causing the action. Question any Thai and watch how upset they get because they actually do not see their driving habits are a problem and how do they enforce when they themselves do the same as soon as they are off duty.

The education isn't there and certainly enforcement is just a show and when it is over it is back to the same old stuff, After ten years living here the most basic procedure and execution is lacking majority of the accident are self inflicted lack of patients and courteous to others. For a country that has the motto Mai pen Rai as soon as they are behind the wheel the attitude is " I won't give a inch even if it kills me "

The government and Media should get together instead of each night showing the result of the accident do some live footage as to what is actually causing the accident! Things you see each day. Until the Thai feel they are going to loose their privilege to drive nothing will ever change.because they feel it is a right. A right to kill someone and get away with it.

Thanks, guys. I'm reassured. The house is only going to be maybe 30% brick anyway, the rest being wood.

Mate ... while wood is beautiful ... do you know of the EXTREME termite problem in Thailand.

They eat the paper backing of Gyprock (dry wall).

They chew through electrical wires (I kid you not).

Kitchen Benches are often made of block with a tile or stone surface.

Not trying to change your mind ... but just the reality of building here.

The wood we are using is about fifty years old, maybe a bit older, and therefore, apparently, already dry and will not warp or shrink. We got the wood by dismantling an older wooden house, and our builder eye-balled the wood for termite damage and discarded that portion proclaiming the rest of the wood would not be susceptible to termites (or less susceptible) if after fifty years they had not got to it already...

Country folk logic?

You need to stop listening to your wife! She just wants the house this is Thailand logic you are trying to save money or think the price is right so lets do it! This is not a piece of furniture a rustic piece of wood to be made out of a table. It is going to hold up your roof. This is the same thinking my ex family had in Sukhothai. A few years back guess who paid for the collapse roof instead I told them I'm not paying a cent to make a patch work. I tore the thing down and starting over! and before they did you should have seen the termites at work ever post was eaten to the core the only reason it held up was because the cement outside of the post. The contractor couldn't care less just wants the project why because he isn't going to be around and if he is guess what " he isn't going to answer the phone " you think you got recourse you are fooling yourself. You are here on ThaiVisa asking this question because experience or not you got doubts and your are right!

It being built in Isaan should have no bearing on your project nor should what is being paid you aren't paying them directly yourself? I've had several projects built here in Pattaya. In regards to the bricks they are much stronger than the cements blocks which are much cheaper and not as strong even after the comestic cement. The cement blocks will crack eventually and you will clearly see it in a year or two.

If you are using wood post....TO HOLD UP YOUR ROOF my suggestion is you better stop the project NOW! HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF TERMITES! YOUR ROOF OR HOUSE WILL NOT LAST THE YEAR! UNLESS YOUR WOOD IS PRESSURE TREATED LIKE IN THE STATES AND i DON'T CARE WHAT THEY TREAT THE WOOD WITH IT WILL NOT LAST! MY BROTHER HOUSE CAN ATTEST TO IT.

Even it they use cement to go over the wooden post termites will still be able to find it's way into the cement and slowly have a feast! you are wasting you money Isaan or not.

You shouldn't have a problem if you have proof that Thailand is your home and your wife has ties to Thailand. So if she has a business and records of income, land, this will overcome any negatives if you are her sole financial supporter.

You might also check taking her in the future to obtain a social security number so you can get benefits for her whether you reside in the U.S. or not with her. This is possible if you use the right agency to get it done worth the money it is about timing?