rmacdon61

Finally back after a terrible summer in Canada (west coast) and a cold and wet fall. Arrived today to sun and warm and going to get the bike cleaned up and ready for a new riding season. I do like this part of cool nights and warm day. Last spring early summer here was to much for me, but I think if I stay will adjust. Just love this place people and things. Would not change any of it.

Well I'm still up for a ride, can do a short burn over the mountains north to Santikili (sp) with food there, then back into CR???

Try the Saddle Bags place just left of the first traffic lights on your way to town on the Old Chiang Mai road.

The people there may be able to get something like that for you.

Other than that there's a flock of sheep out near the airport.

Two birds with one stone... lamb chops and sheepskin seat covers.

OK, found a nice big rock, so off shopping

I am not an alarmist nor have any "confirmed information". I flew out of Swampy this morning (to Chiang Rai), all was normal, other then parking doesn't exist. Haven't seen BKK from the air during this flooding until today, so can't offer any update as to how bad compared to yesterday, last week or month. I did notice a rather curious thing with Thai Air, which I flew with today. While waiting to leave, 8 Thai aircraft took off, 2 - 747's the rest airbus A300 and up. Other Thai Air at least 5 I saw were gearing up for flight. Now that seems like a lot of fuel burning so my thots were, a lot of people leaving or Thai Air is making room for the domestic carriers? If it is normal flight ops, I got to get shares in that carrier. Some might say they are using caution and moving equipment to be safe, they do cost a fair coin. The water channels in the airport appeared about 1/2 meter from the top, as I said, I have no previous knowledge of what is normal for these channels.

I can offer my take on flood control. Water will go where it pleases and neither man nor beast can stop it. Maybe delay it, but not stop it.

Now I am looking for a cover for my motorcycle seat. This would be a sheep skin wool cover, much like used on saddles back home. Allows air to cool ones butt while riding. Even just a piece of sheep skin wool, I'll tie it down however.

Thanks

Living in Hoysan Pubpla, I have gone up that road a few times, much to the wife's dismay (her scooter). Have to admit, it wasn't much of a road, more fit for offroad biking. Very nice views and if taken slowly an interesting drive. Didn't get to the end, took pity on the scooter last time I tried.

I have account with Bangkok Bank, they provide outstanding service and are very farang friendly. Plus if you are a US citizen, the bank has a branch in New York City that takes direct deposit for minimum fee. My retirement check comes directly to Thailand. I withdraw what I need and transfer the rest over to an savings account, and can withdraw and further funds with my ATM card. What you want is to minimize all overhead costs and have your money available 24/7. Bangkok Bank has my vote. I also have Kasikornbank for my automatic bill pay. Internet/phone, Sat TV, Water and Electric are taken out automatically every month, because I travel, it is very convenient. Cheers....

Yes, I was aware of the New York Bangkok bank and checked but it is the same "Swift" transfer from Canada to there, so opted for direct to CR. They do have a great service for US Citizens using that bank. Guess they don't like Canada, far to stable and boring eh!!!!

Like to change out these tires, ride as on marbles and brakes the sh**s.

Would like wider at back, have about 2 inches to play with?

FRONT 3.0 - 18

•REAR 5.0 - 15

Any suggestions?

Have the tire size and as above would need

FRONT 3.0 - 18

•REAR 5.0 - 15

Any suggestions?

Just did this and we are in Canada as I type. To be sure of visa, sponsor her from inside Canada. You apply for perm. immigration, submit paper work here, 30 day (approx) wait. You get sponsor papers, the rest off to Sing. Now you can get visa for a visit. DO NOT buy tickets not needed. When you marry you would want to do all this any how.

My application was sent off by my lawyer about 2 weeks ago so this revelation about the sponsor papers being a ticket to Canada seems too good to be true. When you fill in the TR Visa form and enter the return date you put 'hopefully never'?

Well we actually had a return date (winter in Canada/winter in Thailand? Gee what do I do?? HaHa). But in reality, yes, she could apply for Temp visa extentions all she wants as she is waiting for final approval of Perm visa. Now that can be refused if immig has concerns I would think. But remember, they are on sponsorship, cost is all on your hook, not the governments. When the wife packed for the trip, you would have sworn she was going forever HaHa.

