flare

Prices for Hanes underwear itself doesn't vary much from seller to seller, so, no, I'm not curious how their prices are set- however I'm interested in how various companies set their estimated import taxes based on the Thai rules, as I live here and occasionally order stuff from overseas- it seems weird that they vary, even when it comes to the same item. You'd think there'd be a standard, like 'underwear- 30% (or whatever)', but, it would appear, that's not the case.

I did a couple of price comparisons between the Hanes site and Amazon- they're about the same. Unfortunately, besides having to pay for international shipping, they both hit you with an upfront import tax fee (Amazon used to have different options where they'd give the buyer a choice of paying upfront or on delivery, but not anymore that I've seen- they probably got tired of people refusing packages due to the extra cost). What's strange is that (at least on Amazon) the import fees don't seem consistent- sometimes they're ~10% of the purchase/shipping price (like for basic tighty-whities), or more than 40% for boxer-briefs- there's no set percentage. I know they'll refund what's left over if the import fee is less than their upfront charge, but I can't figure out how they set it.

Ha- exact same boat here.???? I've looked, and haven't found them here. You may have to bite the bullet and get them on Amazon or similar seller, where five or six pairs of briefs (depending on style) will run ~1200bt with shipping and import fees, which is highway robbery for underwear, but it beats the local alternatives.

It specifically says no: Pfizer Vaccination for Over 25 Yrs Age Foreign Residents in Chiang Mai who have never been vaccinated with any vaccine before

It's a bit of a hassle, but, if you're buying a used bike from a rental shop, if you know a trusted mechanic you can rent the bike for a day and have it looked over prior to the sale (you can ask the seller to knock the rental price off the sale price if you end up buying it- they'll likely agree). With a private sale, you can arrange to have it dropped off at a garage for a check (if you agree to pay mechanic's fee- which shouldn't be much- regardless of the sale going through, most sellers would do it- if they don't it's a 'red flag'). If you're going to buy an older bike, it's worth it to make sure you don't get stuck with a dog.

One test for today's opening, and then they randomly test 20% of the student body every month. No vaccine requirement (yet, anyway).

Yup, I dropped my kid off at school this morning. Hopefully nothing comes up and it stays open. I heard other schools in CM not on the list above will open in October, but I don't know that for sure.

One rule (besides the usual distancing procedures, masks, and temp checks) is a testing requirement- students must show a negative ATK test taken within 72 hours prior to returning to school.

This is the list as it currently stands- I won't be shocked if the opening is delayed, but hopefully it won't be: Vocational education in Chiang Mai Province, 4 places 1. Chiang Mai Technical College 2. Fang Vocational College 3. Lanna Polytechnic College, Chiang Mai 4. North Fang Vocational College Educational institutions affiliated with NHSO private schools in the system 16 international categories 1. Americana Chinese International School 2. Unity Concord International School 3. Brightseeds International Kindergarten 4. Chiang Mai International School 5. Singapore International School Chiang Mai 6. Grace International School 7. Prem Tinsulanonda International School 8. Chiang Mai Christian German School 9. Meritton British International School, Hang Dong 10. Panyaden International School, Hang Dong 11. American Pacific International School (Primary), Chiang Mai City 12. Montessori International School Chiang Mai Hang Dong 13. Lanna International School (Kindergarten and Primary) / Lanna International School (Secondary Division) 14. International Bilingual Demonstration School of Hang Dong Rangsit University, Chiang Mai 15. American Pacific International School 16. Varee International School Educational institutions affiliated with NHSO private schools in the system Type of general education, 20 places 1. The Prince Royal College Chiang Mai 2. Rattana Ua Wittaya School, Fang 3. Eua Wittaya Fang School 4. Dara Wittayalai School Chiang Mai 5. Regina Cheli College Chiang Mai 6. Natchawit Chomthong School 7. Muang Dek Wittaya School, Mae Chaem 8. Pinkarat School Chiang Mai 9. Kowitthamrong School, Chiang Mai Chiang Mai 10. Varee Chiang Mai School Chiang Mai 11. Waree Kindergarten Chiang Mai 12. Thepbodin Wittaya Chiang Mai School Chiang Mai 13. Tianleomnoi Kindergarten, Phrao 14. Mayuree Kindergarten Chiang Mai 15. Darunnimit Witthaya Kindergarten Chiang Mai 16. Sunshine Kindergarten Hang Dong 17. Chitropas Kindergarten Mae Rim 18. Doctor's House School, Mae Rim 19. Pornchai Prao Kindergarten 20. Inthira Kindergarten, Ban Dek, Mae Rim

Unity Concord sent out a message to parents on Tuesday night that said it's among the schools that were approved to open (under whatever conditions the government is imposing) for on-site learning on September 20th. There are still a few days between now and then for things to change, but hopefully the kids can get back to some semblance of 'normal'.

Drivers here tend not to make way for an ambulance unless it's absolutely bearing down on them- I don't trust crosswalks as a pedestrian, ever. When I'm driving, I rather enjoy the reactions of others in the crosswalk when I come to a full stop and wave them by. The wais and smiles I receive in return tell me this isn't a common occurrence.;)

The Nine Fitness on Hang Dong Road (about 2km past Makro on the same side going toward HD) has a 'for sale' sign on it, and it looks like all the equipment is still there. In this environment, it's likely going to be a while before they sell it- maybe make an inquiry to see if they'll rent one of their machines for a while. From their Google Maps page:

I imported a Concept2 rower direct from their headquarters in Vermont- this is going back a few years, but, even with customs duties and shipping, it was only ~40k delivered. It could be pricier these days, but I bet it's still cheaper than buying it locally, Also, not sure if they rent, but this cardio equipment dealer opened last month on the Middle Ring Road just down and across from Big C (coming from Mae Hia- you'd pass Big C on the left and it's about 1km farther on the right). Zero idea of quality either, but it might be worth a look. https://www.facebook.com/shuhuafitness

I talked to a doctor at Bangkok Hospital yesterday (he's had a shot of the SV and AZ), and I explained my situation- he said it's likely better that I wait until something better is available.

I still haven't decided if I'm going to pass on the Sinovac vaccine, but, if I do get it on Friday, I'll definitely post in this thread.

They must be going by registration date for those under a certain age- I did register the first day, which may be why I got the appointment so soon. I would like to know if anyone else under 60 goes and gets their shot without an issue- I can see them looking at my passport and saying, 'Oh, a mistake was made- you're under the age cut-off- sorry.'

Thanks for the advice, but I've actually looked into it (and the part about my wife was just basically 'throwing it out there', as there are probably others who've heard the same thing from their own spouses)- while Sinovac is likely better than nothing (though it's effectiveness against the Delta variant is suspect at best), I'm leaning toward not getting it now to avoid potentially being denied a more effective vaccine later should one become available due to my status as having already been vaccinated. Yeah, it would be great if the US were doing something more for its citizens (I'm American), but that's not happening, so I'm looking at it from a practical angle.