richard_smith237

Another point on the tint... IF the car has a panoramic roof - go for the darkest tint on that !!! (and yes you can mix and match tints)... We've gone for the lightest we were offered on the windscreen. Slightly darker on the sides and back. As dark as possible on the pano-roof.

Embassy 'should' do that on the day (depending on the Embassy if they do it at all) Immigration may do it on the day (for a fee) or make you wait 2 weeks - depends on the office. DLT will accept either. - YES !!! (don't let them go too dark) It all works itself out - nothing you need to do. You mean ceramic coating (on the body itself) - if paying extra not needed. If they are including it, then no worries. If you mean ceramic film (for windows) - then as about, don't go too dark (Thai's love dark film which makes driving at night hazardous).

Zero to 100 kmh in seconds / 100 kmh to Zero Braking performance: Tesla Model 3 (Performance AWD, 1,841 kg) - 3.3 seconds / Braking Distance: Approximately 32–37 metres MG ZS EV (1,570 kg) - 8.5 seconds / Braking Distance: Approximately 35–40 metres. BYD Seal (Performance AWD, 2,150 kg) - 3.6 seconds / Braking Distance: Approximately 36–42 metres Kia EV5 Earth Exclusive (2,229 kg) - 6.1 seconds / Braking Distance: Approximately 38–45 metres. Ford Ranger Raptor V6 (2,415 kg) - 7.9 seconds / Braking Distance: Approximately 40–50 metres. Ford Fortuna (2,185 kg) - 10.0 seconds / Braking Distance: Approximately 50 metres. Body roll performance at 50 kmh 20m radius curve & at 100 kmh with 100m radius curve. Tesla Model 3: 1–3° / 1.5–2° BYD Seal: 2–4° / 2–3° Kia EV5 Earth Exclusive: 4–6° / 3–4° MG ZS EV: 5–7° / 4–5° Ford Ranger Raptor V6: 7–10° / 6–8° Ford Fortuna: 5–7° / 3–5°

A lot of the information on real life experience were from the threads and your contributions on EV's !!... T'was your persistent nursing of wood for the MG's for which you took a bit of rubbing... (no pun)... I also don't buy into the whole 'green aspect' of EV's at all (when all aspects are considered - thats a separate debate) - but IMO they are better cars... One thing though - I am noticing more 'bounce' at fast highway speeds - not as severe as a mates pick-up, but worse than my previous... I'm not sure if thats down to an extra weight (1750 kgs to 2130 kgs - due to a long range batter) - but I don't think so, as I've had SUV's in the past that weigh 2200 kgs and 2500 kgs... so I suspect its purely down to the suspension quality.

Why is insurance and resale a consideration for an owner who avoids accident and responsibly services an asset according to best advice? I think the issue in a lot of EV threads is that the arguments are presented from the extremes of bias without balance. I own an EV and have concerns that the price would drop off a cliff close to 7 or 8 years of age. But, I've also owned more expensive cars and they lost more than the value of the EV's we're discussing within 3 years. I've had vehicles which cost 80,000 baht a year to insure... I'm not sure how much my current EV will cost to insure because its included in the first year of insurance... That said, the fuel savings (vs electricity costs) will out balance any extra insurance cost if there is one. As far as price - Similar spec EV to ICE (similar car sizes etc) are the same prices. We lost 70% of the value of or last car (ICE) in 6 years - I expect pretty much the same from an EV (but will never be sure for another 6 years).

The Watts link rear suspension of the Range is an improvement on previous models and the FOX Live Valve dampers improve stability. However, the Ranger also has high-clearance, off-road-focused suspension, it's exhibits body roll during and over overall grip and precision is reduced compared to any low-centre-of-gravity vehicle. The All-terrain tyres commonly fitted on the Raptor are designed for durability and off-road grip and offer less traction on wet, smooth roads compared to road-focused tyres of a sedan car. Whereas the BYD Seal has a multi-link rear suspension which offers excellent independent wheel movement, maximising tyre contact with the road. It has a low centre of gravity (due to battery pack placement) ensuring minimal body roll, with road-specific tyres optimal grip is delivered enhancing sharp handling and better precision. The Seal also has selective dampening. When assessing road holding specifically in dry and wet conditions the suspension system, weight distribution, tyre performance, and drivetrain setup all have an impact.... Thus: I'd ask, what decade to you live in ? becase I'm discussing a Ranger and BYD from 2024 and not decades ago.... Now, ask me which car I'd prefer and I'd say the Ranger because I like it more.... But I'm not going to pull the wool over my own eyes and make shyite up to justify why I like it more - Its ok, just to have a preference for no reason at all without all the made up tosh to justify it.

