floridaguy

You know that the terms "Mae Baan" and "Maid" are different of course?

Patrick

Come on then Patrick, I know your gagging to enlighten us.

Seeing as P hasnt answered I will.

A mae baan (แม่บ้าน Thai spelling) is usually used to refer to a housewife.

A maid is usually refered to as a kon chai (คนใช้ Thai spelling).

Ma Baan means house mother, not house wife. My janitorial service company employs many maids, or janitors, and they are all called ma baan, whether they work in a factory or a house.

There is no leaded or unleaded anymore. I remember that from when my Dad used to fill up the old Dodge. It is all unleaded now. In Thailand, red means benzine, and green means ethanol. I would read your manual to see if you can use ethanol or not.

Here is my experience so far. I also stay on Sukhumvit in Bangkok for nothing except convenience. I have only rented, but I was going to buy a house in a Moo Baan around Suvarnabhumi, but it was just too far away from the city. I also looked in Thonburi, Nonthaburi, Rayong and Chonburi, Minburi, Samut Prakan, and some others. I have looked all over the city, and there are plenty of places to stay that offer conveniences like supermarkets that cater to international customers, and pubs with a foreign flavor. But, for sheer convenience of travel, variety of international supermarkets, pubs, shopping, etc you cannot beat the Sukhumvit area. Also, if you can't speak some Thai, then you will have an increasingly harder time communicating as you move out of the center of Bangkok.

Here is a summary of where I have stayed:

1. Serviced apartment (actually a 4 star hotel) on Lang Suan between Sukhumvit and Rama IV. It was ok, but the least favorite. Villa Market was next door. I could walk to Suk or Rama IV. Taxis everywhere. Close to BTS.

2. Private house/compound. This was a large walled lot, with 2 houses, each 3 bedrooms, 2 driveways, a carport, and a very large yard with trees that had a klong running at the back of the property. This was at the end of a dead end soi at On Nut. This was probably my favorite experience. It actually felt like my home. I had the whole compound and both houses to myself. No traffic on the road since it was a dead end. Walking distance to Tesco, Carrefour, BTS. Even closer to the motorway heading to north part of Bangkok or Chonburi. This was also my favorite area of Bangkok. Not touristy, not many foreigners, but 15 minutes to Central world, Paragon, etc.

3. Serviced condo 50 meters to the Asoke BTS/Sukhumvit MRT. Small boutique condo. Very quiet soi only 20 meters long and a dead end. Couldn't believe I was only 50 meters away from Sukhumvit, because I never could hear traffic noise. Great Mexican restaurant and very famous Thai restaurant 10 meters from the front door. Very convenient to everything. I really loved this place, but I grew out of it. I keep in touch with the owner, he begs me to come back.

4. Condo. I stepped way down, in my opinion, to a condo at Phra Khanong, on the corner of Sukhumvit and Rama IV. Great pool, 3 minute walk to BTS. Great little Thai karaoke places 2 minute walk away (not recommended if you can't speak Thai, because they didn't speak any English). I didn't like the area, too much traffic around Rama IV, but Tesco and Carrefour were a 5 minute drive, so was the motorway. This was my least favorite place, because of the traffic.

5. Currently at a 3 bedroom condo on Thonglor. Great area for just walking around. Great pubs, supermarkets, Villa Market, boutique shops, restaurants. Modern conveniences of McDonalds and Burger King if you really like, but also cozy little Thai places if you really look. Easy access to Sukhumvit and Petchburi, motorway, RCA (with a shortcut to Rama 9).

Try Thanni or Shop4thai they both have what you want. Down side is that you need to know what you want because they don't walk you through deciding. I have used Thanni and they are fast and their prices are most of the time better than Pantip. The advantage of Pantip is instant gratification, you walk out with your modem.

I have only seen 1 possible use of the chip in my ID card. That was when I went to apply for my passport. He scanned the card, but I can't remember if he scanned the barcode or scanned the chip. That brought up my information and my photo on his computer. No where else has it been used. Still using the low technology of photocopies.

Go to the local DMV or Department of Motor Vehicles in the community that you bought the car. This is where you need to register and reliance the car. Do not wait or drive the car with out doing this as there is no road side tips as in Thailand as our boys do not take tea money and the fine will be quite large. Most Us states do no require and or recognized the IDP only a valid license from your home country or the new license from Thailand that is also in English. I have use mine to rent and drive in the US. Also most most states require you to obtain their license if you are in that state over 30 days. Most of your question can be answered by going to the Maryland DMV website.

