SAWASDEE 3 (2009 Thai thread restarted)

[*Robert* 2]

I think the big deal about the drivers license has to do with where you live. In Texas I was told by the State Trooper in the drivers license office that without an international DL you cannot drive until you get a green card. The big deal about this is we don't really have mass transit thats worth anything. Additionally everything is spread so far apart its going to be hell if she cant learn to drive or apply for a DL until she get the GC.

That was my big concern in Las Vegas also, just being able to teach her. I doubt the state trooper is going to be smart enough to tell the difference between the Thai license and the international license. Nam is stuck home all day while I am out, she doesn't seem to mind though. It doesn't bother me at all having to take her shopping etc, I kind of thought it might be a big pain to have to always go with her, but it has actually been good. I have thought about buying her a scooter to be able to make it down to the grocery store on, and may still do that, but haven't decided yet. She had her own scooter in Buriram, so I know she can ride. The funny thing is she sees my sportbike in the garage and said she wants to take that out. I just laughed and told her if she can sit on it and get it off the kick stand she can take it. To funny watching a 95 lbs 5'1" girl trying to get GSXR 1000 off the kick stand. LOL

Why is it going to be hell if she can't learn to drive? She can't work w/o a GC, so why is it important to throw her out on the freeways in Dallas?

Like Aaron says, it means YOU get to take her shopping, or you do the shopping. It's going to take some time for her to learn her way around, especially where you live. What's wrong with letting them adjust first? They have to crawl before they walk, and it sounds like some want them running the second they touch down!

Chutima has been more than happy staying at home playing on her computer and working on her blogs. I do a lot of the shopping on my way home from work, or take her to one of the local Asian markets on the weekend when we run low on those supplies. Does she want to drive, yes, but right now I only have one vehicle, and I'm not looking to get another one just now.

As for insurance, I have Progressive, and have her listed, as you must list anyone in your household over 15. It would have been a lot higher with Allstate, because she has not had her license (doesn't matter if it is learners permit or not) over 3 years.

Edited April 19, 2009 by roi_aggie

[AaronLV 12]

Why is it going to be hell if she can't learn to drive? She can't work w/o a GC, so why is it important to throw her out on the freeways in Dallas?

Like Aaron says, it means YOU get to take her shopping, or you do the shopping. It's going to take some time for her to learn her way around, especially where you live. What's wrong with letting them adjust first? They have to crawl before they walk, and it sounds like some want them running the second they touch down!

Chutima has been more than happy staying at home playing on her computer and working on her blogs. I do a lot of the shopping on my way home from work, or take her to one of the local Asian markets on the weekend when we run low on those supplies. Does she want to drive, yes, but right now I only have one vehicle, and I'm not looking to get another one just now.

The only time I miss her having a DL is when she wants to go to the mall to look at clothes. I do not have fun walking around looking at dresses all day, however I deal with it.

I had the feeling "Oh God", she is going to have to drive when we get here, or she is going to be stuck at home and completely bored!! Well she has done fine, she started knitting, and has planted a garden, plus she spends time on the computer, she is fine. I think if she could drive she would be calling me asking me how to get home most of the time, she has a terrible sense of direction.

In the next few months it will probably be tougher because she is going to be taking an english class on saturdays so I am going to have to drive her back and forth. I want her to continue the classes since she has been doing that for the past 6 months in BKK.

[scandal 951]

I think the big deal about the drivers license has to do with where you live. In Texas I was told by the State Trooper in the drivers license office that without an international DL you cannot drive until you get a green card. The big deal about this is we don't really have mass transit thats worth anything. Additionally everything is spread so far apart its going to be hell if she cant learn to drive or apply for a DL until she get the GC.

That was my big concern in Las Vegas also, just being able to teach her. I doubt the state trooper is going to be smart enough to tell the difference between the Thai license and the international license. Nam is stuck home all day while I am out, she doesn't seem to mind though. It doesn't bother me at all having to take her shopping etc, I kind of thought it might be a big pain to have to always go with her, but it has actually been good. I have thought about buying her a scooter to be able to make it down to the grocery store on, and may still do that, but haven't decided yet. She had her own scooter in Buriram, so I know she can ride. The funny thing is she sees my sportbike in the garage and said she wants to take that out. I just laughed and told her if she can sit on it and get it off the kick stand she can take it. To funny watching a 95 lbs 5'1" girl trying to get GSXR 1000 off the kick stand. LOL

Why is it going to be hell if she can't learn to drive? She can't work w/o a GC, so why is it important to throw her out on the freeways in Dallas?

