mikekim1219

I am also looking for thai lesson. Perhaps we can go in together. Class setting is impossible to find in CR. I called few places and YMCA seemed to offer the best deal. First I called they quoted me 3000 baht for 20 hrs. 2nd time I called, 3500 baht Afraid to call again If you are interested I can call them and ask for quotation for two students. They suppose to call me back and I am still waiting.

I would be happy to share classes but YMCA would be difficult for me to get to at the moment as I don't have my own transport. I need ideally to meet somewhere like central which isn't far from home. If you would be up for that, that would be good. Also just to let you know I am 6 months pregnant so will only be able to do lessons for the next 2 1/2 to 3 months probably so don't want to mess you around if we start by splitting the cost and then i have to stop lessons nearer the birth!! Just to let you know so you can decide :-)

I may have to hold the lesson for now. I maybe traveling to China for a new project that my ex-company is requesting for my service.

Anyway, YMCA is bit out from downtown and since it is inconvenient for you, it probably wouldn't work. Let me know if you find a good teacher. I may want the service when time is available.

I am also looking for thai lesson. Perhaps we can go in together. Class setting is impossible to find in CR. I called few places and YMCA seemed to offer the best deal. First I called they quoted me 3000 baht for 20 hrs. 2nd time I called, 3500 baht Afraid to call again If you are interested I can call them and ask for quotation for two students. They suppose to call me back and I am still waiting.

Does anyone know of Chinese chiropractor (accu-pressure) locally? I was involved in an accident 30 years ago. Over time my spine became crooked which caused all kinds of havoc to my body without realizing what the cause was. During my stay in China, I ran into an accupressure specialist by chance who pointed out that my spine was curved. After about 50 treatments, he cured me completely. Before the treatment, I would easily get tired and couldn't sustain any physical activity for long.

As we age and through bad posture habits, we need to put the bones back in the proper place.

A guy told me there is such specialist near night bazaar but couldn't tell me exact location. If you know of this place or man, please let me know.

Thanks in advance

This still doesn't explain how my investment return is calculated. What if the plaintiff lose the litigation?

I recently ran into information about litigation fund investment. I tried to get more info by registering to site but couldn't. So here I am asking if anybody in this forum know about this investment?

What is the general return and what is the risk? How does it work and where can I buy the fund in Thailand?

Anybody out there purchased a land for leaseing out to farmers? Any success story? What is the feasibility of this investment? In my simple way of thinking, the return from leasing is low compare to the investment but land value will appreciate in the long run.

Please skip the details about farang not able to owning the land etc.,

Anybody out there purchased a land for leaseing out to farmers? Any success story? What is the feasibility of this investment? In my simple way of thinking, the return from leasing is low compare the investment but land value will appreciate in the long run.

Please skip the details about farang not able to owning the land etc.,

Not married to a Chinese lady but perhaps I can help.

If you are here on an extension of stay and are married she like any other wife can get an extension of stay as your dependent. That is after she gets a single entry non-o visa in China which she would not be able to get until you have your extension of stay completed.

For a girl friend the only choice would be tourist visas.

Thanks for the input. I will be eligible for retirement extension next month. My fund will be seasoned 60 days. I haven't married her yet but I plan to. I was hoping there was another way she can stay for extensive period before marriage. Since the visa extension on arrival is only 15 days for Chinese citizen, I would have to make trip to Mae Sai every 15 days. Question. How many times will immigration allow her visa run?

Does anybody have Chinese wife/gf staying in Thailand? If so, how are you taking care of the visa situation?

Today I went to book the Hilux CNG model only to find out it doesn't have

ABS. I just assumed this was standard and I was disappointed and hesitant to make the booking. I have only been Chiang Rai under a month but it was raining almost everyday. I feel ABS is a must on the slippery road. Any comments?

Are you sure ?

Quite sure. The rep told me this model does not carry ABS. When I inquired why it doesn't have ABS option, he told me it has disc brake and doesn't need one. This tells me he has no idea what ABS is for. I questioned about this in length and finally decided not to book. I may stop by the dealer and check it out after holiday is over.

Today I went to book the Hilux CNG model only to find out it doesn't have

ABS. I just assumed this was standard and I was disappointed and hesitant to make the booking. I have only been Chiang Rai under a month but it was raining almost everyday. I feel ABS is a must on the slippery road. Any comments?

Are you sure ?

Quite sure. The rep told me this model does not carry ABS. When I inquired why it doesn't have ABS option, he told it has disc brake and doesn't need one. This tells me he has no idea what ABS is. I questioned about this in length and finally decided not to book. I may stop by the dealer and check it out after holiday is over.

