2lz2p

Yes, much less expensive than USA . Also, I have found the care to be quite good over the 17 years I have lived here.  I do have health insurance carried over from my employer upon retirement that covers me in Thailand - Bangkok Hospital Pattaya (BHP) will also direct bill my insurance, which I use for inpatient care. For outpatient, I pay and get reimbursement.
Although care is much less here, it still can run into a costly experience depending on the nature of the illness/injury being treated.  In the early part of this year, I was hospitalized with a serious lung infection -- 5+ weeks in hospital with 4 of those in ICU.  BHP billed my health insurance 2.7 million baht, which was covered 100%.  Had I been paying, I'm guessing that the bill would have been around 1.7 million baht -- this is based on the fact that BHP will bill insurance substantially more than when I pay direct - whereas most hospitals in USA have agreements with insurers that cap costs.  This "guess" is based on the fact that some time ago, for outpatient and 90 day supply of many prescriptions I take regularly, the cashier presented me with a bill for about 80,000 baht and said they were waiting on the "guarantee" from my insurance.  I said "no", I do not want insurance billed direct, I will pay and get reimbursement.  She then redid the bill and the total was about 50,000 baht - important to me as my insurance pays only 85% for outpatient care, thus the 30,000 extra would have cost me 4,500 baht more in out of pocket cost. 
But, another "good" thing about health care here is being able to schedule appointments with specialist doctors.  Generally at BHP,  I can call and get an appointment the next day (sometimes the same day), whereas in USA , it could be anywhere from several days to a few weeks for non-emergencies.  Also, when they do lab or other diagnostic tests, the results are usually obtained within an hour (or a few if MRI or CT scan), whereas when I visited my GP in USA and he ordered a lab test, it was 2 or 3 days to get results.
 
 

Yes, much less expensive than USA . Also, I have found the care to be quite good over the 17 years I have lived here.  I do have health insurance carried over from my employer upon retirement that covers me in Thailand - Bangkok Hospital Pattaya (BHP) will also direct bill my insurance, which I use for inpatient care. For outpatient, I pay and get reimbursement.
Although care is much less here, it still can run into a costly experience depending on the nature of the illness/injury being treated.  In the early part of this year, I was hospitalized with a serious lung infection -- 5+ weeks in hospital with 4 of those in ICU.  BHP billed my health insurance 2.7 million baht, which was covered 100%.  Had I been paying, I'm guessing that the bill would have been around 1.7 million baht -- this is based on the fact that BHP will bill insurance substantially more than when I pay direct - whereas most hospitals in USA have agreements with insurers that cap costs.  This "guess" is based on the fact that some time ago, for outpatient and 90 day supply of many prescriptions I take regularly, the cashier presented me with a bill for about 80,000 baht and said they were waiting on the "guarantee" from my insurance.  I said "no", I do not want insurance billed direct, I will pay and get reimbursement.  She then redid the bill and the total was about 50,000 baht - important to me as my insurance pays only 85% for outpatient care, thus the 30,000 extra would have cost me 4,500 baht more in out of pocket cost. 
But, another "good" thing about health care here is being able to schedule appointments with specialist doctors.  Generally at BHP,  I can call and get an appointment the next day (sometimes the same day), whereas in USA , it could be anywhere from several days to a few weeks for non-emergencies.  Also, when they do lab or other diagnostic tests, the results are usually obtained within an hour (or a few if MRI or CT scan), whereas when I visited my GP in USA and he ordered a lab test, it was 2 or 3 days to get results.
 
 

Yes, much less expensive than USA . Also, I have found the care to be quite good over the 17 years I have lived here.  I do have health insurance carried over from my employer upon retirement that covers me in Thailand - Bangkok Hospital Pattaya (BHP) will also direct bill my insurance, which I use for inpatient care. For outpatient, I pay and get reimbursement.
Although care is much less here, it still can run into a costly experience depending on the nature of the illness/injury being treated.  In the early part of this year, I was hospitalized with a serious lung infection -- 5+ weeks in hospital with 4 of those in ICU.  BHP billed my health insurance 2.7 million baht, which was covered 100%.  Had I been paying, I'm guessing that the bill would have been around 1.7 million baht -- this is based on the fact that BHP will bill insurance substantially more than when I pay direct - whereas most hospitals in USA have agreements with insurers that cap costs.  This "guess" is based on the fact that some time ago, for outpatient and 90 day supply of many prescriptions I take regularly, the cashier presented me with a bill for about 80,000 baht and said they were waiting on the "guarantee" from my insurance.  I said "no", I do not want insurance billed direct, I will pay and get reimbursement.  She then redid the bill and the total was about 50,000 baht - important to me as my insurance pays only 85% for outpatient care, thus the 30,000 extra would have cost me 4,500 baht more in out of pocket cost. 
But, another "good" thing about health care here is being able to schedule appointments with specialist doctors.  Generally at BHP,  I can call and get an appointment the next day (sometimes the same day), whereas in USA , it could be anywhere from several days to a few weeks for non-emergencies.  Also, when they do lab or other diagnostic tests, the results are usually obtained within an hour (or a few if MRI or CT scan), whereas when I visited my GP in USA and he ordered a lab test, it was 2 or 3 days to get results.
 
