jay-uk

my truck is a 3.0L which is fine when on holiday but i guess if i was living in Thailand full time then that kind of weekly spend on fuel would be too much. I could ride a buffalo into town I suppose but I'm allergic to animals so I'd be sneezing all the way upto BigC. I could wear a disguise so people did know it was the local farang. A lot of people will be downsizing vehicles now or leaving the car at home in future. Motorcycles are still a good alternative.......

Its looking like time to get my bicycle out the shed or go down the local BigC by buffalo. Not sure BigC have car parking for buffalo's though ....

My wife has come off the phone with family saying that fuel prices have increased yet again in Thailand and they are seeing literally daily price changes. What's the latest price on the forecourts at the moment? We are having the same problems here in UK as diesel has gone up to £1.28 (81 baht) per litre. I'm getting through about £80-£100 (5,000-6,300 baht) in diesel at the moment just running around locally in the family car. Crazy really. You can see why some farmers are going back to using buffalo's instead of tractors to plow the fields if this carries on.

This may be useful for your conversion:

Measure of 1 sq wah 4.784 sq yards 4 sq m

Surface 1 sq wah 0.000989 acres

0.000247 acres 1 sq m

100 sq wah 1 ngan 478.4 sq yards 400 sq m

4 ngan 1 rai 2/5 acre 1,600 sq m

0.395 acre 0.16 ha

1011.736 sq wah 4046.9 sq.m. 1 acre

250,000 sq wah 625 rai 1 sq km

6.25 rai 1 hectare

http://www.eppo.go.th/ref/UNIT-T-M.html

best way really to find out for sure is visit the local land office to check out the prices in the area.

This subject has been covered so many times here on TV that you will get much of the info: you require searching previous posts under "land prices". The answer is subjective in as much as it is worth as much as you are prepared to pay and relative to where it is located, the utilities and services surrounding the land and/or whether it is situated next to a dirt track, concrete road or tarmac road etc...

rough guide:

Village (farm land) - 15,000 baht up to 50,000 baht per rai

Town - 100,000 upto 300,000+ baht per rai

City - 500,000 upto 10,000,000 baht and beyond

I've heard prices all over place and its relative to where you buy. One things for sure its usually more expensive to us farangs than it is to the locals.

also take a look around the Nong Bua park next to BigC which has alot of people running, doing areobics and playing basketball etc... in the evenings. Another place for people wanting to feep fit.

I have visited the gym/fitness centre in Warin two times and the equipment is vey good on several floors with both free weights and machines. However, I had trouble finding the place and it can be difficult to navigate if not familiar with the area. Personally I would go to the Ubon Sports College opposite Tesco/Lotus which has much more serious equipment and free weights. Easy to find and much bigger inside. I heard it gets very busy in the evenings...

My wife's sister has the same condition. here is some useful information which may help you better understanding vitiligo. hope you daughter finds a suitable treatment locally:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitiligo

http://www.vitiligosociety.org.uk/

http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&n...sa=N&tab=nw

Jay

you could try the hospitals first for clinic information:

Khon Kaen Ram

Sri Nagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine Khon Kaen University

Jitavej Hospital

Rachapruk Hospital

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_hospitals_in_Thailand

if you want to stay within Ubon then here are a few ideas below with links:

http://www.weloveubon.com/

http://www.thai-tour.com/eng/ubonratchatha...ttraction2.html

Amphoe Warin Chamrap

Wat Nong Pa Phong is a meditation center. The atmosphere is quiet and peaceful. It is in Amphoe Warin Chamrap on Highway 2178 about 6 kilometres from the city. The ordination hall is and all white building of applied Thai style architecture. Inside is a wax image of Phra Achan Luang Pu Cha, a famous meditation monk who founded the temple and is much revered by everyone.

Wat Pa Nanachat is also a meditation center like Wat Nong Pa Phong. Many foreigners have been ordained here and reside at this temple. It is in Tambon Bung Wai, Amphoe Warin Chamrap, about 12 kilometres from the city. Travel along Highway 24, turn left to Amphoe Kanthararom, Si Sa Ket Province (Highway 226). There will be a sign to point the way to the temple, which is about 1 kilometre off the dirt road.

Ban Tha Khong Lek is on Highway 226 (Ubon-Si Sa Ket Route) about 3 kilometres from the district center (next to Warin Chamrap School). This village make clay pots. The clay, taken from the Mun River, is thoroughly mixed with chaff and other kinds of material. The whole process in interestingly done by hand.

