The 33rd Bangkok International Motor Show 2012
Under the theme “Technology Difference,” 20 major automobile brands, from BMW to Hyundai, will be present, but also motorcycle makers such as Ducati. Mar 28-Apr 8, 11am-10pm. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02-833-4455. Free entry. www.bangkok-motorshow.com

Dhaninat Kaewkumnerd

38, Webmaster of The BMW Society, drives a 2012 BMW Z4 28idrive

“I got my first BMW when I was 26. It was a used 1995 3-series.
My family was into Volvos and definitely did not like the idea of me getting a Beemer one bit, especially a secondhand one. I ignored them and know I made the right choice.
Restoring a car takes a lot of time and patience. You need to have passion.
I was so paranoid buying a secondhand car. Why is the owner selling it, did he kill someone? All sorts of things went through my head.
In the end, you take a test drive and you do your research and that’s really all you can do.
I made BMW Society, aka The BMW Club of Thailand, because I couldn’t find information on my used BMW, like where to find spare parts or how to determine if the engine is still good.
In our latest meeting, so many members showed up (with over 500 BMWs), that you couldn’t park.
If you don’t have a social life, you won’t think about tuning or modifying your car. It’s the same with women. If you don’t have a social life, you don’t want brand-name bags and nice dresses to show off who you are.
I don’t do street racing; I only race at certain events like quarter mile races or at proper racing circuits like Pira Circuit or Rangsit Klong 5.
Lots of people think just because we drive a BMW that we’re obnoxious drivers who love to race; this is not true at all.
I try not to get too crazy about my cars. I know some people who are so obsessed that they just can’t get enough. I don’t want to be at a point where it’s like collecting toys.”
www.bmwsociety.com

Kitja Suwanyothin

42, member of Subaru Club Thailand, drives a 2009 Subaru Impreza.

“I first fell in love with cars by watching races. I’d steal my dad’s car to go see them.
Subaru cars are designed by Japanese engineers who design airplanes. Once you’ve driven one, you can’t drive anything else.
I own five Subarus. They are very addictive. Once you own one, you want more. It’s hard to stop.
Going at 160 kph in a Toyota freaks me out, but in an Impreza it doesn’t even feel like I’m going fast.
There’s always something I want to do with my car. It makes me want to make more money. So in a way, it teaches you the value of money.
My girlfriend complains I spend too much money on my cars, but I feel it’s better to have a hobby than to go have affairs and spend money on them.
Once when I went to Khon Kaen and it took me only four hours instead of seven. I left home at 10am with my friend and got there by 2pm. Then I drove back to Bangkok, dropped my friend at his house and got back to my place at 6pm. Not that I recommend going this fast.
If your parents buy you a car. Don’t tune it. Save up to buy your own car.
www.subaruclubthailand.com

Fonthip Chongprawatsakul

25, member of the New Mini Society, drives a 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe

“I first fell in love with the Mini when I was in high school. I love the classic vibe.
This Mini Coupe is my first car. Her name is Panda.
Minis have a track-car feeling to them. It’s not a soft ride.
Buying a car is not a small investment, listen to what your parents have to say.
I love the New Mini Society. I just joined the club a month ago. It’s a warm loving community.
I’ve got plans for Panda’s modifications. I just want to express what I love.
Yeah, I’m crazy about Minis. I just got one and I already want another. I work close to my house and I’ve only had Panda for a month but the mileage is already at 1,000 km. I love taking her for a drive.
While driving Panda the tire pressure alert system tells me if the tire pressure is dropping. That’s why Minis are really good for women, they tell you if something’s wrong with your car so you don’t have to stop, get down and check it yourself.”
www.newminisociety.com

