masuk

The thing with grocery prices in Oz is that the situation there is a duopoly (with Aldi a distant third player), same as in NZ. Grocery prices in both Oz and NZ are among the highest in the world, as are the supermarket margins due to lack of true competition (some claim it is because of cost of shipping, but that's bs, as shipping does not usually affect overall cost of items much due to number of such items per container etc.).

For this reason I would expect certain products to be cheaper here, as long as they are bought of the manufacturers in Oz/NZ direct (or from wholesalers that are not affiliated with the big supermarket players) - that way, the high margins of the supermarkets there can be avoided.

However on the other hand these are perishables and given the distance, tropical climate, etc. one would also expect local players here to add a fairly high margin to cover for losses etc.

Either way I don't think it's necessary that products here cost at least the same as in Oz - they can definitely be cheaper but it would depend on the product and the source. Cheese has gotten very expensive in recent years anyway, at least tripled in price in the past three to four years in Oz and NZ I'd say for most types (only exception is the no-name 1 kilo blocks at the big supermarkets in my experience). Probably also because of a few players dividing up the market between them and cranking up the margins...

I have no (financial) interest in ALDIs apart from being a regular shopper there for the years before moving to CM.

They are very much in front of the Big Two. I stock up with frozen NZ lamb and cheese and have it back in CM overnight.

check their prices compared to the other two.

http://www.bigpondmo...shopping-basket

http://www.bigpondmoney.com.au/the-cheapest-shopping-basket

The thing with grocery prices in Oz is that the situation there is a duopoly (with Aldi a distant third player), same as in NZ. Grocery prices in both Oz and NZ are among the highest in the world, as are the supermarket margins due to lack of true competition (some claim it is because of cost of shipping, but that's bs, as shipping does not usually affect overall cost of items much due to number of such items per container etc.).

For this reason I would expect certain products to be cheaper here, as long as they are bought of the manufacturers in Oz/NZ direct (or from wholesalers that are not affiliated with the big supermarket players) - that way, the high margins of the supermarkets there can be avoided.

However on the other hand these are perishables and given the distance, tropical climate, etc. one would also expect local players here to add a fairly high margin to cover for losses etc.

Either way I don't think it's necessary that products here cost at least the same as in Oz - they can definitely be cheaper but it would depend on the product and the source. Cheese has gotten very expensive in recent years anyway, at least tripled in price in the past three to four years in Oz and NZ I'd say for most types (only exception is the no-name 1 kilo blocks at the big supermarkets in my experience). Probably also because of a few players dividing up the market between them and cranking up the margins...

I have no (financial) interest in ALDIs apart from being a regular shopper there for the years before moving to CM.

They are very much in front of the Big Two. I stock up with frozen NZ lamb and cheese and have it back in CM overnight.

check their prices compared to the other two.

http://www.bigpondmoney.com.au/the-cheapest-shopping-basket

But this is not Sydney/Kansas and besides, most food here is cheap.

Most imported foods are at least the same price as back home.

Can't agree with you here. I'll make up a list of basic items and do a TOPS/WOOLIES/ALDIS comparison next time I'm in Oz.

As I said earlier, Camembert is heaps cheaper in Oz. Can you buy a 1 kilo block of Cheddar in Chiang Mai for 180baht?

Bottled,canned, packet Thai food in Oz seems to be the same price as here, as heavy import duties are not imposed.

There's some sort of free trade agreement, but it seems to be a bit one-way.

"Whilst Tops has a very decent selection of Western cheeses including some pretty obscure ones, prices are the same or higher than Sydney for most of them."

Why would imported cheeses be any cheaper than Sydney?

"Whilst Tops has a very decent selection of Western cheeses including some pretty obscure ones, prices are the same or higher than Sydney for most of them."

Why would imported cheeses be any cheaper than Sydney?

You're not kidding! Cheese seems to be two to three times as expensive. I can buy 4x 125g packets of Camembert in our local co-op in Oz for around 300baht.

But this is not Sydney/Kansas and besides, most food here is cheap.

I bought a 1kg block of Cheddar at ALDI's on the Gold Coast for $6.00 (180bht) and repacked this into zip lock bags. It keeps quite well in the meat storage area in the fridge.

Hope this is not too off-topic, but on the subject of meeting local people, the need to increase English language skills of so many Thais, not to mention my need for learning some basic Thai, I'd like to know if there is an English language radio station or times for English broadcasts in Chiang Mai.

