donmuang37

On 7/4/2025 at 8:31 AM, TopThai54 said:

Why do Farangs (especially Americans & Australians) always want to buy Properties ! 
Rent ! You can always move if you have unpleasant neighbors or want to relocate to another town ! In many cases Houses or Condos turn to be difficult to sell and/or with a loss ! 

I'm an American and I bought our house on the northern edge of Bangkok for my wife who is younger than me.  We've lived here rent free for 23 years, and have made upgrades and modifications to suit our preferences.  Our house is comfortable, roomy and pleasant. It's been a great investment in a  nice gated community with good neighbors.  Most problems with neighbors occur in inexpensive properties, just like in any other country.  

On 7/2/2025 at 7:45 PM, advancebooking said:

Ive had a Volvo hybrid for 4 yrs now and perhaps getting a bit bored with it. It has amazing safety features that have saved me from several accidents; namely 1. Collision avoidance: If travelling under 50km/hr the car will auto stop / prevent rear ending the car in front 2. Auto stopping when reversing. ie if reversing from angle parking and a car is driving right behind the volvo will automatically stop to prevent collision

 

I saw the Ranger Stormtrak promo. It has the same 2 safety features as above. 1.4 million. I can sell my volvo for 1mill. But the ranger only has 202 horse power. ie no balls. Its a 2.0L bi turbo 4x4 10AT. My volvo has 504 horse power and extremely fast. So much so that Im getting a lot of 500 baht tickets when on the autobahn. 

 

So maybe the slower truck would be good for me to be honest. 

 

Its a hard decision to make. Going backwards in the brand of a car. I suppose I can always go back to high end cars after 3 or 4 yrs of having the Ranger. 

 

Do you know any other pickup trucks with the same safety and 4WD?

 

thanks

https://www.ford.co.th/showroom/trucks/ford-ranger/stormtrak/

We have a 2018 Ford Ranger Wildtrak with the Bi-Turbo engine and 10-speed automatic.  I have over 140,000 km on it.  It looks new and goes like it's new.  It's not a sports car, but it's not slow either.  Remember that horse power is often lower in diesels, but torque is higher, torque is what you need to get off the line and for passing.  Mine has 213 HP, BUT 500 nm of torque.  We have been very happy with our Ranger.  When it's time to replace it, we'll buy either a new Ranger or a new Everest.  Good luck with you decision.

On 6/11/2025 at 11:03 AM, giddyup said:

Think this might be beyond me. I thought it was just a simple process of shrinking the D drive and then allocating the space to the C drive.

Duh... why not just take it to a computer shop who know what they are doing.  That way you don't screw it up yourself.  Should be very cheap, maybe the cost of a couple of beers.

On 6/5/2025 at 9:26 PM, Jeffrey346 said:

As stated in the title, UPS wants me to obtain a Import license for Apple AirPods Pro 2. Now I will say that the eBay Shipper stated wrong information on the Customs document. They stated that the contents is an Electronic Fan. An obvious error as the packaging is a soft-pac envelope and anyone in their right mind would agree an Electronic Fan just won't fit.

I advised UPS that this is clearly a shippers error and to open the box. If they find Apple AirPods to please deliver the package.

UPS reply is, the package is in  Customs storage and if AirPods are in the package, I am still responsible for the following:

 

 

Re-Export service 2,675 THB.

Customs Fee 400 THB.

Duty and Tax 1,000 THB. (Maximum)

Terminal charge 1,091.40 THB.

Daily Storage charge 173.88 THB perday

 

I advised UPS that these fees are UPS created fees and not my responsibility. In addition, I told them I bought this exact item 2 times before for each of my sons. One delivered by the Thai Post and the other by DHL.  Both cost under B500 for customs fees and 7%VAT.

I told UPS to send them back to the shipper as I will not be paying any fees.

 

Has anyone had a similar issue with UPS? 

Yes, same scam when I imported an Amazon Fire Stick 4K.  Same routine.  Get an import license. It took my wife (who is a Ph.D.) a full day and over 10,000 baht of various "fees" to get it. Apparently, UPS has buddies at Thai Customs.  Needless to say, she was furious, but persisted because she knew I needed a new Fire Stick for my TV streaming.  But if anything is sent by UPS in the future, we'll just send it back!!

