richard_smith237

i won't be fearing the reaper, that's for sure.... Wrong Blue Oyster !!...

I agree... Well done - nice big picture thinking there !!... I'm guessing it'll keep getting nudged on....

There's an advantage to both... The newer / higher end iPhones have much better cameras and are faster, better security etc compared to a 'cheapie'.... But, there's also an advantage that carrying a cheaper phone around, 'we are not owned by the things we own' (i.e. we are not scared of losing it). At some point the phone will be all we'll need... It'll start our car, open our house, we'll use it for payments, for ID.... But... what if the phone has an issue... We'll need the real keys.... I also think we'll need to have real cash and all places need to be able to take cash (by law) because cash is the backup if the E-systems cut out.... and should be the option if we simply 'want to use cash'... As much as I support E-payments for the convenience, I'm also in firm support that cash remains accepted everywhere. Having an iPhone I can't get GoogleWallet and ApplePay won't work with local cards here..... But, whenever I am in overseas places that accept ApplePay, the convenience is brilliant... I know its just the difference between getting a card out of a wallet, tapping and confirming the transaction... but the phone is often closer at hand than the wallet, and thus picking up the phone, Face ID to open, double-tapping power to bring up wallet and tapping on the Point of Sale device..... it actually sounds like a lot of effort, but for a Gen Y&Z its a single movement... Its kind of like going from a car with a normal key.... ... to a car with a key-fob to unlock... .... to a car with keyless entry... .... to a car with Keyless entry and ignition... ..... and now to a car that we can enter with our phone... It'll become the norm just as other norms have passed before, such as credit cards, contactless payment..... I absolutely agree with your revenue dept comment - for sure people will want to fly below the radar... I hope cash doesn't become obsolete in my lifetime - all payment options should be on the table, cash and e-payment, but as you imply, people may not want e-payment if the info takes them above tax thresholds... Someone should design a currency that can't be traced easily.... something not controlled, something with no head office, or specific centre of information and power.. something that can be everywhere at once.... sort of decentralised... hmm... Would Thailand make Crypto illegal ???

Where are you that has clean air and convenience ?

A lot of people don't like the 'nanny state' but dealing with the roads alone there is a log of reasons why the roads are safer there and the primary reason is the very 'nanny state' some don't like... For the most part, road laws are strictly enforced and that keeps people alive - and when it comes to DUI there is little give.

This is incorrect.....vehicles GIVE WAY to the LEFT at intersections.....that is the correct rule.... He [Excogitator] already acknowledged.... This GIVE WAY to the LEFT at intersections stands only when roads are of equal status and there, are no road markings and no other vehicle is on the junction (i.e. they arrived at the junction at the same time). You are indeed right Sir, I stand corrected. Yield to the LEFT is the general rule. (Seems to be a lot of confusion about this. I was even taught the wrong way here..)

Next here... think bigger picture.... What if scenario for you: What IF the whole idea of EV's is to have cleaner cities... then more in the city will be encouraged to have an EV. More of those people in the inner cities will live in largo condo blocks and areas of high population density. How will charing occur in Condo's when many more people or even most of the occupants have an EV ??? So... while I agree, on the individual level its not rocket science, thinking beyond over simplified and dumbed down responses.... the issue is genuine... "No new petrol or diesel cars sold from 2030" - Ring a bell ???

Do you pay for it yet ??..... You will... My guess is that there are so many EV's now, soon, perhaps this year, Shopping Malls etc will have no choice but to charge for charging

That's interesting, what's the total cost job start to finish. Do you need any planning permission ? A far simple solution exists... would planning permission be require for this (in the UK - no one would care here).... The issue of course, is when everyone in the street, or in a condo is charging their EV at the same time.... the grid would fail. To avoid that, additional infrastructure added and to pay for it night-time electricity consumption is charged at a premium.... https://www.chargegully.com/

But you'd still be using electricity generated by hydrocarbons... So... Put SolarCells on the roof, and run the power down to your car charger from that....

Some will suggest get away with it until someone complains. Ultimately, you will not be a permitted to charge your car on 'co-owners' electricity.... Thus, you'd have to arrange (and pay for) a dedicated meter so you can pay separately. OR... the condo installs their own outlets (just a 240v regular plug) - and you use a 'log in device' such as an RFID card and your electricity usage is registered - you receive a bill monthly etc. As EV usage increases - I imagine Condo's and Apartments will go this way and install extra power-points that run off some sort of meter which is paid for by the user.

Hey Champ... maybe the white line did mean something.... Should have looked into that before 'hanging your hat on the wrong thing' & 'diggin up' !!!

Congratulations... some people are nice to you.... me too.... nevertheless, the generalisation of 'The Three Circles Of Thai Culture' is a thing and one of the times its most observable is when trying to cross a road.... - If a driver recognised the person crossing the road as family, or closest friends - he'd brake hard. - If a driver recognised the person as a co-worker or acquaintance - he'd brake hard. - If a driver didn't recognise the person crossing the road, they'd not care for their welfare at all, braking is an effort, the pedestrian had better get out of the way. Its harsh - but thats the way a lot of people drive here - every stranger is in that 3rd circle - if that wasn't true, everyone would brake hard like it was their favourite granny crossing the road - but the reality is, only some give way to pedestrians, probably the same types of character you describe who are nice to you.

