thebear

I am sure the guy that runs it reads this forum... English bloke I think

That's me, co-owner though and I don't run it any more as I'm swatting flies in the desert!

Wife takes care of the place and runs her own business The Farang Cafe at Meechok market. The Bear's Den can probably handle up to a little over 150 people depending upon seating requirements, more if it's a staggering around party, and Chun-ki parties still welcome. Call Khun Joy 053 266587.

In the past Riverside and Goodview refuse to take bookings for groups/parties but that may have changed although I doubt it.

Sorry we could not accommodate leftcross but it was a long standing booking.

Cheers

Just another example of TIT that says it all...

I talked it over with her offerring, that when or if I get worse I'll go back to Australia to be looked after but she insists that thats her job and I'should stay. As she says here the family takes responsibility.

Regards Joe

Good for her, no doubt you would be better cared for here.

Thai people get Altzheimers as well, and how you stand with regards your residential status depends on your present visa.

Best take her with you to an English speaking Dr who can explain the ins and outs Altzheimers, and armed with that knowledge then to a lawyer who can avise her on what she needs to do to keep you here within the law.

Good luck

the new Rimping Supermarket is experiencing heavy losses

I don't believe that for one minute, no matter what your 'very reliable source' says.

You want to argue with the guy who owns Rimping!

The owner of the Rimping never said a word to you, did he? And you didn't hear him say a word to anyone else did you? So, what's with your statement, ' You want to argue with the guy who owns Rimping', clearly implying he said something you heard ?

The owner of Rimping eats in my wife's establishment so no, he never said a word to me personally, my wife relayed their conversation on business in the area.

Why split hairs?

I don't see how any of this is related to your poll.

No you're right, I guess I got side tracked there!

the new Rimping Supermarket is experiencing heavy losses

I don't believe that for one minute, no matter what your 'very reliable source' says.

You want to argue with the guy who owns Rimping!

More http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...15entry711102

Lamphun -

"lamphun Posted Today, 2006-04-10 10:42:23

I suspect that you are advertising for Meechok Plaza. The rimping store there has always been busy whenever I've been there. It's not cheap so I'd imagine they're doing reasonably well. As for the businesses in the vicinity perhaps the rents are too high."

You might take a look as well - your visits/busy is relative - do you have any appreciation just how much running an A/C, let alone food storage chilling a place like that costs 7d/9am - 9pm?

I can't help but wonder if "thebear" is the owner of both The Bears Den and Farang Cafe?

All above board here!

The Bear's Den - Yes, had an interest but not for much longer

Ulysses G. Posted Today, 2006-04-10 11:05:04

Don't be so suspicious. His "wife" owns one of them! tongue.gif

As already stated in another post - no secrets!

DISCLAIMER - Owned and operated entirely by the wife, and in which I have NO managerial, operational or financial interest! - Honest Guv!

I will admit to a passing curiosity about why IMHO what once was a fairly healthy, socially vibrant community seven years ago has changed so much. I recently posted a topic on whether Chiang Mai had lost it's charm. In reviewing the threads I think my own personal observations were correct - for me it has for many reasons but Ajarn was right when he said it is all relative, and there are aa few who are happy with their lot.

I've just posted a new topic about Meechok Plaza, and about businesses failing. It's no coincidence that the Farang Cafe is located there but my wife is now asking the same questions as I have for some time now, and she has a number of CM business residents amongst her clientele who are seeing the same decline in business and wondering why - the Thai owner of the Rimping is amongst them.

For budget conscious retirees and residents getting the benefit of a nice environnment (outside of the city), enjoying budget prices, good luck to you but in the bigger picture the local economy needs the stimulus of solid (tourist) revenue to create jobs, and attract new businesses which can make a fair profit and prosper. When businesses prosper so does the community.

Visa released a very interesting report in October 2005 which whilst based upon 2004 perhaps does give some indications of trends -

"Besides Bangkok, the five provinces attracting the highest international Visa card spend in 2004 were Phuket (14 percent), Chonburi (Pattya)(6.7 percent), Chiang Mai (3.9 percent), Surat Thani (3.5 percent), Prachuap Khiri Khan (1.4 percent), while the next five provinces Krabi, Songkhla, Phang-Nga, Pathumthani and Nonthaburi made up 2.8 percent of total purchase volume.

Clearly, the main attractions of Thailand for international visitors remain concentrated in resort holiday destinations such as Phuket, Pattaya (Chonburi province), Koh Samui (Surat Thani province) and Hua Hin (Prachuap Khiri Khan province)."

If you want to put this into context the following from the same report qualifies the figures given -

"Key points:

In 2004 11.7 million visitors arrived in Thailand compared with 10.1 million in 2003, an increase of 16 percent.

In 2003, overseas visitors spent Baht 309 billion (US$7.45 billion) in Thailand, according to Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) data.

International Visa cardholders spent Baht 99.1 billion (US$2.46 billion) in Thailand in 2004, a 26 percent increase over 2003 and equivalent to around 26 percent of total visitor spend.

