Anon999

@ Ryro88 - You stayed 4 days in Isaan, where everything is dirt cheap and you really believe village people spent close to 5000 on you ? Well, I have doubts.

A good meal cost 50 baths, how much is benzine now ? A night in an hotel cost 400-500 baths.

I see you know as much about Isaan as I do about Outer Mongolia. For a start everything is not "dirt cheap". Last weekend 4 of us went for meal and it cost 1200 baht and that wasn't being extravagant. Included 1 beer 2 bottles of water and a Sprite. Petrol is 39 baht a litre and yes you can get a night in a hotel for 500 baht but that's not the average by any means.

As I've lived in Isaan for over 7 years I'm qualified to comment.

Your other posts seem to be just as well informed!

There are a number of sights that let you watch the Ashes live for free. Live cricket 365 is one and when you get to the choice of programmes try Sky sports HD. If that's not available then try the other options. Also Live tv is another, amongst others. Do a google search for the ashes 2013 2014 tests and go through the various options.

24C, but I would prefer 25 or 26C, if I could keep the humidity down.

I can set my Panasonic a/c's to dry or cool, don't use auto. Set it in the bedroom at 27 or 28 and the setting depending on the humidity. Fans during the day unless very humid or none if it's like it is at the moment.

Email the British Embassy asking marked URGENT. Follow up with phone call. within an hour. Direct from the horses mouth is better and no fees required for the advice. However, you will have to apply to the UKBA.

Best of luck.

Thai's can learn English very quickly if the incentive is there. I know many Thai's in England going back to the 1980's and most of them soon became proficient very quickly. I also find that many up here in Isaan can speak reasonable English regardless of their job. However, you do get the comment when they misunderstand that, "English is not my 1st language". Having said that, native English speakers often get asked to teach them but only English English! They do not want to learn US English.

as i have said before nothing comes free it will be the agent that holds your goods to ransom.and if your wife has a farang surname that will put an extra 10k on.

I didn't have that problem even though I shipped the container in my own name as I had no alternative. Paid the agent for his services, that had been organised by the UK shipping agent and no customs charges or other fees.

Note that Thai drivers only drive, they do not unload or load, at least very rarely, as they are of higher status.

If you have a TM47 (90 day Report) receipt then your address is already on that so no need for another piece of paper at extra cost and travelling expense.

"It just so happened that all relevant documents were ready ahead of time". That must be a first for this government. Can't really believe as I can recall a few other documents that have been outstanding for rather a long time that have yet to be completed, about a certain passport for instance.

Did you pay the 10%?

If so, you should be fine. 10% seems reasonable?

There have been a gazillion threads re: shipping stuff from the U.S. My vague recollection is that FedEx is to be avoided at all costs.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/371313-buying-computers-from-usa-using-shipito/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/375470-fedex-and-customs-scam/

I've seen rates from 0 (zero) % to 100+% in posts here over the years, which can included VAT, Import Duty (ad valorem), Excise.

Had the same problem with Fedex from the UK. They seem to be in cohorts with Customs as it is a frequently reported scam. Luckily it was only a small item that was returned to sender after many weeks of discussions. They and Customs were totally unhelpful and would not say what the charges would be until after I had signed a form and returned it to them, which I did not. They charged the sender £50 for returning it, having paid £35 for delivery. It somewhat backfired as the company has cancelled its contract with Fedex.

Later I got a notification saying the item was ready for collection!

Subsequently I had a friend bring it for me on his next trip.

Get a tri or quad band phone and get roaming from your Thai carrier.

I have never found a way around the OTP requirement that most banks here in Thailand have started using. Bangkok Bank was the first and now SCB even requires it to top up my DTAC phone account .

At one time Kasikorn did use email but since I closed that account I can't say what their policy is now

I have a similar problem. When I have a need to get a OTP from the UK to Thailand quite often it does not arrive. Have soemtimes experienced this problem locally.

Some good stuff here. I'll pull together a crib sheet from it.