That is not what I would do. I lived in Michigan for 35 years, so I do have experience here. Go to the local DMV in Michigan. Actually if you call they can help, they have had a new big push for customer service under the new Secretary of State Land (her name). They will tell you the procedure. I believe you get the title faxed to you or them, obtain temp insurance and a plate. The plate is issued on the spot, unless you want special plates not in stock. I got my UofM plates in stock. Then, you take the plates and the insurance with you to Maryland and switch at the time of sale. You take the signed title back to Michigan to register it in your name.

1. Great advice, thank you floridaguy.

B. I was going to PM this question but who knows it may help somebody in the future: I'm going to assume that the Michigan DMV is going to want me to have a Michigan Driver's License (which I no longer have) and hence be a resident of Michigan (which I'm technically not). Problems? I ask because the last time I went to the DMV to get a Driver's License I had all of the paperwork (Social Security card, bills, etc.) but when she asked me if I was a resident of Michigan I said ''no'' (I live in Thailand) she said, ''then you can't have a Michigan DL.'' If I had said ''yes'' instead, I'd probably have gotten the license. I'd rather not have the Michigan DL (for now, at least), so I'm just wondering if they will issue me temp insurance and a plate with just my US passport and my Thai DL/IDP. I suppose these questions could be answered by my AAA guy or the Secretary of State, but I just want to have the ''right'' answers in advance if you'd happen to know them.

III. Go Blue

If you will keep the car in MI, why not just tell them you are a resident? Do you not have any bills or any other proof of residency? Get any income or mail sent to a MI address? Use a relatives address if you have to. The ownership thing, I am not sure about needing a license, but I don't think so. Commercial vehicles don't require the "owner" to have a license. You can own a car, and have it driven by someone else. I would still try to get the MI license though. Reminds me, I need to renew my MI license. I can do it from Thailand.

I am with you on that one. But I think it has more to do with your preparedness and your attitude. I always try to have all my documents plus some extras when I go. I have never had a problem. Got my Thai ID card in Kanchanaburi in 20 minutes, and that was 15 minutes of convincing incredulous Immigration Officers that a falang was a Thai. 120 baht. Got my Thai passport in Bangkok in 20 minutes, again having to convince a guy in English that I was Thai, even though he scanned my Thai ID card and the photo that came up on his computer screen was the same as the ID card and the guy sitting in front of him. 1030 baht (I paid the 30 baht for shipping). Got my Thai drivers license in Kanchanaburi in 15 minutes, 5 to convince, 5 to take the test, 5 to have it printed. 120 baht. Then again, 10 minutes for my permanent driver's license in Bangkok. 550 baht.

If you have everything they MAY ask for, and a good attitude, then it is in and out with smiles all around. (let the comments roll)

I think you will find the general consensus is don't do it. Thai import will be calculated NOT in your favor. Search the posts, there are unfortunate stories on here. But, if you decide to do it, good luck and remember, it is only a car, and if you don't ever drive it in Thailand, at least you know someone else is.

Go to the local DMV or Department of Motor Vehicles in the community that you bought the car. This is where you need to register and reliance the car. Do not wait or drive the car with out doing this as there is no road side tips as in Thailand as our boys do not take tea money and the fine will be quite large. Most Us states do no require and or recognized the IDP only a valid license from your home country or the new license from Thailand that is also in English. I have use mine to rent and drive in the US. Also most most states require you to obtain their license if you are in that state over 30 days. Most of your question can be answered by going to the Maryland DMV website.

That is not what I would do. I lived in Michigan for 35 years, so I do have experience here. Go to the local DMV in Michigan. Actually if you call they can help, they have had a new big push for customer service under the new Secretary of State Land (her name). They will tell you the procedure. I believe you get the title faxed to you or them, obtain temp insurance and a plate. The plate is issued on the spot, unless you want special plates not in stock. I got my UofM plates in stock. Then, you take the plates and the insurance with you to Maryland and switch at the time of sale. You take the signed title back to Michigan to register it in your name.

http://www.thnic.net/

You need an organisation registered in Thailand

Martin

this one is good and cheap and fast and easy. i think 550 baht for the name, and then i think another 300 or so for whatever (can't remember, maybe vat and hosting). anyway, i have used them several times

the roof - ladprao soi 48.

not sure of the pricings, will check and get back to u guys.

How is the ambiance of the roof ? Is this place a pub or restaurant ? Food pricing reasonable ?

How is the ambiance of the roof ? - its open-air, on the roof of a whole block of shop houses(around 5-6 shop houses, therefore its not small). live band: singing thai songs, and some english oldies. quiet place, good place to chill with friends or GF.

Is this place a pub or restaurant ? - its the typical thai pub/restaurant, but most of the customers just seat around, chill, drink beer and enjoy the atmosphere of Bangkok (at night). it aint like those sukhumvit bars/pubs, the music and ambiance gives cosy feeling.

Food pricing reasonable ? - it is similar to the normal Thai pub/restaurant. its not ex.

i grade the place 8/10.

