richard_smith237

I quite agree, this is not specific to Thailand and I’m happy that no one has jumped on the ‘if you don’t like it get out’ bandwagon…

I experience this sort of behavioral attitude at work (global) however as its work there is a greater opportunity for recourse or correction.

With this situation I was quite helpless, which is why I felt a greater source of annoyance and frustration. I had to swallow my frustration, point out that I was disappointed, say thank you, leave, head off to the next branch and get what I wanted done.

It was 900,000 B

Incompetence and Indecision through fear….

I’ve had my fill recently of what I term ‘Incompetence and Indecision through fear of making a mistake’… Whereby someone in a decision making process decides ‘No’ / ‘Cannot’ because for them any negative implications of making the wrong decision are reduced by either doing nothing, being unhelpful, passing you along or rejecting something….

I’ve written my letter of complaint and expect nothing to change… this is just a vent which I don’t often do on TV.

I couldn’t withdraw a large sum of money from one SCB branch today (with my bank book and passport), I had no problems and an alternative branch but I was inconvenienced by having to travel to a different branch and get wet in the process in terrible weather.

It was clear that the branch manager at the first branch ‘froze between the headlights’ and the safest decision for him was to say no…

I know its being safe, but how safe can the more meak personalities of commerce and business become before such an inconveniences is created its just easier to use the alternatives ?

Rant over.. apologies for boring you….

Any More similar stories of Incompetence and Indecision through fear….??

Well, he got his point across, albeit in an unsavoury way. However, how many threads are there on this forum alone complaining about persistent unnecessary noise.

Can they put this information on a notice board ? can they make up fliers and let the village folk read it themselves ?

It seems that disturbing the whole neighbour hood at sometimes unfavourable times of day is preferred (I enjoy a lie in !) and I really cannot understand why, surely this irritates more people than it informs ?

Given a choice – OR vote... Would villagers rather a flyer or this loud speaker system?

I’d be very tempted to do the same thing and rip out the wires... Though out of cowardice I’d probably have made it a black ops covert operation in the small hours the morning and under the cover of darkness, dress up as one of the other foreigners in the village and snip the wiring...

The complaint about not making the announcements in English does show the subjects stupidity however....

I don’t believe discussion about culture in relation to this matter is relevant. The birth of electricity and sound amplification came much later than the onset or development of any Thai culture.

To me all this noise appears as a of general lack of education and consideration for others tied in with the general lack of personal incentive for many people to complain about it. After all “why complain, if nothing can be done about it” which seems to be the general attitude to many seemingly insignificant issues such as this.

This seems to happen in the less well funded areas. It certainly doesn’t occur in the upscale Moobans.. I wonder why that is ?

As for the Church bells, Mosque excuse – This is not a religious issue.... If, for example, in my home country an Asian went nuts at the ‘ice-cream van man’ for waking him up while he’s sleeping off his night shift and told him to steer clear in the day time in future, I’d understand.

From a male perspective I second Girlx’s comments.

I’ve many genuine female friends back home, mostly from School and Uni days, but no so in Thailand.

I’d suggest that there are not enough cultural and social consistencies between Thai ladies and western men to mentally stimulate each other in the long term.

I’m guessing that generalisations also interfere with the development of plutonic relationships, particularly due to certain negative aspects of each group. With this in mind I think it’s equally difficult for western men and women in Thailand to make acquaintance and build up a lasting relationship.

I also observe that the cultural differences exist in the manner that in the west it’s quite common to have friends of the opposite gender, whereas in Thailand it’s not as common; with exception of the ever popular ‘GBF’ (gay best friend). It seems that there is a jealousy factor that would appear to get in the way. And in a culture where there is a word for ‘special friend’; Gik, I can understand why.

It’s simply not easy to make a good friend of the opposite gender. Either the guy wants something, the girl wants something, the partner doesn’t like it. And if those barriers can be surpassed then one has to find a friend of suitable stimulus where there is no attraction on both sides...

It seems the odds are stacked against this one, add that to the general reputation opposing genders have of each other in a location such as Thailand and its hardly surprising that genuine plutonic relationships between opposing genders are not more common.

And then there is common ground... what to do....

Golf ? Sit in the pub and solve the worlds problems ? Go on holiday with girlfriend and take the ‘female friend along’ ? it all seems a bit too unlikely that anything more than a distant friendship can exist.

