jimmym40

I know this topic maybe should be placed in the motor forum. But I hope the moderators leave it here so I can get most exposure, possibly from someone who normally wouldn't visit the motoring forum.

I live in Chiang Mai and cannot for the life of me get any reliable information from these dealerships.

I have done a google search. Not many dealers listed. The ones listed, I have sent emails to, only one reply (from soni motors), and he was not helpful.

Want I am asking for is: When is the next Bangkok auto show - the dates???

When will the new Toyota Altis be available?

I suspect it will be at the auto show, whenever that is, and I am willing to come to Bkk for the show. I am waiting to purchase a new vehicle. Hopefully the new Altis.

I looked at the Hondas, Mazdas, Ford, Chevy, etc. I've narrowed the search down to the Toyota Camry or Altis. Camry is very nice, but a bit bigger car that I feel safe for the little wife to drive. For me, it's not a problem. So, if the altis is close to comfort and somewhat plush as the Camry, that will be the choice.

I've asked three Toyota dealerships here in CM, all they say is "next year" for the Altis to come out.

Anyone have any info, please pm me or put it up here. All I need is some Toyota contacts in Bangkok.

Thanks...

Don't know how old you are. But the saying comes to mind: "The grass is always greener..."

I bet we all living here in Thailand get fed up with what we have to put up with, but in the end, most of us remain.

Sounds like you need some time back in your home country. Take a break, you might see your blight as not being so bad after all.

I've google'd many times and cannot come up with any info.

Anyone know the dates

Have you ever lived in Las Vegas by any chance?

Where abouts in Lamphun will you be living?

Wife is from Lamphun, spent many years there and now just moved to CM this past Jan.

Let us know when you arrive.

This has been enlightening and "entertaining". I did have the UBC guys come and install the dish and I watched - they did get the highest level reading, I think it was 250. And there no obstructions direct to the satellite. Getting fed up with this UBC, I heard of a new satallite service, I'll have to do some investigation...

Thanks all.

say again...

Can someone explain this to me. I thought satellite engineering was far advanced to let the rain interfere.

What about the military satellites, do they get blacked out - no way.

I know, this is Thailand, but still?

Stay away. Spend a little more and get a "true" toyota. You could be plugging tons of baht in to the car.

Don't know how expensive BMW parts are here, I had a Bmer in the states, never again. Had to have the most repairs of any car I've owned (13).

Don't do any friends/relatives a favor.

Are you worried more about the welfare of the baby, OR worried about getting the baby to SEE her mother.

No brainer HERE. You're asking for trouble if you come here to thailand and let the mother see the baby. Yes, it's possible everything could go smoothly, but not likely.

You have some great advice from this venue, take it. Get fully custody, get a divorce, and do it all legally. It may cost a bit, but not as much if trouble arises between you and the wife and ransoms (blackmail).

You are a concerned parent, and one of the most important jobs of being a parent is to prepare the child to live in this world. Don't complicate her life now with no doubt "trouble" in the wings.

Good luck, do things the "smart" way.

Thanks for the clarification. I won't need to get excited.

So what are actly saying???

I've been married to the same thai lady for over 25 years. Am I eligible for a 5 or 10 yr multiple entry visa?

We have no business in thailand, no income in thailand.

Thanks to all for the info. I submitted and went ahead and bought a new Phantom, black, but I guess it's the 2006 model. It's not the one with the "flaming fire" decals.

At first I didn't like it. I have 1000 kms on it now and am used to the ride and feel. It is a bit noisy. I can hear the chain wrapping around the back sprocket. It rides good. Don't think it's any better than the Kawa. I had to dump the Kawa, started to have electrical problems. It's nice to have something "new".

A big thanks to all that replied.

I should have enough info from here to accomplish what I need to do.

Regards.

I did much research on the plasma's and LCD TVs prior to my purchase.

I purchased a 40 inch LCD Samsung. Do some investigation, you'll probably agree with me that the LCDs are superior in the long run.

I've never heard of the problems you mentioned with the LCDs and UBC. Anyone ever heard of this.

I'm from USA and have thai wife. Want to know if anyone has information on the use of the tri-care system here in Thailand. Any doctors/hospitals accept this insurance? Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks.

I made an error in my last post. I was at the Niyom dealer at 2 p.m. on Thurs, not Tues.

I have been in Thailand long, long enough to know not to believe everything/anything that these people tell you. So I have to ask this forum. I was told by the Niyom dealer by the airport that they are the largest Toyota dealer in ChiangMai, and that all the Toyotas come to them first and then they distribute the vehicles in/around CM. At first I believed this, but now I have second thoughts. Anyone know for sure?