On 5/19/2025 at 11:16 AM, Eloquent pilgrim said:

 

Probably best to heed the advice that Sheryl has given, and more or less ignore anything else. You might find an MRI scan uncomfortable; lying motionless for an hour is not the doddle it sounds, if you are already in discomfort, but is probably a must do starting point for you.

 

 

On 5/19/2025 at 11:16 AM, Eloquent pilgrim said:

 

Probably best to heed the advice that Sheryl has given, and more or less ignore anything else. You might find an MRI scan uncomfortable; lying motionless for an hour is not the doddle it sounds, if you are already in discomfort, but is probably a must do starting point for you.

 

 

I have problems not moving for an MRI, so I take two Tylenol 8 hr. time release tablets about 30 minutes prior.  That helps a lot.  Good luck.

On 4/17/2025 at 6:39 PM, DrJack54 said:

Bank statement is fine, however has nothing to do with update.

CW require that on day of application. 

I do the photocopies days prior and when make small deposit on day of application ask teller to photocopy last page to show this update. 

Should be zero issue. 100b 

No.  Obtain bank statement from Kasikorn bank day or two prior. 

Takes about 30 mins. 200b 

I usually get my letter, statement and update at the K-Bank in the basement of CW Immigration.  They are quick and expert at doing it. 👍

On 4/15/2025 at 1:25 AM, altayvan said:

That’s really what this post is about. It’s not just me getting older or nostalgic. It’s that everybody’s mum, their boss, and even their dog are flying in for a “Thai experience” they saw on TikTok. And that’s fine. But it’s not the same.

The places I once slipped through unnoticed now ask for insurance, printouts, onward flights, and proof of funds.
The cheap guesthouses are being replaced by “lifestyle stays.”
The freedom I used to feel, being nobody, going nowhere in particular, is starting to feel like a problem.

And I’m wondering if anyone else sees it too.

Wake up! Poverty is not romantic. Get a job.  I mean a real job.  Earn some real money. Stop whining!

Good luck!!

On 4/2/2019 at 9:33 AM, ExpatPH said:

Philippines did not accept my thai DL.

 

My DL from country of birth was accepted for limited time only (Years ago).

 

Doubt land transportation office in Thailand will issue a international DL to a foreigner, they are supposed to be issued in your country of origin. Ask them.

 

I applied for PH DL years ago, when it was 'easier'.

 

Many checkpoints here in Philippines, so be sure you have your documents in order, before you start driving.

Without accepted DL, or without helmet, or with slippers, or with shorts in many areas, fines will be issued.

Do not try to bribe the officers. You will be in a hot place if you do.

 

Without vehicle registration, 'for registration' only, checkpoint will impound the vehicle. Again, don't attempt to bribe the officers.

 

Visit the local LTO office here with a local friend, to ask for the local requirements for foreigners, and speed up the process. It's often not done in a day, drug test, written test for some, driving test for others.

 

If involved in a accident here, you will be found guilty, even if you was rear ended. Sound familiar, doesn't it.

You will be required to pay for the other party vehicle repair, and hospital expences as well!

Traffic flow here is much slower than in Thailand, and when it often rains, traffic move in less than 30 km/h.

 

Your options:

1. Get a internation DL from country of birth, same country your passport.

 

2. Apply for a local DL here, if you plan to stay longer.

 

3. Don't drive here, if you only plan a shorter stay.

Meter taxi is so cheap.

 

Regards

ExpatPH

 

I'm American and have received an international driver's license in Bangkok for 505 baht without any hassles except waiting time.  Obtained it when driving from Bangkok to Singapore through Malaysia, but never actually needed to use it. 

On 3/26/2025 at 9:34 AM, SAFETY FIRST said:

I've never received a brown log book with my red plates. 

 

 

Yes, you can drive wherever you like, but it's against the law. 

 

You should have ensured that you received a brown book from your dealer.

We forgot to write our destination in the brown book,  were stopped but the kind policeman only gave us a warning.  You can travel PROVIDED you log your travel info in the brown book.  Thereafter we did so, and when stopped on a later trip, policeman said no problem, everything is in order.

18 hours ago, GammaGlobulin said:

My best advice to anyone planning to move to Thailand is this:

 

Invest in SOLAR POWER, and plan on living OFF-GRID.

