moonoi

So can someone explain what a nerd is in this context....coz it certainly doesn't match with what I think a nerd is

Just to clarify....I understood that nerd was someone who is clever but had no friends same as a geek. Which doesn't fit the description of the kind of people we're talking about here. I think loudmouthed <deleted> is a better fit

Or is this some american/oz meaning thats completely lost on this brit (only half brit though I'll have you know )

In London the only place i know of offering courses is the school of oriental and african studies in russel square - quite pricey though!

any idae on prices and duration??

http://www.soas.ac.uk/languagecentre/other/thai.html

I highly recommend SOAS. I attended a 2 week intensive evening course last year before coming to Thailand. It was worth every penny. Learnt more in those 2 weeks than I have in nearly 18months here......still yet to find a decent Thai teacher here......I don't seem to have progressed much more than what I learnt in London, and its not for lack of trying!

Nice to see Bangkok Post rapidly reporting the news

This just in on todays "Breaking News" section

India says 'no' to $100 laptops

India has become the first country to officially turn down the chance to purchase a million laptop computers especially designed for children on the other side of the digital divide.

India's minister of education Sudeep Banerjee said India would not be buying the laptop proposed by MIT's Nicholas Negroponte, a project called One Laptop Per Child (OLPC). Mr Banerjee called the plan "pedagogically suspect."

The proposal needs government orders of five-to-10 million machines to get into production. Mr Negroponte had been counting on India as one country come up with the cash.

He also considers that Thailand will buy the machines, although that is almost as unlikely as India.

The subcontinent figures it needs conventional teachers and classrooms much more than it needs "fancy tools," according to the minister.

Banerjee told the Hindu newspaper: "We do not think that the idea of Professor Negroponte is mature enough to be taken seriously at this stage and no major country is presently following this. Even inside America, there is not much enthusiasm about this."

Completely the opposite to what the original report said last week.....whos' telling the truth? Personally I think its an editorial comment as OLPC has confirmed an order from Thailand...but who knows?

from google , i found Lezlie Anne Field 's Homepage and some profiles.. She was a Lesbian , not a Trans-girl.

Probably the usual incompetance of the MIB.....mistaken identity seems to be a speciality of theres in recent cases'!

ummm she was both a lesbian AND a tranny

really? now that is interesting! is that even possible?

good god man...give it a rest

There is no right way or wrong way. Do whatever you would do at home

from google , i found Lezlie Anne Field 's Homepage and some profiles.. She was a Lesbian , not a Trans-girl.

Probably the usual incompetance of the MIB.....mistaken identity seems to be a speciality of theres in recent cases'!

I was told that the Red Plates originally were used for new drivers, they were not allowed to drive after dark. However that was changed a long time ago and now there is no issue about driving with a Red Plate after dark, just seems that some people remember the old rules but have not since bothered to find out since they have changed.

Last year actually, and it's still an 'misdemeanor' (whatever that means) to drive after dark or to leave your home province.

Thats a long time to some people

When I had red plates on my car I regularlly drove out of BKK to Hua Hin, Rayong and Pattaya....never had any problems. Guess the cops don't enforce the out of province much, although that doesn't mean they won't in future I guess. Don't understand why they can't register the car in advance like they do in the UK....reserve your number....when the car arrives the garage fills in the VIN/Engine number and other required paperwork....sends it off and you get you blue book in the post or pick up in a few weeks later.

Thanx for the replies.

When we had a red plate we were told not to travel from Greater Bangkok and not to use the vehicle during the hours of darkness.

I heard too about the 'no night driving,' but thought that it was so stupid as to not be true (maybe a 'new' driver should be restricted to daylight, but a 'new' car..........??!! Ridiculous, so probably true). And if true, and with the insurance invalidity question, guess I'd better look into it.

Anyone have anything definitive on this?

I was told that the Red Plates originally were used for new drivers, they were not allowed to drive after dark. However that was changed a long time ago and now there is no issue about driving with a Red Plate after dark, just seems that some people remember the old rules but have not since bothered to find out since they have changed. Still my gfs' dad did say that he recommended not driving after 10pm with red plates.....not because it was illegal but the cops see the red plate and pull you over trying to extort money (thinking is you must be rich coz you have a nice new car with a shiny red plate!) for some ridiculous offence

Isuzu should have a new model next week. I hope it's really new, not just minor alterations to D-max.