 

To further clarify, the Non-Immigrant Visa, Category "O-A" information is correct, it is obtained in country of residence, which for most will be their home country but is available in other countries only if they are considered by that country to be a legal resident.  Both the "O-A" and "O-X" Visas are for retirees to meet the requirements for retiring in Thailand (be 50 years of age or older & have required financial resources).  A health insurance requirement has been in effect for some time for the Non-Immigrant Visa Category "O-X" (sometimes called a 10 year visa).   All other categories for a Non-Immigrant Visa do not require the person have health insurance, e.g., Category "O", Category "B", Category "Ed", etc.  My following comments do not relate to the O-X Visa as it is rather unique, has always had a health insurance from a Thai company, and probably held by only a few.
Most O-A Visas are valid for entry for one year from date of issue (Enter by date shown on Visa) and are Multiple Entry ("M" designation on the Visa), meaning the holder can leave & return to Thailand during the validity period of the Visa and each time they enter, they until the new rules, receive a one-year permission to stay, e.g., if Visa expires on November 30, 2019 and the holder enters or reenters Thailand on November 29, 2019, they will be permitted to stay until November 28, 2020.   However, under the new rules, they will need to show they have health insurance coverage of at least 400,000 baht inpatient and 40,000 baht outpatient - the insurance can be from a non-Thai company acceptable to the Thai Embassy/Consulate where the application is being made. Apparently (this is still new and not effective til the end of this month) based on the information posted on the Thai Immigration Website, there will be an annotation on the Visa (or in passport next to Visa stamp) on the period of health insurance.  Upon entry into Thailand, initial or subsequent, the permission to stay will be until the expiration date of the health insurance unless proof is shown that a new policy is in effect that will continue to cover for the full year normally granted.
A permission to stay in Thailand is based on the type of entry, Visa Exempt (30 days), Tourist Visa (60 days), or Non-Immigrant Visa (90 days- except for O-A and O-X).  One can apply at Thai Immigration to extend the period of permitted stay (note, this is an extension of the permission to stay, not the Visa validity period).  In the case of Visa Exempt or Tourist Visa, the extension of stay can be granted one time for 30 days.  For Non-Immigrant Visas, the extension may vary depending on the Visa Category and purpose of the extension.  Immigration has published rules on how long the stay may a particular purpose, most being up to one-year.  One of these purposes can be for retirement - usually based on a Category O Visa. 
The new rules governing the granting of extensions for the purpose of retirement have been amended with an effective date of October 31, 2019. They added a new requirement for health insurance BUT IT ONLY APPLIES to those that were granted a permission to stay based on having a Non-Immigrant O-A Visa.  Thus it DOES NOT APPLY to the permission of stay granted to holders of other categories of Non-Immigrant Visas such as "O" who apply for an extension of stay even though it is also for retirement.
That said, there is currently a lot of speculation and inaccurate or incomplete information being bandied about in the press and on various message boards. The above information is based on official rules or announcements by Thai Immigration or Ministry of Foreign Affairs (governs Embassies & Consulates).  Many press articles are based on pronouncements by officials with the Ministry of Public Health, who although the prime instigators for the new requirement, are often ignorant of Immigration and Visa requirements and, IMO, should not be relied on unless backed up by rules/requirements of Immigration or Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
 

I don't think any of us are really going to know until the rules come into effect and we start seeing what the various immigration offices are going to do.  In all my years living in Thailand, if I've learned nothing else, I've learned that no matter what the immigration rules are, it all comes down to what the immigration officer you're dealing with decides to do, all too often at the whim of the officer regardless of the rules.
My suggestion for O-A retirement visa holders who wish to renew, do so as far in advance of the expiration date as possible.  That way, if there is anything they want you to do, you will still have time to get it done.
If the immigration officer tells you something you don't want to hear, whatever you do, don't get angry or argue with him.  It won't do any good, won't get him to change his mind, and will only make things worse.  Whatever he tells you that you need to do, you're going to have to do it.  It will be either that, or you don't get the visa.

