Greenside

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.

very useful link - thanks.

I tried my Pink Card and UK passport and it didn't appear to accept either. Maybe I should give it another chance... Thanks everyone for all the helpful replies and links.

Had my MG4 for eight months and 10,000 km, having only needed to charge at home. The charging infrastructure has now come a long way in terms of availability and so I'm planning a modest road trip that will need a few top ups between MG dealers who have a fast charger on site. Time then, to register with one of the networks. Unfortunately, my first experience with PTT's EV Pluz hit a dead end when it rejected my 13 digit Pink ID card and UK passport numbers - seemingly it's only for Thais. Is there a list of charging networks that has useful information including: Can foreigners sign up to use it? Payment method required (Transfers, Prompt pay or debit card good, but Thai credit card a deal breaker) Booking system (if any) and overstay penalties Charger ease of use, quality and maintenance Is their app solid and in English where it counts? Customer service experience in case help needed or equipment failure I can't understand the thinking behind excluding foreigners from using the PTT network given the swift rollout of their sites and the likelihood that we represent an above average proportion of early adopters. Anyone? What's the next best charging network in and around Chiang Mai province?

Firstly, the online appointments to get a family/marriage extension seem all taken until about mid September. Was told that the only other option was an early morning walk-in which I suspect will be a long and tiresome process. Preparing paperwork today- two questions if anyone has recent experience: Marriage Cert Kor Ror 2 - will last year's do? was told it was OK last year but seems a bit chancy. Do they want copies of my blank passport pages? Had this go either way over the past few years.

I test drove A Neta V about 6 months ago and was quite impressed, given the price. Have had an MG4 since February and last week my stepson and I went to check out the Neta again. After almost 5 months (mostly) in love with the MG, I was very impressed with the responsiveness of the Neta infotainment system and the thought they seem to have put into the features. As you'd expect, the build quality reflects the price to some extent but not quite as much as you'd think. Neta is giving a 10k baht Lotus voucher in with the 549k price until the end of the month and the dealer says he expects the government subsidy to end or be reduced by November. We are giving this some thought as a second (city) car and I'd like to hear the opinions of anyone who's had one for a while.

At the beginning of this year I test drove every EV available at Chiang Mai dealers and as far as driving enjoyment and handling goes the MG4 X was hands down the winner. Have had mine since February and, although some aspects could use improvement, it's really a pleasure to get in and glide away every morning.

Does anyone know if this is possible?

https://www.chiangmailocator.com/chiang-mai-sports-3489:mr-soccer-arena Try here. It's next to Lotus's on the Superhighway at Kamptien Market

Just been showing my son what Songkran used to be like and thought there may be others interested. The huge crowd outside Kad Suan Kaew was an epic occasion with a band that took their lives in their hands given that all the equipment was soaked too. SONGKRAN 2009

Very good explanation Crossy. Thanks as ever ???? We're just at the point of having a contractor supply and install a Hybrid system sufficient to offset our monthly bills (three phase: around 3,500 bht) and provide charging of a (they told me today) soon-to-arrive MG4. From the prices I've seen so far it looks like about an 8 year payback (depending on future electricity prices) although I hope that if the job is done properly the value of the house will improve and provide some compensation. Planning to visit one of the two Fully Charged Live Shows when I'm over in England this April/May. If the events are anywhere as good as their YouTube channels it will be very interesting.

Thanks for the info. Nowhere could I find the battery comparison for Thailand but the overall higher specs were the main deciding factor for me so I'm not disappointed that both D and X are the same size.

There are Model D and Gen X variations - the X being the higher spec and 100k more expensive at 969,000. I believe that has the larger battery and more range and is equivalent to the MG4 Trophy as sold in the UK

Ordered and paid a deposit on an MG4 (extended range) which I'm hoping to see in February and now planning the solar setup to support it (and possibly another BEV in due course) as well as run the house for about 8 hours in the evening and send any surplus back to the grid. Am I right in thinking that this requires what is termed a Hybrid system here in Thailand? I've been an EV enthusiast for some time but not yet got to grips sufficiently with solar so any advice would be much appreciated.

OK, so it's a year on, but the first (as far as I know) EGAT Elex charging station has appeared in Chiang Mai city, on Huay Kaew road near to Maya mall. This one seems to be BMW branded so I guess they're selling ad space as well as power. Not yet operational by the look of it but along with the units sprouting up in every other PTT station it's a definite step in the right direction. I've now got an MG4 on order and starting the adventure into covering the house in solar panels so 2023 looks like being interesting. Any thoughts on how feasible a Chiang Mai - Surin trip might be in early March?

Saraphi Hospital has or had Pfizer available for walk ins from 8-10am on Monday and Wednesdays. My wife and I had our 5th with no problems after about a 20min wait. Call to confirm since ours was about 3 months ago.