sstuff3

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.

I read his entire website and feel sorry for his troubles. I wish he had chosen a different path but this obviously was his choice. I only wish now that his family is able to travel to Thailand to say their last goodbyes before they carry out his final wishes.

As an awareness they should post the new rules on every Thai embassy website, tourist websites so no one can say they didnt know. Post them clearly in many languages at all points of inward immigration for the non technocrats.

I had to sign an "acknowledgment form" at Bangkok Immigration earlier this month when I applied for my latest extension of stay. The form states the new rules and penalties clearly.

I had to do that yesterday but the form was all in Thai as if a Thai need to fill out that form

The one I had to sign was in both Thai and English (see attached). Also had to sign an "Acknowledgement of Terms and Condition of Extension".

Thai Immigration_Acknowledgement of term and conditions_2016.pdf

Thai Immigration_Acknowledgement of Penalties for Overstay_2016.pdf

As an awareness they should post the new rules on every Thai embassy website, tourist websites so no one can say they didnt know. Post them clearly in many languages at all points of inward immigration for the non technocrats.

I had to sign an "acknowledgment form" at Bangkok Immigration earlier this month when I applied for my latest extension of stay. The form states the new rules and penalties clearly.

Thanks for the replies. All appreciated.

Is a work permit required to change a light bulb in condo common areas, if I am a co-owner in the condo building? Technically, a co-owner does own part of common areas. There would be no payment or consideration for services rendered.

Basically the condo management, hasn't fixed lights in the condo common areas for months, after repeated requests from numerous co-owners. Condo maintenance funds are limited and there are more important issues and items than fixing lights.

Just go ahead and do it. I cut the grass and maintain the common garden in front of my house because the property management doesn't. Been doing this for 4 years and no one has complained, doubt they ever will. If this ever becomes an issue I would have to seriously consider relocating back to the US. I doubt anyone would ever try to make an issue out of it, except some of the TV Forum members.

I have used the same pictures every year for the last 3 years only changed when I moved .

Every office is different. It is not helpful to state your experience at one office.

Yes, every office is different, every officer is different, sometimes it maybe even depends on sympathie/antipathie. If they want new photos they want them. Last week i went for three extensions to the N.Pathom IO, done in 15 minutes. They didn't care about the photos, as there is no real need for them anymore since they take pictures at the IO and they can compare them on the screen with the ones from last year.

I don't think you arewriting about the same photos mentioned in the OP or my post. Not sure how immigration would be able to do the photos in and around the house at an immigration office.

No need for the photo's to be in and around the house, this is something that the individual Immigration office's may ask, but not at Chiang Mai Immigration. Was there today and they are happy to accept any photo taken at any location as long as it is you and your spouse.

VBR

Ron

Bangkok Div 1 IO specified 4 pictures of us both, one in front of the house showing the house number, one showing us in front of the house with a full view of the house, one in the living room, and one in front of the stairs showing the stairs going up to the second floor. She will get six pictures tomorrow. Whatever it takes....

Just went today and was told the same thing. The IO got upset when I politely mentioned that there is no requirement for this listed on their website. She said if I bring the pictures tomorrow I won't have to join the queue unless i ask about the website again then I'll have to join the queue and start over again. I asked in a very calm and polite manner but I guess even that is frowned upon. Best to keep your mouth shut and jump through whatever hoops they present.

Can anyone recommend a company to setup a website for my business that will allow me free access to make changes to the website whenever I want? Obviously there are companies who design and setup websites and manage them for you but I would prefer to maintain control of the site and be able to make changes as needed without having to depend on a third party to do it for me.

Thailand’s Junta Orders Ban on Double-Decker Buses

BANGKOK – Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith has reported that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered a ban on the registration of new double-decker tour buses and stricter road worthiness checks for all public transport vehicles.

Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said Gen Prayut issued the instructions during Tuesday’s cabinet meeting in the wake a record road-toll over the New Year holiday.

According to Arkhom the 4,800 double-decker buses and 16,000 regular buses already in operation with a height of more than 3.6 meters must now pass a strict tilt test on a 30 degree slope. Any that fail to pass the test must be taken out of service.

Full story: http://www.chiangraitimes.com/thailands-junta-orders-ban-on-double-decker-buses.html

-- Chiang Rai Times 2016-01-07

“Thailand is the only country that still allows double-decker buses to operate,” the minister said"

Apparently he doesn't travel much.

Hello,

I have searched little bit about safes and what I found so far is, that many told not to buy an electronic safe, because this can be opened very easy.

I have to agree with the cheap safes which are similar or same to hotel safes.

But I would like to have some informations about a little bit better electronic safes like:

• Power Champ D35

Because if you have a Key, I can understand the reason that a thief will try to find they key in the condo and therefore probably will destroy a lot of things. And you also have to take care a key all the time... Where to hide and if you go out... You will bring the key with you all the time... danger that you lose the important key.....

I think (my personal opinion) is that a electronic safe is therefore more safe, because I can't lose the key.

The example of safe i gave is about the biggest I am willing to buy. There are as well safes for a few bucks. But this one can be opened much easier i guess and are in the category of hotel safes.

The issue is not whether the safe has an electronic lock. The issue is, "what kind of lock is it"?

If the electronic lock is a solenoid then you should avoid it as they can be easily "bumped" open as shown in many videos on the Internet. You should choose a lock that carries an EN-1300 rating and uses a motor locking device which cannot be "bumped open".

As far as safes go, I would recommend only buying one with a security rating that meets your requirements. The international security rating standards are UL and CEN, with CEN gaining popularity due to ever changing standards to respond to the ever changing tools available. UL hasn't updated their standards in more than 10 years. Rated safes are available in many sizes and strengths. Obviously the larger the safe and the higher the rating the price will be reflected as well. Another thing to note: a fire rated safe may not be rated for security or vice versa. There are safes available that are rated for both security and fire but of course the cost is higher.

There are a few safe dealers in Thailand who carry these types of rated safes. If you need a list, send me a private message and I'll provide the list.

I need to do some touchup painting on some furniture I have and am having a hard time finding the correct matching color. Does anyone know where I can buy paint in Bangkok using the RAL 7016 code?

He put on a great concert in 2004 in Hong Kong. Hoping for a repeat. Got the tickets already ☺