featography

An update to this thread;

Sept 29, I went in for my 90 day reporting. I was in there for 30 minutes, after receiving my queive from the before mentioned short haired, round face employee. She showed me some respect, nodded her head when I thanked her. I stood against the wall and watched her interact with other farang. She was respectful, listened and responded well, and even smiled a few times.

When this thread was started, I copied it and gave the pages to a very UP the ladder officer with Immigration, who said they would look into it. My wife and I feel rather priviledged to become acquainted with this officer, and it seems something was done as well as just looked into.

As they say, ''its not what you know, its who you know''

you are telling me that BK has double pricing for thai/farang customers?

Here in Chiang Mai, I discovered what may be double pricing between Thai and Farang with Subway. I ordered 3 6'' Subway Melts special of the day. Price, 97b. I was charged 139b each. Attached is the receipt which clearly is marked;

Foreign ** TOTAL B 378.00B

I will send wife in on the same day of the week, order 1 6'' Sub Melt, exactly as I ordered mine, and see if they charge her 97 or 139b. If she is charged 97b, I will take her receipt and mine, and fax to Subway Corp in the US and ask why an American co. with stores in Thailand are following Thai discrimination practices of price gouging foreigners.

Why don't you just email them in Thailand?

http://www.subway.co.th/en/layouts/page_promotion.html

This Thailand. No body returns email or phone calls.

Nope, we all show our Thai DL, and get in for the Thai price.

3 days ago, we were heading home after a day of sightseeing, wife, daughter, and her visiting cousin, nephew and sister, who all decided they want to see a waterfall as we were coming up on the turn in. I had left my yellow book and passport at home, showing I have lived here over 5 yrs. It seems most places will smile and wave you through if you show you are retired, and have lived here 5 or more years. Same scenario you described, Derek, 20b for locals, 100b for farang. I told the wife to take the car and go see it. I would wait at the bottom of the road, sit on a stump and watch traffic go by. To understand my way of thinking, I don't care about the 100b, but it is the principle of the thing. Even the UN called Thailand on this, referring to it as racial discrimination. While waiting for them, 7 tourists on rented motorbikes came up, stopped to inquire about me sitting there. I informed them as to why and of the price difference and told them it was up to them. They talked among themselves and all chose to turn around and leave. 800b the tourist police didn't get while I was there. Did my heart good. Incidently, they were watching.

If you want to make a point, you should have gone to see the waterfall @100bht

and left the family sitting at the gate.

"Sorry, I only have 100bht, as I'm the one with the 100bht the rest of you have to sit outside."

Now that's making a point!

emoticons are not working. If they were I would post 3 on the floor rolling laughter emoticons. That was a great comeback, fiftyTwo. I am looking forward to the next opportunity to try that one, with camera in hand to capture the facial expression on the wife's face.

I am glad to see that some people can understand that it is not about the amount in difference that Farangs are charged from Thai's its the fact that there is a different price..

Why do you guys keep repeating the same, tired nonsense? There are plenty of places all over this world that charges non-locals a higher price. In the US, you can bet your ass that non-locals will be paying more for any number of things, including golf, hotels, theme parks, national parks, college tuition....heck, the list goes on and on. So how can you be so "shocked" that there are different prices for non-locals in Thailand? The fact that you didn't even know that proof of residency can get you the Thai price just demonstrates that you are pretty clueless.

As a matter of fact, after 50 yrs living in 5 states, and going to countless attractions, I have never seen higher pricing for international tourists. Everyone pays the same. Sorry to hear about your country.

We in Austria also charge the Germans and Japanese double, triple than the locals.

Also when those Germans are married to an Australian wife and have Australian children ?

Austria != Australia.

Austria, Australia whats the difference? There are still people that think I live in Taiwan, and there those that think I live in Thailand, an island. Isn't geography fun?!?

Nope, we all show our Thai DL, and get in for the Thai price.

3 days ago, we were heading home after a day of sightseeing, wife, daughter, and her visiting cousin, nephew and sister, who all decided they want to see a waterfall as we were coming up on the turn in. I had left my yellow book and passport at home, showing I have lived here over 5 yrs. It seems most places will smile and wave you through if you show you are retired, and have lived here 5 or more years. Same scenario you described, Derek, 20b for locals, 100b for farang. I told the wife to take the car and go see it. I would wait at the bottom of the road, sit on a stump and watch traffic go by. To understand my way of thinking, I don't care about the 100b, but it is the principle of the thing. Even the UN called Thailand on this, referring to it as racial discrimination. While waiting for them, 7 tourists on rented motorbikes came up, stopped to inquire about me sitting there. I informed them as to why and of the price difference and told them it was up to them. They talked among themselves and all chose to turn around and leave. 800b the tourist police didn't get while I was there. Did my heart good. Incidently, they were watching.

