MangoKorat

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.

Low prices = weed that is far more easily available to kids. And what has happened to prices in Thailand?

It is not me that is talking rubbish. You say you have smoked cannabis for 45 years yet you seem to know very little about it. Testing the THC content is actually not that difficult but let's forget claimed or actual strengths and look at it in a different way. When I smoked weed there was no way that 1 joint would leave me comatose. In the UK what was available then was usually Black Moroccan Hash (Resin). In my area all varieties of actual bud were lumped together and referred to as 'Skunk' and the only people that smoked it were Jamaicans and those who's tolerance was enhanced due to years of smoking. I would ocassionally try 'Skunk' at parties etc. if nothing else was available. I have a fairly low tolerance and that 'Skunk' would affect me far more than my usual Hash. It would not however lead to me either being out of control or comatose. As you should know, there were several strains around a few years back that were actually called Skunk and variations of that title. Although they were stronger than Hash they didn't 'blow your socks off'. Breeders, seeking to gain market advantage have been crossing strains to find ever stronger varieties and hybrids for years - increases in strength were marginal but continous. Bud, rather than resin became the most popular type of cannabis used throughout Europe. I was not involved with Asia in those days so I have no idea of the evolution of cannabis there. In the UK, people started growing weed either commercially or at home and the market, in the main changed from imported resin to home grown weed. That change meant that a grower could easily try out the constant stream of new varieties, mainly from European breeders but increasingly from the USA. Then the Californian varieties arrived. A simplified way of describing that change was that these new varieties - Stardawg for the masses and Gelato's, Cake's for the connoisseurs, provided a smoke that would in fact 'blow you socks off'. For many years, Stardawg was by far the most popular and remains very popular today. The main reason for that is because it is relatively easy to grow compared to some of the other Californian strains, it provides a decent yield and most importantly (to users), well grown Dawg is as strong as hell. And 'Strong as Hell' is exactly what the market wants. Your argument about THC's has no basis. I didn't mention THC above but everything I have written is factual. The weed/resin/cake that is smoked today is far stronger that than it ever was. I have always dismissed claims about cannabis being harmful until a few years ago. The evidence presented by clinicians not governments, with regard to mental illness, is now convincing and proven. The massive increase in the strength of weed is the main driver of that as also acknowledged by those clinician and the harmful effects are far worse in young people. Whilst I was a strong supporter of the right to use cannabis for 90% of my life - that advent of these potent strains has changed my views.

There are members here who know me and that I have reason to claim I know a little about the plant - we'll leave it at that - I won't be drawn on that. My thoughts for much of my life have been, legalise cannabis but hang the guys who peddle addictive drugs. The days of harmless cannabis (and I remain of the opinon that its less harmful than alcohol), are rapidly diminishing and there is now growing, reliable and documented evidence that the strength of some of the current strains can cause psychosis and other problems - especially in young people. Much of the weed available in the UK these days contains over 30% THC - put quite simply, its enough to blow your socks off. Users these days just want higher and higher THC levels and it is becoming dangerous. Whereas Thailand used to be flooded with rubbish weed - I'm told that some of these mega THC strains are now entering the Thai market. I can't quite work out why somebody wants to get so high that they can't remember it but there you are, that's what the market wants. When I was a kid I'd never even heard of weed until I was over 16 and it was a long time after that before I tried some. What we smoked then was around 15% THC and although I got high on it, I never lost control. Now, most schoolkids in the UK have tried cannabis and kids as young as 11 are regular users. The thought of 11 year old kids using Starwdawg or Godfather scares me. Weed is often no longer the harmless product it used to be and is finding its way into the hands of children - young children. On that basis alone, I believe that those who would ban it - do in fact have a point.

