KimoMax

Very DISSAPOINTED in TOPS restocking and efforts to maintain a decent store.

Many western style foods that were at TOPS when they opened last month have not been continued or re-stocked properly.

Movies at the CR Cineplex that are normally shown in Original Soundtrack with Thai subtitiles around Thailand are shown in Thai language only with no English sub titles. There is usually one Original English soundtrack move. but so far, they have all been the cartoons and animated or low on the box office list movies.

They should at least, alternate between Original and Thai soundtrack showings of the movies.

McDonalds ony open limited hours, closing early and no breakfast menu.Do they think CR is only awake from about 10 or 11 am to 9 pm.

Poor management and decision making of the Central Plaza team and the individual local Managers of Tops, McDonalds, and Cineplex.

If they continue like this, they will fail misserably. Thai's are already saying they can get things cheaper and more selection at Big C and other places.

Air Asia has a flight out of Swampy at 06:40 am. Not sure if that is a daily flight. I checked for Monday the 2nd only. You should check with their web for daily flight fares and details.

That is probably the earliest you will be able t make any type of connection, and less hastle than going the bus route after arriving late night, then the layover for the morning flight or a bus early am.

Monday, 2 May 2011 - Bangkok (BKK) to Chiang Mai (CNX) FlightPromoRegularFD 3230

0640 (BKK)

0755 (CNX)

-Adult1,572.91 THB

Financing thru a bank in thailand if you are an expat is next to impossible, unless you have a Thai partner to sign for the loan in their name and decent credit. The loan will be in the Thai's name and they will take your income into consideration to qualirfy the Thai partner for a loan.

If you cannot afford to pay 165,000 Baht cash for a vehicle then you cannot afford to be an expat living outside your own country. Many many things, beyond your control, are much more expensive than that and can happen to you suddenly.

Well thanks for your 2 cents.However it is obvious that you have just read a few posts and not the whole feed.I never mentioned that I was financing 165000 baht! Yes, youcannot afford to be an expat living outside your own country if youcannot afford 165000 Baht cash for a car. I agree with this. I just wonder whyit was needed in the first place. The only thing I can assume is that you reada few posts and wanted someone to hear what you had to say. Heard! I have founda car. It costs 165000 Baht. I am paying cash. There really isn't anything else to say honestly. The financingoption that was addressed was the consideration of going to a new car dealer w/165000 Baht deposit and getting a new car

Quoted from the Original Post:

"What would happen if I brought 150,000 baht to a new car dealer here in CM (This is when I would consider a Toyota or other Asian cars), could I get a new car? What would the payments be per month. Any help would be emphatically appreciated!"

The OP should calm down. Many people will only read the first post , then the last page or last comment. This thread is already 5 pages. Not all read the whole thread. The topic was basically purchasing a used or new car in Thailand.

As in my case, I mentioned difficult or impossible for an expat to finance, to enlighten others, and possibly you, for future referance, and knowledge.

many posts and replies here on the forum are to help all interested in a particular subject. Not all replies are directed at the OP poster, but directed at the subject of the thread.

New Honda City with 1.5 VTEC engine. 2 wheel abs, dual front airbags, AT sells for about 600.000. Think they call it the Safety model. This will also include A1 Insurance for first year and full warranty.

Will depreciate about 120,000 in two years with good care.

Remember that 2nd hand dealers sell at a premium way above what a private party will sell for.

Buy new, or direct from the original owner, not a 2nd hand dealer.

If the cash price is too expensive for you. Your Thai wife or family may be able to get it financed. You decide how much to put down, then pay it off in a year, two or 3.

Lek does have wi-fi that is usually available in their rooms. The owners are an Expat that works in the oil industry and his Thai wife. Nice lot they are.

Think one of their staff will even pick you up at the airport if you ask them.

Financing thru a bank in thailand if you are an expat is next to impossible, unless you have a Thai partner to sign for the loan in their name and decent credit. The loan will be in the Thai's name and they will take your income into consideration to qualirfy the Thai partner for a loan.

