sstuff3

Most delays in IMT's is because the initiating "bank" is not actuallly a bank, but some sort of mickey mouse credit union or building society that doesn't have a SWIFT number. The credit union or building society must therefore use an intermediary bank to facilitate the transfer. Typically, these transfers will be slow, and if you do it on a Friday then you're going to have delays.

And always make sure that the beneficiary name/s are identical to the receiving banks record of the account. A mis-spelling or an omission invariably means that the transaction will fall out of the automated basket and a staff member has to verify the validity of the beneficiary account.

I've used K-Bank for seven years and done many IMT's from New Zealand. Typically I can initiate the transaction online at 08:00 local time (13:00 Thai time) and I get a text from K-Bank saying the money has been deposited at 15:00 Thai time. The cut off time for IMT's in NZ is 15:00, or it goes the next day. So I never initiate a transfer after 13:00 NZ time.

Originating bank is HSBC. Never have delays transferring to other accounts and didn't have delays into K-Bank until recently.

I doubt the OP has the ability to track exactly what time the requested transfer was actually activated from the 'originating' bank/account.

These problems are often associated with intermediary banks associated with the transfer (mostly invisible to the account holder)

To suggest some 'jiggery -pokerey " linked to exchange rates smacks of paranoia unless this can be evidenced.

I think the facts that the transfers last year were received into the account on the same day, usually within hours, and that the previous 3 delayed transfers were magically credited within minutes of my missus calling the bank (after the bank staff telling her they cannot see any incoming wires for our account) proof enough that they are manipulating the transfers for their own benefit.

Never a problem with K bank.. I transfer before 12 am and always in my acc by 8.30am..This is through internet banking..

Try it recently? This is the 4th time they've held my transfer over the weekend to enjoy the exchange rate in their favor.

If you transfer money Friday evening in Bangkok, while its Friday during the day in your home country like Canada or England, the transfer will not get deposited until Monday. The dept responsible does not work on the weekends. I transfer money from Canada Sunday-Thursday Evenings and it's always in my account no later than 8:30 AM the coming morning.

The transfer was initiated Friday morning (0930 Thailand time) and originated in Hong Kong. No rational reason for the delay.

Never a problem with K bank.. I transfer before 12 am and always in my acc by 8.30am..This is through internet banking..

Try it recently? This is the 4th time they've held my transfer over the weekend to enjoy the exchange rate in their favor.

i can go back as far as the 80's when i was told NEVER change money or trans.on fri.aft-till mon.morn. i still abide by this.

I would agree but this transfer was initiated well before noon.

It's probably not an exchange rate thing. It' probably just K-bank doing a manual (human) review of every incoming transfer before posting to your account and sometimes that human is not around to accomplish the transfer promptly. Whereas in the U.S./western countries it's more on autopilot/computer review with a human review by exception.

Don't be misled into thinking the Thai banking system is not as automated as those in the west. The main difference is that they can override the automation and execute the transfer when it benefits them the most. In the west, there are regulations that prevent this type of manipulation, apparently not here.

Never a problem with K bank.. I transfer before 12 am and always in my acc by 8.30am..This is through internet banking..

Try it recently? This is the 4th time they've held my transfer over the weekend to enjoy the exchange rate in their favor.

For the fourth time this year, K-Bank has delayed processing an incoming wire transfer (presumably to wait until the exchange rates are more favorable to the bank). The wire was initiated at 0930 this morning and immediately out of the originating account but still hadn't been received into the account at K-Bank by 2200.

The previous 3 times this has happened this year my missus called the bank and was told they couldn't see any incoming wire and then magically the wire was received within 30 minutes of hanging up. This time she didn't call.

When I transfer money from this same originating account to my US account, the funds are received into the account within minutes. This was also the case with K-Bank until recently.

This post is to serve as a warning to anyone using K-Bank for incoming wires. If you need the money promptly you may be better off using a different bank.

I'm looking for ideas on how to give my yard some privacy from the roads we have on three sides by modifying the existing wall. I'd like it to look good, last a long time and hopefully be affordable.

I appreciate your suggestions.

We used a common bush called "Moke" to border our walls. As you can see it grows rather high if you want it to. Requires trimming about once a month and little water. Ours are now 4 years old and provide adequate privacy. They also bloom a couple times a years and leaves a nice scent in the air.

im looking at buying a ranger /bt50/ dmax/vigo etc soon

i also like to make some "thai style " changes to make it look a bit special from the stock version (you can see what i have in mind from the pictures below )

i would like to raise the suspension a few inches and add larger wheels and the bodykit,bonnet scoop ,exhaust etc or something similar

for one of the above pickups

i am aware some of the mods maybe illegal but about half the trucks in my area are modified and the police dont enforce it

has anyone any experience with anything like this ?

f1.jpgf2.jpg

http://www.vvp4x4.com/

On Srinakarin Road in Bangkok. I've been a customer of theirs for more than 5 years and had my truck modified there. Very professional and they have the integrity to tell you what limits you need to stay within to keep your truck safe. Highly recommended.

