MilesCh

For th e past 7 or 8 years I have used Grace Clinic which is probably the most expensive and best in the north.

In response to intrepidexpat's remark, a couple of weeks ago I had a macchiato at Rimping close to Airport Plaza and it was the worst espresso I've ever had. Even dumped it out. The grind was much too fine and it tasted extremely bitter. I told the barrister and showed him how to adjust the grinder. Haven't returned during the day hours when the coffeeshop is open to ascertain if the grinder has been reset -- at any rate I certainly wouldn't pay for an espresso there, but would sample one at no charge.

A few weeks ago I was there for about 12 physical therapy visits and had no difficulty whatsoever parking on the 4th and 4-1/2 floors. Did see that it was frequently full or close to it and the attendant had cars park parallel behind those parked facing in and leave the hand brake off and in neutral so he could push it out of the way to let a car leave. That's what I call service!!

dam_n, I wouldn't put a chemical cleaner such as OvenOff anywhere near a cooking implement! I have cleaned my BBQ for 20+ years using a stiff wire brush for the grille and a slightly softer one for the casing along with a bit of elbow grease.

Neglected to mention that a BBQ grill is much easier to clean if done immediately after use when still hot.

dam_n, I wouldn't put a chemical cleaner such as OvenOff anywhere near a cooking implement! I have cleaned my BBQ for 20+ years using a stiff wire brush for the grille and a slightly softer one for the casing along with a bit of elbow grease.

To my knowledge Immigration has required a police report and doctor's report that you don't have certain diseases. Those forms are available on line -- don't forget to make a copy of the completed forms for yourself. At least this is for the USA and doubt Americans are as diseased as Brits so the same should apply.

My limited experience at Maharaj was to see a doctor for tests and reports for medical insurance. Saw an American doctor who had been recommended and he had the needed tests taken and wrote the reports.

A month later I saw an orthopedist who happened to be a surgeon and he recommended physical therapy which I had for a week and was cured of low back pain.

Two months later called to have additional PT because the low back pain had returned. I was told my doctor was not available that day, but another ortho was so come in any time prior to 7 pm. I arrived in a half an hour in mid-afternoon and reception on the ground floor took 15 minutes finding me in the computer and I then took the elevator to the 13th floor where I was told the doctor was called out for emergency surgery. And I said OK, I'll see another ortho. The nurse told me they didn't have another one on duty and told me to come back tomorrow. I said "But I have pain today, not tomorrow, can I see another doctor?" The answer was negative.

So I drove a few blocks to Chiang Mai Ram where I had their PT 5 years prior subsequent to rotator cuff surgery in the USA and had excellent care. The counter checked me in in 2 minutes and I walked a few steps to another counter and 5 minutes later saw one of 4 orthos on duty who sent me to the 4th floor for PT. In 2 or 3 minutes I was on the gurney receiving back therapy the same as was given prior at Maharaj. Less than 2 weeks later with daily PT the pain was gone.

Four years ago took my GF there due to stomach complaints and irregular bleeding. The department head saw her and found the stomach cavity had filled with blood and immediately gave her a D&C through the stomach And he gave her an Rx and told her what to do when she returns home. He showed us the moving pics taken -- much more than I ever wanted to know about her, but I certainly recommend his ability and speed at taking care of this, not to mention his speaking in both English and Thai, plus the hospital's speed and care at getting the needed attention.

I leave it to you, but I certainly question Maharaj's procedural methods and lack of doctors on duty, and recommend Chiang Mai Ram even if it is more expensive.

Thought I had sent this yesterday, but it simply disappeared:

Purchased a used Nissan and decided it was too hot inside. Went to a shop who had Lamina in 3 levels of darkness, amongst other brands. Had the mid-level applied, sorry I forget the %. Immediately noticed that at dusk the side view mirrors were virtually invisible, couldn't see motorcycles even with dim lights. Tried cutting out a piece of Lamina blocking the mirrors, but it looked weird and simply wasn't the greatest. Total cost Bt 2,600 for 6 windows (including 2 small ones) no charge for cutting out a piece.

So had the Lamina removed on the front 2 windows and replaced with the clearest level. (I'll call it 1 of 3.) All is great and the charge was Bt 1,150. When looking at the car from the side, very little difference is seen except one can see a bit more through the front side window. Did not consider film for the windshield since maximum visibility is required.

The store advised not to add film to the rear window because then couldn't use the heating (wiring in the window) to defrost. The store is in Chiang Mai, Hyatt Autoway, across from the railroad station park, 444/3 Charoen Muang Rd. Owner/Mgr Khun Young and complete family and he speaks English fluently. There are 3 shops here side by side so need to ask for Khun Young to ensure you have the correct shop. Service was excellent, speedy, advice was provided, and quality was excellent.

Perhaps motorbike riders would be more careful if they didn't have the absolute right-of-way. Hell, when a bike cuts in front of a car/truck going in the same direction enforce a distance law between vehicles. Also enforce use of turning signals -- how many times have you waited at an intersection only to find that the next couple of bikes coming at you will be turning and without signalling.

