Femme

There is a 3M retail store just south of the old city. They carry a lot of the masks.

Unfortunately wearing one is kind of like scuba diving. Not the most natural experience but worth it when the air gets bad.

Right now the air is pretty good and nothing like March and April when it CAN get downright hazardous....

Do you know the name of the street, or a shop that is nearby?

150 baht sounds unreal, so cheap... I wouldn't be surprised if it's around 500 baht if you'd start renting now.

You'd think every post office in CM having the same policy and prices... nope.

So they keep your parcel for 2 weeks... good to know.

Thanks to all for posting!

I can't seem to find info about renting a postbox in CM on the forum.

My main concern is reliabilty.

Where do you rent your postbox? (which postoffice)

What are the options in size?

Do they hold packages as well?

Thanks in advance.

I have been stopped by the police a few times and had an accident, my American DL is fine and I have been here 10 months. But Thai driver's are, in general, VERY BAD so beware because you can crash doing nothing wrong because some moron has no idea how to drive or brain.

A couple things I will take from Thailand....road rash, motorbike burn (from a guy that parked directly behind me because he has no brain) and the fact that American driver's aren't so bad.

Bikky is the place you are looking for and I have rented from more than one place. I would suggest buying a 600-800 baht helmet which probbaly wouldn't be legal in US but better and larger than the ones places Bikky give out with rental plus Bikky keeps a lock and chain under my sear although I never used because I usually only park in very public places so I feel my bike is safe. my 2 cents;-) and that's about 2 cents more than 80% of the drivers here

About helmets: a year ago they at least had a few decent helmets, now they offer you only crap helmets when you rent a bike and the good ones you can rent... I stopped recommending Bikky to friends anymore.

Btw elektrified, you convinced me to finally get my driver's license.

CNS, I hadn't thought about these places, only pharmacies and health shops. Thanks, will have a look at Suthep Road. I now paid 50 baht for 10 tablets (import) and 30 baht for 12 Thai brand, but I prefer loose powder

Hellodolly, it aDsorbs poison and stuff that makes you sick (think of food poisoning)

Some brush their teeth with it to whiten it.

I was able to find activated charcoal in tablets (import and Thai brand) but I need it in loose powder.

Anyone any idea where I can find this?

Bikky's at Suthep Road, end of the road and on the left coming from the moat, just before market Ton/Tom Phayom, 0841773577, 0801220985

No deposit, they don't need any license, they will copy your passport.

An automatic for 2 k, but not the newest model. Don't settle with the first bike they offer, unless you're happy with it, just try a few scooters.

But the location is pretty busy, so if it is your first ride on a bike, it is not the most ideal location for a test ride.

Damage or bike stolen: read the contract. Reparation= cheap, don't worry about it. And lock your bike at night.

Helmets there are so-so. Buy yourself a helmet.

More months + pay in advance can get you a discount (negotiate) with the owner. They also have Bikky2 at Huay Kaew road, but bikes are more expensive.

Getting a bike license is easy and cheap. Details are on the forum --> search engine

Things have changed at BIkky's! New staff is grumpy and service is less! The personal touch has gone now they've expanded their business. It always was worth the hassle to get there, as it is not easy to get a songtheaw to the shop, but now I'd advice to find a nice rental shop near where you're staying.

I forgot a zero, 40 not 4 mil baht (1,3 mil USD)

A divorce is enough to go to hubby #2. But come on, janverbeem, don't doubt true love! :-) I wonder if the boy comes from a rich family, because I can't imagine an average Thai family asking this much. Or did the man offered 40 mil baht?

Have always thought that we were paying these Qantas executrices too much!

Too true!And the prices of their Air Fares,should tell us who really pays their salaries.

And for his bride!

Dare me, Hooters. I actually wrote a review about visited moo bans, but posting failed and lost all the data. And now I am trying to overcome laziness and start writing the same words again.

OP, I guess you've seen the other topic about the same subject? (eveningson, who also plans to come in March)

Any news yet about troubles inn the household or a tragic accident from the groom?

Naah,that would never happen......................in the first 2 days.

Why? The family already got the 4 mil.

I have a weird feeling about this, but the question is " who owns who?"

