phetphet

Well done them for collecting the rubbish. But, It was lovely down at the beach? Not at the moment. With all the bad weather we have been having lately, none of the beaches here in Samui have been looking lovely. Apart from the flotsam and jetsam, the waves have churned up the sea, making it look a dirty brown colour. Windswept and virtually empty is how I would describe them for now.

55. That's why there are always so many lottery winners. They are all doing the same numbers from their number plates.

Yes. I was renting a black and orange Click no xxx. Parked up in a row of bikes and went for dinner. Came back, looking for orange and black Click with plate xxx. Started with key and drove off. On the way home I was thinking, "S***! These brakes have got bad. They weren't like this on the way out." Next morning I took the bike back to the bike shop to get them repaired. . Owner said, "That's not my bike." I said, "Sure it is. Black and orange Click no xxx." She then told me how the plates can have the same number in Thailand, but be registered in different provinces. She asked me where I had parked and told me not to worry. Later she told me she had found the bike, but a distraught ladyboy had gone to the police to report that someone had stolen his Click, black and orange no xxx. His or her bike was much older, and the ignition lock very worn. So my key fitted and started the bike. The owner and I had a laugh about it, and I never heard anymore about it. But curiously a few days later, I parked up next to another Click, different colour this time, but with exactly the same plate number again.

I remember seeing some old plates that were numbered with Thai script numerals. When did they decide to go with western style numerals?

That seems to be a flaw in the system. There can be several vehicles with the same numbers on the plate here in Thailand. The difference being the province letters. I should know. I once took the wrong motorbike. A similar coloured Click, parked near mine, same number, but different province letters. Pretty sure that if you explain it to the police, they will cancel the ticket.

One can imagine most of the Thai street stalls buy the cheapest ingredients to keep costs down and still make a profit. That, and a lack of hygiene, is why I rarely eat from them. Plus all the extras they add in: Sugars, MSG etc. I bet this type of meat treatment is a lot more widespread.

I cook those stringy US style oven fries in our Tefal air fryer for our daughter. She loves them. They come out crispy and I don't use any oil. I don't go by the presets on the fryer as I find them too much. I cook most foods at 180C. e.g. 180 C for 12-14 mins for fries, rather than the recommended 200 for 20 mins.

And egg and chips

It is from England. A savoury condiment. I use it when making a Cottage Pie, I believe it is also an ingredient in a Bloody Mary.

+1. Also try the food shops on Lazada such as Food Variety or BritShop.

I agree. What a total waste of money. shops, bars, restaurants and kiosks on that site all sitting empty. Was dying a slow death from the beginning. No atmosphere. And what the article is calling the Wharf Market used to be the very popular Fisherman's Village Walking Street Market which took place on the road through FV. Until they closed it for some reason. Reopened again in its new location. The Wharf itself is now just an eyesore. Coco Tam's and its associated restaurant are the best things and that end now. Although there are still nice restaurants, bars and shops in the village itself

No. He just wanted to look up an old friend. ????

Male 64 y.o. My health insurance provider (ACS) has just invoiced me for my annual cover from 1st January 2023. USD 4083 (GBP 3034)which is a 9% increase. I don't have out patient cover and have never claimed in five years. This will be my sixth year. I realise health insurance is expensive, but the price is now getting ridiculous. So I was wondering if it might be possible to change to another provider at lower costs. I seem to remember that ACS would only take me on prior to being sixty. Would it be difficult getting other providers to insure me being over sixty? Are they likely to be any cheaper? Bearing in mind I have never claimed. What sort of premiums are others of similar age paying for similar cover? TIA.

At the very least, after the meeting you should say something along the lines of: "Before signing any contract, we would like go away, read through it carefully and think about it, as it is a big decision to make. We will get back to you with any questions or concerns. Thank you. "

The seasons aren't exact. The wet season here can be shorter or longer from year to year. Sometimes even continuing through to February. Add climate change to that and it is even more variable. Even Spain is getting what are termed "exceptional weather conditions" nowadays. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbPzCrjG-CA

I would have thought he would have a massive dent in his truck after a hit like that. Fake apology. Difficult to believe the old guy got away with so few injuries. I thought he was a goner when I watched that video.

It all sounds quite illogical to me. ????

Maybe so. But who decides that? And on what criteria? There was hardly any money going into my account, and only utility bills being paid from what was in there and had been there for years. So no suspicious transactions. Getting that email saying something along the lines of, "We are closing your account and you need to tell us where to send the balance. We do not have to give you a reason. This decision is arbitrary and not open to negotiation." caused me a lot of worry and inconvenience. Luckily I had another account to pay it in to. But for someone with only that account, and with bills to pay could be left in real trouble. Especially if living here and the account is back in their home country. I have a friend who has a garage repair shop. Lots of cash payments. Several times he has had banks close accounts in a similar way. Recently had his account suspended. Is still trying to get it reopened. Nothing to do with being a bad man. It's just the banks scared of the massive fines and penalties that might be imposed for any perceived failure to implement money laundering regulations.

I've seen two in the last couple of days. One, I vaguely know the owner. It looks faded to me, not painted over.

I wouldn't be too sure about that.

I agree that it looked deliberate. Especially as didn't stop. The driver had plenty of time to either slow down, stop or swerve, but just continued straight on. Must have been an almighty bang. Even if not paying attention, or high on something, driving off like that makes him or her as guilty as hell. Hopefully the police catch them. I never trust any drivers here when crossing the road. Most of them seem to think the zebra crossings are just painted there to make the road look pretty.

Home Pro have lots of those little books in the paint section. Just ask one of the staff if you can take them away. in the UK they sell mini pots (60ml) of the paint so you can try them on the walls at home. I have not seen them here, but they might be. I doubt you will find a shop with all the walls painted. Far too many different colours. These are the sample tester pots that I am talking about: https://www.littlegreene.eu/paint/sample-pots

As in many countries, plants, fruits, meats and other foodstuffs are prohibited unless irradiated or treated in some way. You would have to check the appropriate Thai regulations. This is to prevent diseases, or introducing invasive foreign species that can upset the natural ecosystems. Foot and Mouth disease in Europe and the spread of the Asian Hornet are two that come to mind as examples.

Been like that in Samui for years. Refuse to use the meter. Also add a service charge.

This guy seems to like incarceration. Hopefully they will keep him imprisoned far longer this time. Until he is too old and incapable of raping or hurting women.