Pla Simon

21 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

I await another report to confirm this.

All the recent threads regards opening a bank account in Pattaya and surrounding areas required a certificate of residence or letter from embassy.

 

So basically you are saying ...walk into bank you mention show pp with tourist visa stamp along with rental agreement (how long) and walk out with a Thai bank book. 

I went into the branch the day before, to make sure.

I took a photo of the conditions, and confirmed verbally with a staff member.

As you walk in, the first table in front of you has the conditions printed in English, under a glass worktop - I may have the photo on my laptop. I'll have a look.

Passport / visa.

He was maybe 9 Months into a 1 Year rental agreement.

Numerous forms signed.

All very straightforward - nice service.

Notably long queue waiting times.

My apologies - not a Pattaya native - the branch for easy account opening is Bangkok Bank @ Central Festival - not Marina, as I may have alluded to.

Good Luck.

After trying multiple recommendations earlier in the forum, almost gave up for good.

Ordered 20g of Bubblegum XL recently.

More than impressed for 30b/g.

Tried to order more, but stock finished.

Consequently have ordered 5g of each 11 varieties, so as to narrow down 1 good hybrid, 1 sativa, 1 indica. - replaced Bubblegum with Orange Kush Cake, which was not on menu, but a 50/50 same.

Will turn up later today - will try to review variety / experience after thorough research has been conducted.

Best bang for buck online supplier for me, and best recommendation so far.

21 hours ago, Hellfire said:

I am on a tourist visa. I also have a Thai bank account which I was lucky to open 12 years ago. Now I need to open one more account at another bank. And I know that this is not that easy as before. What if I bring 1 mln baht in cash and promise to deposit it into my newly opened account? What are the chances that this will work? Or is it just a waste of time?

 

As a tourist, Bangkok Bank in Central Marina will open an account for you, based on meeting fairly straightforward criteria.

Rental agreement.

Passport with valid tourist visa.

Although queues and waiting times can be long - Friendly and efficient service awaits for Thai and non Thai speakers alike, regardless of dresscode.

I recently helped a tourist friend open an account there, with no more than an atm card fee and 200 thb in the account - wasted time sampling the idiosyncratic delights and policies other Bkk branches had to offer - got a straight 'no' at one branch - a rather flustered manageress who couldn't take having her Thai authority and logic challenged in her mother tongue at a second, and another wanted to sell an insurance policy at around 8,000 thb for the account.

It's worth noting these other branches are perfectly capable of opening accounts easily, and were recommended by the Central Festival branch, as they were nearer to Pratumnak.

It made for eyerolling and laughter as I told them of my experiences and adventures.

Whereas before it was not to be sniffed at,

perhaps it's a pervasive, slowly smouldering resentment, arisen from all the burning issues and questions that fall on the deaf ears of a false dichotomy.

I doubt it will ever be the detritus of the obsequious nor rapacious, burning social media martyrs.

I see no irony here anymore -

Just another in a long list of 'blows to the temple', instigated by monks...

2 minutes ago, bbi1 said:

What's VIP about a 9 seater? That's the standard packed like a sardine van.

No idea.

I personally don't use border run services / agents in Thailand, nor have any vested interests in either.

I drive everywhere myself and make my own way here, as I have done for many Years.

Depending on means and perspective, one might ask what's V.I.P. about any minibus ride, regardless of seating configuration.

You asked me a direct question, and I'm reiterating information that I went out of my way to ask my friend to send me, so that I could answer you, without agenda.

Is that enough of an explanation for you ?

I do hope so.

On 3/16/2024 at 7:29 PM, bbi1 said:

Good price. Is it a 6 seater van?

I just got the info - 9 seater V.I.P.

Friend was very happy with the service.

1 minute ago, Stevey said:

I’ll probably go over the border and forget the TR there’s no way I’ll be back here before Xmas as I’ve got to replace the cash I’ve spent on Candy for the little one , upwards of a 100baht a day. 