IMHO – Age is important.

The reason being – If the girl is much younger then there is a far higher probability that the girl in question is being less than honest with regards to her true intentions towards and older man (this in any country, not just Thailand, although given the demographics its likely to be more common in Thailand).

If the Op and his lady are of a similar age it would take this suspicion out of the equation and permit people to assist him with their thoughts and advice down other avenues.

If however there is a significant age gap, then it’s far easier to draw negative conclusions...

Occam’s Razor - “one should not increase, beyond what is necessary, the number of entities required to explain anything” – Translated as the simplest answer is often the best.

Op you have been defensive about the age gap – its clear people have been jumping to the same conclusion that there is rather a large age gap and we cannot ignore this unless you suggest otherwise.

Therefore, based on the limited information you have provided, the forum is drawing a that the lady in question is being less than honest while she is away.... The simplest answer is often the best until you give the forum what the forum (not you) believes is necessary information to provide a better informed response when replying to your request for help and opinions.

Can’t believe that this thread has't been crashed by the ‘holier than thou’ crowd yet....

A couple of years ago: 232 kph – in an Alfa – Bang-Na Elevated expressway while very quiet – Passed 5 police men testing their speed camera, got quite a stunned look from four of them while the fifth tried to swing the camera round as I drove past. I assume the speed camera was in its testing phase as I never got caught.

More recently: 210 kph +/- in Range Rover - Bang-Na Elevated expressway again while very quiet, no police this time, fuel gauge falling rather rapidly.

The price of a vehicle is usually easy enough to find...but frankly I think the agression and insults Ive got from this post means that I won't get an answer. Way to late now.

I CAN get one by chatting away to dealers, my thai is not that good but it will suffice...i simply hoped that there was someone on this site who knew what they were talking about, rather than tell me what kind of car I SHOULD buy....as if the have the first idea what their talking about.

Thanks but no thanks....now how do I unsubscribe?

What an unlikeable twit….

I own an imported 4x4 and know very well how much the tax is and many of the other running costs. I also looked deeply into various Landcruiser models and chose a European model in the end.

However, I see no reason why I should be charitable when you have been so consistently arrogant and impolite to many of the members who have tried to help you.

In future I suggest that when asking for advice, help or assistance with any matter you loose what ever chip it is that weighs down your personality and be thankful that other people are willing to assist in any way they can.

Better still - Unsubscribe !

I’ve lost count of the amount of times I’ve been turning left (with indicators), only to have to Jam on my breaks when checking the mirrors and left hand blind spots. I think I have saved a good number of motorcyclists from pain and injury by being lucky enough to have seen them, but one day one will hit me for sure – its just a matter of time.

In general I have found motorcyclists in Thailand to have no concept of consequence and no regard for their own safety.

I’ve been very lucky so far by not hitting a bike. I’m sure its coming and based on past experience (8 years driving in Bangkok and Thailand) it won’t be my fault.

Knowing that they don’t have insurance I wouldn’t worry if they stop or not, its part and parcel of driving in Thailand and I’d have to cover any damages myself or have my insurance pay for it.

However, I’d refuse to pay for any damages to the motorbike, and I’d like to think of myself as someone who would stop, definitely so if they were hurt….

I’d like to say….“serves yourself right, you should look where you are going !”

With Police involvement, some people have mentioned that the Westerner / foreigner is always wrong. I haven’t found this to be true. They do take advantage of weakness, however, by sticking to your guns and remaining polite I’ve experienced having been dealt with favorably (when in a car-car accident).

I know Thai’s who have been hit by motorcyclists and there is always an attempt by the motorcyclist to get money from the car driver. Foreigners are not solely outlined for this attempt – But, as it’s not our country, as some of us don’t fully understand our rights or fear for our safety or the consequences given such situations they may feel the pressure a little more that the Thai’s in a similar position and cave in.

Not too far from KLCC - There are some decent restaurants in Bukit Bintang - French - Le Bouchez (I think), and a good Italian up the hill a little.

Star Hill Shopping gallery (KL's equivalent of Gaysorn Plaza but bigger) has some good eateries in the basement.

For the Visa Runners with a few hours - day to kill: Bukit Bintang is also a reasonable shopping area... Sun Gai Wang Plaza is KL's answer to MBK...

KLCC area is a rather slack...

Hi all –

I’ve been looking at the Crownline and Bayliner websites and I’m rather interested in a cruiser of approximately 27 ft.

