Everything went very well and the renewal was much easier than getting the first time, one year license with the written computer test. That is the test where some questions with the correct answer are counted as wrong.
Yesterday I went to HH immigration at 4:00 pm. I went at this time as I knew the Thais would run out to see what I wanted because they closed in 30 minutes. I had the whole place to myself and everyone rushed me around to help me fill out all the 1950's paper work.
I was going to ask if they could just pull up last years drivers license paper work on the computer. HAHAHAHA. But I was in a hurry, it looked like rain and this was no time for jokes.
28 minutes later I had my two letters. Cost per letter 500 baht X 2. Plus "copy your passport for no real reason" and four photos when you only need two "printed on paper for no good reason". Total = 138 baht. Total number of immigration people needed for this process, four.
It was interesting, the nice young woman who hit on me 15 months ago when I first got to HH and before the May 22 thing, was still there and came out to greet me and make sure I knew there were only 30 minutes left. Her side business of "helping you" has been shut down months ago.
I broke my rule on this trip to immigration of never bringing my girlfriend with me to any official business. My girlfriends threat radar came on. This became sort of a awkward contest between two women to see who was wearing the tightest jeans while I filled out the paperwork.
BUT not as awkward as seeing my old girlfriend at immigration last week with her new boyfriend who was getting her some kind of visa. He looked like a OK guy, should I warn him? Better not. Anyway.
Medical exam letter is next. I went to the "Hua Hin Clinic" on Phetkasem Road between Soi 76 and 74/2 on the West side of the street, next to the taylor. I had gone there last year for same same. This place looks like a illegal abortion clinic in the worst part of your home town.
"Hello I need two letters for car and motorcycle."
Sort of boring as I could not flirt with this woman because I still had my girlfriend with me.
"OK passport and wait please".
Five minutes later and 80 baht X 2 I had my two letters. Wait, they forgot the exam. No nothing. I was hoping she was going to test my reflexes. Blood test with a dirty needle? Nothing. NO EXAM. OK CU later.
So total time for all of this stuff, including traffic about 1.25 hours.
Next day.
I really do not like getting up early. So I got out of the house at 9:00 AM and go to the "Phetchaburi Provincial Transport Office which is North of Cha Am.
After almost being killed on my scooter during the 48 KM trip to this place, I arrive at 10:00 AM. I have been here before so no navigation problems. Make sure you have this in your GPS/smartphone.
All the 8:30am people are finishing when I get there. I am expecting them to tell me to come back tomorrow. 8:30am. But no problems.
If you have never been to this place and can't read Thai, you really cannot be sure of where you are until you get inside. There is a sign in English next the entrance telling you what to do. Other than that, very little English is spoken here.
"Hello, is this where you keep the slave labor fishermen after the camps were shut down?"
"Ka"
"Need to renew" I show my old licenses.
"Ka"
My girlfriend was with me and really looked hot today. She was on alert after yesterdays run in at immigration. She spends like an hour getting ready with her hair and makeup. She guards me from other Thai women everywhere I go.
I was handed forms to fill out that were all in Thai.
"Honey, what does this say?"
"Name."
"Thanks honey."
There are windows marked 1,2,3 and 4. Of course you start at number 2.
The same lady from last year who was grumpy at me because I don't speak Thai was at the counter. The whole place is sort of frozen in time. Cute little cartoon characters on the walls. Sort of like a day care center for adults. Immigration and medical paperwork, old licenses, passport. NO TEST OF ANY TYPE. Make two copies passport, front page and visa page. 20 baht. Take photo. Print license on the spot because if they mailed it, you would never get them.
57 minutes later I have my two licenses. 530 baht each X 2.
My girlfriend who is so cute said "Why you spend big money? I no have license. Not need. Drive twenty year. Just get car or motorbike and go. Can we go to Cha Am now? I like beach. Tomorrow you buy me house, OK?"
