Banana7

After reading this article, I definitely will avoid booking any and all flights with Thai Airlines. I hope Thai airlines provided free ground transportation  for all passengers and their luggage to the original destination, immediately upon landing.  It's a 9 hour road trip between the 2 cities or 1.5 hour flight! If they didn't, they should have provided financial compensation. If they don't provided any compensation, I hope Australian transportation agency fines Thai airlines or revokes their landing rights.

Wake-up Thailand, and see what is really happening in China and why they want Thailand to speed-up their railway project and why they want to ship more Chinese products into Thailand at cheaper transport costs. Have a look at this video

35 minutes ago, Tropicalevo said:

When a foreigner is involved, Thai witnesses do not always tell the truth here on Samui

1  young girl on a motorbike had a toddler in front of her. She drove straight into a parked truck. Just not looking.

I stopped my jeep and went to see if I could help. eg take the toddler to hospital.

A crowd of 20 - 30 Thais soon gathered around and started blaming me until two Thais told them not to be stupid. I was nowhere near the accident. I was driving on the other side of the road going in the opposite direction.

 

2 worker from the hotel near where I live was diving fast down a narrow lane and hit a pot hole.

Came off his bike and smacked his head. Unconscious.

I was the first to arrive and again tried to help.

Another worker from the same hotel called the police and said that he had seen the accident and told them that I had hit is friend and knocked him off his bike.

The police examined my jeep but could not see any damage. The case was left open until the first guy recovered his senses and told the police that no one else was involved.

 

So forgive me if I read 'witness 'statements like the above with a bit of scepticism

10 Years ago, I was advised to never stop for someone else's accident. If you do, there is a strong possibility you will be blamed for causing the accident, especially if no one else is around, and the victim is dead or unconscious.

Went to a popular restaurant recently which had a lovely photo of a pork rib dinner for 319 baht. As shown, the advertisement shows a nice strip of ribs, about a dozen with 2 piles of fries. The actual meal had only 2 large ribs, and 1 pile of fries. The meal looked significantly different than what was advertised. In Thailand it seems OK to advertise meals that when provided don't look like the advertisements. This isn't the first time this has happened.

How do you handle such a situation? Would you send it back? Would you walkout without paying? Accept as is?

I just ate it as delivered, didn't complain, but also no tip, and never will I ever return to this restaurant.

On 1/13/2024 at 3:55 PM, LatPhrao said:

Well said all.  Thanks.  The landlord is 'involved' but a bit of a wet mop about forcing a resolution,  for someone who has an apartment that the building management and staff are making an investment which can't be lived in, can't be rented, who would buy?  He is willing to surrender the deposits and close the contract.   For now at your Option #3

I'd be taking that deposit, closing the contract and moving. It may never be fixed to your satisfaction.

Try Hungry Hippo on Soi Buakhow, near Treetown, owned by a Welsh man. Also Robin's Nest see robinsnestpattaya.com.

I use Tracki for 2 years now. Extended battery lasts about 5 days, without a charge. So it can be hooked up to charge only when the MC is running, like into the lighting circuit. Of course, you'll need to run the MC about once every 5 days for about an hour, to keep it full charged, depending on the frequency of data updates. The battery can last longer, depending on the features activated. Buy from tracki.com

Check the passports for overstay. Anybody illegally in the country, make them spend a month or more in IDC Bangkok (hilton) before shipping them back to Russia. Maybe they will enjoy the Ukrainian front before spring.

I got a stainless steel tank from Lazada for my mitsu. Fit perfectly and has been running for about 4 years since the replacement. When replacing, make sure all the fittings are snug and tight. The air pressure regulator seal needs to be sealed perfectly. If all the studs and holes line-up, I recommend keeping the bigger tank.

Every night someone is smoking pot in public on Beach Road, beach side, in Pattaya, between walking street and Central Festival mall. Other public areas also have pot smokers.

As at January 2024, that attached photos show what is required, at Pattaya department of land transportation (DLT),  to obtain a new Thai driver's license.

5 hours ago, topt said:

Great report - very clear thank you.

The only point that you don't seem to mention is the video pass certificate. Does that have any time limit like the CoR or can you do at any time do you know? Presumably they have therefore done away with the watching the video bit that I suffered through last time?

