shootrrdave

16 minutes ago, Nojohndoe said:

It may not have Thai FDA approval. Polysporin can have a cumulative allergy response with constant use. It is a combination of antibiotics and corticosteroids.  I understand the problem but it is difficult to find simpler antiseptic creams in Thailand rather than antibiotic.

 

Hmm... you might be thinking of Neosporin. I'm not aware of any common allergy response with Polysporin. 

Brought some from America for this visit. Is working better than whatever my wife was using for my 2 year old daughter's bug bites so she wants some more. Does anybody know if I can find it somewhere local?

Already checked in a pharmacy and got a blank look. ???? 

7 minutes ago, KhaoNiaw said:

Where can you get that deal?

No idea. That's why I'm asking?...lol

https://www.ccarprice.com/th/mazda-cx-30-preferred-package-2021-price-in-thailand-6034

Is this legit? It's considerably cheaper than the dealer quotes.

6 minutes ago, DavisH said:

Tax structire is now mased on emissions, as below.

Probably these taxes are higher in Thailand than the US.

I think you mean there is 5 years warranty, rather than 5 years of first class insurance. You probably get the first year free. Then there ar the freebies like floor mats, window tint, coating, and other bits and pieces. 

But consider that cars in Thailand are relatively cheap to service and resale is high - not sure if one gets free servicing / parts on cars in the US. I think it would even out over several years when compared to cthe total cost of ownership in the US. 

MazdaCX-30 2.0 C AT

Price  =  989,000  

down payment 20% =  197,800

Finance  money  =  791,200

Pay  48  installments  =  18,033  Per  installment    (interest  2.35%)

Pay  60  installments  =  14,802  Per  installment    (interest  2.45%)

Pay  72  installments  =  12,769  Per  installment    (interest  2.70%)

Pay  84  installments  =  11,529  Per  installment    (interest  3.20%)

Free...

1. First  class  insurance

2.  insulator

3.  License  plate  frame

4.  Polishing  the  car  paint  

5.  Free  car  insurance  for  5  years

6.  Car check  labor  cost  3  time                  10,000/20,000/30,000  kilometer

7.  Optical film

8.  Rust  proof  spray

9.  Emergency  assistance  service

10.  5  liters  of  oil

11.  Free check  PDI  

12.  discount  20,800  baht

13.  Belt cover

14.  Free  Apple  carplay

15.  Free  Vat  7%

16.  Car  registration  fee  5,300  baht

Before  receiving  the  car to  pay down payment  20%  =  197,800-20,800(discount  20,800  baht)  = 177,000  baht 2.  You pay  =  177,000  baht 

So if it's a matter of getting "free" stuff from the dealer to sweeten the deal can someone tell me the cost/ value of the insurance they are providing?

And out of curiosity how much is the tax that's built into the price? 

4 minutes ago, KhaoNiaw said:

Car manufacturers put their prices on their websites so you can look on Mazda's Thai website. They will show the basic list prices, which are the same at all dealerships, with some leeway in whatever options, deals etc. each dealership is willing to provide. 

https://www.mazda.co.th/cars/mazda-cx30/choose-your-grade/

On that page, go down and click on the models and you'll see the prices and the 2.0C is indeed 989,000, with the others over 1 million. It's then up to your wife to see what she can extract from the dealer. Often it's just a lot of extra freebie options rather than a discount. 

Well that explains another issue I was having. Evidently the American market is getting the newer 2.5 motor and Thailand is not. 

10 minutes ago, shootrrdave said:

 

But wouldn't that cost get passed on to the American market?

 

At the very least there is extra expense in the transport overseas from Thailand.

Oops, a little more googling has shed some light. I hadn't actually thought to check where the American version came from. The answer is Mexico. 

I had just assumed it came from Asia.

2 minutes ago, ThailandRyan said:

Thailands import fees are astronomical.  The price to buy a Mercedes here is 3 times higher than in the US.  Same with Audi, Porsche and any other luxury car.  Mid level import cars are about 20% higher from what I have seen.

But are those cars being assembled in Thailand or brought in already finished? 

Also, to be clear the Thai quote includes 5 years of insurance and any taxes whereas the American price does not.