I have seen the same things happen. I am not cheap but I have seen babes order some very expensive dishes or 3 or 4 items and only eat a little. I now do all the ordering. Ask what she would like and figure it out from there. If the waitress is standing by I tell them to go away for 5 minutes or order drinks and come back for food order.

Thais can eat all day long. Unlike farang who inhale their food and lots of it quickly Thais like to eat slow and chat and drink and eat and chat and drink...... Maybe more healthy ???

Food is a social thing to Thai whereas alcohol is a social thing to farang. My wife is the same way. Grazes all day, left overs taken home, microwaved next morning for breakfast. She does not waste anything.

Humm ... Euroasian

Some Aussies, Yanks and the like might debate that ...

this much is certain.

The Japanese are generally a lot more worldly, they have been travelling a lot more, usually more educated and from what i have seen - quite polite in comparison to the loud, pushing in front of you in lines and travelling in herds and following a stick with a flag on it Chinese. But hey!

A trip to kanchanaburi a few years back made me change my tune about the Japanese, as a walked over the Death Railway respectful and remorseful at how many humans had lost their lives there, and had to endure a pack of Japanese with cameras, laughing, posing, shouting and blocking my way as they were - Very Proud! of the history that they were a part of making.... Meh!

Same attitude when they visit the Arizona Memorial at Pear Harbor.

BS to both negative comments. I have been to both sites and Japanese tourists were quiet, polite, and very humble. The younger generation, as in our kids and grandkids era, were the most shy, almost personifying shame in what their country did. You, I think misread the reason for their excitement, zeal, or happiness. More likely excited to just be on a foreign vacation with friends, something they may not do often, or rarely do. At the Memorial in Hawaii,1984, a young married couple singled me out of the crowd, bowed 3 times as he approached me with a camera, offering it to me, to take their picture. I was at that moment wrapped up in my own self with my own anger,resentment... I was there to honor my father, who had just passed away. He was on board the U.S.Curtiss the morning of Dec.7. I learned that day that the Curtiss had the highest number of planes that were shot down that morning, due to he and his mates being on deck at 6am.

I looked at the young Japanese man, eye to eye, I had a rapid choice to make, hate, or forgive. I thought at that moment, ''I.m looking a kid, not responsible for his father, or grandfather's actions, or that of an emperor before they were born. I took his camera, he bowed 3 times, as he backed to where his wife was sitting. I took 2 pictures of him and his bride, nodded to him, he bowed 3 times as he walked to me, bowed again, with a thank you, and never turned from me, as he backed back to the seat they occupied, bowing 3 times again. A suggestion; don't hate or discriminate, or hold responsible any nationality, or people from any nation. Hate the governments that come and go that do the atrocities. I agree with the other posts in that Japanese are the most polite, but I raise an eyebrow to the thought that Chinese are any more impolite than Thai.

you are telling me that BK has double pricing for thai/farang customers?

Here in Chiang Mai, I discovered what may be double pricing between Thai and Farang with Subway. I ordered 3 6'' Subway Melts special of the day. Price, 97b. I was charged 139b each. Attached is the receipt which clearly is marked;

Foreign ** TOTAL B 378.00B

I will send wife in on the same day of the week, order 1 6'' Sub Melt, exactly as I ordered mine, and see if they charge her 97 or 139b. If she is charged 97b, I will take her receipt and mine, and fax to Subway Corp in the US and ask why an American co. with stores in Thailand are following Thai discrimination practices of price gouging foreigners.

Just so happens I was there yesterday for my annual extension of visa for retirement. Went the day before at 8.30 pm (allegedly when the office opens) only to be told that the day was full, come back tomorrow. My wife asked for a ticket for the following day, (Friday) - 'we don't do that'. So, arrived at 6.50am Friday to join a queue already long. Eventually got ticket 46 from the lady in mention, who was totally harassed, gave me a ticket as well as my wife. I tried to hand it back but she just ignored me. Found out we would not be seen until after 1pm. (Everything, but everything stops at lunchtime, however busy it is). Got to the desk at 1.40 - charming lady, just 20 minutes to complete the paperwork. Then had to wait an hour for the head honcho to sign the passport and get it back.

