KhaoYai

You may find it a good idea to call the enbassy and ask about the financial requirements. As Joe says, the amount on the website is incorrect. Whatever the actual amount is, you have to show it as available in your bank, via statements. Credit available on a card is not acceptable. Things may have changed now - since the application is done online but the embassy in London never used to enforce any financial requirements for a Non O Visa based on marriage. I used to get my Multi Entry Non O's at either Hull or London and although the website said £XXXXX (can't remember), when you called them they said if its an application based on marriage, just send copies of your marriage certificate. I'd still call them for clarification - there's a hell of a difference between £10,000 and 20,000 baht.

How is that relevant to my post please?

Totally untrue. The manufacturer takes care of mine if necesarry. Any competent/aircon refrigeration engineeer should be able to fix them - they are basically aircon in reverse. There are no computerised parts in my ASHP. None at all.

I believe its also illegal to hold someone's passport.

I was thinking more along the lines of the rider being injured. A friend of mine looked into renting out scooters but decided the insurance issue made it infeasible.

None technical answer here but I was a little confused as to why you needed a heater in Thailand. Then as the discussion continues it seems this heater may actually be a water heater. Why not consider an Air Source Heat Pump? I have one with a 200L tank and my house has a simple 30amp supply. These water heaters are incredibly efficient - from memory mine consumes 1.4kw but puts out 4kw. Mine cost me 50,000 4 years ago. I can put you in touch with the supplier in Pattaya if you want. As for usage in the real world, I think I made a mistake buying an ASHP. If I needed 200L of hot water, it absolutely would be the way to go. But I don't, I only need hot water for showers really. I had no idea that the ASHP actually heated 200L in its storage tank - I hadn't even considered that its a storage based system, not instantaneous. My fault for not doing my homework but I still don't really regret it. When I change over to Solar Energy, it won't matter anymore. Still, both my showers get used at the same time on occasion and 2 x 3.5kw electric showers running at the same time as everything else may well have been pushing it a bit. Overall I'm happy with the ASHP but I'll be a whole lot happier when I'm on solar. I talked to a restaurant owner who has the same ASHP as I do and says its cut his electric bills by 75%.

No idea but have you also checked out insurance? Although your policy may cover any/multiple riders, most policies exclude rental.

Its not the exact same engine as far as I know. As I understand it some of the internals were changed/upgraded to fix previous valve issues.

OK, well I can't help you there but try to find someone by word of mouth - not a sewing machine mechanic who's only worked on Honda Wave's. Unfortunately Thailand is full of small bike shops and some of them have very little actual knowledge. Local biker groups should be able to help you. I doubt you have a problem with the rings - if it has used an excessive amount of oil as you suggest, you'd know about it. It would be belching out blue smoke.

Worse case scenario - and probably the cheapest if you have a serious problem, would be a secondhand engine from an accident damaged bike.

What model are we talking about - I'm not familiar with a 650r. Do you mean an ER6? A 650 twin? Firstly, remember that the bike doesn't hold a lot of oil (1.8L from memory) - when its leant over on the stand it will probably show no oil. Start it and let it warm up (don't over rev it until you are sure there's no problem) then check the oil with the bike level. The colour of the oil varies with the oil manufacturer - from very light to mid brown but no way should it be cloudy or milky. As already mentioned, that would indicate coolant is mixing with the oil. How many KM have you done since the oil change? All engines will use some oil - some more than others but it should not be excessive. I have an ER6 with 35,000km on the clock and I've never noticed any excessive oil usage. The 650 twin is fairly bullet proof - especially later models. I'm a retired mechanic and I can tell you that its very difficult to determine this problem remotely but the oil is your photos does look a bit cloudy - you should get a professional to look at it ASAP and don't ride it until you do. A simple (ish) head gasket problem could end up with a trashed engine if you do. I only know of one guy that I would trust but he's in Pak Chong - where are you?

She's 14 for god's sake!!!

