KruJoe

We have a smart-looking 15 year old Chiang Mai registered Volvo saloon (certainly not cheap by UK standards but much better value here than most other makes). We just arrived back north from a road trip to Pangnga and Krabi in the south, and visiting family around BKK. We were stopped THREE TIMES within 10 days!

Admittedly twice were at the speed-check trap in Tak, where they claimed we were doing 139km/h going south then 142km/h coming home. We were watching the speedo carefully, so I'm unsure how well "calibrated" their equipment is... All they could show us was a number written in Biro on a piece of paper. The first time we accepted it and were on our way 100B lighter, the second time my TW argued the toss, they agreed to disagree and promised to send a photograph and a bill to her address. We'll see what happens there.

We stopped up the road for gas, the staff told us the trap on the northbound side is there almost 24/7, but we were unlucky to be caught southbound too. So be warned, keep it well under the 120 on Route 1 in Tak!

The other time we were pulled in was at one of those "slow down and wind the window down" bottlenecks.

I have driven through hundreds over the years, usually we were waved on as soon as they saw a white face at the wheel. This time we were probably around Chumporn down south, a long way from home. The BIB were polite, jovial and friendly enough, but had a really good root around, and quizzed us for five mins before being sent on our way. My wife says at these checkpoints they will be looking for the vehicles about which they have have specific information in relation to drug running etc. So they were probably looking for a big grey saloon car at that time. If they're after a gold Vigo, and you're driving one, you'll be stopped. If not, you'll be on your way, unless they can hit you up for something else that doesn't look right to them that day...

Thank you Wayne and others, from what you say, the 'O' is cheaper anyway because I'll be there 72 days. Not that cost is a huge factor, I want as little hassle as possible, but I've not done the 'O' before. And I don't know where I'll be about the 60day point, maybe on an island or something, or out in the sticks, so I'd prefer to sort it all out now, then I can forget about it.

So I'll try for that one. I'll try to call the consulate in the morning just to check I've got it all in order.

Many thanks again!

I'm British and live with my Thai wife in the UK. We are planning a trip of about 72 days back to Thailand this winter. One entry.

Should I apply for a 28.00GBP three month tourist visa giving me 60days, then visit Chiang Mai immigration to extend to get the full 90?

If so, how much does the 30 day extension cost?

I have been advised by immigration on previous, similar trip that it was cheaper to pay the fine on exit for a few days over (that was about 3-4 days over the first 60). How much is the daily fine now? And is it still a simple, hassle-free way to go? (leaving Thailand at CNX.)

OR...

Should I go for the 45.00GBP 90 day non-immigrant 'O' on the basis of marriage? I have the documents here. Will there be any more complications or costs from taking this route?

Which is the best for me please?

Many thanks.

Joe

That IS an issue, but it seems to be the only thing that many Thais say when you mention 'Volvo'.

To me, taking that into account, Volvos in LOS seem to be very good value against the Jap brands: they are so much nicer to sit inside (especially if you find one that isn't all black inside). And safety? There's no comparison. Just an all round better car for the same money. I'm not a Volvo man, this is the first I've owned, and I drive a Japanese car in the UK!

In my experience, the times you really need one of the expensive imported genuine parts are few and far between. A good mechanic who knows the common faults and fixes is worth his weigh in gold - so much better than your average grease monkey who spends most of his time with old Corollas and Nissan NVs.

My 850 also burst a hose - a small one on the back of the engine (could happen to any 15 year old car reaching the top of Doi Suthep!) We nursed the car back to town and yer man whipped off the hose.

It was a strange shape with several bends in it at different angles, but he came back after five minutes on his Honda Dream with a very similar looking piece of hose. It went straight on and works just fine, but I'm 99% sure it wasn't the proper Volvo part, but what does that matter? The whole job cost 320 Baht.

What I'm saying is, they can usually find a cheap and effective way to solve a problem if they know what they're doing.

However he has recommended a new front wishbone because there's some play in the lower ball joint (which I knew). Unfortunately, it isn't possible to swap in a new ball joint like many older cars, so it needs the whole piece, for which he has quoted about 3000B (£60)! It's these things that are the killers.