Actually its due out tomorrow but its just a facelift model....new front end and more modernised interior. Not sure if they've done any modification to the suspension etc though. There will be a new facelift DMax too.....you can get an idea of how it looks here: http://www.bbznet.com/scripts2/view.php?us...;order=numtopic

EDIT: Forgot to add, the completely new MU7 is not due out until next year

The One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) programme is just one million laptops away from beginning production, as the group confirmed that Brazil, Argentina and Thailand have each placed orders for a million machines, according to DesktopLinux.com.

OLPC says it will begin production when it has orders for between five million and 10m laptops. Last week, it announced that Nigeria had signed on to the scheme, taking the total pre-ordered to four million.

OLPC program director for Middle East and Africa, Khaled Hassounah, told the news site that the Nigerian deal was not yet finalised, but that the organisation was in close talks with Nigerian officials and the deal was almost completed.

"We are actively moving ahead with Brazil, Argentina and Thailand. Others (countries) are being considered," he added.

Last week, India said it would not get on board with the programme, calling it "pedagogically suspect". Education Secretary Sudeep Banerjee said the country needed to put teachers in classrooms before worrying about buying laptops for students.

Original article available here: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/08/01/olpc_orders/

I think Thailand should be more concerned with getting kids into school, staying at school and improving the quality of education here rather than providing a laptop to every kid. Technology does not necessarily improve the quality of education IMHO

EDIT: I posted this here as I can't post in the news section and thought it might be interesting to a wider audience than just the Computers and Internet Forum.

Moonoi,many many thanks,LOL

Unfortunatly the brochures I read and the family had sent me were in Thai,my wife and I didnt know the differences between the 2 models.

My brother in law(royal Thai police,who will be driving it most)didnt know,I have since this post have discovered the 3.0v is top of the range 4x4 and is by far the one to get,which we hope to be ordering shortly.

One more question,I do not honestly know,is the 3.0v turbo diesel available in manual or auto only??I'm in the UK.

Many many thanks for your reply,if you would like to share more info on them much appreciated.I only read whats written and see the pictures and my wife says "want sum"

We went to our local toyota dealer and was told that the fortuner is not coming to the UK and they too did not know any differences but did say if its based on hi lux you cant go wrong.

No problem you can't get the 3.0V in manual form only the G. I guess the thinking here is "who drives a top of the range motor with a manual shift?"

Fortuner is exported to Oz but not the UK. It much better than the Hi Lux (Vigo) having proper supsension at the rear instead of leaf springs. So the ride is much more car like.

You shouldn't be disappointed with it for sure

Can I alternate with the different types?

Mazda 323, 8 years old.

I just had a quick look on the Mazda forums for 323 Astina and its seems that it requires a minimum of Premium/95.

Couldn't find anything about whether you can use gasohol without any issues though. really need to check with a Mazda dealer/ specialist to be sure.

Hi,

Me and my thai wife are in the process of buying a new fortuner.

However im stuck on options,which are:

1 what is the difference between 3.0v and 3.0g

I dont know ive researched and havnt got answeres.

I know the 2.7 is petrol and is all good.

Could someone please please advise on what the main difference is/are other than price.

Im told that the 3.0g there is no wait in Chaiyaphum.

Dont know,advise much appreciated

The 3.0G is manual only, doesn't have the spoiler on the roof. No cooling vents for the rear passengers. No climate control, only aircon. The interior basically looks like a vigo (non of the chrome or wooden trim). Thats why theres no waiting list for the G........no one wants them.

Can't have done too much research though.....its clear in the brochure the differances........

Bung,

Get under a Triton and take your goggles off and you will see Rack an pinion steering, or better still read the brochure.

Indeed it does. And although Triton isn't based on a shared platform like Vigo it is still exported internationally. In europe its still known as the L200 and won numerous awards.

Anyway to complicate things further my gfs' dad has negotiated with an Isuzu dealer so I could actually now get a MU7 auto (but 2wd not 4wd) with full options (tv, leather. film etc etc) for about 70000 more than the top spec Triton.......quite tempting considering its a proper SUV, but I notice there not that popular and seem agricultural compared to the Fortuner.....the choice just gets more difficult

Dear All...I have bought a car and cannot find answers easily on here to these questions :-

I have a work permit for 3years , I am a Brit and been here for 1 year. I need car insurance for my used car - can this be done online ? I speak/read no Thai. If online is not an option where do I arrange car insurance ? What documents do I need to get this car insurance if any ?