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Amphoe Phibun Mangsahan (Highway 217)

Wat PhuKhao Kaeo is on the slope of a hill in Phibun Mangsahan along Highway 217. It is 43 kilometres from Ubon Ratchathani. Inside the temple grounds is a beautiful ordination hall built entirely from ceramics. Inside the hall are replicas of all the Buddha relics found in Thailand.

Kaeng Saphue is the most beautiful cataract-in Ubon Ratchathani. The word “Saphue” means “a serpent”. It is in the Mun River near the district office of Phibun Mangsahan, about 45 kilometres from Ubon Ratchathani city center, on the left-hand side of Highway 217. This beautiful cataract of natural rocks can be seen for half the year during the dry season. During the rainy season. It is covered with water. Their Majesties the King and Queen have twice visited this place. There is a summer pavilion for visitors to restand admire the scenery.

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Amphoe Sirindhorn

The Sirindhorn Dam is another important multi-purpose dam in the Northeast. It blocks Lam Dom Noi in Phibun Mangsahan District (about 70 kilometres from the city centre) on Highway 217. Turn right at Kilometre 71 for about 500 metres. The area is a plain with a thicket on the hills surrounding the reservoir. Guest houses are available for visitors. More information may be obtained from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, Bang Kruai, Nonthaburi, Tel. 436-3271-2.

Bo Nam bun (Bun Spring) is on Highway 217 about 700 metres from Sirindhorn Dam. It is similar to a hot spring in terms of its appearance, but the water from this spring is of normal temperature and the water comes up from the ground. It was discovered by a monk who was on a pilgrimage, and so a religious center, called Wat Nam Bun, was established.

Chong Mek Border, the boundary between Thailand and Laos marks the end of Highway 217, which is 89 kilometres long. This highway will be connected to a 38 kilometre road in Laos leading to Pak Sae, which is a part of the Asian Highway.

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Amphoe Khong Chiam (Highway 2222)

Kaeng Tana National Park can be reached by two ways. One is by Highway 2222. Along this route you get a beautiful sight of Kaeng Tana because more rocks can be seen on this side. The other way is the route to the National Park Office along Highway 217 (Phibun-Chong Mek route) and then turn left to Highway 2173 for another 13 kilometres. The total area of Kaeng Tana National Park is 50,000 rai. It was proclaimed a national park on 13 July 1982. Attractions in the park include:-

Kaeng Tana is the biggest cataract in the middle of the Mun River. The cataract itself is a big stone platform lying across the Mun River, causing the water which flows through Kaeng Tana to take the form of beautiful waterfalls.

Don Tana is a sand bar of 450 metres in width and 700 metres in length that emerges and splits the Mun River into two branches. To the north, lies a sandy beach, which is an ideal place for recreation. Generally viewed covering the whole area is dry evergreen forest. There are big trees providing shade, and growing naturally among them are some teak trees. Now, visitors can reach Don Tana by walking across a suspension bridge.

Kaeng Khanwhe is a cataract which is approimately 1 kilometre long and 300 metres wide. There is a sandy beach which has large and small stones scattered sink holes and jagged rocks prevail. The large amount of water in December running fiercely against the rocks creates a picturesque scene.

Tat Ton Waterfall is on Highway 2173, which is about 6 kilometres off Highway 217. This beautiful waterfall is created from Tat Ton Brook flowing past a stone platform and plunging onto the pain forming a basin large enough to swim in. The water is cool and clear. The area is surrounded by forest and flowering shrubs.

There is accommodation for tourists at the park, and prior reservation is needed by contacting Tel. 5790529, 5794842 .

Heo Sin Chai Cave is on Highway 2222, about 7 kilometres before reaching Amphoe Khong Chiam, turn left for about 2 kilometres, It is on the same route as Kaeng Tana. The cave is a Buddhist center with a beautiful reclining Buddha image. This center is famous for its strict discipline. It is hilly around the temple with many big rocks, trees, and beautiful flowers. Besides, there is also a waterfall cascading down the cliff to the area in fron of the reclining Buddha image making the place very cool and beautiful.

Wat Tham Khu Ha Sawan is on Highway 222 about 6 kilometres before reaching Khong Chiam District. The temple was built in 1978 by “Luang Pu Kam Khaning Chula Main.” It was his residence and place of meditation while he was still alive. Despite th fact that he passd away many years ago, his body remains in perfect condition, so his diciples keep it in a glass coffin to worship it. There are scenic spots for tourists to admire the beauty of the Mae Khong River and the Laotian border.