Agree, CM Immigration is chaos - hope it gets better in the new office in Mae Rim. Yes, it's not helped by the biddy doing the initial 'triage' work = about time for one of those 'inactive' posts to be created

Agree only that it is hectic in there, but chaos?? One might think so if Chiang Mai immigration is the only immigration office one has dealt with. You want to know chaos, mayhem, officers with a superiority complex? Try other provinces in N.E. and Central Thailand. Six months in Central Th. then moving to Chiang Mai, my wife and I feel like dancing in and out of the immigration office. Its all a matter of perspective, and perspective is created when you do or don't have other places to compare to.

Somebody wants to talk about Chiang Mai Immigration. There is a picture of the officer in charge outside one of the buildings there that

says you should call if you experience any inconvienence. Did you try that?

If you ever get a chance to use any office other than Chiang Mai you might find some differences. After we moved from Chiang Mai we found that we no longer needed copies of everything for things like 90 day check-ins. The new immigration office just gave them back at us and said we don't need these.

If you like queing up hours before the immigration office opens (or getting there hours early to sign a list to get to take a number... and make sure you get two numbers if you are a couple because you will need to come back the next day because 1 number one service...policy.) Chiang Mai is the place.

Surely the worst immigration office in Thailand, a real disgrace.

True different immigration offices have different procedures, but I will argue all day with you that Chiang Mai is NOT the worst office in Thailand. I spent 6 yrs in Samut Sakohn and I guarantee that immigration office is far far worse than even Bangkok's immigration office, which for the record is jammed pack with people, but organized and efficient. In Samut Sakohn we are literally treated as if the officers are the Gods and we are the Dogs. On any given visit they can and usually do, change what they want, adding more to the list. It seems to be their power thrill to send farang back out to get a copy of anything they think up at the moment. 90 day reporting, count on 30-60 minute wait. Marriage Visa? You are there for the day, pack a lunch, and you will make at least one trip down the road for something else they want. Retirement visa, 4 hours, sometimes less. The last year I was there, a shift was made and new people appeared, some things got better, or more tolerable. I.ve been in Chiang Mai since January, and both the wife and I are thrilled to report to this immigration. It is far superior, although crowded, and small, than the previous provinces mentioned.

Please arrive 90 minutes before your flight (which will probably be late anyway), and pay 30 USD extra for your one bag, then pay double at Dairy Queen for a hot dog that will guarantee stomach trouble. In the US, you get the bonus of getting frisked by a woman with sideburns, and heaven forbid you need to take a few puffs. If you only arrive 15 minutes early for the GreenBus, there is still a really good noodle stand located about 20 feet from where you board the bus, and there is a 7-11 within a two minute walk.

Huh?

Anyway, I just happened to go to that mini mall last night. There is a nice little bar in there that gets very busy. Not a bad place for a beer. I thought there was a Rimping but didn't see it although once I went to the bar I didn't look too hard for Rimping. Didn't notice Subway either. But...as usual...nowhere to park. Had to park quite far away.

there is an underground parking structure right next to the McD restaurant, hidden in plain sight, no pun intended. The Rimping is tucked back in the corner and its small. Not a lot in there. I went right after it opened, and Subway hadn't got there yet. I will go back and look for it.

I.d like to know where in CM you live. I have a Lifan 250, have found the mechanic at the dealer to be just as described. I have done some work myself, and if I take it them, I stand over them and watch. I have 3000k on mine, and use it only for recreational riding. I.d love to get together with you for fun rides. My wife loves riding on the back, and we have only one guy that I ride with, a lover of crotch rockets, who whines that my bike is too slow for him. I like cruising, not road racing. As far as other mechanics to work on it, all I have inquired with, refuse to work on Lifans. Personally, I love the bike. You couldn't ask for a more comfortable ride on 2 wheels.

When is the International Penis Day,

Google Phallis Festival, Japan

On a somewhat related topic, I'd like to buy a wet suction vac for cleaning my car interiors. Any suggestions?

Sent from my GT-N5100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

We bought an Electrolux wet/dry vacuum and it worked great for sucking up liquid spills. It also worked well as a blower. The only flaw is the hose cracks and breaks after about 2 yrs.

We did like it very much, using it every day, and bought another Electrolux wet/dry, different model from the first, brought it with us when we moved to Chiang Mai, and left the first one with the buyer of our old place. The model we have now is Z803. It also has the same hose inferiority as the first one, being interchangeable as well. We have found the vac at Home Pro, Macro, some Tescos carry this model, and the other HIC's as well as Central dept stores. They come with a fabric dust bag, but paper bags are readily available.

