ATF

So how does one get 12 hours of training for a bikers licence I wonder?

Honda,and probably all the other well known bike brands have rider training courses.

Sent from my V370 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I had asked Honda and they said they did not know of any. Do you have any contacts? I am truly interested in some proper training especially if there is any form of Advanced Rider Training as we have in Europe.

Graham Knight http://www.highsidetours.com/

Ok so I see Bira has open motorcycle track days 8AM-12PM for 1200 baht. Anyone have any experience on the track? How is the track condition for riding? Any groups head over on certain days to have a runaround?

The track condition is excellent but it will shred your tires. If you want to organize a day next week count me in. I am not a qualified instructor though so I would prefer not to teach you my bad habits.

There used to be a running thread, like a sticky, with track days listed, similar to bike weeks? I thought I remember that, but then I am getting old.....

I just want to take my bike and slowly and fearfully make my way around a track lined with danger. Seriously, just want to improve my cornering skills.

Contact Graham Knight http://www.highsidetours.com/ he's a great instructor and a really friendly guy. Otherwise check the Bira Pattaya website. Most mornings are available for bikes or ask II2 for other tracks he's been to most of them.

Just renewed my 5 year. Took 4 hours for car and bike.

Looks like several days to obtain a license will be the norm from now on.

It still won't be enough to make these roads safer.

This does not affect renewals or changing from the one year temporary license to the 5 year. Only new licenses. Presently it takes two days to get your first license, that is going to get a lot longer.

Posted on TV http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/726788-thailand-driving-license-tough-new-tests-from-1st-june-2014/

Suggestion. If you've been putting off getting your bike license do it now. An already mind numbing process is going to get a lot worse.

It is possible to reply to your post without any real concern of your feelings on this. As I said I will do what I want whatever you say. Luckily you do not run the world. Just for you I will run around with no shirt tomorrow. Different cultures respect or view things differently. If I go to the mid east and it isn't against the law to do so, I will drink alcohol, have sex with women or men, treat women as equals and a whole variety of things that the locals don't do (at least openly) Just because Thailand has some hang ups about nudity and sex in general does not compel me to share them. Some cultural taboos are nothing more then just silly nonsense and can be treated as such.

FWIW it is worth I live in rural Laos and go shirtless all the time. The locals seem to understand it is hot out and believe it or not many of them go shirtless too, and maybe wrapped in only a sarong. So do not lecture me about what goes on out in the sticks.

Keep your shirt on!!!! Time to see a psychologist buddy or try Papua New Guinea. Have you stopped taking your meds?

Thanks for replying to the comments I made on your blog. I think I know more about Thai culture than you ever will living as a white trash in this country. My wife and child are both Thai nationals and we live in an upper class housing estate here in Chiangmai. I guess those shirtless boys were probably laughing at your table because you actually were looking like a loser and white trash who depends on your two cent pension handouts to feed yourself and the bloody slut (let's hope s/he's not actually male too) you keep that's half your age. Typical! And I have not even started to stereotype your breed. Back in Oz we termed you a <deleted> monkey and that's what you are. Colonization days are over so crawl back to where you came from and start teaching your fellow monkeys culture and manners in your own hole and not here in Asia.

Ahh, finally. A Western Hi-So chimes in. 'We're collectively graced Your Grace.'

Looking down his nose, past the silver spoon to let the common farang <monkeys> know that they are 'trash' bereft of proper breeding and economic resources. My, my...some folk are so 'special'. "Suthep! Bring around the Bentley. The Mrs' and I are off to the Gymkhana Club for champagne, caviar, and cricket. Now get a move on you lazy monkey!"

Dude, take your shirt off -- loosen up. You eat, you suck air, you burp, you fart, you poop, it smells. That's not so special.

Connda I think you are giving him too much credit. He says Upper Class. Upper Class what? If he was a real Hi-So he would have said High Class. Definitely from the worst class of all, the Middle Class, and an Aussie from the Colonies to boot!

On my travels around Thailand, it's not been uncommon to see Thai men wandering around shirtless. I'm not sure it's as taboo as some are trying to make out.

