tedkarma

Thank you!

I got it done at Power Print - next to the TOT office in Central Festival. Two videos onto one DVD for B500. Pricey - but worth it in this case.

I have three video tapes that I would like to transfer to digital form - particularly now that my VCR finally died . . .

Anyone have a good experience with any place in particular?

Thank you!

http://www.toyota.co.th/red/en/faq_detail....=45&title=1

Question

Request for Owner Manual English version

Answer

1. Can ask for english version with salesperson when make booking.

2. Contact our service center where you conveniene

http://www.toyota.co.th/red/en/sale_network.asp

Toyota sale network

Thank you. Will give #2 a shot when I next "conveniene".

Toyota Thailand's website is not helpful. Anyone know if an English owner's manual is available - and where I might obtain it?

Thank you.

After looking for a decent used car for several weeks in Bangkok - I ended up buying one at Sure Motors. I didn't find the price difference that I had always heard about. I checked www.one2car.com where you can get a real feel for prices (though it is largely in Thai - but that gives you a better sense of non-farlang prices).

Bottom line - price was about the same - and a lot less trouble as I didn't have to spend a day driving it down. And, and guarantee is easier to follow up on here - than with a BKK dealer.

Just my opinion on a recent purchase.

Was called a TT3 (Tor Tor 3) before (and name often still used in banks) but is now called something like Certificate Of foreign Currency Transaction. You can only get it on $20k and above wires in. Cheers!

Yes, the TT3 was abolished in May 2004 and replaced by the FETF (Foreign Exchange Transaction Form). And as Firefan says, they are only issued for foreign currency transfers in to the equivalent of US$20,000+.

I have never been asked to produce one to substantiate the financial requirements for a retirement extension.

However, should you consider buying a condo in your name, then an FETF would be required clearly stating that the money was transferred in for that sole purpose (the banks code it accordingly).

In the OP's case, as Lop says, a letter from the bank confirming the account balance is all that seems to be required for an extension.

This form - FETF - is no big deal - at least not at Siam Commercial Bank. I doubt that there is any longer a minimum requirement for it. I recently wired in money several times and went and got the form each time - once for only about US$10,000. It is just a print out is all - no big problem for them to do it - takes only about five minutes to get it done - from in the door - to out the door.

I didn't see any special coding on the form for purpose other than my own wire request notation - "For apartment purchase" - which I did purposefully.

Perhaps it is just vocabulary that is confusing me.

If I switch from Non-Imm B to Retirement visa - is that just the "extension of stay" you are talking about?

Thanks!

TK

For clarification - this would be my initial application for the retirement visa.

I am on a Non-Imm B visa right now - and working legally - but am considering just retiring - as the wages are almost not worth the effort.

My understanding is/was that a police clearance is required for the initial application?

I have income from several rental properties - and I am curious what the embassy will require in terms of documenting my income for a retirement visa. Do I need to bring the leases - or just the statements from the property managers? Or?

Can I also get the police clearance from the embassy?

And - how much cash to I need to wire in (or have in my account ) - to keep immigration happy - assuming I document a monthly income equal to or inexcess of the required B65,000 per month? I realize that technically nothing is required - but I understand they like to see some cash in the account anyway.

And one more . . . My wife is legally employed in Thailand - so will they expect me to still spend as much as B800,000 a year?

Thanks for your guidance.

If it helps/hurts/is relevant - my wife and I are both Americans.

I am curious about this question too. There are several - not so successful - small hotels on Phuket that would make great condos. Also the Kamala Terrace Resort - which has never rebuilt from the tsunami would make GREAT residential units. Going condo would probably raise lots of money for rebuilding the facility - which has great views.

I'm not in that league of course, but it does seem that such conversions would greatly enhance the value of certain properties - but I've never seen such a conversion take place here.

Or why some of us just go with the 30 year lease - renewable. Though I'm certainly not planning my future on its renewability. But will, most likely, not be on this earth when the time is up.

You could get a job in a university, working only 15 hours a week. You could do this in 3 days, working extras on the weekend and in the evening.

This is how Thai lecturers egt a decent income.

Say 30,000 for your uni. job + extras there for 1000 an hour. This can quite easily be 50,000 a month.

