JohnLee

Many thanks gents, gives me a lot more confidence to do it that way, approximately how long should I allow for completing the process?

Fore!

OP, I find your posts quite one-sided and not reflective of the whole scene, let alone the progress that has been made at the club under the current committee. Actually, your post speaks for itself.

Over a period of several years, Gymkhana has become a place for golfers who don't have the wherewithal, sometimes the social graces, to join a more (usually much more) expensive club. It isn't what it used to be, and a reluctance to pay what is really necessary to maintain it properly has limited progress significantly.

Otherwise, there have recently been some unfortunate instances in which contending parties, both Thai and foreign, were unable to reach a gentlemanly solution on the course. That might actually reflect the cheap fees of the club and thus the type of individuals who are attracted to it by financial default. In any case, behavior among some has been unfortunately juvenile.

OP, you obviously have your knickers in a twist. Have you really reflected fully upon progress that has been made? No, you have not. You seem to be more intent on exacerbating some sort of pissing contest.

"What's up at Gymkhana?" Rather, you reflect what has been "down and difficult" to improve because of your attitude. And you, unfortunately, are certainly not the only one!

If truth be told, I was expecting more fire and brimstone especially from you Mapguy! Maybe the lack and strength of counter arguments reflects the veracity of the comments above or maybe just an indication of the pissing against the wind syndrome so prevalent among the members. Nevertheless, appreciate your input.

they have also raised their prices 25 percent AGAIN for non members and the caddies they force on you aren't trained like they were years ago..these new ones don't know the difference between a driver and a putter..Never bother to ask which way the ball will roll on a green..they are uncanny in their ability to be wrong…also NEVER let them keep score for you if scoring means anything…scoring shouldn't mean anything at gymkhana because the cricket games in fairways etc. leaves too many ball placement issues in the hands of the incompetent caddies…the golf course should only be played with the frame of mind that you are getting practice for the day you play a real golf course..its just a huge expensive driving range with a horrible menu

Yes, I hear that is the concern of the 'rebels' who have requested an EGM. The substantial raise in the monthly subscriptions without any appreciative improvement in the facilities. The upgrading of the driving range and toilets etc are considered as popularity and vote catching maneuvers as part of the committees plan to secure re election and thereafter extend their tenure from 1 year to 2 years, with the main objective of building a hotel in the grounds. This idea was proposed the last time the main protagonists sat on the committee and was rejected by the members in a previous EGM.

JL

Talk of racism, a couple of fisticuffs on the tee boxes, public accusations by a member of corruption involving the committee, leaking of members personal financial details by office staff, the Golf Committee resigns, Webmaster quits, Golf Handicapping system collapses, regular golf competitions aborted and now a bunch of Thai members are calling for an EGM (details not yet confirmed). In the latest minutes, of a rare committee meeting, it was stated "General atmosphere has become weird between Thai and foreign members as if they do not talk to each other". Has the committee lost the plot? Apparently not, it seems that once the new loos are complete all will be forgotten...and forgiven? "Roll-on the annual election" a member told me, "maybe the new committee can sort the mess out and put this historical club back in the limelight for all the good reasons it deserves and not for the horror stories of late".

JL

I have a Gymkhana Club, Chiang Mai, transferable membership if anyone is interested. Normal life membership is 60k. Selling my transferable, which covers wife (partner) and kids up to 21, for 85k. Memberships covers all sports (cricket, squash, tennis, racket ball and golf) at the Club, incl. free green fees.

PM me if interested.

The latest process for passport renewal (March 2014) is that the application must be taken to Bkk (I'm in Chiang Mai) personally and by appointment. How the heck do you get an appointment before you travel to Bkk? Or do you have to get one after you travel. Very expensive!! Makes a mockery of the recent reduction in passport fees.

JL

Thanks for your input guys, just heard that there is a transferable membership for sale at Gymkhana for 70,000 baht. Given that a non-transferable membership is now 60,000 baht seems like a good deal. Any catches? Will make inquiries and let you know.

JL

I am considering becoming a member of a local golf club, and playing on a regular basis (3 times a week). Suggestions and costs please for long term (life), membership and other good deals out there. Not looking for high-end clubs (budget concerns). Also my game is not worthy of an Alpine, Highlands, etc.

Thanks,

JL

Can i ask if you two, or anybody, knows who exactly made such decisions?

I wonder if the members will speak out on this? i am a member, but i don't really know what avenues are available to make one's voice heard. The only democratic thing i see in the place is every now and again when one can vote for new committee members and a new chairman, but there's always a limited choice for who to elect, and i wonder how they became candidates anyway?

This club has always bumbled along quite nicely, but decisions like these clearly go against the whole interest fabric and spirit of the place.