Like Aaron says, it means YOU get to take her shopping, or you do the shopping. It's going to take some time for her to learn her way around, especially where you live. What's wrong with letting them adjust first? They have to crawl before they walk, and it sounds like some want them running the second they touch down!

Chutima has been more than happy staying at home playing on her computer and working on her blogs. I do a lot of the shopping on my way home from work, or take her to one of the local Asian markets on the weekend when we run low on those supplies. Does she want to drive, yes, but right now I only have one vehicle, and I'm not looking to get another one just now.

As for insurance, I have Progressive, and have her listed, as you must list anyone in your household over 15. It would have been a lot higher with Allstate, because she has not had her license (doesn't matter if it is learners permit or not) over 3 years.

I'm basically with Robert on this. Danny- fact is , whether you like it or not, you better prepare for life in the first few months with Chada being housebound.

Robert - minor technical correction to the above - as of course you know, she can work with her EAD which will probably come months before her GC

I have Geico insurance. Have always been very happy with them.

[*Robert* 2]

The only time I miss her having a DL is when she wants to go to the mall to look at clothes. I do not have fun walking around looking at dresses all day, however I deal with it.

Oh believe me brother, I know the feeling! Chutima did have a Thai lady that would take her shopping on the weekends, but that relationship went by the wayside. What I do now, is drop her off and go do something else, or during football season, I go and sit in Ruby Tuesdays, drink beer, watch football, and let her go shopping. When she's finished, she knows where to find me. A Win Win situation!!!

Ron, you're correct about the EAD. I sometimes forget that, because back when we applied, it was extra, and we didn't mess with it. The EAD can also be used for getting the ID or DL as well, and as you said, it "usually" comes faster, but I've seen them take almost as long.

One other thing Chutima loves to do is work out, so I purchased all sorts of fitness equipment. She also watches the "Fitness Channel" and works out with the shows, plus I have an Eliptical and a Rowing machine, and our Florida room makes a great place for her to do aerobics while watching the videos.

[*Robert* 2]

I have Geico insurance. Have always been very happy with them.

I HAD Geico, until I realized that when I got my new truck, the rates went up a lot more than I expected. When I started comparing, I realized I was paying an extra $440 bucks a year. I even went onto the Geico site as if I were a new customer, and got the same lower rate quote. When I called them and asked them what the deal was, I got some morron saying I wouldn't be able to purchase the lower rate, because I already had insurance with Geico!!! Needless to say, I told him "fine, then I will no longer have insurance with Geico" and hung up the phone, then went with Progressive.

[daboyz 36]

I have Geico insurance. Have always been very happy with them.

I HAD Geico, until I realized that when I got my new truck, the rates went up a lot more than I expected. When I started comparing, I realized I was paying an extra $440 bucks a year. I even went onto the Geico site as if I were a new customer, and got the same lower rate quote. When I called them and asked them what the deal was, I got some morron saying I wouldn't be able to purchase the lower rate, because I already had insurance with Geico!!! Needless to say, I told him "fine, then I will no longer have insurance with Geico" and hung up the phone, then went with Progressive.

Glad you posted this. I am also getting screwed by Geico. I got a quote from progressive that is about 50% of what I am paying Geico.

[AaronLV 12]

I HAD Geico, until I realized that when I got my new truck, the rates went up a lot more than I expected. When I started comparing, I realized I was paying an extra $440 bucks a year. I even went onto the Geico site as if I were a new customer, and got the same lower rate quote. When I called them and asked them what the deal was, I got some morron saying I wouldn't be able to purchase the lower rate, because I already had insurance with Geico!!! mad.gif wacko.gif Needless to say, I told him "fine, then I will no longer have insurance with Geico" and hung up the phone, then went with Progressive.

Your ex-military you should try USAA. I believe you should be eligible. Great rates, no one has been able to touch the rates & coverage I get through them, plus their service is exceptional. Their credit cards and checking accounts are awesome also.

[*Robert* 2]

Your ex-military you should try USAA. I believe you should be eligible. Great rates, no one has been able to touch the rates & coverage I get through them, plus their service is exceptional. Their credit cards and checking accounts are awesome also.

Thanks for the tip. I'll have to check them out.

Speaking of military, one of my best friends that I met in the Navy, and talk to once a week, lives in North Las Vegas, and is also named Aaron! Everytime I see your ID I always think about him! I'm really needing to get out there to see him. Last time I was in LV was summer 2004.

[scandal 951]

Your ex-military you should try USAA. I believe you should be eligible. Great rates, no one has been able to touch the rates & coverage I get through them, plus their service is exceptional. Their credit cards and checking accounts are awesome also.

Thanks for the tip. I'll have to check them out.

