Patriciachas

Chaps,

I'm putting this in here as I am hoping to come over to Thailand (Chiang Mai) in May and would be very grateful if someone could give me advice regarding a driving licence. I plan on buying a bike and car. At present I have a British driving licence and have passed my test for both a car and bike. My British licence is still the pink one.

I also have a five year International Drivers Licence that I obtained in Thailand, however it expired in 2005. When I arrive in Thailand I will either have to rent a house or rent a condo (until I get a house), I'll also be coming over on a Non O visa and applying for an extension based on retirement. My wife is Thai and she has family over there.

Will I have to wait until I get my extension before I can apply for a licence.

Any advice on the best way forward would be most appreciated.

How hard is it for a tourist to rent and ride a motorcycle? I'll be in Thailand on a 2-entry tourist visa.

From all the stories I've heard, it sounded like it's super easy to rent a motorcycle in Thailand for just $2-$3/day. But from reading the stickies, it seems I need to have a non-immigrant visa to even get a license, I need a medical certificate, I need a rental agreement (what if I'm not renting?) etc.

Basically, I've heard it's super easy, but from reading the board it sounds super complicated.

So, here's my question:

1) How difficult is it to actually get a license? (Not how difficult it is if I went by the book, letter by letter, but how difficult is it, in thailand, in reality, to get a license?)

2) Can I ride without a license?

3) Can I get a license on a tourist visa? (If not, does that mean I can't rent a bike, period?)

...and?

Call Suzuki in Chiang Mai, they sometimes have secondhand Vitara in good condition as You look for . 053-380744

Could you give me the address in chiang mai and i will go over to see them thanks

On behalf of 3 Vitara owners here (one of whom had a fleet of the 5 door version for his tourist clients) I agree with ALL these posts and am sure you are on the right track.

The Suzuki main dealer here is located on the city end of the main CM-CR road (route 118), south side. Confusingly close to Isuzu!

The Suzuki people have enough English to help you, are friendly and positive and NOT rip-off merchants. If they don't have what you want, leave your budget and needs and (ideally) your favourite Thai speaking phone number - and wait and hope. Also, sift thru "2nd hand car land" and INSIST on a short test drive of any on offer. Most are worn out ex-rental nails, but you MAY find a good one.

Better still, check the small sales ads and get one from a private owner.

While another poster mentions some alternatives, I have to say there is nothing quite like the versatility, economy, parkability and driving enjoyment of a 3 door Vitara.

i have been today saw iszuzu dealers but could not find suzuki i know i must have missed it but any more clues as to location would be appreciated.

OK, I'll try again, and I am writing this very sloooowly.

Go to route 121 (otherwise known as the outer ring road).

Go to its traffic light cross roads with route 118 (the main Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai road).

Turn south, sign posted to Chiang Mai city. Chiang Rai and Doi Saket are now behind you.

Travel along steadily in the left lane and keep a sharp look out for the SUZUKI logo and name on a sign fairly high up on your left.

Before you travel more than a few k's you will see these clues. Turn in, go past the rather futuristic elevated open air showroom, curve round to the left into service reception and park as indicated.

Call Suzuki in Chiang Mai, they sometimes have secondhand Vitara in good condition as You look for . 053-380744

Could you give me the address in chiang mai and i will go over to see them thanks

On behalf of 3 Vitara owners here (one of whom had a fleet of the 5 door version for his tourist clients) I agree with ALL these posts and am sure you are on the right track.

The Suzuki main dealer here is located on the city end of the main CM-CR road (route 118), south side. Confusingly close to Isuzu!

The Suzuki people have enough English to help you, are friendly and positive and NOT rip-off merchants. If they don't have what you want, leave your budget and needs and (ideally) your favourite Thai speaking phone number - and wait and hope. Also, sift thru "2nd hand car land" and INSIST on a short test drive of any on offer. Most are worn out ex-rental nails, but you MAY find a good one.

Better still, check the small sales ads and get one from a private owner.

While another poster mentions some alternatives, I have to say there is nothing quite like the versatility, economy, parkability and driving enjoyment of a 3 door Vitara.

Do you have a waste water tank or a place where your waste water goes to then seep slowly into the ground? Most houses do. If so and if it is full, that may be the problem and the drains may be ok. This could be true if all your drains go into it and all your drains are not working well. Toilets usually are plumbed into a separate waste water tank.

There are some good bacteria products available that clean drains and help the waste water tanks to do their jobs.

Call Suzuki in Chiang Mai, they sometimes have secondhand Vitara in good condition as You look for . 053-380744

Can any one help we have problems with our drains and need a plumber or drain expert can any one help

Hi all i am looking for a suzuki vitara 3-5 years old in chiang mai anyone know of such a vehicle for sale much appreciated.

