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My Thai son has a Hyundai family van (in Chiang Mai), he has taken the van regularly to Hyundai for servicing. It's now out of warranty.

Sons' searching shows that there are several mechanic shops in Chiang Mai well capable of servicing Hyundai vehicles but Hyundai tell him that the gear box oil must be Hyundai brand oil only or there will be serious damage to the gear box.

The quoted cost (from Hyundai) to replace the gear box oil (oil only) is around 15,000Baht.

Would appreciate some serious comments, thanks. 

My understanding (I'm not a mechanical / car engineer nor mechanic) is that EGR systems are already fitted to many new cars (diesel and gasoline) but my neighbor says the system makes the engine (diesel and gasoline) very dirty and engines fitted with this system should be seriously cleaned, regularly.

Would appreciate some serious comments on the above, thanks.  

The overall current English conversation capabilities of Thai teachers and their capabilities to teach English conversation is obviously seriously unsatisfactory, and it must be improved by a big margin.

But suddenly making a minimum level 400 is currently un-achievable for most Thai teachers (and is a disgraceful situation and IMHO the blame should be put squarely on senior officers in the Ed. ministry).  

IMHO the minimum level needs to go up progressively, example:

- 250 for the next say 4 years, but at the same time if there is not an overall progressive increase across the board then there should be some form of punishment of the related senior Ed. officials.

(There is also a valid argument as to who should responsible for developing the English capabilities, should it be  a): the personal responsibility of teachers, as an extra curricular activity at their own expense, or should the development be b): built in to all levels of education (compulsory) for all students; kinder, primary, HS and all bachelor programs. IMHO it should be case b).

- 350 for the next say 4 years, but at the same time if there is not an overall progressive increase across the board then there should be some form of punishment of the related senior Ed. officials.

- 450 for the next say 4 years, but at the same time if there is not an overall progressive increase across the board then there should be some form of punishment of the related senior Ed. officials.

etc.

Aligned point - several professors at 3 Thai universities where I lecture are saying once the police reform seems to be making progress, then education will be next with major and serious actions to ensure the current Ed. seniors cannot block change. In fact there are already big changes in progress at the uni level. 

I'm intrigued this fake monk thought he could get away with it.

3 hours ago, Artisi said:

A team of legal beagles to escorted him back -  how impressive, how about 2 max 3 well trained Rangers -  more than enough to break his legs if he tries to run. 

Just the usual Thai BS and double talk, but then I haven't factored in the junket aspect of the exercise. 

Shopping is day two morning.

9 hours ago, sqwakvfr said:

I was on my to Rock Me Burger at 400 PM and the vehicle was still in the Moat.  A tow truck was there.  I was on my way back at 730PM and the vehicle was still in the moat but this time a crane had arrived.  A guy was diving into the brown water and was trying to hook the cable onto the front of the of the car.  I am not expert on vehicle recoveries but would not have been a better idea to pull the vehicle from the back?  But then I realized "TIT" This is Thailand.  

Possibly the tow truck guys had only ever seen cars towed from the front - therefore no other way to do it!

1 hour ago, Diddl said:

Yes HerbalEd, you are right.  People also forget the bail-ins!

 

Not only did I have a problem with Kasikorn in Bangkok as I said earlier, but I also had a problem with an Indian bank when I was living there.  The Indian bank never gave me my money back, nor an apology, even though they admitted that they had made the mistake.

 

Not surprised, my business experiences in India fraught with no payment  / short payment / short deliveries / tricky staff  / sales  / accounting records with regular mistakes, local projects proceeded even when I told the staff to not proceed and more, until I eventually, after 1 year, convinced my company HO in Boston to abandon their push to open a substantial office in India. 

When I initially approached an Indian bank to open a savings account for the company their answer was that I had to pay an agent to accompany me to the bank to open an account. Without realizing it they revealed the 'agent' was one of their own retired employees.

I made other arrangements. 

Just now, inThailand said:

"it just got murkier"  ???

 

It seems it's crystal clear who stole the 40K!

