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jkinbkk

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Posts posted by jkinbkk

  1. Although this subject was last covered a couple of years ago on TV, I would like an update.


    My question is, from practice experience which brands of portable arc welder available in hardware outlets such as Global House or Thai Watsada have proven reliable over the years?


    Something like the one pictured here


    post-26180-0-25953600-1389419293_thumb.j



  2. Came across this on YouTube and thought I would share it.


    One of my favourite movies from the early 80's, and my favourite Walter Hill movie.


    Never get tired of watching this. Tension just builds to a real 'edge of the seat' finale.


    Soundtrack is a vital part of this movie, courtesy of Ry Cooder and the incorporation of the Creole/Zydeco band jam session aid the finale.


    Watch on full screen, quality is fine.


    Enjoy


    • Like 1
  3. I have started again to go for 20km cycle ride early each morning (currently living up country)


    The issues is that its seems any route I take brings me into conflict with the odd bad tempered Soi Dog.


    Shooshing them away with my foot seems to encourage them more and is unsafe, and caring a bamboo stick with me is not practical clearly.


    Therefore does anyone know of a Thailand based online store where I might purchase a cheap but effective extendable baton to wrap these mutts on the snout as and if required.



    post-26180-0-60420500-1389163601_thumb.j

    • Like 1
  4. Recently took my Forza into Laos for a Visa run and as everything went smoothly (especially the border crossing issues) I'm now considering a more adventurous expedition?


    The basic roundtrip is Khon Kaen - BKK - Hat Yai - Malaysia - Singapore...and back


    Point is i want to take the Khon Kaen-BKK- Hat Yai legs by train with the bike on broad.


    Although the Forza has proven itself to undertake with ease various round trips of between 400-900km I think this journey would prove to be a little tiresome overall by bike only.


    Lots of good info on the Seat61 site, but I wanted to see if anyone would share their 1st Hand experience of transporting their bike on the Thai Rail network?




  5. Personally, I think there's a lot to be said for the bloke who can turn the other cheek and calmly walk away especially if it can be done without remorse later. It's far more noble to be capable of that than to become embroiled in a situation in a country where the rule of law doesn't even apply to the locals let alone the foreigners and where things can get very nasty, very quickly.

    Unfortunately, however, I'm not the type to let people take the piss.

    If a local tries to knock me or palm me off with shitty service or goods, I generally stand my ground until I get what I want.

    That usually works out in my favour because

    1. I'm not an unreasonable person and I'm not averse to compromise

    2. I've got no one to impress,

    3. I've got no "face" to save since I don't give much of a toss what the locals think

    On more than one occasion, I've been commended for standing up for myself here - by both Thais and Westerners - but I don't strut away indignantly feeling proud of myself

    No, I walk away thanking the stars that common sense and awareness ensures I know which fights to fight and which to walk away from.

    This is excactly the balance we should be aiming to achieve.
    Issue is, we all need to acquire some knocks and bruises first before we can hone this balance. Not easy, but achievable if we wish to reside here longterm.
    • Like 2
  6. Looks good; think I will watch it now.

    Thanks.

    http://viooz.co/movies/23381-american-hustle-2013.html

    Edit: Ok, so no I won't. It's not playing for me. Dammit!

    If you want to watch online its best to view the site via Chrome or Firefox. You have to download an extensions first (can be troublesome) and buffing rates can vary which if not consistent spoil things.
    I recommend download as once its done viewing is uninterrupted.
    Also you might want to download a multi format movie player like VLC to watch these movies as various formats are used.
    The next few weeks might see some good movies come up here. Movies up for Oscar nominations are often uploaded and of first class quality.
  7. If you get a chance to see this at the Cinema, on a flight or by *download do so!




    (in my opinion) a great absorbing story and very interesting characters portray by all, Christian Bale is brilliant, Bradley Cooper puts in a good performance, Amy Adams smoulders throughout (very very yummy!) and even Louis CK gets what I guess his first substantial movie role?


    Great soundtrack to boot.


    *You can download from VeeHD Open the "download" Link bottom of the movie screen shot. IGNORE the two bold icons above the screenshot.

    download is in mp4 format


    Enjoy!






    • Like 2
  8. Personally I reckon the colour codes composer boxes look great on a large scooters, but you intend on keeping the NC for a while it seems, plus I guess you will increase your touring durations and distances over time. I would invest in the more sturdy Ali set to which you can add panniers to match later.
  9. Been following this project of yours in its various incarnations, as I too have a similar mindset toward biking and curious as to 'whats next' after a Forza?


    Bigger, more powerful bike, auto, urban/touring spec and economical, also being 6' 3" and was secretly hoping you would go for the NC700X DCT.


    Look forward now your continued broadcasts and especially when you do your next Cha Am run.


    Might wanna think about starting a dedicated blog so that those who are interested can follow your escapades without having to wade through the sections of dross and drivel that seem to plague you from certain TV plonkers.

  10. Why is this a never ending subject for debate?


    The moment you set foot in any country you start to abide by the laws of that country


    The choice to blend in and embrace the idiosyncrasies of the culture are up to the individual.


    Frankly if anyone feels they are unable to tolerate the people, the culture, the politics and the fact that we as non indigenous folks will encounter racism at times, then leave!


    Absolutely no one who visits or resides in Thailand is forced to do so.







    • Like 1
  11. I have seen this statement of 'in an Open Relationship' stated by many Thai girls in their profile data on many of the social and matchmaking sites online.

