ATF

I have to put my two cents in here. I am a forever tourist. I am not 50 and not married, but have Thai children and live happily with their mother. With my work, I am outside thailand for at least 4 month per year, earning money....

I typically come and go at least 6 times a year. This year I entered already 3 times, by the end of May 4 times. All through the airport.

A simple 30 day stamp suits me fine. I tried visas in the past and just can' t utilize them.

I am trying to say that there are people with good reasons not to pursue the visa road.

Sent from my GT-I9500 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Whether you are married or not if they are your children you are entitled to a Family Support Visa. If they are not your children by birth you can register as a legal guardian. It's very a very simple and painless process. Family Support Visa is the best for under 50s because you don't need to leave every 90 days.

I would have no problem paying a tax to live here, if that were an option available to me. I have no reason to register a business here nor hire Thai people, and I'm certainly not going to do that just for visa purposes.

I would love to be able to obtain a legitimate visa for what I do here instead of having to go about it the way I do now, if the government made that an option.

They have made it an option to get a legitimate visa for what you do. You just refuse to do it their way.

Registering a business so I can employ Thai staff I have no use for is not a legitimate option.

If you register a business in Thailand you are entitled to a business visa. You don't need to employ staff or get a work permit. Haven't you heard of a holding company or representative office or just buy a house and put it in a company name. This is not legal advice.

There's always some "crackdown" or another. Just get a one year visa, there's plenty of different types and many companies that will do it for you. Usually costs 25k per year. Family Support Visa, Education Visa, Medical Visa, Retirement Visa, Business Visa etc. You can work without a work permit as long as you are not physically working like teaching or working for a company. If you are a Director of a company you don't need a work permit. Working on the internet or trading shares or buying and selling land or other financial transactions aren't classed as working provided your business is informal and everything is best done through your wife, lawyer or accountant.

This is not legal advice and if you are concerned about tax consult an accountant.

RSD that's cool I'll certainly look further into what they are doing and probably get a system. Big problem with the PCV is it's old tech and not fully adapted to CANBUS systems so you have to find work arounds. The Bazzaz is superior and the customer service is excellent PC customer service is useless. Thanks again.

I'm using Brock's map for my PC, and my ECU was set up by a Canadian tuner who works only with the 14R- my values are based on a couple dozen other 14Rs, with some slight changes for humidity and elevation- no doubt it would be better if he could work on it personally, but probably not by much- the fueling is perfect (maybe a tad rich, which is fine). I don't have an O2 sensor, though I might be installing one as I'm thinking about adding the new (for my bike) Woolich Log Box Pro, which of course requires an O2 sensor.

I'm going for dyno runs over the summer, where I'll run both the stock and modded maps- I'm hoping for ~205rwhp (another 14R owner I know just pulled 208rwhp, but I think the dyno was on the happy side;)).

You should email Justin at Woolich Racing- he'll let you know when the new set-up is available for the 2014.

I read up on the Log Box. Sounds like an Autotune. I would suggest you make a map on a loaded dyno then you can see in real time what is happening and it's much easier to smooth out curves and get your AFR spot on. Problem I find with Autotune is it keeps changing all the time and never comes to rest at the perfect AFR. I just leave mine running at +/- 5% and it adjusts on the fly. I don't save the trims anymore, but I think I'll take it down to 3%. Thanks for the info.

^

No- removing them can cause issues, especially with low-end surging (and mileage goes down). For my bike at least, Brock Davidson did tests with the flies in and out, and got better results with them in. Also, if you're concerned with a warranty, removing the flies voids it for your engine. These are throttle plates, and have nothing to do with the exhaust- they control fueling.

These are the STPs on a Z1000:

The reason I haven't ditched my PC is because I had it installed before the ECU tuning software was available for my bike, and (as mentioned) there's not a tuner I trust enough to do set it up in LOS. If I were in the States, it would have been gone last year- I make concessions for LOS.

As far as the PAIR valve goes, it's blocked.

