mgjackson69

More noise than anything,waste the money really when compared too jappas americans indenial japanese techs more innovative heck they finnally just made harleys water cooled-reminds me of the supercharger/turbo argument because turbos were more to the japs liking and after an american club blew three new motors from snapping supercharge belts they finally went to turbo setup and it hasnt happened ever since so why dont people do themselves a favour.

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Turbos and superchargers obviously do different things and are consequently used on different engines for different reasons.....no?

What is obvious is that you are wrong.

Certainly turbos and superchargers work in very different ways, but their purpose in life is the same...to force more air into the combustion chambers.

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The extension of stay will be good for one year, but the "permitted to stay" will valid to the expiration date of your passport. When/if you get your new passport and take the old and new passports to Immigration to transfer the stamps over to the new passport, your "permitted to stay" date will be adjusted to the one year mark.

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I have experienced this in other countries as well as Thailand. The native is expecting you to speak English, so when you speak to them in Thai (or Spanish), it is as if they do not make the connection that you are speaking their language.

This has absolutely never been my experience other than in Thailand. I have spent time in almost every single Spanish speaking country and never had this experience, ever. I think this is mostly unique to Thailand because there is a prevailing cultural idea that foreigners should not attempt to integrate and are fundamentally different than Thai people.

In defense of the Spanish speakers, once I got their attention, they were appreciative that I was trying to speak their language.

And I have seen the above phenomenon in other countries as well.

I get the idea that I could have substituted *any* language for "Spanish" and someone would have piped up with "I have been in almost every language-speaking country and it is only in Thailand that I see this.

The point of all this is, smaller engines are producing better output, more efficiently, than larger engines of the past. As it relates to spec'ing a new vehicle, one needs to look further than the engine displacement to determine if said engine is "big enough".

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And a big new engine uses the same technology as the new small engines and generates even more power.

You want power, there's no replacement for displacement.

Oh, and why would anyone sell a vehicle for 80K less than they could get for it?

Of course the big new engine will make more power than the smaller new engine...it is not a difficult concept.

My point was, simply looking at displacement is not a good indicator if a particular engine has "enough power".

What constitutes "enough power" is very subjective. If a person decides that 150 HP is enough for them, and a 2.5 L engine provides that, many people would not want to spend the extra money for a larger-displacement engine.

There are also the situations where a particular engine size is required to get other options that the buyer wants.

Surely we can agree, if you want the *most* power, in most situations, specify the largest-displacement engine that you can.

That's a very good overall observation that touches on some of the pertinent factors that go into one's engine-size selection decision.

Though, I think everyone understands about 'displacement' in that we only use it here as this is the terminology used here in LOS but we are actually referring to the 'horsepower' (and 'torque') associated with that particular engine

When I bought my PreRunner (2008) the 'engine to buy' for that model was the 3.0 L diesel, which is what I have.

I was in the local Toyota shop the other day for a bit of service, and was looking at the new models while waiting. I see now the 'standard' or common engine that is spec'ed is the 2.5 L. I have not done any comparisons on this to see how the 2.5 L of today stacks up against the 3.0 L of 5 years ago.

But I would surely do the research before making a blanket statement that "the 2.5 L is not enough engine".

Whats a Hardley ?

Someone's poor attempt at being clever...

Well I gave up years ago and today was a good example of why. Got in taxi alone, asked khun mee pleng mai, repeated three times driver thought I was on about the meter. Mrs says I speak very good (well she would) Get to home a tell him soi hok, he tries to go down soi 2, mai chai soi hok, tries to go down soi 4, finally we get there by eliminating the wrong sois. It's really not worth the bother as far as i'm concerned, I have done my best and that's it.

I should add I have lived here 7 years and started 'learning' to speak in 1995, obviously not well enough even for the simplest of things.

Well, if your wife understands, you must be speaking correctly to some extent. I don't let those things get me down, as some people here just see a foreign face and completely shut down linguistically. That is their mental block. Sometimes I say something like "hey, I am speaking Thai right now" and they usually snap out of it (some still don't! up to them, hahahaha). I just keep talking to them then rock on down the way.

By the way, I have the same thing with my wife in both languages. We understand each other pretty well, but often have to "translate" parts of what I say in Thai or she says in English to others. We both know the mistakes or oddities in pronunciation the other one is making, so it makes sense that we would understand each other more.

I have experienced this in other countries as well as Thailand. The native is expecting you to speak English, so when you speak to them in Thai (or Spanish), it is as if they do not make the connection that you are speaking their language.

My wife and I are much the same way as dao16 described, we use a mix of Thai and English. We use a paper Thai <-> English dictionary, and the thai2english application for Windows as needed.

I am still learning to speak Thai better, but it is "learn as you go" for me now...I have zero interest in sitting in a class anymore.

When I get to the point where I can speak Thai pretty well, I will tackle reading and writing the language.

