jacnl2000

And what do we have here? A possibly-as-usual leap from big fruit (Hua Hin) to big pork (Chiang Mai)? That’s exactly the kind of bold move agribusiness folks love — switching from sweet mango groves down south to large-scale pig farming up north. Growing, diversifying, and spreading the risks. Of course, it’s under investigation now, so both stories are still unfolding. But when the names truly link, it’s classic entrepreneurial hustle by people who haven’t seen enough money yet — ambitious, diverse, and a bit messy. As the old Dutch proverb says: “’n boer en unne zog hebben nooit genog.” 🐷🍋

Hide it. Shrink it. Charge more. Shop small, shop smart.

The website longstay.tgia.org is the official portal run by the Thai General Insurance Association (TGIA) that provides key information and resources about health insurance required for Thailand’s long-stay visas—particularly the Non‑Immigrant O‑A (1‑year), O‑X (10‑year), and Special Tourist Visa (STV). Answer: https://longstay.tgia.org/document/companies_contact_list.pdf Almost everything that needed saying has already been said in this thread. As we’re fortunate enough to grow older, our medical histories naturally expand. …Coverage shrinks, premiums rise, and discounts vanish. Strange kind of reward for getting older.

Appreciate satire. 😄 As for the Nobel Peace Prize — Trump hasn’t won it, but he has been nominated several times, mostly by political allies. Will he win? Hard to say. It’s theoretically possible — if he somehow ends a war or pulls off a major peace deal. But let’s be honest: he’s unlikely to sweep the Nobel categories. Economics? His trade wars and ballooning debt don’t exactly scream Stockholm. Chemistry? Unless he formulates a miracle hair product, unlikely. So yes — Peace is the only plausible one. And even that’s a big maybe.

Happen to carry around a very different image of Dutch pancakes in my mind. Miss my pancakes too. Did not see the relative smaller versions during my latest Hotel visit in Udon Thani. In my dialect they are called struif, but look very different than the one in the picture above. The dish in this photo (the oven-puffed kind) is called Dutch Baby as a trade name, coined in America, most likely in the 1920s at Manca’s Café. There's absolutely nothing Dutch about them, but appreciate the pun intended 🙂 In many Dutch dialects, struif (pannekoek) refers to a kind of light, airy pancake — often pan-fried, not baked, and usually thinner than the puffed-up Dutch Baby. It's homely, straightforward, and deeply local — quite different from the theatrical American version: (previous post did not succeed)

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Documentation proving the country of manufacture of a guitar is the key that unlocks any FTA benefits. So, when your Irish friend plays on a Japan-made Fender and provides the proper proof of origin, he’ll only have to pay 7% VAT — no import duty applies. However, if he plays on a USA-made Fender, he’ll face an additional 10% import duty, regardless of his passport — and even after the EU–Thailand FTA is signed (expected by the end of 2025), because the FTA only applies to EU-origin goods, not U.S.-made instruments.

https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/thailand-sign-agreement-with-european-free-trade-association-next-week-pm-says-2025-01-13/ There’s currently no trade deal between the UK and Thailand, so once your guitar lands, you’ll also need to pay around 17% in taxes (that’s 10% import duty + 7% VAT) based on its value—before you can get your hands on it and play.

“Grasshopper” was indeed the iconic nickname whispered to Kwai Chang in the quiet halls of a Shaolin temple. Then there’s ตั๊กแตน ชลดา (Takkatan Chollada), whose name starts with ตั๊กแตน—the Thai word for grasshopper. She’s changed over the years, still vibrant, maybe a little fuller, but her voice still leaps where it matters most. Her next performance is set for the 21st of September in London.

How to catch them? In a photo perhaps? Her nickname’s a no-brainer nod to the grasshopper.

