tahaan

I returned in 2009 without a bike entitlement on my UK license. I went through CBT, theory and hazard perception and the first part of the test before failing the road test for not cancelling an indicator. While I was waiting for a retest, someone suggested I could ride on a Thai license and after checking that this was so I bought a Fazer 600. I was able to do the retest on this bike having been told by the test centre (Farnborough) that I must fit L plates before and during the test. A few heads were turned when I rode into the centre car park and taped these on.

 

Anyway, my understanding was that a foreign license can be used for up to a year. I can't recall the the process of purchasing and insuring the bike but I don't think anyone actually checked the license, maybe the dealer? The premium was not much more than I paid after I'd got a full UK license.

 

I wouldn't expect anyone to follow suggestions on a board without doing their own research. My apologies for any misinformation.

Does anyone know where or if I can source and replace a l/h carbon lever without swapping the entire shifter?

 

Despite my best efforts at packing the bike was damaged in transit. Luckily it's the left, chain ring and rear brake. I've glued the parts together and been able to ride but I'd hate to use the lever in an emergency. I'm near Khon Kaen at present so not too many hills. The only solution locally is to replace with a pair of 105 shifters.

 

I'd be grateful for any advise.

And once you have your license you can return to England and ride any size bike you like for a year. With insurance of course.

I acted as sponsor for my stepson's application last month. Submitted lots of stuff but the only docs kept by the embassy were my cover letter, copies of my bank statements and a copy of the front page of my passport. Everything else returned. 

 

I was surprised by the speed. Application handed in pm Thursday, message Friday am letting us know they'd forwarded it to the embassy and then an email from the embassy Monday morning informing us that a decision had been made. Anxious wait as passport return was delayed by the holiday but was back with us by Friday with visa. 

 

With the exception of bank statements, all docs forwarded were copies

No need for photos.

I submitted a visit visa application for my step son on Thursday. Btw, he received an email yesterday informing him that a decision had been made. Fast work. I just hope it's the right one

Suzuki Vanvan purchased in Chumphae mid Jan. Plates and book arrived end April.

Nice one.

I've also experienced kindness when stuck on the roadside with a broken bike. Strangers then but now real friends.

Bought a Suzuki Van Van a couple of weeks ago and very happy with it as a town bike. Spent last weekend on a 650km trip round Loie. Great fun although I needed to work the gearbox on the hills. B100,000 new made in Japan.

Did you buy the new 200 cc version?

No, 125.

There's an argument that the gear box (6 speed) is better on the 125 and as the tank's the same, you're going to be stopping more often.

I bought it as a town bike but it's really comfortable on longer runs and the single rear shock/fat tyres soak up the holes.

Tops out at around 110 kph but at least you get to appreciate the scenery.

Bought a Suzuki Van Van a couple of weeks ago and very happy with it as a town bike. Spent last weekend on a 650km trip round Loie. Great fun although I needed to work the gearbox on the hills. B100,000 new made in Japan.

Thanks for the replies. Looks like I'll be heading for Savanakhet in March. It seems the safest bet without wife given reports in another thread.

I entered Thailand in December on a non immigrant O single entry issued in UK. I'm married to a Thai but she's back in the UK and will join me in Thailand in April. We will return to UK together after Sonkran.

I had thought that I could extend my stay at the local immigration office (KK) by extending on the basis of marriage but now understand that my wife will need to be present. I have copies of all docs required and funds in a local bank in a joint account. Could I extend my current visa or do I need to obtain a new one? Is a 60 day tourist visa obtainable in Vientiane or Penang and would I need to fly in or cross by land?

I'd be grateful for any help. I've lost touch with recent changes and have been getting conflicting advice.

Invest in a couple of KMC chain connectors. Super simple and available for particular makes and speeds from Chain Reaction or Wiggle. I should imagine they should be easy enough to get in Thailand given the rise of interest in cycling. Google - KMC link

I have an 810. You can download free open source maps for Thailand that work well on Garmin. Iirc, there's threads on TV or info easy to find with Google.

I had a pair of these singing in my garden in Chumphae back in 2007. Not sure whether they were escaped birds or on the edge of their range. They later nested in a pot plant under my kitchen window and i took great delight watching them. However, after the eggs hatched one of the parent birds disapeared. About a week later one of the chicks vanished and then a couple of days later the nest was empty. They were probably taken overnight by my resident Tokay or snakes. Anyway, since then I have neither seen or heard an uncaged bird in the area. Sad.

Hate to disapoint but that looks like a rat's skeleton.

RIP. I hope next time Thailand will buy SU 34 or SU 35

Maybe a Cessna would be more appropriate?

Has Thailand ever engaged in an air war?

Not sure if it is true, but was told today by a guy well versed in military matters that no Thai aircraft carriers have aircraft on them now..not suitable to fly.

Wonder how that submarine thing is working out for them??

Thailand has indeed engaged in air warfare and against the USA using a Japanese supplied Ki 43 Hyabusa to shoot down a B29 Superfort.

Is there more to this report?

I know several Thai wives granted DLR when refused FLR because of a failure to submit evidence of English. They would have arrived about the same time when A1 English was not required for the initial settlement application. No doubt DLR was granted grudgingly due to human rights law.

Recommend M&S boxers - indestructible. 8 years in Thailand and a few more in the UK and still going strong. They're my favourites ...and I'm sticking to them.

Opening beer bottles with other bottles, lighters, spoons etc etc.

Just got back from Nam Tok Sam Lan National Park in Saraburi where there was quite a large Japanese base and observation post during the war.

Saw several Japanese pottery shards and other signs of occupation in a fairly remote part of the forest.

There are also 3 cemeteries with a fair number of Japanese graves and memorials, all pretty much unkept, as per these photos of one of the cemeteries :

jap graves.JPG jap shrine.JPG jap shrine 1.JPG

Thought at the time that it was a tourist opportunity missed as it could be marketed as the Japanese version of the Kanchanaburi war cemetery.

Those graves look Chinese. They do not look like the remaining Japanese memorials that I've seen in Hong Kong or Singapore.

As long as you have money you are always Handsome man and young in Thailand.

No, eventually that 'hansum man' turns to 'papa'

...and that sausage stuff with the chilies in it. And walnut Magnums?

I might have to join you 😟