Today I went to book the Hilux CNG model only to find out it doesn't have

ABS. I just assumed this was standard and I was disappointed and hesitant to make the booking. I have only been Chiang Rai under a month but it was raining almost everyday. I feel ABS is a must on the slippery road. Any comments?

The Ranger will be around 12-16 km/L,but it's diesel,so it costs less than gasohol(Almera),which can go 14-18km/L...do your math

Yes, I did the math based on 35.5 MPG for Ranger and you are right !. tks

_{I have no experience of the Hilux but it was only released last month so that explains why you're unlikely to find any reviews. It's a factory-approved conversion so will be covered by all the standard Toyota warranties. The claimed cost is accurate for all the time the truck is running on CNG; you probably know that you must start every trip on petrol for a few kms and then change to CNG. All the times you have to run the Hilux on petrol will cost much more than the Almera; it wouldn't be ideal for short commutes. For example, if you drive 12km to work and back everyday, then you'd be running on petrol for 25% of the time so wouldn't save quite as much as you'd expect. You'd have to offset any savings with the long-term cost of maintenance for the CNG system and any time you waste finding and queueing at service stations. If you live and intend to travel around areas with CNG filling stations (ie Bangkok) then the truck will be ideal (for businesses etc).}

_{Clearly you should have stopped after your first line that you have no experiance}

_{You never owned or used one for any lenth of time}

_{I do haver a Mitsubishi Triton CNG as well as a Nissan March which is much like the car you want. Same motor and platform}

_{I keep perfrect records of every km and every stang I put into each}

_{March over 10,000 km (my second March at that) 2.2 baht per KM average}

_{My Triton is under 1 Baht per km on CNG and 4 baht on Petrol with nearly 40,000 km on it}

_{I use my truck more than my March, it simply saves me a ton of money. Yes the Toyota and Mitsubishi start on gas and when the motor warms to 65C it switches over, usually under 1 minute time in the morning and under 10 seconds when warm. The TATA CNG truck is only CNG all the time even when starting}

_{The Triton cost less by about 100.000 than the Toyota to buy new, I have had no trouble with it and love filling it up for under 250 Bt. With what I save in fuel cost, the truck will be free in less than 3 years for what I drive. it gets slightly better KPL with CNG than gas. but is seemless and I can not tell any difference on gas or CNG}

_{I have another one on order and think I will never own a non CNG car or truck again. I have the extended cab and will get the double cab unit}

_{Many companies make them both cars and truck depending on what you want. even the luxury brands make them}

_{Chevy has a car, the aveo that is CNG but is coming out with 3 more CNG car and trucks}

_{Protron has a few units avalable}

_{Tata has a few trucks that use CNG}

_{Mitsubishi has 3 trucks and 2 cars that use CNG}

_{Honda next year is making their City in CNG}

_{Toyota also has a car that is CNG and cost about 50 stang per km to run}

_{The only down side is some very back areas do not have CNG yet. I drive Chiang Mai to BKK bi weekly and never have a problem. finding it GO to Mae hong son and maybe you will have trouble, but then I can just use gas !}

The March is easier to park though !

Thanks for the post. I planned to take a translator to the dealer and ask detailed questions. Whether I get honest answer or not.. potluck.

I have been doing more calculation and as the gentleman stated about Ranger mileage, there seemed to little difference in fuel cost. Now I am (again) heavily leaning towards the truck.

...it's not such a big difference in fuel costs between Almera and...the new 2.2 L Ranger...I'm still beggared about it...

Can you elaborate between the two little more? I am curious.

I have no experience of the Hilux but it was only released last month so that explains why you're unlikely to find any reviews. It's a factory-approved conversion so will be covered by all the standard Toyota warranties. The claimed cost is accurate for all the time the truck is running on CNG; you probably know that you must start every trip on petrol for a few kms and then change to CNG. All the times you have to run the Hilux on petrol will cost much more than the Almera; it wouldn't be ideal for short commutes. For example, if you drive 12km to work and back everyday, then you'd be running on petrol for 25% of the time so wouldn't save quite as much as you'd expect. You'd have to offset any savings with the long-term cost of maintenance for the CNG system and any time you waste finding and queueing at service stations. If you live and intend to travel around areas with CNG filling stations (ie Bangkok) then the truck will be ideal (for businesses etc).