I also need a few more bits and pieces - trim etc, and in the UK, these cars are SO cheap - scrap money - so what I'll do next time I go back is buy a similar one in fairly good condition for about £200 (ebay is my friend), strip the useful bits off it and send them over here, sell the engine for £100 or so, wheels and tyres for a bit less, and weigh in the rest, and I'll have all the parts I need here for free!

This one just sold on ebay uk for £210.99, with MoT until May:

I'm luckier than most that I have that option, but even if I didn't, I still think Volvos are a comparatively good value choice here.

I just try not to compare prices of like for like old cars between the UK and Thailand! Depressing.

edit..spelling

0%.

You old cynic!

If it were anything to do with me, the place would be smartened up a bit. But I'm not. So it won't.

Just a friendly heads up for fellow Volvo driving forum members.

I'm sure you won't find it on Samui!

But when you're travelling around towns on the mainland, keep your eyes peeled for shops displaying car bumpers, of whole front ends of cars outside, stop by, perhaps with the car, or a picture of the problem, you might strike lucky.

Another idea: find the part on eBay... or search "breaking Ford Everest" to find a whole vehicle being broken for spares, UK or US, or your home country, ask the seller if they can post the part to you here, if not, have it sent to a friend or family who can forward it / bring it when they visit.

Hope that helps.

Is the part unavailable (surprising) or crazy-pricey from Ford Thailand??

Heads up for a SUPERB backstreet mechanic specialising in Volvos, especially 80's and 90's models.

He is fairly busy with cars from Chiang Mai and other Northern provinces (so he obviously has a widespread reputation), he knows them like the back of his hand, and charges are very reasonable. I've been for a few jobs on my '94 850 2.3 20valve saloon, and have been impressed every time.

Most recently, he removed and repaired my leaking radiator, flushed the system, repainted and refitted it, with new coolant. He called me when it was done (before he said it would be) and charged me less than the quote of 600B.

What the heck could you have done for £12 back in the UK?

He also makes advisory notes on your receipt for problems he has noticed and may need attention soon (and it's not false, fraudulent advice KwikPhit style, I know what's wrong with my car, unlike many).

A lot of Thais warned us against a Volvo or similar due to the expenses in fixing them... but a place like this can make all the difference.

He is outside the Superhighway, but just inside the first ring road on the old Sankampeng road. The entrance is right under the big green highway sign on the left as you're leaving town.

First impressions are a dusty, tin-pot operation, but give it a try!

Can I post a phone number here without incurring wrath?

'

Thanks for the positive comments chaps; I'm happy to be able to give something back to this forum...

Great post Krujoe.

I'm going to be doing exactly the same in 2 weeks time so this is a great help. One quick question, do you know if its necessary to submit the actual passport for both the applicant and sponsor or will photocopies of relevant pages suffice ?

Cheers

Lee

The applicant's current passport and all previous ones (if available) must be included, along with full photocopies of them. My wife had two...

But as I said above somewhere in my big post:

...they just checked that all the paperwork was there. It was, and more. She came back out with an old passport of mine that they didn't want. A copy of all the important pages was enough...

I sent full copies of my own current and past passports, though just the copies of pages with something on would probably suffice. They didn't want my passports of mine, and realisticaly, how could they take them for an indeterminate period? We may need our current p/p at any time (legally we must carry them), or often we wouldn't even be in the country.

Good luck, Lee...

'

What a relief for you, LB. I hope you have a good trip together.

Congrats Lite Beer. another case where we win and dispite the inept incompitence of the system they loose.

They LOOSE?

They (or Mr Brown and his underlings) are laughing all the way to the treasury with another 500 quid each time one of us want to take his wife back home.

Just my humble opinion...

.

I just aswered your question on my thread:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=176596

Edit: I've just seen that you've just seen it... 555+

Luke -- in answer to your question...

my wife has had the translations done from thai to english by an agency in chiang rai but do we need them authenticated by the thai goverment office or the british consulate?

congratulations again....luke

...I'm assuming you're talking about the translations of the marriage certificate?

