KhunLA

Yes, do answer, as good chance it is a real call, and not a scam. As long as they are not asking for any info, about you (they have) or banking, as they never will. Got calls Wednesday, 1st from Vietnam, I didn't answer. Within a minute, a call from USA, ph# displayed (@ 1030am, so 1030pm there) and again, I didn't answer. Googled, and shows as a real ph# for IRS / W.V. So I called back, get automated msg, number something or other, but can't conx. Immediately after, another all from Vietnam (69). Didn't answer and block future calls. Now seems, they were simply coincidental. When G'ing the IRS number, 1 site shows it as a scam, they'll ask info they shouldn't. Also thinking, who works at IRS at 1030pm in USA, and making int'l calls. Today, got same call from IRS, show ph# & location / Utah. So I'm bored, and answered. It WAS the IRS office, and just following up on a letter I sent them, asking if issue was resolved. Told her about Wednesday's call, and she stated it indeed was her. Told her G says W.V location, and she tells me she's in PA ... ???? They are aware that the caller ID / locations aren't accurate. One now showing, G says W.V., one call showing Utah, when actually in PA ???? So ... if you get a call, and ph# is +1 xxx xxx xxxx, then it's possible it's a real call just use common sense, and don't give any info, they should have, or any banking info as she stated, they'd never ask such things. They have your info, SS#, name, address, and your IRS records, so shouldn't ask for anything.

Besides, 'who cares', that's one ugly piece of jewelry. Money obviously could be better spent at a soup kitchen.

Americans in the USA, speak USA English, simply using the king's english as a starting reference point. Americans in Mexico, speak Mexican Spanish, simply using Spain's Spanish as a starting reference point. Neither is wrong, they simply are what they are. Sort of like, if you don't only have sex, in the 'missionary' position, some religious leaders may think you are doing it wrong. Sex police, grammar police ... get a life. Y'all get my drift, dog ... word ????

Yes, depends why you are going to PoPo station. If mandatory, as it used to be, before setting up 'payment tables', then you had no choice. That was 'incentive' to give money to the officer, 'to pay' it for you ... ???? Once they start writing, they may or may not be able to do that. So off you go to the station, as you didn't get your license back until you paid. Retaining license is no longer allowed. So you go, smile, crack a joke, tell them you are "jon mak mak" and he knocks the fine in half ... everyone's happy. Unless they actually put your driver's license # on the citation, all those citations are nothing but 'accounting receipts'. All the citations I've received, we've only had 1 with the DL # on it, and that was the wife's #, from a camera citation, and I was driving. Since in her name, she got the citation ???? Actually one thing the 'general in charge' did do, was define what a proper check point is, and kudos for that. Means a lot more citations written, but less scam stops, and money collected without a receipt. If going to the PoPo station to complain that you've been wronged ... that's a fool's folly. Som na naa

I almost took out a gal in daylight, and the PoPo coming up behind ready to pass me, would have took her out if she hadn't stopped in between lanes ???? He stopped down the road a 100 meters and had a laugh. They were as surprised as I was, that i didn't hit her.

Dad

The bay at low tide would be decent for a swim, especially with kids, as protected from both side. A little rough today around noon-ish. From the coffee shop (hotel next door) and about the only thing at the bay, aside from few smaller vendors. Around the corner, southward, Boats R Us

All irrelevant ... money comes in, bank tells me what it's worth. Last Oct/Nov ฿37+ / $1 USD, this month's DD ฿34, next month ฿32, hopefully. Stay above ฿30 / $1 ... I'm satisfied, not happy, but what I think and the 'why', doesn't matter.

Up to the discretion of the officer. He or she 'may' accept it, but does NOT 'have' to accept it. How are they supposed to know what every 'national' issued license from every country is supposed to look like. I myself wouldn't have a clue. Emphasis on 'national ' driver's license, that rules out all USA licenses, as they are state issued. Would also rule out any other 'provincial' licensed from other countries. Hence the importance of an IDP.

Udon Thani also, had daily check points at various locations around the city. System does work, as daytime, when check points are set up, 90 ish % wear helmets. Nighttime, just the opposite it seemed at times, way more, don't wear helmets. It does save lives, along with motivating more to get licensed, and maybe pay attention when driving in the future. Along with keeping the scooter road worthy. Yet the tourist still need their 'go fund my stupidity' ... because inexperienced, unlicensed, without helmet and or uninsured. Again ... something they don't do at home. Som na naa

It's a citation, fine for violating the law. What they do with the money is irrelevant. Just like your home country, no different. Don't want to pay, don't break the law. No different than your home country. Only difference is, idiots do here, what they won't do at home, then complain about it when caught. I kind of wish the fine was 5k baht, impound the motorbike, and put 1 strike against your PP at Imm. Get 3 strikes, then banned from TH for 5 yrs. Maybe then the idiots won't need 'go fund my stupidity' when they screw up. Stay home if you plan on violating the law before you even arrive.

Most of the time ????

Scooter is definitely the best way to get around the beaches. Of course, if you're an experienced rider or don't have a license to drive, you might want to give it a pass. Riding scooters here for over 20 years, never an issue. With exception of a little heightened defensive driving, no different than the USA.

Not a big fan of the beans and rice myself, so, many dishes, 2/3 of the meal I don't even like. Actually had Mexican last night, meat, veggies but wrapped up in a flatbread, but it had salsa in it, so I guess it was Mexican. If it had a tzatziki sauce on it guess it would have been a Greek gyro,

All I believe. You may want to actually look at the websites of the ones suggested already. Probably provide more info than us, unless we actually own, seen or test drove them. All your basic questions and then some can be answered. Plenty of reviews on YouTube

2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1257405-electric-vehicles-in-thailand/page/46/#comment-17832881

One could just drive around legally ???? Consider yourself lucky if only 1000, as new fines, 'driving without helmet' now 2000 baht. https://phuket-motorbike-rental.com/the-penalties-for-traffic-offenses-in-thailand/

MG EP Plus ... ฿771k https://www.mgcars.com/th/mg-models/new-mg-ep/overview Our MG ZS came with wall charger (free install), 1 yr insurance. V2L cable. Wait time, 'was', 6 months of less, got ours in 5 months

The did require one this month when I renewed my 5yr licenses.

I had both test administered last week or so, on renewal; peripheral & depth perception.

https://aseannow.com/topic/1283833-driving-licence-renewal-dlt-takes-walk-in-applications-from-now-on/#comment-17847860

Depends on the office. Did my renewal for another 5 yr, and had to book an appointment. Along with the advantage of the e-learning for watching the vid. Or, go right to the 'questions' and bypass the vid. Quite happy for that system, as made the actual issuing of the license a breeze. In & out as fast as the process should take, no real waiting at all. That was the most efficient gov't office I've ever been to. Aside from local 90 day pulse check, where I'm usually the only one there. Though doing online now, I think.

4 yrs old and still wearing diapers. My daughter never had, though met her at shy of 2 yr old, I think. Knew to go outside and swat by herself ????

Phuket has so many viewpoints, that I don't even bother operating a drone, unless just for a selfie, while at a viewpoint. Since already up there myself, I don't need the 'added' perspective with the drone. I think Khao Kad was the latest one I explored for the first time during Covid and surprised I never made it over there before. So many boats docked/anchored in the bay. And no tourist at the time.