 

The power deliver here in Thailand is EXTREMELY unstable.

 

Therefore, if you plan to move to Thailand, then please plan on this.

 

SOLAR in Thailand is really the ONLY WAY to go.

 

The locals in Thailand actually ENJOY frequent power outages...and....

 

When the power returns....

 

YOU CAN hear the locals CHEER with delight!!!!!

 

If this is your thing, and if you enjoy CHEERING the return of power....then no need to have your own Solar.

 

The power supply here is a complete JOKE....mostly...due to....

 

TREES.

 

They always point to the many trees here, as the principle reason that the power fails, so often.

 

But, is this just a JOKE???

 

Who knows.

 

If you believe what they are feeding you...

 

The power here, is very unstable.

 

Come here and see for yourselves.....

 

 

I've been living in Northern Bangkok  since 2002, and in my experience power to our house is stable and very rarely goes out.  Any outages any normally are. restored in a few minutes, and very rarely over an hour.

Overall, much better than my home country!  If you live in Nahkon Nowhere, your mileage may vary.

On 3/19/2025 at 11:58 AM, transam said:

In my case, it just got worse, I left it to a time when I really couldn't do anything, even driving, so it was over many years.

I had both eyes done, after I thought, I should have had this done years ago, a new life.

 

I had worn glasses all my life, from the age of around 10, which I hated, after the new lenses were installed, I now only use glasses for reading and PC work.........

Agree with Transam, I waited until I was having difficulty driving.  Had both eyes done the same day because I needed general anesthesia and didn't want to go under twice.  Anesthesiologist and ophthalmologist agreed. Excellent results; could drive without glasses for the first time in my life.  Should have done it sooner.

On 3/9/2025 at 3:42 PM, dinsdale said:

None of your business or anyone else's for that matter. As for "Thai woman" I call my "Thai woman" my wife. When are you going to stop these BS posts? As an expat I hope you're ok (mentally) but I have my doubts. As a poster on here PLEASE STOP! It's pitiful.

 

Fully agree with Dinsdale!

22 hours ago, camper star said:

So we live in Bangkok. Low price area. Have a home that is paid for. Can I give you more 

Depends on the amount of your SS (some get $500, others get$3,000) and your lifestyle, of course.  What about medical coverage?  Can your wife put you on her gov't medical?  If so, big, big help!  Good luck to you!!

On 2/23/2025 at 9:07 AM, KhunLA said:

I buy from LAZ & Shopee, and so far so good, price and non fakes.  Easy to tell, as urine will be deeper yellow, as excess is purged.  I notice the effects of the supplements, so the few I take aren't fakes.

 

If concerned, iHerb is pretty competitively priced, and supposedly source their wares from the manufacturers of.  Free shipping (1400 THB orders), + 7% tax.

 

Simply scrutinize the online vendors as much as possible.  Savings of local vendors is minimal, considering the amount, over months of taking.

 

If not online shopping savvy, just order from iHerb.

I regularly buy from iHerb.   Good products.  Prompt, hassle free delivery.

On 2/14/2025 at 7:23 AM, quake said:

Op, You could agree to pay the 5K

But insist you first need a photo of the meter number and reading.

That way you can go to the water company, confirm the meter number is correct for the land.

and also you can find out what is owed on the meter.

It could just be a small amount.

5K plus xxx, job done.

Cops is the last resort, it will cost you.

 

 

Agree with Quack.  Stop whining and just pay the guy 5,000 baht for the meter.  It is a trivial amount!!!

On 2/14/2025 at 12:25 PM, Presnock said:

read the Consulation instructions on passport renewal.  I did the on line and it was super easy with good service.

I agree with Presnock.  I did mine online and by mail.  I just followed the instructions and got my new passport in about 3 weeks.  They also returned my old passport. Easy and  I appreciated not having to go downtown to get it. 

10 hours ago, Moriarty said:

Someone probably missed the nose gear pin pre departure . Why not jettison fuel rather than fly around for 3 hours ? 😳

Jettisoning fuel can cause great pollution than flying around for 3 hours and some countries have restrictions.

On 1/30/2025 at 12:40 PM, Gaccha said:

The issue might be the problems of aging and the logistics involved in conforming to immigration law. You can usually do the 90 days online now, so you can limit having to visit the Immigration Office to (1) once a year for the extension, and (2) every time you travel you'll have to do a 90 days notice in-person.

