donmuang37

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

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

The answer is obvious. The question is ridiculous. Is it safe to drive a motorcycle in Bangkok? Do you still believe in Santa?

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!!

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.

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.

Rats? A huge problem?

I've been here 13 years and haven't encountered problems with rats. None of my wife's large family have ever had such problems either.

Is this some new troll idea? Alarmist?

If you aren't living in a slum, I wouldn't worry about that.

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!

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.

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,.

Developed countries seem to find no need for "media regulation", so why does Thailand need it?

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!)

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

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.

OK, so "...the US often offers self-serving comments on issues in its own interest." True enough.

But of course, Thailand, China and Russia never offer self serving comments!! Right.

What injured US-Thai relations was actually coup that overthrew a government elected democratically and by a huge majority. The main opposition party of the ammart has been unable to win an election for about 20 years. And so the Army established what appears to be a total dictatorship, and which appears to be determined to create a government designed to ensure that the ammart will be able to retain power indefinitely. Unfortunate for Thailand from most Western viewpoints.

What Thais generally fail to grasp is that Thailand is a small country, with little economic or strategic interest to most Western countries. New flash: the world does not revolve around Thailand.

Theoretically, most species of mosquitos and other flying insect can't fly above the 7th floor. However, most buildings that tall have elevators (lifts). These flying insects can make their way into the lift and fly out when the door opens on the 10th floor, etc.

"He suggested all the pollsters to ask the opinions of the farmers about how they think about legalizing casinos if some of the revenues earned would be used to help them."

Does anyone in their right mind believe the farmers will benefit from even 1 satang?? Let's get real here. Perhaps some ulterior motive? Oh, not possible in Thailand.

Some of you guys are missing the point: A vote will only be taken if the outcome is certain to those arranging the vote.

Does anyone seriously expect a "free and fair election"? From people who are writing a constitution to ensure only the current elite of a certain color can be in power? Appointed senate, who then appoints the members of the "independent" agencies and bodies? Ad nausem...

Right!

It is sad, but there are refugees everywhere, and they keep coming. We understand what they want, but the world should also consider the sovereignty of the nations that they are trying to invade? Just because you don't like you country does not mean you should be able to move to my country by circumventing immigration laws.

Take Thailand as an example. The country is 95% Buddhist, in 3 Southern Provinces there are many Muslims. Most are good people, but some are terrorists who randomly kill Buddhists. They shoot them, kill them with bombs, and even cut their heads off with machetes.

Guess what? Thailand doesn't want Muslim refugees with no skills or education who are susceptible radical recruiters. Who can blame Thailand?

Replying to a couple of posts.

1. Chevy and Izusu are no longer the same mechanically.

2. Electronics are very, very reliable these days so I wouldn't worry about that very much.

3. I believe all vehicles built in Thailand meet international standards for build quality - which are quite good.

4. The Ford F-150 pick-up truck is the best selling vehicle of any type in America. The reason is good reliability, performance and resale value. Here in Thailand, I think the reliability and performance are fine. Resale value is improving but won't match Toyota and Izusu. (I don't care about resale value as I keep the truck for quite a while, and have Thai family members standing in line to buy it when I'm ready for a new truck.)

5. Love my Ranger, but would concede that you can't go wrong with a Toyota!

6. Since OP drives 150 km/day, I recommend a Toyota, 2 wheel drive, manual shift, small diesel engine. At 150 km/day, reliability should be the major concern. Good luck.

I had a Toyota Vigo 4x4, 4 door, top model for 8 years & about 170,000 km. It was very reliable and only had a few minor issues. Looked new when I sold it to family. With 4x4, automatic, 3.0 liter engine and 4 door, fuel economy was just average. Resale value was very good. I think Toyota has the most service centers of any brand, and we found the service to be good, although it will vary with dealer.

I replaced it last summer with a new Ford Wildtrak 3.2 liter/5 cylinder/6 speed auto/4x4/4 door top model. Not as many dealers, but our new dealer is good. More power than the Vigo,AND fuel mileage is about 10% better! (But not the economy you need driving 150 km/day.) Ride is a little rougher than the Vigo, but handling is much better. Roomier inside. Great front seats.

Why did I buy it? Great performance, 6 airbags and a 5 star crash test rating! Oh, and 80 cm fording depth for you 2011 flood veterans.

Keep in mind that if you buy a Mazda BT-50, you are getting a Mazda body on a Ford chassis with Ford running gear. Also note that other than the very top models, Mazda and Ford come with a 2.2 liter diesel that has a surprising amount of power, and should yield superior fuel economy due to small displacement, especially if you go with 2 wheel drive and manual shift 6 speed.

Good luck!

These problems, along with the alleged slavery on fishing boats, have been known for years. Boats are owned by untouchable rich folks. New plan and new laws? Right! Thailand's problem is not an inability to write laws, it's an inability and lack of political will to enforce them. Until that changes... samo, samo! Oh, they'll straighten up for a few months until the EU investigators go home.

Oh, come on, guys! You should know that "clamp down on drunk driving" really just means "double the tea money."

Hmm... I wonder why he won't be asking the United States what they do after a coup d'état? Oh, that's right, the USA has not had any coups since it was established in 1776! Ooops!! Well let's see, how many constitutions has the U.S. had? Only one with a few amendments! Huh, no help there either.

Thailand is and will remain the military coup d'etat hub of the universe because polls of Thai people have revealed that about 63% of Thais say that corruption is OK if it benefits them. Looks like corruption is here to stay folks.

I use mine when renewing/extending my Supporting Thai Wife visa.