anon210

I think there was a mention somewhere that cars over 5 yrs are not offered 1st class insurance any longer. So, for me, that would be a serious drawback to keeping a car that long in Thailand. Not to mention that repairs will be costlier after the warranty is expired.

Why? The value has gotten far less, so also the financial risk has reduced significantly, hence far less use for 1st class insurance.

Parts availability and price, more chance the vehicle will be unroadworthy, more chance of fraud.

Yes, that is from an insurers perspective.

But my question was to freemindxs, who said that lack of 1st class insurance options would be a reason to sell a car after 5 years.

The real risk (and the reason to go with a 1st class) is more the risk to third parties and the coverage you get with 1st class.

I would not want to be caught out in TH with a 3rd class or 2nd class insurance, even though I have a liability insurance provided by my company (but horribly complicated to put to work in TH, considering it is a French company).

I can't think of a single car that has components designed to last 10+ years. Even the door locks on a top-spec S Class Benz are only designed for an 8-year lifetime.

Most series production engines are designed with an 8,000 hour lifetime target.

Yes, you can keep a car running for 10 years, if you're willing to fix it when it breaks, but no, they're not designed to last that long.

I must disagree. The last four or five cars I have owned have lasted at least 10 years each. I just sold a 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser which was the finest vehicle I have ever owned. 13 years and still going strong with no mechanical issues and not even a squeak. We just did the normal maintenance and have had the same experience with virtually all of our cars.

We have been diehard Toyota owners during that period because of the quality in each of our vehicle purchases. We drive each off the dealer's lot and that is the last time they see us unless they are offering some great deal on scheduled maintenance.

I expect any new car I own to last at least 10 years with no mechanical issues as a basic requirement for ownership.

I think there was a mention somewhere that cars over 5 yrs are not offered 1st class insurance any longer. So, for me, that would be a serious drawback to keeping a car that long in Thailand. Not to mention that repairs will be costlier after the warranty is expired.

Another update on the PJS... Not much to say, as I have not gone for long trips since the summer. Went a couple of times to Ayutthaya, and further to Bang Saen beach.

But a bit weary of driving on the road out in the province. Saraburi area definitely is a very dangerous area with pedestrians crossing highways. Beyond, I have been everywhere around BKK, so the desire to drive out has a bit died - and being at work, I don't have yet the time for some long roadtrips. One area on my schedule is most definitely Issan, where I have not yet been.

What is up on my side? Well, thanks to a member of the forum i have now a tonneau cover, which affords a bit of discretion behind. Still looking for a cargo net which would allow me to restrain everything that is in the back.

Mostly it is an uneventful possession of a car,but one interesting anecdote to tell (Transam would be most interested). I recently had my tires checked for pressure (Sathorn Shell).

This time, I used my own manometer before letting the guy check. Well, I had 35 psi on my manometer... The guy had 40 psi on his pressure gauge. Me, 35. A girl came there with her own... 31! 3 different pressure readings for a single tyre! But yeah, will change my modus operandi going forward... Will always precheck myself the tire.

The only one underinflated was the left forward tire. To follow up whether it is a silent puncture...

The car now totals about 14 months, drives as before, and has no mechanical issues so far. I just noticed that compared to 2012, prices seem to have fallen quite steeply. Most PJS I see for sale are around 700 K. I think the insurance was quoting from 840 to 860 K for mine. Is it that in one year the configuration of the second-hand Thai market has changed to become closer to the European/US markets?

I have:

Garmin

Dash camera

Safety kit (starter cable and lamplight + plastic gloves);

Safety triangle (had to use it in a tragic occurrence)

Electric inverter (to charge faster the phone);

Fluo jacket

Extinguisher (huge version and with powder);

Tire pressure manometer (simple one)

Umbrella;

Rain suit

Stack of coins;

Most of the safety items can be had at a Tesco. As to the inverter, got it from Zeer Rangsit, extinguisher comes from Central, but can be found elsewhere too.

But remember this is Thailand often the bike is protected against the car.

True also in Belgium and other European countries (there it is a law providing systematic coverage for the physical damage to the biker, not the material damage).

I loved the title of that newspaper. 23 victims were immigrants... And would be sent back. In short, it is almost saying that the responsibility of that accident befalls to the Laotian immigrants who were guilty of dying in Thailand thanks to a Thai.

Nice further example of their xenophobia.

Maybe the pickup had two decks.

