patongphil

so big bill's actually good for real?

Well........you probably won't think so.

Went to Big Bill's today - will definitley be back

Still effectively nothing in the way of rain here 50km south of Maha Sarakham. Rice just about had it and has become cow fodder as nothing else around.

Pretty bleak for the fish ponds and the main reservoirs only mud flats.

pla sill

The Thais will cook them in a wok with salt, they taste nice

If you get a whole lot of them an bout 6 or 7 cm long then deep fry them whole dipped in a light tempura batter - delicious. Jus like Whitebait for those who know.

I vote for the lady that made a painting with her tits.

Me too!!!

Pretty agressive fish - caught this while out chasing striped snakehead in one of the local reservoirs in Maha Sarakham province.

I read that it could be an issue if the paint on the tiles was lead based - not sure how I would find out if this was the case or not or even if they use lead in the paint for tiles.

Is it OK to capture water from a tile roof for drinking much the same way as all the villagers do off corrugated iron roofs?

If we don't get any substantial rain in the next week or so my fish will have to grow legs. In Maha Sarakham province about 50km south of city.

127,800 baht here in Na Cheuk - Maha Sarakham province. You will have to add the rest.

I cant imagine I would ever base my reason for living somewhere the nationality of the local bar.

One of the great things about Phuket is the huge range of different nationalities here and the bars that they operate. Cheap or Expensive, from Thai to Italian to Swedish to Australian I can pick anything I want within a 15 minute drive. Certainly couldn't have done that back "home".

Wow the great Swedish/Italian/Australian......pick your nationalit chef... named Somchai.

someone told me theres a new owner at phuket fishing park, australian guy.. cheaper prices too 800 baht a day including rods and bait may have to negotiate though? and he said hes stocked it with more species of fish .

New owner since last week????

i would also take a look at Dr Kevin Yip in Singapore - just google his name.

So, let us all in on the secret.... which bar has been sold to this Belgian gentleman?? ...... will we now be able to get decent frites in Patong.... Moules as well maybe ?

The Celtic Bar and I have just been informed the new owner is Dutch not Belgian

_{In defence of Phuket Fish park I went to visit the other day and in the 15 odd mins I was there saw 2 redtail, one pacu and a nice sized carp caught by the only angler there.}

_{Prices are ridiculous though.}

Thanks yes i have contacted this place, looks good , its really expensive though

Very expensive!!!

You have to keep trying. I have seen pictures of sailfish and tuna. The problem is anyone who knows where to find them isnt going to want to increase his competition.

I'm sure they are very far and few between as well.

Somebody killed a sailfish - my heart cries!!!

Sounds like most people have few regrets leaving Phuket/Pattaya for CM.

Will probably come up for a few months shortly and assess it all for myself.

Thanks for all the positive replies.

I am seriously looking into leaving phuket after over 10 years here and am contemplating a move to CM. Are there any others out there that have made this move and can offer any insight into cost differences between the 2 with respect to housing, schooling, etc.

What about way of life??

Any info will help. Note I have no great interest in the sea beaches etc.

I have spent many a happy hour targeting pla chon with surface frog lures in the dams and streams around Maha Sarakham. Have never fished a pay pond!!!

Personally, I like Belgian beer. St Patrick Day will never be the same again though.

So there is only one Irish bar in Patong? Or is it a particular person that will be missed?

Particular person and his family. Also the fact that I could get there in about 2 mins on the bike.

Well after over 10 years in Patong my favourite Irish bar has been sold to a Belgian - maybe it is time to leave.

I see a lot more chang in isan.

Around the Maha Sarakham area there is only 1 beer - LEO, and with ice oin the beer.

Well I am back from the Big Mango. They have the blank forms to fill in at the embassy and I had to show my divorce papers. Also remember to have your passport number as well as future wife's ID nuber as both of these are required on the form.

610 baht later was out the door. Went to the translation place opposite the police station (the embassy had a sketch map of how to get there). 3,700 baht later and was in taxi back to the airport. They said I should receive the translated and stamped papers by post in a week.

The area where you get the affirmation from in the embassy opens at 8:30am!!!

Congratulations

Just to report back the original Stat Dec and certifed translation arrived in the post yeserday so all worked fine.

Think it's the one just short of Vijit Resort as you head in Chalong direction. It's on the opposite side of road.

Other places worthy of mention:

Kallots on Soi Sai Yuan have good farang and Thai food.

Ma Klong on Rawai Beach has good Thai food and fast service.

Nikita's on Rawai Beach does a great green curry and tasty burgers.

Moo's in Rawai village on Wiset Road does great value Thai, but the wait can be too long.

Rum Jungle if you want really tasty farang meal, but not cheap.

M&M pizza my favourite Italian.

Pity there aren't more new places appearing

One final one if you like coffee - Hock Hoe Lee coffee near Friendship Beach on Wiset Road has great coffee.

I thought Nikitas burgers were just about the worst I have ever had!!!!

Does anyone know where I can get approx. 300 Barramundi fry from around the Maha Sarakham area?

Phoned Nam Sai and they apparently do not have any barramundi at present.