MangoKorat

As you've seen in the post immediately after yours, I'm not the only one that's heard that more time may be given. Can you supply a link to the 'rule' you've posted please?

Guys, the OP is not asking how to try and get out without getting fined. He's asking if he'll have a problem with his embassy when he applies for a new passport.

I doubt most Thai's have any knowledge of that law. I also read somewhere that if the property proves difficult to sell and you can show that you are genuinely trying to sell the land, you can apply for further time. I would expect that in that case, you would have to be asking a fair price - not just asking way over the odds in order to stay longer.

Unfortunately, from what I'm told they don't require the regsitered owner to be present provided the person claiming to have bought the property has the Chanotte. Copies of ID card and Tabien Baan are normally accepted but I suspect that they will also want some form of Power of Atorney. They want that to transfer a car without the owner present so it would a bit strange if they didn't want one for land. Ultimately it is entirely possible for land to be transfered without the owner present (possibly brown envelopes involved) - as I've read of several fraudulent transfers done that way. There was a famous case where a Thai woman married to an American who's company owned a lot of property, forged her husband's signature and had it confirmed as true by a lawyer she was in league with. The pair transferred some of the American's property and sold it. Famous because Jonathan Head, the BBC's S.E. Asia correspondent reported on the story and was sued by the lawyer for defamation. Both the lawyer and the woman had been convicted of the crime but as you probably know - Thailand has some very odd defamation laws. I'm told that they sometimes want the phone number of the registered owner and call them - that wouldn't be too difficult to fake.

Not to mention that you could have killed someone eh?

The only problem I've had that's similar is that when they updated their website recently, the payment method defaults to 'Card'. I've never used my debit card to send money to my Wise account - I always make online transfers. The rate for online transfers is slightly better than using a debit card but if you are sending large transfers, that difference could be significant. Previously the default was online transfer - I presumed that was because that was the method I'd always used. I contacted Wise toaks why the system defaulted to 'Card' and was told that I can go into my account and delete whichever payment methods I don't want to use.

Yes, this is nothing compared to what those terrible foreigners do.

Will they be having a clamp down on these violent Thai's?

Road Map - doesn't say its happened yet.

Not sure that's correct but it would depend on which country the OP wants to export his bike to. Is there no distinction between commercial and personal imports in the EU? For the UK: I used to import cars and there were major differences between what was required for a commercial import and a personal import - basically all you had to do for a personal import is make sure it passed a UK MOT test and pay duties. An import has to pass an MOT under rules as they stoood when it was first manufactured. Type Appoval regulations used to apply but only to commercial imports and had to be applied for from the manufacturer. If no Type Approval existed for that particular model, it could not be registered in the UK. A mate of mine who was in the same business once got stuck with about 5 Opel Corsa's. That model was actually called a Vauxhall Nova in the UK at the time - no Type Approval existed for a Corsa, even though they were the same car and could be ordered from Europe in right hand drive form (minor trim differences). He eventually got that sorted through importing them through Ireland, Northern Ireland and then on to the UK but I doubt he made a bean on them in the end. My ER6 in Thailand is identical to a UK bought bike. Even the digital speedometer can be switched to miles per hour so as far as I know, it will pass a UK MOT. I know there have been some changes to the rules but I don't think a personal import is particularly difficult, there are plenty of US bikes still being shipped to the UK. The thing the OP has to consider is that there will be VAT and import duty to pay. No Idea of those rates in the EU but for the UK - VAT is currently 20% and import duty is 8% under 250cc and 6% for over 250cc. Duties are levied on the total import value, including shipping costs. When I was importing cars the duties were based on the invoice price which could be, shall we say, 'adjusted'. However, these days I believe they use trade guides such as Glass's for values. Unless we are talking about a particular model that is either very expensive, has sentimental value or is not available in the country he wants to export it to, its probably not worth the hassle. If the same model is available where he plans to take his bike, shipping, VAT and import duties will probably wipe out any saving he may be hoping to make - if that's his aim. EDIT: Just seen the OP's reply that he's not intending to register the bike abroad - I'll leave the above information in place as it may be useful for others. No idea what his position will be - almost certain that he will be able to ride it into the EU as a visitor without any duties but there will no doubt be a time limit after which duties may have to be paid. Considering the amount of movements of vehicles between different EU states, I'm not sure how they could check on that.

And just what does he think will happen to future tourism when today's tourists arrive and see how things are? How will people feel when they find the mountain views the glossy brochures promised can't be seen and they are advised to wear masks? Bitter tastes tend to last a long time.

Ahh the 'Main Dealer' myth. The best mechanics normally start their own businesses. When I was at college, just about all the 'useless' students worked at Main Dealers. Also, as Main Dealers are more expensive, people tend to go to independents when cars are older - therefore Main Dealers often don't come across some of the faults that can develop on older cars. In general, independents have a much broader experience and are likely to diagnose a fault faster. As with the cars themselves, there are good and bad repairers of all types but I'd pitch a good independent against a Main Dealer any day of the week.

