RAZZELL

Basically the "buy me out of the bar" is a ruse by the bar to compensate them for the loss of a "valuable" staff member... The money usually gets divided up between the bar and staff member on say a 70-30 split. It is to enable the girl to go back to work in the bar - a sort of "no hard feelings for leaving you" gift and should enable her return to work if things don't work out. You could even say it comes under "greng jai." I have a mate who owns a bar and they "ask" for about 10k...and sometimes get it. (But the women are mostly in their 40s and 50s and anything but "hot" ) What some posters don't get is the "obligation" many Thais feel to any employer or perceived social superiors. Just look at how the staff in a bank, office, or security "wai" their "bosses" in the morning.

The simple fact is that in many ways Thailand is no longer "cheap". Prices are literally double what they were from 20 years ago (in £, $ or €.) Unless you want to eat in cheap restaurants or drink on the steps of a 7-11 it costs a mint I haven't been to Vietnam in 6 years but I will go again soon. One of my extremely well travelled friends raves about parts of Indonesia. I need to explore that more to.

The OP has discovered "dynamic pricing" Usually use Bolt as it seems cheaper.

In London:

Can't see at night with a dark tint. Next car I'll get photochromic which changes colour.

Or even "who knows"?

Yes, the last few weeks my Wise - > Bkk Bank has been very slow. This could explain it.

Jomtien / Na Jomtien is fine...but very quiet at the moment. But easy to avoid or partake in the madness if you want!

True. I've read a lot of Forum threads/FB posts etc and apparently the fact you took the 6 month course fulfils the criteria for the 5 year visa. But how knows?

And just out of interest. What happens if you apply for a soft power DTV - and say in 6 months or so you have completed your course or medical treatment? Is the DTV still valid for 5 years? Will Immigration give you an extension?

