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donmuang37

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Posts posted by donmuang37

  1. I just sold my 2014 Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.2L 4x4 to my brother-in-law and bought a new Bi-Turbo Wildtrack.  Both in white with black trim.  The old one still looks brand new.  No paint problems or any other problems.  Better fuel economy than my previous Toyota 3.0 L 4x4 and much better brakes.  Had over 100km when I sold it.  No reliability problems; excellent service. So I bought a new one.

     

    The Raptor is slightly heavier than the Wildtrak, but shouldn't make much difference in performance.  My new Wildtrak has very good power in my opinion.  Faster than the 3.2 and much faster than the Toyota 3.0.  Not broken in yet so not sure about fuel economy, but it is doing better than the 3.2 or the Toyota 3.0 up to now. 

     

    Ride is much improved over the 3.2 which was a little rough.  Nevertheless, the handling and brakes remain a strong points  Lots of equipment such as adaptive cruise control, 6 air bags, low speed automatic braking to avoid city crashes. lane departure alert,  alert if it thinks you are sleepy, navigation system. auto windshield wipers and head lights, etc., etc.

     

    What's not to like?  I love my old one and love my new one even more.  And my wife loves her Ford Focus 1.5 turbo.  Both her car and the new truck can park themselves, too.  No hands, just operate throttle and brake!  Her car is candy apple red and no paint problems since new in January 2016.  Cheers

     

     

    • Like 1
  2. Hi Sheryl,

    It's been a while, but I used to work (telecom) in Vietnam, both Hanoi and Saigon.  I liked Hanoi better: more greenery and cooler weather in the winter.  I found the Vietnamese to be very intelligent and hard working. But keep in mind that their culture is very different than Thai culture. Thais will do anything to avoid confrontation whereas the Vietnamese will get in you face in a heartbeat if they are annoyed.

     

    Personally, I would pick Hanoi over Siem Reap.  There is more to do in Hanoi and more employment opportunities, but also more greenery than Bangkok.

     

    Why not try a month or two in SR and then a month or two in Hanoi

     

    Finally, let me say that if you are set financially for the rest of your life, great.  If not, better go back to the UK or EU while you are still young enough to get a good job and save for retirement.  Sadly, Thailand or indeed Asia, isn't a good place to be when you are old, sick and poor. I've seen a number of Western men and women in that situation.  Not pretty. 

     

    Best of luck,

    Don

    • Like 2
  3. Hi,

    Not sure if you'll ever get down to this reply, but I'll give it a go.  One gentleman asked the important question: is she intelligent?  One way I can judge that is whether people can grasp concepts or not.  If she isn't intelligent, it won't work for long even if she is very nice.

     

    I met my wife through mutual friends in Berlin, Germany where she was working hard at Burger King to support 3 daughters. She had only finished 11 1/2 years of schooling while I was a senior director of program management at a telecom company.  And I hold a BA & an MBA from US universities. To make matters worse, I'm 18 years older than her.  She and her youngest daughter moved to the US where we got married.  (Her older daughters were out of high school and attending university, so they stayed put.)  After 4 years, I retired and we moved to Thailand because I wanted her to get an education.  Her English conversation was OK, but it wasn't academic English.   After we settled in here in Bangkok, we were shocked to learn that she had to attend Koh Sor Nor (spelling?) to get her high school diploma.  So she did and attended an open university in parallel.  To make a long story short, she did well in her BA, so continued for a master's degree and then a Ph.D.  Amazing what poor kid can do if given a chance.  

     

    If she doesn't dump me before November, we'll celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary.  During her education, her Thai got better and her English got worse.  She "went native" as it were.  But we are still doing OK and I'm very happy she got an education.

     

    If your girlfriend is qualified and willing to get an education, then I think you'll do well.  If not, better think very carefully.  Just my humble opinion.

    Best of luck,

    Don

    • Like 1
  4. My wife owned a Ford Fiesta and since January, a new Focus. We both love both cars. Her brother bought her 2010 Fiesta and he loves it, too. Had occasional minor chattering from dual clutch tranny, which was fixed with a free firmware update.

     

    I drive a 2014 Ranger 3.2L diesel Wildtrak 4x4. We both love that, too. Drove it from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur and back in April. No problems; purred like a kitten.

     

    Watch any TV show about Alaska, and you'll notice most of the trucks are Fords.

     

    I wonder if the Aussie is an impartial reporter?  Hmm...wonder who is "sponsors" are? 