Yes, the knob no work one was just a defensive reflex action to the most recent "offer".

Years back one single lady walked in, did the washing up and then went to the bedroom. She waited there a long time before figuring out I was hiding round at MIL's place. I now make sure you could eat your dinner off the floor, thus no improvements can be added by the lady.

There is someone I do love, but she's a consultant chartered geologist from Newcastle.

Why not tell the truth and say the 'love of your life' is living in England right now so you're not interested in anyone else. Is that difficult?

I have some understanding of what the OP is talking about, but I handled things a bit differently. I made it perfectly clear to all yonks ago that I would NOT become romantically involved, and or attached, with any women in or around my Moo Baan, or their relatives. If I did, and the relationship went belly up it could, and most likely would, ruin the nice life I have built here. I am not about to 'crap in my own nest'. I am the only farang here and I have great friends and I am a respected member of my community. My Mother In Law is one of the 'Originals' of the oo Baan. We talk about this subject now and again and both have a good laugh about it,

They clearly understand and respect my decision. My male friends have even given up trying to talk me into getting myself a 18-20 YO. I think I would rather stick forks in my eyes to be honest.

My Thai Wife (28 Years) and I agreed to formally separate a few years ago. She stays in Australia with her business, and I stay in Bangkok, retired. We just went different ways. No animosity. No fighting. No nastiness. As a matter of a fact she was here for my birthday in June and again just 2 weeks ago, where she stayed with me for a few days. We are good mates. We went through some tough times together during our marriage in Oz. So I have been there and done that!

This setup amuses the Thais no end when I tell them, cabbies especially, piss themselves. Why should I invite problems upon myself. Most, after due consideration, can only nod in agreeance.

Now, I am truly enjoying freedom and independence for the first time in my life. I have become used to it, set in my ways. I like it, and there is a huge difference between being alone and being lonely.

I come and go as I please, answer to noone, debt free, good health. Mai Me Pan Ha.

And let us not beat around the bush. If one feels the urge. Thailand is one huge library, where one does not necessarily have to buy a book.

No good being coy about it, just tell them how it is.

Sounds similar to a 40 year old single friend of mine in England. However, a couple of years ago he collapsed late one night without any warning but near enough to his mobile that he was able to call the emergency services. He is now reconsidering his position as being on his own 'put the wind up him'.

This happened to me too with a package from England. After weeks of getting nowhere I had it returned to the UK, the sender who charged £50 by the courier before delivery. The package was then bought by hand at no cost.

The advice I was given by a Thai in the know was always use a Thai name and if possible your address written in Thai with Thailand in English. They are on the lookout for any packages that do not appear to be addressed to a Thai and in league with the couriers have a wonderful little earner. However, anything with a value of 20,000 baht is subject to customs duty.

Your hearing is at its peak at the age of 12 and thereafter it's downhill all the way, so tones become ever more difficult to determine. If for example you have noise induced hearing loss, due to aircraft noise for instance, then hearing the tones is nigh on impossible.

My Thai is non-existent and even if I ask for water in a restaurant most times the waitress cannot understand me.

My Thai is far from OK. I've been lazy over the many years I've been here often using the excuse that I'm working overseas for half of that time and don't retain what Thai I have picked up.

I've reached somewhat of a 'Plateau' - any improvements I now make are slow.

Taxi's, restaurants, shopping malls etc I have no problem with my Thai easily covers that, its when I get into a conversation and the subject matter becomes more challenging that I struggle.

I spend most of my time in Thailand in Bangkok - However, I'm currently 'up country' and the Thai which I thought is fairly fluent is not so readily understood up here. I am faced with replies I can't understand... it seems the actual language up in Isaan is different... So while some up here are pattering on about what great Thai I speak I have great difficulty understanding them !

Add into the mix that when / if I don't understand the 'Isaan' dialect it's repeated, faster and louder - this doesn't help at all and its not just Thai's.. the Louder approach is a Western one too !...

