raysunshineray

Just awaiting return of passport after my first renewal of retirement extension - with Maneerat. First retirement extension they were using Bangkok Bank, but now changed to Krungthai. I've never used that Bangkok Bank account during the year since it was opened (for the purpose of depositing funds - by agent.) Obviously it's of no use to me now. Bangkok bank charges 400 baht as an annual account fee, but my balance is 320 baht (as of January 2025), and as I haven't used the account ever, that must be the balance now. Bangkok bank won't be able to deduct the 400 baht fee, and I'm fairly sure they won't be able to contact me, seeing as I don't have a smart-phone and therefore no mobile banking. (On application, they had to remove the SIM card from my ordinary phone, then insert it into one of their own smart-phones in order to download the mobile app.) I'm just thinking that if I go into a branch to close the account they might find some reason to slap on some charges.... plus of course the 400 baht annual fee. Just to be clear, I'm no extreme penny-pinching miser, but I have good reasons not to feel especially friendly towards Bangkok Bank. Opening the account was extremely time consuming and over-complicated, - even with the agent in attendance - and they charged 3,500 baht "accident insurance" on top of an excessive 700 baht for the ATM card issue. Then they screwed up, resulting in all the agents switching to other banks, leaving customers who need extensions with the inconvenience of having to open new accounts with other banks, - although with Krungthai there was no charge for opening the account, and the only fee was for the ATM card - 500 baht. Considering the fact that Bangkok Bank have inconvenienced a lot of people seemingly as a result of practices which have drawn unwanted attention from the government, and charged what appears to be a rip-off fee of 3,500 baht for opening the account, I think I'd prefer not to give them any more money out of principle. In summary then.... bearing in mind the scenario described, - could I just leave it open and untouched without any negative consequences, or would it be wiser, for whatever reason, to simply go in and close the account? If you've ever closed an account with Bangkok bank, please let me know what that entails, with particular reference to any fees they may charge...... ... (the 3,500 baht opening fee gives me good reason to regard them as somewhat over zealous in their ambition to chase profits.) Thanks all....

Dr Jack - I won't be using Maneerat..... good experience before, but not happy to go to Naklua to open an account with Krungthai without assistance, simply because they should be providing that, seeing how much the renewal fee has increased. (3,000 baht.) I did forget to mention that it's 1,200 baht + 400 baht for the debit card to open the account at Krungthai, on top of the 15,500 baht Maneerat fee, which brings it to 17,100 in total. Makes more sense to go to Cambodia Travel and pay 14,900 baht + 1,000 baht, including assistance opening account. I was told - by both Maneerat and Cambodia - that all I need is passport and Thai driving licence... no mention of COR.

Maneerat don't deal with Bangkok Bank anymore. I just did my 90-day report using Maneerat.... they told me that when my retirement renewal comes up in March I have to go and open a new account at Krungthai branch in Naklua. They said I have to go there myself and do it, which is a bit of a cheek considering that their service has gone up from 12,500 to 15,500 baht for renewal (like most agents.) Just saying..... Maneerat aren't using Bangkok Bank anymore, they're using Krungthai. Incidentally, went to Cambodia Travel - 14,900 baht for renewal, 1000 baht to open new account at Krungsi Bank in Pattaya Tai, and their agent is there to assist.

Forgot that might be subject to deletion.... rendering it nonsensical. "Opinions are like rectums.... .... everyone's got one, but that doesn't mean you to show it to the world."

Thanks for all the useful insights. One thing stands out - I haven't seen a single 2.4L petrol Pajero Sport advertised (and I've browsed daily for almost a year)..... so I think that must be a later model at a higher price point. I filter my search using price lowest to highest, and stop when I get to around 450,000 baht. Will take a look anyway, to see what comes up in a slightly higher price bracket. Despite my love of my Toyota V6 (which has to go, owing to old age), it's undoubtedly best to avoid 'uncommon' vehicle engines because of parts issues - even if Mitsubishi know how to service it properly. Just to add - my dislike of diesels has been a lifelong aversion to the clattering racket they make, and the emissions. But recent fairly extensive internet research has unanimously stated that in order to meet emissions regulations, modern diesels are more complex mechanically, with more to go wrong - especially the turbos. This results in the necessity of more maintenance than a petrol counterpart, and more cost / anxiety. Thanks again to all those who offered some advice.

