Wiggy

Thanks again for the information. Very useful. I’ve just been looking at the MG VS X, and it does look to be a very nice vehicle. I think it’s been around for about a year or so now. I’m particularly interested in the total (combined) power of 177PS, whereas Toyota and Honda equivalents are down around 120-130PS, which is a bit low for me. I currently drive a Civic RS which has around 180. I’m not a fast driver, but I do like to have a bit of power when overtaking or even getting out of a situation. Definitely food for thought.

Interesting, thanks for posting. I must say I do like the look of some of the MGs, and there are a lot of them on the roads. My two big concerns are reliability and resale value. I’m not knocking Chinese-made vehicles per se, but a friend bought a BYD, and he said almost nothing works on it. It’s four months old. I’m guessing that’s the exception and not the rule though otherwise the word would be out.

One reason for this is that Toyota use a Nickel-metal Hydride battery vs. Honda’s Lithium-ion battery. My understanding is that the former performs better in hot climates.

Excellent. Good to know. Thank you.

Thank you so much. I was merely thinking that having the phone plugged into the high level USB port for map guidance and/or to use Apple CarPlay, and having a cable being in the way as a tad dangerous, but I rarely use CarPlay, except on longer journeys, so not a huge issue. That said, the 12V DC charger being between the seats is where I need to plug my current dash cam in, so that might be awkward. On my current car it’s under the dash and well out of the way. I’ll give it some more thought. I currently drive an RS Civic, but it’s just too low, hence the change to a taller vehicle.

A winking emoji suggests I was joking, so no need for a serious reply. Besides, you still haven’t identified the root of the problem (see my earlier post and you’ll see).

Thank you so much. Very useful information. My wife just bought a Yaris Ativ, and I must say I’m impressed with the camera system. I guess the Cross has something similar, if not the same.

Good feedback Madgee & Guderian. Thanks. I'm completely torn between the HRV & Cross. I like the HRV as it has more power and I prefer the look of it. The moon roof does put me off a bit though (especially the rear manual panels). The cross has USB ports coming out of the top infotainment screen with is just plain daft (and potentially dangerous) and might end up being a deal breaker. Did either of you test drive the HRV? Any other tips you might have on the Cross? Oh, and other than the 360° camera, does it have sensors? Thanks.

You need to get out more ????

I concur, and well said. It would be nice if the action in your first paragraph could happen, but it illustrates nicely why the ridiculous defamation laws are in place…… exactly to prevent people like this being called out. They well protected by the state. Deliberately.

And the root of the problem is?

'One' cannot do anything as Thailand is a lost cause when it comes to road safety and/or education. A case in point being that my wife obtained both a car and motorcycle licence last year through a driving school. But there's just one small issue; she can't drive. I'm having to teach her and it's terrifying to see how little she knows.

Unfortunately, it’s no surprise when rural, unsafe and unroadworthy vehicles mix with fast, modern ones. I’m not apportioning blame, but these tragedies will continue unabated unless something is done.

The pitch is not the distance between the rows of seats. It is the distance of any point on a seat to the same point on the seat in front when not reclined.

Unfortunately I think Voranai is spot on; Thailand won’t/can’t change as there’s just too much at stake and too much money and power to be had. There’s no room at the trough for newcomers, particularly reformists.

My guess is that it's up to the individual police officer that stops you, regardless of the 'rules'. I always carry my physical licence for that reason.

I would assume so (depending on age as already mentioned ). A polite enquiry to a staff member at the airport should suffice.

Thank you. This is what I had been told as well. So it seems the service is indeed currently suspended. Hopefully it’ll return soon. I’m leaving Monday and travelling with my wife so I’ll aim to come through the Thai channel on our return.

Where do you register? Thanks.

Thanks. Have you tried to re-register for the auto channel?

This is what I assumed to be the case. But a UK PR holder friend had this put in his passport when he asked in 2018. Some data redacted for obvious reasons.

Yes, but as far as I’m aware this service is currently suspended. I asked at the airport to register for the auto channel (E-gates) when I left in December, and was told it wasn’t possible.

Does anyone know if you can enter via the Thai passport side at Suvarnabhumi when holding a re-entry permit (I have Thai PR) and travelling with a Thai spouse ? In London, my wife can enter via the UK channel (if accompanied by me) so I was wondering if Thailand reciprocates. Thanks.

It seems she already has, if it’s her suitcase they’re referring to. Despicable liars, cheats and charlatans.

Yes, Sukhumvit, Petchaburi etc. are quiet these days ????