I've been here 15 years and I've never been to a pub that had live music played at even close to a level that didn't hurt my ears and my brain. But that's my problem for sure.....

I agree with you for the most part. Here there is only 2 volumes, on and off. But that being said, there is the Roadhouse Barbeque on Surawong and Rama 4 that doesn't do that, at least not the 2 times I have been. The last time there was 1 guy singing with an acoustic guitar, singing mostly softer 60's and 70's American music. Not at all loud or annoying, and I was the closest table to him.

Other than that one, it is full on volume.

Yes, as mentioned, my mother used to freak out on my dad when he whistled, especially at night. She said that the spirits of the dead would hear, it would catch their attention, and they would try to investigate. Basically, it brought spirits to you. She really freaked out if he did it at the house. She didn't want any spirits in the house. So that is mostly why. Sometimes I catch myself whistling when I get some strange looks, and then shut my mouth.

I have a Siam Commercial Card and it does all that you asked

Ooohh, this is a good one. My first reaction was that you should pay your obligations. But......you can't own a house in this country (I am assuming your are not Thai ). Sooo, then why should you pay it? Do you still live there? Do your kids live there? Are you benefiting in any way from the house? Do you think there is a chance of reconcilliation? If you answered no to ALL these questions, then I guess you shouldn't pay. That is based on your statement that the divorce is nasty and you don't want to be nice by paying the WIFE'S mortgage (it is her house and not yours, as any court would tell you if you were trying to gain control over it).

So not paying is not being mean or skirting your duties, because it is NOT your house, so you have NO obligation to pay the mortgage.

Anyway, that is my 2 cents worth.

Sorry, just noticed you weren't asking if you should pay, but what the consequences were. Well, I believe it is a 3 month non-payment policy for most Thai banks. After which they begin actively attempting to collect from the mortgagee (your wife) and any guarantors (he sister). If they can't make arrangements within a couple of months, they will will reclaim the house.

I do enjoy this beer. I have always had it at the Blue Wave Pub on Sukhumvit Soi 7 in BKK. They also carry it at the Witches Tavern on Thonglor between Sois 8 and 10. I think the only reason I go to the Blue Wave is for the Hoegaarden

Ok, so update. I have reset the network settings. No luck. I have tried unlockit.nz. No luck. I called AIS. No luck. They asked me to go to Settings, General, Network, APN Settings. There is no such menu. There is on my iPhone 3G, but not the iPhone 4. I can't send or receive MMS to any number. Does anyone else have this problem?

Also before i got mine working i updated to the latest firmware which is now up to 4.2.1 I would do that first ,

I can't update yet. I don't require unlocking, but I do rely on jailbreaking for many of my apps. 4.2.1 requires a tethered jailbreak. I reboot my phone a couple of times a week for various reasons, and I don't want to have to plug into my pc to do so.

So does 4.2.1 have the menu APN Settings under the General/Network menu?

Ok, so update. I have reset the network settings. No luck. I have tried unlockit.nz. No luck. I called AIS. No luck. They asked me to go to Settings, General, Network, APN Settings. There is no such menu. There is on my iPhone 3G, but not the iPhone 4. I can't send or receive MMS to any number. Does anyone else have this problem?

For my non-diesel car

WhichPetrol Station do you normally go to?

Ican't remember. Whatever is closest when I am under 1/4 of a tank of gas

Ina scale of 0 to 3 (3 being the most significant) how much does the change infuel prices affect the amount of fuel you purchase? 0 1 2 3 I always fill upcompletely Ina scale of 0 to 3 how much does the change in fuel prices affect when youpurchase fuel? 0 1 2 3 My company pays, so I don'tcare. Doesthe information about fuel prices on the news affect your purchasing? If sowhy/why not?

Notat all. I will consume the same amount of gas regardless of when I put it inthe car. Doesthe cleanness of the toilets affect which petrol station you go to? Y/NNo,because using the toilet is an afterthought. I only use it if I am alreadyfilling up. Dothe promotions affect which petrol station you go to? Y/NNo,I usually only purchase gas and maybe a Coke. Ifyes which ones do you prefer? Doesthe service of staff affect which petrol station you go to? Y/NNo,I have found all to be amazingly consistent. Doesthe availability of other services affect which petrol station you go to? (I.e.Stores and Coffee shops) Y/NYes,I am more likely to stop where there are more conveniences in case I have anurge to consume something sweet or am hungry. Ifyes which services are important?

Food Arethere any other reasons why you would choose a petrol station over the others?

No,other than convenience. I will NOT turn around for a station. It must be on myway with minimal amount of hassle to exit and re-enter the road I wastraveling. Whenpurchasing petrol how often do you go to the same place?