2 minutes ago, ThailandRyan said:

You raise a very good question, but the answer can be found in the probability of import fees for the parts to build the cars.  

But wouldn't that cost get passed on to the American market?

At the very least there is extra expense in the transport overseas from Thailand.

So I'll be buying a car for my wife when I visit in April. We both like the Mazda CX30 but the price quote she is getting from the dealer is 989,000 baht whereas here in America I could get one for around 750,000 (plus tax, etc)

Shouldn't it be cheaper in Thailand? Unless I'm mistaken it's manufactured there. Is the dealer just throwing out a high number because they think my wife won't know any better? 

If you already have a bike you might consider a conversion kit. I just checked and Lazada is selling a 1,000 watt 48 volt setup for less than 8,000 baht. That's fairly powerful for a bicycle. 750 watts is generally considered a horsepower and the average fit (young) male cyclist can generate a steady 250 watts. 

FYI I don't think that price includes a battery. 

2 hours ago, ColeBOzbourne said:

I was thinking the same thing and, if that is the case, I think she is probably right. Tell everyone thanks and how much it's appreciated. Then if they are ever in need of help, be sure to reciprocate. That's what good neighbors are for.

I think you (and my wife of course) are probably right and I will certainly make my gratitude known but I think I will also buy a big bbq dinner for everyone that we can eat at the house. Did it last time I was here and everyone seemed happy. Thanks everyone for your input. 

3 hours ago, Trujillo said:

An large assortment of magnifying eyeglasses. 

I can understand your reasoning. Most of these folks are older. I've been trying to come up with something useful (rather than cash with its possible issues) and the best I've thought of is rechargeable flashlights. 

4 hours ago, ColeBOzbourne said:

I get that occasionally as well. I generally follow up with, "I know, but I'm asking because I would like your opinion too". And with that I usually get a pretty thoughtful reply.

I think in this case it's that she doesn't feel it's necessary to do anything more than verbally thank everyone. 

16 hours ago, khunPer said:

Why don't you ask your wife, she must know both Thai traditions, habits and the villagers that helped. I always ask my Thai girlfriend's advice about things like that.

 

Apart from asking your wife, the best gifts in Thailand, next after selected foods like Durian, or a basket with selected items – your wife will know what should be in – are gold and money.

Wife gave me the classic "up to you". ????

16 hours ago, brianthainess said:

You could organize a party in a local restaurant, sit a the head of the table that'll signal your footing the bill and will help with your local economy too, earning you more brownie points in your local community. If people want to drink then they can.

No restaurants in the little village. Maybe somewhere in At Samat (10km) but logistics would be difficult. Probably around 20 people.

21 hours ago, kenk24 said:

I never buy alcohol either... I am not a drinker and the family has occasional beer which they can buy themselves... sure, wait a bit... was it your wedding? That might be enough... or how about an outing somewhere if not too many of them... a hot spring or beach or whatever is nearby... 

Not my wedding and there are too many for an outing even if I knew somewhere nice to go. Our exciting days are the hour drive into Roi Et...555

Food I'm good with but my wife is strongly against alcohol. ????

Might wait a week or so. Had a huge wedding in our front yard/common area this last weekend. 

6 hours ago, Foghorn said:

On a serious note what would happen if they dismissed your wife after a few months ?

Then she would get to be with our daughter 24/7 ????

I already provide the majority of her income. The main drawback would be the loss of her benefits. Mainly medical insurance. 

8 hours ago, 4evermaat said:

 

Did she mention anything else about her friends or peers that may have had to pay a "commission" for their job/raise/etc?

Hmm...I didn't think to ask her this. 

8 hours ago, SunsetT said:

Yes. Sadly this is the norm in Thailand. A falang aquaintance has moved 3 times with his teacher wife. Each time he has bought a new teaching job for her. I cant recall the amounts but when I asked him how much he said it depended on whether a job at the desired school was available or not. If one was not available you had to pay more to get an existing teacher dismissed! Shocking!!!

 

This is why so many government employees are so useless at their jobs!

My wife is not even a teacher. She's an administrator. Glorified secretary really. She's not upper management either. She's just one of the anonymous rank & file of office paper pushers. This is why the high amount was so surprising to me.