Bubbalicious

One of the reasons flooding occurs is deforestation, the plants, trees etc no longer hold the water as before and the water runs off the hill into rivers.

That's true in the case of flash floods. These floods are mainly due to too much rain resulting in overflowing rivers. Some areas in Chiang Mai did flood due to changes in the land from housing developments filling in land that previously would have held excess rain water, similar to what happened in March in some places in Korat. But on the whole there is just too much rain than can be handled by the reservoirs, rivers and streams, plus there was literally no summer in the North this year there ended up being a longer rainy season than usual.

Land & Houses in San Sai is flooded. Especially in Cholada - waves of water every time a truck passes by. Cars are not able to make it down the main sois.

So much for a higher end development..

It is a bit strange though, because the water level is well below the level at which the hydro site says it will flood (for San Sai). Is this flooding from the Ping river? I guess San Sai is a pretty big district, but still.

L&H flooded because of the release of dam water; everything else is icing on the cake, such as possible farmer's mains pipe bursting and localized rain water. The canal (stream) through the middle burst both banks, though luckily the main, faster flowing canal runs along the western perimeter and bursts over the paddies. Both canals are still well up and free flowing. In the floods of 2005, when the city was inundated, it came up here but didn't even clear the curb; yesterday, road out front up to knee level, neighbour's house screwed and many cars kaput. There was talk of the run-off being ramped up again if the rain persisted in the catchment area.

I suspect the dam excuse is a bit overstated. In the past 6 years (since the last big floods in the area) there have been lots of new housing developments going in. And with each of these there is extensive in-filling of the paddy fields to build up the land to the level of the Mae Jo Rd or the Ring roads. All that in-filling has taken up a lot of space where water could be released or pumped into. And there are likely spots where the older developments (like L & H) have found themselves downhill from newer developments. So, when there's too much rain in a short period of time there's nowhere for the water to go (especially when the river and canal levels are already high).

For example, the streets of my old neighborhood north of Mae Jo and west of the Ring Road frequently floods when there is a heavy rain that goes on for an extended period of time. Some of the oldest houses in the neighborhood are built at street level. The house I rented and more of the 'newer'' ones (15 years old) were built up about 1 foot from street level, so only the streets would flood, not the houses. I imagine there is still a lot of standing water around there at the moment.

So, for Mike, you need to pay attention to the hight of the land that the house is on in relation to the neighborhood and potential sources of run off, like the main roads.

Yes, lots of places you can rent by the month. Usually the more popular ones want at least a 3 month stay, so you should be just fine.

Rent typically runs from 3,000 (some places less) up to 10-15,000 depending on the location and facilities. There are some threads here with recommendations if you search for them.

Reply #38 in 108 says it all:

Feel sad about the tree..

Seems like half the Thai comments were about the tree.

If I recall correctly that gas station comes just before a section of food carts that people always stop at while in the lane, sending people jumping out to the moat side lane. Given the number of hot-rodders around town I'm surprised there aren't more like this guy in the convertible that hit the moat in that spot.

I am living in a Condo in Chiang Mai near Super Highway, ca. 25 m2 and my first month electricity Bill was 2642 THB!! I don't use AC in a high capacity. .I already complained this to my Condo Owner and we wait and see this month.Can this be realistic? If not, can somebody advise me how I can adjust this?

Thanks,

I lived in a place near the Superhighway as well, not a condo but a down market service apt/hotel. They have the key boxes for the rooms in switching the electricity on and off. Anyways my electric bill was about 1800-1900 bt the first month. I wondered what the deal was but thought they might be charging me for the previous 2 months together, but no the 2nd month's charge was similarly high.

Then it occurred to me that they were playing with the meter. So, I just flipped off the power box in the unit every time I went out. My last month's charge was under 500bt.

Typically rental places seem to charge 6 per unit, but in a couple of houses I've rented (and 2 condos) they have been on the EGAT meters and for many months I've been under the 90 units (0r whatever it is) that is free (thanks to the old PPP free electricity policy put in place 3-4 years back for low energy users). At most, if I go over the free limit (with air-con, fridge, tv, pc) I spend 500 bt a month.

CMCC is the church that has some of its members do prison outreach. You can find the contact email on their website.

"I was taken back just how seedy, dirty and squalid that area has become."

What was it like before?

Exactly. I haven't noticed much of a change. On my first visit to CM 7 years ago I was dropped off at the corner of Loi Kroh and the moat after inquiring about some "good pubs". That was the closest I've come to the place but I do drive by there from time to time and it doesn't seem to be much different. Though I'm sure there are quite a few TV posters who appreciate the diversions available there.