Dear Colonel, They are called peasants and most of them are landless peasants or serfs if you would prefer the correct term.

They are indeed and they make up the majority of the population (Thai and Western). So again, it's not as taboo as some would make out (though obviously inappropriate in certain places).

It is not taboo, just the badge of a peasant. Nice pic in your other post BTW.

On my travels around Thailand, it's not been uncommon to see Thai men wandering around shirtless. I'm not sure it's as taboo as some are trying to make out.

Dear Colonel, They are called peasants and most of them are landless peasants or serfs if you would prefer the correct term.

You must be the moron that wai's all the spirit houses and wears 10 tons of amulets around his neck.

You are so smart you brought your wife to Thailand. The OP didn't ask a moronic question. If the OP had mentioned Pattaya or Phuket I would laugh, but this behavior is not acceptable outside those areas. As other posters have said Thai's just think you are trailer trash walking around without a shirt on or even a sleeveless vest. Craig??? You must be an Aussie so I understand.

Agree 100% atf,by the way ,good to see you back,i was thinking you got a slap on the wrist as i did after are last 3 way with hardended soul,but lets not drift off topic,the op is correct in his post,ye gods,only trailer trash would walk in to a resturant shirtless.or Russians,but i guess that's the same thing.

Just put HS on your ignore list. Ex-Pats that have been here sometime are acclimatized to the heat. I don't have a problem with shorts if they are nice, not the 90 baht jobs at Tesco. Most of these clowns don't even use deodorant and aftershave let alone shirts. They stink! And they wonder why the Police and Immigration treat them like dog doo. The only class they have is low class. Mr. Owl I am not a moralist or have any intentions of inspecting the length of your grass, but what possible reason could I have for enjoying the company of semi-dressed males in a nice restaurant unless it was a beach bar? This freedom you are talking about is a two way street.

You must be the moron that wai's all the spirit houses and wears 10 tons of amulets around his neck.

You are so smart you brought your wife to Thailand. The OP didn't ask a moronic question. If the OP had mentioned Pattaya or Phuket I would laugh, but this behavior is not acceptable outside those areas. As other posters have said Thai's just think you are trailer trash walking around without a shirt on or even a sleeveless vest. Craig??? You must be an Aussie so I understand.

I don't understand this drivel.

Is this contributor saying that there is issues with people who bring their wife's to Thailand?

If so, why?

My wife and i have lived here for five years now. We came for the culture and climate, not to mention escaping the rat race of modern western life, and are immensely happy with the decision to move to Thailand, and believe it was a smart move.

I am not here to chase bar girls and cheap booze.... And nor do i look down on those that have come here for that.... To each his own

Per my earlier post, i agree that public nakedness, or part nakedness, is inappropriate in this country, away from a beach, and especially in a restaurant, so I agree with the OPs opinion.

And neither do i understand your attack on Australians.... Whats the story there? Beaten by one at the bar or gambling houses or muay thai or something, were you?

And yes.... My wife and i are Australian.

G'day, bringing a Sheila here mate is like taking sand to Saudi. You're not telling me you haven't sampled the local Sheilas in five years? Your Aussie mate was calling the OP a moron, that's probably a term of endearment down-under but not here. Refer to post #110 a Volunteer Policeman says you cobbers are the main shirtless offenders. Sorry you can't understand English.

Cheap liquor and cheap women are much more likely to attract male, Thai customers who make up the vast majority of the P2P action in Thailand. The monikers "whore", "trash", and "sex-pat" are more likely to be tossed around by self-righteous, farang moralists who are more likely to be found self-flagellating themselves in the dark closet of their own lustful desires. Later wracked by the guilt of their 'sins', they start labeling everyone around them in order to assuage the shame instilled during their own virtuous upbringing. Some of the most f*cked up Westerners I've met are some of the most overtly moralistic.

Fortunately Thailand does provide the option of quality liquor and quality women, for people who dress politely, and have the money and taste to enjoy such pleasures.

You must be the moron that wai's all the spirit houses and wears 10 tons of amulets around his neck.