"You...you!" here is analogous to saying "Sir...sir!" in the 'west'. There is nothing rude about it.

It is a thai speaker try for a generic word in English. In Thai he might use the generic 'luung', 'pee', 'bpaa', or 'nong'...the equivalent words in English do not really work.

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Then I wonder why I never see westerners pointing at Thais shouting khun khun?

Please enlighten me as to why?

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I can only speak for myself.

I usually do not use "khun" unless I have a name to go with it.

As to why there are not a bunch of farang running around shouting "khun khun"...maybe they are being rude and saying "you you".

Go right on ahead being offended...it must be miserable way to go through life, looking for offense at every turn.

I never go around looking for offense at any turn.

I do however, call em like I see em. Thats because I have integrity and am concerned just as much about people being rude due to their own ignorance as much as I am about being offended by said rudeness.

Unfortunately the same can not be said for Thai apologists. They are self loathing creatures with a skewed WORLD view and very low self-esteem.

You "call em like I see em". That is fine, I do the same.

You are offended by "you...you", I am not.

That does not make me an apologist for anyone.

The ones with the skewed world view are those who look for offense at every turn, and think the world should change to fit their view.

As far as self-esteem, it is those with so-called low self esteem that seek to blame their hurt feelings on everyone else, instead of looking inside.

My self-esteem is just fine. I know who I am.

"Mr Jaturong said all banks will bear the cost of the technology upgrade".....

Hmmmmm.....if this is true then but i think the reality will be more the norm of "lets charge them with higher blah blah blah but don't tell Jaturong "!!!

Cost of the new cards springs to mind.

Will the banks actually insist everybody has to replace with a new card once the rollout is complete?

I expect the new cards will be phased in. As people's cards expire or they replace lost/damaged cards, the replacements will be the chipped cards.

At some point the banks might request everyone come in for a new card, or if a customer happens to be there for some business they might suggest swapping their card out for the new one.

I would guess the old mag strip cards will continue to work for a long time.

"appalled"? Such drama...

This topic cycles around every now and again...some guy gets through a basic Thai language course with the instructor telling him how well he does, and now he is so superior to us unwashed heathens.

Take that "textbook" Thai up to Loei and see if you can talk to the villagers there.

I also took some training (at Berlitz, my employer paid for it). It was certainly helpful, but I have learned more Thai in daily interaction with my wife. I am still learning, but in a casual, unstructured manner.

As for the written Thai, I can recognize a few words, that is it so far. Longer-term I will learn to read Thai, perhaps even write.

Someone else mentioned South America, and opined that you need to speak the language to get along there. I absolutely disagree...I speak very little Spanish and I got along in Chile and Colombia just fine.

The point of all this is, smaller engines are producing better output, more efficiently, than larger engines of the past. As it relates to spec'ing a new vehicle, one needs to look further than the engine displacement to determine if said engine is "big enough".

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And a big new engine uses the same technology as the new small engines and generates even more power.

You want power, there's no replacement for displacement.

Oh, and why would anyone sell a vehicle for 80K less than they could get for it?

Of course the big new engine will make more power than the smaller new engine...it is not a difficult concept.

My point was, simply looking at displacement is not a good indicator if a particular engine has "enough power".

What constitutes "enough power" is very subjective. If a person decides that 150 HP is enough for them, and a 2.5 L engine provides that, many people would not want to spend the extra money for a larger-displacement engine.

There are also the situations where a particular engine size is required to get other options that the buyer wants.

Surely we can agree, if you want the *most* power, in most situations, specify the largest-displacement engine that you can.

The OP is on the right track...one can be generous without becoming an ATM.

If the relationship continues, rest assured that some family member will ask to "borrow" some money. It is on you to evaluate such requests and say 'yea' or 'nay'. A refusal will likely result in a bunch of talking and you being asked again...just stand your ground and set the precedent.

I guess your crystal ball is 100% accurate?

Been living with my wife for nearly 5 years, legally married for 3 years. Very large extended family. No one has asked for a handout or a loan. Everyone works. Neither do I pay my wife a "salary".

Maybe you have been reading TV too long?

Rest assured my comments are based on experience and living in Isaan. If we want to have a pissing match about it, I have you beat on years with my wife and years married to her...so what?

If you have never had a single person ask you for a baht, good on you. I admit I might have been generalizing a bit...but, I was doing so in an attempt to prepare the OP for his next visit, in case it did happen. I would be happy to see an update from the OP after his next visit where he says "the second visit is completed, with no requests for money".

Can you truly say that no family member or any of there drinking buddies has not tried to get you to buy a bottle of whiskey?

I can truly and honestly say that no family member (don' know any of their drinking buddies) has even hinted at getting even a free beer from me. Maybe part of the reason is that I don't drink. Sorry I don't fit the stereotype that you seem intent on advancing.