I think the security issue is a non issue as well (I've heard of a few robberies in both condos and houses, but only rarely - it depends on the locale/building and having a good padlock....)

I think the main issues you'll find are what kind of lifestyle you want to maintain. You may tire of the traffic and the limited number of dining options if you live outside of town. Cycling to and from town may not be something you want to do a lot considering the traffic, but being on the outskirts will make cycling to Mae Rim or other popular cycling spots easier. Also, the barking dogs will be an issue as well outside of town.

You'd probably be best to rent an apt. short term when you first arrive and see how you like the different areas and where you want to eat, shop, find entertainment, etc. You might even decide on renting both an apt and a house (I did that for a while to avoid the daily commute - and did it for well under your budget).

Dante; the parent request for a breakdown of expenses was the result of 3 consecutive years of tuition increases (25+%) with seemly little going to the solving rank and file teacher pay, curriculum upgrade, etc, which we had earlier been told it was destined for. We were told by the present principle that 80% of CMIS income was going for salaries. This brought about further questions concerning budgets, income/expenses, Disparity in tuition charges, the addition of preschool for teachers children, various school paid trips for teachers (not field of study related), additional vehicles, additional personnel, etc, as you can imagine.

Zippy; There are a multitude of boards within the Church of Christ Thailand, CMIS, and the various entities controlled by the church. To be blunt it would appear most board members are there as a result of the CCT and their representatives/employees recommendation, they are employees of CMIS or are parents whose children pay a reduced rate for all proposed school fees. The board members who are parent representatives are in the minority, thus can be either out voted or ignored (my earlier reference to a card game). In personally visiting with some of them, they informed me that they had brought up questions on several topics, in early planning discussions but got no satisfaction. When the majority of any decision making group is appointed by the ADMINISTRATION of any organization/company, I question pointing a finger at those board members who were trusting of some peoples summation/presentation of his take on other people and/or proposals which may benefit themselves or those close to them. Granted the "Board" has/had virtually no experience in many of the problems/decisions which have come to the forefront. It is also very apparent that people management is not a forte of some of the CMIS management nor is new campus budgeting/construction/planning and the introduction of same to those who are being asked to pay for it.

If you want the salary, perks, etc of being management, then as H. Truman so eloquently put it "the buck stops here"

This has been an interesting thread. There were a lot of comments I wanted to reply to as I was reading but I waited till the end to jump in.

First, I wonder if anyone can name any organizations (of any significant size) in the country that they would consider as models of transparency?

Second, has anyone had any comparative experience with any graduates of the local International or other private schools?

As for myself, I haven't seen too many transparent organizations here.

Most decisions in organizations here seem to drift to the very top leader for final arbitration. In this case that would be the CCT. And in the pecking order of the CCT - with CMIS, PRC, Payap, and the CCT itself all seeming to be involved in one way or another here - I'd say that CMIS falls to the bottom of the pecking order . So, as for board members or admin at CMIS (who from the website both seem to be made up of mostly farang) lacking information, that isn't entirely surprising since they seem to be taking their orders (and meeting scripts) from the people above them that are making/influencing the decisions. It is what it is.....which perhaps explains the take it or leave it attitude (I myself am relocating from the LOS in part due to this attitude....)

I had heard a month ago about the building of a new campus within the Payap facilities and took it as a done deal. I don't really have any first hand experience with CMIS myself, but I have known a few CMIS students (along with several from Lanna, Grace, NIS, and Prem) and I'd have to say the ones from CMIS seemed to have gotten a fairly good education (though I admit my sample size is fairly small) and would rate them on a level with Prem (I must say that I am really not too high on the students I've seen come out of NIS - though some of the teachers there are friends of mine - and I've known some from NIS whose English at the end of their H.S. graduation wasn't good enough to get a sufficient TOEFL score to get into an English speaking university).

As for the financing of the new school, I know there are a variety of financing/grant options for such schools but, even with church backing, CMIS would have to carry their own weight on repayment, etc. And from what I've heard the cost of building materials has risen quite rapidly in the past few years (along with nearly everything else it seems).

Some other things that caught my eye:

I'd also say the 70k guess on salary is quite high (though perhaps the longer tenured/higher qualified teachers can reach that level)

As for health insurance, private schools generally don't seem to be in the social security system. I believe this due to the original design in the social security system though I think later changes may have given the schools themselves the option of joining (somewhat similar to how the Thai gov't employees and private sector employees had different social benefit schemes). From friends I know that some private schools in town provide very little in the way of health ins. cover.