Its not difficult. I didn't own a Chevrolet when they pulled out of Thailand but I remember reading on here (then ThaiVisa) that they had stated they would guarantee the provision of spare parts for at least 10 years. I simply did a Google search and found GP Auto Parts very easily. The Sonic by the way, is not US engineered. Both Honda and Toyota have generally good reputations for quality but they are not perfect. Toyota for example have had several recalls in recent years for airbag problems. Both Honda and Toyota have had problems with their CVT transmission systems. I think the decision on which brand to buy when looking at secondhand cars should also take account of the price. What would usually be a reliable car can depend a lot on whether its been serviced correctly or not and Thai people are not particularly known for servicing their cars (although I think that situation is improving). When I bought my Sonic, alternative brands such as Toyota were commanding 50-80,000 baht more and that gap has now widened considerably in some cases a comparible Toyota model is now more than double. There's no guarantee with any brand that the claimed service history is correct. I would not be at all happy to pay 250-300,000 for a 10 year old Yaris for example but that's the price range many are asking. I guess I'm lucky, I'm an ex mechanic, although I'm not up to date with all the electrickery on up to date cars, I can usually spot a lemon or a car that's been poorly serviced.

What are 'lingering charges' - ones that hide behind parked cars ready to jump out when you pass?

Yes, according to the news there's been more of other nationalities but its interesting that the according to a news report on here today - the authorities are focusing their clampdown on Phuket. Why could that be? As for Putin sending his operatives, unlikely - him and Srettha are very chummy at the moment - Thailand is buying some of the oil Putin lost due to Russian oil being sanctioned over Ukraine. Now he's just 'won' another term in office, Putin will already be writing out orders for the next batch of canon fodder - he won't give a damn who tha includes. Just a thought though, if you're a Russian and you get drafted whilst living abroad, would they ask you to/demand that you, return?

I think you're refering to US cars in the main. GM have applied the Chevrolet badge to several brands that they bought. Some brands/models are terrible some are OK. BMW are regarded by many as a quality brand but you wouldn't accept that if you bought a 2007 to 2012 2.0 diesel engined BM with the single cam chain engine that disintegrated. You might also be an unhappy chappy if you'd bought one of their Mini's that have been afflicted with serious engine faults and electric power steering that packed up. I have a Sonic 1.4 non turbo hatchback and its fine. I've driven Toyota's equivalent, the Yaris and I wasn't impressed especially as they cost at least 50,000 more (secondhand). GM pulling out of Thailand lead to some scaremongery on parts which has in turn lead to lower values across the range. Some real bargains can be had - depending on the model. The Captiva has a pretty bad reputation but Colorado's and Trailblazers shared a lot of parts with Isuzus - they're pretty decent and as I say, I'm very happy with my Sonic. GM may sell under one brand name in some countries but use a different brand name in another. The cars they make in the US may not be any good (no idea on that) but quite a few of the other brands/models they sell are fine. I have a Peugeot Van in the UK that is actually made by Fiat and has a Ford engine. My Citroen (UK) is also branded as a Peugeot and a Toyota - its actually made at a Toyota factory in The Czech Republic. Peugeot, Citroen and Vauxhall (GM) share the same floorpan and engine and some other parts in many versions of their 208 model. Manufacturers are sharing all sorts of parts these days - its not really possible to state one brand is good or bad.

AC Delco are owned by GM - Chevolet is a GM brand. GP Autoparts sell both AC Delco and specific Chevrolet branded parts. They are Chevrolet's official parts stockist in Thailand and as I've stated a few times, I've not had a probelm obtaining anything I've ordered from them and the parts I've ordered could hardly be described as 'service parts'. So far I've ordered: 1 x Gearlever complete (auto) 1 x Upper L/H engine mounting 1 x Upper R/H engine mounting 1 x Lower engine stabiliser 1 x Set, radiator cowlings All parts were available ex stock immediately. The engine mountings and a kit to repair the gear lever were also available as after-market parts should I have chosen to go down that route.

To be fair, the parts issues you mention are more likely to be down to the repairer. As I said in an earlier post, I've been amazed at the stock of Chevrolet parts that GM Autoparts in Bangkok have. I wouldn't say that engine mountings and a gear lever are commonly ordered parts yet they had them in stock and I collected them the next day. My Chevrolet is not a Captiva but so far, I've found that Chevrolet's promise to make spares available for at least 10 years after quitting Thailand is factual. The starter motor in particular is one that is used on several models and probably different brands too. Chevrolet, like all car manufacturers, don't make starter motors, they buy them in. One for a Captiva is almost certainly also available from an after-market autoparts stockist. I'm currently in the UK and just did a search on Ebay where plenty of starter motors are available for around 6000 baht. I don't expect the situation in Thailand to be any different and probably much cheaper. There is absolutley no reason why your friend's car should be off the road because of a faulty starter. Tell him to change repairers.