What can be done with the PC/Bazazz that can't be done with ECU tuning?

So which ECU tuner are you using Woolrich Racing? Do you tune using wideband O2 sensors on a dyno or just download maps. No tune yet for the Z1000 2014 from Woolrich, PC or Bazzaz.

I can map each gear separately, and I like the idea of not having to use yet another piggy-back module. The PC/Bazazz does nothing to STP settings, which can transform your midrange.

These are my actual first-gear stock high-power settings (before modification)- no PC or Bazazz unit will give this information or let you alter it, and and recalibration has been shown to add close to 20hp in the midrange without any other mods (power can also be added to the Z1000 in the same way, though probably not 20hp). I now have them mapped to open fully at WOT from 3200rpm, and the difference from stock is immediately apparent, but mileage drops dramatically.

image.jpg

No matter how good your tuner may be, if he doesn't have the tools, he can't make the changes.

It's a huge advantage, IMHO, to be able to see the settings you're making changes to, rather than working on fueling or ignition changes blindly.

Sorry but for some reason I can't see your map. I am totally with you on the ECU route. Having everything programmed into the ECU is the best way to go but it is very difficult to get all the advantages of a piggy back unit and ECU in one package, otherwise you would have already ditched your PCV. Regarding the STP's aren't you supposed to remove them? I believe they are the same as the butterfly valves Ducati puts in it's exhausts. Also the fuel breather into the airbox did you remove that too?

As far as the rider modes go, it looks like a third one has been found for my bike (basically a redundant setting that Kawasaki put in in case they need it later) which means I may be able to load a third map, which I'm pretty happy about as there are other experimental maps I'd like to try without dumping the two maps that I already know work well- if I had a Z1000 (or any other sportbike) I'd want to be able to switch maps on-the-fly without having to pull my seat and remove my toolbox to hook my laptop to the ECU.

Woolich Racing has ECU tuning software for the Z1000 (as well as several other bikes), and tuners are moving way beyond the PC.

Normally there are three rider modes, urban or wet, highway and sport. The only reason I would have to switch maps would be on a vehicle inspection which can be done on a piggy back unit by returning all values to zero. Otherwise I want max performance all the time. The piggy back units can switch on the fly between two maps if the Autotune is not installed.

I'll check out Woolich Racing.

I do have a PC, but it doesn't do anything to the ignition settings or STP (secondary throttle plate) opening sequence, which can only be accessed through the ECU (as well as several other features which I've gone through in other threads).

If you think you're going to increase rwhp by 20%, you're sure not going to do it with a stock ECU.

There is a lot of power available via the ECU if it's tuned correctly, and it can actually eliminate the need for a PC entirely- if I were in the US, I'd have a tuner set my ECU up properly so I could dump the PC, but I haven't found any in LOS I have enough faith in to do that.

The PCV for your bike has an additional ignition control module you can change the ignition timing through this. Another alternative to Bazzaz or PC is Rexxer which will flash your ECU but save the original map in it's off board unit. It will allow you to change almost everything. Of course max BHP will come from a racing exhaust and air filter but a new map will need to be created. The Rexxer isn't listed for Kawa but it is compatible with a Keihin ECU. There are other similar products available though. Main advantage of using a piggy back unit is you can map each gear and cylinder separately so for a 4cyl bike you would have 24 individual fuel maps plus another 24 Autotune trim maps. Should stop you getting bored. I have a great tuner who lived in the US most of his life but is Thai I'm sure he could do a good job for you. He has for me but he's not cheap.

Different Strokes I guess but seeing a Non-ABS is a plus for me.

Not interested in the 800 but wish all bikes were offered with OR without ABS

ABS can usually be switched off. Having ABS will always get you a better resale value. Some great things about the Z1000 are it doesn't have all those stupid rider modes but has individually damped front shocks which are amazing at this price. They are Showa too which are great shocks. Only gripes I have are the single pot rear brake, but that can be changed and the 50 not 55 rear tire and of course the green, but I'd get that sprayed or changed anyway.