So... SUV 100% in the wrong then... But, as you point out: the right of way is contrary to the way everyone drives it which makes the junction and all the junctions along that stretch more dangerous. Thailand is still wondering why is has the highest road deaths. The SUV driver is going to get done for dangerous driving then ???? Safety First eh ???..... I really hope you are not blasting through blind junctions like that at 80 kms... You'll be in the news next.... Hope not of course - be careful eh... That said - I agree with you that IF this is the way 'everyone drives' this road - then the north south roads really should be designated with stop signs and give way signs... (and yes - white lines !!!!)... The accident rates here is not just about rubbish policing - its also a lot about really cr-appy junctions and road lay outs. Already enough suicidal motorcyclists out there anyway.... but you are only looking out for the foreigners on Disability Trikes to confirm your bias ??? Insanity - idiots driving without looking !!!.... Was driving the other day (middle lane - Petchaburi rd) middle of the day.... Motorcycle to the right travelling at the same speed. I suddenly hear loud tyre screeching..... saw in my mirror a pickup fish-tailing it... rear sliding around, brakes locked up.... The driver had nearly ridden straight into the motorcyclist next to me..... Careful out there indeed - especially at junctions as some blast through thinking they have right of way !!!!

I find those 3 wheelers strange/awkward to ride. And I've even riden the yamaha Niken. That's a 900cc bike. Actually it's got 4 wheels in the front. It's ugly as sin but on the open road it's not bad. Very smooth engine however around town it's way to heavy. The Mp3 is still a scooter but I don't really see the need for that set up on such a small cc bike. Can Am also do a trike style bike, never ridden one but for some reason I don't consider them a scooter or a bike. 2 wheels is what it's about for me. I've always wanted to give the Niken a go - looks like great fun, but I agree, that front end looks way too heavy. I did have a Yamama TriCity a number of years back - I really liked it - front end grip and brakes were better than any other scooter I've ridden.... And yes, it handled Bangkok roads brilliantly, one wheel hits a pot hole, and floats through it, while the other takes the weight.... Of course, two wheels doubles the chances of hitting a pothole, but its safer than hitting one with one wheel. And... As for CanAm.... I've been wanting one of those for years - but only if I were living in the UK or Europe... it could be great summer fun... CanAm now make electric motorcycles - they look good.

Ops posting history is usually why I ignore any thread of his and anything he writes... But... there is a point - at times I've been asked for a tip... and that kind of grates a little and kind of ruins the benevolence of being kind and showing additional gratitude for a service.

I thought the golden rule was that as soon as some one asks for a tip, its automatic that a tip is not given...

Agreed... It was the same when the eye Dr. was killed on the crossing after getting impacted by the motorcyclist last year - the victim walked across the pedestrian crossing, apparently without looking to her right, the view was also partially blocked by a van which had stopped - the bike blew through the crossing at speed without any intention to stop, just as this taxi did in this latest incident. The point being made by others, is that we have to be very cautious when crossing the road and have our head on a swivel. However, the point that is also being made is that in a civilised country, a blind man should be able to walk across a road on a pedestrian crossing without concern. Thailand has a long way to go regarding road safety and the concern for the safety of others.

If you can’t wipe the phone remotely because let’s say it’s taken to an area outside of cell network, how do the thieves unlock the phone if you they need your Face ID and/or passcode? Exactly - and if the wrong Passcode is entered in too many times the phone wipes itself anyway.

Beware of the courts ....... you can be arrested, held and deported for DUI (unless on a married extension). IF over the DUI limit - the Op seems pretty confident the limit 1 or 2 beers he has will not take him near that legal limit. Thus: his concern is avoiding the time wasting if a beer / alcohol is suspected but he's well below the limit.

Absolutely agree.... in no time at all we'd have this (Photo below)..... I'm sure some drivers here would go to any lengths possible not to have to apply that brake pedal....

So the Thai strangers that have helped me before, what "circle" do they belong in? Sure.... Your individual experience outweighs generalisation...

I think you are getting a bit defensive there.... A Gold Wing on a 750km ride is going to be 100% more comfortable than Scoopy !!!... Of course we each have our preferences, but a lot of opinion is limited to backing the choices we made rather than being truly honest with ourselves. In the same context, a Gold Wing is going to be useless around Bangkok, but then for a similar reason but to a lesser degree so are the Maxi-scooters with bathtub design. IMO - Larger bikes, i.e. real motorcycles, are more comfortable, have better brakes and better suspension - I don't think there is much doubt about that at all... anyone suggesting otherwise is perhaps bias for other reasons. Scooters of course, are simply bucket loads more convenient and thats why most of us who ride, have one. Those who have larger bikes will nearly always also have a scooter as a run around.

What time of year... . Come cooler season, while on a trip over in that area I saw loads of guys riding larger bikes down from Mae Sod to Tee Lor Su waterfall (very windy fun road apparently).... I've seen plenty of large bikes out there on their 'trips'.... Perhaps you are blinded by your bias and just wanted to project the idea that the only reason you'd get a big bike is to show off at the local coffee shop... hence you project thats the only reason others want one too...

Too many guys think they're the dog whisperer on this thread - its hilarious... kind of like reading guys suggesting to punch a shark on the nose when a tiger shark / bull shark / great white wants to attack you !!!.... -------------- How to deal with Soi dogs?.... Only one solution really - deal with the issue before its an issue: 1) Dog has collar and owner is responsible - fined if it is found unrestrained on the streets. 2) Dog has no collar - authorities deal with it (i.e. remove / re-house / spay / or destroy). Due to the failure to adopt effective solutions: How to deal with Soi Dogs ???.... You can't, they're a pest and there is no one fits all solution and each situation varies depending on area, how territorial the dog is, how many there are, how aggressive they are etc... Best case: Single Dog: Picking up the stone trick or carrying a stick may work. Moderate Case: Multiple Dogs: Picking up the stone trick tends not to work, carrying a stick and all other solutions mentioned may or may not work. Worst Case: Multiple Aggressive Dogs: Not a lot works - BB Gun ?.... Cattle Prod ?