  5. I think you should take a step back and think a little bit.  I retired from my first job at age 42 (U.S. Navy) and fortunately had the good sense to start a second career.  Retired again at 65.  My Thai wife and I move to Thailand because the cost of living is lower, and so my wife could get an education (she's 61 now and holds a BA, MA and Ph.D.)  Paid cash for a nice house in northern Bangkok when we first arrived.  She was already Westernized when we met through friends in Berlin, Germany where she was living and working.   If I had married a woman in Thailand, I don't think I'd still be married.

     

    Since we retired, the cost of living has gone up quite a bit. Diesel fuel was 13 baht/liter then, went up to 38 baht for a while and is now around 25 baht. Groceries are much more expensive now and the electric bill has gone up.  Etc. etc.

    Meanwhile, I'm getting 33 baht/dollar now, but I good 44 baht/dollar when I arrive.  

     

    Fortunately, my retirement income is high enough that the cost of living increases and exchange rates  worsening haven't forced us to change our lifestyle.  It helps that we have no house or car payment (2014 Ford Ranger 4x4 & 2016 Ford Focus, both purchased cash).  And I pay my credit cards off every month.

     

    Think about what I just said.  And understand that most Westerners can't make enough teaching to have a decent retirement.

     

    You aren't the only one who has been bored with a job.  Me too, but I sucked it up and kept on trucking until I had earned a good retirement. THEN I moved to Thailand.  If you have a master's degree from a good university, then my recommendation is get a job.  Don't like the UK? Move to  Canada or Australia, not Thailand.  Come to Thailand when you are financially set.  And that you aren't!  If I had retired at your age (36) without an adequate income, I would now have been retired for 44 years now, impoverished and living under a bridge somewhere!  Is that the future you want?

     

    And by the way, 3 years after I retired here, I got so bored that I started to teach English to keep busy and socialize with English speaking teachers.  I don't have to financially, but I'm still working so I don't sit around and go crazy.  But then I'm not a bar fly.

     

    I don't mean to be harsh or pessimistic.  Just realistic.  Good luck, I hope you make the right decisions.

    • Like 1
  6. It has been quite a while since I got my fiancée a K1 visa; however, I believe that you are still required to have sufficient income to support her above the poverty level.  This was no problem for me because I was working at a good job.  As I recall, I had to submit copies of my prior income tax returns, plus a letter from an officer of my company stating that my job was secure for the foreseeable future.

     

    Since you are not working in the USA, it seems unlikely that you could meet the income requirement.  For the latest requirements, I suggest you should check out relevant U.S. Government websites which will provide more accurate info than Thaivisa.  (With all due respect to Thaivisa!)

  7. Easy solution.  Just round up the soi dogs and ship them to Laos or Vietnam.

     

    A couple of years ago, my wife was bitten by a soi dog while she was walking down the soi.  Rabies  shots are not nice.  Could happen to anyone.

     

    And what about a society that buys puppies for their kids and then dumps them somewhere after they realize dogs require food, care and regular walks. Good people - not!!

  8. In BKK they have long required photos for marriage extension.  Three pix in the house with me and my wife.  One outside in front of our gate with both of us and the house number clearly showing.  Plus a map showing our residence.  Etc. Etc.

     

    Here, we have to sign all documents including the back of the photos.  In Thailand, your signature certifies the document was submitted by you and that it is accurate.

     

    Why do they need all those items?  Why do they need the 90 day report?

    How else can they keep all those people working at Immigration busy??

  9. Everyone, to the best of my knowledge and I've been a teacher here for 11 years,  individuals do not apply for work permits themselves.  A work permit is linked to a specific employer and is only valid for that employer.  My employer does all the paperwork (a big stack) for my work permit, I just sign the docs as directed.

     

    You cannot do work for pay or even volunteer work without a work permit.  (Authorities may look the other way for volunteer work, or they may not. It depends on them and the situation.)  The two options for visas allowing work are: Nom-Immigrant B visa which the employ processes, or a supporting Thai wife visa which the individual processes.  I use the later because I can work or not work and don't have to leave the country to reapply if I wish to quit or change employers.  With a Non-Imm B, you must leave the country if your employment ends, and obtain a Non-Imm OA if you wish to return and apply for a retirement or supporting Thai wife visa.

     

    Good luck!

  10. I have a 2014 Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.2L and my wife drives a Ford Fiesta.  We have been getting excellent service at our Ford Dealer in Prathum Tani.  It's a new dealer with excellent equipment and a friendly staff.  We are happy with our dealer and with our vehicles.

    Note that Ford has been opening a lot of new dealerships and selling a lot of vehicles.

    The Everest recently got a good write up in the Bangkok Post auto section.

