toyotas of Thailand

[Bostonfj60]

Hey all,

Just back from Thailand. They have some rad vehicles over there!

The hilux is super popular in the Bangkok area, but even more so in the Southern provinces. Almost every vehicle on the road (aside from motorbikes) are diesel. I think this is partially due to the governments diesel subsidization program.

The new hilux didn't really do much for me. The diesel part was pretty cool, but it they look very "bubbly". It seems toyota has given the hilux a totally different body from our Tacomas. (or vise-versa) I'm sure this has to do with the Tacoma's being built in the US now.

The Toyota vans they have are amazing. They feel similar to a newer VW van, but are a step cooler. 6speeds, all diesel. There are different sizes available.

In the southern areas of Thailand, specifically Surat Thani, there is actually some pretty decent wheeling. It's fairly flat, and very very muddy. The mud is basically red clay, and super slick during the rainy season.

I did not see one FJ60, FJ40, ect in any of the areas I went...this was a bit curious to me. I did see a bunch of older series Rovers though...



Happy new year!

JR

 

[Bostonfj60]

I forgot to mention, Sami's are super popular....they have a few different models, including a small extended bed pickup version.....

 

[Bostonfj60]

Alternative method of transportation. It's totally green, but you'd better have some time on your hands. Walking was faster....

Also an inside shot from one of the diesel toyota vans...

 

[Bostonfj60]

mistu on the right...another sami on the left...

 

[Bostonfj60]

On the Island of Koh Samui, motorbikes out number the cars 10/1.

You'll notice one of the bikes is equipped with a child seat!!!

Oh yeah, and the "thing" to do on Samui is put as much anodized parts on your bike as possible. There's all these small shops around the island that sell nothing but anodized bolts and muffler tips...Pimp my motorbike!!! LOL

 

[Spud]

Ha Ha, The anodized is like the trend in MTB in the 90's.

Cool stuff, check out the shifter in the dash of the van.

Must have been fun to get away.

 

[green40]

Business trip or vacation?

 

[Leaping Deer]

I was in St. Lucia a couple of weeks ago and saw a lot of the same vehicles. They will pile 15 people into those vans above

 

[Bostonfj60]

Business trip or vacation?

Melissa and I were there for vacation and for my buddies wedding...he married a local thai girl.

It was a blast fo' sure!

I'll have a full blog setup about the trip in the next week or so...I'll post it up here for anyone who's interested...

Cheers!

 

[82cruiser]

Hey JR - nice pics.

So, when are you and Melissa moving back?

 

[Bostonfj60]

Hey JR - nice pics.

So, when are you and Melissa moving back?

well...not soon enough! LOL

I miss the b-town...someday...someday...