So what's the point of bikers paying road tax if they are banned from many of the main arteries connecting Bangkok?

This is just another money grabbing excercise by the biggest mafia in Thailand

Apparently the amount they pay only covers the left most lanes and doesn't include bridges or tunnels.

Motorbikers to stage a 'show of force' against traffic ban

BANGKOK: -- Motorcyclists in Bangkok and its peripherals will stage a “show of force” on Tuesday to protest against the recent police order banning them from using 39 bridges and six tunnels in Bangkok.

The “show of force” against the traffic ban was declared and widely shared in the Facebook pages and Line application by motorists angered by the police order.

The protesting motorcyclists will all tie a piece of black cloth on the left mirror or left handle of their bikes and ride on the left traffic lane. This is intended to show that how the traffic during the rush hours will be affected if the bikers follow the ban.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/content/158163

-- Thai PBS 2016-04-05

This reminds me of the "strike to rules" action by the bus drivers in Hong Kong. They refused to go over the speed limits and would only stay in the left lane and stop only at the designated bus stops fully out of the lanes of travel before opening the doors. Best traffic flow while it lasted. Most people hoped they would continue their "strike" indefinitely.

The ninjas will attack in the middle of the night...

Best reply yet. Reading some of the responses I think some of the forum members may think this is an actual possibility. Thanks for the smile.

Also as a sidenote, be careful about cutting the grass yourself.

I have a friend of a friend that got arrested by immigration for cutting his own grass. it is a protected profession, and we cant do it. he got reported by another farrang.

Can you ask him to post a report about his experience. Not saying it's not true but I've never seen any first-hand reports about this, although I have seen countless reports of a "friend of a friend". I would be interested in hearing his experience first-hand.

The "Thai Way" ??? What is it exactly ??? ........ Do I have an "English Way" ? or a "British Way" ?....

I don't know any Thai who has a "Thai Way".... of all the Thai's I know their reactions to a multitude of different situations are as widely ranging as ours would be. There is no "Thai Way"..... This seems to be some myth perpetrated by foreigners who believe themselves to have become more Thai than the Thai's... to perhaps show their overwhelming love for and understanding of the country they've adopted as home, or as simple one-up-man-ship against other foreigners in Thailand....

When ever I have an issue here I react as I would back home - that's because most people here as anywhere else in the world are reasonable.

Often its the communication which is the flaw in many of these issues, and when we fail to communicate effectively, misunderstandings and frustration slips into the mix.

In this case the Op wasn't happy and dealt with the situation, IMO much as many Thai's I know would, I also know plenty of Thai's and foreigners who would handle the situation differently or even completely let it go and smoulder, or, even completely let the issue go and not care....

But to suggest there is a 'Thai Way' just seems daft, it shows a lack of understanding of human nature and people for whom when described in such mass on a national scale generalisations can rarely fit.

No need to get personal. Philosophically you are correct, all humans are inherently the same, but to suggest that people of all countries and cultures can be grouped together is flawed. If this were the case, there would be no wars or disputes as everyone would think and act/react the same. There is indeed a “British Way”, “Australian Way”, “American Way”, “African Way”, “Israeli Way”, etc. etc., the list could go on and on. Why the need for the famous saying “when in Rome do as the Romans do” or the most popular one on this forum: T.I.T. if everyone thinks and acts the same? You are also correct that within each country or culture there are a multitude of different ideas and not everyone can be placed into the same category. That does not change the fact that there are unique traits that are widely shared within each country or culture. I conduct business throughout Asia Pacific and adapt my methods and style of dealings to fit each country and their unique cultures. There fortunately, or unfortunately (depending on how you look at it) is not a one-size-fits-all culture.

I've lived here for more than 10 years and think I have a good grasp of the Thai culture but there are limits and sometimes they need to be spoken. Assimilating doesn't mean we have to leave our values,integrity, and common sense at the immigration counter when we enter the country. I believe we could add some value if we try in a constructive manner.

You obviously haven't learned in your 10+ years here that their values and your imported values are not the same, and they are not going to adopt yours in their country. Frustrating yes, but you are never going to change anything even if you think you have in the short term. They'll just think you're a bloody nuisance and they might well put your wife in the same category, which is why she got angry.