I guess the only way is to go and have a word with Korat Immigration and ask them what they want. I'd rather leave my cash in a UK bank where its protected against bank failure. I'm also concerned that any savings transferred into Thailand will be considered as Assessable Income and liable for tax even though its been assessed and probaby taxed in the UK. The situation with these new tax rules is a little confusing at the moment but as I understand it, if I was to transfer 800,000 to my Thai account, it would be assessable for tax. As, in essence I can't use it, I would also have to transfer cash in each month for living expenses, which would also be assessable. I am aware that there are allowances but say I transfer 40,000 in each month my assessable income for that first year would be 1,280,000 baht less allowances. Transferring 65,000 (income route) in each month would mean an asessable income of 780,000 less allowances - tax would still be due but far less. I'm already pretty p'd off at the likelihood of paying tax on income I've already been taxed on in the UK. Korat can be difficult on some things, personally I've not had a problem with them but I do know people who have and once you get on the wrong side of them, they seem to remember you forever. I'd rather get things squared away before I apply for an extension. I've just come off the phone with my mate where we discussed his options again. He's not at all happy with transfering 400,000 into Thailand even if it is only for a couple of months - as he says, he'll have to make sure its available again for the next extension. He would rather use the income route and I've told him to do the same as I'm going to - go and see his local office which I believe will be Khon Kaen and find out what they will accept.

Bob, you are confused. You were in a Beer Bar not a restaurant. The only people that don't like it when you can speak Thai are bar girls, they hate that they can't talk amongst themselves about how much money you might have or how awful its going to be with you on top of them.

Its going back a while but I'm pretty sure that I remember Ubonjoe providing the actual rule on that where it was stated that the income didn't need to be from a pension. Many years ago, I took the decision that rather than pay for a private pension, I was better off investing in property to provide additional income when I retired. Given the performance of UK private pensions in recent years, I think I made the correct decision. Even if the income was from a private pension, from what I've seen, it would be unlikely to state 'Pension' when it arrived in my Thai bank account. Everything I transfer from the UK at the moment simply states 'Trade Finance Deposit'. Do we know what evidence they require as to the source?

I will be moving to Thailand later this year and will hopefully be applying for a Non Imm B visa and Work Permit. However, I've just been advised that I may have to have an operation which could result in a fairly long recovery period. I may have to delay my business plans but I won't be delaying my move - I can just as easily recover in Thailand as I can in the UK. With that in mind, I may go for a retirement visa or a 12 month extension based on retirement for the first year as I'm over 50 but single. I'm aware that the extension would require 800,000 baht being deposited in a Thai bank account for a set time before and after the application + that 400,000 (I believe) has to stay in the account at all other times. Not too worried about the exact details on that because I prefer to use the income method which I believe means that I have to show an income from abroad of 65,000 per month entering a Thai bank account? So a few questions on that: I'm pretty sure that I've read that some offices don't like the income method and make it difficult or even impossible. Is this true? My local office is Korat. I'm not old enough for a state pension yet and my income would be from properties that I let out - is this acceptable? Does the income have to be from one source of can it be a mixture - as long as its shown entering my Thai account from abroad? Is proof of that income required - I mean the source or once again - is the fact that its transferred in from abroad enough? I have a mate who's probably going to make the move a couple of months before me, he's married to a Thai and retiring a few years early but like me, doesn't want to tie 800,000 up in a Thai bank account. I believe that he can obtain a Non O based on marriage and then extend that for 12 months with either 400,000 in the bank or have an income of 40,000 baht per month. He won't be working in Thailand so his income method will be money from abroad. Similar to above - is the income method accepted at all offices? What is accepted as proof of that income? Just the transfer itself?

The only rubbish is your ignorance. I used to produce it! Basic fluid THC test kits start at around £25 and will test 3 samples. TLC test kits (much more accurate) cost around £150 but will test up to 25 samples. Professional growers normally use an analyser linked to an app on their phone that costs around £1000. I know for a fact that the last time I tested any cannabis on that device the range was between 27% and 33%.

Listen - this is a very serious matter, far more serious than your stupid opinions. I know the cannabis business extremely well, I was part of it. I do not live in a parallel universe at all, I live in the real world. I have more knowledge about weed in my big toe nail than you appear to have in total. I know very well what has happened in the UK and large parts of Europe since the Albanians drove prices down. There are kids in the UK smoking extremely strong new strains of weed and in doing so, causing serious damage to their health. Legalisation in Thailand has also driven prices down and if you care to read the Thai press, you would note that exactly the same is happening there. Some of those news reports have also made it on to this site I seem to remember. I am not allowed to post details of many available reports due to forum rules but you can easliy find them if you'd stop simply trying to be right and accept the truth! The facts are: 1. The 'newer, more potent strains of cannabis are now proven to be harmful - especially to developing brains. 2. In countries where cannabis prices have fallen, there is clear evidence that it is now readliy available AND being used by children. 3. The 'legalisation' of cannabis in Thailand has lead to a massive decrease in prices My girlfriend in Korat has a 13 year old daughter who tells us that weed is easliy available to her and being used already by some of her classmates. Wake up! Just because you enjoy a smoke doesn't make it safe for kids. I could go on and on but people like you will argue black is white - your need to be right comes above all else. I am not looking at this from the side of legalisation or criminalisation - my concern is purely for the kids. Here's just one report! https://www.todayonline.com/world/trending-photos-kids-young-9-smoking-cannabis-pattaya-beach-spark-outrage-2064341

Jeez that's really worrying.