Ajarn

Dont know what size bottles you are using or what for, but you might check with a beer dist. or soda taps use CO2 to power them,,might just be able to change bottles with them if they are the same,or they could tell you where ,,or you might even check with a large welding supply as they use CO2 for shielding of mig welding. if you do not need medical grade that would be your best bet. but watch it cause some are mixed gasses like nitrogen/CO2  or argon/oxy or co2 /oxy..not that those gasses are dangerous if you are just using to power something,,but they are spendy and CO2 is cheap.

I'm hoping to buy a big tank of Co2 and use it to refill 20oz Co2 bottles to power a paintgun (watch out neighborhood howlers, of any species!)

I had no idea Co2 had any use in welding, and I'll check with my local 7-11 to see who they call when their tanks for the fountain drinks runs out...Delivery service would be nice.

Thanks, sir

Maybe you can buy some of those how to live in THAILAND books with all that cash.

Just send me the cash. I can tell him how to live in Thailand

Anyone have any ideas of places that will refill Co2 bottles? Or places in CM that refill scuba bottles (much higher pressure than normal air bottles)?...I realize this might be a bit of a stretch in CM

Real shit, too, not jingjok shit. 

I am not being sarcastic at all Is there a difference??

Jingjok shit is a hard little football-shaped turd that's sticky when fresh, but dries quickly.

Tookay shit is of the creamy/chunky variety, and they seem to have a large colon..

I would suppose they'd taste the same, except, possibly, to the connoisseur.

Thanks  I played that for my dad and he said they leave the part with F-YOU out  he said it is very destinctive sound and you cannot miss it   otherwise he said that is what one sounds like

A bit of folklore I've heard about tookays...

They are bad luck if living in your house....

Listen to them 'f you!' A series of 5, 7, 9, or 11 times is considered good luck for the house closest to that tookay. Even number repititions are considered bad luck... The last repitition, if it ends on a weaker note, doesn't count

I grabbed one in my bedroom once...The tail came off in my hand and the tookay shit all over my wall. Real shit, too, not jingjok shit. Never could get the stain out of the paint, and I never tried tookay-hunting again.

And regarding jing-joks shit, it's pretty small, and remember that their shit is mostly made up of mozzies and other insects that would likely have been annoying you...

I only wish they would eat ants.

I can understand the concern about people wondering around without asking but think it is a good idea to show people around so they know where the bathroom is etc.

Pls read my post again, I said "opening drawers, cupboards and helping themsaelves to food etc. without asking"

A far cry from wandering around!

I believe if she were to enter some other house of a Thai person they'd just met, she would never in a million years pull shit like that.... I just asked the 3 Thai people around at the moment, and they all agreed they couldn't imagine anyone except a 'khon baa' to do something like that in any house that wasn't her own, and they'd toss her ass out... Awk! Pai!

One Thai habit that pulls my chain is showing up unannounced at your home, and even opening the door and entering the house! I'm strickly in the 'House is MY Castle' frame of thinking...

And acting...I prefer the freedom of 'sans suit' when I'm alone at home On a couple of occasions, I was close to being caught out by a couple of my CMU students

Since then, If I feel I need to, I always mention this part of 'my culture'. They think it's a bit quirky of me to require prior notice, but everyone has complied with no problems-- except that they NEVER show at the time they said they'd be there...Ya' can't win them all, I suppose

When I first arrived in Bkk, I went looking for a guesthouse where a friend was staying. I had a name and address, but no directions. I went down to Khao San road to look around for the place, but nobody I asked had heard of the place. Finally, a middle-aged lady I showed the card to said she would help me find my friend. She took my hand, and proceeded to lead me around the sois near Khao San...We walked for an hour before it finally dawned on me that this lady was just as clueless as I was-- the blind leading the blind. But she wanted SO much to help me, only relying on faith and desire to help me find my friend's GH... And she would surely have continued to try, had I not dropped from exhaustion.

It was a great introduction to the Heart of Thailand

Nice story. I've never been refused any kind of help I've asked for in Thailand. Never. I've found that if you are polite and don't lose your temper, Thais will go out of their way to help you, if requested....At least where I've lived. And I always made sure to encourage such help in the future by making sure I show some form of appreciation later... Tham Dee, Dai Dee..

I still dont understand how you were allowed to drive off in an uninsured car, and it was brand new?? I wouldnt drive the thing down the driveway let alone on the road in Thailand without comprehensive!