In Indonesia, many of the universities ran English language stations, to increase the speaking skills of students through out the particular city. Some of us English Language teachers were asked to participate, answer questions on air.

Something similar to this link in Thailand, using local FM stations would be a great way to go.

http://www.kangguru.org/englishradio.htm

Thank you. It's very interesting and I managed to get hold of a copy of Mr Wood's book before I moved here.

I'm using 3BB and it's super-slow today.

About 3 minutes to download a single page for a flight booking.

Gays, yes, but it's only in the past 3 years the signs have gone up in 7-11, cafes, restaurants, menus- in Russian.

You've all been very helpful .... Thanks lads... Mike

Why not use one of the excellent German heaters which run on LPG?

This avoids a large power surge heating water. The one I had in Indonesia came at a good flow as I had a water pump, and the hot water output was quite good. There is no reason why this could not be extended to provide hot water for a kitchen or a washing machine. Just make sure your washing machine can take hot water,(i.e. the plastic fittings are rated for hot water) and if it's a cold water only model, then you'll be using your hot water for all the rinses too.

I had two LPG cylinders, one for the cooker, one for the hot water. If one ran down, then it's a quick swap over until the next bottle is delivered.

I've just had a week at Jom Tiem beach, and it will be my last.

My stays at the beach were always pleasant, relaxed, interesting conversation with the Brits, English-speaking other Europeans, but not any more.

I do not wish to be racist, but the Russians there are really spoiling it; they rarely seem to sit and read - just talk loudly, loud music, and if the wives want to sit under a gay flag, good luck to them.

But the loud music became too much yesterday, as both German and Dutch speakers gave one group of Russians a blast and asked them to turn the loud music and singing down. It became quite a shouting match, and the tourist police had to come over and smooth things, quietly and efficiently.

As one upset guy said, he'd been coming there for 10 years, but it was no longer a nice place. I for one will seek a quieter beach to stay in future years.

Don't know how you guys do it.

I stroll into my immigration whenever,never longer than 15 minutes for report.

30 minutes for annual extension.

A very pleasant experience to boot.

please tell us where!!!

I'm beginning to think it's a darn sight easier to renew a visa on an annual trip to the home country.

Hambao or Hambaobao is Mandarin for hamburger. I don't know cheeseburger as the Chinese don't like cheese. "shu tiao" is Mandarin for french fries in case you were wondering...

The Sing/Ma/Thai (S'pore/Malaysia/Thailand) tour has been a popular tour with Chinese tourists for at least 5 years and probably longer. Quite a bit of Mandarin spoken in Chiang Mai's tourist areas already. I was at Wat Chiang Man about a month ago and a Chinese woman remarked, "hen you lisher" which means, "Quite alot of history" when she was admiring the temple.

With such a large population now being able to save money and travel abroad, the inflow of Chinese tourists should be a positive for Thailand and Thais who work in the tourism industry.

If there are more Chinese restaurants, and as it is rumoured that the Chinese like a bit of fresh dog meat, hopefully it might help reduce the 4 dogs per household to maybe just one!

Intersting posit, I've wondered for years what industry CM has to fill the increasing rate of condo and house building but am still scratching my head as it sure isn't the increasingly tighter western expats. Apparently Taksin in the old days had big plans including shifting the capitol here and highways through Burma into India but don't know if they are still on the agenda. Yet the development continues unabated, seems many Thais know what I don't don't or just riding the bubble? When I return in many years it will be interesting to see what has happened to the place and where it is heading, will there be Chinese language signs everywhere? I have a couple of minor properties in play waiting for city expansion, may or may not play out, but not change your life stuff anyway.

Why Chinese signs?

visit Pattya (if you dare) and see the English signs which have come down and replaced by Russian ones.

Had mine done after kid number 2 was settled in and healthy. That was 35 years ago and no more kids since then!

Why not RAM? I'm getting dental treatment there and yes, it's a bit more expensive, but they've got the gear, the staff are excellent.

I've had a series of root canals - oh joy, oh rapture! - but if it's any consolation, the cost seems to be 1/3 of the same thing in Australia. I'm not even sure our Aussie dental surgeon has an an x-ray machine on the premises, but it's sure needed to check the progress of the work., mid operation.

So yes, I'd go for RAM.

