soi3eddie

No place for a big bike in Thailand. Too fast for the road conditions and adherance to the road rules by others. My last big bike was an FZR1000 in 1988. Would still do 160mph (257kph) even for an old bike then. I'm happy these days with my ADV150 at 118kph maximum. The freedom feeling on a bike is incredible, but sadly he found perpetual freedom. RIP the big biker.

Not true that farangs are not tested. There was a checkpoint on the highway south of Phetchaburi towards Hua Hin in 2020. They were stopping a huge number of drivers (both directions). I know this, because it was the one, and only time I've ever been tested. A clean living farang driving my GF in her Prachuap registered car. They only tested me and not her. Pulled over, questioned, directed to the sala to collect the piss cup. Sent to the screened urinals and then back to the sala where the pee was dripped into the test kits. Exact location here.

Last few years it seems "E-Visas" are the norm already so what's really new here? I have obtained two tourist E-Visas for Cambodia and one tourist visa for Myanmar in the last two years. I have also helped a British friend obtain a marriage E-Visa for Thailand twice (2023 & 2024). I have also helped my GF obtain two visit visas for the UK online in 2023 & 2024 (still have to go and submit passport and biometrics at an office in Bangkok). We had to file pre-entry permits for Singapore easily online when we went in 2023. I really don't see what the issues could be. Who wants to go to an embassy when it can all be done from the comfort of a hotel room or at home online?

One would think that quick video call on Skype, Facebook messenger, WhatsApp or Line, might prove that the claimant is still alive.

I recall asking BTS for senior card for my 72yrs old mother in 2014 and told "cannot". We never tried the MRT. Clear discrimination. I accept that as Thailand makes it's own rules. Doesn't mean it's correct. Hopefully, one day they will treat everyone same.

Whilst not being married, nor less abled, it would surely be a useful service that Thai Immigration offices could supply whereby they visit the applicant's home to complete document and evidence checking. Same for less abled retirees. They do occassionally, or routinely, visit visa applicants homes anyway. Can't see why they can't offer this as a service to those in need each year.

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European immigration into the UK was never the problem. Anyone who voted out on that belief was wrong. Now look at the situation we are in. Brits can't even live in Europe easily anymore (not that it bothers me when Thailand is an easier option) and I never wanted to retire in Europe. The controls and laws of the European Union were the issue for me but were adopted entirely and not rescinded. Theresa May and David Davies scuppered any kind of fair deal. Boris got the Brexit done but on terms that are harmful to the UK. I blame the government headed by May for the disaster that has ensued. It's been done now. Europe has always played us and won. Nothing will change. Thailand is the answer for so many of us Brits. Who here wants to live in Europe or the UK?

3BB Fibre Optic for me in my Bangkok condo. Rock solid with good speeds (900/500) for the last 4 years. 749 Baht/Month. Only outage was a year or two ago when some bozo cement truck driver crashed into a power pole in the soi bringing down all the cables. 3BB were still working at midnight splicing new cables. All was perfect again next morning.

Totally agree. Same for me. Our condo fee, for 99 units on 8 floors, has not been increased since 2010 (55 Baht/SqM). Each year, we now get the special assessment. That's fine, however I have stated in AGM's that we should increase the annual fees. The other owners and board told me that this is how it's done in Thailand. At least, with our condo, there's no non-payment so it gets maintained well. Although they have put off exterior re-painting for the last couple of years.

Friend of mine in Bangkok, has been looking for a condo for last 10 years. Every time he finds somewhere he likes (either new or resale), there is some kind of issue that means he's not happy to proceed. A few times, it has been the refusal by the seller (either the owner or developer) to supply accounts and AGM report. Many "new" places are unsold units. This means that the developer should have been paying the CAM Fees - but are likely not. The OP's @john donson lawyer, when he purchased, should have checked on ther situation regarding unpaid CAM fees etc. Or, did the OP actually use a lawyer?

Even back in April, Thai Airways TG916 BKK to LHR avoided flying over Iran (used to go right over). Went to the north of Iran and then over Turkey (to avoid Ukraine area too). Journey time little changed at just over 12 hours.

Didn't you ask the Grab rider across the street?

In some countries, the owner/operator of the bus company would possibly be facing a charge of corporate manslaughter. Unlikely in Thailand as many business operators are "influential people".

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I've used Superrich in Pratunam. They won't have any issue with this amount - judging by the amounts being exchanged last time I was there. Good time to convert THB to USD by the way!

For many years, my mother (now 86yrs), in the UK, has asked insisted, that I procure - over the counter - antibiotics in Thailand for her. Usually I carry with me on visits, however, I have also mailed to her, succsessfully. This, as the NHS doctors in the UK, still refuse, or delay, prescribing what helps her with recurring, respiratory infections.

Not sex related, but I used Amoxycillin, over the counter in Thailand, many times, to cure pain from an infected (cracked) tooth. In the end it was too late. An extraction and implant was the answer. High cost but all good now.

Not Pattaya, or even Thailand, but we enjoyed a lovely afternoon tea at the Raffles Le Royal Hotel in Phnom Penh two years ago. No need to book and it was great value in a beautiful setting. The staff, and manager, were extremely welcoming. Loads of sandwiches, cakes and tea (or coffee) at a reasonable rate of of just US$15 (490 Thai Baht) per person. Highly recommended!

Yes, but the OP never mentioned buying.

..."a formal complaint by a member of the public". Read Competitor or disgruntled Thai trader. Do Thai markets need to have FDA approval on the festering and fly ridden meat they sell with no refridgeration? Hope that normal trade at Siamsburis will resume ASAP.

Renting vs Leasing? Aren't they the same thing? Are you talking about property, a vehicle or a woman? Please clarify for us as many may be curious as to your plan.

Hey Helmut, welcome to the rainy season. Beware not to swim!

Come to the UK and enjoy the "cultural enrichments" in many cities. Bring your wife and daughters too and let them walk home at night and enjoy it as well. If you're LGBTQ+ then see how it goes culturally in many areas when you're coming home from work or a night out with friends.

I agree. He'll get a more lenient sentance in the soft touch UK judicial system. Likely be out within two years (if found guilty of course). As for the Thai's informing the UK customs. Two years ago I returned from BKK to LHR. On arrival, my passport would not work at the E-gates. Had to go to a desk agent. Almost immediately, there were two customs officers there. They escorted me to a holding area, I could see an image on their screen that was one of my cases contents. They questioned me as to what I was bringing with me. One officer took me to baggage re-claim where I collected bags and then to the custom area for a full search. I had with me 30 kilos of massage balm (for a friend who owns a massage shop). That was not what they were interested in though warned me about commercial import rules. What they were interested in was the contents of the other case which had the ashes of a deceased aquaintance being brought back for his family. I had all the paperwork. Still took one hour of searching. This shows that Thailand definitely informed the UK to chaeck my bags. The UK customs would neither confirm nor deny that - with a smile.