The woman admits fault, then tells you she cannot afford to pay, yet she can afford to drive a car in the first place, and afford a mobile phone to talk on while crashing! Of course TIT, so this is a lesson to all out there thinking of buying cars, protect yourself, because noone else is gonna look out for you!

Yes, If it were 2 Thai drivers, I feel sure they would never accept such a deal....They would at least have had the cops force her to sign an agreement to pay...And the gold jewelry the puu ying was wearing would likely be the first payment....

But, if the non-guilty side offers to pay for the damage she did to his car, then, well, lucky lady... You can't fault her for taking the deal.

My UBC sat is still in eng/thai just like it has always been.

Yeah but is it English for three weeks and then Thai for one week before repeating the process?

Mayve the GF messed with the UBC remote, as my wife has done before, and changed the language options....But, if that's the case, there should be some other channels with at least some programs also now in Thai that were English-only before...

never ever never put money in a Thai bank, you will not gain intrest and you may never see it again.

Been using Thai Banks for 13 years, i have never lost any money.

Same here. Never lost any interest, either. But I did have to pay 15% tax on the interest

luckily everthings went well enough.i went tuesday to police where we were waiting for 2 hours for the arrival of the other party.when the lady came with her husband she retracted all the accusations to us but added that she is unable to pay for the damage of my car.i have accepted it because the alternative was going to court and spend a lot of nervs.  so i did ,paid for repairing my car.

police was treating me fairly ,can't complain.i brought the pictures displaying the scene of the accident made by my girlfriend ,which undisputedly proved we were right.

Well, bummer that you had to pay for your own vehicle, but at least it wasn't for both!

And, it's satisfying to hear of the fair treatment you said you've received. I only wish it to be the same for everyone

Congratulations!

But, what many non-native English teachers often lack is the cultural experience, which is the root of any language.

Sometimes so but often non natives can be excellent teachers. As a teacher I’m not teaching culture but rather communication. But the Swede I mentioned was rather well traveled in the UK.

I'd say we don't teach a language, we teach how to learn a language...We use direct communication as the teaching medium in the classroom

When I started learning Thai, it helped me to understand the culture and history of the language. It gave me insight into the country and its people/culture/society, it helped me understand the Thai logic of vocab/expressions/idioms/slang, which has helped me to figure out the Thai word I needed, or to figure from context using that Thai logic...

Teachers need to use many different methods of illustrating teaching points to reach the various learning requirements of our students, and the more you can share about this language they are learning, the more valuable, and valued, the learning experience will be for the student, in my experience. And the more 'tools' a teacher has in their bag of tricks, the better, too

As for non native teachers, I've hired a few, never had to fire any, and when I observed them, they did fine-- because they had the heart to teach. THAT is what I looked for in teachers. I never concerned myself with teacher's accents too much, for the real world has English speakers using many accents, and listening comprehension is often the biggest problem for students, in part, I think, because Thais are used to hearing one word spoken with the same tone, always, and the differing tones we use in English gives big real-time listening headaches to our students. More listening/speaking practice is the only answer here. Literally, their ears and brain need time and practice to adjust to the new sounds/sound combinations.

For those of you who comprehend spoken Thai well enough, remember how your ability to distinguish between spoken Thai words was at the beginning? Time and Practice, na'?

The more, the varied, the better, in my book.

Thanks for all the posts. But if you go to ajarn.com you will notice that every other job offering has the word "native" in it. Should a non-native even bother applying?

BTW I'm Scandinavian. Not much chance getting a job doing translations.

How much do you want it?

If you have a proper degree and speak and sound well, you should have no problem obtaining work here.  However, most non-native English teachers I have encountered often taught bad habits to their students. I wouldn't have my child learn English from a non-native speaker.

I really agree with your concerns. I would be hesitant to use a non-native, rather than a native, when teaching English, too. It should be looked at on a case by case basis, I feel.

In my experience of hiring teachers, the non-native English teacher often can teach circles around many native English speakers in terms of grammar. How many of you can name all the twelve tenses, give examples of each, and clearly explain (illustrate) the differences in meaning between the tenses? Most non-native teachers I interviewed could do this without much difficulty. If I used that as a criteria for hiring, I wouldn't have hired many farangs, for they rarely did very well with my grammar tests...

But, what many non-native English teachers often lack is the cultural experience, which is the root of any language. I often taught British English, but I knew I was lacking the cultural background to explain things like the origins of idioms or slang expressions, for example. I was missing the true 'flavor' of the language...I think that aspect is very important...