No... just packed like this.

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I do not look down on people because of their social station and I respect human beings. I do look down on what you call "culture" when it brings up the subjects I mentioned. I guess the nuance is lost on you.

As to "ignorance", I believe you are far more ignorant in refusing to see reality around you. Sorry fore breaking your charming illusions, but you may go on to live in them. I don't really mind nor care.

Judging from the force of the collision, it is believed that the driver was not aware of the steel beam.

Duh...ya think so ?......cant get much past Thailand's finest's highly tuned powers of deduction can you....they should all go and work for Scotland Yard who needs Sherlock Holmes when you have Lieutenant Somchai on the job...

One thing that is puzzling me is what in God's good name was that steel beams' purpose ? It looks as if someone has just made a steel girder gate for no apparent reason.

Somebody please enlighten me.

Can think of several reasons. 1° Avoiding heavy vehicles going on the bridge, beyond its structural resistance limits; 2° Avoiding high vehicles at a higher risk of toppling on the road under the bridge.

The Hybrid PPV generally function with batteries recharged by energy generation when braking or through the petrol motor. So, if anything, this should reduce the costs of gas, and the effect on the electrical grid will be nonexistent. I believe there might be a confusion with fully electric cars such as the Tesla S which need indeed to be recharged.

Edit: I see that the future PPV of Mitsu with be a "PHEV" (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), which seems to open the possibility for recharging the car...

And BTW, here goes the first picture of the future PPV (sorry it is in French):

http://news.autoplus.fr/news/1475863/Tokyo-2013-Concept-SUV-Mitsubishi-Concept-AR

I was thinking of Hybrids as being like the Chevrolet Volt, a plug-in type hybrid electric vehicle and the vehicle you mentioned in your 'Edit:'.

After your post, I now see there are two separate classifications that just happen to have come together in the Volt: Electrical and Hybrid (as you have defined).

So, I guess I am referring to 'plug-in' vehicles like the Tesla S and the Chevy Volt. Qui?

Technically speaking, the majority of the consumption of electricity to provide "plug-in" cars would take place during the night, when there is a mechanical decrease of consumption from other ends (offices shut down aircon, etc). This being Thailand, this might not necessarily be true. Would these cars be even manufactured here? I believe most of the mechanics in Thailand would be clueless for repairs!

I wonder if any of those present here have really learned to distinguish between ritualism and being religious. Thailand being the very codified society we know (even though everyone thinks nothing of breaking all codes on a daily basis), there is a huge emphasis on ritualism (saluting the idols, "spirit" houses, whatever), but a total void when it comes to real religious belief.

People bowing to statues or bringing in monks to bless whatever they have does not mean anything. Most of these actions are commended by the hope of a tangible reward in this existence (namely those "merits" - I like to compare them to "points" accumulated, where intent does not count), and hence are more akin to superstition than true religious belief. Considering the real superficial approach of most people to Buddhism, it looks as though ritualism is the only important thing here, with little to no understanding of the tenets of this philosophy (obviously, most people pass over the fact that Buddhism is a philosophy and not a religion).

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/ritualism

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/religious

The Hybrid PPV generally function with batteries recharged by energy generation when braking or through the petrol motor. So, if anything, this should reduce the costs of gas, and the effect on the electrical grid will be inexisting. I believe there might be a confusion with fully electric cars such as the Tesla S which need indeed to be recharged.

Edit: I see that the future PPV of Mitsu with be a "PHEV" (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), which seems to open the possibility for recharging the car...

And BTW, here goes the first picture of the future PPV (sorry it is in French):

http://news.autoplus.fr/news/1475863/Tokyo-2013-Concept-SUV-Mitsubishi-Concept-AR

Alright guys please stop responding saying it isn't worth it. You should not be applying your personal circumstances to that analysis. Truth is that successfully renting one motorbike for a Thai girl is the same thing as having a part time job. Does it make you feel like big men because that isn't that much money or something?

Also please stop suggesting that I tell my girlfriend to give up without even trying. That is pathetic, defeatist attitude for a person to have. I really hope none of you have/had kids because you'd be awful parents telling them to go through life like that.

thaivisa has pretty bad reputation and most of the replies here are concrete examples of why. I know I'm dealing with adults yet the forum overall has the same level of maturity you'd expect to find in a high school. Too many guys living here have pickled their brains with alcohol. And let all of that cheap sex really boost their ego.