Which one do you suspect:

- The customer?

- The bank teller?

Just now, colinneil said:

I was referring to the bank as an institution, i am fully aware that some sfaff members  do not always follow the rules.

And I was referring to the bank as an institution, you missed my point.

26 minutes ago, colinneil said:

Sorry i cannot believe a major bank would do such a thing.

Maybe the teller and line manager were in it together, and were trying to make the problem go-away.

"Sorry i cannot believe a major bank would do such a thing."  

Well the word 'bank' is all emcompassing including all stakeholders.

But there is the possibility that one or two or more employees operating together and deliberately outside of the bank rules and processes could do something like this and there can be little doubt it has happened in all counties in the past. 

Yes banks have rules and regulations and specific processes but does that mean all staff follow the rules, etc? No!

2 hours ago, williamgeorgeallen said:

another victory for facebook. and to think the good general wants to ban it.

Did he actually say he wants to ban it?

On 7/12/2017 at 1:36 PM, NancyL said:

That's right.  I had an opportunity to speak at this seminar and said how we find it hurtful to be called "Long-Stay Tourists" when many of us have been living here for years, having sold our homes overseas, moved here with our pets and created a new life in Thailand.  Many have married Thai people, have Thai children and are supporting Thai families.  We try to learn the language and many practice their religion.  Some people they're calling "Long-Stay Tourists" haven't left Thailand for many, many years.  We don't engage in "tourist activities" and didn't come here for the spas and beautiful scenery and temples, but rather are much like Thai people, simply living our lives in a country we consider our adopted home.

Nancy, did the tourism minister respond?

2 minutes ago, EricTh said:

 

I doubt that is an appropriate word.

Tourists usually mean they visit tourist sites, eat at tourist spots, stay in hotels etc.

 

A more accurate description would be 'temporary resident'. Although some who stay for more than 10 years would be considered 'permanent resident' though unofficially.

And some are officially permanent residents.

1 hour ago, tomta said:

Diddums. A good politician doesn't care where the good ideas come from. He uses them. It's entirely hypothetical of course but we don't know that the Dems would have got the health care plan through. Thaksin did

With a house full of yes men who take direction without question. 

7 minutes ago, ableguy said:

Not for Thailand,only the hi sos count plus the dicks who think they are hi so.

Actually this attitude extents downwards, many just comfortable and poor Thais have the same negative attitudes.

It's happened in my extended family too. First time an extended female Thai family member came to our house she instantly, unnecessarily and unfairly verbally berated our maid who is a hill tribe lady who we trust and treat as family.

29 minutes ago, sawadee1947 said:

yeah, I like the idea of never ending Shinawatra

Well I guess you enjoy punishment? Up to you.

29 minutes ago, sawadee1947 said:

 

give me a break....what about Prayuth's brother??? Only non convicted by support of his powerful brother. Or Suthep. same same. So don't come with old stories. And.....what is the relevance of your points in terms of leadership of PTP?

"...So don't come with old stories. ..."  What an ironic statement, don't forget to give that line to your ilk. 

24 minutes ago, sawadee1947 said:

You are funny..... Your soldier got experience ? And what has Montha to do with her brother's mistakes? NOTHING !

What about her own mistakes - have you searched her history?

1 minute ago, bangrak said:

...When it's about a familiy member, I wonder what could have been whispered in the ear of Thaksin's older sister, for her not to want the head prize for herself, and push aside anyone standing in her way... Already seeing lil' Yingluck getting the salad bowl instead of herself once in the past was obviously hard for her to digest, but, even this time, not having been chosen?  But, hey, maybe Mrs Monthatip was a better choice, not only for the looks/appearance, but, who knows, because Thaksin could have been afraid of that his dominant(!) older sister could have wanted to, really, lead the party, instead of him, or 'the master' is having other plans for her (the UDD?)... 

And it would seem the paymaster has no concern about having another puppet and this with a record.

She would be well advised to beware of being thrown under the bus.  

Just now, bizboi said:

just more corrupt?