The Bi-coloured River or the Mun River’s alluvium is the place where two rivers join: the Brown Mae Khong and the Blue Mun River. It is located in Khon Chiam District about 84 kilometres from Ubon Ratchathani city center.

Pakmun Dam is constructed from stone reinforced with clay soil across the Mun River at Ban Huawhe in Amphoe Khong Chiam. With clay soil across the Mun River at Ban Huawhe in Amphoe Khong Chiam. With a width of 17 metres and a length of 300 metres, the dam facilitates agriculture and generates electricity. It is located approximately 75 kilometres from town, or about 6 kilometres far from the area where the Mekong River meets the Mun River. It is possible to travel along the top of the dam wall as a short cut from Amphoe Khong Chiam to Amphoe Sirinthon without driving back to Amphoe Phibun Mangsahan. In addition, cruising along the beautiful Mun River is possible from the end of the dam to the so-called bicoloured river, where the Mun River joins with the Mekong River.

Pha Taem National Park covers a total area of 140 square kilometers in Khong Chiam, Amphoe Si Muang Mai, and Amphoe Pho Sai. It was announced officially as a national park on 31 December, 1991. Plateaux and hills dominate the park’s Landscape. There are sheer cliffs which are a result from earthquakes. Most trees are of the deciduous dipterocarp forest. Irregular shsped sandstone is found scattered in the area. Beautiful flowering plants grow among the rocky ground. Travelling can be made from Amphoe Khong Chiam along Highway No. 2134, followed by Highway No. 2112, and then turning right for another 5 kilometres. The total distance is 18 kilometres. Places of interest within the park are-

Sao Chaliang is on Highway 2112, about 11 kilometres from the office on the route to Pha Taem. Sao Chaliang is a natural formation of rocks sitting one upon another forming a mushroom-like shape. Fossils of sea shells, pebbles, and sand grains can be seen in big stone slabs believe that about a million years ago this area must have been a sea bed.

Pha Taem and Pha Mon are on Highway 2112 about 98 kilometres from Ubon ratchathani, about 3 kilometres further from Sao Chaliang in Tambon Nong Phua Noi. Pha Taem and Pha Mon are two steep cliffs overlooking the Mekong river with a clear view of Laos on the other sikde. On the cliffs’ surface, there are prehistoric paintings dating back to 3,000-4,000 years ago reflecting the ancient way of life of the people who once lived in the area, such as buk fishing (Buk is a species of large scaleless fish found in the Mekong river), and rice farming. Figures of people, animals, hands, and geometric designs were also depicted.

Tham Mut is in Ban Sa Som on Highway 2112, turning left and continuing for about 15 kilometres to Ban Thung Na Muang. This is a cave some 4 metres wide and 6 metres high. Inside there are many carved Buddha images, indicating that it used to be a place for religious ceremonies.

Soi Sawan Waterfall on Highway 2112, is 30 kilometres from Khong Chiam District. It is a big waterfall cascading from two sides of steep cliffs about 20 metres high. It resembles a necklace. The water is plentiful all year round. The area is surrounded with trees and various kinds of flowers.

Thung Na Muang Waterfall is on Highway 2112 about 12 kilometres from Soi Sawan Waterfall. It is a beautiful medium-sized fall and is near the road. The water cascades down the rocks; the highest level is about 25 metres. The area is full of blossoming plants.

Saengchan Waterfall (Ru Waterfall) is only 1 kilometre from thung Na Muang Waterfall on Highway 2112. It is a very beautiful waterfall with a special characteristic of its own-that is the water will fall down through a rock pipe looking like the full moon shining onto the world. Around the area, large and small rocks are scattered together with many kinds of trees. Below is a cave very suitable for camping.

Site Map: Ubon Ratchathani

::: Introduction

::: Hotel Reservation: ::: Tohsang Klongjiam

::: Tohsang-Ubon

::: Ubon Buri

::: Attractions: ::: City

::: Warin Chamrap

::: Sirindron

::: Phibun-Mangsahan

::: Khong Chiam

::: Si Muang Mai

::: Buntharik

::: Na Chaluai

::: Thung Si Udom

::: How to get there

::: Map

::: Restaurants

::: Souvenirs

::: Festivals

Need a car rent; please contact us: [email protected].

..........................................................................

