Chongalulu

The real popular cars dont get much of a deal at the show. No big savings for cars like Jazz or Yaris

And pickups? I really need to buy ,probably an Isuzu, and quickly as only got a motorbike just now . The deals on offer at dealerships are hardly inspiring and if it's unlikely to be much better I've no desire to make an all day trip into bangkok and back and waste 3 more weeks without proper transport.

Do what you like, but do not put anything on the windscreen accept the bit above eye level............Trust me.

If you fit dark stuff on your side windows you will probably have to open them to spot bikes with noooooooo lights at night.

That makes perfect sense ,especially as I HATE anything restricting my vision (there'll be NOTHING dangling from my rear view mirror!) and I dislike the blacked out "gangsta rap " look windows. So now we're getting somewhere what exactly can I get to go on the top bit above eye line on windscreen and what on the side windows that doesn't darken/restrict vision so I can still see those c***s on bikes with no lights yet still maybe reduces the full glare of the sun?

I'm sure this has been covered before and apologies for not being able to find recent threads but I'm about to order an Isuzu truck and have little idea about what window/windscreen film to negotiate inclusion of nor what %ages darkness etc. I intend long term ownership am not concerned about people being able to see in or shallow cosmetic features but rather, functionality in terms of sun /UV protection /longevity and NOT restricting clear vision especially at night. I've heard about 3M and lumina or crystalline but no idea of respective merits vs each other or whether to avoid the standard film the dealer will offer. Please help I'm really "in the dark " and grateful for SPECIFIC advice and whether I should expect to pay the dealer extra or what I can expect to push him for at no extra cost . Oh,and are those external stick on plastic window visors and bonnet bug guards of any real practical value population or just questionable cosmetic add ons?

Gentlemen,thank you once again responding with indecent haste not only to this but previous questions! Much appreciated

I am due to get my passport stamped with extension of visa,marriage, following 30 day consideration next week. While I'm there I thought it would be a good idea to get a single re entry visa ,although I've no immediate plans to leave . Question is can I get an "open " one which would last the length of my extension to cover future eventualities thus saving me a further trip to immigration should I have to leave. The 1000 baht would be worth it for me. I understand that you can get one at suvarnabhumi but the peace of mind of already having it in the bank so to speak is worth it. Form TM8 however asks the date you are leaving and approximate return date which implies a negative answer to my question but appreciate it pays to assume nothing.

Samui is paradise lost like so much of Thailand. Wall to wall shops , obnoxious foreigners and obnoxious Thais. Mafia controlled , numerous foreign criminals, over priced crap Thai food, crowded beaches. Travel half way around the world to the pit of humanity for what ? Having said that Pattaya , Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Tao, Chiang Mai, Pai, Koh Chang and other locations add to the list.

Seems you've pretty accurately summed up the whole scenario,especially island life. For years I loved going to Phuket ( karon beach) and diving in the similans. I haven't been able to go for 4/5 years and now been widely advised against revisiting. It begs the question, where now for a beach holiday especially as I'm a snorkelling/ diving fan? Went to Cha am last week for a few days and visited Hua hin for a day. Ok for a break but beach/sea underwhelming,especially in Hua hin, and no enthusiasm for a repeat trip especially compared to what Phuket used to be like. Went to koh Chang about 8 years ago and again underwhelmed (poor beaches)So where's the next island/ beach resort to try?...... Koh Lanta and adjacent islands? I've recently emigrated to Phimai (korat) where we have a house but wish to get away on a regular basis Answers on a postcard please?

You could try calling your immigration office to find out.

I went back yo Korat immigration office yesterday on my report back date under the 30 day consideration of extension but was told it wasn't ready yet. It is my first application for a one year extension and we had a satisfactory home visit about 10 days previous. The immigration officer was the one we saw at the initial application that we got on well with and he just said to telephone later,although no indication as to exactly when,and not to worry. I'm concerned that I have nothing in my passport beyond the consideration stamp saying to report back on 23rd. Am I ok like this and has anything expired leaving me vulnerable or liable to fines overstay etc . Need some feedback as to exactly where I stand. Also was unable to get a residence certificate as technically my visa has expired according to the separate office I went to upstairs. Seems chicken and egg and round in circles scenario. Advice as to what I do or how often we should call them

It sounds like immigration was a bit slow in getting the paperwork to division 4 headquarters for approval if you just had the home visit 10 days ago.