Hope this post brings the Two TR from Savannahket issue to peoples minds.
 

Like 👍 Share and subscribe 

 

Cheers 

Sounds like a plan.

Forget Savannakhet - you'll be wasting your time and money for tuck.

I only speak from experience, and bear in mind I had a zx81, and spectrums 16, 48 and 128k.

Be Lucky.

26 minutes ago, Stevey said:

I obtained that recent TR from Savannahket December 19th 2023. You are saying tha Savannahket will refuse me ? 
 

Am I ok to cross the border and return for visa Exempt stamp ? I believe I’m yet too use my second allocation, correct?

Yes and yes.

If you're planning on staying longer and want to save your border bounce for an emergency, then apply at Vientiane.

You're payimg the Laos visa fee in any case.

Book appointment, get paperwork in order, cross border early, get to consulate and pick up 2 working days later.

19th is on Tuesday, maybe a bit late - try and book now, or you could get a later appointment, and stay in Laos for a bit longer. Your choice, obviously.

If you fancy a small, cheap holiday - minibus service from outside cultural hall (about 1.5km from consulate) to Vang Vieng is 150,000 kip.

There in 1.5 hours, and chill.

Happy travels.

On 3/14/2024 at 10:20 AM, bbi1 said:

 

Got a mate staying in Pratumnak - he pays 2,600 thb for border bounce - all in, including pick up / drop off and lunch.

Books on Line app.

16 hours ago, KannikaP said:

Brain?

Yes - that the rings restricted bloodflow to.

19 hours ago, Stevey said:

Hi to everyone.
 

Just a quick one , but this could escalate into a long thread about what a 5hithouse I am, that I don’t know what I’m talking about and that I should get a penis extension.

 

But all I wanna know is am I alright to pop over to Savannahket to get another TR visa ? I got one about a year or more ago when I had run out of land border crossing allocations. And was faced with as NongKhai immigration advised me was my only other choice other than marriage to my Isaan allocation to have to fly out and in again which would have been a massive ask from NongKhai and back. I was then advised by some TV legends that going to Savannahket and returning would not require one of my entries because I would be entering with the visa in my passport. This was a lesson in not fully believing everything you read on here because it was only one member who pointed this out with many other believing like me it was the actual act of crossing by land that was restricted to two ‘ goes ‘ when it is the actual visa exemption that is two a calendar year. 
 

Hope one person is put right on that rule.

 

So my query is if I go for a run down to Savannahket is it gonna be a success like last time or will I possibly get refused on grounds I had one already or other spanner in the works. 
 

Feel free to say my post was overly long so I can picture you typing it. And don’t forget the classic confused emoji. 
 

 

If you meet the requirements, want a guaranteed visa, & live near Nongkhai border, then make an online appointment, and apply at Vientiane.

Not scrutinising history of stay.

Savannakhet on the other hand do, and will almost certainly refuse you, unless their directive has changed.

Nothing to do with how many visas that particular office has issued, within a certain timeframe.

Your 2 border bounces per annum are over and above entering with a valid visa by land.

Happy travels.

3 hours ago, webfact said:

According to media sources, he encountered difficulty urinating following a penis enlargement attempt, although the precise reason for his loss of consciousness remains unclear.

Inadequate bloodflow to the brain, by the sound of it...

44 minutes ago, popel said:

UPDATE 

 

thinking to do a poll. i need to know,what will be the best crossing. 

 

 

 

Although I have used many border crossings over the Years, without incident, the general consensus would be to avoid Aranyaprathet - I would recommend any of the Laos crossings.

As I said earlier - you can definitely get a tourist visa in Vientiane, and Nongkhai border is normally quite friendly.

I just did so - 3rd in a row, with considerable history as a tourist.

Good luck.