 

The laws occasionally change, and that is generally harder for the elderly to handle. But as long as you keep watch on this forum it should be fine.

 

But if you reach 90 years, then I can imagine that it will become a struggle. But then life is always a struggle. 

Well, I'm 87 and I do my 90 online.  Occasionally, it doesn't work, so my younger wife does it for me.  For my annual extension, I simply go in with my wife and we do it ourselves.  I prepare all the documents  in advance and get a letter from K-Bank the day I apply.  I do use a wheeled walker for long distances, but it is no problem at Chiang Wattana.  Planning to return to the USA soon for about a year.  That trip may be a challenge.

A 1940 Ford coupe, V-8, 3 on a tree bought for $250 in 1953.  Great car. Drove well; easy to repair.  I've had a driver's license for 72 years.  Currently, I drive a Ford Ranger 4-door Bi-Turbo 4x4.

Hi,  I bought an HP high spec 17" notebook computer that I'm now typing on from Amazon.  At that time, I paid about 60% of the Thai price.  There is no duty on computers coming into Thailand, but you will pay 7% VAT, which was included in the price that I paid.  It took about 7 - 10 days to get here.  We weren't home when it arrived, so the courier gave it to the village maid who placed it on our front porch (see has our gate key), and I was pleased to find it there when we returned.  Fired it up.  Works great, very fast and a great screen.

Downside: If it fails it might be difficult to repair here as some parts may not be available in Thailand.  Also, it is an English only keyboard, but I don't need a Thai keyboard.

Good luck!

On 12/29/2024 at 1:29 PM, GammaGlobulin said:

Dear Fellow Sufferers,

 

What’s the cause of rampant inflation in the USA?

 

Please don’t quote me esoteric Economic Theory.

 

We ALL know that Economic Theory is mere Mumbo-JUMBO, with a capital J.

 

And, there are those, such as that High-Priestess Greenspan who spout all sorts of Mumbo_Jumbo, just to favor one group over another group, especially in the USA.

GreenSpan:  Genius or Economic Twit?

 

a. So why must we suffer the likes of Greenspans?

b. Is inflation nothing more than a tax on the poor and middle class?

c. Why can’t we poor buy Picassos and Van Goghs, so that we, too, like the rich, may become inflation-proof?

 

Need to know!

Because, at this rate, things just might continue to deteriorate.

 

Regards, but not BEST regards,

Gamma

 

Note:  What do YOU think will be required for the USA to become a much more egalitarian and just society, one in which the common man may thrive in this “Home of The Brave” we once truly enjoyed?

 

Gamma, Groan! Go take an economics class so you will understand - it's NOT mumbo jumbo!  And ignorance is not bliss!

On 12/20/2024 at 4:31 AM, scubascuba3 said:

Zero, they are paid to do that job

Aha, so Scrooge has moved to Thailand!

On 12/13/2024 at 4:45 PM, Briggsy said:

I worked in Bangkok. I retired to Pattaya.

 

The reasons were simple.

Traffic and people congestion making it take hours to get anywhere particularly if off the mass transit routes but often on the mass transit routes.

Noise, everywhere.

And the big one, air pollution.

It all added up to a sense of claustrophobia.

 

On the plus side, you had

every imaginable product and service.

more cosmopolitan culture like film festivals.

a wider range of foreigner.

avoiding the tourist ghetto.

 

Each to their own.

 

I think I have just persuaded myself to leave Pattaya! 🤔

 We have lived on the very northern edge of Bangkok for 20 years.  Our house in located between the 1st and 2nd stage motorways, so easy to escape.   Some traffic, but not like the CBD, and neither is the pollution.  Our small gated village is quiet, safe, peaceful and has lots of trees and scrubs.  I fully agree with Briggsy's "plus aspects", and would like to add, you can get the best medical care in Thailand!  And I'm talking about gov't hospitals, not private.  The gov't doc who did both my shoulder surgeries is one of the very best in Thailand, and I could have had him do it at a famous private hospital for 4x the price.  No, thanks.  Remember, when you get older, excellent medical care becomes even more important.  Also, note that from Bangkok you can easily drive to Pattaya, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai.  Also, the best flight connections.   We are very happy here.