And from what I have heard and read the missionary dual pricing standard is a fairly common practice in Christian schools around the world. If these missionaries are working within a CCT org. then that would be a fairly standard employee benefit perk (something that employees working for private educ. orgs typically get anywhere - at my univ. in the states employees' kids got 100% free tuition). But, knowing several missionaries in town I know that most of them are self-funded (through individual churches or denominations) and not in any way affiliated with CCT. And FWIW, teachers at NIS get 100% tuition free schooling for their kids (which is one of the main attractions for my friends who work there) - and I imagine that this is the case at the other Intl and private schools in town (again, a fairly standard practice). I'm fairly sure that charging missionary parents the same rate would price many of them out of CMIS and drive them into home schooling (which many of them are already doing BTW).

However, it does appear that the management/communication at CMIS could use some improvement. It sounds like they have had a fairly easy set up there for a while, with not too many big decisions to make, but now are having to make some serious and far reaching decisions that they haven't had much experience making. I might also add that the recession (esp. in the U.S.) likely has caused a decline in whatever support they have gotten from outside sources (including perhaps some 'free' teachers/staff they may have used in previous years who were self-funded missionaries or missionary spouses/volunteers, etc).

I look forward to continued developments in this drama (one of several education dramas we've had this year....and every year it seems)

I've used Boonma Cargo. Google them for their website. Several staff spoke good English. I think 'Kat' wa the lady I dealt with. Their office is just before the Nim City Daily complex (with the Rim Ping) near Airport Plaza. They picked up a pallet of stuff I had shipped in, cleared customs for me and then trucked it up and delivered to my door - 8 floors up. I think the trucking was only 3000 or so. I've also called them for quotes since then. Friends have used Nim See Seng and recommend it.

"Full Moon Pub offered free drinks to girls who showed their breasts"

Is the PUB management too sick and cheap or are the ladies too desperate and naive?

That's how the country will improve into a civilize nation. SAD!!

Anyone naive enough to think this is a new happening? Or likely to change anytime soon?

Its been going on for last 30 years or more. I know I first saw this behavior about 30 years ago. And often since. Very often. Very very often.

In what neighborhoods exactly?

j/k

But I bet another good youtube would shame some folks into action.

I wouldn't be surprise if the owner of these companies were either Thai or Chinese.

Israeli, as noted by someone already, but with several Thai associates/employees.

This is actually an old case that dates back to Sept. 2010 with the original indictment (not sched for trial till Feb. 2012). Could b this additional indictment is related to the judge in the case looking favorably on the idea of letting this guy to be out from under house arrest and travel to California. The additional Immigration indictment from 2009 means this dude has been looked at for a long time but for whatever reason, the wheels of justice are turning mighty slow.

From hawaiinewsnow dt cm

The government considers Orian a flight risk. He will be held without bail at the Federal Detention Center until a detention hearing Wednesday, September 8.

Five other people were indicted with Orian.

Pranee Tubchumpol, 44, surrendered to the FBI in Los Angeles Wednesday.

The FBI said Kona resident Sam Wongsesanit, 39, has agreed to surrender next week.

Shane Germann, 41, surrendered to the FBI in Fargo, North Dakota Wednesday.

The FBI believes Ratawan Chunharutai and Podjanee Sinchai are both in Thailand and are considered fugitives.

Here are some happy details from part of another article:

BY MALIA ZIMMERMAN – HONOLULU, HAWAII (Part 2 in a series) Kiet Jainukul planned to leave his wife, two young children, and native Thailand behind to work in Israel on a farm with hopes he could bring his family out of poverty.

In 2002, when he saw a recruitment ad for a 3-year full-time job in America at $9 an hour, he jumped at the chance to make more money in what he saw as the land of opportunity.

The problem: He says a manpower recruiter from SAIM TP in Udon, Thailand required him to pay 650,000 baht (approximately $17,000) in cash, even though Thai recruiters are allowed to collect just 65,000 baht or $1,500 in fees.

The recruiter escorted him to Krungsri Ayutthaya Bank also known as Bank of Ayudhya to borrow half the money, and he "went out of the system" to get the rest from wealthy villagers at a much higher interest, using his family's home and rice farm as collateral. He never touched the cash. If he spoke English or wasn't married, he would not be accepted, the recruiter told him. His level of education, which like most of his peers did not go past grammar school, also was noted on his form.