I have an international driving licence that expires in August. I need to be able to drive in Thailand - do I need a Thai or international licence ? What documents do I need to get the best option of these ? Where do I go to get licence ?

Thanks

http://driving.information.in.th/thai-dmv.html

This is all you need to know..click on How to get a licence

Dont let your international driving licence run out or you will have to take a full Thai Driving Test

Actually although the rules say you need an IDP, when I went to get my thai license they didn't even look at it just took copies of my english photocard license. That was at the Chatuchak office.

All you need is 2 photos, your work permit, passport, Driving License (and IDP just incase). You'll need to make photocopies of everything which you can do at the office and take a colour blindness and reaction test. Took me about 2 hours because I arrived just before lunch so they closed up for a while!

If only the diesel is available...then there is no choice. Why would one want anything other than diesel in a truck...? Every truck that I have ever owned...from Dodge to Ford to GMC has always had a (gas) engine. Seems the Fortunner is not much heavier than a Vigo 2-door. Gas (petrol) has always had better acceleration...to keep up, diesels need turbo's.

I have not driven the Vigo 3.0L D4D yet, however, I do not see the advantages of diesel...other than what use to be less cost at the pump. But I am all ear...enlighten me...

Well its simple as I stated in my first reply.

Turbo diesel engines provide a flatter power curve (ie the power stays at it peak for a longer period of time). They are far far torquier so have better pulling power and are incredibly economical and less polluting compared to a petrol powered engine of similar capacity.

I know the US' love affair with the V8 lumps....have to say I love them too, but really are totally unnecessary in this day and age. Although if I could I'd still love to own a 70s' Dodge Challenger RT lovely motor

If you want a Vigo Prerunner then you have no choice. Its only available with the 3.0 D4D engine. More torque, better economy and a flatter power curve....why would you even consider a petrol engine in a truck?

Can any of the mechanical guys tell us how to get more "oomph" out of the 3.0?

Take it to TRD and have them remap the ECU I don't remember exactly but I believe it gives you about a 20bhp power increase

As far as a scooter vs a motorcycle the smaller the wheels the less stable it is. Scooters are more dangerous whether they go fast or slow. I do agree that a three wheeler is safer because you won't fall down as easily and get run over.

I'm sorry Gary but I really do need to take issue with this remark, at least as far as my knowledge of phycis go. As we all know, motorcycles are basically a very unstable vehicle since without some force acting on it it will fall down. While parked, the kickstand does the job. And while moving, it is the centrifical force produced by the rotation of the wheels that keep it from falling down. The faster the rotation of the wheels, the greater the force. All you have to do is watch motorcycles racing around a turn to see this in action. In order to go a specific speed, say 40 kph, bigger wheels will rotate at a slower speed than smaller wheels, and the slower rotation of the bigger wheels will produce less centrifical force than what would be produced by the smaller wheels. So scooters with smaller wheels are more stable at the same speed than a motorcycle with bigger wheels, and you will not fall down as easily on a scooter.

I have been riding motorcycles for a long time and I love them, along with most other kinds of motorized vehicles, and I absolutely do not have a death wish.

To the OP. You are right in that the motocycles and scooters here in Thailand are much cheaper to operate than cars or even taking public transportation, but whether it is the right thing for you to do really depends on where you live and where you want to go with it. The most dangerous things to you riding a bike are the other cars and trucks on the road. If you just want to use it to go to the market and places close to home, and you don't have to go in the middle of a big busy road, then a small scooter may be a good way for you to do it. But you should learn how to ride, always be very careful, always try to protect all the parts of your body as best you can even if it is too hot or it messes up your hair, and always keep it in the front of your mind that anything can happen at any time.

Actually Gary A is correct. But its not to do with the size of the wheels but more the rake of the steering. Small bikes with small wheels generally have a steep rake (thats is they are closer to 90 degress from the road) than larger machines....this is what gives them there manuverability (sorry about my spelling!) and makes them more unstable.

Funny no one I know or any of my friends ever came to Thailand for sex.

I suspect that the figures of 20-30% are vastly overblown......probably more like 5% if that.

I arrived here 18ish months ago, transferred to the local office here by my company....I didn't even know about that side of things until 6 months after my arrival. My office is right around the corner from patpong btw.