Napat Thatritorn

36, founder of the Thai Volkswagen Club, drives a Volkswagen Double Cab

“Many people who love Volkswagen work in design-related jobs such as architects, graphic designers or engineers. I think it’s because they all can connect to its special design.
This car grows more expensive as it gets older. People who buy them tend not to sell them. I once sold a deluxe edition 1950s Volkswagen Barndoor for B3 million, that’s how high the price can get.
My first Volkswagen was a van. I found it at a temple in Ayutthaya where someone had donated it. It was really awkward negotiating a monk.
I had to track down so many documents. The former owner had passed away and it took me two years with his daughter’s help before I was the legitimate owner of the car.
I own fifteen Volkswagens. I used to have more but some of them were sold to Volkswagen lovers both in Thailand and abroad.
My favorite is this Volkswagen Double Cab, it’s rare and I spent a lot of money and time restoring it.
Most people think of Volkswagen and only see the van or the beetle, but actually there’s much more to Volkswagen, such as the Double Cab or the Barndoor; some models might look similar but each of them is unique in their own way.
It’s very funny when I’m getting a new Volkswagen, since I tell people I’m getting a new car, but also that I need a tow. The car is new for me, but it’s actually a classic car about to be restored.
The hardest part about restoration is finding the parts and getting the right body color. You must be prepared to argue with mechanics because sometimes they just don’t understand that every little detail matters and that it’s something dear to your heart.
I got scammed by mechanics. I don’t want anyone who loves Volkswagen to experience the same thing, so I started the website.
We take lots of trips. We’ve been driving together to places like Rayong, Laos and Malaysia. It’s a great experience and a good memory.
Once on the way back, a light went on the dashboard on one of the member’s cars. We stopped the convoy and spent an hour checking the engine. Finally I asked to see the car’s manual. He had turned on the emergency headlights by accident. We teased him about it the whole way back to Bangkok.
Recently, I was driving my Volkswagen truck when a car cut me off. We pulled over and the owner of the other car apologized but said he’d been looking long and hard for this truck and wanted to buy it.
I declined but still, it’s good to know that there are many people out there who share my passion.
www.thaivwclub.com

Nattapon Kaewtippanet

33, admin of Club Nissan Cube, drives a Nissan Cube Z11

“My first ride was a dek van motorbike, then I got myself a Honda Jazz. My family’s car broke down, so I gave them the Jazz and switched to using the Cube.
The Nissan Cube’s design is very unique; it’s not a mainstream car. And I know that I can tune it to my style.
It’s very comfortable. The inside seats feel like a couch.
The Nissan Cube is also perfect for lovers, there’s nothing between the front seats so you can get closer while driving. Girls really love that.
The Nissan Cube is a niche car, so club members help each other to find parts or recommend a decent place to modify it.
I used to race, now I only do it if members of the club or I have just installed something new to their car. It’s kind of a product test to see how well it performs after installation.
This car has brought me fun and excitement and, I’m not trying to sound cocky here, but girls too. It’s so weird, once I got the Cube I got many girls.
My license plate is “yor ying and gor gai.” My friends even tease me that my car is like a chick magnet. So now they say the license plate should be ying-gor (girls hooked).
It’s a cute car but also unique and masculine.
Once I parked next to a brand new BMW, and there were a bunch of girls walking around, and they seemed more interested in my Cube than the BMW. That makes me so happy and proud.
Buy it because you love it and don’t let girls get in the way of modifying it. Car tuning for guys is like shopping for girls, and at least it’s much cheaper than going to get massages.
www.clubnissancube.com

Bunn Kasemsup

44, Webmaster of Bangkok Classic Car, drives a MGA Roadster

“There was this classic Fiat passed down through my family. My father used it and I used it in college too. I remember saving up and spending my allowance on restoring it.
I’d always wanted a red sports car and I love everything about the MGA. But more than that, the feeling of turning a dead car into a fully working one is amazing.
The MGA Roadster is like a piece of art, they’re well designed with meaningful details. These types of cars don’t exist in today’s world anymore.
I was already involved in buying and restoring classic cars like Mercedes Benz and Alfa Romeo, but I couldn’t find an MGA Roadster.
I was driving down Ratchada road one day and saw a red roadster. I drove next to the car, rolled down my window and asked the driver if he wanted to sell it. He declined but two years later, I ran into the same guy. He recognized me and told me that he’d be interested in selling the car.
I started the Bangkok Classic Car website in 2004. Our motto is, “If you love classic cars, you’re my friend.” You have to put yourself in the community to live it. I’ve created a home and it’s my duty to make it a welcoming and loving place.
Classic cars are my life. Even before I got married I made sure my wife understood my passion. This is not just a short term thing; it’s a long term commitment.
If you’re interested in them [classic cars], find out which type you really love. And think of it as a marriage, ‘til death do us part. Don’t just have it and park it. Use it, start it and take it for a drive.
www.bangkokclassiccar.com