When it came time to leave the country, and the money had already been paid, the recruiter told him he must not tell the Thai Department of Labor that he paid more or he would have his visa, job and deposit revoked. Scared he would lose everything, he kept quiet and signed a government document that said he paid the maximum legally allowed in fees and no more. He was optimistic that in a year, he could pay off the debt, and make two years profit.

But in reality, that plan would never materialized. After leaving Thailand bound for Arizona farms, Jainukul was redirected to Los Angeles where Global Horizons was headquartered and spent a month in an apartment with 10 other Thai workers waiting to get to work.

They only brought $20 to $100 each to America, and that money didn't go very far in pricey LA when they needed to buy their own food. They mostly ate Saimin. "We were very, very hungry, but afraid to go out any place, because could not speak language," said Jainukul. A neighbor concerned about their well-being began to cook for them, Jainukul says.

Their first night in LA, founder of Global Horizons Mordechai "Motty" Orian came to visit them in their LA apartment. He told the workers who had only paid half of the recruitment fee upfront, that they would be transferred to Hawaii to work if they paid balance immediately. Orian told them to call their families in Thailand and get more money to the labor recruiters.

Here are some more details about the Thai woman who was arrested, from the Free the Slaves blog:

One of the U.S. employees was Pranee Tubchumpol. She was arrested in her home in Gardena, California, just a few miles from the west coast headquarters of Free the Slaves. Tubchumpol was reportedly the head of Global Horizon's international relations, acting "as a liaison between workers, the Department of Labor's H2A guest worker program and Thai authorities."

She also operates a massage parlor in Culver City—also just a few miles away from FTS headquarters. Five Senses Spa Thai Massage, located at 4349 1/2 Sepulveda Blvd. was briefly closed, following Tubchumpol's arrest. But, according to Culver City News, has since re-opened.

Another clear reminder that modern day slavery can happen right in our own communities.

iv eaten at miguels and dont rate it all the food looks the same on the plate as it does on the menu so theres a positive point in there favor

the staff are nice polite and fast its very clean but i have never eaten anything so bland and tasteless in my life a real disappointment

the food lets the place down a real nice clean place but the food leaves a lot to be desired

I think the same of their food. After much plugging on here by UG I tried Miguels and found the food tasteless and poor - and the staff were very off-hand. It is a tourist trap that heavily advertises in hotels - best left for tourists.

Salsa Kitchen is better, but I would not expect to find really great Mexican food in Chiang Mai. You need a big city with a more diverse population perhaps.

Rgds

There are three Miguels, all run by different people. I find the one on the Old Lamphun road to be the best, they do have guacamole and the food is fresh and tasty. I don't think anyone would call that area a "tourist trap" n

I also like the Miguels on Old Lamphun road better than the one on the moat, though I haven't really eaten too many things there. I like the taco salad and the tacos are okay too. It's a nice place to watch sports and have a drink and a bit to eat. It does seem a bit spicier than the one on the moat.

El Diablo's is primarily burritos and probably does rate as the best burrito place in town. And the free chips and salsa are a big plus too. The Mexican food at Art Cafe (I think I've just had the burritos) didn't taste that great to me. IMHO the tacos at Chiang Mai Saloon (the one inside the moat) are pretty good, especially the chicken soft tacos, and probably the best I've had in CM (haven't eaten at La Salsa though...) The burritos in the place on the 4th floor at Pantip are not bad if you happen to be in the neighborhood and just want a quick, cheap (for local Mexican food places) bite to eat. It's more on the level of Mexican fast food really.

First, there is the case of this American woman, Soraya,

I've asked here in a prior post, and in a couple other places where the subject is ongoing, of those people who have posted claiming to know this particular victim: Where was she staying at the time of her death?  Thus far, none of those supposed acquaintances have provided any response.

and then, apparently, there are 3 other Thai deaths that are being looked at as being related (though unrelated to the hotel). And which apparently haven't hit the newspapers yet (no secret as to why that might be, seeing as how it would be bad for the whole town, business wise).

B, if there's some info about potential additional victims re this case that you're referring to in your post on someone's FB page, can you provide the link here? Or at least copy and post the pertinent info... If it's in Thai, it can be translated....