For you, not so much for those around you as you careen into them. It [the Ford Ranger] is not safer for him (the occupant) either, as its suspension and off-road set up is inherently less stable on the road than a BYD Seal - with all other things being equal (conditions and driver) the Ford Ranger is more likely to be involved in an on road accident.

Thus huge panic by some about cash-less is amusing... they seem to dream of this totalitarian dystopian future. You've all been using cashless for decades - right since 60's and 70's with wide-spread use in the 80-'s when pretty much every family was using a credit card... Then since the 80's and 90's with debit cards particularly with the onset of Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale (EFTPOS) systems. So... society has been 'cashless' for a while now... Did anyone pay for their car, house, or other expensive items in Cash over the past 20-30 years ????..... It seems now a lot of boomers are complaining because they don't like the Thai QR systems and this is more a 'generational complaint' than anything else. I'm a fan of cash, I'm also a fan of convenience, so I like digital payments. I use a credit card for most of our purchases because I get flights from them, but in truth, I object to the devaluation of currently caused by the 3% charges applied by the credit card companies where after 23 cycles (at 3% per transaction) the value of the currency has halved - so arguments from that perspective are valid. At least the PromptPay systems here do not have charges and are thus inherently 'better' than Visa and MasterCard. Cash, of course is better still - but its also a lot less convenient for many of us - and then we get into the boomer complaints about someone being slow with a QR code. But... if you are someone who is truly as paranoid as the Op - you're going to have to go off the grid completely - because each time you use an ATM there is a record, take your phone with you its traceable, fly anywhere your location is known. OR... perhaps the op should have told everyone to watch 1984 again. Or... how about looking at Crypto and the decentralisation there... isn't that taking us in the opposite direction towards freedoms ? But, how free do you want to be... ..... Paranoid Jim maybe concerned that the government can find out if he goes for his 'handsy massage'..... should he also take similar that the governments track spending as a measure against terrorism ?... of course tax comes in to it... .. a double edged sword and a multifaceted debate which I don't think can come down to something as simple as the 'government want to track us' (as everyday people).

The closest I've come to getting knocked off was yesterday... riding a fairly slow speed on a local soi following other traffic. A young lad (about 14 at a guess) turning right, from my right, out of a side soi without looking, rode into the rear of my bike..... Its long astonished me how many will turn without looking and only then react when something is in their way... Its just odd how there is no self preservation to look and make sure, and then go... as if stopping is a last resort. ... he hit my numberplate with his let, no damage to him, no damage to my bike other than a very slightly bent number plate (easily bent so no issues). Had I been a second later, he'd have ridden straight into the side of my bike and there would have been damage... I doubt he was insured or licensed (as he looked well under-age)... he was very apologetic, but I suspect he did not learn a single thing from that little interaction.... he did have a helmet on tough so he was still smarter than some on this forum !!!! and I'm sure some grade A1 idiot will be along to suggest it made no difference, perhaps even find a reason to blame the farang !!!...

Thats not true - there is nothing stopping you from leaving the airport. You will be issued two boarding passes at Check-in in Perth. When landing in Bangkok you can exit the airport along with anyone else (and if your bags are checked all the way though, no one will be the wiser). When returning, to the airport the next day, there is no need to check-in, you simply pass through security and immigration again using the 'onward boarding pass' that you were issued with in Perth. It seems that whoever is on the Thai airways contact centre has absolutely no idea !!! Still - its best to err on the side of caution - baggage comes through fairly quickly on arrival, but it may slow you down in queues when checking in.