You can pick up lots of other work if you are professional.

100,000 a month, or US$2500 is possible, with only one day off a week.

I worked as a teacher in Bangkok for nearly 10 years and have many contacts, who are looking for good, qualified teachers - PM me if you want.

Don't worry about doing work outside of where you have your permit.

So, there you go . . . work a six day week, lots of side jobs on the weekend and evenings - and you will earn less than you already make on a 9 or 12 hour a week contract with probably a four day week and 16-20 weeks paid vacation per year.

And, that's the "up" side . . .

Don't misunderstand me - I love it here. But there is a kind of financial shock that comes with working here. You have to accept it if you want to live here.

There are people who make some decent money - usually they get out of teaching. Or, in teaching, work days and nights - and weekends.

ladyexpat, you posted your question in a good thread (Qualifications), and maybe I should leave it there, but I'm putting it on its own in a thread that will be more easily noticed by our readers. Maybe I'll put it back in Qualifications thread, later.

Do you want to continue teaching advanced TEFL subjects in a university? Or, do you want to teach secondary students in one of the best international schools in Bangkok?

One of the usual responses is that while university lecturers only get a basic govt. salary of about 26,000 baht per month, they have a flexible schedule and can teach private lessons. Or, they do consultant work or get research/publishing grants, that might double their income. Or, they get more salary at private schools.

Offhand (and I'm far below your professional level) I would think you could teach graduate school majors in English or linguistics. It would not be exactly like Korea, or your home country, of course.

I've recently returned to Thailand after three years at Konkuk University in Korea. Land a "good" job in Thailand and you will make about 1/4 to 1/3 of what you earned in Korea. I am not sure at what level you will feel like you are working for "nothing" - but I suspect we are getting close to it.

I love Thailand - but I have to say that few countries demand more - and pay less in exchange for what they ask. I've been teaching EFL since 1992 - with very similar quals to yours and Thailand is the ONLY country where I have ever had to punch in on a time clock!

College, university, and/or corporate work - would most likely suit you - but you will have to get used to significantly lower levels of compensation and, in fact, significantly lower levels of professional respect.

In Korea it was hard to get off the couch for less than US$40-50 an hour - here you would be lucky to be talking US$20-25 for a special project. And that might be in Bangkok where the commute to get to that job might be an hour each way.

You are also, most likely, used to employer provided housing - which is very rare here. So, add that to your expenses.

An ambitious teacher here would need to get involved in additional projects and/or publishing IMO.

I am here because I love the country, love Phuket - and my wife (also an EFL teacher), kitty , home, truck, motorcycle, etc are all here. Thailand is my home. But, it does seem that I need to leave from time to time to refill the bank accounts.

I'm not trying to be discouraging - as much as telling you the shift in financial expectations you will have to make to come and live in Thailand.

There are however, as always, those who break the mold.

I used the Mazda service - Mazda is owned by the same company - Anuphas - and Mazda has been great. I was just assuming that Honda was equally good - til I read the comments. But, as you may have noticed - they have a gigantic (for Phuket anyway) service department.

Any comments on Honda's Phuket service?

I like the 7 speed automatic on the Honda.

I don't want a silver colored car - in rainy season (in a heavy rain) they seem to disappear and are quite hard to see.

Interesting to hear about Honda service. Do people on Phuket have the same experience with Honda?

Thanks for all the feedback!

My wife likes the Jazz too. She likes the hatchback function.

Maybe it is a real wash twixt the three cars.

I like the Honda best - but yes the City is UGLY - but the Jazz makes me worry about my legs in a serious crash. I like the giant trunk in the City (could put 4 guys back there with room left over), plus the fact that things are out of sight.

Just want to make sure I am not missing something that I should know.

Aren't the City and the Jazz the same thing - just slightly different body?

I've rented the City a couple times and really liked it. I spoke to a taxi company guy (owns a taxi company) in my neighborhood and he says Jazz falls apart, but City doesn't?

He also says that Honda maintenance is much more expensive - but can't get exactly what he means by that.

Intermitent wipers are important on Phuket. I like adjustable.

Maybe the quality of the cars is so good that maintenance costs will be minimal anyway - over the long haul?