Check the website for sponsorship, the wait time when I sent in was 32 days, but I have seen it change to as much as 45 days.

First, Welcome to CR. I am in Canada right now, fly back on the 24th Oct. This will be my second year in CR and although most of my experience has been here, CR, we do travel around Thailand quite a bit. I guess the first thing I liked about CR, was still a small city with lots of rural areas, but has most everything you need. My wife is thai and we live about 30K from CR out the old Chiang Mai Hwy in a small village. I do ride a motorcycle, an old hold over from my misspent youth in Canada, so you can imagine the fun I have riding all over the north of Thai. Age 60 and retired.

There are some wonderful people here, good support for farang if needed and lots to do and see. CR has an international airport so you are never far from anywhere. Even has a new mall, which doesn't do much for me, but the wife loves it. Even has a McDonald's if that does anything for you

I haven't made it to any of the picnic monthly lunches yet but plan to take care of that this stay. I'll bring a typical canadian dish which I guess should include "maple syrup" eh!

Again welcome, watch the forum and ask questions if you like.

Bob

Saw this on the CM forum about a new north thai map. Looks pretty good. It seems to be a single page water proof map that would be great for exploring the north. Not sure if a SE-ED store here in CR?

This from the forum:

The map can be purchased from Rider's Corner Bar & Restaurant, Chiang Mai, C & P Bike rentals, Chiang Mai & will be distributed to various outlets in the coming week. It will also be available at the SE-ED book shops in all the shopping malls shortly - great that we got their validation.

Website to see a review of the map:

http://rideasia.net/forum/the-rideasia-net-north-thailand-road-off-road-map-t806.html

rmacdon61,

Yes, good idea. The 2.3 increased game capability is a plus. Ladies like the eye candy.

I'll just add that "Angry Birds" has also been good to me. All 60 levels of it. I can now consider dismissing myself as Head of the Complaints Department . Traffic there is at an all-time low.

An important note. About two weeks ago, I thought an earthquake had occurred. But no, it was only that her Smartphone touchscreen failed to respond. Which required a "Factory Restore". That function is under the "Privacy Settings". A few minutes later peace was again restored to my kingdom.

And, I'll give a warning. After the Facebook app has locked in, it is not a good idea to even jokingly suggest that you will take the phone away. A low feral growl and flashed teeth convinced me of that.

Cheers

TwentyBaht:

Yes I was treated to a fasion show tonight with all the different coloured covers, boots, knockabout thingys that the phone has. I made the mistake of saying "uptoyou" as to colour. I now apparently like hot pink!!!

My laptop (sorry her laptop) has "facebook" as homepage. I recall a dark and distant past when it was "HomeDepot", I think???

Her favourite saying "You think to much!!!!!" HaHaHa

Why is it, instead of asking, she just hits the "YES" button or lots of buttons and then complains when the phone/computer stops and it must be magic because "She" did nothing to it?????

Well money sent off by Swift. Bank agreed no tax number as they assume if recipient is a national a tax number is required, not a tourist. Explanation was included in the note section to BKK Bank.

So we'll see when I get there.

Thanks all

Assuming the currency conversion will take place in Thailand (which it will do unless you've instructed your Canadian bank to convert before sending) you may find that your Thai bank needs to contact you for your approval of the exchange rate - if the amount is over about 20k Euros equivalent. Good luck!

For whatever reason, my bank said they had to convert before sending? Guess confused and lucky go together

The exchange rate is hurting now with the Thb up, was told 28.? today. Should have converted a couple of months ago when the loony was doing well.

Hoping that a copy will be available in CR in future? Not sure if that book store is in center mall or big c? I know there is a book store big c but don't recall the name.

Well money sent off by Swift. Bank agreed no tax number as they assume if recipient is a national a tax number is required, not a tourist. Explanation was included in the note section to BKK Bank.

So we'll see when I get there.

Thanks all

twentybaht.