A car complete with 2-40 A/C (open 2 windows and drive at least 40 kph).

Most cars in Thailand don't come with heaters, but have A/C. This collecor Bug probably has neither.

Saw old air con car units in the past that hung on the window. Would be next to impossible to find one of those now.

If it was a VW Bus, you could convert it into a mobile fish and chips complete with disco lights and fake cocktaiils.

Enjoy and have fun "Pimping Your Ride".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fr9scrl8aZE&feature=related

Try Lek Guest House Chiang Rai. A/C or Fan rooms, free wi-fi in room, Pool, restaurant, cable TV in A/C rooms.

Ben Guest House. Newly remodeled. A/C and Fan rooms. Pool. Unknown about wi-fi in room or on grounds.

Pimanninn Hotel Chiang Rai. Nice hotel near old airport and Air Force Golf and driving range.

from about 500 a night, wi-fi in room, pool fitness restaurants, newer hotel.

If in need of a wireless card. think they are available for a price, and not very fast. can e-mail, but slow as 56K.

Friend got one on 2nd floor of Big C.

Nakhon Chai Air Bus does not stop in Bangkok from Chiang Rai. It goes to Pattaya and Rayong via the super hwy 1 all the way. Stops in Lumphang, Ayuttaya, Chon Buri.

It is the best, but does not go to Bangkok from Chiang Rai.

Try Sombat Tour. They are 2nd to Nakon Chai Air bus services. VIP is about 900 baht to Bangkok. Think about 32 seats full reclining to sleep. Lots of legroom and not a double decker bus.

Leaves the new bus terminal about 6 pm and arrives in Bangkok at Mo Chit terminal about 5 or 6 am.

There are no trains from Chiang Rai, Only from Chiang Mai.

By Air to Bangkok is Air Asia, Thai, and 1-2 go Orient Thai.

By Air to Chiang Mai is Nok Air.

Sinthanee 2 Moo Ban Soi 2... middle of the soi, Green house with 2 or 3 A/C units. should be a 3 bed 2 bath and kitchen unfurnished.. they are asking 5,000 but can probably get for little less. Thai owners for rent. This one is probably a pretty good deal and possibly could be fixed up nicely with a little paint and accessories to the yard.

Sinthanee 2 Moo Ban Soi 2... end of the soi, private, large yard recently repainted and lots of work done to the house. 2 or 3 A/C units, at least 3 bed 2 bath kitchen... Last year they were asking 10,000 but did not rent. Might be able to get for less. Thai owners Unknown about furnishings.

Drive by for phone numbers and will need someone to speak Thai with the owners.

Sinthanee 2 is located about 3 Kilometers East of Central Plaza and Big C shopping Centers. From Super Highway 1 traffic light, go east on Highway 1020 toward Chang Kong and Pu Chi Fa for about 3 kilometers. Sinthanee 2 is on the left (north) just after you pass the old dutch style windmill on your right side.

There is also Sinthanee 3 on the opposite side of highway 1020 (south side). Coming out from Sinthanee 2 tack the U turn and then Sinthanee 3 will be about 150 meters on the left side. You could also drive thru there and have a look. sometimes there are rentals in there as well. Around 6,000 +

They have security there that checks all cars so you will just need to give them an ID like driver licence etc to enter.

The brother of the guy that runs Surinam restaurant on Jed Yad (across the street from Cat Bar) has a new small house in a Moo Ban in Bandoo close to Chiang Rai Radjapat University. Inquire at the restaurant, the brothere isknows about the rental and how to reach his brother the owner. Bandoo is about 7-8 kilo's north of Chiang Rai city on the super highway 1. ........ almost new, private 2 bedrooms, maid room (could be 3rd very small bedroom or an office). A/C in Master bedroom, large kitchen and storage area enclosed in the back of the house. Think they are asking about 7,000..........

I never post here, but never saw you around Jed Yad Cat Bar even tho I did enquire about you..