Speaking of military, one of my best friends that I met in the Navy, and talk to once a week, lives in North Las Vegas, and is also named Aaron! Everytime I see your ID I always think about him! I'm really needing to get out there to see him. Last time I was in LV was summer 2004.

I haven't been to Vegas since 03. Definitely due for a visit . I hear Steve Wynn continues to work wonders on the Strip...

I've been talking to Danny a bit in email about possibly getting together in Vegas later this summer. Thanti and I are considering either getting married there, or having a honeymoon trip there after marriage in Illinois. Danny is thinking of a road trip that may include passing through Vegas. So, if we get things aligned right, perhaps we could do a Sawasdee reunion of the whole bunch of us there! I'm thinking late July or August, personally.

[daboyz 36]

Your ex-military you should try USAA. I believe you should be eligible. Great rates, no one has been able to touch the rates & coverage I get through them, plus their service is exceptional. Their credit cards and checking accounts are awesome also.

Thanks for the tip. I'll have to check them out.

Speaking of military, one of my best friends that I met in the Navy, and talk to once a week, lives in North Las Vegas, and is also named Aaron! Everytime I see your ID I always think about him! I'm really needing to get out there to see him. Last time I was in LV was summer 2004.

I haven't been to Vegas since 03. Definitely due for a visit . I hear Steve Wynn continues to work wonders on the Strip...

I've been talking to Danny a bit in email about possibly getting together in Vegas later this summer. Thanti and I are considering either getting married there, or having a honeymoon trip there after marriage in Illinois. Danny is thinking of a road trip that may include passing through Vegas. So, if we get things aligned right, perhaps we could do a Sawasdee reunion of the whole bunch of us there! I'm thinking late July or August, personally.

Works for me.

[AaronLV 12]

I've been talking to Danny a bit in email about possibly getting together in Vegas later this summer. Thanti and I are considering either getting married there, or having a honeymoon trip there after marriage in Illinois. Danny is thinking of a road trip that may include passing through Vegas. So, if we get things aligned right, perhaps we could do a Sawasdee reunion of the whole bunch of us there! I'm thinking late July or August, personally.

I will be here, except for August 15, my friend is getting married in California. There are tons of killer deals on hotel rooms here right now also, and I am guessing it will be that way til the end of the year.

The place has changed quite a bit since 03-04. Wynn did build a nice place but 15.00 bucks for pancakes is a bit to expensive for me The latest project that is just massive is City Center, we just drove down the strip the other night, and it is huge. It will be pretty cool, if they finish it, I think the price tag is around 8 billion and they are having cash problems right now.

[afisher 0]

All this talk about car insurance. That's one less thing I have to worry about. We just take the subway everywhere. I don't even own a car!

[daboyz 36]

I wish I didn't own one, but you have to have a car in Dallas.

[scandal 951]

I've been talking to Danny a bit in email about possibly getting together in Vegas later this summer. Thanti and I are considering either getting married there, or having a honeymoon trip there after marriage in Illinois. Danny is thinking of a road trip that may include passing through Vegas. So, if we get things aligned right, perhaps we could do a Sawasdee reunion of the whole bunch of us there! I'm thinking late July or August, personally.

I will be here, except for August 15, my friend is getting married in California. There are tons of killer deals on hotel rooms here right now also, and I am guessing it will be that way til the end of the year.

The place has changed quite a bit since 03-04. Wynn did build a nice place but 15.00 bucks for pancakes is a bit to expensive for me The latest project that is just massive is City Center, we just drove down the strip the other night, and it is huge. It will be pretty cool, if they finish it, I think the price tag is around 8 billion and they are having cash problems right now.

Works for me.

Rock on!!

Robert, are you up for this? Come out and visit your Navy buddy and hang with us too!

Anyone else? Mark? Anya? Pete? Birch-beer? Joe&Noi? This has the makings of a massively fun time.

Aaron, I assume you can recommend some good authentic Thai restaurants where we can all reminisce about the good times in Thailand?

[ThaitoUSA 15]

My fiancée and I very well may be out in Arizona during the first week of August. It wouldn't be much at all for us to head up to Vegas for a night or two. The date I could not make it would be August 8th, however I could go a little before or after then. Let us know of any further plans and we'll earnestly consider it.

With regard to International DL, Maryland requires it along with DL from the foreigner's home country. My fiancée got it about 3 weeks ago at the center near JJ Market. If you get off the Skytrain by the market, there are clearly marked signs in Thai and English for the Driver's Service Center (cannot remember the precise verbage). She gave them about 400 Baht, two passport sized photos, showed her Thai DL, and got it in less than 30 minutes. It's valid for one year.