(I'll just note that Android has been good to me. Because, I made a smart move two months ago. I gave my other half a very good Smartphone made in China. Android OS on it. Took her about two weeks to get it going. Well, the Facebook app, really. And, she attends to this daily. Why a smart move? Well, I find that my "Honey-do" list has plummeted. She is otherwise occupied, you see.)

When I arrive back in CR I plan on turning over my new Samsung Galaxy S11 to the wife, hope that works as well for me!!!!! Has Android 2.3.3 should keep her busy

So reading the forms sssslllloooowwwwllllyyyyy this time, I note that it says:

"Possibly. The following countries have additional requirements in order to send a wire".

Thailand:

THB: Beneficiary's tax ID. The reason for this payment.

So the key being "possibly", not "required".

So I will include a reason and send it off to my BKK Bank, with swift code and see.

I can only hope this gets easier as I become familiar living with feet in 2 countries.

Thanks

I am up for any ride, social butterfly you know

I'm 30k west of CR on old CM road.

I am off to the bank (Canada) to get money sent or a bank draft for Chiang Rai tomorrow.

The form asks for a tax number, which is confusing as we use a sin number here in canada?

I guess two questions.

1/ Just bring a bank draft? (how long to clear from Bangkok bank so money in my account)

2/ use swift and transfer money (if I can figure out what Tax # is)

Thanks guys

Hope to see and meet up with you all

Bob

For me it was a "life skills" problem and addiction to booze. Quiting was not enough, I needed to deal with life. When I was sober, I hated my life, when drinking I hated me.

AA gave me the skills to take back my life and stay sober. AA allowed me to be the man I always wanted to be and not the a--hole I turned out to be. Happy 24 all.

Just did this and we are in Canada as I type. To be sure of visa, sponsor her from inside Canada. You apply for perm. immigration, submit paper work here, 30 day (approx) wait. You get sponsor papers, the rest off to Sing. Now you can get visa for a visit. DO NOT buy tickets not needed. When you marry you would want to do all this any how.

I just did an income statement one week ago, albeit at the Canadian Consulate in Chiang Mai. Procedure should be the same. I submitted three months of itemized statements from bank in Canada -- download from online banking is OK, provided you can verify online if asked.

Provide your passport and 1600 Baht.

They will prepare affidavit for you to swear, with copies of bank statements attached.

Provided your income exceeds the requirement ( 65,000 Baht monthly ) , they will provide letter for you to take to Thai Immigration. Ask for two copies of letter , in case you need a second letter later. Thai Immigration will accept the letter anywhere from 1 to 3 months later -- each office seems to be different.

Thank you, am doing the same (Canada Con. Chiang Mai) and have letters from CPP and Superan Pension in regards to income. They will provide these at request for this type of visa, as they get regular requests and know the requirements. I will also print bank statements as well then. I am assuming (I know, mother of all errors) that a statement of deposits is all, not on going banking activity on account.

I ride the new Lifan 250B which is a mini-touring size. Not a bike you expect to ride hard, but the factory tires are like riding on marbles and braking sucks. Would like to replace now (new bike but so?) with a bigger boot in back (soft, don't care about milage) and same rubber upfront. Any suggestions? I do like to take it over to the pipes and as is, not a good idea. I am in Chiang Rai and have no idea of who to buy from.

Can PM me with suggestions

I went back today to Chaichana autobike ,Chiang Mai (where i bought the Lifan ) and they had a large wind screen for a bargain B490 .

They are also ordering me a special Lifan set of saddle bags for 4,900 .When i see them if i do not like them ,they say that i can cancell the purchase .

I bought my 250B same place and sales woman included a screen with it (manager wasn't happy). Bought my bags at Chiang Rai Saddle bags along with a cell/GPS mount. Have about 1000 k on the motor, at 100 Kph motor is screaming, but I prefer 80-90 as cruise. The bike is a reverse engineered Yamaha 250 Virago but if you change out the chain be sure to get new sprokets if using yamaha parts (thinner then Lifan). Thinking of doing that using a 16 tooth rear as 1st gear is to short (14 tooth). No complaints yet other then in CR service is difficult and parts such as rear sissy bar and such not available. Tires suck big time (like riding on marbles) and would like a bigger foot print but not able to find a replacement.