Its easy to get around Thailand without even knowing that seedy side exists......the only problem place is Pattaya I guess, but then stay away from the main strip and again you can avoid it easily.

I'm with the OP on this one.....a crack down on prostitution wouldn't hit the economy so bad at all imho.

I've been told they are offering the Yaris out on a special deal at the moment. Something about 0% down. Does anyone know anything about this?

Thanks

Wolfie

Theres a Toyota dealer in the building where I work and I've been in there a lot the past few days trying decide whether to buy a Vigo or not. I just popped in there to ask for you and they don't know anything about this deal. Of course, doesn't mean it doesn't exist, just that the dealer here currently isn't aware of it The dealer is Bara Windsor btw but they use Tisco rather than Toyota Leasing for there finance.....so not sure but maybe its restricted to certain dealerships that use Toyota Leasing?

Thanks for your advise. Yes, I know that I need a car in this area, I hope that I can get a company car , that would help me alot. I checked the car prices in thailand on expat-motors website. Yes, cars are not cheap in thailand , but by far not as expensive as in singapore ;-)

There is a website here who offers property guides, people who are not agents , but who know the market and serach a house for you . You pay them a fixed price per hour/day . Does anyone has experience with this folks ?

P.S. I asked some totally normal questions here , questions everyone would ask when you about to move to a new country . I lived in 5 different countries on 3 different continents in the last 15 years and everytime I moved to a new place , I got lots of good information from expat boards like this , information about tax , visas, work permits , places to stay, to eat , to buy a car , to get a drink and so on . Everytime I moved , I worked for a stratup , there was no one there to ask , not a soule I know in the new country and no one to help me . I managed this well , and expat boards like this are the bigest help for people like me , so, again thank you very much to all of you .

I will be in BKK next month to sort things out with the BOI and then I will ge a cap and have a look around .

Also , everytime I got idiots , telling my "why I ask so stupid questions" , or "stay where you are" and all this bullshit. What is wrong with you guys ? Do you have too many agressions ( then go for a run or play with your girlfriend instead of sitting in fornt of your computer) or are you just stupid ?

When I arrived here I used 2 of these services one was with a company called PORS (Pacific Orientation Relocation Services) run by a Danish couple. And the other was Asian Tigers, both were very helpful in arranging itineries to view properties and giving advice on the area local to where you wish to live (amenanties, schools, local shopping that kind of thing). The most important thing is that they are independant of agents. They will also negotiate the rental contracts, discounts etc. Do as much or as little as you want ;-)

Good Luck

I managed to get my company to pay for there services btw...not sure if you can negotiate that with yours? If not I don't believe the service is expensive....3 days of viewing plus contract negotiations for me cost 10000 baht in Feb of last year.

Occupying the formerly quite popular World Trade Centre in Rajprasong, which changed its name following the September 11, 2001 twin towers attack in New York City, the former centre lost ground to competing retail shopping complexes which have risen in direct competition to it.

When did it change it's name? It certainly wasn't in the aftermath.

It changed around a year ago. I arrived here in Feb last year and it was still called World Trade Centre....or at least still had a huge sign outside with World Trade Centre written on it!

Several journalists and even our own Terdsak have said that Triton's engine is not as refined as Vigo's.

Well having test driven both I have to say I personally think the engines are pretty much the same in terms of refinement. Having also read the UK press seems that the L200 (Triton) is rated better than the Hilux (Vigo) although they both use 2.5 ltr diesels engines that strangely put out the same max power as the Thai models from both manufacturers even though they have 3.2 and 3.0 ltr capacities........

** Note, construction of a garage may be required.

Or purchase of a new house with space for construction of a garage.

The cover seems the best bet - why didn'y I think of that?

Any idea how to get rid of the scratches - they're pretty bad.

Depends how deep they are. T-Cut is a good start, made by Holts (unfortunately I've not seen it here) but there should be some sort of 'colour restorer' in the local car shop (be careful if you have metallic paint). There are also coloured wax polishes that will fill and mask deeper scratches that won't polish out.

If the scratches are through the top coat, time for a re-spray

You can get T-Cut here.....although I've only seen it in Central (where I bought some ). Quite expensive thought compared to back home.

If the scratches are not too deep, you can pay about 1000-1500 (depends on the place) and have the paint protected. During this process minor scratches get polished out. However as Crossy mentioned if the scratches are through the top coat then you'll need a respray.