Hope that helps

-David

I went today to check out the relatively new TrueValue shop at the K Village mall on Suk Soi 26. It's a nice new store, but they seem to be lacking a lot of the products they used to offer in the past when they had displays in several of the local malls like Central Chidlom and Siam Paragon, which have since disappeared.

I wanted to buy something like Comet or Ajax cleanser powder, which I'd easily been able to find in the past. But the K Village shop had none of it or even anything similar.

They're open daily from 10 am to 9 pm.

Did you ever find the sink cleaner, Comet or Ajax? I too always bought it when I lived in central Th. Now I live in Chiang Mai, heard rumors of a True Value going in here, but haven't substantiated it yet. A good alternative to the sink cleaners, is Amway's LOC Home Soft Cleanser, if you can find a distributor. It works well on most things, and on the hardest dried fried on messes, I use it with a wet fine emery cloth or sandpaper. On occasion the wife will burn food to a stainless pot. Good Luck.

-David, Oregon

You all can't be serious, what a heap of cr@p.

To each their own. I am not a expert on indians but if its as original as it looks is worth a lot of baht.

Worth a chunk in the States. Its an antique now.

what did they spray it with?

My money is on a Monsanto product

I know what I would do.

My wife got much more. She got me!

No, Thailand can't.

1. Singapore is ranked as the fifth least corrupt country in the world. Link. People can do business there with some assurance.

2. Singapore lowers taxes and makes doing business there easy. Thailand makes it almost impossible with protectionist policies.

3. Singapore has the rule of law. You can count, within reason, on being treated fairly by the courts. This encourages investment.

4. Thailand wants all foreign investment to be for Thais, even requiring majority Thai ownership. Singapore gave land to The Sands Casino (of Las Vegas) to build a huge casino, employ people and pay reasonable taxes. BTW the owner of The Sands is one smart businessman - a self made billionaire. You don't see him trying to build in Thailand, even though he has casinos all over the world.

5. Singapore has low import duties, as a whole.

In short, Singapore gets it and Thailand doesn't. Thailand is a closed club for the few, and Singapore is open for business.

Thailand will still be 3rd world and going through messes 30 years from now, while watching other Western-like Asian countries excel.

well put!

I.ve been in Thailand for almost 7 years and have not found that yet. From Samut Sakohn to Bangkok, to Chiang Mai, I have searched for at least 4 years, with wife asking everyone. We have even been in Leather shops and asked, ''no have''. They have it, but why such a well guarded commodity??

Left my 250B sit for 5 months, run each week by father. When I got back fired up but died and after no run. Took out plugs, cleaned installed and did fire but wasn't a happy camper. I did make the mistake of using 95 fuel and now have been told by dealer use 91? 600 bht for a 25 K service trip by dealer, all smiles and runs great. Bought a couple of spare plugs and now have another 1000k on it using 91 gas, all OK.

Have run it now for almost a year and still OK with it. It is a cuiser so corners (real corners) are not its favorite but good performance on open road. I do miss going off onto gravel and still think maybe a cross would suit my style better, but all in all, good buy for the buck. Still looking for a sissy bar rack. PM if you know of one.

I.m curious, is your bike in Canada, or Thailand, and are you having work done at the Lifan dealership in Chiang Mai? I live in Chiang Mai, totally disatisfied with this dealership, and have only run 95 octane in it. If youre in Thailand and getting better performance with 91, I.ll try a tank full next fill up.

Lots of speculations

I guess this was the original color. Not much different from the picture, but without damage:

I have the same paint color on mine and it stands out from the black ones on the street. I really like the color. I live in Chiang Mai now, and am searching for an independent big bike repair shop. The wannabe mechanics at Lifan dealership here in C.M. did some bad work on mine. I took it in with a list of things needed done. They did none of them and helped themselves to doing things i didnt want, then took the bike on a 40 kilometer joy ride. Now I need, among other things corrected, is adjust the timing, and carb after them monkeying around with it. There is less than 4000 kilometers on the bike. Down in Samut Sakohn where I lived before, Lifan had a pair of mechanics that were top quality in their knowledge and their work. I miss them very much, and have hit a number of independent big bike shops and they wont touch a Lifan. Does anyone have in their possession a service manual for this bike? I have the owners manual, green book, and all the legal stuff of ownership.