Those rider modes are actually really useful as they allow more than one ECU map to be stored. I overwrote the stock 'low power' map on my bike with a map that gives me greatly increased midrange, but at the expense of gas consumption- now I have the option to switch from it to the factory 'H' (which is now essentially my 'L' map;)) if I'm touring and need the increased range, and I'm not stuck with one map.

I thought you had a power commander on your bike? I always leave the ECU alone and map the PCV. Bazzaz is better now than the PCV unless you really need dual autotune, any autotune is really unnecessary in Thailand if you've dynoed the bike properly. On a big sport tourer like yours I can understand the benefits of multi mode ride settings but it just seems they have starting putting it on everything now.

Different Strokes I guess but seeing a Non-ABS is a plus for me.

Not interested in the 800 but wish all bikes were offered with OR without ABS

ABS can usually be switched off. Having ABS will always get you a better resale value. Some great things about the Z1000 are it doesn't have all those stupid rider modes but has individually damped front shocks which are amazing at this price. They are Showa too which are great shocks. Only gripes I have are the single pot rear brake, but that can be changed and the 50 not 55 rear tire and of course the green, but I'd get that sprayed or changed anyway.

You think the Z1000 would cost more than the ZX-14R (which is currently 895K as opposed to the Z1000 at 599K) if it was a Japanese model (which I believe it actually is)?

The Z800 at 375K is nearly 40% cheaper than the Z1000 in LOS, and it has way more performance than you give it credit for- the reason it's offered here is that it gives more performance than anything else in its price-range. It weighs about 5kg more than the 1K which isn't much, but you'd have to expect done differences based on the huge cost differential.

I've ridden with a lot of Z800s, including several last weekend, and they were certainly fast enough to get out of their own way.

RSD I think you're right the Z1 maybe an import because the UK price difference between a Z8 ABS and a Z1 SE are only 130,000 Baht. Z8 not for sale in the States as far as I can make out. Both bikes are absolute bargains at these prices, however you are getting what you pay for in the Z8. I think they are following Ducati's lead with the Monster 795 hoping once buyers get a taste they'll upgrade. Really wanted a KTM 1290 but it only has 150 BHP at the rear wheel stock against a claimed 180 BHP whereas I am sure I could get about the same out of the Z1 by just spending much less than 100k. That saves 600k and I don't get LED headlights on the KTM.

Beardog, I have been studying the 2014 Z1000 and it's impossible to fault the bike at this price. It's about $3-4k cheaper than the KTM 1290 in the US but it's less than half the price here. LED high and low beams standard and the race Akra drops nearly 10 kgs and the stupid exhaust box. With proper tuning should be able to get 145 BHP at the rear wheel actual stock is 125 BHP. Do you know if the Z1000 is imported from Japan or made in Thailand? If I can get a full graphite grey model I think I'll get one soon. Hate the Kawa green!

Hi Qualitytourist,

You're referring to a event that occured in March 2006 and the shrine in question was the Erawan Shrine, dedicated to the Hindu god Brahma (the 'Creator', called Phra Phrom in Thailand), in front of Grand Hyatt Erawan. Built in 1956 by the state-owned Erawan hotel (demolished in 1987 to be replaced by Grand Hyatt) in order to shoo off bad luck, this shrine has been attracting people who believe that if you make a wish there, you have a good chance that it will be granted. As always with this kind of place, it generates biiiiiig bucks.

The guy who attacked the statue was not a farang, I don't know where you got that idea, but yes, he did it with a hammer and yes he was torn to pieces by the wishers and the merchants around.

No one ever really found out why he did it, but it was established that the guy was 'not 100%' as Thais would put it. The statue was rebuilt and in no time at all, it was business as usual. The strange coincidence here is that the lynching of the young guy a few days ago occured in the very same perimeter (the Ratchaprasong crossroad). That's also where the Red Shirts set fire to Central World Plaza in May 2010. My Thai friends tell me that this intersection was once used for public executions and /or displaying convicted criminals to the public.