You don't need them authenticating, I believe, and you don't need translations at all for the application. Just the original wedding cert (they'll return it), along with a photocopy of it. (On every photocopy, we signed at the bottom to certify authenticity.)

Most of our application was in English, but some important documents such as those for my wife's identity were in Thai with no translations. They have Thai readers at every stage, and accept papers in Thai or English. We only included the copy of the sworn translation authenticated by the Chiang Mai Consul because we had it - just another little grain of evidence to guarantee our relationship.

So I wouldn't bother, what you have is fine.

But, if you plan to live in the UK, or outside Thailand, I'd have the translation sworn by the consular department before you go. I cant remember the fee, a few thou?... Worth doing if you need to prove your marriage once outside Thailand.

My wife's family had mis-placed her birth cert, so as proof of ID, she took everything else she had in her document folder and wallet to an Amphur Office and asked them for a stamped, sealed printout of all her personal details. They did it there and then, and it cost about 30 Baht.

We included this and a signed photocopy in the folder. No translation. No questions asked. Job's a good 'un.

I hope that helps...

KJ

MrsKJ and I just came back from a successful if stressful week in BKK.

It took three days to get the visa, submission to collection. At a busy time, with obvious glitches in the system. Lucky again? Maybe. But I can't help thinking that a well prepared, honest, comprehensive application folder helps matters. We had a short wait for a positive answer two years ago for a visitors' visa.

So here is an outline of the pages of the folder I put together. I split it into five sections, divided by those tabbed file dividers. In each divider, I made a page listing the contents of that section. Each bullet point was a separate plastic sleeve with the papers inside. I put the whole lot in a standard sized ring binder, with a smart printed cover. The folder bulged.

And below that is the full story of our application in Bangkok:

<h2 style="text-align: left;" align="left"> </h2>

List of Contents

Section:

1. Cover letter, including all contact details, passport/visa photographs.

2. VAF4 Visa application form, visa fee.

3. Personal Details, Passports (The applicant and the sponsor, including the applicant's TB-free certification).

4. Evidence of Finances: (The applicant Mrs. Xxx xxx, and the sponsor (spouse) Mr. xxx xxx.)

5. Relationship History between the applicant and the sponsor.

6. Letter of Guarantee from Mr. xx. & Mrs. Xx xxx (providers of UK accommodation), personal details.

Dear Sir or Madame,

Above are the contents of this folder. I have aided my wife, Mrs.xxx xxx in the preparation of this application and the materials enclosed. xxxBLA bla brief outline of application and our relationship, my phone no, email etc xxxxxxxxx

Yours sincerely,

______________________

Mr. XXX XXX

(Husband and sponsor)

Date ___ / ___ / ______

________________________________________________________________________________

___

Photograph:

Mrs. XXX XXX

Home Address:

XXX

Chiang Mai XXXXX

Tel/Fax XXX

Mobile XXX

Date

Application for UK Spousal Visa

Dear Sir / Madame

Please consider my visa application. Brief outline of the application and our story from her point of view…..

Yours sincerely,

………………………………….……

(Mrs. XXX XXX

Formerly Miss XXX XXX)

Hopeful visa applicant.

________________________________________________________________________________

__________

This section includes:

· Original and copy of Applicant's Current Passport.

· Original and copy of Applicant's Previous Passport (cancelled).

· Copy of ID card.

· Original and copy of Personal Details Certificate Guaranteed by the Thai Government.

(Original birth certificate unavailable)

· Original Personal House Registration Certificate Guaranteed by the Thai Government.

· Original and copy of Driving License.

· Copy of Motorcycle License.

· Original and copy of Thai Marriage Certificate.

· Copy of the Sworn Translation of Marriage Certificate from the British Consulate, Chiang Mai.

· Original and copy of Sponsor's Current Passport.

· Original and copy of Sponsor's Previous Passport (cancelled).

· Original and copy of Applicant's TB-free Certificates.

· Declaration of Clean Criminal Record, Mrs. XXX XXX.