I am truly amazed that Thailand is number 3 in the world for gun deaths. That, plus the terrorist war in the south does not get the publicity they deserve amongst the overseas tourist markets.

The Aussie travel agent murdered at Phuket last year, certainly hit the news in Australia, prompting friends and family to ask me just how safe it is to live here.

uh oh. looks like I might be starting a new collection.

I have been trying to buy only ebooks, and have about 1500 asstd titles on my Kindle. So much easier to travel and also to archive (on my computer).

Oxford Press have an excellent series, (Oxford in Asia). They were never cheap, and it was painful to have to give these away before moving to Thailand.

There are numerous publishers who specialise in Asian History.

Possibly a Google search will give you plenty of titles. Here's one.

http://www.cambridge...te_locale=en_US

I prefer ebooks as there is no postage and instant delivery, apart from being much cheaper than printed versions.

Happy New years readers..

OK..really a serious question, what is the "official Thai Govt" reason for the 800K in the bank, why was it set at that amount? I know all the other reasons..but is there an official nice Thai regulation?

Equals some 65,000 baht/month.

It actually fits quite well the expenses for an average retired, with a reasonable lifestyle.

Also, with an income of 65,000 baht/month most people can afford some level of health insurance or at least accident insurance and not become a burden to the government medical system, which is obligated to provide emergency care for humanitarian reasons.

Perhaps, but to be clear there is no requirement to have 65K INCOME per month. Actually, there is no requirement to have even ONE BAHT of income per year.

...not what the Thai Immigration site says.

UV exposure in cars.

Moehrle M, Soballa M, Korn M.

Source

Department of Dermatology, University of Tuebingen, Germany. [email protected]

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

There is increasing knowledge about the hazards of solar and ultraviolet (UV) radiation to humans. Although people spend a significant time in cars, data on UV exposure during traveling are lacking. The aim of this study was to obtain basic information on personal UV exposure in cars.

METHODS:

UV transmission of car glass samples, windscreen, side and back windows and sunroof, was determined. UV exposure of passengers was evaluated in seven German middle-class cars, fitted with three different types of car windows. UV doses were measured with open or closed windows/sunroof of Mercedes-Benz E 220 T, E 320, and S 500, and in an open convertible car (Mercedes-Benz CLK). Bacillus subtilis spore film dosimeters (Viospor) were attached to the front, vertex, cheeks, upper arms, forearms and thighs of 'adult' and 'child' dummies.

RESULTS:

UV wavelengths longer than >335 nm were transmitted through car windows, and UV irradiation >380 nm was transmitted through compound glass windscreens. There was some variation in the spectral transmission of side windows according to the type of glass. On the arms, UV exposure was 3-4% of ambient radiation when the car windows were shut, and 25-31% of ambient radiation when the windows were open. In the open convertible car, the relative personal doses reached 62% of ambient radiation.

CONCLUSIONS:

The car glass types examined offer substantial protection against short-wave UV radiation. Professional drivers should keep car windows closed on sunny days to reduce occupational UV exposure. In individuals with polymorphic light eruption, produced by long-wave UVA, additional protection by plastic films, clothes or sunscreens appears necessary.

I've recently bought a new Suzuki Swift. Price is much the same as in Australia - EXCEPT - it only has ONE air bag. The Aussie version has seven! I'd hate to think what other safety features have been dropped.

Having taken it out at night for the first time, I was amazed to find that I could hardly see anything out the side windows. I had to put them down at intersections in the highly unlikely event that a car or bike rider might not have his lights on. Only saw 6 this morning before dawn.

I've had my doubts about the tinting, especially as even the windscreen is tinted, tho a lighter transmittance than the sides. BUT, all the tints are totally reflective!

I've just checked Australian and New Zealand standards, and there is no way these tints are permitted there. Reflective tints are totally illegal and light transmittance must be a minimum of 35%. No tinting at all is allowed on the portion of the windscreen below the mirror.

I'm going to have to remove the side window tints and try and find the correct ones.

As Thai assembled Suzukis are going to be exported to Australia, I should imagine there will be quite a few differences.

Is there such a thing as a Thai standard for tints?

Who asked for reflective tint to be put on? Did you accept what suzuki offered or did you get it done at a shop. What % are your tints? You will see the occasional crackdown (i.e. enforcing the law) on tints, but it's been a few years since the last one.

That's the way the car came at the showrooms. I'd guess that the side tints are nearer 80% than 35%.

