brizz

I never thought about using the app, but that's an interesting idea. I will try the Chase mobile app to see if that makes a difference. 

Edit: I managed to install the app, then transfer money using a combination of the app and the Wise website, so let's see how this works....if this saves me from those dreaded "We don't recognize you on this device" messages, it would be awesome. Thanks again for mentioning it. This may have just saved me lots of headaches.

Hey gang.

Do you have an account with a US bank that can send a One Time Password (OTP) to your Thai phone number?

I bank with Chase Bank in the US. Sometimes I log in and get that dreaded "We don't recognize you on this device." So I have to request an OTP to my phone, but it only goes to a US number, which I have set up with a friend. So I have to send it to my friend's phone and wait for him to text me the digits. I've tried changing this, but evidently, Chase doesn't send these messages to international numbers.

So...if you have a US bank that can send this OTP directly to your Thai phone number, I would like to hear about it. I don't want to be reliant on others for something so important, and I will switch banks next chance I get.

If you can comment with the name of your bank and whether you can or can't, I will update this post to make it useful for future readers.

Thanks in advance.

Ah, good point. I knew I forgot something. I want to spend under 3000 thb.

Hey gang, I'm looking for some advice on buying a large, farang-sized motorcycle helmet in Bangkok. 

I want to buy an open-face helmet. I have a big head (62cm), so most standard Thai helmets are too small. I've found two helmets that I like so far:

1. a Thai-made RD Random Air Force 1, which you can see here: https://www.randomhelmet.com/airforce-1/, and

2. the KYT NF-J, which you can see here, https://thmmotor.com.my/product/helmet-kyt-nfj-petronas-special-edition-2/

I've been to a couple stores and tried on a few things, but I'm looking to expand my search.

Does anyone have a big, open-face helmet that they like and can recommend? 

Can anyone recommend a good (preferably big) helmet store in Bangkok where I can go and try on some different models, and where they might have my size?

Thanks in advance!

Oh, I hadn't thought about the plates. Do you think I'd actually get fewer problems from the police by having a local plate? Or are there other considerations that I'm missing?

Excellent. That's a great insight. Thank you.

Hey gang. I will be buying a 2021 Yamaha Aerox when it comes out, but I will also be moving from Bangkok to Samui. I'm curious to know if there is any price difference between Bangkok and Samui. If I wait to buy it on Samui, will I be paying more? Any insight appreciated. Thank you.

Hey gang. I will soon be buying a new motorbike (2021 Yamaha Aerox, when it comes out), but I will also be moving from Bangkok to Samui. I'm curious to know if there is any price difference between Bangkok and Samui. If I wait to buy it on Samui, will I be paying more? Any insight appreciated. Thank you.

When do the 2021 model year bikes hit the stores?

Also, if I wanted to do a custom paint job on a bike, what sort of price am I looking at?

I've ridden an Aerox before and I like it more than the PCX, which I've also tested. The NMAX doesn't seem as comfortable to me. I've considered step-through bikes, but I'm a big guy and want at least 150 or 155cc. It will be my first bike, so I don't think I want to go up to a 200 or 300cc bike just yet. I also want ABS. Vespas are interesting, but I think that's too expensive to start. 

So it seems like I'm looking at Class 2 or 3 insurance for an Aerox 155 bike. What I'm seeing online says that only Big Bikes are given Class 1 insurance. Any recommendations for insurance companies in Bangkok?

I'm tempted to put the bike in my wife's name, as that will be easier, but then what happens when the cops pull me over and the bike isn't in my name? Will that be an issue?

I've talked with a couple dealerships who are offering to do the registration for free. What's the cost me to do it myself? How much of a deal is this really?

Wow, you guys have been great. Thanks so much for all the robust advice. I feel so much better prepared than I did even yesterday.

Hey gang. I've been renting a variety of bikes recently, and I think I've finally decided on buying a Yamaha Aerox with ABS. I live in Bangkok, I have my Thai license, and I plan to use the bike to run errands and take short trips around the city with the missus. I want to buy new, rather than pre-owned. I've been in Thailand for about six years now, but this is my first big purchase like this. Back in the US, I could do my research online and get a good deal, but I'm having trouble wading through all the Thai websites here.