And to start with, the driver's handbook could be made available as a must-purchase or rental to receive a driver's license, then a written test within a short period of time.

For 8 years I have been using transitional Rx glasses from Top Chareon. Have also tried Tokyo Optics and find them more expensive and also with very good service. Also bought one pair from Beautiful with same results.

Never a problem with any of them; of course I learned as a child not to leave things on the dashboard!

I've been using Dew Drop for a month based on several friends using it for business & home. 750ml glass bottles (as opposed to the 250ml bottles by another company which are too small.

Cost is 200 bt deposit for a case of 12 bottles and you need 2 cases so that one can be replaced at a time. A case of water is 40bt (3.33bt each). DewDrop 053-351-381 (or is it 331), [email protected]. (FYI, I prefer the glass bottles for ease of handling plus lack of potential plastic contamination.)

About 5 years ago I learned to avoid Yahoo mail. For one, my girl friend's msgs were blocked from reaching me when she used Yahoo, so she switched to hotmail and all was OK. (She was in southern Thailand and I assume her carrier was blocked, but don't know who it was.

A year later Chiang Mai Ram who also used Yahoo could not send my lab reports so one guy in the office sent it via his own email and it was OK. At that time I learned of a way to correct this issue by dealing directly with Yahoo and presumably they did this, but I don't know.

Of course I've avoided Yahoo ever since and tell everyone else to do the same.

I tried with my info, and using my U.S. passport number, and got an "incorrect passport number" message. So presumably it only will accept Thai versions of passport numbers.

In reply to TallGuy, I had the same problem with a USA passport that was unacceptable. Perhaps it requires a prefix to identify the issuing country and they simply forgot to add that field?

By far the best coffee in Chiang Mai for many years is Ma Maison Coffee House, in a quaint wooden structure alongside a fashionable massage spa, 29/2 Center Park, Huai Kaeo Rd., just to the right of Kad Suan Kaeo and the neighboring Orchid Hotel -- Owner/manager, Nita Piu, has been making espressos both hot & cold, smoothies, cooking simple dishes, and blending outstanding coffee for years. Clientele is a mix of Thai and farang.

My opinion to sum it up: CR is like CM 20 years ago. Although I must admit I've only been to CR 4 times in the past several years, 3 of those trips were by long tail boat from Thatong -- generally taking a 2-day trip stopping in a small village overnight. Have always stayed at the same hotel in CR, walking distance from the river and very nice and very comfortable, called the Moon & Sun Hotel and the owner/mgr is Kitty. Two blocks behind it is a very nice nightclub named Cabbages & Condoms whose profits are 100% donated to fighting aids and they give out free condoms. A block down the street from C&C is another night club, open air Thai style, also quite nice. The market has decemt Thai evening entertainment until about 2300. It appears that the population is almost 100% from Chiang Rai, not as in CM which has changed to being from all over Thailand - where even the rodang (red truck) drivers can't find their way around. Two weeks ago one driver picked me up and proceeded in the correct general direction and eventually stopped and asked another rodang driver where to go. The 2nd rodang driver had to ask a tuktuk. So I simply got out and found another rodang who knew where to go to this major intersection which I pronounced in semi-decent farang Thai.

Interesting that I haven't noticed this activity. Perhaps because I won't go near Starbucks to drink their lousy product. And is someone saying they don't charge by the hour for internet usage? If not, perhaps I will visit one and have an orange sugary drink or such.

I purchase most vitamins in Thai for about 1/3 the price of the USA - California. And some are not available here in the needed milligrams so have them bought in the USA on line and shipped by my friend FedEx. Three shipments and no hold by Customs. Examples are:

1) Niacin I take 1 x 1,000 mg/twice daily. Here they're only available in the pharmacy in 50mg so I would need to take 40/day and at a considerably higher cost. 500mg are available from a hospital for 31bt ea! I pay US$11 for TwinLab 100x1,000mg on the net with free shipping in the USA, then about $50 FedEx to Chiang Mai which includes 4 bottles of 100 ea plus a couple of batteries for my Samsung Note which are not available here. I believe the government prevents the sale in pharmacies of stronger portions of Niacin due to the flushing experienced by Thais - probably due to lack of knowledge and taking large doses on an empty stomach.

2) Vit D3 not available here in small mg quantities. I buy a bottle of 200 x200iu tabs on the net for a few bucks a bottle and have them shipped along with the niacin. In Chiang Mai I have found 100 capsules of One-Alpha 0.25 mcg, which is roughly equivalent -- look it up -- and at quite a high price.

I purchased a Tefal French juicer at Siam TV and also ordered the attachment which is a grinder that can be used for coffee and herbs (which comes with another attachment that is a whirly bird which doesn't grind, but chops). Two weeks later after a few unresponsive phone calls, went to the store and discovered they don't import it. So returned the unused blender and was told they don't accept returns for cash refund, but for exchange only. I told the floor sales mgr that their receipt doesn't read that and therefore I want cash back. It's been a couple of more weeks and perhaps I can now recover my money since it was paid with BKK Bank Debit Card. (Tried to purchase two more items which they didn't have, plus returned with a list of 3 blenders I researched on the internet and they didn't have them either.) What I'm trying to say, ensure the blender you purchase is exactly the one you want before paying!