To further clarify, the Non-Immigrant Visa, Category "O-A" information is correct, it is obtained in country of residence, which for most will be their home country but is available in other countries only if they are considered by that country to be a legal resident.  Both the "O-A" and "O-X" Visas are for retirees to meet the requirements for retiring in Thailand (be 50 years of age or older & have required financial resources).  A health insurance requirement has been in effect for some time for the Non-Immigrant Visa Category "O-X" (sometimes called a 10 year visa).   All other categories for a Non-Immigrant Visa do not require the person have health insurance, e.g., Category "O", Category "B", Category "Ed", etc.  My following comments do not relate to the O-X Visa as it is rather unique, has always had a health insurance from a Thai company, and probably held by only a few.
Most O-A Visas are valid for entry for one year from date of issue (Enter by date shown on Visa) and are Multiple Entry ("M" designation on the Visa), meaning the holder can leave & return to Thailand during the validity period of the Visa and each time they enter, they until the new rules, receive a one-year permission to stay, e.g., if Visa expires on November 30, 2019 and the holder enters or reenters Thailand on November 29, 2019, they will be permitted to stay until November 28, 2020.   However, under the new rules, they will need to show they have health insurance coverage of at least 400,000 baht inpatient and 40,000 baht outpatient - the insurance can be from a non-Thai company acceptable to the Thai Embassy/Consulate where the application is being made. Apparently (this is still new and not effective til the end of this month) based on the information posted on the Thai Immigration Website, there will be an annotation on the Visa (or in passport next to Visa stamp) on the period of health insurance.  Upon entry into Thailand, initial or subsequent, the permission to stay will be until the expiration date of the health insurance unless proof is shown that a new policy is in effect that will continue to cover for the full year normally granted.
A permission to stay in Thailand is based on the type of entry, Visa Exempt (30 days), Tourist Visa (60 days), or Non-Immigrant Visa (90 days- except for O-A and O-X).  One can apply at Thai Immigration to extend the period of permitted stay (note, this is an extension of the permission to stay, not the Visa validity period).  In the case of Visa Exempt or Tourist Visa, the extension of stay can be granted one time for 30 days.  For Non-Immigrant Visas, the extension may vary depending on the Visa Category and purpose of the extension.  Immigration has published rules on how long the stay may a particular purpose, most being up to one-year.  One of these purposes can be for retirement - usually based on a Category O Visa. 
The new rules governing the granting of extensions for the purpose of retirement have been amended with an effective date of October 31, 2019. They added a new requirement for health insurance BUT IT ONLY APPLIES to those that were granted a permission to stay based on having a Non-Immigrant O-A Visa.  Thus it DOES NOT APPLY to the permission of stay granted to holders of other categories of Non-Immigrant Visas such as "O" who apply for an extension of stay even though it is also for retirement.
That said, there is currently a lot of speculation and inaccurate or incomplete information being bandied about in the press and on various message boards. The above information is based on official rules or announcements by Thai Immigration or Ministry of Foreign Affairs (governs Embassies & Consulates).  Many press articles are based on pronouncements by officials with the Ministry of Public Health, who although the prime instigators for the new requirement, are often ignorant of Immigration and Visa requirements and, IMO, should not be relied on unless backed up by rules/requirements of Immigration or Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
 

Do a Google search for:  dengue fever vaccine thailand
 
Many sites will come up.
 
I suggest reading the following article - and anyone who has never contracted Dengue Fever should definitely read it before getting the vaccine.
 
https://www.thaitravelclinic.com/blog/travel-medicine-issue/dengue-vaccine-for-travelersforeigners-in-thailand-should-i-get-it.html

Looks like the boys in brown along with Immigration police made a return visit - from Bangkok Post today: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1282766/foreign-bike-racers-arrested-in-south-pattaya
 
34 arrests - some fined, some taken to Immigration until they could produce their passports to show they were not on overstay -- if on overstay, most likely they will wind up at Bangkok Immigration Detention Center until they can be deported.

Looks like the boys in brown along with Immigration police made a return visit - from Bangkok Post today: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1282766/foreign-bike-racers-arrested-in-south-pattaya
 
34 arrests - some fined, some taken to Immigration until they could produce their passports to show they were not on overstay -- if on overstay, most likely they will wind up at Bangkok Immigration Detention Center until they can be deported.