________________________________________________________________________________

_______

· Letter explaining the finances of Mrs. XXX XXX (the applicant, surname formerly "XXX") and Mr. XXX XXX (husband and sponsor of the applicant).

· Copy of MrXXX's UK DSS National Insurance Number Card

· Copy of bank passbook Bangkok Bank, XXX XXX (maiden name).

· Copy of bank passbook SCB, joint account, XXX XXX and XXX XXX.

· Copy of bank passbook SCB, XXX XXX.

· Copy of bank passbook KTB, XXX XXX.

· Original Printed KTB monthly statements showing Mr. XXX's salary transfers for the last six months.

· Printout of Mr. xxx's uk HSBC my accounts page, recent date, details of recent transactions (Bank a/c, visa card).

· Original HSBC UK Current Account Statements going back xx months to date 2006, Mr. xxxxxx.

· Copy of Contracts of employment in Thailand (Mr. XXX) (2004-2007, 2007-2008).

· Copy of paper to certify salary and guarantee employment of XXApplicant made for her 2006 UK visa.

· Copy of work visa Mr. XXX XXX.

· Copy of work permit Mr. XXX XXX.

· Copy of tax card Mr. XXX XXX.

· Copies of the last five student loan repayment deposit slips (XXX XXX).

· Original letter confirming the sale of shares to the value of X,X33.61 Pounds from XXX.

· Email printout discussing the transfer of investment money to Mr. XXX's SCB account.

· Copy of Land Ownership Document (Chanote) for land in the name of XXX XXX.

· Copy of Government contract of land sale for land.

· Copy of Private contract of land tranfer for land, including Mr XXX's signature.

· Copy of the Map explaining the (England) land transfer from Mr. XXXX to the sponsor.

· Original Yearly Statement for Mr. XXX name of company Investment Bonds date to date.

· Copy of the instruction to surrender the bonds from the trustees of my account, date.

· Internet Banking Printout for Mr. XXX's new HSBC Online Bonus Saver showing xxxx.46 GBP.

· Original letter confirming partial surrender of Mr. XXX's Bonds, date.

· Email printout showing the remaining xxx.07 pounds in the xxxx account, date.

· Degree certificate (Miss xxx xxx now Mrs. xxx).

________________________________________________________________________________

_

• Relationship Timeline between the Applicant and the Sponsor.
  

• Selection of e-mails between the applicant and the sponsor, Mr. XXXXXX.
  

• Selection of e-mails to and from Mr. & Mrs. XXX and family.
  

• Example letters from Mr. XXX to the applicant.
  

• Selection of cards from the family of Mr. XXX XXX to the couple.
  

• Example phone bills of Mr. XX & Mrs. XX XXX showing calls to Thailand.
  

• Copy of previous house rental contract (XXX Road), with selection of rental receipts.
  

• Letter of guarantee from owner of the property produced for the previous UK visa application.
  

• Copy of current house rental contracts (tambon xxx), with selection of rental receipts.
  

• Proof of home and work addresses, past and present.
  

• KLM Flight Itinerary, Bankok to UK and back, month date 2006.
  

• Air Asia and Etihad confirmed Itineraries, booked flight dates 2008.
  

• Photographs in support of the application, with explanations.
  

• Letter of Guarantee from Mr. xx. & Mrs. Xx xxx (providers of UK accommodation).
  

· Copies of the passports of the providers of UK accommodation.

• Photographs of every room at the property, address, UK.
  
• Original letter of guarantee of income for Mr. xx. & Mrs xx xxx, 2006 (still valid).
  

________________________________________________________________________________

_

So that was the paperwork. It took probably a good week of full time work to get together, and that was with the benefit of being able to re-use much of the paperwork from our successful visitor visa application two years back.

Our time in BKK:

Mon 17^th March 08

Bought day passes for two on the BTS (a good investment, in hindsight!)