Real love is hard to find these days, so it's a real bargain.

But the man looks very happy, so I wish them both happiness, 'til (natural) death do them apart.

You did your homework -check

I'm in the process of finding a house myself and soon I will post what I think of the 20+ neighbourhoods I have seen.

For now:

Laguna Home 2,3,4,5, etc... San Sai

They are building like crazy between Chiang Mai-Mae Jo road and CM-Doi Saket and before 2nd ring road. Ricefields are disappearing. Anyway..

Laguna 2,5,7 also have 1 floor bungalows with up to 3 bedrooms. The rest are only 2 floor houses (I was told at the office)

Clean, safe, nice neighbourhoods, with playground for kids.

Laguna basically 'owns' the north side of the area before 2nd ringroad with 1000 houses. It's a village on its own but each Laguna (2, 3, 4..) has its own entrance.

All Laguna residents can join clubhouse activities: gym, pool with slide, sauna.

I am thinking about living there, and these clubhouse activities are one of the reasons (because "far" away from city facilities, but conveniently Laguna provides gym, pool and sauna)

By car:

Easy acces to city 15 minutes (6-7 km)

Shopping plaza (with Mac Drive) 2 minutes

Near Supermarkets Tesco Lotus and Rimping. + near markets

Flood free. (check map)

Sorry, food & friends are waiting, hope other members fill in!

floodareamap.pdf

Wages are set by the government, and in the end the employer is responsible to pay his staff fairly. Why should the customer (especially tourists) worry about wages, his responsibility is to have enough bahts to pay for his product.

Anything the government does is often completely detached from what really goes on. Please tell me that all massage ladies in all massage shops are properly on the payroll, make minimum wage and have social insurance.

That's an other discussion...you're missing my point.

Some foreigners like to victimize the low-so Thai, and want to help him by their own Western standard.

It is Thai system and Thailand deserves its own process, and doesn't always need the superior view of the Westerner (who likes to convert everything into his safety-zone)

When people tip because they want to help the less fortunates, it is a short-short term solution. People tip because, in the first place, it makes themselves happy, which is fine. Educate people, so they are free to choose and vote for a substantial and stable bladiebladiebla.. (hate politics)

But don't count the foreigner (again, especially the short term tourist) responsible for the welfare of the low paid group.

I don't pity this group (not anymore) because they earn 300 baht per day, just as I don't pity the toilet lady in the West because she earns 50 times less than the president of the company. They both have a task and I respect them both equally. And in my perfect little world I'd pay them the same and education is free.

Every little person, house, country has its own cross to carry and deserves its own process to find solution. Salvation.

-Amen-

Sawadee kha, have a nice weekend. Love, peace for all.

And don't forget to tip your neighbour!

Femski.

You say

"Every little person, house, country has its own cross to carry and deserves its own process to find solution. "

Unfortunately some of the crosses they have to bear is foreigners coming in and trying to apply the principals they left behind and not trying to help just use.

When I leave a tip it is just another way of showing my appreciation for the service rendered.

Besides that I have knowledge of the living conditions od many of these people and a tip means a lot to them.

The size of the tip is of no real consequences monetarily to me but to a poor Thai it is a lot. We can spend 500 baht on a semi expensive dinner A Thai can feed his wife and himself for a week on it.

I wonder, so next time you'll be tipping any other low paid Thai? Or don't you appreciate them? The cashier, construction people, security, people at the market... or is your personal rule to tip people only in the food & beverage/ entertainment industry? Because yes, we all have our own tipping rules, like UG posted.

And I really would like to discuss with you (maybe a new topic?) about "Unfortunately some of the crosses they have to bear is foreigners coming in and trying to apply the principals they left behind and not trying to help just use." Maybe I'm reading this line the wrong way, but Thailand is protecting itself quite well...Just use what? Thailand and foreigners are exchanging their means. Thais live on foreigners money, and allowing them in their country and culture has consequences. Being in several areas in Thailand my conclusion is: the more foreigners in a town, the more wellfed the locals look like, plus the area looked better maintained. Shoot me, but I think the cross you mention is from an expat's points of view who thinks he can see the world from the general Thai perspective.