The largest Visa spenders in Thailand in 2004 were cardholders from the US, the UK, Japan, Australia and Sweden.

In 2004, 69 percent of Visa spend in Thailand was transacted by cardholders from outside the Asia Pacific region. Thailand is one of the tourism economies in Asia Pacific with the highest proportion of international card spend by long-haul visitors.

The most popular Visa spend categories were general retail and trade (23 percent of total Visa spend), accommodation (17 percent) and transport (9 percent).

The total number of transactions made by international Visa cardholders in Thailand has increased by 83 percent between 1999 and 2004.

Average spend per transaction in 2004 was Baht 7,148 (US$178). Visa cardholders from Norway, Sweden and Switzerland spent more per transaction than any other nationality."

Bear in mind that the spend figuure attributed to CM is only what was spent in CM. How much of revenues which should be attributable to the CM economy has been sucked out already by Bangkok based travel agents taking their cut?

I personally love CM but when the Thai's worry about the economy in CM then I want to listen and understand what the problems are. I welcome any serious perspectives, negative viewpoints and cynisism contributes nothing.

A very reliable source informs that after such a promising start, retailers at the new Meechok Plaza on the Mae Jo Road are getting very concerned by the massive drop off in business with a number of the original businesses already pulling out after just 6 months or so. In particular, the new Rimping Supermarket is experiencing heavy losses although the original branch near Novotel, and the branch on Chiang Mai-Lamphun road are apparently still doing OK.

Why should this be? Has the average per household spending power in CM been seriously over estimated by some perhaps (the owner of Meechok Plaza is the Chairman of the CM Chamber of Commerce who should be 'informed'), or is the reality of CM spending power the local markets, and the huge 30 Baht 'all you can eat' buffet restaurant further round the ring road towards City Hall which is seemingly always heaving?

Just thought that I might mention that The Duke's is winning.

Hmmm 4 out of 15 votes cast! Given all the noise on this topic recently I thought we had an army of food critics out there.

Questions 2 & 3 are interesting though, the majority seem to think that we generally get quality nosebag in CM at budget prices!

Hello All..

It's my first time in Bangkok during Song Kran holidays..

Where should I go to celebrate?? What should I bring to prepare? Is it dangerous??

My girlfriend is coming to Bangkok during that week to celebrate our birthday - happen to be on the same day..

Where should 2 girls go to celebrate the holidays and is it safe? Any precautions??

Also, is cathucak open that weekend???

Please advice.

Thanks

Update for you - follow this topic http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...15entry710597

Only open Monday - Friday. I believe 8:30 - 5:00.

Thanks!

If you have a serious problem the Immigration office in International Departures at the Airport will try to help - If you can find them that is during the times there are no international flight departures!

I love my ipod and the very cool way it links to itunes. It would be more expensive in thailand than the US, likely a lot more. stuff like that is never cheaper here when you have so many options where to buy in US. competition is alive and well there and great deals can be had. Here prices tend not to vary much as evidenced by sales at large store where discounts are a pittance compared to the buy 1 get 1's in the US. I got my pod used for $100 in perfect condition

You won't think its so great when the battery dies, and probably real soon. A nice marketing ploy by Apple - the battery is non replaceable you have to ship the iPod back to Aple for a replacement unit - at a price! And you lose your onoard iPod music library data unless you have had the foresight to back it up elsewhere.

This could be one of two roads. Either Chiang Khong / Houei Xai (Laos) - Boten, or from Mae Sai / Tachilek (Myanmar) - China border.

But the distances from the Thai border to the China border are much greater than 91 kms.

So either your 91 kms is wrong, or is could be a road link from somewhere in N Burma to China or N Laos to China.

But my guess is that they are talking about the Houei Xai - Boten road, which is highway 3 in N Laos. However this is a distance of approx 240 kms. This road is under re-construction & will most likely be all asphalt from early-mid 2007 if they are lucky. The northern half at the China border end from Luang Namtha- Boten is 50% asphalt already, with more to come in a few more months. The “southern” Thai end is still a bit of a mess with heaps of heavy construction still going on. If you want to see some photos of it in Nov 2005 check out the GT Rider board

Thanks for some clarification - given the fiasco and time taken with the "Super" highway I guess the bottom line is we better not hold our breath waiting for an invasion of Chinese tourists and their money!

Why is the Hofbrauhaus not included? And McDonalds?

Seriously, thanks for the extensive poll!! Only problem with it is not your fault, but indeed there's no connection between the results of the three questions, so the results of question 2 and 3 does not relate back to any particular place, just perhaps to 'Farang eateries in Chiang Mai in general', which I guess is okay too.

CHeers,

Chanchao

That was bugging me when I did it too but having never tried the poll before I thought I would give it a go. Three polls sseemed a bit stupid but I suppose the questions to 2 & 3 could have been posted with the main poll?

the farang, in a simple buy situation, must sign away any right to the land. no joint ownership etc. you may lease back the land from the wife, and any buildings are yours. you effectively control the property without owning the land. in a company situation, company rules apply. see a lawyer.

tg

A "Usufruct Agreement" can legally give you control over the entire property for the rest of your life, and you do not need any Lease agreement.