The under consideration stamp allows you to stay until your extension is approved.

Just check with them in a few days and it should be done.

Many thanks for clarification. When I do return is it compulsory/advisable for wife to accompany me? To get the residence certificate,which I hope to do whilst there directly after my approval,is there any additional documents I need? The house and all bills are in wife's name ,Al I have is my bank book. I need residence certificate for driving licence (both car and motorcycle) and to purchase a vehicle. Will I need one for each I.e 3 or will copies suffice. Does anyone know if korat charges for this. I've read some don't and others 500 baht?

You could try calling your immigration office to find out.

I went back yo Korat immigration office yesterday on my report back date under the 30 day consideration of extension but was told it wasn't ready yet. It is my first application for a one year extension and we had a satisfactory home visit about 10 days previous. The immigration officer was the one we saw at the initial application that we got on well with and he just said to telephone later,although no indication as to exactly when,and not to worry. I'm concerned that I have nothing in my passport beyond the consideration stamp saying to report back on 23rd. Am I ok like this and has anything expired leaving me vulnerable or liable to fines overstay etc . Need some feedback as to exactly where I stand. Also was unable to get a residence certificate as technically my visa has expired according to the separate office I went to upstairs. Seems chicken and egg and round in circles scenario. Advice as to what I do or how often we should call them

I just bought a toyota Yaris 4 months ago

all I had to show them was my bank account with my 800k retirement visa money

financed thru the dealership at 2.3% over 4 years

they used Kiatnakin bank ???? never heard of them before

I was going to pay cash but of course a lot of freebies dissapeared if I didn't finance

I was going to wait 3 months then pay it off but at 2.3 % I get more with a term deposit so I guess everyone is happy

the only hicup was my age,,,the lady from the finance end phoned me and said over 65 was a problem but it was her fault she did not check as she never thought I was that old when meeting me

so if I made 6 months payments up front the financing would be approved,,,,

BS or compliment,,,who knows,,,again at 2.3% paid it and put the rest in term deposit

I did have a good down payment but can not remember the percentage

they seemed to be a little shaken when I walked in with a huge chunk of cash and laid it on the desk

Since that is common here to buy a car that way it is very unlikely they were shaken.

Especially as it was only a deposit...

Even land deals are pretty routinely done cash.. Ours was..

Don't equate the interest rate they quote with the rate you get on deposit with your bank as it's calculated very differently eg 3% is actually more like 5.8% in real terms. For full explanation see a thread entitled "vehicle finance interest rates" I posted couple of weeks ago rather than rehash it here. I had a very good answer with the maths attached.

I've decided now to pay cash but am undecided on the Isuzu or Chevrolet Colorado (dismissed Toyota due to upcoming model change). The technical spec on the 2.8 Colorado (engine and gearbox) seems superior to Isuzu equivalent and cheaper too. Two things concern me. Sat nav is not standard on Chevrolet but listed as an accessory,so is this some aftermarket bolt on kilt and thus inferior to the factory fitted inbuilt offerings of others? I can't make myself understood on this point in my communications with dealer. And secondly the wife has warned about lower resale value/ depreciation on the Chevrolet which is a valid point long term. Appreciate some feedback please on my concerns

The wife and I want to spend 4 nights in Hua hin or Cha am from next Tuesday (well get a coach from Korat). We'd like to see both but undecided where to stay or whether to prebook a hotel. Is it busy (any events going on filling hotels etc?) . I like to have a bit of beach/snorkelling activities and also the new water park (vana nova?)but also a bit of shopping for the wife and something to do in the evenings ( restaurants and taking in the sights) not loud bars and karaoke. Is there reasonable transport between the two locations? I guess I'd budget circa 1800/2000 baht night but happy for it to be less if a clean comfortable air con room with nearby facilities. Pool is nice but not absolutely essential if beach nearby. Perhaps I'm not being specific enough but prepared to be open minded and flexible and welcome informed opinion/suggestions based on your experiences. Especially keen to hear recommendations on specific hotels.