    Good luck

  11. I trust my wife completely because she has earned it. BUT I have registered both our cart in my name because:

    1. If stopped by police I don't have to explain it's my wifes' car and I have permission and...

    2. If anything happens to her, the cars are mine and nobody in her family can try to claim them.

    Register the car in your name and get first class insurance. CYA

  12. I have a 2014 Ford Wildtrak 3.2L 4x4. Both my Thai wife, who drives it a lot, and I love it. It handles much better than our prior Toyota Vigo, and the brakes are much, much better, too. You get a lot of neat stuff with the Wildtrak 3.2, including 6 airbags. Given that Thailand has one of the highest accident rates in the world, 'nuff said. Mazda doesn't offer that.

    The engine and automatic transmission are well matched and smooth with plenty of power. So I love the performance; it's much quicker than my Vigo. Fuel economy has been consistently a little better than my Vigo 3.0 around town, and 1 or 2 liters/100 km on trips. I record/check it at every fill up. That's OK by me, given the performance improvement.

    We drove it from BKK to Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and Mae Hong Son at New Year. It was amazing in the mountains. Mine has dual zone climate control WITH HEATER. So when it got cold in the mountains, the heater kicked in and warmed the cab. Nice. Not sure if the new models have a heater or not.

    Mazda is OK, but sort of a down market version for folks who can't afford the Wildtrak. As for getting a "deal", not likely. Why sell cheap to you when there is a guy behind you waiting to pay full price. Just negotiate for the most accessories that you can get: tinted windows, floor mats, etc.

    If you want to play, you have to pay! :-) Good luck with whichever model you buy!!

  13. My Thai wife works as a teacher, works 6 day a week, hugely educated, but earns a daft amount like £300 a month. Seems to me some of the blame lays with wages not covering the basics even for professionals.

    Good point. My Thai sister-in-law is a teacher, too. She's a Deputy Governor at a Thai government school. She works nights and weekends tutoring so she can pay her house payment, utilities and other expenses . Why? Partly because of criminally low wages, and also due to a lazy, drunken Thai husband who gives her absolutely no money, not even for food. He spends all his income on beer and cigarettes. Sadly typical.

  14. Good info above. But you can't get a marriage visa if your wife is not Thai. Good luck. Retirement visas are easy. My wife is Thai so I've never had to deal with farang dependent issues. But I think you will need 800K or 65K/month PER PERSON. Not sure, but you can check with immigration. Dress politely (business casual) - no short shorts, flip flops tank tops, etc. Same for photos. (If you dress like a bum, they will treat you like a bum.) Also, be patient and polite. Read the requirements carefully and have all documents ready. Sign each doc, You sign yours, wife hers, and I assume you both sign the child's, but check with the officer.

    If you are using funds in the bank, I think you and your wife will need separate accounts, not sure about the child. Before you go into immigration that morning, go to the bank, deposit 500 or 1,000 baht in each account and then update the bank book. Otherwise, they may send you back out to do it.

    • Like 1
  15. I bought a Ranger Wildtrak 3.2 liter, top model in July 2014. Previously drove a Vigo for 8 years, and it was a good truck.

    Currently have just under 29,000 km on the clock. My dealer is in Phatum Thani. I'm very satisfied with the reliability and service. I've had no reliability problems so far. (Fingers crossed!) About a year ago, the air conditioning wasn't working well. Took it in. Went for lunch. Came back and picked it up. Problem was low "Freon". No problems since.

    The 3.2L 4x4 ride was a little harsh for me. Had Old Man Emu gas shocks fitted and they solved 80% of the problem. But I'm an old guy, so you young dudes may find the ride acceptable.

    Performance, brakes and handling are outstanding. Fuel economy is about 10% better than my Vigo. I do have a heavy right foot, so I'm happy with the mileage.

    Equipment provided on the top model is great: 6 airbags, power driver's seat, auto windshield wipers, cruise control, etc.

    It had no GPS, but I use Garmin units mounted above the dashboard. (With power cord run behind the dash for better appearance.) I also mounted a Garmin video recorder at the same time to protect myself from false accusations in the event of an accident. Works for me.

    Bottom line. I love my Wildtrak. My wife loves it, too, and drives it frequently. I think Ford service has improved and is OK now. Seems to be getting better. But agree that Ford can be a little slow for spare parts. (My wife had to wait awhile for parts when her Fiesta was rear-ended. But partly an insurance company fault.) As for Toyota, they make a great truck, too, and their service is the best in Thailand. I just like my Wildtrak better.

    Good luck!

  16. Since you are American, you can go to the US Consulate in Bangkok, and for about 1,200 or 1,500 baht, you can fill out a form they will give you which indicates your income form the USA (Social Security, retirement, etc.) They have never asked me for proof and I've been here for over 12 years, but you do have to swear to the vice consul that it is correct. Thai immigration accepts that assuming it meets or exceeds their income requirements.