    1. Whats the definition of this status do you think?

    2. What can be expected in such a relationship?

    3. Any of you guys had/having experience of a relationship with such a girl?

    I put the topic here as its just bit of idle fun.

    • Like 1
  12. There is a guy I know who was married to a Thai wife for some 16 years. During that time his work took him sometimes overseas for a couple of years and then maybe stationed back in Thailand for 4-5 years and so on.

    His last job was in India and 2 years into that contact he discovered that his wife was being unfaithful.


    Clearly he upset, but his attitude ultimately is "ok thats thats life. there are no guarantees"


    Since than he has returned to Thailand and was working for a German company looking after the Asia Market, he finally got divorced and agreed a monthly alimony settlement contract with his ex wife, along with paying for private tuition for his 6 year old son and University for his step daughter (ex wives kid)

    He lives a simple life now (his choice and enjoys it) and along with his financial commitments to his ex and kids he can also save for the future (as he lost everything in the divorce, house, car, the lot)


    He was getting his life back together and is very happy with the new lady in his life. All things considered he maintained a very positive spin on things.


    8 weeks ago out of the blue he was made redundant!


    Not immediately distressed (although clearly inconvenienced) he has kept a positive mind set and has actively been looking for another (similar well paid) job.


    Nearly two months on he realises that job opportunities with salaries to honour his commitment to his ex wife and kids tuition are currently not there.


    His dilemma is this. If he keep paying his ex and kids school fees he will be out of money by end February 2014.

    If he cuts those cost for the time being he will manage easily until May or June 2014.


    I told him he should cut the outgoings to his ex and kids private school for now. If not then very soon he will have nothing left for himself also.

    Then he will be truly f--ked!


    He say that he would have no problem to take on an interim teaching job over the next few months in Thailand if it meant his survival until a suitable new job came along.


    I have posted this not for anyone to advise on this fellas situation, just to illustrate that due to circumstances sometimes in life folks do get a rough run of things and there is no assurance they will come out the other side in tact.







    • Like 1
  13. Just became a member and came across your inquiry on the Honda Forza. I was searching several months ago for the same information and came up empty handed. It might be a little late, but we have over 5,000 kilos and we've taken it all over northern Thailand and Laos. We've done a pretty thorough review here http://thetradingtraveler.com/honda-forza-review/

    We've included a video tour of the bike, as well as how it handles in various terrains.

    Hope this helps. If you have any questions, please let me know and I'll do my best to answer.

    Great review, a couple of points, the bike is 279cc puncture repair is not a problem anywhere, I have tools and the plugs to repair a flat tire, I also carry with me a mini air compressor which attaches to a lead direct from the battery, apart from these 2 things your report is excellent!!

    Did you source your 12v air compressor and repair kick (similar to those pictured I guess?) in Thailand or from overseas?
    I had a quick look around at some car accessory and tire shops the past couple of days and it seems neither are readily available.
    Sure plenty on Ebay at a reasonable price, but just wanted to check if you managed to purchases these items locally first?
    Thanks

    post-26180-0-13676400-1387096140_thumb.j

    post-26180-0-53236600-1387096148_thumb.j

  14. Just became a member and came across your inquiry on the Honda Forza. I was searching several months ago for the same information and came up empty handed. It might be a little late, but we have over 5,000 kilos and we've taken it all over northern Thailand and Laos. We've done a pretty thorough review here http://thetradingtraveler.com/honda-forza-review/

    We've included a video tour of the bike, as well as how it handles in various terrains.

    Hope this helps. If you have any questions, please let me know and I'll do my best to answer.

    As the two other guys say, its a good review.
    My contribution would be on the subject of tubeless tires.
    I use sealant called Puncture Proof, for protection of tubeless tires, have actually used it for 5 years+ in all vehicles I have owned. It's a product developed for industrial use hence the video focus. It's not like Slime or Punctureproof (identical name) that look similar but are more of a hobbyist standard.
    I brought a 20Ltr drum from the company as at that time I had a small fleet of vehicles, Still have balance so continue to use it.
    The company that distributed it in Thailand has since closed so the contact details on the video are no longer valid.
    However I know there is still stock available from the Foreign owner.
    Sorry, slightly off topic, so if anyone is interested drop me a PM
  15. That sounds strange. My company, which plays strictly by the rules, has just told us that the withholding tax is being adjusted now. HR had calculated our tax for the year on the old rate, but has readjusted for the new rate, which means a drop of quite a lot to compensate. For the remainder of the year, that is. Hope that makes sense.

    Not 100% clear sorry.

    What i understand is that my company has used the new rate throughout the year, but now due to circumstances they need to back calculate for the year using the old rate.

    So basically deduct extra income against the Jan-Nov contributions already made, and go with the old rate only for Dec.

    It's not a small sum that have suddenly deducted.

  16. After resigning from my job this month I was given the details of my final salary less deduction on 4th Dec.

    All seemed fine.


    However, I was in informed yesterday to now expect an additional 30% increase in income tax deduction against my December (final ) salary payment

    The calculation they have stated is based on the following reason:


    "The reason of adjust tax because during the year had been calculated on new rate which was approve by The Thai Cabinet but The Tax Authority not announce yet. last Monday (9 December) the Prime Minister announce to dissolve the parliament so now nobody know the new tax rate will be affective or not? The Inland Revenue has advised we better recalculate by the old rate (last year rate) to avoid penalty. Hopefully you are understand on the situation"


    They claim all the company employees will now have a final year end income tax deduction based to this.


    Is this fact or some BS they are trying pull?




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