Jazz - I too thought that there wasn't much room in the front between my feet and the thing that runs into the car . . . thus liked the City more.

I've had extremely good luck with the Toyotas I've owned - in terms of LONG TERM reliability and low overall cost to keep them running. But, have never owned a Honda - so curious about that angle.

I want to buy one of these two cars. I hear that Honda has higher maintenance costs - but never specifics.

Would people share there opinions on both of these - including running costs - maintenance costs - long term reliability.

Looking to buy new - but expect to keep the car for ten years. I won't put too many miles on it on Phuket - but would like to keep long term costs low.

Reliability is my number one issue.

Want, of course, auto trans, A/C, airbags etc.

Don't need/want a pick-up or 4x4.

Gazza has it right.

Buy a big bandana (hankerchief) and tie it on your head. I've used that method all my life. Bandana absorbs the sweat - and is easily washable. 100% cotton works best.

Ask a Thai.

A Thai student of mine (also a friend) moved from Phuket to BKK - and had me pick him up at the shipping agent. He paid about B400 to have it sent. The shipper even put protective wrap on the bike. It was just a regular shipper - tons of Thais were there - most moving to/from Phuket for work and shipping their few possesions.

I'd ask him for you but have lost touch.

Back to the original question.

I am in and out of Thailand from Korea twice a year. I just applied for - and received my sixth 60-day tourist visa (yes, I know it depends on what happens when I entry - but I have never got less than 60 days on it). This from the Thai embassy in Seoul - which is not well known for its helpfulness.

So, no problem on the recurring visas from that angle.

Hi ! 

www.via-phuket.com , not that cheap but some friends tried this company and it was ok!

Flip

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I used Via a couple times and found the cars to usually be in fairly junky condition. Even had to take one back a couple times - and never really got it fixed. But, post-tsunami they may have lots of new cars in better condition.

I always, nowadays, use Budget Rent a Car. A bit more but they pick up and deliver where you are. They also earned my loyalty when my wife had an accident in one of their cars. They were "Johnny on the spot" and their insurance man showed up within 30 minutes - THEY sorted everything out with the police and even upgraded our car at no extra cost.

I like that they don't play games about scratches on the car - and I now KNOW the insurance and follow up is GREAT if you have an accident.

Downstairs under the Bumrungrad Residence - across soi one from the main building is where the wellness anti-aging clinic is.

I went there a couple years ago interested in the same treatments. Good news is - they really don't try to sell you anything. They do a VERY thorough work up - take a good hard look at the data and tell you what they think you need or don't need. Happily I didn't need anything major.

It wasn't particularly expensive - especially by Western standards.

I'm not sure it wise to treat yourself with hormones or to continue such treatment without some medical supervision. I'd give it a go.

Sorry I don't remember exactly the name of the clinic - it operates as a seperate unit of the hospital - and I couldn't find it on their website. If I can find it I will post it. I think I have the records on my computer somewhere.

Are metered taxis available from the Phuket airport to Hat Mai Khao?  It's not a very far ride, north of the airport?  IF not, can someone give me advice on how to get there?

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Not far at all, but I can't think of any reason why they would want to turn your money away. I think no problem!

Will be visiting Phuket for the first time in the first week of sept and am planning to rent a car and drive south one day then north another day just to check out the sites, any recomendations or suggestions.  Long time resident of Chiang Mai, looking for a change of scene.  may look at realestate outside of phuket area where it is still 'thai' and not touristic [price wise] any recomendations there??

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My hobby is driving around. For Phuket - here is a list of my favorite drives - if you'd like to see lots of great sea and bay views - as well as some interesting back country that many people on the island have never seen.

http://phuketdelight.com/Best%20Island%20Drives.htm

Just north of the island are a couple great drives - one along Natai Beach and another one up near Khao Lak.

http://khaolaklovers.com/hot-springs-drive.htm

http://khaolaklovers.com/pakarang-drive.htm

Just for fun - Budget Rent-a-Car has a series of pamphlets called "World Class Drives" - one of which is Samui to Phuket to Krabi to Samui.

http://www.budget.co.th/travel_worldclass.php

BTW, they have three drives in the Chiang Mai area too.

Have a GREAT time!