Arrived early on the skytrain to Sala Dang to join the queue at the IOM office as they open at 8:30am. (IOM are subcontracted to handle the TB certification part before you're allowed to submit an application) Appointment pre-booked for 9 am. 20 min wait. 2,500 Baht fee at IOM. Got the papers to take to Payathai 2 hospital at Sanam Pao BTS. Half hour after arrival, we came out of the hi-so hospital with her chest x-ray in a big envelope in hand. Don't squeeze it into a folder! Back on BTS to IOM. Join the queue, hand over the x-ray for the English Dr to examine and issue the TBfree cert. We were called into a back office and were told there was some abnormalities, possibly indicating TB. These also showed on a scan she'd had done (2 months ago, for reassurance that all was clear) in Chiang Mai, but the CM doc said all was clear. If TB is suspected by IOM, she'd have to turn up for swabs of sputum for the next three mornings, and if confirmed positive, she'd have to go back home and cure herself at her own expense before trying again with IOM after another 6 months. So a bit scary. She was bricking it to say the least. But the English Dr gave us another chance, sent us with papers back to the hospital across town on the BTS for three more close-up x-rays of the dodgy areas. IOM phoned ahead for us as to not slow us down too much. Mrs KJ snapped a heel on the way to Payathai, so hobbled to a Ma and Pa shop for a pair of bathroom sandals to use for the rest of the day – no time for shoe shopping, we wanted to get this submitted before the VFS at Regent house closed. Back to IOM for a third time, another set of films in a sealed white envelope. Waited for IOM to re-open at 1pm after their 1hr lunch. Half hour later, called back to the doc again (oh, sh*t). He said:

"Well, I've had a good close look at these new x-rays and… I've decided to give you the certificate!!!"

Talk about playing with people's lives! Big "Phew" and "Kob-Khun Kha".

We waited for the cert, slipped it into its place in the folder, then back on track again, if a couple hours late. On the BTS to Rajadamri, and drained an SCB ATM for the visa fee, and a trot down the road to Regent House. The Mrs went in to the VFS on the 2^nd floor, popped downstairs with 35,000 B to get the bank draft and returned 10m later with that, and 2,500 B change! Bonus (due to the strong Baht, weaker pound, 500 quid is now 32,500) things were looking up! She joined the queue about 2:30pm. In there an hour, out of sight. Once in and at a desk, she said they just checked that all the paperwork was there. It was, and more. She came back out with an old passport of mine that they didn't want. A copy of all the important pages was enough.

Also they gave her a copy of the passport with a stamp as a receipt, a card with the useless phone number and website, and a basic form so that she could authorise someone else to come to VFS to collect the passport if it was taking a long time and we had to go back to Chiang Mai. The EMS/courier service to return the application no longer exists. We did the last visa all from CM back in the good old days. Someone told her she could try callind on the Wednesday, another said Friday. At this time VFS said they'd be open Friday, but the Embassy would be closed for Good Friday.

And that was it. We got it in on Monday. So back on BTS, in a minibus to the aunt's house to wait.

Tues 18^th March

Try to relax and wait.

Weds 19^th March

Tried calling – no joy. Bugs in the website so no luck there.

Thursday 20^th March

I finally did get through, I tried calling soon after 8am before they opened the doors, but had staff in already) I told them about the website, they said "oh yes, the website has been down for quite some time now". That didn't stop them giving out the address to hopeful applicants, though, did it?

Getting nowhere, I tried the visa section at the embassy, I had to battle with the messages trying to get me to call VFS, then I hung on for 6-7mins with the phone ringing for an operative. An irritated woman answered. She also tried to fob me off in several ways, and wouldn't give any information about any individual pending application in the system. I explained we live in Chiang Mai and it's not practical to go and join the VFS queue at 3pm every day just to find out if they can find our application in their office or not. She gave me a fax number and that was it.

SO… accepting the fact we'd go home to Chiang Mai empty-handed, facing an agonizing 4-day Easter weekend with no news or progress… until SURPRISE! Out of the blue, a call at 3pm from the VAC "Your visa is ready, come to meet us now!" Closed Good Friday, so a mad dash from the rellies house (Suphan Buri side of Nonthaburi). The taxi-meter man got the message and put his foot down, onto the elevated expressways into the middle of town. Arrived Regent House VFS 4:10pm for a painful wait while Mrs KJ went inside for a good half hour… They'd misplaced her bulky folder but found it in a back office… she emerged, we opened the white envelope and there it was, passport and visa! SUCCESS!