Godot, what is your mother tongue, there are many opportunities available for consultant translation work that would require that level of English competancy, far less work and far better paid than what you would be offered as a teacher. Also corporate proof writing from home ( any home) is another option with your very valuable degree. Don't sell yourself cheap.

Teach

Yeah, totally agree. Lots of opportunities for any sharp go-getter with good English skills.

Good luck

Thats fair enough, I was just wondering, because most Farangs, (and thais for that matter) dont seem to know what Ajarn should be used for. Same with Thaan, as in calling an official or policeman, Monk etc Thaan as opposed to Khun.

Yes teaching at the highest level, or University lecturer is what has been communicated to me, Lecturing Proffesor being the highest. Of course it is different from the West. I am not a teacher myself, but live with one 

Certainly, many foreigners don't have a clue about 'Ajarn'...

What I've observed is that, over the time I've been here, 'Ajarn' seems to have broadened in usage and meaning. It's always included some monks, in my experience, but now, it seems teachers in prathom and mathayom schools are often referred to as Ajarns, rather than the traditional 'khruu'....Even the guy who owns the auto parts shop near me is referred to as Ajarn by his employees....I still am not sure of all the nuances, except that the nuances most farangs attach are often nonsense, imo.

Maybe part of the reason many Thais call me Ajarn is that they can hardly ever pronounce my real name, Larry. Comes out as Rarry, Lally....And my formal name, Lawrence, always sounds like Lauren to me...In fact, one (old) student blurted out, oh! Lauren Bacall!

I rarely use Thaan, and the last time was with the guy at immigration who signs off on my visa extension...Hey, if it works for you...

I am not a teacher myself, but live with one

According to my wife, and a few others, living with some teachers ain't easy

And it is constructive criticism

Constructive criticism is good on a "head to head" basis.

On a forum which is read by thousands of people, it is not.

People have no time or inclination to separate the good from the bad.

So they only remember the bad.

Easier,...

Your opinion, speaking for everyone?

Not for me, anyway. I have plenty of time and inclination to seperate good from bad. In my opinion, it would be foolish to do otherwise, but it's certainly your choice to make.

Between jobs I guess. ( And it would be F O O L I S H if English is your thing and in which case the honorific Ajarn is way beyond you and an unreachable height. )

Oh, the fragile ego has become upset. Sorry

Ajarn, I was taught that Thaam Chua, Dai Chau translated to Do evil recieve evil, the word Evil being used by educated thai friends and a Monk.

Are you a proffessor?? or is the Ajarn label some sort of humour? 

You could be right. When I studied at AUA many years ago, we were taught chua= bad...But 'evil' and 'bad' might use the same word in Thai?

As for 'Ajarn', well, I started using that as my nick back in about 1994 when we first got email and internet at CMU (and NECTEC). It's been my email name and internet monicker since then, and I don't have any other nicks...

In America, I would not be considered a Professor in the traditional sense, a holder of a University Chair. In Thailand, the word 'Ajarn' doesn't really mean 'Professor'. More like a 'University Lecturer' or a teacher teaching at the highest levels, as I've come to understand it. 'Professor' is also now more commonly used to refer to any university teacher, in most Asian countries I'm familiar with.

'Ajarn' is also what most every Thai who knows me, calls me, though I've never referred to myself that way, except on the internet. I am retired from active classroom teaching now, but , yes, I was an Educator for many years (18) in Thailand, and quite proud of it. I loved my teaching career in Thailand. I've taught at every level, from Annubarn1 to University Graduate levels. Easily the best experiences of my life.

For some farang people, the monicker 'Ajarn' seems to be like holding a red cape in front of a bull. For me, it's just the name by which I'm most easily identified, and it identifies my interest and occupation, too. I'm not trying to be anonymous, or I'd certainly use a different name.

If you mean the Labour Office, where you got your WP, you're right. They're not going to do anything themselves...

No, this was the old Dept of Labour under the Interior Ministry, many years ago.

But, if you had seriously followed up and filed suit with The Central Labour Court, you might have found yourself pleasanly surprised at the outcome, assuming you were in the right, and your employeer in the wrong.

I did file suit with the Central Labour Court, on the recommendation of the Labour Dept. But if you are represented by a crooked lawyer, you get screwed anyway.