Generic answer from London. Seems you might need an actual ticket to Thailand. Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) – Workcation & Thai Soft Power Activities Visa Please Note: The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is classified as a tourist visa. Employment, opening a bank account, or engaging in business activities in Thailand while holding this visa is strictly prohibited. Violation of these conditions may result in arrest, imprisonment, and deportation. Purpose of Visit DTV1 – Workcation: For digital nomads, remote workers, foreign talents, and freelancers. DTV2 – Thai Soft Power-Related Activities: Including Muay Thai training, Thai culinary courses, and medical treatments. DTV3 – Dependents: Spouses and children (under 20 years old) of DTV visa holders. Visa Details Visa Fee: £300 Visa Validity: 5 years (Multiple Entries) Length of Stay: 180 days per entry Extension of Stay: You may apply for a one-time extension of up to 180 days through the Thai Immigration Bureau. After staying the maximum of 180 + 180 days, you must leave and re-enter Thailand using the same DTV visa, provided it is still valid. Required Documents by Category DTV1 – Workcation Required Documents: - Passport or travel document (biodata page) - A recent photo (taken within the last 6 months) - Proof of current location - Financial evidence of no less than £11,000 (500,000 THB), e.g. bank statements or sponsorship letter (sponsorship letter is for the children under 16 years old only) - Employment contract, certificate of employment, or professional portfolio showing your status as a digital nomad/remote worker/foreign talent/freelancer - Flight details (E-Ticket issued directly by the airline) showing your name, departure date, and full route from the UK/Ireland to Thailand and onward travel. Note: Screenshots or tickets issued by travel agents will not be accepted. DTV2 – Thai Soft Power Activities (e.g. Muay Thai, Thai culinary training, long-term medical treatment) Required Documents: - Passport or travel document (biodata page) - A recent photo (taken within the last 6 months) - Proof of current location - Financial evidence of no less than £11,000 (500,000 THB) - Confirmation of enrollment or appointment letter from a hospital/medical center Note: The activity or treatment must be long-term (minimum of 6 months). Flight details (E-Ticket issued directly by the airline) showing your name, departure date, and all flights from the UK/Ireland to Thailand and onward travel. DTV3 – Spouse and Children (under 20 years old) ***Please note that the DTV dependent visa is strictly reserved for individuals who are dependents of a valid DTV visa holder only. *** Required Documents: - Passport or travel document (biodata page) - A recent photo (taken within the last 6 months) - Proof of current location - Financial evidence of no less than £11,000 (500,000 THB) - A copy of the DTV visa of the primary holder - Proof of relationship: *Marriage certificate (for spouse) *Birth certificate / Adoption certificate (for children) *Flight details (E-Ticket issued directly by the airline) showing your name, departure date, and travel details from the UK/Ireland to Thailand and onward Additional Required Documents (if applicable): For Non-UK Citizens: *Copy of Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or letter from UKVI showing settlement status *Employment confirmation letter in the UK or Ireland (addressed to the Royal Thai Embassy in London) Note: Offer letters or acceptance letters alone are not sufficient. For Students: *Official letter confirming full-time student status *For Self-Employed Applicants: *Business license or registration showing the applicant's name For Minors (Under 16 Years Old): *Full birth certificate with parent names *Parent’s passport or ID *Parent’s council tax or utility bills *Recent official UK/Ireland bank statement of the parent (with name and address shown) *** Important Notes: Failure to provide all required documents, or submission of screenshots/unclear files, will lead to a request for more documents, causing delays in visa processing. All supporting documents issued outside of Thailand or the UK must be: Translated into English Certified and notarized by an official Embassy or Ministry of Foreign Affairs For Company Employees Q: What kind of letter is required from the employer? A: A recent letter on a company headed paper addressed to the Royal Thai Embassy, London, confirming your position and work role as a remote worker in Thailand. It must be signed by an authorised person. Q: Do I need to submit my employment contract? A: Yes, you must upload a copy of your employment contract. Q: What type of bank statement is required? A: A personal UK/Ireland bank statement (cash flow or current account) issued within the last 30 days, showing your full name, UK/Ireland address, and a minimum closing balance of £11,000. Screenshots are not accepted. For Company Owners / Directors Q: What confirmation letter do I need? A: A letter on company headed paper from company HR, addressed to the Royal Thai Embassy, London, confirming your position and work role as a remote worker in Thailand. It must be signed by an authorised person. Q: Do I need to submit proof of company ownership? A: Yes, please provide a document from Companies House showing your name and position. If you cannot provide this, an explanation must be included. Q: What additional documents can I submit? A: One or more of the following: Professional portfolio Company description Employment contract / Client agreement Tenancy contract if you are a landlord Q: What type of financial proof is required? A: A personal UK/Ireland bank statement issued within the last 30 days, showing your name, address, and a minimum balance of £11,000. Screenshots are not accepted. For Freelancers Q: What documents are required to show your work? A: One or more of the following: Professional portfolio Company or business description Employment or contract agreement Online performance or showcase Q: Do I need to show tax records? A: Yes, such as: Self-assessment tax return Statement of accounts Accountant’s letter Personal tax calculation or computation statement from HMRC (You may hide sensitive financial details apart from your name.) Q: What if I don’t have a self-assessment record? A: You must submit a confirmation letter from your accountant or any official tax document from HMRC showing your income. Q: Do I need a personal letter as well? A: Yes, a signed letter addressed to the Royal Thai Embassy, London, introducing yourself, your working position, and stating that your remote work will not involve Thai clients or violate local Thai labour laws. Q: What bank statement is required? A: A personal UK/Ireland bank statement issued within the last 30 days, showing your name, UK/Ireland address, and a balance of at least £11,000. Screenshots are not accepted. For Medical Treatment (Soft Power) Q: What documents are required from the medical provider? A: A letter from the hospital, clinic, or medical centre in Thailand confirming your appointment and medical condition. It must be signed by an authorised person and addressed to the Royal Thai Embassy, London. Q: Is identification from the medical side needed? A: Yes, a copy of the ID card or passport of the person who signed the appointment letter (case by case). Q: Are there other required documents? A: Business licence or registration of the clinic in Thailand (if applicable) Your flight e-ticket showing your full name, departure date, and full flight route from the UK/Ireland to Thailand (must be downloaded directly from the airline’s official website) Personal UK/Ireland bank statement issued within the last 30 days with a minimum balance of £11,000. Screenshots are not accepted. For Studying in Thailand (Soft Power) Q: What confirmation is needed from the school or gym? A: A letter confirming your enrolment, printed on the school or gym’s headed paper, signed by an authorised person, and addressed to the Royal Thai Embassy, London. Q: What supporting identification is required? A: A copy of the ID card or passport of the person who signed the letter. Q: Are there any other documents to submit? A: Business licence or registration of the school/gym Flight e-ticket with your name and all travel details from the UK/Ireland to Thailand (must be from the airline's official website) Personal bank statement (last 30 days) with a minimum balance of £11,000. Screenshots not accepted. For Dependents Q: What bank documents are needed for dependents? A: A personal UK/Ireland bank statement (within the last 30 days) under the dependent’s name showing a minimum balance of £11,000. Applicants over 16 must submit statements under their own name. Q: Is financial proof from the main DTV visa holder required? A: Yes, the main applicant’s personal UK/Ireland bank statement showing at least £11,000 is also required. Q: What relationship documents must be submitted? A: Original or certified English translation of marriage or birth certificate. If not in English, it must be translated and certified by the relevant embassy in London. A copy of the main applicant’s DTV visa A copy of the main applicant’s passport For other types of visas please visit https://london.thaiembassy.org/en/page/visa-general-information Please note that all in-person visa services are suspended. Visa services will be provided online only. You may apply for a visa yourself, or you may wish to ask friends/family members or use an agent to represent you if you feel it is necessary. Warmest regards, The Visa Team Email: visa.lon[at]mfa.go.th Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThaiEmbLondon Website: https://london.thaiembassy.org/

That looks nice. Never thought about an Audi. But there are only 8 dealers in Thailand for servicing etc. https://www.audi.co.th/en/about-us/contact/ I think 33 for BMW. https://www.bmw.co.th/en/fastlane/dealer-locator.html 40 for Benz.

Won't buy an electric. OK for tooling around Bangkok and Pattaya but not cross country/upcountry.

Her mate as an E Class 350 and a Porsche...she won't be able to keep up with that

My "friend" has yet to pass her driving test (she's never had a lesson). She can ride a motorbike very well (I've seen her on superbikes) and is not bad on go-karts, which is very similar to how most Thais drive! She works in real estate so no doubt will want to buy something a bit "posey" to visit clients. I'm assuming she won't want something sensible like a Toyota Yaris or Cross or Honda HRV. What's a good "starter" car? Budget 500k-1m? New or secondhand. RAZZ EDIT - I had a quick look and you can probably get a decent mini or BMW 2 Series in that budget.