tango

using those blue plastic cooler tanks for hot water storage is not the best idea, as i used a big one for a 'home made hot tub' [with lpg water heater] and the heat has started to warp it out of shape in a year. they are meant for cold, not heat.

Thanks Jaideeguy. You have saved me heartache,money, and a lot of extra work. Greatly appreciated. Hmmm...what to do now? The idea was to conserve the heated water throughout the evening and on cool days. I'll have to keep an eye open for alternatives. Cheers

...between the solar portion and the insulated fiberglass tank....

For the insulated fiberglass tank simply purchase one of those large plastic ice boxes one sees in shops selling beer and soda on ice, or at markets in which they keep meat cool in ice. I am buying two 800 liter ice boxes @6000Baht here in CMai. 800L is the largest size, and will be painted matt black; these can be added to as the extended family grows. I managed to obtain a light alloy water tank used in passenger aircraft which I am having painted flat black at an auto shop [4000B and no rust]. This will be placed on the open top floor of a tower alongside my satellite dish. The tank will be backed by a glass covered V-wall; all of which will be covered w glass. The hot water will flow from here to the interconnected insulated 'ice' boxes on the second floor [along with an other (blue) insulated box for cool water], and from there to the house and pool. The interconnecting pipe will be the black pipes used by the municipalities these days. I will fit the 1 inch diameter pipe into a slightly larger sized one, running these as one, to the house, kitchen etc. Oh and the bottom floor of the structure will house the 'sak pha' room, a storage area, and possibly the dog kennel (6 Rotts). The idea for the V-shaped wall with instructions is on coolthaihome...(credit where credit's due). Just another approach for what it's worth, especially as electric costs continuously rise. Heating water with electricity is costly, to put it mildly. Hope this proves helpful:thumbsup:

I had mine done at Bumrungrad Hospital in Soi 3 Bangkok;Try this doctor he does one almost every day. Try the web site and look it up for yourself. Good luck mate happy hopping!

Name: Dr. Panya Wongpatimachai

Speciality: Orthopaedics (Bone), Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedics (Bone), Arthroplasty, Orthopaedics (Bone), Arthroscopic Surgery

Language: Spoken : English,Teo Chew,Thai

Qualifications: Medical School: - M.D. Mahidol University, Thailand, 1984 Board Certifications : - Diploma of Thai Board of Orthopedic Surgery, 1989 Fellowships: Arthroscopic Surgery, Eisin Clinic, Japan, 1997 Special Clinical Interests: - Arthroscopy - Sport Medicine & Injury - Arthroplasty - Trauma Active Membership : International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (ISAKOS) International Affiliate Member of American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Great news. Would you mind passing on what this consultation and completed surgery cost, and total time in hospital...I have to ask for leave from work? Thnx

Tech Satellite is a good outfit which I highly recommend. Mr Rachan Mungpa- speaks english and so does his wife. The ladies are currently at C4 near the line of checkout cashiers, with new promotions. I have been w Tech Sat for 6 years now. Excellent follow up, polite and experienced workers. The chap at Lotus once was with TechSat. Kh Rachan apparently bought him out. :

Rachun at 08-9700-9944.

Office on the Road to Sankanpaeng on the left in a gp of row stores (66/6 #7) just before the 1st new bypass. Tel 053 850011 or 053 117249.

The Nissan Navara 2.5L comes with a 6th gear which may account for the great mileage.

All of these are local Lanna style, romantic, crisply new, and

within walking distance of all of central CMai. I recommend these

to visiting friends. Pamper yourself without breaking the bank.Enjoy!!*

Raming Lodge-Loi Kroh Rd halfway between ThapaeGate & Night Bazaar

double 1150

http://www.hotels.chiangmai-online.com/raming.html

Red Hibiscus GuestHouse modern 3-storey guesthouse inside moat directly across

from CMai Ram Hospitaldie. Top far-end mini suite is the most romantic.

http://www.redhibiscus.com/Mini Suite Baht 1,400.