If you're looking for more details on the additional victims. I got that info verbally straight from a person who was in a meeting earlier this week with various public health types in the city. I don't know where my FB friend got the info from (maybe it's in the Thai press or Thai forums? I don't know). Another Thai acquaintance mentioned a report in the Thai press about a 'virus' being the cause (but I wouldn't take that to be the final verdict, as it seems they don't know or don't have enough questions answered to make a call on anything definite). But I see that the info on samples being sent to Japan and the U.S., which my friend heard in the meeting, was mentioned in that press conference as well (as reported by the Chiang Mai Mail).

But, in trying to get a run down on this info on additional victims, I was talking to my Thai friend who was at the meeting and it went something like this:

TF: "There are 4 Thai and 4 farang" who were victims.

Me: "4 Thais?"

TF: "Chai. 4 men."

Me: "4 Thais?" (still in disbelief)

TF: "4"

Now, I took that to mean the original 1 woman and 3 additional people. The friend said 'men' but maybe meant to say 'person'. The friend didn't seem to have any info on the additional victims and had to run, so I didn't get to follow it up. But, after listening to the laundry list of things they are looking at (and trying to eliminate as possibilities) it appears that these additional 3 have also died, I assume, under some similar circumstances or with similar symptoms.

I raised the new potential victims in the hope that someone in position to ask, might ask someone in the know. "Hey, what's this I hear about additional Thais having died?"

As for your question on the hotel where Soraya was staying. That would also be interesting to know. I imagine it's not widely known among the friends. But I did notice that the husband is on FB. I thought about messaging and asking, but decided not to.

Looks like they are trying desperatly to obfuscate. Unfortunatly that appears all too similar to what happend with the deaths in Phi Phi.

When you have a track record like that people assume you guilty until you prove yourself innocent. Good Luck Chiang Mai Governors family and TAT.

They will continue to delay and obfuscate and the problem will be buried, it always has been in the past. I can see why the Thai authorities treat outsiders like idiots because we deserve nothing better as there is never the will or coordination between effected parties to obtain satisfactory answers from the Thai authorities under pain of consequences serious enough to force someone to take ownership of the issue.

I am referring here to diplomacy at international level not the attempts of bereaved to get answers, as they are serially let down by those who purport to represent them.

That just about sums it all up.

People can talk about all the conspiracy crap until they are blue in the face. It doesn't stand for anything, never has, never will. This case/investigation is all but over. Although it is likely to carry on for maybe a couple of weeks. Things have to be seen to be done, then it will just fizzle out. Unless of course one of the Embassies of the victims, activly gets involved and starts demanding proper answers? For sure that will not be the British Embassy.

jb1

Well, I can see why that press conference was held seeing now about the ownership group.

But, from reports I heard today from a health care industry friend (and confirmed by another friend's FB page) this case DOES go beyond the Downtown Inn. First, there is the case of this American woman, Soraya, and then, apparently, there are 3 other Thai deaths that are being looked at as being related (though unrelated to the hotel). And which apparently haven't hit the newspapers yet (no secret as to why that might be, seeing as how it would be bad for the whole town, business wise). But, from what I was told they are looking at a variety of things that it could be - various food contamination possibilities, and things like pesticides or chemical toxins getting into vegetables, etc. that might have been used in the dishes, as well as viral infections and a variety of other possible causes (sketchy mix of English and Thai from my friend, but from what I gathered the health office is casting a wide net as to the possibilities).

Part of the delay in naming causes for this is that some samples have been sent overseas for testing (US and Japan were mentioned), I assume either for higher tech testing or to double/triple check whatever results they've gotten locally.

Whatever else is going on investigation wise, I'm pretty sure this press conference wont be the last of what we hear on this issue. But it sure would be nice if the media keeps pressing on this so we can get more timely answers.

Edit: One other thing. I haven't read thru all the latest pages but I see a lot of talk here about the Phuket cases. A Phuket link is also one of the long list of things they are looking at (trying to eliminate, etc) I guess seeing as how those causes of death were never completely determined (even with the European - Norwegian? specialists who came in).

Kelly's is good. I think it was 130 bt for 3 pieces (110 bt for 2 if you're not so hungry). Some nice and affordable looking things on the menu other than fish and chips too (pizza, sandwiches, and breakfast things as well).

Mae Choke Plaza is the official name of the market (where the Rimping is). You can see the locations of the Rimpings on rimping dot com. The open air market down the street is Dalat Ruam Chok (to match the intersection name).

I'd be remiss in not mentioning the Vietnamese place next to Kelly's is great as well. Really good Vietnamese egg rolls (fried ones). I get a couple of orders of them to go whenever I have to bring something for pot luck. They go quick!

have you looked at huaw kaew palace they also throw in a breakfast it's about 5500 baht for one month.