There was a weird postscript to this episode, though. I went to see an expert (Thai) on labour law at one of those international law firms and asked if I could file a complaint against my lawyer with the Thai Lawyers Association. He said, "You can... but you'd better be careful!!" Then he said, "I don't want you to be in any court in Thailand, because if your opponent is Thai, he'll always have the advantage." He then waived his consultancy fee and I took his advice. Live and learn.

Bummer...Yeah, lawyers always seem to be the Wild Card, don't they? I have only met a couple of decent ones, but not for a long time...

And it is constructive criticism

Constructive criticism is good on a "head to head" basis.

On a forum which is read by thousands of people, it is not.

People have no time or inclination to separate the good from the bad.

So they only remember the bad.

Easier,...

Your opinion, speaking for everyone?

Not for me, anyway. I have plenty of time and inclination to seperate good from bad. In my opinion, it would be foolish to do otherwise, but it's certainly everyone's choice to make.

Trying to add method to the madness? 

Your logic takes on a certain amount of mystery. Is it that ajarn syndrome found in many teachers of the parsar angkrid hereabouts ?

Is there something I wrote that you don't understand? You seem to be confused

Anyway, whatever syndrome it is that you see, I assure you, it's only represents me. I don't speak for others. Of course, your reality may differ.... It's always up to you

Trying to add method to the madness?

Chiang Mai is a serious dissapointment for any unsuspecting visitor unlucky enough to include it in it's itinerary.  Aggressive bothersome Taxis coloured Red, Low quality service,  Double charging.  Only good thing about Chiang Mai is the road to Doi Ithannon if one has the savvy to hire a car and get out of the dump.

Who would want to go to the Night Bazzar?  They can buy every product cheaper in MBK without the hassle and the Tacky Indian Suit Salesmen lurking around. 

It is like a second rate Sukhumvit.

I wouldn't ask you to look at Chiang Mai through rose-coloured glasses, but at least not the shit-coloured ones...

There really is much more to Chiang Mai, even within the city. I hope you'll come back and chill some, and share a smile with some locals. You'll feel better, I'm sure .

I agree about MBK, though. What an amazing place to shop

Are you sure about MBK being cheaper?

Silk scarves that I sell on eBay, I buy in Chiangmai for 60 baht, but was quoted 180 in MBK in April

Mangowood decorative chopsticks that I buy for 5 baht a pair were 45 baht a pair in MBK

Boxed sets of incense and ash catchers that I assemble from 3 suppliers (box / incense /ceramic) for under 30 baht a set were 200 baht in MBK

These are just a few of the examples, perhaps the best one was the stonecast (specialist plaster) bas relief temple imagery that I buy here for 12 baht a pop (often seen in the night bazaar at 50 - 200 baht each, were over 450 baht in MBK

Generally speaking whatever I sell on eBay has lower closing prices than those in MBK - loads of UK and US shop holders and market traders now buy from me instead of wholesalers in those countries - it's cheaper for them (even through eBay) and they know that I take more care in sifting out the less attractive pieces to get the best quality of each item.

There is no way in any country I've ever been to, that a capital city is cheaper for hand crafted goods than one of its far flung provincial cities - this is a universal phenomenon not restricted to Thailand.

There will be some things cheaper in MBK than up here - those made in the south for example, because Bangkok is midway between the two centres of production. Also, clothing from the Bangkok factories should be cheaper there, but I've often found that's not true due to the rent differentials and the cost of salaries etc. If people couldn't get higher salaries in the capital, why would so many gravitate in that direction? Anything made in the north will almost certainly be cheaper here than there due to lower transportation, rents, salaries etc.

In this case - I'm arguing from my own experience of both MBK and CM Night Bazaar. Finally - remember another factor - MBK is for natives, Night Bazaar is for tourists. And you know what that means

Sorry, I wasn't trying to put a crimp in your business... Frankly, I wasn't thinking of prices so much as selection (andI was stretching for something I could agree with that poster on... ). From experience, I've found that when trying to find something, MBK has almost everything, it seems.

Since many MBK shops will dicker prices, 'first quotes' are not always reasonable (but good for quoting to overseas customers as comparison to your prices? ). Real prices can depend on your bargaining skills or the desperation on the seller....I bought a large 'elephant hide' travel bag there for 1400 baht, when the exact same bag was at least 2500 in any other store or market where I'd priced them earlier, both at Patpong and a couple of places in CM. Anyway, I used to like cruising around in there...

Can you make your living off selling Thai stuff on EBay?

The burning of leaves, twigs and household garbage is already illegal in Chiang Mai and I feel the situation has gotten better over the last few years

Gawd, I wish I could agree