Speaking as a 25+ year resident.

I don't see a problem with retaining ones own values, integrity and common sense while living in a foreign country.

I understand very well that their values and mine (ours) don't always align (and likely never will and I'm OK with that). I also think it is equally important for them to understand the same about us, whether they (we) agree or not. If they want to avoid the "nuisance" of dealing with farangs then they can easily do so by performing the work they've been paid to do.

Saving face (avoiding embarrassment) is not foreign to the western world but most of the western world has learned that the best way to save face is to "protect" it in the first place by having integrity and honoring our commitments.

I love the country, people and culture here, otherwise I would have left long ago. The point of the post is not to bash the Thai people or force them to adopt our values or change theirs, but only a statement that the Thai Way doesn't always work. 4 years of trying it is proof enough.

There was no yelling, screaming, stomping, shouting or childish behavior.

From your Western mindset, perhaps.... you realise that you're not in the West now, right?

You obviously have some issues about Thai culture that you'd be better of fixing within yourself, rather than educating the "stupid" Thais about how minor issues should be dealt with.

Best of luck.

Again, you continue to misinterpret my writings. I've never said, or thought for that matter, that Thai people are stupid so please don't try to put those words on me. You obviously have issues with foreigners which you should either deal with or learn to suppress before someone takes that view of you.

BTW - paying someone 20,000 baht (or any amount for that matter) to do something they are not doing is not a "minor" issue in my opinion.

I think your approach is correct. Polite but firm. I don't understand why some expats seem to think that, because they love Thailand, everything is acceptable? If a Thai family are paying 20,000 Baht for a service, but not receiving it, they just accept that as their lot? I'd be surprised if that were true. And if they don't, neither should you.

Nope.

they deal with in a way that gets the work done, in the best way for them - ie, making everyone save face

Of course most big footed farang only know how to stomp in and make demands when the work they pay for hasn't been done, and the Thai way takes a level of insight and intelligence beyond most farang here.

Good luck teaching Thais how Thai matters should be dealt with.

I believe 4 years of trying it the Thai way is more than enough to prove it wasn't working. At what point do you change tactics or do you suggest to keep your head buried in the sand acting like all is well and hope one day it will all be OK?

Taking money for services not rendered is not only wrong it is criminal, even in Thailand. Inaction is condoning this type of behavior and benefits no one.

You are suggesting that talking straightforward to a Thai person about a problem in a calm and polite manner causes them to lose face and will result in retribution? You have an amazing view on things and it doesn't match the views of my Thai friends and family. Thank God.

There was no yelling, screaming, stomping, shouting or childish behavior.

From your Western mindset, perhaps.... you realise that you're not in the West now, right?

You obviously have some issues about Thai culture that you'd be better of fixing within yourself, rather than educating the "stupid" Thais about how minor issues should be dealt with.

Best of luck.

Again, you continue to misinterpret my writings. I've never said, or thought for that matter, that Thai people are stupid so please don't try to put those words on me. You obviously have issues with foreigners which you should either deal with or learn to suppress before someone takes that view of you.

BTW - paying someone 20,000 baht (or any amount for that matter) to do something they are not doing is not a "minor" issue in my opinion.

20 K that is a lot of money , I pay 8500 , bins emptied twice a week, grass areas cut every fortnight ,trees trimed plus security and card entry system. plus street lighting There are 370 houses on our estate ,we have a well run committee.So it would seem u have a bit of a problem.

In Bangkok? We also have nearly 370 houses, security-manned gate and patrols, street lighting etc but the trash is only collected once a week. This is a fairly new MooBaan, we were one of the first to buy and apparently the new buyers don't have to pay fees for the first 2 years. Maybe the fees will reduce after everyone starts paying.

No mention of any lack of work being done.

My point exactly is that approach doesn't work here all the time. "Stay quiet and don't mention the real problem" and hope beyond hope that the problem will somehow go away or someone will take responsibility.

No, use your head and play it to your advantage. You've been given good advice about how you should have played it to your best over all advantage.

Most arrogant farangs are too up themselves to see the different ways things can be done. Shouting, stomping and screaming gets what they want in the very short term....

You lost this one. How much, will be seen over the coming years.

Best of luck. Hopefully they'll put your childish behavior down to being a childish farang, and not knowing how to properly behave.

Wow, seems you misinterpreted what I wrote or maybe you just take a bad view of all foreigners here. There was no yelling, screaming, stomping, shouting or childish behavior. Just pointing out what's wrong and in very simple terms. I've lived here for more than 10 years and think I have a good grasp of the Thai culture but there are limits and sometimes they need to be spoken. Assimilating doesn't mean we have to leave our values,integrity, and common sense at the immigration counter when we enter the country. I believe we could add some value if we try in a constructive manner.