Really, what kind of thing is it go to around telling people to not try and/or that they will fail. Especially when you are just speculating and don't even know: yeah, turns out you guys were all wrong. I've found a suitable insurance company.

I guess it is easy to tell others to not worry about money when you are living off their dime on a flawed social security and pension design that leaves younger generations out to dry.

Well, really, most of the posters here have some form of experience or been around Thailand long enough to know how things work.

You made also a number of considerations on the lifestyle of the members who advised you which need not necessarily apply to any or all of them and which are extremely rude to put it politely.

You do not need to insult other members to make your own choices, but if you feel the need to come on TV for advice, it means you have no idea how it takes place by yourself. In these countries "having a business" is a big ambition of the locals, but it often fails because luck has turned (accident...) and/or because the person did not research laws and contracts or did not understand them. I hope your thai language skills are high enough to decrypt an insurance policy. As usual, devil sits in the details.

Again, despite the best advice given here, you are still free to take your own risk (or run away from your gf when she will be sued). All we can say is "best of luck"!

Been in Thailand for two years now, and don't feel any desire to learn the language at all. Thai colleagues at work talk only of soap operas, gadgets, movies and food. I feel I am not missing much not being able to talk about these subjects with them.

How do you know what they are talking about if you can't understand them?

Maybe they only talk about that mindless stuff with you as the intelligent conversations they have in Thai are hard for them to talk about in English.

Or maybe they just see you as a simpleton who doesn't understand anything else than these subjects.

Odd way of thinking you have. You land a job here and yet you think everyone else should go out their way to speak your native language?

If you come to Thailand to work or live it should be your job to integrate into the country. Others should not bend over backwards to accommodate you.

Unfortunately, I hear from English-speaking thais what they say among themselves (oh... and just if you wonder, some are the intelligent persons with whom I can discuss intellectual issues). I guess I am not the only one to find these people useless to talk with.

As to "simpleton", it is hard to do worst than these people in terms of lack of sophistication of thinking. I am often teaching them things about their own country which they simply do not want to see or are too indoctrinated to see. And language is not the issue in that.

As to "landing the job here", I did not choose to come here. I was sent here on expatriation, period.

Indeed, I don't have to bend backwards to accommodate them if they want my money. As for their conversation, thank you, but given as empty as it is, I like to keep it in English.

Finally, I do not have to integrate at all. From 10 cars, I was the only driver to stop when I witnessed a deadly accident. I respect and value the maid, the guards and the cleaners, where the Thais look down on them. So, sorry, that type of society I do not want to integrate into. Very happy to be out of it and not to hear these idiots talking of their latest holidays, or the last shopping and similar inane subjects.

With a very special dedication to all Fortuner drivers...

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I always use Shell for my truck. I find the attendant's polite, professional and efficient, never a drop of fuel on the ground.

<<<<<Can't say same for myself.

I concur. I have used on occasion Esso gas stations, but not only do they look more shabby, but the attendants also behave way less professionally. Second best are the PTT stations, I guess.

Near Siam... what caught my attention was the two women looking out of the window at the front.... and this old super battered bus.

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Don´t count on any fuel gauge, doesn´t matter if it´s an old or new car. It´s only a wild guess, as trustworth as a fortune teller.

I promised myself that i will never ever again walk along a lonely road in the woods to the next gas station

My car computer stated: you can go another 50-60km, don´t worry. I avoided the nearest gas station and wanted to go to my favourite one with a decent store attached, only 15km further....then the road went uphill, but my car didn´t

Why did they let you drive off with almost no fuel anyway? No matter if it was in Thailand or Europe, they gave me at least a quarter tank to start with. The days when cars got filled up are over though

Well, when I picked up my car, the dealer was adamant that I get to a gas station asap... They were afraid I would get dry on the way. LOL In total there was still some 8 ltrs in the tank.

For sure, I would not have driven 35 kms... to get to a petrol station.

And to answer the one asking whether we are Americans... No, but if we have a car, we do not feel the need to be tight on gas when we fill the tank.

He insisted that he had been "patient" with the critical coverage from the press but nevertheless warned that the media should take care not to accuse the Royal Thai Army of being politically biased because "the Army has only one side: the country. We defend the nation, the religion, and the monarchy".

The "religion"? Which religion?! Last time I checked, I did not know Thailand was a theocracy not any different from Islamic caliphates...