    We shipped a 20 foot container from the USA in my wife's name and paid no duty because my wife was a returning Thai citizen. No hassles, no tea money.

    Agree with the person who suggested that you rent for 6 month or a year. Once you are satisfied with the area, you'll be able to find something to buy (new or existing) and your wife will have a good understanding of market values by then. I got my wife to give me a 30 year prepaid lease on the house that we bought. Fully trust my wife, but if anything happens to her, it would be a big temptation for her family. Can give you a draft copy if you need it.

    Have never had a hassle from Bangkok Immigration. I dress professionally, fill out docs correctly and bring all supporting docs. Remain polite and let my wife handle everything. Would rather deal with Thai immigration than U.S. Immigration. Note that the morning you apply for your visa, deposit 1,000 baht into your bank account and then update the bank book. You'll also need a letter from the bank which you should get a few days in advance. Should state your name, passport number, bank account number and the amount on deposit. Regarding the 2 month rule, ensure that you never drop below the 400K (or 800K) limit during that time, but show some deposits and withdrawals so they can see it's an active account, not just borrowed money. Best of luck.

    • Like 1
  17. Go with the Toyota - they have 10 times the engineering budget as Isuzu and more service centers. On a global basis. Toyota is huge compared to Isuzu.

    Had a Toyota Vigo pick-up for 8 years. It was great and very reliable. Bought a top-of-the-line Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.2, 4x4. It goes, handles and stops much better than the Vigo did, but of course it's 8 years younger. Admit that there aren't as many Ford dealers as Toyota, but Ford are adding new dealers at a good rate. My wife drives a Ford Fiesta. Neither of us have had a problems with service. Don't care much about resale value as my in-laws stand in line to buy our used trucks. So I love our Fords, but would recommend Toyota in your case,.

  18. Regarding: "The education systems in the U.S. and the U.K. are also designed to produce the same happy little mindless followers of the Capitalist status quo..... and for the same reason."

    Can't speak for the UK, but there is no single US education system. The US "system" is really 10s of thousands of "systems" controlled by local and state governments. And, of course, private universities have their own boards of directors. The US federal government doesn't control education like the Thai Ministry of Education. It's an apples and oranges comparison. In Thailand, the central government controls most things. But in the US, many things are controlled by the state governments. Obviously, whoever posted the above statement doesn't understand the USA (even if he/she is American!)

  19. Jacky 54,

    Just want to say that I am ignoring SammyGood, who apparently runs on fear and superstition rather than skill and knowledge.

    I'm 78 and still working as Head Teacher at a language school. Just passed the test to renew my driver's license with flying colors, and I drive to work everyday.

    From childhood, I've always had my shots regularly. Spent 23 years in the US Navy where shots are mandatory, not optional. I've continue to get inoculations here in Thailand for the past 13 years. So I don't believe in all the "Chicken Little" inoculation speculation. I seem to have done OK by getting my shots.

    At your age (60), I would recommend both flu shots and the pneumonia shot which is still fairly new so not everyone knows about it. I have already had it because older people die from flu and especially from pneumonia. As we age, our immune systems weaken and eventually can't fight off those two illnesses. I had no adverse effects from either shot other than a very slight soreness in the arm which got the flu shot.

    Obviously, be sure to consult with your primary care (family) doctor prior to getting any inoculations.

    Best of luck

  20. I had a Toyota Vigo for 8 years and it was a great truck. The Fortuner had and still has the same engine and transmission. Front suspension was similar but softer, while the rear was changed from leaf springs to semi-independent. The Fortuner had more bells and whistles, of course.

    Reliability was similar and my Vigo was very reliable for the time that I owned it. Only a couple of minor problems. Sold it to a family member a year ago, and like the Engergizer Bunny, it just keeps ticking.

    You can't criticize Toyota for service and support in Thailand. They do a great job.

    The new Fortuner is really a new model not merely a slight make-over. The engines and trannies are different. Lots of new bells and whistles. One of my students was a Toyota test engineer, so I know that the truck and SUV are new models.

    As the saying goes, "Size matters!" So if you want an SUV to drive upcountry or in the suburbs, I'd go with the Fortuner. Avoid the gasoline engine - it is slow and inefficient. But if you need a smaller SUV to drive in congested areas, then I'd look at the MU-X. No doubt the Mazda SUV is very good, but how many dealer and how many spares can they afford to stock?

    It's just hard to beat Toyota in Thailand! Good luck. Bring money - the top model is US $44,000 or about $10,000 more than the top model pick-up.

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