Truly, I am advancing no stereotype...I am only relating my experiences, and those of a few other Westerners I know here (I am not depending upon ThaiVisa posts for this information).

My wife has a large family and there are a couple that have big ideas, but never the money to do anything (which is probably just as well). If they come to me with a request, I politely listen, then just say no. They know that they can ask me once.

It does not make them bad people.

And why are you apologizing? I have no idea what your situation is, other than what you have stated here. You may have missed it, but I did give you kudos for never having been asked for money.

Hey, your life in Isaan is going well, as is mine.

Life is good.

Removing the battery is next to useless. You can just jump it using whatever vehicle the perp arrived in.

2 things you can do in the interest of simplicity are:

1. Unclipping the distributor cap and pulling off the rotor inside the distributor (easily pops off into your pocket). Then clipping the cap back on (they probably won't know why the car is not starting and you don't want to give it away).

2. You can also remove a distributor wire. Easily pull off from the spark plug and distributor, fits in your pocket (they may see this and go buy a replacement, return, and find it still does not start, time to give up LOL).

3. My car has a spring that attaches the gas pedal to the carb that can easily be removed. Many things you can disconnect, the likelyhood of them finding what it is very unlikely, esp I you do two things.

It must be one of those special diesel engines with the optional distributor and carburetor.

Despite the [correct] answers here, the OP is correct in that it does cause issues with the banks and other institutions here. It stems from the fact that Thais use their ID for such purposes and that number doesn't change from birth to death. Its fine for those of us who are aware [cognisant] of the issue, but many only find out the hard way.

Good thread OP - hopefully more of us will be now be aware of this potential problem

Nobody has said it will not cause a problem. Several have advised taking the old and new passport to the bank and have them update their records.

Some people are even offended by being called "you."

Actually where I come from being called "Hey you" is the height of rudeness. And I must confess I still cringe when Thais call "You, you!" although I do understand it is an attempt to translate "Khun" which of course has a very different connotation.

But the people who usually call "you you" are these who would be similar rude in every country...scam artists who want to sell you something massive overpriced or trick you into something.

Scam artists are usually not rude...until you call them on their bullshit

Khun is an honorific and certainly does denote status henc the typical "you pai nai?"

As opposed to "khun pai nai?"

And pointing almost ALWAYS comes with it, in my experience

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Pointing is not rude here...unless you use your foot.

"You...you!" here is analogous to saying "Sir...sir!" in the 'west'. There is nothing rude about it.

It is a thai speaker try for a generic word in English. In Thai he might use the generic 'luung', 'pee', 'bpaa', or 'nong'...the equivalent words in English do not really work.

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Then I wonder why I never see westerners pointing at Thais shouting khun khun?

Please enlighten me as to why?

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I can only speak for myself.

I usually do not use "khun" unless I have a name to go with it.

As to why there are not a bunch of farang running around shouting "khun khun"...maybe they are being rude and saying "you you".

Go right on ahead being offended...it must be miserable way to go through life, looking for offense at every turn.

Well, it works both ways.

The first time I went up to Loei to meet the family, my wife had to do a lot of talking to convince her mother that I was not just another farang who was going to hang out with a Thai girl, partake of the family's hospitality, make a bunch of promises, and disappear.

Mom was never standoffish with me, but she was a bit uncertain for a bit.

That was many years ago and I have 'favorite son' status there.

My question is, "What is an ATM Machine?

ATM = Automatic Teller Machine

So, what is an Automatic Teller Machine Machine?

The ATM Machine requires the user to enter his PIN (Personal Identification Number) Number

"You...you!" here is analogous to saying "Sir...sir!" in the 'west'. There is nothing rude about it.

It is a thai speaker try for a generic word in English. In Thai he might use the generic 'luung', 'pee', 'bpaa', or 'nong'...the equivalent words in English do not really work.

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The point of all this is, smaller engines are producing better output, more efficiently, than larger engines of the past. As it relates to spec'ing a new vehicle, one needs to look further than the engine displacement to determine if said engine is "big enough".

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Those engines were so choked down with smog equipment that it is a wonder fhey made any power at all. Late 60s and early 70s 300+ HP engines were everywhere. By the mid-70s, the same engines were detuned to the mid-100s for horsepower, and still got crappy mileage.

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They are just Thai people. Some good, some not so good.

The average farang here is more likely to end up with an Isaan girl.

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Congrats on your victory Khun Suthep, you have walked in to police HQ and gotten yourself and your idiot followers surrounded, genius.

There will be some wonderful Suthep jokes going the rounds, there must be quite a few already, anyone?

Keep up

 

He didn't "walk in" and his followers are at no risk. 

 

They also entered the grounds of Gov. House, and left unmolested (except Chuwit tho tried to be funny and got pelted by empty - or mostly empty eater bottles!)

Chuwit supplies the rent-a-thugs. With so many of them about, I wonder if one can get a motorbike taxi in Bangkok today.

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