Another one who is unable to hold a discussion without throwing insults and attempting to belittle - and yet you claim its me that looks ridiculous? A man who can't argue without such behaviour is the ridiculous one in my opinion. Of course I've seen all the shops, I'm not blind. My understanding is not flawed at all - unless you can show me the law that allows recreational use. Can you? I am fully aware that the law is being openly flouted and that a blind eye is being turned to that. That is probably why the current situation has arisen - in that there are now proposals to change the existing regulations. Legalising cannabis in the way it has been - cloaked as medicinal only whilst openly stating it will attract tourism clearly hasn't fooled the (opposed) public. The portion of the Thai population that are opposed to legalising cannabis is sizeable and backed by some very influencial public figures. They are not happy at all with cannabis being even partially legalised and they have been lobbying for change - unless you missed the new reports. The authorities, if they are going to do anything at all, need to be clear this time and, if they are going to allay public concern, ensure that enforcement takes place. You think they won't do it because of external pressure? I would remind you that we are talking about a country that refused to allow an elected political party into government - with little complaint from the electorate, they can do whatever they want. I am actually for legalisation as it happens - I'm just dealing with facts here and what you have posted is just simply wrong - unless you can prove otherwise. I repeat, my understanding of the current law is that cannabis is only allowed for medicinal purposes and the maximum THC content allowed is 0.2% - basically hemp! There's an 80kph speed limit on a major road near my home. Most drivers are doing at least 100kph and many 120kph +. The limit is still 80kph - its the same thing. A law exists but its not enforced. I suspect that whatever the outcome of this threat, the government will have to enforce it this time. The anti cannbis lobby are not going away.

When was it ever licensed for recreational use?

That's not my understanding.

If you buy the car and its a diesel - its right on the change (2011) from series 1 to series 2. Series 1 models use a cambelt which I'd bet my botton dollar hasn't been replaced. Series 2 models have a camchain which on the 2.2 diesel should last for life. If its a series 1, unless the previous owner has proof that the cambelt has been changed - at 13 years old an original cambelt is well past its sell by date. Change it immediately or risk catastrophic engine damage. Factor the cost of this into the price you pay. The Captiva in general has some pretty bad write ups which had a knock on effect on other models - unjustifiably in many cases. Mind you, you can find bad write ups on most cars if you look. Hopefully some members here will have experience of owning a Captiva.

I own a Chevrolet - although its not the same model. I have had no problems whatsoever in getting parts for it. When I got the car back from my ex wife I had to sort quite a few problems out due to the usual Thai abuse - some involving parts that I thought I'd have to wait for, including a gear lever. Chevrolet's appointed stockists had everything in stock and will post them to you. Their prices seemed very reasonable too and they are very easy to find - being right at the side of the expressway. https://www.gpautoparts.co.th/en/products-service-2/after-market-2/ac-delco-products-2/ G.P.Auto Parts Co.,Ltd. 2 Vibhavadi Rangsit 50 Alley Lat Yao Chatuchak Bangkok 10900 Thailand +66 2 941 1222 There's a QR for their LINE ID on the Contact Us section of their website. They have English speakers available on LINE. I have found them very helpful - including sending a parts diagram for exact confirmation of the required part. Bear in mind that most 'service items' and those that regularly need replacing such as alternators, starter motors etc. will also be available from local autoparts stores.

You're a sick man, see a doctor.

All seems a little strange and contradictory to me - my understanding was that the so called 'Legalisation' only referred to 'Medicinal Use'. I don't ever remember anything stating that recreational use had been legalised. Let's also not forget - the 0.2% THC limit in any case. Even if recreational use was allowed - 0.2% wouldn't get a gnat high. This cannabis 'decriminalisation' has been a load of tosh from Day 1 - constant flip flopping and contradictions. Anybody who was stupid enough to invest in the business on the back of such an ambigous and unclear change in the law should have had their head's examined. No sympathy for them really.

In the words of Tim, nice but Dim............................ he's a bloody nice bloke 😁

Let's also not forget Thaksin's 'War on Drugs' - where he instigated a 'shoot to kill' policy on suspects thus becoming judge, jury and executioner. It was later reported that more than half of those killed had no links to the drug trade.

Good bloke my rear end. Just about all Thai politicians are corrupt lying bar stewards who pee in the same pot and drink from the same trough. Thaksin was well known for buying votes and he also instigated a scheme that gave farmers loans they couldn't afford to pay back.

Really, you have access to what goes on in immigration do you? Of course it doesn't but foreigners who's passport was found to contain the fake stamp faced prosecution. Shortly after the story broke The British Embassy reported a very large increase in Brits 'losing' their passports.

He's gonna have a few hurdles to cross in court.

Thaksin being just one example.

Yes but is it possible for a foreigner to find a woman 20-30 years younger than themselves in those countries? If not, I'm not interested. I refuse to have a woman with envelope flaps for boobs. 🤣