Thai Airwasys have clearly given you flawed advice: #1 - With a British Passport you can enter Thailand Visa exempt for 60 days. #2 - You do not need a transit Visa at all (TG are 100% incorrect with this). On your return leg you can simply arrive and stay on your Visa Exempt Entry as any other Brit (without an excessive visit history that year). Regarding 'Stopover / Layover' vs transit - this varies from Airlines. Clearly on your outgoing leg - UK-BKK-AUS (with a 120m transit) - checked-in baggage goes through automatically to destination. On your return leg, the 'check-in baggage rules' may vary from airline to airline. We stop over a lot in the Middle East and the rules with Emirates and Qatar etc is based on 24 hrs from 'layover (<24 hrs) and a stopover (>24 hrs) - If stopping over for more than 24 hours we have to collect our baggage at the 'transit country'. Thai Airways regulations vary and its difficult to get clear advice (even directly from the airline - as you have found out with the incorrect visa information).... Thus, erring on the side of caution would make sense. - When checking in You can ask them to put your baggage all the way though - to be sure you can check the baggage tags they give you. - Most likely - with Thai Airways you'll have to collect your bags with a layover longer than 12 hours.

I thought so too... But... we're in a significant net positive already with regards to 'time saving' when charging up and while out, vs filling up with petrol. Filling up takes on average 2-5mins (every week). Charging over night takes no time. Charging while out and about obviosly takes additional time. We've had to charge 3x at 'Gas stations' while on road trips - each time we stopped for a an ice-cream, a KFC and another for a Burger King (on road trips) and the charging was quicker than it took us to eat. BUT... an EV is not good for someoene who prefers to drive 500kms non stop and just fill up in 2-5mins....

What does a single woman who runs out of petrol in the middle of nowhere do ?

Well, based on your comment - Its apparent there a couple of primary points to be made. #1: For dumb posters not to make such dim gaslighting comments - the idea that advocating for safer roads is the same as wanting 'Thailand to become a Western Clone Culture' is idiotic. #2: You may dislike Thai's and feel perfectly comfortable with so many preventable deaths, however, I like it here, I like the Thai's, I like my Thai family and friends and I hate to see so many unnecessary deaths. That said, I also get your point alluding the 'nanny culture' of the West - but if you can only argue the dichotomy of extremes, then your points will be flawed - healthy balance can be achieved while saving lives - but to add to your point; regarding helmet wear, yes, I would see every person riding without a helmet stopped and fined to improve the situation - I would also like to see minimum helmet qualities enforced. If you are only capable of seeing the dichotomy of extremes, you're not intellectually prepared for a discussion on the subject. Making Thailand safe, does not involve turning into into a regulation obsessed wester nation or whichever country is you have run away from.

My helmets are quite expensive... I take them with me, along with the jacket etc... and then I'm also hot and sweaty etc.. so this contribute the fact that I'm riding less and less these days... Just to local chores..to play football etc.. (when alone) If going to a shopping mall or dinner... its always with the car anyway as I'll be with my Wife (and she's 100% a no-go on the back of the bike - I'll risk myself to a certain extent but not her).

Both... In Thailand, the legal obligation for motorcycle riders and passengers to wear helmets is established in Section 122, of the Land Traffic Act B.E. 2522 (1979) and its subsequent amendments. The Act mandates that both riders and passengers must wear helmets that meet prescribed safety standards. Passengers aged 15 and above can also be held individually accountable and fined for not wearing a helmet. Thus: both the rider and the passenger may face charges - The reality may well be different, and I'm sure we'll hear of examples whereby the 'passenger was charged' leaving the Win-Taxi rider to get away with it !!!

You've outdone yourself... It's utterly mind-blowing how anyone could spew such a colossal level of stupidity as claiming that not having an accident somehow justifies not needing a helmet. This isn't just ignorant - it's dangerously idiotic. You're basically flaunting an inability to grasp the simplest concept of precaution, as if accidents politely announce their arrival. Such a mindset isn't just laughable - it's a perfect recipe for Darwin Award-worthy disaster. It's impressive how you are so wilfully dense, yet not so surprising.

It seems likely that the same fools who admitted to driving under the influence in another post are participating here as well. Some contributors appear to consistently seek validation, trying to reassure themselves that their poor judgement aligns with a broader norm. Unfortunately, these polls often seem to confirm the assumption that there are far more idiots around us than we anticipated.

Where you live... your place is clearly a measure of tranquil serenity that the Op is clearly in need of... Help out the forum community and let the Op know where this silent condo of yours is...