I guess your wife is OK with you paying 20k.

But what if it were her paying 20k?

And, what CH says, pay monthly after the work is done.

And, no point getting angry, just don't pay.

After being here more than 10 years and married to her for the last 5 years, I honestly doubt her response would be any different if she were the one paying.

No mention of any lack of work being done.

My point exactly is that approach doesn't work here all the time. "Stay quiet and don't mention the real problem" and hope beyond hope that the problem will somehow go away or someone will take responsibility. That Meipenrai attitude is the source of so many problems in this country and is evident in every area of life here, from government to the local food market. Sometimes people need to be straightforward to get them to open their eyes. Sometimes you have to call the kettle black if it's black.

Surely you can't be the only resident annoyed at the lack of maintenance you're paying for. Get some different people elected to the homeowner's association, or whatever they call it here, and then either force the labor to do their job or reduce the HOA fees to to more appropriate level.

Caveat: I'm speaking as a former HOA president from the USA, where things are a bit more democratic. Would that even be possible here?

There are only 5 house on my Soi and it is tucked away in the corner of the MooBaan. I also find it hard to believe that none of the others on the street have complained. Maybe they haven't complained since I've been taking care of it. One of them even has small children that play in the tall grass daily. Meipenrai

If it were me, I would refuse to pay the fee "annually" (if possible) and pay it monthly, and if the work isnt done, it wont get paid.

We've informed them that starting this year we will only pay it monthly after seeing the work done. Hopefully this approach will work. BTW - thanks for the edit, I didn't initially intend for the post to be so long.

We bought a house in a nice MooBaan in Bangkok 4 years ago. Pay the annual "maintenance fee" which is higher than most of the houses here since our land size is larger but tucked away in the corner of the MooBaan. In the 4 years we've been here the managements staff have cut the grass in the public garden in front of our house less than 5 times and most of those times were "after" my wife lodging complaints about it.

Last year I gave up trying to complain about it and decided to cut it myself after cutting my own lawn. This solution was fine with me until about 3 weeks ago when the management staff began watering the garden. I asked my wife to inform them that if they don't intend to cut it then they shouldn't water it. Besides watering it every day for the past 3 weeks, they leave the water hose laying spread out across the garden so I couldn't cut it even if I wanted to without having to roll up the hose.

This week we paid the annual fee again and my wife spoke to them about the lack of maintenance. That same day, the management staff were busy cutting the brush on the other side of the MooBaan exterior walls, which doesn't belong to the MooBaan and has no public access to (their justification for this is to prevent fires but in my opinion makes it easier for criminals to climb over the walls to burglarize the houses). The manager told her he would send the staff to cut the grass "today". He scoffed at her when she told him his staff hasn't cut the grass since the first of October and retreated when she offered to show him our cctv of me cutting it every 2 weeks. Two days have passed and the grass is still knee-high.

My patience has come to an end so I tell my wife that I will go talk to the manager myself. This leads to an argument because she doesn't understand why I am so upset about it. Apparently paying 20,000 baht a year for maintenance of the common areas is OK for her despite anyone actually doing what we are paying for. I walked to the management office and waited an hour for the manager to stop tooling around with his car before I approached him. I showed him a picture of the main garden in the MooBaan (on the entrance road) which is very well maintained and told him how beautiful it was. Then I showed him a picture of the public garden in front of my house and asked why it wasn't being maintained. Of course he didn't offer any explanation instead repeating "sorry sorry, we will cut today". I asked why after telling my wife the same thing 2 days ago I should believe him. He just repeated his "sorry Mister, we will cut today". I told him that after today he needs to make sure they return every 2 weeks to cut it again. He said OK. After going back home to an angry wife (angry at me for not letting it go), the workers arrived 10 minutes later and after 20 minutes of work the garden is nicely groomed.

I guess the true test will be whether they return in 2 weeks to keep it maintained. We'll see. Hopefully the wife will calm down soon but I don't think she will ever understand the point of my anger. Seems sometimes you have to confront people here if you want them to do something. The mei-pen-rai approach just doesn't work all the time.

Sorry for the long post. Rant over, for now.

After watching the video, it is clear the fault lies with the motorcycle driver. The car slowly enters the road and is more than half way across when the motorcycle, traveling in the right lane, crossed the centerline in an attempt to pass the turning car. Very poor judgment by the motorcycle driver but not uncommon here. It seems the insurance company may think likewise which is why she has resorted to social media in her attempt to shift the blame.