up-country_sinclair

n the US, Australia Canada and the UK you can only buy a real IDP from an automobile association designated by the respective government. And for much less than the private websites are selling the scam-ish ones! Automobile associations sell them for about 10-15usd, whereas the private websites sells theirs for 57 to 100usd! Heck, even the Thai government will give you an IDP translation document of a Thai license for a few hundred baht.

There's an outfit on Phuket charging over 5,500 baht for a 10 year IDL.

By the way, Massachusetts can be added to the list of states that don't require an IDP for holders of a Thai DL.

http://www.mass.gov/rmv/forms/21317.pdf

Thanks for all the replies.

We plan to depart in mid-April, when should we schedule an appointment at the embassy?

Thanks so much for the informative reply!

I've been living in Thailand for a few years, and my US DL expired. I'm likely going back to the US for a short vacation and am wondering if my Thai DL (5 year, written in English and Thai) is acceptable to rent a car.

I won't be going to the state I used to live in, so I can't renew my expired US license.

I don't live anywhere near Bangkok, and taking into account my work schedule, I would like to avoid going to Bangkok to get an IDP if at all possible.

Thanks.

^

I agree.

We threatened to go to another agency, and our rate dropped by about 2,000.

My US driver's license has expired since I've been living here for a few years, and I am wondering if it possible to rent a car in the US with just a Thai driver's license?

My 5 year Thai DL is in both English and Thai.

Personally I thank she has an excellent chance.

Thanks for your reply, and I hope you're right!

You say up country? I would recommend that you use the US Consular in Chiang Mai and that you use a visa service such as Star Visa just down the street from the US Consular. I have used them and had excellent service. They only charged 6000 baht, 4000 to the US and 2000 for their service. Wish you and the wife all the best.

We're now located in the South.

Is there any reason to believe that a visa service would improve her chances? She's fairly meticulous, so I can't imagine she would make any mistakes or omissions, but will certainly consider using one if it's considered beneficial.

By the way, do you think we should transfer the car into her name to improve her chances? Or would the recent transfer put up a red flag to the people reviewing her application?

I've been looking through the related threads in this section of the forum, and it seems that approval for a US tourist visa can be quite arbitrary.

I would like to outline the relevant info related to my wife's application, and would be interested to know what you think her chances are. Of course I realize that there is only one way to find out, but we would appreciate the opinions of the members here.

Marital Status: Married to an American citizen for 3 years. I also work and live in Thailand, and am currently on a 2 year contract.

Employment: Working at a govt. university....earning about 25K...but only in this job for 6 months.

Education: Master's degree.

Previous visas to other countries: Received a two week Schengen tourist visa, 2 week Irish visa, and a one year visa to live in Korea (no overstays on any visas).

Assets: No real assets in her name to speak of, but I could transfer our car into her name if it would help.

Again, I know that we'll have to apply to get an answer, this is more about getting a feeling for our chances.

Thanks.

Yes, it does seem to be lacking, and that's really too bad. My hope was that I just hadn't come across them yet, and that others might be able to point me in the right direction.

By the way, I sent a message to Nakhonsi Sean, but I noticed that he hasn't posted since June.

^

I will. Thanks for the reply.

By the way, it just occurred to me that this thread shouldn't be focusing on Western restaurants exclusively because if there is an Indian or Japanese restaurant in Nakhon, I'd like to know about that too.

On ocassion I like a bit of variety in my diet, but I don't really know my way around Nakhon yet.

Please use this thread to recommend restaurants in Nakhon that serve Western style food.

In addition to a description/review of the food, please include an address or approximate location.

By the way, I'm referring to something besides KFC and Pizza Co.

Thanks!

Sportsworld in Central Bangna has Asics - I was in there yesterday - so I guess other branches do too.[/b]

Patrick

Thanks, Patrick.

Can anyone else confirm that other Sportsworld braches carry Asics?

I run in Asics and, after much fruitless searching, gave up on buying them in BKK; I order them from the Internet now.

Whilst the sports shop inside Central; and quite a few other malls, does indeed have a lot of stuff, they are limited on running wear. Guess running is not so popular, what with the pollution in BKK

Which site do you use to order Asics? How much do you pay in customs tax?

I'll just be in BKK for a few days, and then head back up country--Where the air is clean.

Central World

Near the Saladaeng BTS station?

I'll be visiting Bangkok soon, and would like to pick up a pair of quality running shoes (Asics, New Balance, etc...) and also some shirts and shorts designed for exercise--materials that wick away moisture.

Can anyone recommend a shop that would have good prices on these items? I'll be staying on Sukhumvit, but would be willing to travel a bit for the right shop.

By the way, I know that every mall will have a shop that sells these items, but I'm looking for good deals.

Thanks!

Hi

My wife and I will be in Bangkok soon, and we were wondering which is "the best" chocolate shop is in Bangkok.

BTW, we're going to be staying at a hotel on Sukhumvit soi 22 or 23, so if there's a really good shop in that area, that would be great.

Thanks!

I just learned that Acer is going to include Google's Android OS in Aspire One.

Has anyone here used Android on a netbook?

I am going to buy a netbook in the next few weeks, and would really like to leave Microsoft behind once an for all.

I'm leaning towards an Acer Aspire One and am hoping it's possible to purchase this model without Windows installed.

Also, I've been reading about Linpus, and from what I understand, Ubuntu would be a much better choice. Does anyone know if it is possible to purchase an Acer Aspire One in Thailand with Ubuntu as the OS?

Thanks.

I was told be someone today that N.S.T has a Panthip Computer Shop ?

Is this the case and if so , where ?

It's down the steps under Kentucky Fired Chicken cafe at the Ocean Robinson Mall.

Have you bought anything from this shop before? If so, did you find them reputable? Would you recommend them? I stopped by briefly the other day, and wasn't overly impressed with the staff.

I need to buy a desktop, and am thinking about buying one in the box at either Tesco or Carrefour.

Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

^

Thanks Trevor.

Can anyone recocommend a stationery shop that sells daily and weekly planners? Preferrably in English.

is there a second hand english book shop in n.s.t ?

I didn't come across one when I was in town last weekend. There's a chance I'll be going again this weekend, and I'll keep my eyes open again.

Plug and Play near Carrefour have alot of different electronics etc.

By any chance do you know if they have a good selection of MP3 players?

^ Not that I'm aware of, but I'm headed down to Amphur Muang this weekend, and if I come across anything, I'll let you know.

By the way, can anyone recommend an electronics store in Amphur Muang NST? DVD players, digital cameras, MP3 players, etc...?

^ Thanks. I'll check it out.

A very useful thread for NST newbies like me.

Three questions:

1. Is there an authorized Apple dealer in NST?

2. Are there any vegetarian restaurants in Tha Sala? Or at least vegetarian friendly? I've heard mention of a place downtown on Ratchadamnoen Road , but that's a bit far from here.

3. Does anyone have any experience with Amon Bicycle Shop in Tha Sala?

Thanks.

I have heard/read from multiple sources that a foreigner can transfer up to $20,000 US into Thailand without the government being concerned/getting involved.

Is this $20,000 per transfer? Or per month Or per year?

Thank you.