No, it's out of my price range. I must come across as a terrible cheapskate but I am just trying to budget effectively as that gives me more options with my travel plans.

There are a lot of options really in the 2500-3000 range. It just depends on what part of town you want to be in.

Don't bother with the Choktawee as it is a ways out and I know the prices are up closer to 3000 now. No big deal there.

Closer in on that side of town is the Smith Residence, just up the road and across the street from the British Council. It runs about 3000, a bit cheaper with fan only. The A/C units are old and if you get one with A/C it will run you another 1000 bt or so (that's the thing with some of these low end spots is they rip you off on the electricity). Easy walking to several places to eat and easy to catch a red car into town (or a fairly short walk to the river)

If you want to be in town Moonmuang Soi 7 and 9 and some of the inner lanes will have spots in that price range. You'll be well situated for Songkran there too (unless a week of daily dousings isn't your thing...)

Up around Buddy place there are a lot of other options, in and around the Rajabhat Univ. Lots of students up there. Another area is north of Huay Kaew, with lots of spots in that 2500-3000 range. 

Then out up Suthep Road behind CM University's back gate there are a lot of spots and could/should be some good pickings as the university is on summer break.

Of course, some spots will want a 3-6 month lease, so that is another potential limitation. If you are only looking at a month or two, stick to the Moonmuang and maybe some other spots along Huay Kaew as mentioned above. 

You should rent a bike and cruise around and see all these spots before deciding, esp. if you are planning to be here for 2-3 months.

It was discussed in a different thread here on TV. Different hotel, different symptoms and certainly unrelated.

Mr Pandolo said his wife was staying in a different hotel, but the symptoms were the same.

Anyone know what hotel Mrs. Pandolo was staying in and how close it is to the Downtown Inn?

I don't have all the links in front of me, but basically all the people who died and 3 who were sickened but survived (including a friend of Soraya) all showed "symptoms" of food poisoning. Four who died all had a series of symptoms that lead to enlarged hearts(myocarditis)/heart attacks. Hard to say how all that is unrelated.

One of the New Zealanders "recovered after emergency heart surgery": could there be any clues here?

Exactly, the NZ girl's death also was apparently related to a heart issue. And now the speculation on the UK couple is that they died of heart attacks?

Whatever it is (if they are all related) seems to be affecting the heart.

Election time in LOS...time for a break abroad me tinks!

Election time in LOS...time for a break abroad me tinks!

Not only election time. These assassinations happen any time of year. A lot of them related to business as well as political conflicts.

 

unlawful use of cocaine while possessing a firearm

So, does that mean the use of cocaine is legal if you are not in possesion of a firearm?

It does make one wonder. Or is it illegal uses of cocaine and legal uses of cocaine?

Though, I'm guessing the dude went to work while high on cocaine and there wasn't evidence of him possessing it other than what was in his blood.

Visa support (for ED extensions) is the usual 2-ish weeks turnaround.  I think you can only apply for an initial ED visa outside of Thailand.

You can change a tourist visa to an ED visa (or any other type, I believe) in Bangkok. You need to have sufficient time remaining on the tourist visa (cant recall if it's 2 or 3 weeks). Not every school visa person may know how to do this.

Sometimes I think that visa people at schools, when in doubt, will tell you to go outside of the country and get the new visa/transfer from one 'work' visa to another, etc. (at least that was the case for friends who taught at a particular university at the foot of Doi Suthep, when people I know at other schools didn't have to go on a visa run when they changed visa/work status) .

By CAT, you mean the CDMA USB modem? I've used it down towards Big C in Hang Dong and haven't really found a spot in CM that I can't get a signal. 

Heard it was slow, but AIS also has a "3G" modem/Sim option that a friend used down in your neck of the woods.

The gym in mooban near rimping is called jia jia. It is 500 bt per month for gym and 500 bt per month for pool so if you want to use both is 1000 bt. It is 50 bt. per day and also pay separately for gym and pool. There are few farang there and I believe they prefer it that way. Other farang have told me same thing. I went there daily for 2 years when I lived in the area as it was closest gym to my house and was convenient. They have decent weight facilities, though it is meant for Thais. I could bench press their entire supply of weights at one time. Also they have little for aerobic training exscept some elliptical machines which are usually broken. Gym is closed mondays.

Must be some 2-tier pricing going on. As my Thai friend called last month and was quoted 20bt per visit.