 

Respectfully the picture on the door does not say anything about "business" attire although what "formal" means seems open to interpretation.

Did they refuse to serve the 2 foreigners in your picture who are wearing shorts? I only ask as I have never had a problem wearing shorts there in over 10 years of visits.

If I remember correctly, the video certification is valid for 6 months.

I did see one foreigner who was upstairs being directed downstairs but I am not aware of the reason. Some people in shorts did receive service. You are right, I should have said formal dress, not formal business attire. It seems, nice looking shorts or Bermuda shorts are acceptable for service, as you have experienced.

Here is my experience to renew 5 year motorcycle and 5 year car Thai driving licenses at Pattaya Department of Land Transportation (DLT). I started this renewal process about 120 days before my licenses expired.

On December 28^th, 2023 arrived at Pattaya DLT about 1:30 PM. Huge line-up outside for white tent service. Inside front door, to left, is the information desk where I asked how to renew driving license – answer was “go outside to tent”. There are multiple desks and line-ups at the white tent. To left of the huge line-up desk there is a desk with “foreigner licenses”. I was second person in the line-up.

Officer wanted to see my original passport with entry and long-term visa stamps, both existing original Thai driving licenses. I was given appointment card, for 2:30pm January 11, 2024, that listed all of the documents I had to provide, as shown in the attached photo. Also needed to enter my name and phone number into a register/log book.

The Residence Certificate (RC) must be the original issued by immigration for one of the licenses, a copy must be provided for the second license. I inquired about using the yellow book and pink ID card instead of a RC. I was told, you can use it, but the licenses will be restricted to province of your residence as shown on the pink card. If you want to drive anywhere in Thailand, get a RC. Note that RC is only valid for 30 days from the date of issue – that means on your appointment date it must be valid. The RC cost  300b at Jomtien immigration.

The health certificate must be the original, for one license, a photo copy is acceptable for the second license. The health certificate was valid for 6 months. My certificate cost 100b for the Soi Buakhau clinic near LK Metro.

All photo copies must be signed.

On January 11, 2024, arrived at 2PM and I went to the same desk, white tent for foreigner licenses desk, not the purple tent as indicated on the appointment card. All the documents were checked, a queue card was provided and told to go to second floor.

On the second floor there are multiple work stations, with numbers. The queue card says go to station 14 (eye and decision testing). But you must have your documents checked again and handed in for processing at station 11, 12 or 13 before going to 14. At station 14, I was told to go to the training room because I was too early.

At 2:50pm my group went to station 14. The testing consisted of 2 tests. First was colour blindness, identifying the light colours shown in a fixture similar to a vertical traffic light. Each time a light illuminated, you had to say the colour. The lights flashed about 10 times.

The second test was reaction timing. Sitting a chair, you press a gas pedal to turn on a green light and keep pressing it until the machine shows a red light. You must press the brake pedal quickly, within a prescribed time, upon seeing the red light. If you don’t hit the brake within the time limit, you fail. One guy had to try this reaction test 3 times before passing. There are other testing machines in the room, one for depth perception and a different colour test. Neither of these 2 were used.

After testing, wait for your name will be called to verify a covering letter for your documents. Sign the covering letter. This is when your passport is returned to you. Next, take the documents to station 15 pay for the licenses. I paid 505b for car, 255b for the motorcycle, 760 baht total for both. Upon payment, cash only, a queue ticket is provided to have your photo taken for your driving license.

A screen on the right side of the main waiting room shows the queue processing. There were 3 photo stations. Go to the station when your queue number is called and have your photo taken. Retain your queue ticket and return to the main waiting room to wait for your ticket to be called again. At the second call, receive your licenses and receipt. I received my new licenses at 3:15pm.

Your experience may vary depending on dates, license requirements and how well you follow instructions.

Note: Formal business attire is required to receive service.

1 minute ago, riclag said:

I met a Canadian guy years ago who would do exactly what you mentioned!

He would go on the dating sites and line up ladies before he arrived in 

Thailand. Then spend a month or two visiting them.I think he did it once or twice before settling with one !

After talking with him , it seems we had a couple of things in common.

We use to go to the Dominican Republic (Sosua) to monger!

We both enjoy playing the guitar!