You are so smart you brought your wife to Thailand. The OP didn't ask a moronic question. If the OP had mentioned Pattaya or Phuket I would laugh, but this behavior is not acceptable outside those areas. As other posters have said Thai's just think you are trailer trash walking around without a shirt on or even a sleeveless vest. Craig??? You must be an Aussie so I understand.

OP didn't say whether any Thais were actually offended or complained.

If the restaurant owner wishes to apply a dress code in her establishment the OP could help her write an appropriate sign to that effect.

Yeah must have been a shitty restaurant if they let people in with no shirts on. Sure it wasn't some noodle emporium full of Thai laborers knockin' back whisky?

Actually it was a really nice restaurant. I go there all the time and the ambiance is wonderful. I'm anything but a prude, and I only mentioned this because I felt it was inappropriate, and the sweet owner was put in an obvious uncomfortable position. I didn't say anything because I felt it wasn't my place to. I posed the question to see whether or not I am alone in my "mind your own business" stance. To tell the truth, and I'm not the tourist cop and never will be, but I thought they both needed a "wake up! you're in a nice Thailand restaurant and you're obviously offending the owner and staff" ZEN slap.

Well I am surprised if it was a nice restaurant. I totally disagree with the abusive responses you have received from some members. I didn't realize the "topless" crowd had migrated from Pattaya and Phuket to Chiang Mai. Unfortunately there is very little you can do in such a situation. You'll get the classic response if you try and educate them or even worse. Hope the owner spat on their food and kept them waiting for their change.

OP didn't say whether any Thais were actually offended or complained.

If the restaurant owner wishes to apply a dress code in her establishment the OP could help her write an appropriate sign to that effect.

Yeah must have been a shitty restaurant if they let people in with no shirts on. Sure it wasn't some noodle emporium full of Thai laborers knockin' back whisky?

Actually it was a really nice restaurant. I go there all the time and the ambiance is wonderful. I'm anything but a prude, and I only mentioned this because I felt it was inappropriate, and the sweet owner was put in an obvious uncomfortable position. I didn't say anything because I felt it wasn't my place to. I posed the question to see whether or not I am alone in my "mind your own business" stance. To tell the truth, and I'm not the tourist cop and never will be, but I thought they both needed a "wake up! you're in a nice Thailand restaurant and you're obviously offending the owner and staff" ZEN slap.

Well I am surprised if it was a nice restaurant. I totally disagree with the abusive responses you have received from some members. I didn't realize the "topless" crowd had migrated from Pattaya and Phuket to Chiang Mai. Unfortunately there is very little you can do in such a situation. You'll get the classic response if you try and educate them or even worse. Hope the owner spat on their food and kept them waiting for their change.

OP didn't say whether any Thais were actually offended or complained.

If the restaurant owner wishes to apply a dress code in her establishment the OP could help her write an appropriate sign to that effect.

Yeah must have been a shitty restaurant if they let people in with no shirts on. Sure it wasn't some noodle emporium full of Thai laborers knockin' back whisky?

I suspect a lot of Phuket business people have been complaining about the Russians who now appear to have a major presence in places like Karon.

It was not so long ago there was a major flare up over the Russian tour operators.

They are mentioned as one of the "target" groups. But why are Koreans mentioned too ?

Lots of Koreans working illegally, and they get 90 days visa exempt. So if they are extending by a border run, so getting another visa exempt entry, they are staying as a tourist 90+ consecutive days.

And they are always causing trouble on the golf course and corrupting Thai teenagers with their KPOP.

 

I was just through the immigration Fast Track lane for business class at Suvarnabhumi. The officer was taking a long time with a middle-aged Japanese gentleman in front of me, discussions were going on, he began to get visibly upset, and then the immigration officer called a supervisor. More words were exchanged, and then all I heard from the immigration officer as he was led away by the supervisor was "but you don't have work permit or business visa!".

First time I have ever seen something like that in the Fast Track lane. Seemed to take a bit longer processing my entry, but I do have a work permit and business visa. Makes me wonder whether they are already doing added vigilance with air arrivals.

Last time I checked there were absolutely no Yakuza in Thailand.

 

How can you tell? All the youngsters have tattoos now.

David

The genuine article doesn't advertise.

Thanks for reply.