It is generally accepted that the Isuzu engine is better ...more frugal ... than the Chevy. Such a pity that Isuzu haven't come up with a 6 speed box yet.

Interested/ surprised to hear that as having downloaded Chevrolet Colorado brochure (all in English) I formed the impression that the 2.8 Chevrolet engine vs 3.0 Isuzu seemed more advanced. 200 horsepower vs 177 from smaller engine DOHC and variable vane turbo. Apart from horsepower can't really ascertain from Isuzu brochure (mostly in Thai) exactly how it compares so basing my opinion on the fact that smaller more powerful diesels tend to be more advanced,so happy to be further educated especially as I was revising my initial favouring of the Isuzu towards the Chevrolet (6 speed another factor) and quite impressed by the facts on their brochure ( much better than Isuzu brochure). Happy to have more feedback from owners of current models

It is generally accepted that the Isuzu engine is better ...more frugal ... than the Chevy. Such a pity that Isuzu haven't come up with a 6 speed box yet.

I visited a Mazda dealer and whilst he didn't have one to look at the price is 1.6 million,which is significantly more than the others and would not put the brand,which is Ford oriented, on a par with Honda.

Ford orientated, what does this mean ?

Ford owns ( or part owns Mazda) which is why their pickups are the same with different badges

A year ago here in Phuket I was shopping for same. 4-door automatic 4wd truck. I went to every manufacture of truck and spent hours talking. The most expensive was Isuzu. I ended up with the top of line Chevy for 901,000. Discounts are given based on the model and type of truck each manufacture has. Also, discounts come and go, might have one this month for a particular model and next week another. Its all about timing.

I'd pretty much dismissed Chevrolet when I discovered their pricing was in a similar bracket to established brands. In UK Chevrolet cars were rebranded (horrible) Daewoos which were cheaper but had nil resale value. I'd have thought the brand here might also suffer,if not as much. I gather Ford prices don't hold up as well as Isuzu/Toyota and would put Chevrolet behind them. I've only been here 4 months so happy to be corrected

A year ago here in Phuket I was shopping for same. 4-door automatic 4wd truck. I went to every manufacture of truck and spent hours talking. The most expensive was Isuzu. I ended up with the top of line Chevy for 901,000. Discounts are given based on the model and type of truck each manufacture has. Also, discounts come and go, might have one this month for a particular model and next week another. Its all about timing.

Depending on how much you want to use it, the fuel consumption could be interesting to look at.

Most of the standard pick-ups and their SUV equivalents are gas guzzlers and rather low on safety.

The more economical cars are often terrible overpriced here.

I've done some looking around now and if I would replace my Vigo now I would buy a Mazda CX5 Diesel. It's in the same price range as the Fortuner, CRV, MUX, but has a lot better mileage and modern safety features that the others lack.

I visited a Mazda dealer and whilst he didn't have one to look at the price is 1.6 million,which is significantly more than the others and would not put the brand,which is Ford oriented, on a par with Honda. I don't doubt it is a good vehicle and agree with you on fuel consumption issue but doubt I would recoup the extra cost notwithstanding the brand perception effect in a resale scenario. Yes,it's weirdly counterintuitive re the safety facts on a big SUVs vs cars. Thanks for your helpful and intelligent comment though

Although I did find a thread on this from last year has anyone any recent experience of discount levels achievable now. Shopped around in Phimai and Korat a few weeks ago and be it a CRV,MUX or D Max pickup there seemed to be only 20000 discount (plus free insurance and some accessories) which is pretty pathetic in % terms. I've decided a 4 door 3 litre manual pickup is the answer (circa 920000 baht) and with Toyota scheduled to bring out new model later this year (i need one now) that the Isuzu D max is probably the answer for longevity and depreciation. Not keen on buying a model (toyota) that will be superseded in a few months especially as there's precious little extra discount on offer just now (nor special finance deals) but I'm going to buy cash as the REAL interest rate when properly calculated is more like 5.8% rather than the circa 3% they quote (see vehicle finance topic I started and got answers to a couple of weeks ago rather than debate this issue).