9 hours ago, popel said:

hello..

i where coming 10/2023 on a touristvisa. extended at immigration and one run to Cambodia. 3 days ago vietnam and back. officer says me staying last time (a year ago) nearly a year. (visarunner) and i can't go in.

now on my way back to vietnam. 

not sure they let me in again but vietjetair staff suggest a visa from embassy in saigon. 

think i got two choices.. going back to europe or trying get in via Cambodia.

everything! luggage,cards,cash.. in condo where gf (longtime) is waiting.

my head is nearly blowing.. need some advise.. thanks so much..

 

... have seen about 20 people last evening/night that got send back.. 

Hi Popel.

If all else fails - book an online appointment with Thai Embassy in Vientiane, get there, meet the requirements, and you're more or less guaranteed a tourist visa.

1. 3 Months Bank statements, evidencing >20,000 thb balance.

2. Proof of address in Thailand, or hotel booking.

3. Filled out form + 1,000 thb.

Collect after 2 working days.

Cross over at friendship bridge, Nongkhai, then home to relax...

Happy travels.

24 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

Just seen a few photos, so change the yellow to black it seems

Honda can actually tell you the date your bike was made.

Here the guy says the PCX and CLICK oil pump issue was addressed first by Honda - after 26th April, but the ADV was about a week later, as it's a slower seller.

Interestingly - the Thai guy in the video also said, if he encountered a customer who's bike was made before 26th April, he would change both the cog and the pump for them, to be satisfied.

I would probably want both changed under warranty, but obviously upto you.

18 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

The faulty gear, is it a plastic cog? i just went to an independent garage i go to, they understood the issue, showed me the replacement black cog and said it would cost 200-300, so I've booked it in for tomorrow. My Honda garage said to bring it in but it's a fair distance away

Yes man - it's slightly more involved.

Genuine honda part ?

I would be inclined to goto Honda, then you're covered by warranty.

If you understand Thai, then here is a good explanation.

It's worth noting that it's potluck what gearing you'll have in your bike - it might be ok.

Goodluck.

10 hours ago, Furioso said:

I went to the Honda Motorbike Dealer today(because my friend was interested in the CBR150). Before I know it I'm hopping on all sorts of bikes and liking what I'm seeing. For once a nice trainee was very helpful, looking up the prices of the 5 or 6 bikes my friend and I were interested in. But man, the ADV in Pearl Smoky Grey slinking in the corner had me from "Hello Handsome". What an irresistible  beauty!

Welp, before I know it I'm asking how much to order my new infatuation. The ADV slinker in the store is already reserved but the Trainee said 500 baht to order one that will arrive in a month..which I quickly agreed, paid in full shortly thereafter. Then, before I know it the trainee disappears and I'm talking to a more seasoned older Thai salesperson/manager. She was a little difficult to understand, I did understand I need a Passport, TM30, proof of long stay visa..but I think she wants payment full before actually ordering the ADV, which they say will only take a month to arrive. 

I know This is Thailand. I really don't know the process. Anybody out there know when to pay when ordering a bike? What payment method(I'm assuming check from bank?)  Do I pay in full only when it arrives?  

 

Thanks!

My local dealer asked for a 2,000 thb deposit on ADV / PCX, to order a specific colour.

Said upto a Month, same.

The Lambo grey is very popular.

98,600 OTR.

Make sure to inspect the bike thoroughly before paying in full - chips / scratches / etc.

Cannot be claimed once you leave the dealership.

This Thai guy gives an honest 6 Months PROS / CONS review.

2 hours ago, thailandsgreat said:

Good you told where you buy.

 

There is a 160 click abs-variant btw. Only 125 Honda never have abs. Only dual channel is nmax, but only front abs is ok from what the "internet experts" say.

Yes - I cannot find the Click 160 abs for love nor money - all the dealers I've asked said they cannot get it - supply constraints, I've been told.

I did see a white one in my local dealer a few Months back, but at around 30k cheaper than ADV and PCX they don't hang around for long.