PM me if you want more details

What do you call a Thai food establishment?The Secret Garden serves mainly Thai food and is owned by a farang and Thai?.

In the end, no direct connections can be made, it seems to me. I still feel one can learn more from an individual poster, rather than the group, as a whole.

The Secret Garden was included because of the raves about his BBQ AND THAI menu...

Why a poll? - just run a search on food or a named food establishment and you will will see this forum has been dominated with such subjects of late. As for your comment "I still feel one can learn more from an individual poster, rather than the group, as a whole" how can that be when the thread usually degenerates into claims, counter claims and general abuse.

I try to respect other peoples opinions at all times but this subject is still warm and you are being negative already - why not give it a chance?

Arrived in Bangkok for the 7th time this year and am greeted at the airport by the mst surly looking and mannered immigration officer. Welcome to Thailand.

Customs people in their crispy whites who look like they should be at the yacht club instead of a grubby airport just stare at you as you walk past - - then smiles!!!!!

Of course, the smiles are from people who want to sell you something, in this case taxis, limos etc . . .

Hotel this time - - - smiles? Only after I mention the lack thereof.

If for the first-time visitor this is the welcome they receive what must their impression be?

I know Thais can be very friendly and happy, smiley even, so why are the customs and immigration people who form the gateway to this beatiful country so miserable?

Land of Smiles? Hardly.

Officers of the Kingdom - New Decree - Smile only when you screw money out of the Farang

Any problems if the woman owns a business (Limited company) ?

Cheers,

Chanchao

No problem. If the woman buys the land through her company and the deeds are in the name of the company, and then something happens to her i.e she snuffs it, the land stays with the company. Ideally her shares in the company should be legally willed to you, and you should by proxy be at least in control of the company.

the best thing to do is put icy cold water in you water guns.

I find alot of people retreat whne doing it.

Too bad i have to miss this years one songkran.

i had a blast last year.

The best is drenching people who dont want to be wet. And even funnier when they get really pissed off after continuing to wet them.

You would do well to read what was written in the opening post!

I apologise for yet another thread on the coming festivities while offering the following article from the Bangkok Post, please read it as it can make all the difference if we follow the advice it offers.

Quote :-................................................................................

..................................................

EDITORIAL

Let's make this a joyful Songkran

"The spirit of Songkran should not be one of selfish people inflicting extremes of water torture."

"This time round, let us make a supreme effort to restore the traditional Thai new year festival to what it once was _ a serene and peaceful celebration. One where extended families get together for an annual reunion to express their respects to elders and each other by pouring scented water onto the hands of parents, grandparents, other kinfolk and friends. Songkran is a family affair and should be the most noble and loving one in our calendar."

"Unfortunately, in recent years a good time has not been had by all. There is a selfish and aggressive minority which tarnishes the good name of the festival by making it ugly and violent."

This is a new one on me passed on by another CM resident - has anyone heard or read anything about this?

With all of the verbal ping pong going on lately it's about time we had an unbiased poll of what are the general opinions of Farang eating places in Chiang Mai without all the rhetoric. A few points to note:

The establishment names are generally derived from forum topics of Euro/US eateries.

Thai food establishments such as Goodview etc., are excluded as are Japanese, Vietnam, Korean etc.

Hotels/up scale eating places are excluded as this poll applies to the budget conscious

If location/establishment name is incorrect apologies, post corrections through the poll

If you think other establishments should have been included, post details through the poll

I'm looking for a somewhat farang orientated place to hang, drink something, eat something, read something, chat a bit.. But a lot of the pubs that are open during the day are seriously scummy, bum hangnuts, but i'm also not looking for a golf crowd, though i guess the latter is better than the former. Any ideas? Today went past the Thapae area, queen victoria inn, poolside, o'malleys.. Where?

Try the Farang Cafe sometime, Meechok Plaza (new Rimping Supermarket #3), Mae Jo Road

Mainly Farang Menu, out of the smog of the city, open front onto the plaza to watch the world go by, No Aircon, UBC, Newspapers, beer & wine available. Gets a few Farangs in during the day and speaka da English - open 10 am to 8 pm.

DISCLAIMER - Owned and operated entirely by the wife, and in which I have NO managerial, operational or financial interest!

BTW, if you don't see your choice listed, just post and I'll add it to the poll. You can only vote once though (null vote also counts as a vote) so request the option before voting.

Cheers,

Chanchao

Can you elaborate on the difference between:

The Ladies

The Babes

The Females

The Women

Genius when you think about it, very dumb move for opposition parties not to participate. (need a safety net, now they have none)

Absolutely agree, Thaksin called their bluff and outsmarted allof them - the panic button has already been pushed if the advance campaigning for the re-elections is anything to go by. Sukhumvit is already littered with camaign posters every 3 meters!