On the phone to the folks in UK – over the moon.

Down to the little café in the lobby – the 30B Ham'n'cheese sarnies aren't bad there.

No interview, nothing. Just like last time.

I think they found all they wanted and more, they'd certainly had a good rummage. The rings of the binder were open and the plastic sleeves were all sliding around as they do. I still haven't been through the mess to see what if anything they'd taken this time. I'm just glad to get it back - there was more than enough information in there to comprehensively steal at least two people's identities and financial details. I should check really- we all know how careful our government can be with such things…

Friday 21^st

Shopping and booked VIP bus tickets back to CM. Bonus day, nothing to rush home for… Back to work Monday.

Sat 22nd

Relaxing 9hour ride home (999 company, 24 seat double-deck VIP coach 800 Baht)

Best seats: front row on top.

Dinner and ales with the family in CM, and they'd bought Krom-Loys to celebrate!

So that's it all. I do hope something was helpful to someone. I know I took a lot of guidance and reassurance from this sub-forum to get this far, and I hope I can contribute something useful now and again.

Many thanks to all the frequent posters here.

If anything is unclear or you need anything else, post a question up and I'll do my best.

Mr and Mrs KruJoe

Good luck all!

This thread caused me to fret a bit last week while we were waiting… we also experienced the use-less-ness of both the phone line (both Thai and English services) and the website (it wouldn’t recognize any visa application reference number). When I finally did get through, (try calling soon after 8am before they open the doors, but have staff in already) I told them about the website, they said “oh yes, the website has been down for quite some time now”. That didn’t stop them giving out the address to hopeful applicants, though, did it?

As LB said above, they should ditch both services, get on with the job in hand, and give all applicants a time and date to come back for their passport two or three weeks later. And tell them “if it’s ready sooner we’ll call you, don’t call us”.

Rant over… long story short…

Settlement visa (spouse) application submitted 2:30pm Monday 17th March (busy time, week before Easter)

Tuesday… nothing

Wednesday… waiting, no info available

Thursday… accepting the fact we’d go home to Chiang Mai empty-handed, facing an agonizing 4-day Easter weekend with no news or progress… until SURPRISE! Out of the blue, a call at 3pm from the VAC “Your visa is ready, come to meet us now!” Closed Good Friday, so a mad dash from the rellies house (Suphan Buri side of Nonthaburi). Arrived Regent House VAC 4:10pm for a painful wait while Mrs KJ went inside for a good half hour… They’d misplaced her bulky folder but found it in a back office… she emerged, we opened the white envelope and there it was, passport and visa! SUCCESS!

So, three days, submission to collection. At a busy time, with obvious glitches in the system. Lucky again? Maybe. But I can’t help thinking that a well prepared, honest, comprehensive application folder helps matters. We had a short wait for a positive answer two years ago for a visitors’ visa.

I do hope that this gives some hope to those tackling this mountain of red-tape. It is truly horrible.

I’ll put up a thread soon explaing how we did it.

Chok Dee all!

'

Coo, I served my apprenticeship on Peugeots back in the early '70s. There are a few 504s still going around here. Haven't seen an estate in Thailand though.

Yep, loads of saloons, but I spotted just one tired looking "Break" in the Chiang Mai Airport intersection. It was lop-sided (broken spring?), a soggy tyre, and smoking like a good 'un. On Bkk plates IIRC:

I wonder what the story is behind this collection?

Dunno, but I'm trying to find out more...

I have seen a couple of 504s around Bangkok that look like saloons with a pickup body grafted on the back and I used to see a Fiat Topolino (Mickey Mouse car) off a side soi from Sukhumvit 93 but I left BKK about 4 years ago and I have no idea if it is still there.

Guess what was nest to those 1960s Opel Records...?