 

 

I have had several friends do this line-up method with Thai and Filipino ladies. Eventually you can find a very good companion. Lots of fish in the sea, some taste better than others.

On 1/6/2024 at 2:04 AM, cavallerio said:

She's a single mum raising two kids on a low wage, I'm a single guy with no commitments, earning a decent wage, house paid for, money in the bank, final salary pension...I don't expect reciprocity. If I can help out a little, I'm ok with that. It's not going to bankrupt me, and no plans to transfer assets from the UK anytime soon

Well there is an orphanage here in Pattaya with 250 abandoned kids and they need a little help too. These kids are less fortunate than the ones you are now showering with gifts and cash because they don't even have a parent to take care of them. Here is the website for donations:www.fr-ray.org

Could you please send a little to Father Ray Foundation since you're feeling charitable and generous and seem to want to rescue/help unfortunate Thai? 

15 hours ago, cavallerio said:

The different viewpoints are interesting. For me, it's like I'm listening to two voices, one saying pull away before I get in too deep, and the other saying I don't want to be sitting here in 5 years time regretting the road not taken. The second voice is winning at the moment...I guess it helps that losing a few grand isn't going to make a massive difference to my situation if it comes to that. I'm really not someone who's going to enjoy dating multiple women - no judgement against those that do, it just isn't me.

 

I was contacted by loads of Thai women on Tinder, probably because I got my settings wrong. Most were obvious crypto scammers, some seemed genuine, but this was the only one that actually showed a genuine interest in me and my life. I realise that could mean she's clever and playing the long game, but I don't want to mess things up by being too cautious. I have sent relatively small amounts of money for Christmas and birthday presents so far (about 14K baht in total) but she's never actually asked or even hinted for any yet.

 

Again, thanks for the replies, all of them...good to have a spread of opinions to ponder.

Not saying to pull away but go for it, but don't make any commitments or investments. Explore the opportunity and find the true nature of this wonderful woman. I found  in my past relationships, a women can hide her true personality, behaviour and attitude for up to 2 or 3 weeks, if you are together 24/7. After this period, I saw their true genuine characteristics beginning to emerge.  If you two are not together 24/7, it takes longer. I found that taking them on a one or 2 week vacation, isn't adequate to make a reasonable assessment.

As for sending money/gifts before meeting, you may get a nasty surprise upon meeting, meaning the person is not what you expected.  By sending money, it is setting expectations for future encounters. There is no benefit for you to send money. Most Thais don't celebrate Christmas and don't exchange presents, so why send Christmas presents? - Did they send you a present? Lots of time to spend your hard earned money in Thailand. Thailand women and customs are radically different from UK women and customs. About only thing in common is the side of the road you drive on.

Are there things like building permits, building inspections or occupancy permits in Thailand? All of these are steps to a safe building for habitation.

Lots of good advice in this thread before my 2 bits here.

There are probably hundreds of ladies in Thailand as good or better (less kids, better job, more attractive, more honest, nicer and more compatible personality) than the one you met online, many of them would be interested in you. In thailand, you'll be like a kid in candy shop, tough to choose only one. So line-up at least 5 and come for a month. Make no commitments, shop around, pace yourself.

Never send money to anyone whom you have never met in person. 

It will be a difficult relationship for the next 5 years, until you retire. You'll only be together for your vacation (1 month/year?) each year. For me, that wouldn't be enough. You might get lucky, and UK gives her a visa to visit you. But never send her airline tickets, ask her buy her own tickets, and you reimburse upon her arrival. I have had too many no shows.  But is even 2 months together per year enough, for 5 years? Also, if she doesn't take vacation while you are here, you'll have lots of spare time, while she is working or taking care of her children, etc.

In the Western world, men are starving for love and affection. Use your big head, not your little head, when making a choice.

I recommend that you and your wife reduce the communications from the toxic sources (TS). Do not accept any calls from TS. If a call is accepted inadvertently, tell them you are too busy to talk now, are driving a vehicle and may call back, or maybe talk later, etc.. Don't accept meetings from TS, tell them any excuse: you have other plans, too busy, not feeling well, are watching TV, working in the garden, washing clothes, whatever, etc..