I would like to know what the position is for a farang to purchase a property on a new estate as i am being given contradictory information from developer any advice would be appreciated.

No problem from UK Bank to Siam City here in Banngkok using swift but is it as easy to transfer money back to UK from Bkk and are there any pitfalls?

The long stay (retirement) visa is a non immigrant OA visa that you obtain in your home country and allows a one year permitted to stay stamp on entry into Thailand. It may be available in single or multi entry. If multi entry it can cover up to almost two years before you go to the next stage. To obtain your present proof of income/savings to the Consulate along with a medical certificate (they can provide - just that you don't have a couple of contagious diseases) and a police check report. A one way ticket could be used.

Later years, or if you start the process in Thailand, you obtain one year extensions of stay for retirement. Only one party of the married couple have to do so as the other can stay as there dependent (and thus not have to prove financial s each year)

my wife and myself have got o/a visas from the thai embassy in london we are moving to thailand at the end of this month and we both have the requires money in a thai bank.Are you saying that at the end of the first 12 months only one of us need to get a extension and the other can stay as a dependant without having to leave the country ,and we only need to have aone 800,000 in the bank?,any advice welcome

Hi

Any advice on maximum amount of gdp travellers cheques to bring i was thinking of maximum £100 per t ch, but would their be any problems changing larger amounts thanks for any advice.

Any tips on best place in CM to get a new computer

hi

can anyone tell me the best place to get a new computer in chiang mai.

Last week I visited a Bangkok Bank in San Pa Tong, Chiang Mai with my wife, needed to withdraw some money.

While in the bank I saw a wall poster written in Thai advertising some higher interest rates.

Cannot read Thai, so I asked my wife to enquire with the bank lady clerk what it is all about.

My wife spoke to the lady for a while, than my wife replied to me that the lady said, if I deposit 1 million baht for 3 months, 6 months up to one year in a special promotional account, the Bangkok Bank pays more interest.

I said, yes I am interested. My wife said I could talk to the lady because she can speak English.

So I sat down at the table with the lady and told her that I wouldn't mind opening one of these promotional accounts.

The lady's reply to me in her very bad English was:

U Rrrrr a europlean, if bank give Farlung more interlest, U send extra money back home and Thai people not have. So I continued to say, OK, how about a joint account with my wife. The lady said, no, solly, your wife only. I replied in an angry pissed off voice, so why don't you print on the poster in English, these accounts are for Thai people only?

The woman just stared at me with a stupid grin on her face and a security guard was almost splitting his sides with laughter. I was getting more frustrated and at the point of ripping off my clothes, turning into the incredible Hulk and smashing up the place, so decided it was best to leave. I sprung up from the chair and swiftly walked out the bank.

So that was it, final. The curse of the dreaded lurgy was on me.

In the meantime my wife was still in the bank talking with the woman. 10 minutes later she came out of the bank. I said to her, why the <deleted> hel_l was you still talking with that woman. My wife said, that it's not polite to just walk out.

I believe that this is not government policy but a rule made by the manager of that branch.

These people are morons and not a good incentive for those who wish to retire here. I have been banking with the Bangkok Bank for 22 years.

I would be interested to know if anyone else has experienced discrimination from Thais in Thailand because you are a Farang?

You sound as though you need a lesson or two in manners.I bet her very bad English is better than your best Thai i sugest you go back to the good old place you came from UK.A few anger management lessons also required.

Nothing wrong with his manners I would have given her the same treatment or worse!

Last week I visited a Bangkok Bank in San Pa Tong, Chiang Mai with my wife, needed to withdraw some money.

While in the bank I saw a wall poster written in Thai advertising some higher interest rates.

Cannot read Thai, so I asked my wife to enquire with the bank lady clerk what it is all about.

My wife spoke to the lady for a while, than my wife replied to me that the lady said, if I deposit 1 million baht for 3 months, 6 months up to one year in a special promotional account, the Bangkok Bank pays more interest.

I said, yes I am interested. My wife said I could talk to the lady because she can speak English.

So I sat down at the table with the lady and told her that I wouldn't mind opening one of these promotional accounts.

The lady's reply to me in her very bad English was:

U Rrrrr a europlean, if bank give Farlung more interlest, U send extra money back home and Thai people not have. So I continued to say, OK, how about a joint account with my wife. The lady said, no, solly, your wife only. I replied in an angry pissed off voice, so why don't you print on the poster in English, these accounts are for Thai people only?

The woman just stared at me with a stupid grin on her face and a security guard was almost splitting his sides with laughter. I was getting more frustrated and at the point of ripping off my clothes, turning into the incredible Hulk and smashing up the place, so decided it was best to leave. I sprung up from the chair and swiftly walked out the bank.

So that was it, final. The curse of the dreaded lurgy was on me.