I've been looking at the main used car websites in Thailand for a very long time and with considerable diligence – Taladrod in particular – and have noticed certain things concerning used Pajero 3.0L V6. Can't seem to come up with anything when researching this less common Pajero. I really don't like diesels, so the most common 2.5L GT is out. I have a 2004 Ranger with a Toyota 1JZ-FE inline 6, and even though I'm aware that this engine is widely considered to be “legendary” and one of the best engines Toyota ever made, and should therefore not be compared with other 6 cylinder engines, I still have an irrational inclination towards the smoothness of these engines. The Pajero V6 is for sale in very small (insignificant) numbers compared to the 2,5L diesels. The asking prices are very considerably lower for a V6 than their 2.5L equivalent (year/mileage etc.) The V6 Pajero only seems to be available from around 2012 to 2014, and nothing on sale later than that. The questions raised are: Were they discontinued (seems obvious they were, but a rough history might be helpful) Since there are so few of them, perhaps they're all imports???? (which would be a reason to avoid) Is there a specific reputational reason for their unpopularity in the Thai market? – selling cheaper and taking longer to sell. So I'm just wondering if anyone here has owned one, or has any inside knowledge about this Pajero model? It's not unknown for certain models to have been found to have some critical flaws which make them best avoided – even Toyota has had one or two such 'problematic' engineering design flaws over the years. I'm also concerned that parts and maintenance might be something of a problem. Reliability and durability are number one priorities for me, and I need to avoid being lumbered with a money pit. A Fortuner would be a safer option, but they hold their value to such an extent that legitimate doubts can be raised as to whether they are true value for money, or just a matter of higher pricing relating purely to market demand. Pajeros are certainly very good value in comparison. My price limit is around 400,000 baht (up to a maximum of 460,000 if pushed.) However, a well maintained, low mileage 2014 Pajero V6 can be had for much less – around 310,000 to 360,000 baht, whereas a 2014 Fortuner 2.7L will swallow all that budget, and can even go up to 500,000 and over. Lastly, resale value is of no concern, as I'm 71 years old and I want this car to outlast me! Helpful and knowledgeable responses very much appreciated. Off-topic offerings will be ignored, as time is valuable to all of us and surely not to be wasted. Many thanks Ray

I'm currently on a Non-O One-Year Multi-Entry 'wife/family-visit' visa obtained from Savannakhet. Needless to say, I'll not be getting another one when this one expires, - not now that they've introduced the money in the bank requirement. The actual visa expires on 28th March, and my current 90-day entry conveniently expires on 26th March. My plan is to convert this Non-O family visit visa to a retirement extension. I've already had a chat with Maneerat Travel in Soi 13, and they said yes they could do it, no problem – they gave me all the costing. But there was something I failed to ask about – and now I'm back in Ubon for a few months, so I can't go into their office and ask them. This is my query, and I'm hoping that someone might have direct experience with this, and not offer guesswork – my guess is as good as anybody's! If I do my usual border hop at Chong Mek on 26th March, that would give me around another 90 days beyond the one-year visa expiry date on 28th March. So, if I were to apply for a retirement conversion from this Non-O during the 90 days after the visa itself has expired, would that be an obstacle to getting the retirement extension? Just to be clear – the one-year non-o visa has an expiry date of 28th March. I would leave Thailand and re-enter before that date and get another 90 days. At that point – during the next 90 days after the visa has 'expired', - my visa status remains Non-O, even though the visa itself has an expiry date that's already passed. Is there a possibility that in order to convert from this Non-O to a retirement visa, one has to do it within the limits of the visa duration – in my case 28th March, and not during the 90 days beyond that, or would that not matter? I'm imagining a possible scenario where the agent recognises that I'm in Thailand with Non-O status, but cannot process a conversion to retirement because the actual duration date of the visa has already expired. This confusion only arises because with this multi-entry, one is given 90 days on each and every entry up until the date of expiry of the visa, enabling one to be in the country for another 90 days beyond the duration date of the visa itself. Anyone already been in this situation? It's early days, since it's not been that long since Savannakhet in effect made the Non-O multi-entry route pretty much redundant – and I imagine many more on this non-o visa will decide to convert to retirement when their Non-O expires. Thanks in advance for any relevant information or experience of this situation.

