chodi

Thanks for all the response and helpful suggestions. I have found one Samsung plasma 42" display model (old version) on sale at 99,000 Baht reduced from 159,000. It's been on display in the store and operating for about eight months. Not good when you consider that plasma deteriorates with age. I have pretty much decided on the new Sony LCD rear projection WEGA unit, but it is too new for any local dealer to discount more than 5,000 Baht. The Asian version also comes without the digital input for the new HD DVD format which is widely sold in the U.S. now. Why they left that off our Asian version of the same set sold in America with this feature I can't imagine? The street price of this set is 40% lower in America? Is our government here heaping on the import tax again?

I have lived in Thailand for many years. The past five years in Pattaya. I buy most items here and make occasional drives to Bangkok for shopping. I finally decided to go all out and buy a flat screen tv. These items are not inexpensive in Thailand or anywhere else. They are heavely discounted in America. I went shopping here in Pattaya and gave up. No dealer or store in this town will offer a reasonable discount on such items. Most stores here offer no discount. I expect to pay more than American prices for such things here, but not double the price. Any suggestions on shopping areas in Bangkok where they discount such items? Any specific dealer reccomendations?

I have actually done this, although not from the UK. First I had to have the bike disassembled and packed as parts. Second it was imported as "used farm tractor parts". It came in by boat of course. Then I had to assemble the bike here and wait two years through "special" means to get the legal book. The book proved to be very expensive. I would never consider doing this again. My friend bought a used chopper in new condition from Red Baron in Bangkok and received his book in one year. It is all rather stupid if you ask me.

I live in Pattaya where I think they invented the "No Rules" thing. I have lived here for many years and always done this the easy way. I give my Thai lawyer a thousand baht, two photos and a copy of my passport and my car and motorbike license comes back the next day finished. I have never personally had to attend the motor vehicle office for anything. It is worth the small extra fee to avoid this hassle. Maybe I just have the right lawyer?

I'm not questioning what has been said above, but I will share my story. Last week I walked into a local Toyota dealer in Pattaya and ordered a new Vios for myself. I was asked to present a work permit for financing. When I explained that I have lived here for years on a retirement visa, they said I needed 50% down. I put the fifty percent down and allowed them to copy my savings account books for local accounts. I told them I wanted the car in my name alone and they said no problem. My Thai wife signed as the Thai guaranty person and we were done. I do own a home here for many years and had to show that paper. This went right through Toyota financing at 2.9% actual rate for 36 months. The entire thing was approved in 24 hours. I did have to give them a letter of residence from immigration, but that is easy enough. In all my experience was very simple and I got what I wanted. They also discounted the new car and threw in some of the options. I could not ask for better or faster service. My only guess is that this was easy because I have been legally married to my wife for more than ten years and I had the bank books to show that they were at no risk with this small payment of 6800 Baht per month. I have also lived here for more than five years.