Tuvoc

Yes, still no direct flights from Auckland to Bangkok. Thai airways stopped and has not re-started.

I'm planning on flying again in January, so I'd better start thinking about firming up some dates and making a booking. I think high fares are here to stay, at least for a few years anyway.

More observations about sky high airfare prices around the world: Air fares: Travellers unhappy at skyrocketing prices (msn.com)

In the real world, does it actually make much difference ? Driven normally and safely within speed limits, I'd suggest it probably doesn't. In my experience the Fortuner ride quality improves as you add more passengers, but a bad road = a bad ride in every car I've been in, whether it be a Fortuner or anything else.

Nothing wrong with old technology a lot of the time - less complex, less to go wrong and longer lasting. I'd have no problem whatsoever with one of those "old technology" Honda petrol engines. As for the much-criticised Fortuner with its outdated pick-up chassis - our 2.8 TRD Sport has done over 160,000km in the three and a half years we've had it so far. I'm surprised how well it handles, no issues with grip, and it is as tough as nails, feels indestructible. Perfect for Thai roads. Ride quality isn't great over rough surfaces, but neither was it on my BMW 5 series on UK roads. The Legender has a lot of newer tech on it than the 3 year old Fortuner, not a bad idea at all to buy the current Legender ahead of the launch of the new model next year.

My thoughts as well. 7-10k isn't enough.

I think the days of low air fares are gone. With the cost of fuel, worldwide inflation etc, I think we just have to get used to it. And airlines need to make a decent profit to remain viable.

I think BYD were near bankruptcy at one point, but then again Aston Martin have been several times. At this stage I'd be inclined to buy the brands I know, probably Japanese I guess in the Thai market because you need a comfort level that the brand will still exist during your ownership. MG also appeals to me. EVs make so much sense in Bangkok in particular, imagine the reduction in pollution and improvement in air quality that mass adoption will bring. there. It has to happen, must happen. However crop burning... they really need to enforce the existing laws on that.

Yes, and that is fantastic as long as you are guaranteed to be able to rock up and charge straight away and not have to wait in a queue of cars. No problem you say, there will be another one close by - but what if that is the same ? Someone even said you can book them in advance, but what happens of you strike a traffic delay and miss your spot? I'm not anti EV, I see myself having one and charging it pretty much solely at home, and having in addition to that the old faithful diesel SUV for long journeys which I'll keep and not sell. It is just that on this thread people paint a rosy picture of EV ownership with no problems at all, and that just isn't the case at the moment.

Yes, for a long journey it is good to take an enforced rest-break while you charge the EV, I have no issue with that, it is actually quite good. But what if there had been a queue 10 cars long for that charging point? And equally, what if it had been out of order rather than just disconnected with staff on hand to fire it up? They would both be big concerns of mine in the medium term until charging points are numerous and everywhere,

COD certainly would have saved the day here instead of bank transfer to Shopee. People may be quite happy to take someone else's delivery and keep quiet about it, but if asked to pay on the spot, then no they won't be !

That happens to me countless times. Sellers advertise stock that they don't have. Always refunded though. Only real issue I had was when a product was shipped, there was delivery confirmation and signature, but we did not receive it. Delivered to the wrong address obviously. We contacted Shopee who said it was up to us to contact Thailand Post and find the parcel. Thailand Post were no help, so we were left out of pocket. Fortunately it was not a big amount.

Yes indeed, just checked the New Zealand Thai embassy site - they don't ask for it. But they do ask for your wife's signature on certain documents. No consistency!

When I applied in late 2020 from the UK for a 90 day Non-O based on marriage, I did not supply any letter at all. The marriage certificate, ID card copy and Tabien Baan was all that I supplied, and the visa was granted without any issue. I guess that they considered that you did not need an invitation to visit your spouse. We had been married for well over a decade, so maybe that helped.

There will come a point when they will only extend up to the end of your passport ? Depending on when that will happen, and how many months you'd lose, that could be an option?

I don't find the Fortuner steering heavy at all, but it is a matter of personal opinion.

Given all the publicity I'd hope that the money is well spent on her future, and I'm confident it will be. You can't help everyone in the world, but I feel really good having made a small contribution to help this young lady.

I got a quote from them, and in my particular case (but not necessarily for anyone else as it always depends on the circumstances) it was over double the price of some other quotes from reputable lawyers. Certainly take advantage of free phone consultations. I got a will drawn up in Thai and English covering worldwide assets. That is one option and seemed the cleanest to me.

Yeah, my wife won't make one either for that reason ! Whilst in the normal course of events I would die well before her, you never know what is going to happen in life. If she was to die before me I imagine the financial stuff would be a nightmare. As was mentioned, above the spouse does not get everything here - it is shared between parents, siblings and the spouse, roughly speaking.