It's also presumably a good way of pissing off the staff, some of whom have worked there a long time.

All of this is on top of the situation where they allow groups of six to play on the course.

And then there's the warring between certain members and ex-chairmen, and so on. It's a poor indictment of how humans cannot put their egos and stupidity aside in the name of the collective will of the membership, and the founding members.

If any member can advise me the best way of making my voice heard before june, please let me know.

They do have a suggestion book in the restaurant, no sure how much it is actioned, you can also email the committee, there again, do they see these emails. The office manager seems to be a convenient filter for all things anti policy, probably because she has a big hand in their issuance. But I agree there appears to be a apathy around the members.

How is Gymkhana doing these days? Current crises?! Condition of the golf course? Driving range situation? Cooking? Property taxes?

The have been busy with a large influx of Asian (tourist) golfer, in fact too much for the old place and setup to handle at times, so the income has been up on last year. So what do the 'dears' on the committee do, reduce the restaurant hours to 11am-2pm and 4pm to 9pm!! It is killing the spirit of the place!! Come before 11am and the restaurant is like a graveyard, Just what are they about! It is a private club being run like a public bar down Loy Kroh road. In fact not as good as that. They say it is to save money since the minimum wage rule came into force. So they save money by reducing the restaurant and bar opening times. Poor olde Gymkhana!! Can it hold on until June when the next AGM restores (I hope) some life back into the 'Jewel of Chiang Mai'. Look in next week for another thrilling? episode.

Thanks daoyai, an interesting suggestion, I will certainly give that a try.

Cheers

JL

Had a request from home re the above dresses, wondering if it was possible to get them made here in LOS. Not being a follow of such fashion, anyone know if and where these could be made. Have my doubts that the corner-street tailor could knock-up such a thing, but maybe, just maybe, some TV member is or has been involved with Irish dancing competitions here in Thailand. Scanning the web they don't appear to be cheap, talking of 500-1000 quid plus.

Cheers,

JL

Trust the buildings been given the ok by the Fire Dept. Fire escapes, extinguishers etc

Have a nice (safe) night

JL

Don't you have to pay the Laos visa fee (1500 Baht) to enter Laos, even for a few hours?

Some one was asking about genital massage; The Tao Resort at Doi Suket had a lady who specialised in Kra Sai massage, not sure if she's still around.

Wonder how long this (genuine) topic will last before the murder of crows swoop again and do their best to get it closed. "Over to you Mr. Starter.....On your marks.....!"

Cheers,

JL

See here. #146

Good News! My appointment was 15:30 today, arrived 15:15, called 15:20, interview etc complete 15:30, waited 15 mins. Out the door @ 15:45.

Bad News! When I remarked to the officer how well the online system was appreciated he told me that there will to be a meeting this evening with a request by the staff to cancel the system because of the backlog of work it was creating due to those unable to book, not being processed in a timely manner caused by the priority the online booker were receiving. His final comment was "the booking system should be for everyone or no one!"

Cheers,

JL

I can't help it, but my mind always insets a "U" in TRD whenever I see it !!

Thanks for your comment TP, sorry for my stupidity but what is a TRUD?

Cheers

JL

maybe you can pick up some of those fake brembo covers for your brake calipers too

Nah, after reading this don't think I'll bother!

Maybe something more along this line:

Car part shop, in basement of Kad Suan Keaw (spelling) shopping centre. Where they park motor cycles, opposite taxi pick up stand. From memory they can make anything you want. Used them to "tart up " our AE86 Sprinter.

Thanks oxy, will drop in this week and see what they can do me.

Cheers,

JL

Anyone know where I can get TRD decals and other Toyota customizers to spruce up my Vios Turbo in the Chiang Mai area. Also need a "Limited" badge to fit under the "Turbo" logo. Nothing too flashy just to give it a face lift.

Cheers

JL

Proserve at Shell seem to do a good job. Assuming you're talking about a standard x,000km service - oil change, check brakes etc... I used the one just south of Mae Taeng. Good carwash there too for B170...

Thanks bobl, yes it's for a regular service like what you say, there's one close to me, think I'll pop in and give them a go, being there for a car wash before, they seem quite efficient and well organised.

Cheers

JL

Can anyone recommend a reliable maintenance garage, preferably south of the river, who can service my recently bought 5 year old Vios and not blow a hole in my wallet? What about the service centers in the petrol stations, Shell, Caltex etc, any good?

Cheers

JL

last Chance on the opening special Deal,

the pay for 1 & get two memberships deal finishes tomorrow the 15th I have been told

Sorry - No idea what a power rack is - suggest personal inspection !

Just out of curiosity andvari, has there been a noticeable increase in users since your original post on this health club, or is still "like our own private health club"?

Cheers

JL