Wages are set by the government, and in the end the employer is responsible to pay his staff fairly. Why should the customer (especially tourists) worry about wages, his responsibility is to have enough bahts to pay for his product.

Anything the government does is often completely detached from what really goes on. Please tell me that all massage ladies in all massage shops are properly on the payroll, make minimum wage and have social insurance.

That's an other discussion...you're missing my point.

Some foreigners like to victimize the low-so Thai, and want to help him by their own Western standard.

It is Thai system and Thailand deserves its own process, and doesn't always need the superior view of the Westerner (who likes to convert everything into his safety-zone)

When people tip because they want to help the less fortunates, it is a short-short term solution. People tip because, in the first place, it makes themselves happy, which is fine. Educate people, so they are free to choose and vote for a substantial and stable bladiebladiebla.. (hate politics)

But don't count the foreigner (again, especially the short term tourist) responsible for the welfare of the low paid group.

I don't pity this group (not anymore) because they earn 300 baht per day, just as I don't pity the toilet lady in the West because she earns 50 times less than the president of the company. They both have a task and I respect them both equally. And in my perfect little world I'd pay them the same and education is free.

Every little person, house, country has its own cross to carry and deserves its own process to find solution. Salvation.

-Amen-

Sawadee kha, have a nice weekend. Love, peace for all.

And don't forget to tip your neighbour!

Femski.

Wages are set by the government, and in the end the employer is responsible to pay his staff fairly. Why should the customer (especially tourists) worry about wages, his responsibility is to have enough bahts to pay for his product.

Sharing your wealth with less fortunates is beautiful, but I don't like to think of it every day, the whole day by tipping them. We have other (more private) ways to help the financial weaker ones. And I vividly remember a young boy who told me his dreams, but who had no money and when I offered him a (respected) way to earn money, he said: "but I also need time to relax with friends..." Hullooo...?

Jees, many years I slept a few hours per night and had 2 jobs to finance my studies. I had no time to "relax with my friends"... Sorry, I just don't understand this "wanting wine, to go out, the newest mobile, but don't want to work for it"-attitude. But then...there are enough foreign sponsors to share their wealth with them...

This tipping subject is a popular topic...

Kefir grains to make water kefir, where oh where to find?

I like the water kefir at Aiden's Heath Store (Nimmanhaemin), does anyone have an idea how to make this?

I reminds me of ginger ale and beer, and is a tiny bit sweet.

So sweet to offer kefir... Recently I got interested in kefir and bought ready made water kefir in Chiang Mai. I liked it, reminded me of ginger ale (and beer which I usually don't like) Now I want to make my own, but will look around for grains in Chiang Mai first.

I think you have to drink at least 2 weeks to get the advantages of kefir.

Nearly all supermarkets stock them along with omega 3 eggs and multi vitamin in eggs. Its hard to find just a plain old egg these days.

!Dang*! You need to find other ways to kill yourself!

Shepsel, correction: the market is until noon, but the shop is open until 5-6 PM.

Organic... not totally, but pesticide-aware.

Organic farmers market at JJ market: really early until 9-ish AM on Wednesday and Saturday.

Bikky's at Suthep Road, end of the road and on the left coming from the moat, just before market Ton/Tom Phayom, 0841773577, 0801220985

No deposit, they don't need any license, they will copy your passport.

An automatic for 2 k, but not the newest model. Don't settle with the first bike they offer, unless you're happy with it, just try a few scooters.

But the location is pretty busy, so if it is your first ride on a bike, it is not the most ideal location for a test ride.

Damage or bike stolen: read the contract. Reparation= cheap, don't worry about it. And lock your bike at night.

Helmets there are so-so. Buy yourself a helmet.

More months + pay in advance can get you a discount (negotiate) with the owner. They also have Bikky2 at Huay Kaew road, but bikes are more expensive.

Getting a bike license is easy and cheap. Details are on the forum --> search engine

Be reasonable but lets hope that Thailand NEVER adopts this nonsensical American habit of 15% tips (minimum) which I have seen some waiters demand........ :jap:

Hear, hear... but they already do...

I do what my Thai friends do: don't tip.