Not even a good comparison, 99% of rich Thai families don't own and totally control and pay the monthly salaries of a political party.

2 minutes ago, jeab1980 said:

Well im sorry but i don't agree with that at all.

 

Well a search would no doubt turn up the report perhaps 12 - 18 months back in regard to how many fake doctors clinics operate in certain parts of Thailand.

Same applies to dentists - may 12 months back a very big dentist oufit closed in an instand because it was all fake, on Petchaburi Rd, in Bkk.

1 hour ago, robblok said:

They don't have an other choice.. they don't want to vote democrat.. so they vote PTP no matter what devil is in charge. Now if they had a saying in who led the party things might be different. 

How true and I would add: they don't want to vote democrat because they listened to (no choice but to listen at the village democracy school), numerous / repeated well scripted hate messages and been forced to listen to doctored audio and video tapes. Plus in many areas the dems didn't campaign because they were frightened to go into the area and no dem literature was distributed because nobody be brave enough to do so.

Well I suppose that's what some call democracy! 

42 minutes ago, impulse said:

 

Isn't that a little disingenuous if the voters are in favor of a one-family political dynasty?  

 

I don't have a dog in the fight.  But it seems the majority of the voters like the fact that the Shins let a little more trickle down to them, even if they all know they're as corrupt as the rest of the bunch- and more corrupt than some.

 

I find it odd that a lot of guys claim to love democracy as long as the majority don't elect the guy they don't like.

 

Well every 'view' is possible.

The exact opposite view is also a possibility.  

"...the Shins let a little more trickle down to them,...". did that really happen? Or are you referring to the paymaster's public and loud statement 'everybody will be rich in 6 months'? Which of course never happened, not at all.

57 minutes ago, badlad said:

what about immigration offices being given the same orders about collecting tea money . the last time i visited an office the tea money box was stuffed with 1000 baht notes until the officer emptied it to make way for more 1000 baht notes .when shared out this must be an enormous bonus on top of salary and untaxed

Well if we expand the discussion to all 'agencies', the land title office (LTO) was considered for many years as the prize winner for rip offs, not sure if that's still true.

I'm aware of a farang buying a mid price house (20 years ago) on a beach in a company name, well trusted lawyer organized to do the transfer at the LTO. Lawyer investigated then said 'it will cost, best estimate is 30,000Baht'.

On the day the LTO chief chief came to chat with all farang / all representatives of farang with the same sad story:  

'Today is a public holiday for all government offices but not for the the LTO staff (in fact not true at all). I feel so sad for my staff and to make them feel encouraged I'm asking every customer to give a donation of 30,000Baht and this evening i will split it across all my staff but nothing for me'

Local lady lawyer who visits this office almost every working day whispered to others 'don't worry he's got at least 200 such stories, and uses them every working day'. 

13 minutes ago, Ricardo said:

 

IIRC, the late PM-Samak got uppity, once he'd been elected, and thought he had some role of his own, more than just serving the family's interests as-directed by the Big Boss.

 

So he was replaced by a family-member  ...  who could be trusted to follow orders more-attentively.

 

Then Yingluck, and now likely yet-another family-member, well that's just plain nepotism ! 

 

I find it odd that so many supposedly-democratic posters are vehemently in-favour-of a one-family political-dynasty, and don't seem to want the populist-party to move beyond that.

Well said. 

2 hours ago, Lovethailandelite said:

How much longer did you expect before Immigration finally started the clampdown on those living here more or less continuously on Tourist Visas? Do you think they don't know every scam people stupidly like to put on forums and Facebook because they like to look good regarding the swapping of passports, fake hotel and airline bookings etc?
You wouldn't get way with it in most country's. I've no idea why people are surprised it's going to be stopped here.

Plus, many foreigners would be horrified if the immigration law / entry processes allowed the 'bad guys', 'undesirable guys' etc., to easily walk into their original country. But somehow want to criticize Thailand for trying to be serious about the same subject.

Also in the picture is the total resources needed to totally analyze every person arriving at the incoming passport desks.