In the meantime my wife was still in the bank talking with the woman. 10 minutes later she came out of the bank. I said to her, why the <deleted> hel_l was you still talking with that woman. My wife said, that it's not polite to just walk out.

I believe that this is not government policy but a rule made by the manager of that branch.

These people are morons and not a good incentive for those who wish to retire here. I have been banking with the Bangkok Bank for 22 years.

I would be interested to know if anyone else has experienced discrimination from Thais in Thailand because you are a Farang?

I would not try the mini branch places (shopping centers) as they probably do not have a manager able to approve - the stand alone branches with large signs on there roofs are where you should try.

Agreed it was a case of dipping my toe in the water to see what would happen. I concluded/would have thought that the main/head office branches would have been more on the ball with the products they can offer to some one like me with a tourist visa.

A part of the reason for using the main offices was to ensure the best shot at understanding of requirements and a good command of English (Sorry I do not yet speak Thai and do not have a Thai partner/friend etc who can help me).

Is it sensible to go to the Head office or is this just silly?

If I fail a second time I need a contingency! Can I pay thai bills from a UK account by direct debit?

For goodness sake, opening a bank account in Thailand is just not that difficult and if you fail at your first attempt, for whatever reason, simply go to another branch/bank.

<br />Are TV members for or against capital punishment in general or in Thailand( added that to keep it Thai related).<br /><br />Wanted to set up a poll but I dont know how!<br /><br />I'm against capital punishment(anywhere) and consider it nothing more than sanctioned gov't murder and think it is an easy way out for criminals, rather than enduring a life time in jail. <br /><br />up until 1934 decapitation was the preferred method, the last one occuring in 1919. then execution using machine gun fire until lethal injections were substituted a few years ago.<br /><br />Don't think there have been any executions for a year or two with several hundred prisoners sentenced and awaiting execution.<br /><br />Any way what's your thought?<br /><br />Got my info from internet snooping thanks to Google.<br /><br />Yeah, yeah, I know I'm a bleeding heart liberal. so flame away<br /><br />.<br />

Totally concur with what Lopburi has said.

The O-A route is intended for those planning to spend their retirement years in Thailand and is not that difficult to do once you have sorted out the requirements. The only small problem that I had, when I went this route, was tracking down a Notary Public in rural NW England - they are like hens' teeth! Not all solicitors can act as notaries. The rest was easy.

Two tips for those using the RTE in London:

1. Don't bother too much with their recorded information service - it costs a small fortune and doesn't actually have anything useful (for O-A anyway). Choose the appropriate automated response and you will get to speak to a human being. Then it's just a case of extracting the correct extension number for the Long-stay Visa Section (regret that I no longer have this to hand). This section only seems to be open in the afternoons but they are very helpful and do speak English.

2. The RTE will not accept postal applications for O-A but it is perfectly OK to use a third party to present the papers and, subsequently, collect your passport, complete with that nice visa stamp. This can save a lot of time and expense if you are based somewhere out in the sticks.

One more thing. This has probably been covered before but don't try to get O-A from any UK Honorary Consulate as they are not allowed to issue them. The RTE is the only place that does this in the UK.

DM

"I certify this document was seen at my office this DATE "and signed by solicitor underneath signature added Commissioner for oaths then offical stamp added.

That will be accepted at RTE.

On the copies it should say

"I certify this is a true copy of the original (the rest is the same as above.)

All our documents had this on them and were accepted.

Easier to do in Thailand and daresay much cheaper if they want solicitor certification for everthing.

Naka.

Information for anyone thinking of getting a o/a visa from the RTE London,i would recommend as long has you get all the documents that are required i.e police check, medical certificate, bank and pension letters, you must also get copies of each document and they all have to be certified by a solicitor.Everything is easy as the staff are very helpful.The only down side is you have to go back 2 days later to collect them.Total time spent in embassy presenting all documents 45 min.2nd trip Collecting passports/visa 20 min.

Its should be your branch. Not a centralized branch. As that's where your account name and number is held. They don't transfer internationally to that branch. Its goes to the bank and the credit is presumably added digitally.

The swift code is the name of the bank. Not the branch. i.e.

Kasikornbank (Thai Farmers Bank)

Swift Code - TFBSTHBK

I'm British, live in Thailand and have done this regularly for the last 5 years.

You just need a Thai bank account to transfer to. Plus these details before you call the bank in the UK.

Name and Address of Thai bank (your Branch)

Account holders name

Account number

Swift code

This transfer is done on the phone from Thailand to your UK bank in a 5 minute phone call.

I call "phone Bank" and ask to do an "International Money mover" this is probably Lloyds TSB's own terminology but it shouldn't different much from one bank to another.

The maximum I can send is 5,000 GBP at a time. Lloyds TSB policy. Thai banks have restrictions I believe its million a day but you'd need to check.