I've spapped a few others about town. This one is usually parked outside the WETV office:

Yeah, I saw one of those 504s in Loei. It was going the other way and couldn't tell whether it was, as you say, a saloon with a pickup body attached or a 504 pickup with a homemade double-cab body. Looked a bit weird whatever it was.

I did have a good look around these, they all look the same and very well made: almost certainly factory original, rather than aftermarket conversions or home-brew jobs. Also, the cars have 4 stud wheels, thse are all 5 studs, slimilar to the regular pick-ups. I have found no record of them being made in Europe, maybe they came from Peugeot's factories in Argentina or Nigeria??? I know you can still get a brand new 504 there! Go online to Peugeot Nigeria and choose your colour/trim level etc!

There was a French coach builder called "Gruau" that did a conversion from the 505 Break estate but that was a much sleeker looking, less agricultural thing: (Not my pics, these)

Billd... Fiat Topolino, you say? One of these?

If anyone knows where I can find a Ford Capri Mark 1 (2.8 preferably) please let me know.

I spotted a smart one... no idea which engine, though:

This one was way out of town. Do you want to buy one? Good luck, not many about!

Enjoy.

KJ

.

'

I could tell you where it is, but then I'd have to kill you...

Joking, it's in Chiang Mai, but unfortunately it was all cleared out last week, and I've yet to discover the new home of all the gems that were there. It now looks like this:

All that remains is a lone Phase 1 BX, and a SII Landy with no axels.

The collection seems to be the hoard of some eccentric collector with an eye for the rare.

The 404:

Colt Coupe:

Saab 95 V4 (?):

And the MB 190b (?)

Also in the line-up...

A trusty Pug 504...

...and a pair of Opel Record PIIs (?):

Waddya reckon... quite a find, eh?

KJ

.

There's a Mustang like that orange one running around Chiang Mai. It's black, LHD, and on blue consular plates. I have'nt got a pic of it yet, though.

The OP's limo ^ is most definately a Benz W123. I don't think they are all that rare, too.

Here's one I say in Chiang Mai last week, behind a shop where it is being re-trimmed:

It is the same conversion, but a diesel this time. Still on BKK plates.

My friend took this picture of one in England:

Again, the body looks just the same. He said they were available from the MB factory in Germany pre-stretched.

The story of the stretched Saab 9000s is a good one, though.

If we're talking rare motors, has anyone else seen another of these in Thailand?

Thank you Boo, Mahout Angrit, and Prakanong very much indeed.

Sorry Prakanong, not The O.U., but Ramkamphaeng University in BKK, an 'open university'.

It did take a lot of hard work - independent study, as well as to support herself financially (no help from her family at all).

I called the UK visa centre in Bangkok and spoke to a telephone operative.

I asked him specifically about whether the ILR is still automatically granted on application of the spousal visa after co-habitation for more than four years outside GB. He went away to check.

Answer: No.

ILR is purely a matter for The Border and Immigration Agency, (an agency of the Home Office) NOT for UKVisas.

For ILR, immigrants must now either pass the Life in the UK Test -OR- pass through the English Language with Citizenship course, both of which are only possible within the UK. Therefore, Mrs KJ must now enter on a spousal visa, and while it is valid, she must do one of the two options above and apply for ILR. She has the advantage of the fact that we will have lived together for more than four years by the time we get to England, so she can get on with the ILR work straight away.

More commonly, couples wish to move to the UK before they have lived together for four years. In this case, the TW (or husband) must first apply for the two year married persons' visa to enter. They must LIVE in the UK for two years before they can apply for ILR, so realistically, to cover the two years, (because the first visa starts counting down from the day it is approved in Bangkok) they must probably renew the visa with a LLR (limited leave to remain) from the BIA. Of course this costs plenty; I forget how many hundreds of pounds it is right now...

So, that is how I believe things stand at the moment. I hope that helps someone.

But don't take my word for it because

a.) I may have some of the details a bit wrong

b.) Some or all of this information may be out of date again next week

c.) Both of the above

Thanks again to the regular contributors for all the help and advice – keep it up!