(and 19 I believe, before anyone suggests anything different)

Why bring that up here? Ask them there!

As I said "posters seem to think", nothing definite.
TIT wait and see and then get different interpretations from different Immigration Officers 

Good advice from Traveller 123.  I have some friends here that had similar experiences. Take time to evaluate your relationship by living together - your 6 month time frame appears realistic.  You don't mention whether he is a sex worker or not - if he is, then be cautious as many of those relationships, but not all, don't work out.
 
In my case, I visited here for about 6 years before I found my partner - he was not from the bars, but perhaps could be considered on the fringe as he worked as a waiter in the coffee shop of a gay hotel. There was a 26 year difference in age, but it didn't seem to matter to him.
 
After we met, we corresponded (this was before email & mobile phones were so common) and I started visiting twice a year instead of once to be with him. We kept up this long distance relationship for 10 years until I retired. Then I came here to be with him full time - but realized that things might not work out because living together on a full time basis instead of a couple of weeks twice a year can be quite different.  It did work out. Although as with any relationship, we encountered a few bumps, but we maintained the relationship and have now been living together for 14 years. 
 
So, it is possible to find the right guy, but IMO the chemistry between the two has to be there or it will not work out.

Good advice from Traveller 123.  I have some friends here that had similar experiences. Take time to evaluate your relationship by living together - your 6 month time frame appears realistic.  You don't mention whether he is a sex worker or not - if he is, then be cautious as many of those relationships, but not all, don't work out.
 
In my case, I visited here for about 6 years before I found my partner - he was not from the bars, but perhaps could be considered on the fringe as he worked as a waiter in the coffee shop of a gay hotel. There was a 26 year difference in age, but it didn't seem to matter to him.
 
After we met, we corresponded (this was before email & mobile phones were so common) and I started visiting twice a year instead of once to be with him. We kept up this long distance relationship for 10 years until I retired. Then I came here to be with him full time - but realized that things might not work out because living together on a full time basis instead of a couple of weeks twice a year can be quite different.  It did work out. Although as with any relationship, we encountered a few bumps, but we maintained the relationship and have now been living together for 14 years. 
 
So, it is possible to find the right guy, but IMO the chemistry between the two has to be there or it will not work out.

Good advice from Traveller 123.  I have some friends here that had similar experiences. Take time to evaluate your relationship by living together - your 6 month time frame appears realistic.  You don't mention whether he is a sex worker or not - if he is, then be cautious as many of those relationships, but not all, don't work out.
 
In my case, I visited here for about 6 years before I found my partner - he was not from the bars, but perhaps could be considered on the fringe as he worked as a waiter in the coffee shop of a gay hotel. There was a 26 year difference in age, but it didn't seem to matter to him.
 
After we met, we corresponded (this was before email & mobile phones were so common) and I started visiting twice a year instead of once to be with him. We kept up this long distance relationship for 10 years until I retired. Then I came here to be with him full time - but realized that things might not work out because living together on a full time basis instead of a couple of weeks twice a year can be quite different.  It did work out. Although as with any relationship, we encountered a few bumps, but we maintained the relationship and have now been living together for 14 years. 
 
So, it is possible to find the right guy, but IMO the chemistry between the two has to be there or it will not work out.

Good advice from Traveller 123.  I have some friends here that had similar experiences. Take time to evaluate your relationship by living together - your 6 month time frame appears realistic.  You don't mention whether he is a sex worker or not - if he is, then be cautious as many of those relationships, but not all, don't work out.
 
In my case, I visited here for about 6 years before I found my partner - he was not from the bars, but perhaps could be considered on the fringe as he worked as a waiter in the coffee shop of a gay hotel. There was a 26 year difference in age, but it didn't seem to matter to him.
 
After we met, we corresponded (this was before email & mobile phones were so common) and I started visiting twice a year instead of once to be with him. We kept up this long distance relationship for 10 years until I retired. Then I came here to be with him full time - but realized that things might not work out because living together on a full time basis instead of a couple of weeks twice a year can be quite different.  It did work out. Although as with any relationship, we encountered a few bumps, but we maintained the relationship and have now been living together for 14 years. 
 
So, it is possible to find the right guy, but IMO the chemistry between the two has to be there or it will not work out.