This is good information to know. The representative spoke no English and couldn't answer some key questions I had. I live in downtown Chiang Rai and it's small city. Most of my commuting will be done on motorbike just avoid hassle of parking except for grocery shopping and occasional golf outing. So according to your info, I wouldn't save any fuel cost. Also there are only two CNG stations in Chiang Rai and I am not sure about the que situation during the day. This is one of my main concerns. Especially if I want to travel. It might be hard pressed to find CNG stations. Other than emotional aspect (feels good to drive bigger car) the main attraction was fuel cost and low maintenance cost. I may stay with Almera.

How about diesel trucks vs petro in terms of fuel savings?

I recently paid 2000 baht to book a Nissan Almera with 3 month waiting period. Main reason I choose this car was fuel cost. However I saw Hilux Smart cab with CNG/Petro bifuel in the mall and I am having second thoughts. They claim it has 1 bath/km fuel efficiency. The truck is available now at 731,000 baht. This is first CNG/petro truck this year in Thailand and I couldn't find any good subjective reviews other than Toyota promotion. Has anyone have experience with this truck? Would really appreciate opinions/reviews.

I'm sorry, But I have to wonder if this is a serious post by the OP? I wonder if the OP earned the money or won it, or indeed if he really has $2mln. Because If with that amount of money he has to come on TV to ask if it is enough to retire on from the age of 40, is in my opinion dumb.

Think about it!

Sent from my GT-P6200 using Thaivisa Connect App

I concur. But it sure keeps imaginations run wild..

Just be sure you are aware you will be applying for a non immigrant visa entry for retirement extension of stay when you visit immigration. You will not apply for the actual extension until 60 days later.

Yea, thanks for clearing that up. My girl will help me with the process. She has already called immigration for detailed process.

Wish me luck .. kind of unnerving even though I planned this trip for long time. Not same as visiting

Just a point about an O-A retirement visa versus a non immigrant O visa for retirement puposes.

The O-A visa is normally given in the applicants home country.

That is because the O-A visa requires a doctor's certificate and a police records check in your place of residence.

For most people this is no problem...unless, like myself, you legally "resided" for the last 10 years of your work OUTSIDE the U.S. as I did (for U.S. income tax purposes).

For that reason the simple assumption that I could "simply go to the local police at my place of residence" for a police records check wasn't true.

So I had to go for the non immigrant O visa instead...and extend it later here in Thailand based on retirement after I arrrived.

Easy enough to do, but if you're a U.S. citizen, and you legal residence is outside the U.S., just be aware of that detail.

This is my case. I have been in China over 10 years and have work permit. But trying to get a police and medical record satisfactory to Thai embassy liking is impossible. In my case, trying to get O visa is also next to impossible because they only provide O for family members in Chengdu Thai consulate. So I am flying to Thailand this Monday on 30 day extension. I will then apply for 90 day extension and wait for my fund to season before I will go back for retirement extension.

Great.

You can use the USA consulate in Chiang Mai as you're living in Chiang Mai for the income letter. No need to use the embassy in Bangkok.

I will be applying for retirement extension once my fund is seasoned for 60 days in Mae Sai. If I decide to move to another city or province after 6 month or so, do I need to do 90 report to same immigration I applied for extension (in this case, Mae Sai) or can I do it at nearest local immigration office?

I believe that you can report to the new office that serves your new residence area as long as your have proof of residency of living in the new area.

Thanks~!

Great.

You can use the USA consulate in Chiang Mai as you're living in Chiang Mai for the income letter. No need to use the embassy in Bangkok.

I will be applying for retirement extension once my fund is seasoned for 60 days in Mae Sai. If I decide to move to another city or province after 6 month or so, do I need to do 90 report to same immigration I applied for extension (in this case, Mae Sai) or can I do it at nearest local immigration office?

If I understand the rules is when you bring money in to buy a condo you should state that in your transfer and then get paper from your bank her for condobuy,not sure what its called I think FET? or what ever so If you you sell your condo later you can bring the same amount out of Thailand with no tax.I f you use the money for other things thats fine,your money.

Ok, thanks..

Of course. It's just money in a bank account. Up to you what you do with it.

That would be common sense conclusion. After living in China for 10 years, I learned that common sense to normal westerner is mountains of bureaucracy built into their system based on deficit of trust.

This is very similar the post "Retirement Plan" He is about same age (I assume) and wants to retire with 50 million baht. Except he has a wife. You should refer to his post for advice. Some are useful (most not)

I have been doing lot of thinking about the required fund to live comfortably in Thailand. With 2 million, you have lot of options. The trick is spending as much as you can without draining minimum required to live rest of your life. You don't want too much left in your piggy jar or be penniless before you die, specially in Thailand.

Once you figure out what your return is going to be and work it in the spreadsheet with inflation forecast, you will get pretty good idea what your standard of living is going to be.