Tamarind Village center town near AUA ThapaeGate 2275B double

http://www.hotels.chiangmai-online.com/tamarind.html

TRI YAAN NA ROS COLONIAL HOUSE CHIANG MAI

156 Wualai Rd.Double 2500

http://www.hotels.chiangmai-online.com/tynaros.html

Manathai Village Chiang Mainear Night Bazaar-double 2800

http://www.chiangdao.com/chiangmai/manathaivillage.htm

The Rachamankhanear Wat Phra Singh AUA-double 4820B

http://www.hotels.chiangmai-online.com/rcmankha.html

I recommend Top North...very professional, trustworthy, new cars, and good rates - been in CMai for a decade or so. Why not ask for a discount? If you do not know the area hire the car with driver- cost minimal, food and separate lodging if overnight of course. Check the car all around for dents scratches, and remove the plastic ads sitting on the windscreen or hood to be absolutely sure before signing for the car.

Regards,

Tango

Anyone know about the next Vigo release?

Hi - Paid a 5000B fee in June to place an order for a 4x4, 4 door black Vigo here in CMai. Got a call last week to say a newer Vigo is to be released soon so the agent cancelled my original order to await the newer model... no idea when exactly.

Nice of the agent to let us know; however, I did remind her that I would not be a happy camper if I got my vigo only to find out a new release is to come shortly. For what it's worth

To obtain one year extensions of stay will require you and wife to prove 40k per month family income. Currently believe they want that to be by showing tax document that tax was paid on that average amount last year if in Thailand funds.

Is that 40K clear before or after tax?

Also is the stipulated 65K for a standard 'non-family' retirement 'Non-O', before or after taxes? ie Many foreigners just manage the 65K as a stated (gross) overall pension yet they are actually receiving less net pension after taxes are paid in their home countries.

Thnx for your input

Basically nobody here cares anyway, How many times have you ever heard of a Thai getting medical tests unless they were in the hospital about to die? Back in the day I would take buses all over Thailand. There always seems to be that one person who cannot stop coughing on the bus and on occasion I was lucky enough for them to sit right behind and cough on me all the way to point B. I no longer take buses and that is the main reason outside the fact they are dangerous in general. I often wonder how many of these folks had TB? Its not like any food worker here is tested for anything or even the food is checked for anything for that matter.

Another big problem in Thailand is leprosy. It is far more common than one would think.

Hmmm...Exactly the reason I gave up taking the bus. There seemed always someone seated behind me coughing on me. Many times I had flu-like symptoms at my destination. Coincidence - unlikely: until the 30B fee came into effect only the rich or near-dead ever saw a hospital; others feared losing their poorly-paid jobs were they to take time off work.

Near CMai there exists an island in the Mae Ping River where the Christian ministry, which also runs McCormick Hospital, houses and cares for many Leprosy patients - for decades now. Probably leprosy, TB and other diseases are endemic in Thailand as a result of the Thai (Buddhist?) belief that the tormented are suffering now for their past indiscretions, so let them suffer. A case of 'Their karma running over their dogma'?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that prisons are rife with TB: one would think that the prison staff would sort this out, if only to protect themselves.

I also have Thai health insurance.

Hi...Just a note to check the fine print to ensure that your health insurance covers you for life: most stop at age 70, in many cases just when you need it most. My ex-boss wanted me to switch to her sister's Health Ins Co which failed to cover past age 70. I stayed w Blue Cross as I must remain continuously with it as of age 60 and beyond to maintain health coverage for life. Just a thought.

tango, I think you meant to post this in response to JuniorExPat's thread re: request for Loi Kroh Clinic, etc. I already posted for him to check out your comments on this thread.

BTW, excellent advice, if that is what he has. Flagyl works great, but it is a little hard on some people's system, particularly the liver. I took it in Afghanistan several times to treat dysentery. And I know all about the flat pebbles, too...

Thanks McG; You are correct. Somehow I posted to the wrong site... was a bit tired. Thanks for your quick response. While sleeping last night and most of the day I had this gnawing feeling I posted to the wrong site. Was just about to correct when I saw your message. Thanks again!