I'll have to go check the Hong Dong dealer next time I'm out that way.

Thanks for the heads up.

Just returned home from visiting the dealer (Niyom Panit) near the airport, 2 p.m. Tuesday. Went to look at that silver Camry. Well, it was still there, but out in front waiting delivery to the new owner. They have no demo to drive. Our saleslady was kind enough to get the keys and let us take a look inside. Don't know how much longer it will be there. Just wanted everyone to know - it won't be there long if you wanted to take a look.

It's a fabulous car, but not sure we want to pay 1.2 mil right now. I think we'll hold off till the new Altis comes out. If it's as nice as the Camry, we're going to get the special edition (white) Altis model, this years cost was 949,000. Curious to see if the price goes up.

Cheers.

A little more info would help. Is the wedding in Thailand? Were you officially invited? Did they send out invitations? Word of mouth?

You can never go wrong putting money in an envelope. If in the US, I prefer a gift certifate of some sort. They way they are forced to purchase something, and then the gift has more remembrance of where/who it came from. Money seems to make people forget.

Keep this thread going - it gave me a laugh this morning...

I also agree with above post. Really sounds suspicious. Who is asking you for this statement? Who cares where the money comes from, as long as it's cash? I'm sure the seller doesn't care...

I think the only time this question may arise is when a divorce is involved. I've heard of farang's getting a divorce and if they were able to prove that their house and land was paid for from the their funds only, the better chance of getting an equal settlement.

I'd be very cautious if I were you. Could it be a scam? Any reason to believe your wife might have something "cooking"? Sorry to ask, again, just doesn't sound right...

I've flown the Thai nonstop flight from LA - Bkk at least 5 or 6 trips. I've always flown PE class since they started using the Airbus. It is well worth the extra money. One time I had an economy class tix, and then upgraded at check-in, the cost was only $200 - one way. But if you do this you are not guaranteed a seat. It's only a bit more when you book at time of purchase.

My recommendation is to purchase tix as far in advance as possible. As the departure time approaches, the prices do go up.

Please check my agent in LA for pricing. I'm almost positive she can beat that price.

Diamond World Travel: 323-913-3938 Ask for Emily She is a thai lady. I never met her, but she always beat any price on the net. She is helpful and have assisted many of my friends. It won't hurt to tell her Jim from Las Vegas gave you her number.

January is high season for Thailand, so if you see a good deal on air tix, book it fast. Also, don't know how long you intend to stay, but Chinese New Year in February always has a way of affecting demand for travel.

Good Luck.

That is correct. As far as I know, there are no new car dealerships in CM that take trade-ins and keep the car for sale themselves. All they do is work with some "car tents" and sell them the car immdiately. Some may pretend they take the trade in, but that's all they do.

Even with motocycles, it just happened to me. I traded my Boss in for a Phantom. They turned the boss over to someone else.

However, the Niyom Panich dealer is building a used car lot just across the street. It's probably half completed by now and if I understood the sales lady, they are going to open up their own "used" car lot. So maybe when construction is completed, they may well take the trade-ins and keep them for resale.

Just to repeat, it is clearly better to sell your vehicle on your own, or even go to as many "car tents" first and see what kind of offers you will get.

Buying a new car is hardly never an "enjoyable" experience. Just do as much homework as possible before you lay down the cash.

Good Luck.

I was also looking at possibly buying a Camry. We stopped at the Nyom store just around the corner from the airport/airport plaza. That is the largest dealer in CM. When we stopped, they did not have a Camry on the premises even to look at. They said they did have a demo, but it was currently in Bangkok. It appears they don't keep any Camry's on the floor or in stock. It takes 30 days to order one.

For your info, the new Altis coming out in the next several months willl have a total new styling, they say similiar to the Camry. I'm holding off on the Camry until I see the new Altis.

We previously purchased two Toyotas, one from Lamphun, and had good relations with both. Really didn't have a need for any special service, the cars were flawless. As far as price, no dealer bargains on the price of the car, but you can request extras, that they may throw in for free i.e., insurance, floor mats, window tint, etc.

Good luck on your searches.

Yes, above is correct, it's now 20K thai baht you must have to reenter. There is a sign coming in to thailand from MaiSai crossing that states the 20K requirement. I have only heard of a handful of people being asked to physically see the money. It's a good idea to have it with you "just in case".

I don't want to make myself look like a dummy - well here goes. Don't feel bad. I've been coming to Thailand since the 1970s. Married a thai lady. And still don't know much more thai than I did back then.

It's because I'm TONE DEAF. Even back as a teen ager I wanted to play the guitar - no way. I could not tune it.

So, don't feel bad, it's a very tough language to master, some people are jus a "natural" at picking it up.