I've seen a few swifts with darkened rear windows, but the fronts are much lighter. It looks strange, but maybe you can get the fronts removed and replaced with lighter tint. I'm surprised they put such a dark tint on in the first place, without consulting you first.

Actually, the windscreen front is OK, tho illegal also, as it's reflective.

It's the side windows that annoy me as they make it so difficult to see what's outside at night or in an underground and usually badly-lit parking area.

None of the screens lower the UV level as one writer suggested; it's the glass that does this. Wearing ordinary spectacles does much the same.

I have a non-immigrant "B" visa, which I obtained in Australia, on the basis that I might do some teaching here, but it hasn't happened. I'm simply enjoying retirement!

Can anyone sum up in a few sentences, the advantages of having 800,000 baht bank funds + pension and getting the type of visa which might be called a 'retirement visa', compared with the present visa I have and 90day trips to the border?

I am totally confused.

I was just at the bus station and it costs about 780 baht to take the VIP Green bus to Mae Sai on a return ticket. I was thinking of riding my scooter up there, but with all the holiday traffic I changed my mind. Besides, I would have had to stay over night, so I wouldn't save any money in either case. Be sure to book a few days in advance and you should be okay. I don't trust any van service. I've seen too many stupid van drivers taking risks to know which ones are good and which ones are idiots.

I thought the first class was only 100bt more expensive than the 234bt vip seats....but seems a lot more then?

I was talking about a RETURN TRIP fair. Not just one way. I don't know any first class VIP bus that will take you to Mae Sai and BACK for only 350 baht.

I booked a ticket on the VIP coach this morning. It's around 700baht return. Leaves Chiang Mai at 0800. Allowed myself a few hours to do the passport, have a decent lunch, not rush and come back on the 17:00 bus.

A pity their web site is so fickle. I've had to do a 40km round trip to go into town and buy a ticket.

They must have a tax, so that means our cars have inflated prices? The tax is only...what, 12% already? ..I'm aware that motor aftermarket parts are quite expensive over there, so this mirage price is very surprising.

Eco cars have 17% excise tax (which is actually 20.9% due to the way it's calculated) plus an additional 10% of that for interior tax, then another 7% VAT on top of that... In the end it works out to roughly 80-85K in taxes on a base model 400K'ish eco-car.

We were told we'd get back 68,000baht tax rebate on the Suzuki. So the govt are still well in front with their various taxes and VAT.

The rebate didn't happen for various reasons - 2nd car and stuff like that!

Airport. 10 minutes from most places in town.

(Because I'm not at all sure the air would be significantly clearer up there, for the March-type haze. I base this on the readings of the PCD measuring station at the Royal Palace on Doi Pui, which is up pretty high. It shows somewhat lower levels, but still pretty yuck; you'd be healthier indoors with an air filter going.)

Does a air con not filter the smoke and what not also?

Standard aircon filters don't filter small particles, however you can get the 3M filter material at places like Home Pro that does a much better job; you attach that to the regular filter. They also sell dedicated air filter appliances of course.

How much loss of efficiency is there if an extra filter is fitted?

I've recently bought a new Suzuki Swift. Price is much the same as in Australia - EXCEPT - it only has ONE air bag. The Aussie version has seven! I'd hate to think what other safety features have been dropped.

Having taken it out at night for the first time, I was amazed to find that I could hardly see anything out the side windows. I had to put them down at intersections in the highly unlikely event that a car or bike rider might not have his lights on. Only saw 6 this morning before dawn.

I've had my doubts about the tinting, especially as even the windscreen is tinted, tho a lighter transmittance than the sides. BUT, all the tints are totally reflective!

I've just checked Australian and New Zealand standards, and there is no way these tints are permitted there. Reflective tints are totally illegal and light transmittance must be a minimum of 35%. No tinting at all is allowed on the portion of the windscreen below the mirror.

I'm going to have to remove the side window tints and try and find the correct ones.

As Thai assembled Suzukis are going to be exported to Australia, I should imagine there will be quite a few differences.

Is there such a thing as a Thai standard for tints?

Who asked for reflective tint to be put on? Did you accept what suzuki offered or did you get it done at a shop. What % are your tints? You will see the occasional crackdown (i.e. enforcing the law) on tints, but it's been a few years since the last one.

That's the way the car came at the showrooms. I'd guess that the side tints are nearer 80% than 35%.