I’d be interested to keep it a short drive away from Bangkok i.e. in Pattaya Marina and take it away on weekends away to Koh Samet / Koh Chang etc and also use it for water sports (wakeboarding and perhaps some fishing).

I’ve read that there are agents in Phuket who take care of ordering from the states, shipping and tax etc and I’m not worried about any of this.... But, being a complete newbie to all of this I am wondering about the practicalities of my ideas which mainly involve taking it away to somewhere like Kho Samet, or across to Hua Hun for a weekend, and anchoring it over night in a bay, or a Pier, popping onto the beaches to enjoy the evening at a beach restaurant and return to the boat later on in the evening to sleep. I really like the idea of the freedom, but does this come at the cost of security or a silly level of hassle etc ?

Does anyone have any practical experience of this and any stories to share....

Thanks...

In 2005 after spending two months working there in 2005 I was very India’d out (as someone put it), I had intended to do the ‘tourist thing’ but I’d simply run out of patience, tolerance and every other drop of mental discipline that’s required for someone not to loose their cool in otherwise simple situations. At that time, hearing the words ‘Cabin Crew Doors to automatic’ was the best part of the trip!

Always with the intention of returning to India, I kept my word to myself and a couple of months ago I returned to Delhi and Agra and had a great 5 day trip. We (My girlfriend and I) hired a car and driver for the 5 days and cut out 80% of the potential hassles. However more common than not, a good dose of patience and tolerance was required to ensure that I continued to have a relaxing and enjoyable trip. (And while I choose include dose in that last sentence my trip didn’t).

I’m simply not used to having my every food order second, third and fourth guessed in the restaurants by waiters who suspect they know better than I which food I’d like to chose and which wine I want to drink !

While on the way to the airport for departure, I was asked by the driver if I’d return to India, of course I said yes, but the little thought bubble popping out of my head at the same time would have read ‘not in the near future’....

The driver also told me that most people only visit India once in their lifetime, I wonder if I’m one of those people and I wonder if they too ran out of patience, tolerance and every other drop of mental discipline required for someone to keep their cool....

Northern India does sound very interesting... but there are many places on my list of places that I may never get to see....

And - To stay on Topic... I would be doing the same Job in the UK.

I can’t see what’s wrong with B 20,000.

The lady is apparently earning UK wages and is using her own money so there are clearly no untoward intentions that would normally be suspected by many of the more candid TV members.

It seems a lot for many, acceptable for others and not much for some. To me this is nothing more than an indication of the slanted spread of wealth and the fact that the majority of TV members have experience ranging towards the less wealthy section of this economic spectrum.

The same can be argued for Sin-sod.

Based on the thread so far, it seems to me that many people make judgments based on their own experience and might not view this with a wider perspective. I’ve never discussed Mother’s day presents / gifts of money with anyone, but I doubt there is a bench mark or a rule that says if you earn x baht then you pay x Baht come Mothers day, it seems a highly personal thing even if putting a price on something like this seems wrong from our western view point.

I know a 'friend' who values his parents extremely, misses them and feels the guilt of being away for 6 months between visits, he has taken financial care of his parents, bought his Mother a car for her birthday and bought his parents house. If he could he would do a lot more.... This may seem extreme for some, but not for him.

At work I had a new laptop running Windows Vista, it was terrible. I persevered for a week before giving up with it. I got IT to change the system to XP.

It now runs much quicker and I spend far less time waiting for simple applications (Such as MS Word / Excel) to run / operate.

I was not up-to date with the latest news and made my own decision independent of popular opinion that Vista operates much slower on the same computer than XP and on that basis alone I hope I never have to use it.

About 3 years ago I had 4 veneers on my upper front teeth. Poor dentistry in the UK, resulted in me having too many teeth taken out when I was young and my teeth sort of relaxed…. a little too much. Adding to this they were a little ‘wonky’ from various sporting collisions (Rugby and football at Uni – one tooth nearly died and went grey, only to come back to life after about 4 months). I decided to do something about this about 6 years ago, and after wearing a fixed brace for about nine months, my teeth were level and straight, but I still had the gaps. I lived with the gaps for a few years, then decided to go for veneers.

Since I have had veneers (I’m not sure of the correct term) fixed, I haven’t looked back.