Dialects, also a lack of complete necessity to speak Thai, also the nagging issue that its a one nation language and really of no use outside of Thailand make it easy not to learn...

I wish I had taken up formal courses to read and write Thai when I first arrived here moons ago...

They speak Laos up here in Isaan. Those in BKK speak central Thai.

My understanding is that if the declared value is 20,000 baht or greater then Thai customs want their cut.

so what is the point of using the services of the thai consulate in hull?

would it not be quicker to use the services of the thai embassy in london?

are the english thai consulates being reduced to the status of mailboxes without authority?

If you want to apply to the Thai Embassy then it requires a personal visit. That is why the Consulates are/were the most convenient way to apply.

Like the few who responded know what they are talking about! Buy a truck and not everyone buys a truck because they live and work on a farm! Think about it this way,, SUV, how many people buy them and actually take them off road. I remember making fun of a friend who purchased a SUV and he parked it in a dirt lot while working. One day I saw him leave the lot and he was going less than 5 miles an hour slowly climbing over a ant like it was going to damage his suspension?

Get yourself a 4 door truck if possible 4WD, I could slap myself today buying a Yaris, in Thailand the reason so many have them is that are as noted the best bang for the buck! diesel is cheap and get much better miles than Gasohol etc.. change the oil regularly and a diesel engine will run you in the 200.000 plus. The only problem is buying a use one! Sometimes the price and year have no relationship the place of sale is most likely selling it for the bank and have to ask and get as much back for the bank as possible. Hard for me to explain this part but I will try? I see many use trucks and they might be around 2 years old but the asking price close to what it is new? I found out it is because of the previous owner how much he put down and how long he has been making the payments? A vehicle purchased for very little down and the owner has missed the majority of payment prior to it being repossessed the bank most likely will ask higher amount to recoup their lost? This is Thailand? For a Farang like myself, if a new truck for example is 900,000 why would I want a 2 year old truck for 780,000?

So. my recommendation if your are looking at new! Toyota a great truck unless you can live with cloth interior and stick shift a leather auto will run in the range of 900.000 plus, a D-Max about the same! Even if you obtain a 2.5 engine? Both of these trucks are proven but I feel overpriced!

Not sure if you like a Ford, but the Ranger a great truck not sold in the U.S. considered recently one of the best built trucks in the world! Come in a 2.5 or 3.2, not sure what a 2.5 Diesel run for or even a used?

My choice if I was to buy today new for the best bang for your buck! Nisson Navara, 4 door full leather interior Automatic with lots of trimming for 835,000! Do whatever you want but I suggest get a truck the Thais can not drive or haven't been taught right but they know what is best and that is a truck I should have listen to them?

Just my 2 cents

American friend of mine was going to buy a Toyota Fortuner truck so I suggested he take a look at the Mitsu Pajero Sport. Called me a couple of days later and said, thanks for that tip. The Pajero is 79,000 baht cheaper and better appointed. Another friend has a 4 door Mitsu truck and again it was cheaper than the Isuzu and Toyota and better appointed. I believe the Mitsu truck it the most popular truck in the UK.

Another thing to remember is that the older Toyota's have their own diesel engine which is very poor. They now use the Isuzu lump under license with their own branding.

As an aside I run a car!

Why don't they have a yearly safety inspection on any vehicle over 5 years old and make a reasonable decision if the vehicle is safe for the road or not. Oh wait this is Thailand and this is too simple of a solution

what is a safety inspection ? cars already have so say an inspection [MOT] after there 8th Birthday every year, or you will not get your road tax

My car is old, the paper I need to get the tax, safety inspection? I take the car to the garage, she take the book and the numbers using masking tap and a pencil.

5 mins later I drive home.......... 7 days later she calls me have the new tax come and collect. I bought my Audi A6 in 2008, was very low KM and 1 owner but 10 years old.. every year since then have taken it to a local Village Garage each year to get the paper to get the new Tax, also get the new Insurance from the same lady garage owner.. never had any sort of Inspection, or car checked.