Good advice from Traveller 123.  I have some friends here that had similar experiences. Take time to evaluate your relationship by living together - your 6 month time frame appears realistic.  You don't mention whether he is a sex worker or not - if he is, then be cautious as many of those relationships, but not all, don't work out.
 
In my case, I visited here for about 6 years before I found my partner - he was not from the bars, but perhaps could be considered on the fringe as he worked as a waiter in the coffee shop of a gay hotel. There was a 26 year difference in age, but it didn't seem to matter to him.
 
After we met, we corresponded (this was before email & mobile phones were so common) and I started visiting twice a year instead of once to be with him. We kept up this long distance relationship for 10 years until I retired. Then I came here to be with him full time - but realized that things might not work out because living together on a full time basis instead of a couple of weeks twice a year can be quite different.  It did work out. Although as with any relationship, we encountered a few bumps, but we maintained the relationship and have now been living together for 14 years. 
 
So, it is possible to find the right guy, but IMO the chemistry between the two has to be there or it will not work out.

Good advice from Traveller 123.  I have some friends here that had similar experiences. Take time to evaluate your relationship by living together - your 6 month time frame appears realistic.  You don't mention whether he is a sex worker or not - if he is, then be cautious as many of those relationships, but not all, don't work out.
 
In my case, I visited here for about 6 years before I found my partner - he was not from the bars, but perhaps could be considered on the fringe as he worked as a waiter in the coffee shop of a gay hotel. There was a 26 year difference in age, but it didn't seem to matter to him.
 
After we met, we corresponded (this was before email & mobile phones were so common) and I started visiting twice a year instead of once to be with him. We kept up this long distance relationship for 10 years until I retired. Then I came here to be with him full time - but realized that things might not work out because living together on a full time basis instead of a couple of weeks twice a year can be quite different.  It did work out. Although as with any relationship, we encountered a few bumps, but we maintained the relationship and have now been living together for 14 years. 
 
So, it is possible to find the right guy, but IMO the chemistry between the two has to be there or it will not work out.

For most cultural events in Bangkok - visit https://sites.google.com/site/bkkmacaldetails/home
 
Mahidol University has a College of Music - many concerts throughout the year -
Visit for website event calendar   http://www.music.mahidol.ac.th/concertevent-calendar/                                           
Click on About Us on main website and select map & direction for location and directions to the Salaya Campus.
 
 

I have used Bangkok Bank for more than 13 years and have been happy with their service - but for me, my ability to transfer funds from USA bank to my Bangkok Bank account  using their NY Branch Automated Clearing House (ACH) number is a plus (the NY Branch is not a retail bank and does not offer accounts - when sending funds, it is routed from my bank via ACH to NY Branch who in turn transfers it to my Bangkok Bank Account in dollars - Bangkok Bank here in Thailand does the conversion to Thai baht - fees involved are minimal - NY Branch charges a varying rate, but most transactions would most likely fall within the US$10 rate - Bangkok Bank charges a conversion fee of .025% with a minimum of 200 baht and maximum of 500 baht).

I have used Bangkok Bank for more than 13 years and have been happy with their service - but for me, my ability to transfer funds from USA bank to my Bangkok Bank account  using their NY Branch Automated Clearing House (ACH) number is a plus (the NY Branch is not a retail bank and does not offer accounts - when sending funds, it is routed from my bank via ACH to NY Branch who in turn transfers it to my Bangkok Bank Account in dollars - Bangkok Bank here in Thailand does the conversion to Thai baht - fees involved are minimal - NY Branch charges a varying rate, but most transactions would most likely fall within the US$10 rate - Bangkok Bank charges a conversion fee of .025% with a minimum of 200 baht and maximum of 500 baht).

I have purchased three new vehicles since I moved here in 2002 - all have been financed and in the bf's name.  After paying off the Honda City, we sold it and bought a new Honda Civic. In both cases the down payment required was about 40%.  After it was paid off, the bf finally took lessons and got his license - knowing that two of trying to share the same vehicle would not be a good idea, we bought a new double cab Mitsubishi pickup.  The down payment on that vehicle was 25%. All three loans were with the same bank - Tisco (they were a finance company when we bought the first vehicle, then became a bank).  Putting it in the bf's name made the financing easier as most banks want you to have a work permit before loaning money -- However, I think it was Ford that had their own financing and would loan to a foreigner.  I primarily drive the pick up and the bf the car.  While I agree with GB about the car being easier on narrow sois and for parking, I find I do like being higher up in the pick up giving better visibility - likewise, the side mirrors are much larger and give me a better view of other vehicles.
 