The fee is about 30 GBP

Takes 2 - 3 days

The rate i get is normally pretty good. The Thai banks rate on the day.

Its that simple. You call the Bank in England and you pull the money out the hole in the wall over here.

30 GBP for a transfer!!!!!

That's a complete rip-off Pui.

My Santander account in Spain charge 12.5 (8 GBP appx) Euros for transfer into Thailand and BBL charge 390 Baht (5 GBP appx) for transfers out!

Also Natwest in the UK do it for 12.5 GBP, I'm sure.

You might want to have a chat with them about that.

Greedy b*stards.

ManInSurat Out.

Dave

Listen to lopburi 3 Hull is wrong this time.

Maybe useful for me to post my experience, having entered Thailand today with my new O-A issued by RTE in London (The Thai Embassy).

The embassy is in Queens Gate, near the Natural History museum, a short walk from Gloucester road underground. It is open Mon - Fri, from 9.30 to 12.30. I went with the required paperwork and lots of back up stuff, just in case.

Arriving at 9.20, waited in queue of about 12 people, outside until gate open. No cover, so need umbrella if raining. Visa section in basement and enough room and chairs, to seat about 40 people, (also toilets)

On entering 2 ticket machines, one for visa application (blue) and one for collection (green). Half the people had queued for collection so only a few in front of me. I waited about 20 minutes and watching those applying, found the embassy lady was polite, excellent English and helpful, one man had no money with him, and was told where nearest ATM was and agreed he could come back to front of queue on return.

I submitted docs, which have been well detailed in this thread, 3 copies of main form with photo on each and 3 copies of supplementary O A form are required. I mention this because the numbers stated on each form are contradictory to other info on website.

I had the required forms signed by a solicitor who signed as a Commisioner of Oaths, copying the wording done by a solicitor local to the embassy, seen on a friends forms. I can list the docs and the wording if anyone requires.

I had the solicitor sign and copy a pension payslip, and a letter detailing a second small AVC pension, and a letter from my offshore bank, obtained free on request from the bank. There seemed no problem with the bank letter being 3 weeks old, (had to be because the bank would only send to my Thai address and I wanted to be sure I got it). Also no problem that this sent to Thai address, and CRO record sent to UK address, as was pension letter. Seemed no problem that I had lived in Thailand for 11 months and I still had a valid Non Imm O. This was not cancelled.

I also took, my yellow tabien bahn, copies of UK bank account which pension paid into, copies of my Thai bank books, and the original books, a personal data form as mentioned on THai MFA site, and a written reference from MD of a Thai company. Also a printout of total income from interest, pension etc. Non of these documents of interest to embassy. Would not accept additional docs unless certified by solicitor, but did not need them anyway. Seemed to be a case of a lot of preparation not being neccessary, but who knows when the document not taken is the one they want to see.

This was Thursday 1st Nov, passport ready from Monday on, so on 3rd working day.

Fee is £100, same as multi, non O. Took cash, no credit cards, not sure if cheque OK, take cash to be safe. Time for application, 35 minutes, time to pick up, 10 minutes. I found the embassy staff, clear, polite and helpful, even returned a wai on leaving.

My logic was simple, for same cost as Non O, plus £10 for CRO, and doctors report, (for me free), plus £5 for Brecon solicitor to sign 5 documents, I now only have to leave Thailand once in 1 years time to have 2 years entry. Just need to fill in TM 47 and report address every 90 days. That saves me a lot of passport pages and fees for Laos visa etc. I also can leave my money in offshore bank earning 6.8% for nearly 2 years.

One problem then averted at the airport. As I had 2 visas; I as Lopburi 3 suggested entered the new O -A number on the arrival card, and put the card in the passport next to it. Very short queue at immigration, I checked passport handed back to me by immigration officer, and had 90 day stamp. I went straight back, said Khor Thot Khrap, and he saw me straight away, The Thai embassy had typed O-A on the visa, but had overstamped with a little Thai emblem and had written, 'long stay' over it. It was not very clear. The man consulted with his colleague, apologised to me and then had to manually alter his date stamp, to stamp the right date, (he had a stamp with 30 days and another one for 90 days set up), he crossed out with biro the 90 day stamp (4 Feb 2008), stamped 07 Nov 2008, initialled it and wrote Long stay on it.

He then picked up the wrong arrival card and was about to alter the date on it. I had to speak again, lean over and pick up my arrival card and offer it to him, he apologised again. He was very gracious about it, I tried to deal with him in a pleasant way, so face not lost. ( Luggage arrived within 10 minutes, so thumbs up for the new airport on this arrival)

So for me, as I was in London anyway for a week, it seemed a no brainer to go for this visa. If I had not been going, I would have extended my Non O instead in Thailand. I expect I will be doing that in 2 years.