Thank you for setting that straight Yann,I appreciate it,made me think back,

I think I initially heard it was a Farang from a Thai friend who said "no Thai would do this",

and then said exactly as you quoted "not 100%" when he found out it was.

He was a Muslim http://legacy.utsandiego.com/news/world/20060322-0253-thailand-shrinedestroyed.html

ABS isn't going to help you with sand. The only way to get out of a sand slide is to accelerate smoothly but aggressively or fit traction control. ABS stops both wheels locking up when braking hard and helps prevent you going into an uncontrolled slide especially in the wet. The last thing you want to do is brake on sand. ABS is useful especially when emergency braking at very high speed. There is a comparison here in another thread between the Ducati 796 ABS and the Kawa Z800. http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/720687-what-is-required-to-take-the-bike-out-of-the-country-other-random-questions/#entry7749939 Just scroll down a bit.

ABS would certainly help an inexperienced rider trying to stop on a loose, wet or sandy surface. Accelerating smoothly or traction control won't do much if he needs to stop in x number of metres due to something pulling out in front of him with no way to pass left or right. He's trying to reduce speed, not increase it (smoothly or otherwise).

I think the Z800 will have ABS next year, very surprising it doesn't have it now when cheaper models like the er6n have it.

The Z800 is available in the UK with ABS. If someone pulls out infront of you and you are on a slippery surface ABS or not difficult to predict the outcome. I was referring to rear wheel snaking or sliding on sand especially on cornering. ABS is not going to help a tail snake. I prefer bikes with ABS but many people put too much confidence in it. There is no substitute for learning to avoid rather than brake. I certainly would recommend ABS but understand it's limitations.

Why do you want to mod your bike? Do you want to increase the BHP or handling or just bling it out? Firstly I would invest in a 20,000 Baht plus helmet, CE approved jacket with back protector, Kevlar jeans with CE knee and hip protectors and full length boots and 3000 Baht plus gloves. Go to Paddock or Panda Rider in BKK and get kitted out and then go to Bira Track Day this weekend for free training and get a new set of Pirellis at the track after you have destroyed your existing rubber.

ok thanks ATF.

so the z800 is not for the basic rider that always has ridden big bikes with ABS ? was thinking of the cbr650f aswell but the waiting time is so long :X 5 month +

There are no such bikes as basic rider bikes even a scooter can kill you with or without ABS. In selecting a bike you should be considering what you are going to use it for? Hooligan riding around town. Long highway trips. Ferrying your wife around/shopping. Track riding. Also will it be your only means of transport? The perfect recreational bike would be as light as possible, as much BHP as you find suited for your needs and most powerful brakes possible. I would take ABS over a non ABS because I could switch it off if I wanted to, because certain things you can't do with the ABS on.

A few things concern me about the Z800. It's the same weight as the Z1000 222kgs plus which is very heavy for this class of bike, it only has a single pot rear brake and the front discs should be bigger.

Secondly I think you should try out different bikes and feel more confident before you make a decision. V Twin or Inline engine? Air or Water cooled? The way a bike handles and feels is more important than anything else. When you find the right bike it'll feel like putting on a custom suit. Remember acceleration and stopping distance are more important than max power for everyday fun.

ABS isn't going to help you with sand. The only way to get out of a sand slide is to accelerate smoothly but aggressively or fit traction control. ABS stops both wheels locking up when braking hard and helps prevent you going into an uncontrolled slide especially in the wet. The last thing you want to do is brake on sand. ABS is useful especially when emergency braking at very high speed. There is a comparison here in another thread between the Ducati 796 ABS and the Kawa Z800. http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/720687-what-is-required-to-take-the-bike-out-of-the-country-other-random-questions/#entry7749939 Just scroll down a bit.

Thailand is lawless, It does not even have a Govt. It is descending into anarchy.

My wife, who always professed to love Thailand, now hates it and wants to move out. Anyone want to buy our house? But as I said to her, where can we go to that's as cheap as Thailand but socially and politically stable? I have seen a deterioration in Thailand over the past few years and it seems that it has become a lawless and ungovernable land.