Taxi: round it up to 5 baht

Songtheaw, Tuk Tuk: never

Food Stalls: never

Massage: they don' tip, but I give 20 baht, unless it is so-so

Mae ban: small gifts from time to time

Waiters: for standard service, no. For extra service up to 20 baht. When they are too sweet to handle, I usually leave the coins.

Barber: never (why?)

But I think tipping doesn't make any sense. Why tip the waiter/waitress and not the Lotus cashier...

Not tipping has nothing to do with being a cheap Charlie, it's an emotional thing (or even hormonal, right Ludditeman?)

Hello non couch patato,

Wooden houses are pittoresque, but in the tropics I'd go for a comfortable, concrete house. Concrete houses are usually better insulated which is convenient in the cold season (at nights, it can be pretty cold) and also in the hottest months. Plus more bug proof.

I used this 'flood area map" I found on the forum and I'm recycling it. It gives you an idea where it can be watery (see attechment)

There are so many golf courses, find the house and you'll drive to the course within 15 minutes.

Once you're staying at a serviced apartment for the first month(s), maybe it is an idea to go to expat meetings. People are helpful by sharing their experiences.

Reading about areas and actually being in the area is not the same-same.

This is one the clubs: http://www.chiangmaiexpatsclub.com/

CMCCnews (Christian) for events and ads, to subscribe for weekly newsletter:

When you're here and meet people (some may even show you around: retirees have a lot of spare time ... when they are not busy with their hobbies) you will roll like a ball, going from one thing to another.

Fem.

Wife needed to see an OB/GYN a month ago and we went to Ram and got an unsatisfactory [and painful]exam/DX andRX from one of the older men Drs [no names mentioned]. I then went in to consult with Dr Morgan for a recomendation and her recomendation was:

OB/GYN (Female Reproductive)

Dr Warachon,

Sripat Hospital

053 5394 6909/10 [coppied from the new pinned topic at the top of TV/CMforum.]

Our impression of her was that not only was her exam more complete with more modern equipment, but her approach was a lot more conservative and the best part was the cost was soo much less.

Jaydee, what do you mean by "more conservative approach"?

Not being pregnant, but I'm having painful discomforts and need a thorough exam this week. I really don't care about the price, just want the best. Preferably a lady gyna, but I can reprogram myself if it is a male doc.

Thaiphuket, is her name Dr Maw Kat/ Catereeya...? <br class="Apple-interchange-newline">

And Sailaway2000, can you tell us which dr. she chose?

Appreciating your note,

Make yourself happy.

Chok dii, kha!

ha55ha, you are so right on this... that's why I'm hesitant about foodstalls and cheap restaurants. And that's also why I love my own food the most, I know what's in it. But a (wo)man shouldn't be dogmatic, so I "dare" to eat outside

Too healthy is very unhealthy!

A recommendation: Khao Soi Nimman/ NImanhaemin Soi 7.

50 baht + restaurant, that equals NImman Kitchen, but nicer to sit without bar noise. And I choose this one over Lemon Tree.

Interesting menu with frogs, red ant salad and larves. The menu shows pictures.

I liked the Khao Soi, but i missed the usual veggies (sprouts). A thick rich sauce the way I like it. For big eaters there's a Khao Soi Large for 110 baht. Average Khao Soi = 65 baht

Some say we shouldn' t pay double the price for Khao Soi, and I don't know if the veggies are pesticide-free, but the open garden restaurant is very pleasant to have a meal with friends or even by yourself.

I was not a big fan of Thai food, but I'm starting to appreciate it more and more...

I applied sunscreen only on my cheekbones for 1 week (2 years ago) And the weirdest thing is that I only have hyperpigmentation on the cheekbones..

It was 40SPF and all natural ingredients (lavera)

My guess is that I sweat more in the area where I applied sunscreen and the sweat (water) was like a magnifier... does anyone have an other explanation?

I sometimes use lemonjuice or papaya on my face for 10 minutes. You can dilute it with water if is too harsh for the skin. It helps slightly, but staying out of the sun helps most.

Whitening the skin...Thai girlsfriends who whiten their skin have a clear skin, but the skin around the eyes is always darker than the rest of the face..