Yes is in mint condition and now has 158k only on the clock... my 18 month old Pickup has already well passed that KM

Now I have seen car/trucks on red plates with rear lights not working or front lights only 1 headlight, they will be OK as just a few days/weeks old. also seen 20 - 30 year old cars in far better condition than 10 year old cars

Anyway I drive into Bangkok maybe 2x a year, nothing I need or want in BKK, so not going at all is no problem.

Just had the first inspection done on my Lancer after 7 years and it was fairly cursory in comparison to the UK. However, the brakes and emissions were tested and probably the lights/indicators which at least showed willing. However, as I live in a city and not a village it's probably different.

Would be a good idea if they started to look at tyres and wiper blades operation too.

Last night my wife and family returned from a day trip to the big Wat in Chachoengsao. Which the MIL loves to visit.

On their return my wife baled out of the big nosh up at her mother's place and came back to my place where she told me she didn't want to eat anymore Thai food.

OK, says I, how about a (pan) toasted ham, cheese and tomato sandwich then?

She devoured it as if she hadn't eaten for a week!

I think I did too good a job teaching my wife to become 'falang'.

Mmmmm, toasted ham, cheese and tomato, got me off to the kitchen...

I have an old Kenwood toasted sandwich maker and my wife devours them with delight. She really likes cheese and jam, cheese and ham and bacon and banana. Not to mention many other farang dishes. Also if we have ordered too much then she will always ask for a doggy bag to take home and it's never wasted.

How do they do it? ... hollow legs.

Could be the only place they put it all.

We've all watched 10 of them down what and Army of a 100 soldiers would eat.

Never stand between a (Thai) woman and food ... you'll get stomped in the stampede ...

Thai women must have regular food refills otherwise they can get very grumpy.

Just SWIFT wire it in GBP, conversion is automatic at current market rate when it arrives.

Cost : between 10 and 20 pound per transfer.

Normally £25 - £35 depending on the bank and which end you want other charges applied. Nationwide Swift tfr is £25.

I would only use a FX trader for amounts of <£6,000 otherwise it's more cost effective to tfr GBP from you bank. For example if the rate quoted by an FX trader is 1baht < the Thai bank exchange rate you're talking about 35,000 baht!

Does anyone know if on the Highway 36 place outside Pattaya u need Residents Certificate for a driving licence if on Non Immig O (retirement) ?

To apply for or renew a Thai driving license you must supply either a valid Certificate of Residence or a valid Work Permit or a valid Yellow Tabian Baan.

Did mine yesterday, used my TM47 receipt as proof of address. Provided copies of the personal and extension pages plus TM47 receipt. Did colour blindness test, was given the multi-lingual Thai road signs book to read so told them they're UK road signs so didn't need to read them thanks. Told I had to watch the video in English but then said it was only in Thai, told them I'd seen enough of it while waiting so they skipped that too. Got the digital photo taken, they filled in the form then charged me 605 baht for the privilege of a 5 year licence . Took about 2.5 hours as they dealt with all the Thais first because was told to arrive at 10:30 which was after nearly all the Thais got there.

The first 5 year licence renewal was very quick but then there was no video and waiting for over 50 Thais top be processed either. Next time I'll go after lunch!

If my memory serves me right the original story said that over 100,000 had cancelled their orders NOT had defaulted on their loans.

I must admit I find this particular example of Thainess where someone can effectively tell the lawyers and judges to go f*** themselves quite quirkily amusing!

Imagine telling the courts in the UK that you can't make it today because you're too busy or you've got the sniffles or the man from Hotpoint is coming round to look at the fridge that morning.....

I wonder who'll appear in court first...... Rasputin, 'Toss' or Mark?

The Prosecutor for the case, Mr. Ruj Kuensuwan, also said his team has not yet finalised the necessary documents. Try reading all the OP it does help to avoid making comments to suit yourself.