Very useful site below for Ubon visitors:

http://www.weloveubon.com/ubon-nightlife.html

Dear All

Has anyone else noticed that the Ubon map images on "Google Earth" have been updated recently. You can see much more detail now on the maps but for some reason the images seem outdated. Looks like they have used some old satellite data:

Jay

This site may be able to offer useful info:

http://www.weloveubon.com/ubon-apartments.html

just returned yesterday from Ubon and having spent plenty of time looking around the city can say that my wife and I enjoyed WW very much. many evenings we sat and chatted with Richard but my wife more so with Ting who is a great host to all the customers both Thai and Western. I'm surprised at such a growing ex-pat crowd now in Ubon and the atmosphere and food were both great at WW. I ate steaks and signature burgers most the time which are truly western with onion gravy and REAL home made chips/fries and malt vinegar. My wife loved the Thai food and prices are not at all expensive so thumbs up all round to Richard and Ting for running the place so well and looking after the custom that they have worked hard to enjoy. I visited N-Joy a few times and Loius was very friendly to chat with but the place seemed to have very few people there on a night time or at least in the week days. Loui's wife was sitting with her friend and made little attempt really to make us feel wanted so we briefly stayed and after one drink left. Some places feel they have a "God given" right to your custom. Others feel they should earn it... say no more. Case and point we visited Tony's bakery for a meal one evening and the Thai lady owner acknowledged myself buy failed to Wais my wife or talk to her so the attitude was wrong right from the word go as she was full of herself and cold to customers. The food was rubbish at Tony's and a steak at 1,100 baht was not going to be ordered my myself so we chose Thai food which was undercooked even for my wife and tasteless. However, they do great cakes if they can survive on that business alone.

Ubon restaurant/bar owners still have to remember to be warm with people visiting and so far as farang hang outs go I've only felt that at WW and now I'm somewhat biased. If you want to enjoy your evenings with a lively atmosphere then I'd recommend WW when in ubon town. Located well also and easy to find.....

Directions and distance to Ubon below from google maps:

Start Chiang Mai, Changwat Chiang Mai Thailand

End Ubon Ratchathani, Changwat Ubon Ratchathani Thailand

Travel 924 km – about 14 hours 8 mins

Full-screen©2008 Google - Map data ©2008 Tele Atlas, AND - Terms of Use50 mi100 km Hide MapsAvoid highways Get reverse directions

From: Chiang Mai, Changwat Chiang Mai Thailand

Change location or drag marker

Edit

Drive: 924 km – about 14 hours 8 mins

924 km – about 14 hours 8 mins

1. Head north on Tha Phae 1 toward Tha Phae 0.1 km

2. Continue on Kuang Men 0.2 km

1 min

3. Turn right at Witchayanan 0.1 km

4. Turn left toward Wang Sing Kham 0.1 km

5. Turn right at Wang Sing Kham 0.2 km

1 min

6. Slight left at Charoen Mueang 2.6 km

5 mins

7. Continue on 1006 18 m

8. Turn right at 11 91.5 km

1 hour 17 mins

9. Turn left at Phahon Yothin 5.6 km

6 mins

10. Turn right at 11 86.6 km

1 hour 19 mins

11. Turn right to stay on 11 143 km

2 hours 0 mins

12. Exit on the left onto 12 2.8 km

3 mins

13. Slight left to stay on 12 6.7 km

6 mins

14. Turn right to stay on 12 105 km

1 hour 26 mins

15. Slight left to stay on 12 189 km

2 hours 53 mins

16. Slight left to merge onto 230 9.7 km

9 mins

17. Take the ramp on the left to Mittraphap 0.5 km

1 min

18. Turn left at Mittraphap 6.4 km

7 mins

19. Turn left at 208 55.3 km

46 mins

20. Turn right at 213 4.9 km

4 mins

21. Slight left at 23 6.1 km

5 mins

22. Turn right to stay on 23 32.3 km

37 mins

23. Slight right to stay on 23 73.7 km

1 hour 24 mins

24. Slight right to stay on 23 45.5 km

41 mins

25. Slight left to stay on 23 53.2 km

46 mins

26. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Ratcha Thani 0.4 km

1 min

27. Turn right at 212 0.7 km

2 mins

28. Turn left at Upa Li San 0.5 km

1 min

29. Turn right at Pha Daeng 86 m

To: Ubon Ratchathani, Changwat Ubon Ratchathani Thailand

some useful info: on the following site:

www.weloveubon.com

jay

Well water's fine when filtered. We have two wells which feed a holding tank sitting on a small water tower. The water gets put through first large carbon filter for showers and washing up. Then it goes through a small ceramic filter for drinking. Just to make sure it is really safe after that I boil it let it cool and then put it in the fridge. No after taste or anything earthy and no bad stumachs so far but the filters should be replaced every 12 months if used regular. The filter systems can be purchased from most hardware stores locally.

thanks for the feedback. i'll take a look there in a few weeks time....