Mr+Mrs KJ

Thank you ever so much guys, that helped a lot.

MrsKJ and I have lived together in Chiang Mai for four years now, and we wish to move to Britain in May this year.

After reading the above, and the Life In Uk Test, Impossible? thread, as well as calling the visa centre in BKK, it seems our plan of action is as follows:

1. Have her lungs x-rayed in a Chiang Mai clinic (100-200 Baht) to check all is well.

2. Travel to BKK, pay the big fee at IOM for the check, and the TB-free certificate.

3. Submit the application for a spouse visa, along with the req'd biometric data, all supporting documentation, and the new fee of 35,000 B. The ILR will not be automatically granted as she must now either pass the Life in the UK Test -OR- pass through the English Language with Citizenship course, and both options are only available in the UK.

4. Once we're in GB, she'll hit the book to memorise everything for the test. (That's how she got herself through open university.)

5. Pass the Life in the UK exam.

6. Apply for ILR with all the paperwork again, along with another 750pounds (or however much Mr Brown decides he wants to take from his law-abiding citizens at that time).

Further down the line, we may decide whether to go for full UK citizenship or not.

I would now just like to be re-assured that this plan is the right way to go about things (ie the (only) way / easiest way / cheapest way / legal way etc.)

Are we on the right track?

Thanks in advance...

KJ

(edit- Background: We met in Thailand almost five years ago, have lived together (in LoS) for four years, have no children, and we celebrated our first anniversary in Dec last year. We took a one month holiday in England in Spring of 2006.)

Quoted from UKvisaservices-dot-co-dot-uk:

"If you have been together for four years or more outside the UK, she will be granted 'Indefinite Leave to Remain'/permanent residence in the UK without having to live in the UK for two years."

Does anyone know if this option is still available?

I never know if cyber-space is up-dated as often as UK immigration law

Any help would be much appreciated...

Thanks

KJ

makes us feel

for the old

First read this thread a couple of weeks ago, I've enjoyed playing on metacafe and clipser since then -- thanks for the suggestions folks.

But as of today, metacafe seems to heve gone the way of the dear departed youtube. I just get the same IE message displayed after a pause:

"The page cannot be displayed"

etc

For now clipser seems to be ok, (though it often gets a bug and has to shut down IE).

Hope I don't jinx it...

TOT Muang Chiang Mai

Hi all – first post (on any forum!) but 4 year resident of Chiang Mai…

On my 5 min ride home across town yesterday, 2 surprises!

Firstly a beautiful and sporty sounding silver Karmann Ghia (spelling?) VW Coupe. It reminded me of a wonderfully converted example I saw last year on the German cable channel. That one had a Porche 911 turbo engine, running gear, suspension, etc, and superbly done, too. Drool…

Secondly, a silver Audi coupe, the latest TT? How long has that one been out? I'm not up to speed these days…

I've seen that bright yellow late 80's Lotus Elan around, too. I'd forgotten what a lovely shape they are (in a fat-bottomed girl kind of way). Shame about the colour!

Ever since I came to live here, there has been what looks like the rolling shell of a Lotus Esprit in a bodyshop down a soi near Chiang Mai Gate… but then I'm no expert!

On the RAV4s…(they'e all grey imports here right?)

My mum had one of the first, in '95 – great fun to drive. I've finally spotted a short wheelbase one after a hundred of the 5 doors. It's silver and often parked near the moat at Chang Puak Gate.

Anyone from Europe will have seen the little private graveyards of dead Citroen CXs and BXs – there must be one in every small town and housing estate there!

Well, Chiang Mai has one, too! Its just across the canal on the canal road on the way to Huay Tung Tao Lake. There are still a few of these cars gliding around town – a great ride on these roads, I'm sure, if and when the suspension is working! It must be a full-time job - keeping them going in LOS… I know it is, even back home.

There seems to be a surprising number of really old Fiats still alive here, too.

Plus the odd Harry Potter Anglia, Austin Allegro, Yank Tank, etc; but I don't know much about them…

Keep 'em coming, folks…