Greenside

I've just spent the best part of two days searching for that elusive Skype-to-Phone replacement and Localphone plus their softphone app on my PC was in the lead until I ran into trouble installing their softphone app. I too read the TrustPilot grumps about customer support so I was surprised and delighted when they followed up an instant automated response to my report with really helpful emails from real people with contact details so I could address them directly. After checking the version and update details of my installed Windows 10, Alan, told me that a recent Windows update had rendered the softphone inoperable and although they had their developers working on it, it wouldn't be a quick fix. Finally, at about midnight UK time, Rikki Agustin, the sales manager sent me a useful set of third party softphone installation screenshots. Very helpful. (I can't spare the time to check, but I suspect the Trust Pilot critical service reviews were all fairly old so don't overlook Localphone)

I was left with no Skype credit after auto renew stopped last month. While MS claims you can use the Skype dial pad to make calls to landlines via Teams, you need to have sufficient credit (or a Skype subscription?) to do so but as I can't see any way to top up my account this looks like the kind of Gotcha I've come to expect from Microsoft. Maybe I just haven't looked hard enough - if anyone has found a way around this then please let me know: A DM is fine if that's more convenient for you. By the way, forgive the avatar - I joined the MG forum and don't want to change it now 🙂

Thanks. If you find out when the dates are, would you be kind enough to message me.

It's a long while since I heard of a Rocket Festival within reach of town. one (Bang Fai Huay Lan) used to take place out near Mae On and I went a couple of times with friends from the Chiang Mai Photographic Group. It was a good day out (if insanely dangerous at times) and I'd like to go again if it's still held in May. Another location would be okay as long as it's less than a two hour drive from town. Anyone know of a Rocket festival coming up this year?

15th - 17th, depending on where you are in town and if the beer selling window is open... One of my favorites from 2012 and no, it wasn't a setup!

Thanks for that, Steve. I've made an appointment which is about a month before the existing extension expires and will have the funds in the bank well in time. Hope this works out okay - The marriage extension documents weren't too much of a hassle (getting both my children to smile simultaneously for the family pics was the tricky part) but I'd be pleased to do something simpler for a change.

The Out Patient department at Sriphat is brilliant. I had cataracts in both eyes done there and recommend it without hesitation. I believe the specialist's name is Mor Preeyanuch - she does the consultations and surgery. The OPD is on Suthep Road adjoining the multistory car park which has a McDonalds facing the street. The quote (using monofcal lenses) was 45,000 baht per eye but the final bill turned out just under 80k

For more than 15 years I have been living here with a non-imm 'O' visa with initially a retirement extension which I then changed to a marriage extension, mainly because I had better things to do with some of the money tied up in the bank. The excellent online queuing system was great for the first year or two but now it seems only available for Volunteer, Education, Business and Retirement. I was wondering if I had the wrong link so went to Immigration last week and the I/O said that if there were no appointments left, my wife and I would have to do a walk-in. He then told me to scan the QR code on a large sign just on the right inside the entrance to check the situation and try to make an appoinment. He clearly hadn't ever done this because there isn't a marriage extension option listed: Since this means a lot of waiting around outside in what might be seriously bad air and I can meet the cash on hand requirement, residence certificate etc. I 'd like to change back to the simpler retirement extension as there still a couple of appointments showing. Is this as simple as doing a renewal or are there some downsides or costs to take into consideration? A while back there was talk of having to prove medical insurance - is that needed?

No but I should have said 15 yrs rather than 25. Issued in June 2008 with expiry June 2023. Whatever it was, I forgot to renew on time...

Feb 20th 2024 Thanks, Your post is spot on. I renewed my 9 month expired 25 year car license at Hang Dong this morning unbelievably quickly: Arrived at 7:45 having done the online training video yesterday with the paperwork you listed. Waited with about 20 others until they opened at at about 8:10. showed the printout of the training confirmation with its QR code, was directed to counter 27 and from then on, just as you described except I was out by 8:50 with my new license. Of note: 7:30 would be a good time to get there - even a bit later and it may take all morning. Sitting through the Training Video and taking a screenshot or printout of the confirmation at the finish, is essential or you may have to do it on the day if space is available. (Actually, if you can get past the style, the videos are surprisingly good and emphasize situational awareness, predication and a bunch of good driving habits. Definitely a huge improvement from the past efforts: they even mention rear view mirrors...) Rajaveh Hospital is good for the medical certificate. Monday at 5pm: 100 baht and took 20 minutes. Parking now much easier there.

I was super impressed with the clarity of the one on the demo Seal. Sadly MG doesn't have one as an option on the MG4 X and my very limited experience with third party units in the UK was disappointing.

I paid cash - The only mention of the charger was that it was available at a "special price" of about 15k if I recall. We already have a charger so I wasn't fussed. I suspect that the extras are likely standard with the Dolphin extended range model. The 3M window film was priced at 5k. As Bandersnatch mentioned above, North Star at Thapae Gate is very busy and seems to be selling every car it can lay hands on at the moment (I think the pink SR Dolphin may be an exception!) I see the demonstrators around town a lot.

My comment about the items included with BYD cars was based on purchase of a standard range Dolphin last month at a couple of baht under 700k - can't run into millions for a second car! Anyway, sorry for the confusion, I should have qualified my statement! Bandersnatch, That's the model I drove. It's got a brilliant head-up display - can it show more than just the speed?

I drove the top spec Seal a few weeks ago and liked it a lot. A bit less spacious than I'd expected, but comfortable and good to drive, at least on the Thapae Gate - Airport Plaza - Chiangmai Land and back to Thapae test drive circuit. I was told the version I drove had a sub 4 second 0-100 but resisted the temptation to give it a go. By the way, if you're considering BYD, be aware that their new car promotional prices don't include a wall charger, window film and some of the other enticements that other brands offer.

Wing 41 pass time and I just discovered that my (25 year - no wonder I forgot!) license is now 6 months overdue for renewal. My wife tells me that they are only issuing 5 year licenses for Thais - does that go for foreigners too? I can easily get all the paperwork together for the procedure outlined above to do a renewal application at Hang Dong but wondering if Klaimor Hospital is still able to do the medical certificate.