However, a friend of mine in the UK (who is a dentist) warns that while veneers can make a huge improvement, its possible that the real teeth underneath could rot which is why I went to a highly recommended dentist in Bangkok.

Tantrakit (I think that’s the name. At All Seasons Place – on the 3rd floor of the shopping mall next to the Conrad hotel). The process took about 4 days, start to finish (2 sittings but I had to wait to have the veneers made) and cost me about 55,000 baht (if I remember correctly). I consider it money very well spent.

I do the money thing, but that’s more out of habit from not wanting to give a taxi driver a 1000 B note instead of 20 when drunk.

When I get into bed and get comfortable… I have a little disagreement with myself… Did I lock the door, of course I did, I always do..

But I can’t remember locking the door…

But its something I always do out of habit..

Well don’t get up I am comfortable…

No one will come in anyway…

But what if they do?

If I know the door is locked then I can sleep more peacefully…

But I am comfortable, I will sleep more peacefully anyway…..

Ok, if it makes me happy, get up and check the door is locked…

> It always is… Unless I am too drunk to have this mental discussion with myself.. That’s when I always find the key in the lock !

Another one – Straightening up my beer mat so that they are square with the table, I much prefer the round ones !

This will take months and months of preparation, for visas, permits to transport your car, taxes, insurance…

On top of this, political situations change, so for every border you will need a back up. This doubles your work preparing visas, taxes, permits etc….

I’ve only learnt this from reading…..

'Who Needs a Road' a Story of the Longest and Last Motor Journey Around the World by Harold Stephens and Albert Podell. Part of their major difficulties was the Asian route, in the end they had to take a boat bypassing Burma. Their comment at the end of their book was that physically driving round the world is possible, its the people that make it impossible (or something to that effect) – Although you are not intending to drive around the world, I remember reading that most of their difficult was in the SE Asia leg.

Also more recently………

’The Long way Round’, and ‘The long way Down’ journeys which were taken on motorcycle by Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman. Although their journey required a lot more planning with visa’s because they were also filming for a TV documentary and required journalist visas.

I’d suggest these books and documentary is good and interesting research.

Good luck, and if you do this please write a book about it…

In my experience I have never needed my International Drivers licence.

I’ve had two minor accidents – the police were involved with the first (about 6-7 years ago), I only showed my standard UK domestic drivers licence (paper copy). I was not asked for passport, visa or my international licence.

With the second accident I was not even moving, the taxi was clearly at fault and admitted so. However, he had no insurance so I let him go (I’ve told this story previously on TV). My insurance didn’t even ask for any licence.

IF things were to get sticky, I believe that as a non Thai we are expect to carry an international licence, renewed every year, or a Thai licence, which must also be renewed every year (to start with).

If you have no plan to go home, getting a Thai licence is the option. If you go home regularly (i.e. yearly) then obtaining an international licence takes five minutes (in the UK post office).

I think I am correct in believing that if you are not on a tourist visa then legally you would require a Thai Licence. On a tourist visa you need the International licence.

I’ve only ever heard of the International licence being requested by Policemen in the know when stopping pulling you over for a minor traffic violation. In the event of an accident I found the police to be quite helpful (In Bangkok, I guess this changes by location though).

I plan to get a Thai licence as I believe it could make some things more convenient, but not so much so that it’s urgent. This has been the case for a few years now, I’ll get there one day.

There are a large number of sceptics on this forum, some I feel have been tainted towards bitterness and paranoia that everyone is out to take advantage of them. This just leaves me wondering to what extent have many westerners infiltrated or witnessed a negative side of Thailand in financially more desperate circles.

I do not know any of my Thai friends who have not paid Sin-sod. Amounts have ranged from 100,000 to 1MB, and I believe I am correct in thinking that all of the money was returned.

Although we have no plans to marry as yet, the topic of sin-sod has come up between my girlfriend and I. She has no idea what her father would expect. As I understand it, the negotiation process is something that will be left between father and potential son in law. Also as I understand it the discussion is a negotiation. Negotiate too hard and it’s an insult, be too much of a push over and I look weak. And again, as I understand it there is a balance to be achieved that will earn respect while maintaining the good face of her family for all to see come the wedding day.