Not really.....just wanted to take my wife to a place where you can sit comfortably and enjoy yourself singing in the absence of drunken thai men. A place that is regarded as "better class" IMO having nicer suroundings not cafe style lounge where the majority of girls are there selling themselves to customers. Unlike the Lai Thong hotel which I regarded as "better class". Oxymoron to you maybe but to me i'm looking for a nice place fit for wife and family and not single strays out for a lay.... but if you think that no such thing exists in Ubon and is a contridiction in terms then maybe you are right. I have visited karaoke both good and bad in the past and know there are two place types you can frequent and a knowledge of where to go and where to avoid is important.

Hi All

My family and I are visiting Ubon next month and wanted to know of any better class Karaoke around the city and restaurants that have live music (Isaan) and/or shows. The reason for asking is my wife likes to sing and we heard the Lai Thong hotel had since stopped using their basement area for a karaoke lounge. My two young sons are sure to love Isaan shows if any are available. It may keep them happy listening to the music on an evening when out around town having something to eat.

Thanks.

Regards,

Jay

BANGKOK POST:

AGRIBUSINESS FARMING AND FOOD STANDARDS

River Kwai to run organic farms in Laos

Focus on regional organic-food role

PHUSADEE ARUNMAS

River Kwai International Food Industry, the country's leading sweet corn and vegetable exporter, has expanded its organic farming into Laos as part of its ambitious plan to become the regional supplier of organic agricultural products in the region. ''This is just the first step of our group to become the regional supplier of organic fruits and vegetables,'' said Soonthorn Sritawee, chief operating officer of River Kwai International. ''We are ready to expand more in other neighbouring countries to help produce steady supplies to our group.''

The group will invest at least 20 million baht to support organic farming on 800 rai in Paksong, about 50 kilometres east of Pakse and 100 kilometres from the Thai border at Chong Mek in Ubon Ratchathani, said Mr Soonthorn.

The investment, he said, was also part of the group's one-billion-baht investment plan in a health resort and spa of the group in Laos. Output is expected to start next year.

Mr Soonthorn said the group chose Paksong mainly for the area's fertile soil and favourable conditions for the crop mainly for temperate fruits and vegetables and coffee.

River Kwai is expected to take about 70% in the venture, with the remaining 30% to be held by local unnamed investors. In Thailand, the company has developed organic farming for more than 10 years. Its organic farms currently cover more than 600 rai of its own farms in several provinces including Kanchanaburi, Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai. The company has also entered contract farming with farmers covering about 800 rai.

An additional 1,000 rai of farm areas are in the process of certification.

The organic farming business last year earned the company about 100 million baht, 95% of which came from exports to 10 markets including the EU, Japan, Singapore, and the United States.

The group expects its organic farming business will grow about 20% this year to 120-130 million baht driven by strong demand for organic products both in the country and the world market.

Mr Soonthorn said, however, that the group was expected to remain under the pressure from the baht's appreciation. Last year, the company's sales dropped by more than 200 million baht because of the baht's strength.

The group's total revenue was reported at about US$45 million in 2006. The 2007 figure was not available.

Chemical-free crops have become increasingly popular in the past decade among consumers who are concerned about healthy eating and the effects of chemicals on foods and the environment. Studies have shown that these consumers are willing to pay 30-40% more for organic foods than for ordinary produce.

World market demand for organic produce has been rising by 20% a year, especially in rich countries in Europe, North America and Japan. The major organic product exporters are Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, India and China.

The Agriculture Ministry has recently announced to increase organic farm acreage by at least 40% to 200,000 rai over the next two years to tap into higher demand in world markets.

Organic plantations currently cover 140,963 rai, of which 80% are for rice, vegetables, fruit, and herbs.

Hello To All

Calling anyone living in Ubon. My family and I are planning to visit in Feb/Mar and wanted to know of any farangs in the area that may like to meet up for a coffee or a beer while we are on holiday. Cheers.

Jay

if someone knows of similar places in Ubon having and fitting Carryboy parts I'd like to know as I need a rear cover for my pick-up. Thanks.

thanks for the posts. i'll visit cozy's place when there....sounds like its worth a visit and bite to eat.