Maybe next Year ?

I've had a combi brake Click for Years - the first iteration - never dropped it myself, but just fancy an upgrade, as although runs well, she's looking old and tired now - to be relegated to farm runs.

The newer versions seem night and day quality / build wise.

18 hours ago, thailandsgreat said:

I chose PCX over ADV because

 

More comfortable arm position for longer rides (a little apehanger maybe ????). ADV is more "active motocross" ????

 

Lower to step into. If I get a top box I can not swing leg over back so easily.

 

A little lower seat. Easier to flat foot at red light.

 

But ADV has firmer suspension, which I liked. I would guess at 90+ kg ADV is better for an "emergency swerve" if needed. But maybe less comfortable for a longer ride. But PCX is also a good  bike for everyone I guess. The 110+ kg guys on the highway all seem to ride Forza 350.

 

Some sellers in Pattaya have click 160 as I remember. Click is easier to maneuver between cars in the city but will not "steamroll" by itself on the highway, you must be more active.

 

If you choose pcx be sure to get the abs, ADV has only abs model I believe, and of course check it is 160 as you desire.

 

Thanks for info on oil pump.

 

Those are just my impressions as a beginner after renting.

 

...

 

Looks is a matter of taste. But doesn't it look like they found out afterwards that blinkers and instrumentation must also be mounted on the ADV  ????

Cheers.

Yes, taste is ultimately subjective, but I try to research everything based on practicality aswell.

Only use scooters for local vicinity.

I like all 3 models PCX - ADV - CLICK.

Click ABS is not available.

Owners have complained about rear indicator placement on the mudguard - getting snapped off inadvertently, aswell as both front and rear shocks bottoming out easily under load.

I like the fit and finish of the ADV, aswell as commanding riding position.- feels really solid, although perhaps a little cramped in terms of feet placement for me. I like the fact that it has a battery health indicator in lieu of kickstarter - should be standard, instead of exclusive.

Thai owner reviews have complained about ineffective and extremely loose windscreen., slippery tyres, overly harsh shocks, aswell as little defence from rear mud / rain spray, requiring a rear mudguard mod and drilling, or top box to remedy. Noisy exhaust note  compared to PCX / Click.

PCX surprised me - looks better in real life. I like the bigger under seat storage, tubeless michelin tyres, fit and finish seems ok.

Complaints range from tyres being very hard to inflate without elbow valve fitting, inferior shocks compared to ADV, aswell as biased rear geometry on some models, leading to uneven tyre wear.

Abs models get complaints of only being front wheel, but ADV and PCX have switchable traction control to mitigate.

Some complaints about certain metal components rusting quickly, compared to other brands, aswell as storage compartments not being lockable, aswell as tired wrists on long journeys - remedied by headstock extensions

Many complaints about oil pump gearing issue on all models, and lack of accountability / transparency / help from certain dealers.

Many complaints about dealer mark-ups.

I find myself still torm between PCX and ADV, but perhaps starting to lean towards PCX more.

Enjoy !

1 hour ago, Henryford said:

Where are you Simon to get the ADV160 for 98.600 on the road. That's below list.

Hi Henryford.

I live on Cambo border, outside Surin

Honda dealer in Amphur Sangkha - about 30km from me, offered me PCX 160 abs (Lambo grey) for 93,600 - OTR.

ADV 160 (pearl bosporus blue) for 98,600 OTR.

Cash price, without negotiating.

Both are sat on forecourt.

The dealer saw me and almost tripped over, running with a wai, seemed ready to rip my arm off.

30km the otherway, Honda Kap Choeng is selling ADV (pearl bosporus blue) for 109,900 - OTR - slightly negotiable for cash.

Surin city - Big Honda dealer - ADV 160 (pearl bosporus blue) 99,900, but extra for tax and registration.

All dealers were very quiet when I popped in.

Supply and demand.