I would expect to be asked for something in the region of 1 MB and would negotiate based on a value of what my Thai friends agreed upon with their future in-laws of a similar-socio economic background to my girlfriend. I would expect to receive all of this back after the wedding. My girlfriend tells me that because of her family it’s likely that approximately 3000 people would be invited (which to me seems ridiculous but I’ve seen this already at weddings of friends of ours), I’m also told that due to the numbers of people going it’s likely that we’d make a profit above the cost of the event; the profit coming from the donations people put in those little envelopes.

In all of my experience in Thailand I have not known my Friends (Thai and western) to be out pocket from giving sin-sod. They enjoy marriages arguably more successful than some of my friends in the West.

This is understandable as my friends have met ladies of similar standing, with similar education and of a similar age. In the case of my western friends, the parents of the wife to be may initially not have been over the moon with excitement at the prospect of their daughter dating and marrying a western man. I understand their concerns when I drive down Sukhumvit road. However, I believe these concerns to be natural and given time not prohibitive to the developing relationship once they have had chance to observe the character of the gentleman their daughter has chosen to date. I believe that once these concerns have been dealt with and a mutual respect has developed the issue of sin-sod is no longer an issue, it’s has become a part of the formalities respected by both parties.

A forum such as this invites open comments from many countries, cultures and walks of life. The only common ground is Thailand and as such opinions vary massively, and naturally so, but so does judgement.

It is the judgement I question when people are complaining about paying sin-sod to a family whom they view with scepticism and have no respect or trust for.

Obvious troll.

Is that comment really necessary ? (Particularly from someone who’s only topic starter is about raising buffalo !)

An obvious troll in my opinion is someone who offers no contribution to and tries to hijack a thread with negativity or stupidity. People like this are the ones who turn what are often productive threads into a slanging match. They have nothing of benefit , good humour or anything other than mind numbing blandness to offer then its better they don’t post.

Just my opinion, I don't wish to get drawn into and respond to a trollish reply anymore than I have already done so.

(Edit for typo)

I was just having a stroll down Rama IV in Bangkok when 2 motocops leapt on me and conducted a VERY intensive search - probably lasting 20 mins or so. The guy searching me was in my face at all times, demanding to know what everything in my possession was, demanding I show him my passport etc. He went through every pocket in turn, taking out the contents for examination, before giving them back to me, then starting the whole process again. He was really desperate to find something and very disappointed when he didn't. Funny thing was, a mate had given me a sachet of Kamagra gel late last night that I'd forgotten about - the police took a great deal of interest in it, but let me have it back. They kept asking if it needed to be taken with beer, for some reason. I'm sure it is illegal in Thailand and amazed they let me off with it.

I don't mind admitting I was shitting it, not least because he kept grabbing my penis. I was worried about the Kamagra, but even more so that they may plant drugs on me.

What is the likelihood of drugs being planted? What do you actually do if they have planted something on you? Do you offer them a bribe, or will that make matters worse? Also, how regular is this sort of thing? Anyone else been SASed?

No wonder you rarely see farangs walking around in any of the off-the-beaten-track areas. Taxis all the way for me from now on.

This happen to me on Friday Night. 10 mins it last and cost me 2 K. tea money dose not bother me at all. But these punks are asking for trouble!!

Sorry it was Friday morning not night.

Around that area cops are in pears pulling over at intersections and corners, they will get up all in your face like you have just robbed a bank or something. Then one cop will take your wallet and pass it to the other cop while his all in your face and searching your pockets the other one is seeing how much cash is in your wallet.

2000 Baht – that’s a lot of tea. Can you explain more? What were you carrying to warrant a 2000 baht pay off ?

I'm surprised...amazed you were stopped when in a taxi. I can't walk OR take taxis without potential hassle now!

While in a taxi late at night (early AM - 2-3am) it’s happened twice in last couple of years, but certainly not often enough to be alarming.

The first time a couple of years ago they just stopped the taxi and asked the driver where he was taking me. On this occasion I believe they were just looking out for my interests and making sure I was not the gullible tourist being taken on a wild goose chase. We were taking the smaller soi’s as it they offered the most direct route and I was already close to home, the taxi driver told the police my destination and we were on our way without further questions.

The second time (as I have described earlier) appeared to be something more suspect.

Both times they had identified me as a westerner in the taxi before they stopped us.

Both occasions were not enough to be worrying or cause a problem, but in retrospect I have concerns regarding their intentions.