 
GB commented:
  I totally agree, but for me one of the main things was it having 200k bail bond included - if you have an accident and someone is killed or very seriously injured, the police, if they consider you at fault, can charge you with negligence. In such cases the bail for foreigners is usually 200k and for Thais 100k.  My Civic is now 8 years old and the premium is around 15k per year - the pickup started at 20k, but since no claims, it has gone down each year with my latest premium being around 17k for 4th year.
 
GB commented:
I recall reading somewhere that having the built-in GPS can turn out to be expensive as the dealers charge a hefty fee to update the maps.  I used to have a Garmin GPS and the map updates were 7k.  However, Garmin offered an introductory price of about $30 for a Thai App for the iPhone with no additional cost for map updates. Since my maps were out of date on my Garmin GPS, I opted for the App - works just like the Garmin unit. I have found it to be very good.
 
 
 

I have purchased three new vehicles since I moved here in 2002 - all have been financed and in the bf's name.  After paying off the Honda City, we sold it and bought a new Honda Civic. In both cases the down payment required was about 40%.  After it was paid off, the bf finally took lessons and got his license - knowing that two of trying to share the same vehicle would not be a good idea, we bought a new double cab Mitsubishi pickup.  The down payment on that vehicle was 25%. All three loans were with the same bank - Tisco (they were a finance company when we bought the first vehicle, then became a bank).  Putting it in the bf's name made the financing easier as most banks want you to have a work permit before loaning money -- However, I think it was Ford that had their own financing and would loan to a foreigner.  I primarily drive the pick up and the bf the car.  While I agree with GB about the car being easier on narrow sois and for parking, I find I do like being higher up in the pick up giving better visibility - likewise, the side mirrors are much larger and give me a better view of other vehicles.
 
 
GB commented:
  I totally agree, but for me one of the main things was it having 200k bail bond included - if you have an accident and someone is killed or very seriously injured, the police, if they consider you at fault, can charge you with negligence. In such cases the bail for foreigners is usually 200k and for Thais 100k.  My Civic is now 8 years old and the premium is around 15k per year - the pickup started at 20k, but since no claims, it has gone down each year with my latest premium being around 17k for 4th year.
 
GB commented:
I recall reading somewhere that having the built-in GPS can turn out to be expensive as the dealers charge a hefty fee to update the maps.  I used to have a Garmin GPS and the map updates were 7k.  However, Garmin offered an introductory price of about $30 for a Thai App for the iPhone with no additional cost for map updates. Since my maps were out of date on my Garmin GPS, I opted for the App - works just like the Garmin unit. I have found it to be very good.
 
 
 

I have purchased three new vehicles since I moved here in 2002 - all have been financed and in the bf's name.  After paying off the Honda City, we sold it and bought a new Honda Civic. In both cases the down payment required was about 40%.  After it was paid off, the bf finally took lessons and got his license - knowing that two of trying to share the same vehicle would not be a good idea, we bought a new double cab Mitsubishi pickup.  The down payment on that vehicle was 25%. All three loans were with the same bank - Tisco (they were a finance company when we bought the first vehicle, then became a bank).  Putting it in the bf's name made the financing easier as most banks want you to have a work permit before loaning money -- However, I think it was Ford that had their own financing and would loan to a foreigner.  I primarily drive the pick up and the bf the car.  While I agree with GB about the car being easier on narrow sois and for parking, I find I do like being higher up in the pick up giving better visibility - likewise, the side mirrors are much larger and give me a better view of other vehicles.
 
 
GB commented:
  I totally agree, but for me one of the main things was it having 200k bail bond included - if you have an accident and someone is killed or very seriously injured, the police, if they consider you at fault, can charge you with negligence. In such cases the bail for foreigners is usually 200k and for Thais 100k.  My Civic is now 8 years old and the premium is around 15k per year - the pickup started at 20k, but since no claims, it has gone down each year with my latest premium being around 17k for 4th year.
 
GB commented:
I recall reading somewhere that having the built-in GPS can turn out to be expensive as the dealers charge a hefty fee to update the maps.  I used to have a Garmin GPS and the map updates were 7k.  However, Garmin offered an introductory price of about $30 for a Thai App for the iPhone with no additional cost for map updates. Since my maps were out of date on my Garmin GPS, I opted for the App - works just like the Garmin unit. I have found it to be very good.
 
 
 

Although not a very close friend with Allen, he was more than just an acquaintance.  I agree with GB - I think Allen would be pleased with Moses recovering posts from his Board.