Should I just find the biggest Yamaha dealership near me and go in, or is there a less expensive option I should consider? I plan to pay in cash, in full, so I don't need financing. I also want helmets for me and my wife...is this something I can get the dealer to throw into the deal or should I go to a shop that specializes in helmets instead? Any gotchas I should be watching for?

I presume everything will be easier if I put this in my wife's name and let her handle the insurance, but I would appreciate any advice you guys want to offer about how to find a good dealer and how to get a smart deal. Thanks in advance.

2 hours ago, trainman34014 said:

Lets face it; many Thai's can't even read or speak their own language properly !

Is this the place where someone points out that it should be "Let's" and "Thais"?

OMG...this is further evidence that ThaiVisa readers are just bitter and looking for trouble. This is a freakin' April Fool's Joke! Get over yourselves...

10 minutes ago, Asiantravel said:

 

yes that's what I think. And in any case who in the hell would want to go to Savannakhet consulate if their rules are even more rigourous than everywhere else in the region?

I.e. Phnom Penh accepts a ticket to anywhere, Ho Chi Minh City accepts a ticket to anywhere and there hasn't even been any mention yet of Penang asking for any of this particularly if it's done through an agent.

It's good to hear that PP, HCMC, and Penang aren't asking for any of this yet. It would be good to hear more updates on this over the next few weeks as people begin to hit up those places for their visas.

Keep the comments coming, guys. I appreciate the feedback and look forward to more good information from you folks. 

9 minutes ago, JackThompson said:

 

This is not a new rule, just new they are enforcing it at Savanakhet.  You also should have 20K in cash or travelers checks when attempting to enter Thailand.   In theory, all the screening for Tourist Visas should be done at the consulate, and only Visa Exempts would need to prove anything at the border.

 

I agree it is not enough - at least 70K on a bank-statement would be more in keeping with a minimal stay.  This would stop many of the "bad guys" (poor people) they say they are worried about getting in.  Who cares "how many times" you come, as long as you have the money and don't cause trouble?

I agree that this is way too low. I spoke with an American in Savannakhet who was going back to Issan after he got his visa. Admittedly, Issan is cheaper than Bangkok, but even he figured that 20K was not enough to get him through 2-3 months...and he's only paying like 1500 thb for rent.

34 minutes ago, wobalt said:

It is not said that the bank statement must be from a Thai bank account. Not many genuine tourist would have such a bank book. Also credit cards, what many tourists are using, are not mentioned. Would cc be accepted. We will see.

Yes, this is a very good point.

My own bank statement was from BKK Bank. I presented a print-out of my statement, NOT my bank book...and this was fine. In addition, when I was standing in line, I noticed that another American showed a bank statement from a US bank, and I think he was fine. I also noted that someone tried to show a credit card and was refused. The purpose is to show that you have at least 20,000 THB, and a credit card doesn't exactly do this.

I was in Savannakhet last Thursday (Jan 5th), and I was asked to submit a bank statement. In fact, I was there Wednesday, when they started asking for this, and didn't have enough time to go get a copy and return. However, I did learn that they will accept an ATM receipt, though you must have 20,000 thb in your account. They did NOT ask me for a plane ticket.

I have attached two photos from the consulate, taken by someone I met there last week who is still there, having problems getting his visa.

I'm curious to know if this is happening at other locations. If you know, please post your experience.

I'm also curious to hear the experiences of others, regardless of location, who are getting visas over the next few weeks. Are you supplying the same info, or is this a Savannakhet-only thing?

If anyone can point me to an official announcement (ahem, from the Thai government, not simply from an embassy or consulate) of these changes, I would appreciate that.

If we could use this post to gather information about these changes, I'm sure it would be appreciated by a lot of TV members. 

I've had some luck in the last few days by pretending I'm sick. Hold your forehead, wave the offending water-warriors away and with a sad, sickly voice, say "Mai sabai, mai sabai". It's worked for me 3 times in the last 3 days...

Sorry, guys. My bad.

I had way too much fun on my last visit, and now all my fellow citizens are jealous, apparently. They said I can't go back unless I bring back enough fun for everyone.

I guess I'm the guy who ruined it for the whole class...sorry, guys.

These films ruin the image of Thailand, but what about all the bootleg DVDs littered all over Sukhumvit every day and night? What do those say about Thailand?