In all likely hood, on the nights in question I was drinking with my friend (Thai Policeman - as we have been great friends for many years, and we now share many friends western and Thai who go out together as a group), I have the option of calling him for assistance but have never felt the need over something so small, he’s a friend because he’s a friend, his position bears no significance, although it doesn’t hurt to have that option if things were to take an uglier turn when getting stopped.

From reading this thread so far it appears to me as though if someone has done nothing wrong, then there is nothing to worry about – Although the opening question (topic title) questions the police powers. It is my understanding that a street search as the law stands is illegal, although I’ve only asked one friend about this and have no further confirmation.

Many people on this forum have friends within the police force, it would be interesting to learn what clarification their police friends can offer. It’s my guess that in cases such as this, what is done is copied from seniors and an interpretation of the law is passed down, I may well be wrong, but a policeman may not even know it is illegal to perform a street search (and I may well be mistaken).

I think I'm going to do exactly what they ask if it happens again. I take your point about refusing to be searched, but discretion is...

They didn't steal any money from me - and they had every opportunity to do so - neither did I have any ID on me. They could easily have asked for money/arrested me for the kamagra, but didn't. They asked what it was for and I decided not to lie. They just said "sex?" and I nodded. They were very interested in how it's ingested and seemed content to let me have it back once they'd read it is a gel. They were very interested in what was in my money pocket, so, all in all, I suspect they've specific intelligence on a coke dealer, as Briggsy suggested. I hope they've now crossed me off their 'suspects' list.

The only drug I do here is beer.

Yep, I agree with you – If the police insist on searching me after I have played the ‘its illegal to search me in the street’ card, there is not much I can do other than let them get on with it, otherwise I’m sure the situation would deteriorate.

At 2am in a quiet soi it seems a lot more suspect and I’d be (if my alcohol intake permitted it) on high alert.

My friend got searched in the middle of the day in Sukhumvit 22 about 2 years ago, the excuse from the police was that they were looking for drugs as it had been reported that there was a western drug dealer in the area. But that was two years ago. Still, my friend was simply searched and nothing more, so it seems that in the day time, in a busy area all is fine and it’s a lot less hassle than insisting on going to a station.

I think I’d judge each situation on its own merit, i.e. day night, how busy the area is. At night, I’d guess that good police would not mind moving to a busier area or a police station.

A Thai Police friend of mine tells me this is illegal. On the street all the police are allowed to ask for is your ID. If they want to search you they have to take you back to a station.

My friend has recommended to me that in similar situations insist on going back to the local station and they can search you there. I’ve thought about this though and refusing a search and insisting on going to the station while within your rights in my opinion needs to be dealt with very delicately.

A few months ago, a friend and I were in a taxi travelling along a narrow single lane soi between Ekammai and Thonglor (Just off Sukhumvit). It was about 2am and no other cars were around when 2 police officers on a bike pulled the taxi over.

I wound down my window and they asked me for Passport, I didn’t have one on me so I just said one word. “No”. They asked me in Thai where I was going – and I said “Thonglor”. They then asked me for ID, I realized my situation and was not going to give a police my ID while in a dark soi at 2am and then risk having to get out of the taxi and face a search... So I said "No". And they just replied in Thai “ok go”...... I was expecting some further difficulties to which I was going to tell them I will take the taxi to Thonglor Police station and they can check my ID there, but this was not necessary.

Something was very 'not right' about the whole situation. After asking my Thai Police friend, his answer was “probably dodgy police” and because I was not intimidated they didn’t pursue what ever it was they were looking for. My guess is at that time of morning is that they were looking to plant something on me and then try and extort some cash out of me, but my instinct may be mistaken.

Anyway – In future, If police stop me and ask to search my wallet or me, I will ask why and tell them its illegal unless they want to take me to the station. If they want to take me to the station I’ll call my friend to meet me there.

But I will not let them search me in the street and risk something being planted (although something could be planted on me in the station).

I wonder – This searching in the street has happened to a western friend of mine also, apart from official road blocks, does it happen to Thai’s ? This should tell us something of the legality of it.

I don’t think a car as personal transport is ever a wise economic choice when compared the public transport, especially when in a city such as Bangkok public transport is so readily available.

However, personally the decision own and use my own car involved far more reasons than simple economics. Here are some of my reasons....

Against:

• Higher Cost of running (fuel, cleaning, servicing etc)

• Initial cost of outlay (paying the high price for a car in the first place).

• Difficulty of parking (compared to simply getting off the BTS or out of a taxi).