Did I understand it correct that I will not have to go to immigration in BKK since the airport also counts as a "90 day" checkup on adress etc?

Please Google " visa consultant thailand " and " education visa thailand " all will be revealed!

I was just through the immigration Fast Track lane for business class at Suvarnabhumi. The officer was taking a long time with a middle-aged Japanese gentleman in front of me, discussions were going on, he began to get visibly upset, and then the immigration officer called a supervisor. More words were exchanged, and then all I heard from the immigration officer as he was led away by the supervisor was "but you don't have work permit or business visa!".

First time I have ever seen something like that in the Fast Track lane. Seemed to take a bit longer processing my entry, but I do have a work permit and business visa. Makes me wonder whether they are already doing added vigilance with air arrivals.

Last time I checked there were absolutely no Yakuza in Thailand.

I suspect a lot of Phuket business people have been complaining about the Russians who now appear to have a major presence in places like Karon.

It was not so long ago there was a major flare up over the Russian tour operators.

They are mentioned as one of the "target" groups. But why are Koreans mentioned too ?

Have you ever seen one eat?

I thought, I also remembered hearing Thai authorities taking the position that land holdings by companies that simply exist to own land (not as part of some ongoing actual business operation) were considered illegal. And if push came to shove, that kind of land ownership could be invalidated.

I gather there's a lot of folks who have acquired land/homes that way, but it's always seemed a rather iffy proposition, especially with the periodic political waves of "foreigners own too much land in Thailand." But I'm less clear on how many of those folks are relying on related B visas for their immigration status vs. marriage visas and such.

What they are talking about is ghost directors/shareholders. So if your partner and children are shareholders. No problem

Yes, there is the issue about ghost directors...

But that's not what I was referring to above. I was referring specifically to the issue of landholding by companies that exist only for the purpose of holding land, and how Thai authorities view that.

I am not talking about setting a company up for the acquisition of land. If you and your immediate Thai family hold property and land through a biz that is completely legitimate. If you want to prove an income, rent something out.

I thought, I also remembered hearing Thai authorities taking the position that land holdings by companies that simply exist to own land (not as part of some ongoing actual business operation) were considered illegal. And if push came to shove, that kind of land ownership could be invalidated.

I gather there's a lot of folks who have acquired land/homes that way, but it's always seemed a rather iffy proposition, especially with the periodic political waves of "foreigners own too much land in Thailand." But I'm less clear on how many of those folks are relying on related B visas for their immigration status vs. marriage visas and such.

What they are talking about is ghost directors/shareholders. So if your partner and children are shareholders. No problem

Buying the right to a B visa is one way thats semi legal. Pay some taxes, etc.

Taxes are not payable unless a profit is realized.

Well I have been here long enough to see a lot of sad retiree's, drinking beers outside the 7/11 to save money.. While I also know oil workers with new 5 series M sports and a garage full of million baht motorbikes.

Which one do you think benefits Thailand the most financially ??

Doesn't really matter, they can all stay legally here without too much hassle.

I have yet to hear how an oil worker, with limited time on his in and outs, flown directly from work to BKK, can do for a visa ??

Saying go and get tourist visas from a 3rd party country is simply not workable for the travel.

I have a cunning plan, which I am sure my fellow O&G guys may not be so enthusiastic about, but it might work...

per the Ed Visa, they say to qualify and have to do 4 hours a week....yes ?..how strictly does it have to be 4 hours a week, or is it a some total of 16 hours a month, I don't know enough of how this visa works but, if they look at accumulated hours in a month instead of the weekly hours

Apply for an Ed visa, get granted it

Month off do the 4 hours a week learning Thai

Month on, obviously cant do 4 hours a week, but when getting back on leave catch up on the 16 hours you have missed ?

PIA I know, but it might be an option who knows..

just a thought and now I will stand by for the barrage of abuse I am expecting

Just buy a house or condo or land in a company name. You are then a director of a company you are entitled to a biz visa. No work permit required for directors/shareholders. Or start any other sort of biz. If you're just a shareholder/investor you don't need a work permit or Thai staff. Just please will everyone go to a visa consultant. When you get sick you don't have a problem seeing a doctor.