Mostof the time, because I tend to travel the same routes, so I stop where I knowthere is a station that is convenient to reach. Everytime/Mostly/Sometimes/Hardly Howloyal do you think you are to your preferred company?

Not as loyal to the company as to theconvenience.

For my motorcycle (NOT a small motorbike)

WhichPetrol Station do you normally go to?

Caltex.

Ina scale of 0 to 3 (3 being the most significant) how much does the change infuel prices affect the amount of fuel you purchase? 0 1 2 3 I always fill upcompletely Ina scale of 0 to 3 how much does the change in fuel prices affect when youpurchase fuel? 0 1 2 3 None at all. Doesthe information about fuel prices on the news affect your purchasing? If sowhy/why not?

Notat all. I will consume the same amount of gas regardless of when I put it inthe car. Doesthe cleanness of the toilets affect which petrol station you go to? Y/NNo,because using the toilet is an afterthought. I only use it if I am alreadyfilling up. Dothe promotions affect which petrol station you go to? Y/NNo,I usually only purchase gas and maybe a Coke. Ifyes which ones do you prefer? Doesthe service of staff affect which petrol station you go to? Y/NNo,I have found all to be amazingly consistent and all around good. Doesthe availability of other services affect which petrol station you go to? (I.e.Stores and Coffee shops) Y/NYes,I am more likely to stop where there are more conveniences in case I have anurge to consume something sweet or am hungry. Ifyes which services are important?

Coke Arethere any other reasons why you would choose a petrol station over the others?

Absoluteyl,the most important - I can ONLY run Benzene91 or 95 in my motorcycle. This is the most important factor on whether I use acertain station or not. If it only carriers gasohol, then I will never gothere. Also, I will NOT turn around for a station. It must be on my way withminimal amount of hassle to exit and re-enter the road I was traveling. Whenpurchasing petrol how often do you go to the same place?

Always,because I tend to travel the same routes, so I stop where I know there is astation that is convenient to reach and carries the fuel that I require. Everytime/Mostly/Sometimes/Hardly Howloyal do you think you are to your preferred company?

Not as loyal to the company as to the availabilityof Benzene.

I know she gained weight. She looked fat whenever I saw her. She frequents a little club near my house. She may have lost it though, I haven't seen her in a couple of months. Maybe sweating it off.

Now the Wonder Girls.... I would definitely pay to see them. Jeesh, I feel like a dirty old man.

I am sure there are many, but I just don't know. I rent long term from QC Leasing in Bangkok. They friendly (ask for Mint and tell her John the Thai guy who crashes his Honda) sent you. They will go month to month, with no obligation to stay on. They don't have the largest selection, but they had what I needed. No pickup trucks though. They have a sweet 2 seater convertible, but oh well, the company won't let me (not sure why ).

Harley makes a very small lock that screws down on your bars. This is locked/unlocked with a key. I have on on my bike, and it is extremely quick and easy to secure my helmet there. I have never had anyone take my helmet, to do so would be to cut the strap, and I say take it then, I can afford another. Just leave the bike!

It is about 4cm long so you need a straight portion of your handle bar. I will post a pic if anyone wants to see it. Probably any Harley shop sells them or can source one for you. I doubt it cost more than 1000 baht, but I am not sure since mine came with the bike.

Happy riding.

Well one problem solved.

Electrics are not easy without a wiring diagram or the bike and a multimeter. My only suggestion is unplug and reconnect every connection you can find.

I was thinking grounding but as the headlight worked. There might be a headlight relay that defaults to high beam although logic would say default to low beam so that seams to be eliminated.

As you rode almost right by yesterday, you are welcome to drop by next Sunday with at least two beers.

Ride during the day?

Where are you? I do ride during the day - to the office. I work during the day. I would enjoy having a beer or 2 with another motorcycle guy. I am usually free on Sundays.

So, I rode it last night and again to the office today. Both low and high beams work now, but no brake lights or directions still. Weird, the high beam indicator light on the "dashboard" works, but the neutral light is not working.

I went through and reseated all the connections that I could find, but to be honest, as soon as I found the broken battery lead wire, I stopped checking any other connections. I will have to get back to it this weekend. But it drives like a champ other than the electrical problems.

thanks i will give AIS a call.

one other thing to try is reset your network settings

I tried that, no luck.

3G in Thailand? I tought it's available only in developed countries such as Laos and Cambodia...

You've also missed off that other technological giant........Myanmar.

Oh, well you all missed the telecommunication titan....Mt. Everest. Both sides.

Every year at the Queen Sirikit Convention Center there is a huge gathering at the lake in the middle of the park. You can't miss it. Last year there was a live band, lots of food and dancing, and of course the actual floatings. You can buy what you need there. It was very nice there.