Overall, you are in complete control of your mind and body, you decide how you will feel and behave. Others will try to influence your feelings and behaviour but you are 100% in control of your person, no one else. Only allow those people, to communicate with you, who make your life better and support you. Surround yourself with positive, supportive, like minded people. You decide what is right and wrong and accept responsibility for your actions.

As for granny, I would take a logical detailed approach. How many children does she have and how many grandchildren? Determine each child's and grandchild's earnings per month. The children should contribute the most since they are the closest, lets say 5% of their monthly wages. Grandchildren contribute 50% of the percentage of the children, so 2.5% of monthly wages, if there are great grandchildren with jobs, 1.25% of wages. This seems like a fair equitable way to help the elderly. If this doesn't work, I like what another person said in this thread: have granny change her Will to leave everything to your wife in exchange for the 2K monthly payment or some other fair mechanism that compensates you and your wife relative to your contribution to granny.

Basically, what I wrote in paragraph 1&2, is what my girlfriend did when her relatives said many of the same things as your wife is experiencing. Many years ago, I took my girlfriend to a Buddhist monastery for 10 days of mediation, to cleanse her mind and body, which helped her get rid of the toxic thoughts and find the right direction of her choosing. Now, more than 10 years later, she's still with me, quite happy.

I have never given money to her relatives. There are dozens of reasons why they needed money, but they always found other sources for the required funds, or the need disappeared or they were able to continue living without the funds.

40 minutes ago, Gweiloman said:

Yes, these are real and valid concerns. But then, everyone has different risk profiles, in life and in financial matters. Some people go rock or mountain climbing, some others ride bikes. I try not to look at what might go wrong but on the positives instead.

I use to buy the most modern innovative car models but no longer. In all cases, the extra bells and whistle breakdown easily, difficult to get the extras fixed correctly, even the replacement parts fail quickly.It seemed like everything was programmed to break a month after the warranty period expired. Parts even failed within the warranty period. Of course, to get dealer maintenance, there is a line-up, and lots of time, there will be at least 2 visits, one for diagnosis, and then once the parts arrive. Maybe a third or fourth visit, when the first diagnosis wasn't complete or correct.  I was in dealer's shop every 2 or 3 months, ended up paying about 60% for maintenance of the original purchase price within 3 years after the warranty expiry. The innovative parts can be very expensive and rare. Another downside is, the vehicle is not available for use, when in the shop for repairs. Sometimes it had to stay 2 or 3 days at the shop for repairs. Finally, the engineering or design wasn't complete or correct in the first few years the model was sold, seemed like the design was rushed. Bottom line is you'll spend lots of time at the dealer and won't get use of the vehicle when you need it - maybe buy 2 of the same model.

5 minutes ago, Gweiloman said:

Another excellent feature of the Dolphin is that you can use it to power your home in the event of a power outage. Or if you’re out and about, it also serves as a power point for a fan or laptop charging or grilling meat on the electric grill :)

The real issue with Chinese cars is reliability and maintenance. They maybe good for the first few years, as most cars are, but after that, watch out. Are all parts stocked locally? How many places can diagnosis and fix an issue, first time properly? What happens in an accident - lots of reports of an EV catching fire due to batteries being shorted, and the fire keeps reigniting after it is extinguished.

If Thailand wants more American and Canadian tourists they had better start getting out of the Chinese way of living and cheating foreigners and start practicing the norms of western society like enforcing the laws of the land and getting rid of corrupt Policemen and getting rid of dual pricing. That Policeman's daughter who caused a traffic accident in Bangkok killing more than ten people, several years ago, still hasn't gone to jail. Jail in Thailand is just for foreigners and poor Thai people.

Most recent Police killing of a Thai factory owner in Bangkok because the guy wouldn't loan/give money to the Policeman, and of course, 2 Highway Policemen were a short distance from the killing, at the same expressway toll gate, and didn't do anything.  Amazing Thailand!

Thailand has long way to go to attract lots of Canadians and American tourists. Sure TAT can make big advertising campaigns but the facts speak for themselves. Come to Thailand during a big holiday, like New Years or Songkran, and see or participate in the huge amount of traffic accidents and hundreds of people getting killed or injured. The only place outside, a tourist can walk safely, is on the beach, without stumbling on a foot path, or risking an accident with a motor vehicle.