I've just been into Maneerat Travel – the often recommended agency on Soi 13. (I'll only be doing any kind of extension through an agent, as I won't be able to meet the financial requirements if doing it alone.... therefore please keep comments/suggestions relevant to that situation.) I first asked the question of whether this particular type of non-o could be extended (by them obviously) and the answer was an unequivocal yes. Before I could even ask the question regarding whether the extension could be for retirement rather than for marriage, I was told “We can give you retirement extension from this non-o visa”. (No misunderstandings - she had the passport page open with the non-o multi-entry visa stamp in front of her.) I had not even got round to asking that, so I just got her to clarify and confirm what she'd said. I was even told that there was no need to wait, “can do it now” and takes 3 or 4 days. The only unwelcome surprise was regarding the cost. Although the basic service is 12,500 – as I expected – it costs 4,700 to open the bank account, which is listed as follows - on the printed costing slips they hand out: 500 baht “back to your account” (?) 700 baht for ATM card 3,500 baht for accident insurance (?) (Plus 500 baht for residence certificate) There's also a 4,000 baht charge to make it a multi-entry, or 1,000 baht for single entry. I think that means one doesn't need a re-entry permit whenever one leaves Thailand, but 4,000 baht seems pretty steep – how much do they charge at immigration for a re-entry permit? Cancel that, - I've just googled it and found the answer – those are the fees, so it all depends on how often – if at all – you plan or may have to leave Thailand. Having a multi-entry will save trips to immigration, or the hassle at airports – where “fees may be higher”. The final fee is for 90 day reports – 100 baht each – but they said I have to come to the office (I don't live in Pattaya) so they can take my passport to immigration and do it – can't they do it online? Still, I'm not so concerned about 100 baht, but the optional 4,000 baht 'multiple-entry' can only represent value for money if one intends to go out of Thailand a lot. So, in summary, Maneerat says they can convert from this non-o multi-entry based on marriage to an extension based on retirement, - in fact they suggested that before I could even get round to mentioning it. And those are the latest fees – in print!

I want to do the same when my non-imm o multi-entry from Savannakhet expires next March. (For obvious reasons, considering the recent changes to financial requirements at Savannakhet.) My question is – would it be possible to do a retirement extension from this non-o (which is based on wife/family visit)? That would appear to be changing the reason for extension – from a non-o imm based on marriage to an extension based on retirement. Would that be allowed? Why would I want to do this? Well, because even though I'd be using an agent to do everything, I don't know whether the agent can bypass all those extra hassles that come with a marriage extension application. I'm referring to the photos, the witness neighbour, the hand-drawn map, the enabling of immigration officers to come to your house and check on you! I don't know whether those things are still necessary when going via an agent? I imagine that those things can't be bypassed by the agent ????? That's why the retirement route seems the better option. But this may not be allowed as one is changing the reasons for holding the non-o to a different reason for applying for an extension. Any ideas... preferably hard facts? Thanks in advance.

I think you're saying that the Lao visa-on-arrival was 2,000 baht. That's what it was when I crossed over in June - $40 or 2,000baht is the visa fee. (It was 1,8000 baht at Savannakhet.) That visa fee would apply whether you stayed a while in Lao - as I did last time - or did a straight turn-around. Visa fees are visa fees - they're not a negotiable item. It's not like when - for instance - you have to pay 300 baht to do a turn-around when crossing into Cambodia.... that's really more like kind of 'tea money' and might, just might mind you, therefore be negotiable (though still doubtful.)

Cheers.... that might have to be at Chong Mek itself - when I say I live in the sticks, I mean really remote... and the route up to Chong Mek, round the back of the vast Sirindhorn reservoir is deep countryside, with little more than hamlets on the way. But you're right - and Chong Mek, being on the border, should have somewhere.