• For some, the extra stress of driving (this doesn’t bother me).

• Lack of flexibility with a car (if the traffic is too bad and we are late, if we are driving we can’t jump out and catch the BTS or a mototaxi).

• Its easy to get lost when driving yourself.

• Risk of getting stung for a minor traffic offence by police.

For:

• I have my own comfortable car (much nicer than a taxi).

• Comfort again, some taxi’s simply can’t drive – its accelerate hard break hard, that tiring and irritating.

• I don’t have to worry about getting in a taxi and sitting in spilt som tam or grease etc (although in fairness this has not happened often).

• I have the Air-con at my levels.

• Better State of Mind: With my own car I can go anywhere anytime I want outside of Bangkok. Even if I don’t leave Bangkok. I have this option which relieves some of the mental pressures a city can sometimes apply.

• Ease to get to Sporting locations (i.e. golf etc) without having to lug around equipment by hand.

• Ease of leaving sporting venues without having to phone for and wait for taxi’s that may or may not turn up.

• I have the ‘You like thai woman’ / ‘You like Beckham, Owen’ / ‘You want I take you boom boom sexy lady’ conversation a lot less when I use my own car (this really wears thin after a few years otherwise ! – so does the driver opening of the door and hacking on the street)

• I drive myself, at my own speeds at my own safety.

• My car has seat belts taxis don’t (in the back, they do in the front and if alone at night when I’m not driving ‘cos I’m drinking, I sit in the front and have the seat belt).

• Motorbike taxi’s are lethal. If I’m in the car in bad traffic, I’m not tempted to get out and get a mototaxi.

• Listen to my own music.

• Getting to and from grocery shopping with out having to call for a taxi with a hand full of shopping, or wait in ques.

• Now I know the best way to get from A-B at that specific time of day. Sometimes some roads are busier than others and rarely taxis think ahead and consider this and end up taking the most direct route which gets me into traffic. In my car I go the way I think is best and don’t have to persuade a reluctant driver that going down route A is better than route B (this wears thin after a few times). Even though they are a taxi driver, I am in my area all the time, I drive and know the roads, traffic conditions and shortcuts better.

Comments:

• Some might think driving yourself is risky for getting stopped by police or having and accident and taking the blame. In my experience (2 accidents and numerous traffic stops) I’ve always been dealt with fairly and as equally as a Thai would.

• Getting lost initially soon turns into getting to know the city very well.

• Driving sensibly, I believe my driving is far safer than the majority of road users and therefore I am far safer than a private driver would be.

• There are no special secrets to driving in Thailand other than always be alert because not many of the other cars are, don’t make sudden lane changes.

• I use taxi’s - only when drinking. Any other time I am far happier, more comfortable and relaxed in my own car... Its freedom.

Your problem is not your car...it is YOU!!

You will fit nicely into Thai "high" soceity where looks are more important than reality.

I had a car for 10 years once & I never washed the its outside. I did, however, "hose out" the inside with a garden hose once every 6 months.

What is it with people & cars? Why are these "money pitts" so bloody important when all they do is get you from A to B?

Some people like cars some people don’t.

Looking after what you own by keeping it clean and in a state of good repair does say a lot about a person.

And regardless of rights and wrongs first impressions do count. It may be shallow, but that’s the way the world works.

If I turn up in a well maintained, clean car at a shopping mall the guard moves cones I get easy parking etc, now we all know this is a little wrong but thats the way the game is played here and its relatively harmless. If however I was to turn up at a shopping centre (for example) in an older dirty car, chances are the guard will not do anything...

Now, this is a daft example but that’s just one of the reasons to keep a car clean... on top of the reasons the op mentioned such as getting hands dirty, clothes also get dirty.

I do get the impression that some people respond to some of these threads out of jealousy.

There is nothing wrong with working hard, being proud of what you have and looking after it.

Also I have a feeling when I am driving, people look at me and Beamy and say, "Look at this guy, he has a nice car but no money to have it washed"

I’d feel the same wearing a suit with a ropey pair trainers....

Any ideas, hint's or tips on how to deal with this are very much appreciated!

Depending on where you live... Whenever you go to a shopping mall, have it washed there...

I do this with my car on a weekly basis – It keeps the dirt off my hands and clothes, keeps the car looking nice and perhaps pisses a few people off who don’t like or can’t understand others having something better than them or understand those who value and respect their possessions.