Seems to confirm that as the foundations of Buddhism erode more and more in Thailand due to the corruption of monks, the only thing left is to give it in the hands of the army.

Guess that it won't be long before we get the Rohingyas "solution" in Thailand, and "religious" cleansing by fanatic buddhist mobs.

Yes we could certainly use more dead dogs in Chiang mai-I have heard that anti freeze or windsheild wash(available in THailand) works very well-apparently it is very quick and they love it.I am vegetarian and do not like killing anything but this dog problem is out of control in CHiang mai so a huge dog cull would be in order.I would even support paying for every dog carcasse brought in for disposal..Another thing is that as most of us know that we vaishnavas celebrate cows as the best friend of humane beings and not the Dog,especially since most human beings do love to eat the wonderful food these amazing creatures produce for us,we all love to eat cheese-ice cream-yoghurt etc.etc but as well as enjoying these foods unfortunately some extremely greedy persons also eat the flesh of this wonderful animal who selflessly give us so much and as a result these nasty people will take many births as animals in their very near future..SO MY SUGGESTION IS THUS,that you dog lovers and all you flesh eaters should eat your DOGS and not eat the cows flesh and that would get rid of some of these wretched abhorrent creatures at least and help quieten down the neighbourhoods and make CHiang mai much cleaner .So rather than mindlessly eat all other sorts of flesh and suffer for it,(by the way eating dog flesh has much less karma attached to it)rather just eat your dogs and do society a big favour while you are at it.(Do not think for a moment that I am posting this blog in jest-you must understand -I already have enough good friends.)

HOLY COW! I've never read as much bullshit in one single post than in this one! As a Vegetarian - you claim to be, obviously a Buddhist on top, my oh my - I am just speechless... let the Vegans read this....

Very Thai though. Funny how these Buddhists life-lovers are so easily inclined to kill animals they don't like.

been to thailand 12 times, can't speak Thai, wants to live in thailand forever, and only wants to meet English speaking Thais?

I don't understand you people.

Been in Thailand for two years now, and don't feel any desire to learn the language at all. Thai colleagues at work talk only of soap operas, gadgets, movies and food. I feel I am not missing much not being able to talk about these subjects with them.

Other Thais, who can talk of philosophy, literature and intellectual subjects speak and master concepts in English. I don't see the point blundering my way through a language which is internationally useless.

I am not planning on staying in Thailand beyond the time I am posted here...

And as to living here, if they want my business, they learn English. Otherwise, I take my business elsewhere (happened with insurance).

What would be your opinion of a foreigner who came to your country to live and had no desire to learn the local language?

i find it strange for someone to say how much they love a country and it is their home, and that they want to live there forever, yet they cannot even put form the smallest amount of effort to learn the language or integrate into society.

Guess what? There are plenty of foreigners who come in our country and who get social aid and do not have to do 90-day reporting, and do not even try to learn the language. Service providers in my country learn to serve the customer in his language if they want his business.

Other point: I never said I love this country, nor that this is my home. I am here to do a job, period.

Even if I had been feeling that way, the Thais do everything they can to prevent that. Furthermore, take off your pink glasses: the Thais do not want you to "integrate", nor will they ever consider you part of them.

been to thailand 12 times, can't speak Thai, wants to live in thailand forever, and only wants to meet English speaking Thais?

I don't understand you people.

Been in Thailand for two years now, and don't feel any desire to learn the language at all. Thai colleagues at work talk only of soap operas, gadgets, movies and food. I feel I am not missing much not being able to talk about these subjects with them.

Other Thais, who can talk of philosophy, literature and intellectual subjects speak and master concepts in English. I don't see the point blundering my way through a language which is internationally useless.

I am not planning on staying in Thailand beyond the time I am posted here...

And as to living here, if they want my business, they learn English. Otherwise, I take my business elsewhere (happened with insurance).

Typical Thai mess-up... And they wonder why they are unable to defeat the Southern insurgency?

I have just read through this thread which contains some appalling comments. 

 

I am sure that those who have contributed crass comments feel very proud of themselves .

 

Me?

 

At the moment I feel ashamed to admit to being a TV member . 

.

Reading the comments of many here I feel ashamed to be a farang.

Hopefully outside this forum the same people would probably not dare to say a fifth of what they allow themselves to write here.

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No worries... The Thai are never ashamed of being Thai, no matter how corrupt or backward their country is.

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