I have no doubt you're right.... I wonder why they were making such a big thing of it on this forum when the supposed rule changes came about? Advising everyone not to try going there independently - perhaps some people have nothing better to do than create dramas on forums!

Yes good advice - it's not easy / not possible? to get hold of dollars from here - this is an absolute backwater.... I'll have another go though. The thing is that the Lao border at Chong Mek are taking 2,000 baht for the visa on arrival, as opposed to 1,800 baht at Savannakhet, which is already pretty steep.

Yes it is... last time re-entering there, not only was the officer not in the usual militaristic uniform, but he was practically in a party mood, laughing and joking with me in a really friendly way - I could hardly believe it... seeing as a kind of grim menacing scowl is what we have all come to expect from border immigration officers.

Brit Tim, - yes I did just that once before, and just ended up having to pay the 300 baht. I just thought that since then there's been new rules introduced preventing turn arounds, except via agents doing minibus runs, where copies of one's passport have to be forwarded in advance to the Cambodian immigration authorities. And it was this situation I was concerned about.

I'm on a One-Year Multiple-Entry Visa based on marriage (from Savannakhet), and need to do a border-hop (out and back in again same day) on or before 3rd October. As I currently live in a village south of Det Udom, which is south of Ubon Ratchathani, I'm going to do what I did last time and go to the nearest border which is at Chong Mek, just over an hour's drive away. Last time I did this, my wife and I actually stayed in Lao for a break – at Si Phan Don ('Four Thousand Islands'.) Not this time, as the season has started, and accommodation rates have rocketed. As I'm about to move semi-permanently to Pattaya straight after the border-run, it's just got to be an out and straight back in affair. (Otherwise nearest place to stay a night would be Pakse, which we found to be something of a a characterless dump frankly.) So... simple question: Has anyone gone out and straight back in again at the Chong Mek border? And by that I mean crossing into Lao and coming back – it can't be done otherwise obviously. Please bear in mind that I have a valid one-year multiple-entry visa so there'll be no issue on that score. Just a question of whether there's any objection to not staying in Lao. OK, so while I'm here... another question. When I need to do my next border-hop it'll be from Pattaya. Last time I did this – when I was doing visa exempt – I drove to Ban Phak Kad / Phsar Prum Pailin, parked up and went out and back in, paying the 300baht (?) for the privilege of doing a turn around and not staying in Cambodia. As the Cambodia border is the nearest to Pattaya, I'd want to do the same route, but I'm not up-to-date on the current situation. Is it still the case that you cannot currently do this border-hop independently, unless you stay a few days (?) in Cambodia while they supposedly do ID checks on you? Is it still the case that you can now only do the 'out-in' via an agency, whereby you book the minibus run in advance whilst the agent forwards your passport details to the Cambodian immigration authorities? And if so, does this apply to all Thai-Cambodia land borders? I suspect that this ridiculous situation is still ongoing, a big hassle for people such as me, who like to do things independently, and not pay agents or sit in cramped minibuses for hours! If I have no other choice than to do it via an agency, - is Maneerat Travel on Soi 13 a reliable option? Or any other you've used and can recommend? Advice based on experience / knowledge rather than fact-free opinion appreciated. Thanks.

Why am I not surprised!

By saying that 17 months can be squeezed out of that visa - which I have - you are suggesting that on re-entering Thailand just before the one-year expiry date and getting another 90 days (which is unquestionably possible) one can also apply for and receive another wife-visit 60 days on that final 90-day entry. Could you confirm that that is indeed the case? I've always been a little unsure about whether that final 90-day entry that extends beyond the one-year visa validity can also be followed by yet another 60-day wife-visit extension. Rationally speaking yes it should be possible, but one shouldn't rely on what's logical when it comes to immigration rules.

I'll do that.... I like the idea about them pointing me in the right direction if there's something they can't do. I've been asking people (mechanics/workshops) here to do that and all I get is blank face - very frustrating because one would expect them to know at least where to go!

Yes, you're right... that should be the case, but I'm having trouble communicating what I want out here in the sticks, and there are so many of these private service places that are very very shabby and run down, and look as if they don't even have the tools to do the job, let alone the skill, knowledge and ability to locate and access parts. I'll do some serious looking around whilst in Pattaya - a lot more chance of at least some car-related English spoken/understood there. Thanks for your input.

