Moonlover

Yer right. I'll stop breathing just in case! Quack quack.

We've only had one visit, made on our first year in Sakon Nakhon. That was 5 years ago. He never came inside the house. We stayed out on the porch and he wandered across and had a chat with the neighbour, who happens to be my wife's sister and BIL. All very civilized.

I noticed that @khunjake got a couple of 'laugh' emojis for his post, that's normal but he's right, there places where the air quality is good all year round. I know because I live in one of them. To the east of Sakon Nakhon where there is no sugarcane, industry or in our case a main road close by, our air is nearly always 'satisfactory or better. Only rarely does it go up into the 'moderate' zone, (I'm using Air4Thai Sakon Nakhon as my yardstick) There's bound some wag turn up soon quoting figures saying I'm wrong. (they've done it before) I'm the one breathing it and I'm very happy with it, so don't bother yourself. It'll be water off a ducks back.

Oh is it really? Do enlighten us.

You'd better start by telling your 'good friend' that his son cannot legally ride his shiny new Aerox until he is 18 years old. Until then he's limited to no more than 110cc.

For MENO yes.

Thank you. I've lived in 3 countries that have dubious governance and I long since learned to keep my nose well out of it. Their country, their business. Most folks on here probably don't have a clue what they're banging on about anyway.

I'm in full agreement with @richard_smith237 regarding ABS (see my earlier post about the day it saved me from a serious accident) and unless things have changed recently, it's still only the larger capacity scooters that are so equipped. I don't think that 160cc is overkill at all @JayClay. The extra power in a larger scooter doesn't manifest so much as extra speed, rather it shows up as better acceleration (I have both a Click 125 and an Aerox 155 so I'm able to compare) and good acceleration in city traffic is a real godsend. Just as in a horse race, the steed that's out of the gate first has a distinct advantage over the field and is in the safest position. At lights I always maneuver myself to the front and I take off full throttle (when it's safe to do so of course). Whilst the rest of the herd is still jockeying for position I'm off down the road and well away from the scrum. It's by far the safest place to be.

There are many species of fresh water turtles in Thailand. This is very likely an Amboina box turtle.

You've had tons of advise here (and some very stupid comments) so I hope it has all been helpful and not too confusing @mavrik. Two points I'll pick up on. Firstly I do agree with @richard_smith237 regarding the advantage of (Auto) motor scooters over geared machines, at least when it comes to city riding. There really is a distinct advantage in not having to consider gear changing in the middle of heavy traffic. I wouldn't dismiss them without trying one out first. Secondly, if at all possible, choose a machine with ABS. I 'ummed 'n' ahhed' about spending the extra 6k on my Aerox ABS until the day that a motorcycle/trailer swung a U turn on me in a narrow country road! Braking was my only option so I grabbed the levers like I was a gorilla and the bike came to a completely straight line halt under full control and without any drama. ABS definitely saved me from a serious accident that day. India has now made ABS a mandatory requirement on all new bikes over 125 cc and for good reason. There's an interesting article about ABS on motorcycles right here. ABS on motorcycles Good luck and safe riding and remember, always wear your helmet.

I didn't see 'a car' on the O/Ps option list. This is the motorcycle forum, or hadn't you noticed?

Do you have evidence of that?

As long as there are 2.38 billion people on the planet who believe in a virgin birth I refuse to be fazed by such trivia as this.

The same is true for Krungsri Bank as well, so I also use the MEA app to pay my bill. The e-payment page is Thai only, so I use the Visa card option.

Because we were confused, that's why! And for the reasons that @OneMoreFarang stated. I quote: 'Please explain how it is possible that someone charges for a SMS which they send you'. I was also perplexed by your comment: 'About 5 text a day for a month is about 450 baht. No big deal', NO BIG DEAL? If I got a phone bill for 450 baht I'd be friggin' mortified!

Rural Thais learned that a long time ago. I walk in the countryside most days and there's never a day when I don't see someone foraging or fishing for their supper. Even my wife, who has no need to go searching for free food will go off foraging sometimes. It's in the DNA I suspect.

MEA and PEA are separate entities. To support e-billing they have fit 'smart meters' and there are very few of those around in the rural communities. Do you have a link to this 'Thai media' that you claim says this is not a scam?

No it's not just you @THAIPHUKET. I also have a preference for navel oranges. (Big C seem to Like calling them nevel oranges!) but they are not always available. So I just 'suck it up' buy what's available. I don't bother tramping the around the stores, I just assume they're not around at the moment. Right now they are available and they're delicious.

Oh no it's not! It shamelessly goes on in every middle eastern country. It's an occupational hazard for all Asians working in that region. I can understand (but do not endorse) why the employers are behaving in this manner. If they let all their employees fly the coop at this critical stage, they'll find it very difficult to re-recruit in the near future. And farms cannot function without labour.

Not in our village they don't. We have 3 outlets and they all stick to the rules.

So am I. I use a similar argument as I would about spending a load of money on an old wreck of a car. What's the point? An fact it is my one big argument against having medical insurance. No hospital is going to try and keep me alive against my will if I can help it.

It wasn't the ordinary Russian tourist that started the war (sorry Vlad, special military operation) against Ukraine was it. Why should they be penalized for the actions of their mischief making president? As far as I'm concerned the more opportunities that Russian citizens get to be away from their country and the propaganda that is being stuffed down their throats, the better they will understand that they are being duped by Putin and his propaganda machine. A bit of exposure to unbiased media can only be a good thing. And let's not forget that they're bring money into the country as well.

In the O/P I read: Note the word unilateral. Are you privy to some information that 'Sydney consulate' is not?

And why would there be lines at the Russian embassy if they do not require a visa? (which they don't)

From what I recall from your earlier post @AlienBoy you've already made the best 2 investments you could possibly endower your wife with. Her daughter's education and your house. Thai families look after their own, no matter what. My wife's 'investment' was paying the entrance fee (that's a euphemism of course) so that her son could join the army as a professional soldier. She recognized that as a good investment and even sold her house to raise the capital. (we since bought it back) With her daughter in a good position, (accounting office was it?) a house and 3 million in the bank, I really don't think you need worry about her at all . Thais are more canny than people think and they know how to survive. Some folks have suggested that the money won't last long once it's in her name. Well I take the pragmatic Thai view on that. It's up to her isn't it. All you can do is to push the boat out and leave her to do the paddling. I'll tell you what I think your biggest problem is @AlienBoy. You do too much worrying!