My home in Thailand was broken in to last year, a substantial amount of personal property was stolen and damage was done. I provided both the police and insurance company with photos (from my IP camera) of people I suspected were involved - both seemed disinterested. Following the break-in I installed a full CCTV system and a heavy steel gate over the entrance with a 'lockbox' making it difficult to remove the padlock. I have just received my renewal notice from MSIG and I'm shocked to see that my premium has increased by 300%!! My cover has also been reduced. I've been with the company for 8 years and last year's claim is the only one I've ever made. There has never been any mention of No Claims Bonus now or previously - just this loading for making a claim. Strange, I thought the point of insurance was to cover any insured losses - the basis being that the company insures many people/properties and only a few actually need to make a claim, therefore they still make money whilst paying out those who need to claim. I've always understood that insurance is a 'risk based' business, not an organisation that 'loans' you the money to replace your items and then expects you to pay it back over the next few years. Well they can stick their premium where the sun don't shine. My agent, who has always been very professional, unfortunately only deals with one insurance company but tells me that many companies don't ask questions about claims history. Can anyone recommend such a company that I can try? (English speaking agent/broker please)

I apologise - my previous comment referred to HCMC - no idea if Savannakhet require an invitation letter.

I understand your thinking but that could be confusing. The relevant Thai law does not consider whether payment is received or not. The question is, whether the activity can be considered as employment. Thus (my opinion but based on a conversation with my lawyer) growing vegetables for your own consumption on a farm could not be considered as 'employment'. However, you may have to prove that none of the 'fruits of your labour' (pun intended) were offered for sale or other gain/exchange/barter or could otherwise be considered as 'employment'. Too many people it seems, simply pay the police for these 'fines' without challenge. I'd think its a safe bet that none of the 'fines' are recorded at the police station.

I'll take a guess that your friend didn't get a receipt for the fine. Working on your own property is not employment its DIY- confirmed by my lawyer. I carried out much of the refurbishment on my property and my next door neighbour is a policeman. If I'd had such a problem there is no way I would have paid any fine unless it was issued by a court.

Pre Covid you needed a letter of invitation from your wife. There was no guide as to what the letter should say but mine was just a letter asking that the visa be granted to allow 'my husband to visit me in Thailand'.

Seen this done a few times - simple visit to the Amphur.

Passport translations and certifications have always been the rule but as you mention, they are now being asked for. This all stems from an Amphur manager being found to have accepted (maybe unkowingly) fake documents a few years ago. That manager was fired and all other Amphurs told to apply the rules fully. Some refused to accept foreign marriages for a while because they have no way of knowing what's real and what's fake. I think that situation has calmed down now but it seems some offices have seen it as a way to earn money.

After the fake affirmations scandal a few years back, I doubt any Amphur manager would dare to risk that.

My comments were intended to be 'tongue' in cheek. Your suggestion is of course, the way to go. I'm not sure what's been going on for the last few years but Amphur's seem less and less ready to register Thai/Foreign marriages. Bangrak, by far the most popular with foreigners in Bangkok has introduced an appointment system and will only marry 5 (I think its 5) Thai/Foreign couples per day. Last time I was there, they had a 2 week waiting list. Gone are the days where you just turn up and do it - it seems. Whether there are real reasons for this I know not - far be it from me to suggest they may be making it difficult to solicit 'inducements.

The OP is asking about a desktop not a laptop. Laptops have batteries, that's why they are subject to checks.

As someone who's taken all sorts of things to Thailand for a house renovation, including a 5 ring gas hob............just pack it well. Its rare that your bags will be checked (I've never been) but be aware that if they are, you will almost certainly have to pay tax on a PC. I wouldn't take the monitor - asking for trouble, they can be obtained very cheaply when you arrive.

As far as I know, there is actually no official fee for marriage registration. Some Amphurs impose their own fees - presumably for their 'social fund'. However, 3000 is clearly tea money - ask for an official receipt and tell them you wish to take photos of the money changing hands.

Very much doubt Putin will dare to set foot in Thailand - too many people want him dead.