What are you talking about? This incident wouldn't even make the news in the States. Anyway in the States he probably would have died in a hail of Police gunfire anyway. So what's the difference? If you go postal you deserve to die. Thai people don't kill indiscriminately, you will probably find out later that this guy had a knife or some weapon. Name me one Western country where you can walk around in the city at 3.00 am without fear of your safety. As far as Political Instability it's just growing pains as more and more people are becoming politically aware.

What you don't understand is that the M/C taxi drivers are the right hand of the Police. They are run by the Police or Military. How do you think they get a corner and operate with impunity? They have to pay. Why do you think they all wear shirts with their number? Because they will be left alone by other M/C taxi drivers. If someone runs a Police road block etc. the Police send the M/C guys to hunt him down. They are the eyes and ears of the Police.

Well, it could have just as easily gone the other way, but eventually there will be some variable that will reverse the climb. That's why you don't want to go in too exposed at the beginning. You make more money when you average a short into a rising currency, however I prefer volatility as you can do very well just in daily movements.

Yes I understand what you are doing. Its scary to many simply because the reason most accounts blow up is because of a lack of funds. I think every 1 futures contract I need 10k to enter the market

Personally I would stay away from futures contracts in any shape or form. They are for pro traders who really know what they are doing. However one of the "secrets" of currency trading which may suit you better, and it suits me, is to buy or sell on FX cash margin. You can buy/sell an "unlimited" amount of currency with only your losses counting towards your margin. i.e. you have $30,000 in you trading account. You buy/sell whatever currency in incremental steps up to a total value of $100,000 (your total margin/buying power). Now unless you see a 30% move in that currency in the opposite direction (highly unlikely) you are not going to be wiped out. Sure futures will give you much more profit but potentially much more loss.

What's the prognosis on US jobs? Good - bad for EUR/GBP? Bad - Good for EUR/GBP?

Hi, I mostly trade US and European stocks and options. Only FX I trade is cash margin but you may find this presentation interesting because it's exactly what I have been experiencing over the last six months.

http://products.simpleroptions.com/hft-webinar-replay-1pm/?inf_contact_key=1cb98fcbafd2eafc4e46737fb367db31d7a27fce18d93337f5817a513592876a

I'd like to discuss any ideas with like minded traders also.

Thanks guys for giving me the heads up. I'll stick to Bira.

The reason why you are getting the same response is because the masses haven't got a clue between the difference of any metal. The word "Lek" which really means iron is also used for metal in general by the uneducated masses. Similar to "Nahm" water which is also used as fluid or liquid. The real word for metal is "Lo-Hah". Steel is Sa-Steel, Stainless Sa-Tain-Less as discussed above. Copper is Tong Daeng, Brass Tong Leung, Gold is Tong-Kam, Zinc Sang-Ka-See. 2m x 3m Would be Song Met Coon Sam Met. A hook or bracket would be Dtoo-Wah Kwaen (Hanger) Kwaen Suea coat hanger. Nail Dta-Boo Screw Dta-Boo Gee-ow. Good Luck!

It is correct. Our eldest daughter was born in the UK and my wife is Thai. She was entitled to a Thai passport as her mother is Thai. However you have to follow this procedure step by step:

1. Get her on your wife's house paper.

2. Then using that you can get a Thai I.D. from the local Ampur office

3. Then with the house paper, Thai I.D. and UK birth certificate (with translation) you can get a Thai passport.

After that you need to take him out of the Country on the British passport and re-enter using the Thai passport. After that no 90 day reporting for him.

This is correct he is entitled to Thai citizenship if his mother or father is Thai. You should follow it through, two passports are better than one. If he is not in Thailand or goes to university he can't be conscripted for military service. However the most important thing here is your son's feelings. Does he prefer Thailand to your home country. Does he consider himself Thai? Where does he want to live? Are his friends mostly Thai or falungs?