Lancashirelad

I've owned Fiestas, Escorts, Cortinas, Sierras and Granadas. I've driven hundreds of them as I worked for a main agent in the early 80's. Still have a 2.8 Ghia Granada and a 1.8 turbo Diesel Sierra Estate tucked away.

There is normally a guarantee on the implant, sometimes lifetime, though of course you must return at your own cost. My UK dentist, who is almost retiring age and therefore has considerable experience, says he has seen some very good quality work that has been done in Turkey.

Whilst routine dentistry is inexpensive in Thailand, implants are quite expensive. I had 4 done in Budapest, Hungary (A beautiful city) some years back, they were £850 each (thb 36,500). Turkey is now the go-to place for implants, I've not done much research yet, but I believe <£500 complete (thb 21,500).

First one seems to have been filmed/stored on a potato. 240p!

MOST cars do not have import tax of 300% The duty is 80% but then there is excise and interior tax to be added, all + vat = 328% but this is only for cars with large engines above 3.0 litres. <2.0 litres its 187% in total. I think you meant licence. As far as I'm aware foreigners cannot drive a vehicle with anything other than white plates. Driving motor vehicles (for hire or reward) is a prohibited occupation for foreigners, therfore they should not be driving anything on a commercial plate.

BA are short of cabin crew to operate flights. They are offereing a GB£1,000 welcome bonus to new recruits.

RetirecheapJC (google) might be a good person to talk to as he previously bought and converted a Hiace.

OP be aware that since the old days when airlines used to sell off unsold seats very cheaply just before the flight there has been a huge increase in demand for air travel. Last minute unsold seats are now sold at a premium, often 2 or 3 x the price of those who booked months before. However, I'm unaware of current demand levels given the ongoing pandemic, you may have some success at short notice, but in normal times you wouldn't. Usually a long-haul one way ticket costs almost as much as return. I would defintey book a return with a changeable date.

This style of cab is known as an 'extra cab'. It will have a bench seat with no belts in the back of the cab. Many years ago I rented a Toyota Tiger from Don Muang airport and drove all over Isaan with it. It was a great vehicle and I loved it. No experience of the Tatas.

Some talk of trickle chargers. Leaving a regular trickle charger on for months wlll very likely cook the battery. Use a battery conditioner such the 2nd one njhaus linked too. These are intelligent and go through cycles to keep the battery in good condition and will shut off charging when it is not needed.

Same thing last time I flew out of Swampy about 3 years ago.

Thunglom: reading the whole thread might have saved all that typing ????

Without pics to aid I'm still trying to figure out how this happened. Just about every condo balcony I've ever been on in Thailand has a surface water drain. Why didn't the drain cleaner run down the drain? For it to land on the cars they must have been parked half in and half out under the balcony. (unless the wind blew it as spray?).

Whilst general dentistry is relatively cheap in Thailand, implants are no cheaper than the UK. I researched the subject a lot 10 years ago, ended up having 4 done in Budapest, Hungary (A beautiful city). Very pleased with them. If you are thinking of having implants done, I suggest researching and learning about the different titanium screw manufacturers and different crown materials. Lots of info on the 'net. Having the job done is nothing to worry about all. You will need minimum of 2 visits some months apart. For reference I paid £850 US$1150 Thb38,000 complete in Budapest about 5 years ago.

Take note of what PJPom said about heavy windscreen tint. I do headlights (in the UK) with fine grade wet & dry (used very wet) ..... you should see a milky paste appear as you rub. Then T-cut. Then any car body polish.

I have one that can be hand cranked. Made in 1963. It's still got the orginal engine. Guess somebody must have changed the oil from time to time.

Wow what an epic thread. OP could you post here the oil change history inc. dates & kms? You'll be able to get these from the service record book. Richard Smith it is quite ridiculous that you never check oil levels in between visits to the garage which could easily be at least 6 months apart. Should be checked at least every few weeks. OP If the car needed 45 items attending to, OK main dealers do tend be a bit OTT, so lets say 40, that implies the overall maintenance of the car was very neglected. As others have said, when you turn on the ignition of a vehicle, all warning lights come on, this is so you can check they are working. Looking at the state of that oil, it is obvious the demise of the engine is 100% down to a lack of oil changes. From what I read, you admitted only recalling one service in 6 years.

All 5* and many 4* hotels have always charged joiner fees. As others have said, the way around it is to ensure the room is booked for 2 people. A hotel concierge told me this on one of my first visits to Bangkok (almost 20 years ago). If, upon check in, they enquire where the second person is, I just say "My partner will be joining me later".

Agree. By far the easiest, but not one parked outside your hotel who will overcharge you. Flag one down or use an app.

Pre-covid it was doing ok and had been running a regular service for some time. If you stood & watched it dock a lot of people came off it. I think it needs a bigger boat capable of carrying vehicles including big trucks, but at least cars and motorbikes.

I don't think so. I will look next time I have it. It's not my vehicle. The owner is currently in the Caribbean.

Over the last 20 years the Pattaya - Hua Hin ferry service has been rather like a Pattaya bar girl's panties ....... off more than on.

In the UK from time to time I do long distance with a 1.9 auto pulling a tri-axle 3.5 tonne trailer. (usually grossing about 2.5t) It pulls well though can sound a little thrashy when climbing/revving hard. Only select gears manually for engine braking on long descents.

Seems a ridiculous waste of money to buy a brand new vehicle just to take a dog to the beach. One of those ageing NV's will do that job just fine. They also make an estate version.

Sorry, speed read it & got it that your 17 yr old son had taken it in. I did wonder if that was old enough to drive in Thailand lol. My error. Tip stands.