A real quickie on this topic. I only include it because I like to record all aspects of life here that differ from what I have known from my time in Australia. It is the little things that make everyday life interesting – to me anyway.

I had the car booked in to have some Mazda mud flaps fitted front and back. A reflection of my shortly-to-be Isaan farmer status maybe. I also wanted the brakes checked as they weren’t behaving and we do a fair bit of hilly driving in Thailand.

Tell me if this sounds like the Aussie car service at your place. Maybe the main brands do something similar in Australia but I never experienced it.

Driving into the Mazda dealership you are shown a parking space by the security guard. A guy with a large umbrella then comes out and protects you from the sun as you make your way to the service reception. While checking the car in a lady brings you a glass of iced water.

If you want to hang around for your car to be worked on you can use the waiting area. Fully air conditioned this is set up like a VIP lounge.

Only Thai soapies on TV unfortunately.

The refreshment area.

Here you can find coffee, cold drinks in the fridge, noodles, biscuits, small cakes and sandwiches. There is a lady whose job it is to make sure you have everything you need. She will make you coffee and brings you more iced water while you wait.

Pop in for lunch.

You can watch the action hopefully happening on your car while you read.

The mechanics did come back.

Settled in.

Free wifi of course but they also have a computer area you can use.

The bill for the Mazda specific mudflaps and fitting, the machining of the brakes and all labour came in at about $80.00. If nothing else I know that price will be different from back home.

Thanks for reading.