Something to do with not being a total ayhole - I've spent my adult life here, I have many Thai friends and a large extended family here - I care about them. I don't like to see meaningless and unnecessary deaths in any nation - I think thats simply part of being human. IF helmet laws were enforced, more Families will not lose a bread winner, there will be far less emotional trauma. The WHO estimates that road accidents cost Thailand approximately 500 billion baht, equivalent to about 3% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) - The lack of helmet use by motorcyclists contributes to this impact on Thailands GDP in several interconnected ways, as it leads to increased fatalities, injuries, and associated economic costs such as: Loss of Human Capital and Productivity, Healthcare Costs, Insurance and Compensation Costs, Loss of Consumer Spending, Burden on Public Infrastructure, Reduction in Workforce Participation..... there are also other 'hidden issues' that burden society with more children growing up with single parent families etc... the excessive road deaths generate greater issues which can only be noted once we delve deeper into the true impact. Perhaps... the mask wearing was also 'fear driven'..... Its still astonishes me that the nation paradoxically adopted mask wearing 'almost' universally, while continuing not to wear helmets - the mask wearing was policed, I agree the policing had little to do with health concerns and was another opportunity for a 'money grab' - Yet, its strange authorities do push for the same degree of social compliance when it comes to helmet wearing. Without consistent enforcement or a comparable fear-driven campaign, the discrepancy remains stark. It’s a missed opportunity to prioritise long-term safety over short-term gains. What you're suggesting is that people here forego wearing helmets simply because "this is Thailand," implying that it's a cultural norm. I agree to an extent - culture does play a role. However, effective enforcement of laws has the power to drive cultural change and shift attitudes. IMO, the apathy and complacent law enforcement fails to address the issue and actively perpetuates the high road fatality rates.

'We' - People who care about the country in which we live. The Law - Section 122 of Land Traffic Act, B.E. 2522 It has everything to do with the Police being lazy - IF every motorcyclist not wearing a helmet were fined an amount that mattered to them - this could be turned around. The police were 'not lazy' with mask wearing during Covid - it astonishes me that they managed to get everyone to wear a mask, while still ignoring the helmet wearing law. As per your comment on Vietnam policing - the police were very active and impacted significant change that has saved hundreds of thousands of lives over the years. So... why is Vietnam policing effective, but you still comment that this has nothing to do with the laziness of the Thai police ?.... Its its not laziness of the Thai police, what is it ?

Easy - I also see a lot of kids in the car without seatbelts, propped up on the lap of mom in the passenger seat.... (not all windows are so dark we can't see in). I would see a lot of my Son's friends turning up at school in their Alphards... they never had car seats... I'm not even sure if they use their seatbelt. I too brought over the Car seats from the UK - and now my Son is 11 and outgrown his car seat, he is on a booster bought locally so the seatbelt crosses his chest at a good height. Agree with this - if 'every older generation were correct in their castigation of the younger generation' we'd be back before the industrial revolution instead of making the massive advancements in tech.

Its because we care about the place we moved to... If we didn't care that people are unnecessarily dying, we would have no opinion. Its still the law here - and Thai's also have an opinion on this - If a kid kills themselves becasue they pull out in front of my Wife without a helmet on (while she is driving) - its not her fault, but a helmet may have saved them and prevented her some horrible emotional trauma. Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire - any many states also allow guns - a lot of people are sick of the idiocy. As mention above - its not an individual issue when it impacts society. Its not up to you - its up to the police and they are lazy - thats why Thailand has such a high road fatality rates. When 80% of road deaths (an estimated 20,000) are motorcyclists - compare that to Vietnam and the issue is clear.

When my son was an infant... we travelled all over (Japan, NZ, Aus, Europe) but living in Thailand and getting around without a car was pretty much impossible.... Taxi's had no car seats so that was never an option. When we wanted to go just 1 KM down the road, using a push-chair was never an option as the pavements were simply un-navigable... I attempted it once and the Motorcyclists would get annoyed at being held up on 'their' footpath !!!!... From then on, it was 100% car use wherever we went. Even walking down the footpath with a 5 year old is hazardous enough, we food vendors boiling oil at face height etc, street dogs, electrocution risk of street lamps etc etc I was suddenly on full on heightened alert to the safety issues. But, trying to get anywhere with pushchair here highlighted how difficult it must be for those with mobility issues, particularly wheel-chairs.... ... Thats why I think 'fair play' to the guys on mobility scooters using the roads to get around... they have little alternative, but have to read the 'ayholish' comments from miserable folk on these forums who refuse to accept these folk deserve their freedom of mobility too.

What makes it ok is that I never hurt anyone. And never have. Yet....