Two years ago I stayed for a month in a new apartment bldg on Marakot Rd just east ofSantitham. I was told that the area to the east (and west of Chang Puak Rd) is home of drug dealers and dangerous to walk through. Needless to say I did walk through it few times, and it certainly appeared to be on the edge with a nightclub with young boys dancing on stage wearing jokey shorts, and a row of cheesy cathouses. But that was 2 years ago, who knows if it's since changed?

Having recently moved in Chiang Mai, found myself on hard box springs. Bought from Home Pro what was reputed to be a 100% latex made in Thailand 4-inch mattress. When it was delivered I found it to be a 3-inch thick topper and of course complained. The general manager of the store jumped in and found that the the company salesman was off that day and the wrong one had been special ordered and delivered. It was in fact a "topper" not a mattress and the mfgr, Lady Americana, doesn't make a 4" version. She checked other companies and found Lotus does make a 4" latex Topper (& I learned that a topper is different from a mattress!).

As it evolved I tried it out for two nights and found it comfortable since I prefer a firm mattress, so I kept the topper and use it without a mattress. To sum up, guess it all depends on what one prefers. I might add I had been on a waterbed for 35 years and found it to be most comfortable providing it was sufficiently filled to be firm -- never had a problem with waking at night to turn over due to a sore shoulder or hip and hopefully this topper will have the same results.

The small old fashioned coffee shop on the left side of the parking lot in front of DK Book squeezes oranges for you. Also the restaurant on the left side of Ratchdammoan just inside the gate a couple of doors past the corner Canyon Coffee has freshly made juice. Both are very tasty as is their coffee.

I'll be curious to read what others respond to your comment of oranges not being on the market -- is it seasonal, a bug in the crop, or ???

Again thanks everyone for your assistance. FYI, Bernard at the LA Consulate took good care of my non-immigrant O visa for which I overnighted the paper on the evening of the 15th with FedEx and had my passport with multi re-entry visa back in hand on Friday the 17th. Almost as fast as going to the American Consulate and Immigration in Chiang Mai!!

Perhaps relevant here, what is the cost these days for a one year retirement visa multiple re-entry (non-imm O?

Since all the paperwork and formalities were done, I changed the flight for a week later (for $100) and FedEx the paper next day to the LA consulate. Cost for next day delivery about $29. Plus I'll need to yet pay for overnite return of the passport. The gentleman at the consulate is certain he can do it in a week if I call him in the morning to alert him of it's arrival. And on the phone I've explained the shortcomings with the lack of signed BKK accoung balance which he doesn't consider a difficulty since I have had a retirement visa for several years plus all of the social security and retirement income plus income tax form is included.

And we must bear in mind that next Monday is Presidents' Day holiday.

Difficulties had were that the PO had only one window clerk at 1600 and closes at 1500 so at 1450 with a long long remaining in front of me I departed to the bank to obtain a check. Went to 4 banks who refused since I didn't have an account even if I offered to pay in cash! And BofA where I have 2 credit cards (for the moment), but no longer a bank account because they were a ripoff also refused, even refusing cash as they must deduct the amount from an account. My bank is Schwab, but they refused over the phone to issue a check -- yet previously I had been told personally that they sometimes do issue a check. So much for American banks!!!

Then tried to ship -- PO was too busy and I had to leave for a bank before closing. FedEx/Kinkos will not issue a return prepaid envelope for the passport unless one has an account -- which I had just closed when the business was sold. UPS closed out shipments at 3:00. Back to FedEx and found that I could send PPD envelope from main office. Went there and shipped next day to LA with return PPD envelope. However PPD return is not that; it's using a credit card # and doubtful that's acceptable with Thai Consul. But sent anyway and will call them in the morning to ascertain if they'll return passport with credit charge charge. If not, will go to PO and attempt to send PPD envelope.

Wow, time to relax so went to a nice restaurant and had a bite to eat and a few glasses of wine and now the whole world is rosey!

Thanks everyone for the great assistance. FYI, I'm not using the pure bank account method as I only have 600,000 in the Thai bank, so using that plus outside bank account plus income tax for 2011, plus proof of social security & retirement income.

Today is Monday the 13th, my flight is the 17th, so I don't believe there's sufficient time and it may be best to pay the $145 to cancel the Korean Air flight & obtain a new one a week or so later -- which is a hardship, but can be done, that is if they have another based on mileage in my time frame. If not will need to change to Cathay Pacific and fly in through BKK with baggage & extra baggage booked on Thai Intl through to CNX. Don't know if Customs will allow extra baggage in on a tourist or O visa, so perhaps best to fly KE into CM if they have a flight available and perhaps this delay will suffice for the O-A retirement visa to be issued at LA -- all paperwork is complete including notarization, only don't have signed letter from BKK Bank which I understand from BKK Bank in NYC is common and people simply fly in (presumably on a tourist visa) and obtain it there -- but with that method may be difficult with excess baggage.