Dazinoz

Actually a hood, tore up the desert in his Triumph and hung around the Cross (maybe only Sydneyites get that reference).

Ok, never had this before. Visited a friend in Chiang Kham in Playa Province. Went to a small hotel which had 4 individual "cottages" (not sure or correct terminology) with friend. We paid for first day, unpacked car and had shower. We then headed out for dinner. I asked my friend did she bring the key, she replied no key. I hadn't noticed but the door had no handle, knob or lock just a point on door and frame for padlock. Was told needed to provide own lock. Doubt too many people carry a padlock around with them. Inside was just a sliding bolt. Payment was also a little different. Paid the requested 350 for first day as that was all I had in wallet. Said would pay next days amount next day. So next day i decided to have nap and left 350 with friend to pay. When I woke up she said 400 because we stayed after check out time. I said yes but I paid for an extra day. So 350 if checkout by checkout time or 400 if staying whole day. Before all the "cheap Charlie" callers hit the keyboards, I am not complying, just reporting as I had not seen this practice.

Mental health issue.

Well, add massit for the hundreds of other non existing genders.

Masseur - man, masseuse - lady.

I was a bit worried about Thailands political future but now, with an important attribute he has, I am no longer concerned.

Was going to suggest that. Never had one myself but have talked to people who have and say they are very good. Can find those problems spots.

I was kicked out of the scouts in Australia, I was caught eating a Brownie.

Exactly. The person I quoted was saying shorts not acceptable in his opinion. So I mentioned the elephant pants I wouldn’t be caught dead in them.

I guess time to buy some sexy elephants pants.

Ask real estate agent. The one I use is a husband (farang) and wife (Thai) team and very helpful. I can get their number if you want. They mainly deal on the south side I think.

The area I go to is a very popular area in Chiang Mai there are literally dozens of golds shops side by side in the same street. Mainly dealt with one but also a couple of the others and none ever asked for ID to buy or sell. So looks like the whole street is corrupt and breaking the law according to you. And if it is illegal it's the shop committing the offence, not me. Really not going to lose sleep over risking my visa, being arrested or deported.

Do you honestly think the law is adhered to everywhere and at all times in Thailand?

Oh. You mean to get the app? goto Thai store type in gold prices and look for image of app.

I am a foreigner too and been using it for years. Honestly don’t remember using a Thai name for it. Don’t you have a Thai friend who can help you? Or use Google translate. this is settings in app translated

Lol. All the gold shops I have dealt with in Wararot Market area don’t require. If you think unscrupulous good for you. I have been dealing with the main one for years and is a big shop.

Yes I have it on iPhone. You need to be in Thai Apple Store.

Download this app and it's constantly updated for buy and sell prices for both bars and jewellery in Thailand.

NEVER had to do that in buying and selling at the gold shop I usually go to in Chiang Mai.

Yes I know that but I was referring to the gas torch they use in the shops to test.

My first bullion investment was 4 x 100oz silver bars bought from a dealer in Singapore. It was delivered to me ok. Some years later I wanted some cash so decided to sell one of the 100oz bars. Took a Thai speaking friend and we hit Wallai Road, the "silver" road in Chiang Mai. Long story short no one wanted to buy it. Tried to ship back to the dealer in Singapore but only able to find one courier that would do it at an exorbitant price for insurance. (was going to ship the 4 x 100oz bars back). I ended up booking a cheap hotel and flew to Singapore, sold the silver and flew back next day. Cheaper than the cost of shipping it back.

yep, have had that happen a few times. I don't think they actually melt it, because if it does melt it's not gold. I have seen them use the torch but never seen it melt.

I have only dealt in Chiang Mai and mostly the same shop in Wararot Market. I have walked in with a 5 Baht bar and said want to sell. They weigh and transfer money to my bank account. In an out in less than 5 minutes. Also did most of my gf jewellery purchases and sales same shop. Never dealt with gold shops outside CM but can understand your reasoning. At one stage I was looking at returning to Australia and asked around about changing to 99.9% gold "approved" by the LMBA. Some places wont accept gold bars or coins not certified by the LMBA. Apparently the shop did it but needed to be arranged. Never got to that point.

Much larger dealer margin on jewellery when selling to buying. Learnt that from buying/selling for gf. I have had no trouble selling bars in Chiang Mai.

My comments here refer to Thai gold bars and not jewellery. There is a standard spread of 100 baht between buy and sell prices but some shops may vary. Also can depend on the amount of gold in the transaction. The main gold shop i deal with in Chiang Mai charges (commission) 200 baht per baht weight on gold bars up to 4 baht weight. 5 and above there is no commission. The spread is always charged. Like anything in Thailand shop around and be careful.