Thanks for the info, and good to know they're common - even though the cars they were in aren't often seen any more - in Thailand anyway.

That's good to know - it must be a GE - no turbos and just says "Twin Cam 24 Valve" on the cover - thanks.

Yes you're right - I just rechecked where I got that from - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Ranger_(international) If you scroll down, it's identical to the silver one where it says Ford Ranger dual cab (facelift)

Thanks - will give that a try.

Very recently bought an old Ford Ranger at a low 'local' price of just 90,000 baht. It's year is shown as 2547 (2004), though it has the 'facelift' styling of 2006. Bodywork and everything is in fantastic condition. New rims, 265/70R16 tires. Four-door Double cab But here's the thing... it now has a Toyota engine.... fitted I think 10 years ago according to the log-book. I'm assuming – though I don't know – that the automatic transmission came with the Toyota engine. And that engine – from internet research – is not the most common of Toyota engines. It's been called “iconic” and “Toyota's masterpiece” amongst other things – whatever that might mean. All that really concerns me is that cars/engines which are shall we say a 'departure from the norm' may come with issues regarding maintenance and parts. This is a 1JZ petrol engine, made from 1990 to 2007, and is a 6 cylinder, 24 valve, twin-cam – not an engine Toyota produced en masse it seems. Anyone familiar with it by any chance? The problem with having a different engine fitted is that one can't know its actual age, - (was it new or reconditioned when fitted?) - or whether the odometer – now showing 204,000km – is showing the mileage from the time the engine was installed, or from the time of manufacture of the Ford. During production of this engine, there was a simple GE model, then a GTE fitted with twin turbos, some were VVT-I type, and lastly an upgraded FSE engine. Not knowing which one this is, makes it difficult to identify parts and even fluids and lubricants, even spark plugs, because these things aren't exactly the same for each model. Any ideas on solving that identity problem perhaps by using the engine number? These engines BTW were apparently almost entirely used in sedan models like the Toyota Crown, and in sports cars like the Supra, and not in pick-up trucks! No idea why someone decided to take out the Ford engine and replace it with a Toyota. The advice I'm looking for is this: Under these circumstances, - an old car, running extremely well, but with an engine not from the car manufacturer (and having picked it up for a lot less than the apparent market value) – I intend to throw some extra money at it, and some TLC, by giving it a full service – all the fluids, lubricants and filters, spark plugs – the lot – plus a thorough inspection of steering, suspension, brake and exhaust systems. Everything on the biggest service and more. So where do I go to get this done? Knowledge, skill, trustworthiness and reliability are essential, and there are too many places I wouldn't want to just blindly trust. I live in Ubon, in a really remote rural area way south of Ubon Ratchathani. No luck in my nearest 'town' of Det Udom, and the big Toyota dealer there didn't want to know, for whatever reason. I thought going to Toyota, though expensive, would be best, as they should have the expertise and parts for this engine. But they'll no doubt be reluctant everywhere about touching this 'mongrel'. Some mechanics said they would do it, but that I should supply all the parts, all the fluids, lubricants and filters, spark plugs etc. That's out of the question because I can't be sure of the exact parts for this engine. Taking parts out and examining them is always best. I spend periods of a month or more in Pattaya quite regularly, and will be there for the whole of August. The chances of finding someone – a person or workshop – that can and will do it, and preferably speak enough car-related English, will be far better there than out here in the wilds... which appears pretty hopeless right now. So... any recommendations or other suggestions? Would be greatly appreciated. As you have already noted, I'm no mechanic, and my knowledge is extremely limited. I do know however, that this car is quite capable of doing a lot more mileage as long as it is carefully and regularly maintained, and the first thing to do is to make sure that it has a very thorough service. Finally, where to get hold of Ford parts accessories, such as wheel arch plastic trim, wing mirror, new seats etc? (the former must be Ford I guess, but the others not necessarily.) Please keep replies relevant, and don't go on about other vehicles, or suggest buying something else – and anyone who might feel the need to sneer or jibe – I won't be taking any notice of such comments. Thanks for reading.