You’re absolutely right. The standard Honda Moove in Thailand almost always comes with 12-inch wheels, and that’s the model most riders are familiar with. The 14-inch NFC110BTF “Moove 14” variant is quite niche and not officially common in the Thai market. This raises an alarm bell inside myself. Given that, it’s safest to: Stick as close as possible to the original tire specs that Honda specified for the exact model OP has (the Moove 14-inch NFC110BTF ?) Avoid mixing tires or sizes outside manufacturer recommendations, because even small changes in tire diameter, profile, or tread can cause handling quirks or instability—especially on a scooter where front-end feedback is critical. For the NFC110BTF 14-inch Moove variant, the original front tire is typically 70/90-14, usually from a Honda-approved brand or model. If you want to be sure about the exact OEM tire specs, I agree: the best move is to consult Honda Thailand’s official parts or service department. They can confirm the recommended tires or offer genuine replacements built for that specific model and its handling characteristics. Most cautious approach — throwing the question back to Honda and sticking to OEM tires — is the most responsible advice, especially for a less common model like the Moove 14-inch NFC110BTF. I learned the hard way what happened when I started to customize parts of my bike: my bike started to tremble and resonate at specific speeds. Try to maintain balance and stability. Test ride after each change and trust your gut: even if it looks “cool,” if it doesn’t ride right, it’s not right. No idea what happened to the bike of OP. Return to OEM geometry: tires, forks, brakes — the closer to stock, the better.

OP showed following two pictures: Front Tire: ✅ Use the left one (in the photo) – it’s stable, safe, and performs better on Thai surfaces. Rear Tire: ⚠️ The right one is acceptable only if you have no better option. ✅ Better alternatives: Chaoyang H569 Vee Rubber VRM-134 These provide stronger grip, braking confidence, and durability for Thai road conditions. Still wobbly or shaky at the front? 👉 Get a mechanic to check the front tire, wheel, suspension, or handlebar — the issue might not be the tire alone. That takes me back to long rides I used to take about thirty years ago on my 1400 cc chopper, traveling from the South of the Netherlands to our annual Motortreffen in Klagenfurt, Austria, crossing the Swiss Alps. The final mile home was always the trickiest, especially when rain hit — the rear tire’s tread wore down quickly, making it especially risky.

+1 🛕 Wat Phra That Phanom (Nakhon Phanom) is said to be the spiritual heart of Isaan. Visiting once in a lifetime is believed to bring blessings of peace and good health. It's not just a temple — it's a moment of stillness on your road trip. Time your visit for sunset, when golden light touches the stupa and incense trails drift in the breeze. 🌿 Behind the temple lies a kind of living pharmacy — over 1,000 species of Thai medicinal herbs, including rare and endangered varieties. Each plant is labeled with its name and traditional uses, from fever relief to digestion to spiritual cleansing. The garden also serves as a learning center for monks and students of Thai traditional medicine. 🧘‍♂️ But it’s more than a classroom. It’s designed for quiet walks and reflection — shaded paths, butterflies, and the scent of lemongrass, turmeric, and holy basil rising through the air. If only there were more time to linger. 🍽️ For a peaceful lunch nearby, head to Lomyen Garden Restaurant (ลมเย็น การ์เด้น) — just 3–5 minutes from the temple, offering gentle Thai-Isaan flavors and garden seating. Or wander a little farther south to The Moon Café, a riverside spot perfect for a slow sandwich, local dessert, and a view across the Mekong. 🔍 Since true philosophers of science do not tend to trust their own writings, please check reviews on major platforms before believing what I’ve written here above. It could be more than poetry — or it could just be good business talk.

Promising signs for the people of Isaan—stability at the border is always welcome. Yesterday I had to head out to customs near the border in Nakhon Phanom. I found a moment of calm watching the water buffalo do what they do best—grazing peacefully, while their owners stood quietly under their umbrellas, keeping an eye on them. That said, we’ve seen diplomatic gestures before that didn’t lead to real change. The reality on the ground tends to get shakier once international courts get involved. Let’s hope this stays at the level of quiet talks—and doesn’t end up like one of those buffaloes, stuck knee-deep and waiting for someone else to move first.

Important Notes on Getting a Medical Certificate for Thai Visa Application (from the Netherlands) Use the blank Thai-English version of the medical certificate form—this is the most straightforward option. In the Netherlands, your own GP is not allowed to fill in the form. Instead, you'll be referred to another GP in the area. Making an appointment may take time, and initial costs are around €50. After obtaining the certificate, the doctor’s signature must be legalized in the following order: Ministry of Health Ministry of Foreign Affairs Thai Embassy in The Hague Only then will it be accepted for your visa application. Be aware: getting an appointment at the Thai embassy can be difficult, so start early. Alternatively, consider using an agent located near the ministries—they can often handle the process much faster. ⚠️ If you use a non-Thai version of the certificate, you may need to hire a certified translator, whose signature must then be verified by a court, adding even more steps. Although the medical certificate looks simple, it must go through multiple official channels before it's accepted. Always check the latest rules with your local Thai embassy. Good luck!