I'm in Phimai (which has an Isuzu dealer) so Korat as big nearby city is feasible for sourcing otherwise I guess it's a long trek to Bangkok which if there were much better deals there would be worth it. Also wondered if the Korat Isuzu dealers were under the same ownership umbrella so wouldn't compete with each other?

Grateful for any guidance

It's a shared platform with sky still having the majority of the matches. Bidding starts shortly for end of next season . Expect £1 billion increase on current price. I'm having issues with billing of CTH. Despite endless calls AMD emails still not resolved and for fearof getting cut off I paid last bill which I disagreedwith. In view of comments about them not actually doing this is it a risk just not to pay next one which appearcorrect. Is reconnectiondifficult if they do? I feel I overpaid bill before current one. They do seem useless but need premier league!

wanting to buy a new car and the interest rates the dealer quotes are written as between about 2.9%- 3.2% depending on length. These aren't however the real rates or what we call APR ( annualised percentage rate) because as the capital sum reduces due to the monthly repayments you are still paying the same amount meaning that the APR ,or real interest rate, is higher than the quoted figure. That much I do know but wondered if there were any financial experts who have worked out the actual APR as I'm not sure how to calculate it. Please,this is not a subject for unqualified opinion,so would appreciate answers only from someone who actually knows.

Any tips regarding best places to obtain finance are welcome however. Also I'm considering a range of vehicles from a 3 litre 4 door pickup to a Isuzu MUX/ Fortuner Toyota or Honda CRV 2.4 (2 wheel drive). I know this is quite a wide choice but all have their disadvantages. Pickup ,agricultural ride but like manual gearbox. MUX type ( is the ride any better due to rear coil springs but with crude live axle?) and a bit large. CRV probably nicest to drive I guess (did use one couple of years ago) and big enough but why the hell don't they offer the diesel version Honda makes?...makes no sense. I prefer manual gearbox and bigger engine size but know that's not possible other than on pickup. .. but can live with automatic as missus would prefer. I notice the Honda is CVT which top gear boys hate. Anyone tried it and have opinion?

Many questions I know so grateful for some answers,especially on finance APR.

I'm under 30 day consideration at Korat on first extension and understand that I can use the money in the account as long as it doesn't go below 400k during that time? Am I supposed to bring my book or any other documents when I return on appointed day to verify? How do they check otherwise?For subsequent years is it still 2 months or does it become 3 for marriage visa? Should I bring any other documents on that day?

made my first application for 1 year extension of my non imm o marriage visa at korat which went smoothly as was well prepared having checked in with them week previous. During the 30 day consideration period we are to await a telephone call to arrange for a home visit by an official . Apparently this applies to everyone,not just new applicants and we had to draw a directions map for them which I had pre done. My wife says this is a new directive applying to all immigration offices but I doubt that not having heard of this before and thinking of how many officers they would have to recruit to achieve this. I have no issues with the visit apart from having to wait around for the call which could be anytime over next month and worried about missing call if I'm swimming in shower etc.and can't go anywhere in meantime. has anyone heard about this particularly if you use Korat office? We also had to fill in another form ( totally in thai) requiring additional but mostly duplicate information which even my wife had difficulty understanding some of ,although they were helpful in enabling her to complete it, and had to get " korasong "? from amphore which is basically a confirmation of the marriage certificate. All bureaucracy of course but glad we we prepared. Welcome comments and advice please

There seemed to be nothing behind the vehicle with plenty of time for the driver to engage reverse but seems couldn't even engage brain!......or do they all leave samon at home as soon as they get behind the wheel? Perhaps more of his herd could be recruited as more effective traffic police?

So many conflicting views of what should be a simple procedure from which I can only conclude that you can have a different experience depending on where you are. I'm 2 months into my non im o visa by marriage with uk car license but IDP stamped all categories. Got medical certificate but need residency certificate. Can I get this from my local korat immigration office before my 3 month extension? If not how do I stand with the supposed 3 month validity of IDP uk license. ? Im currently driving motor scooter,is my IDP covering this and will I be able to use it to get motorcycle and car license without taking motorcycle test.? ...or am I just going to have to wait and see what actually happens to find out the truth?

Well, if compare with sharks, box jellyfish and killer whale in Australia , I think full moon party are much safer.

Question - does a Thai motorbike licence enable me to get a UK bike licence if I move back there?