I had to sign a whole range of contracts when I moved to Thailadn first - I was very reluctant.

I had to sign every single page of every document.

I found this OTT.

However, when they asked me to sign some blank pages then I refused....

I gave all the reasons why i logically couldnt do that.

I didnt sign and then had to go to a lot of offices that I wouldnt have had to go to.

2 years down the road if I am asked to sign a blank document by someone I know and trust then I will sign it!

Maybe I am becoming more "thai" - but I just found that it makes things easier.

Sure, I am opening up the risks that someone could put something else on the blank document.

But really, as a foreigner - does it really matter about rental contracts? Even if everything is signed off properly we really dont get much of a say if up against a Thai.

Hi M,

Whoa!!

Never ever sign anything blank, or in the Thai Language if you can not completely understand it. The Thai, not you, must obtain an English translation certified by a Government-certified translator. 'Caveat Emptor'- 'Buyer Beware' is never more true than here in Thailand.

Personally, I never sign any lease without ensuring NO deposit or only a maximum of 2 months deposit as landlords/ladies here in many cases consider your deposit to be their bonus. I currently lease with a 2 month deposit because I like the house and the location; BUT, the 2 month deposit is "first and last month"( written into the lease), thus after giving notice which I recently have done, I simply do not pay the last month's rent. Like you I put a lot into my rental residences: completely repainting inside and out, repairing the front gate, replacing the entire system of water pipes as the iron pipes in the walls rusted out, new lighting, wall receptacles; etc. I am moving because the entire house is quickly subsiding into the River Ping.

Always 'go gently into that good night'...whatever it is, speak softly and vote with your feet - leave before signing or committing yourself to anything anywhere anytime that you have not thought through, asked for advice, opinions, and slept on again and again. If for any reason you feel uneasy, then stop, cease, and end the matter. There is always something possibly a little better...always, including boyfriends or significant others. You as a farang must be married to a Thai if you wish to remain in Thailand. Girlfriend status is legal fantasy. Thai males always, always, trump females, married or not within the legal code. As for buying him a house... think again, you're smitten. The horror stories abound of males losing their entire life's savings buying houses and property in a Thai's name. Your 'boyfriend' should be buying you the house. If you must, OK but go the 30 year 'usufruct' route. You can have property manager rights with a lifetime usufruct (registered as the property manager on the title deed) and own the building structure in your name. This can in some jurisdictions apply to the land. Read carefully the Thai Visa site: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=109777 , or you will end up losing everything. Search the term 'usufruct' on Thai Visa and digest all. It is your saviour. Also register your name on the back of the land papers as having extended the loan to your boyfriend to pay for the property, with the proviso that the money reverts to you in case of sale, or name change, or separation(should he take or already have a Thai wife). You need the double backup- both land and house- otherwise if he is on the land building a new house for his 2nd love, it will be a completely miserable life for you in the 1st house despite the usufruct (or 30 year lease).

As for your statement " 2 years down the road if I am asked to sign a blank document by someone I know and trust then I will sign it!' DON'T! My colleague was the director of a new English school in CMai, affiliated with a prominent Thai English-language newspaper. For months the dental doctor who owns the franchise kept telling him he was 'a fixed cost'. So he knew something was up. She canceled his fixed-contract after a year and a half, saying she has a new temp-contract calling for 500B per hour. It was all in Thai. He signed it without understanding, based on the reputation of the 'N'ewspaper. He was never given any work because she hired backpackers at 250Baht per hour. The Thai staff has never followed the franchise text, preferring to issue stacks of photocopies from their school English texts. A mess!! So much for trust in the 'Land of Smiles". Going along as my friend did, not wanting to rock the boat, and being the trusting soul he was, becaise like you he was"becoming more "thai" - but [he] I just found that it makes things easier", was not to be.

Hope this helps. Good luck! Chokdee...

Hi,

I worked with UNHCR in Sudan during the Ethiopian Emergency in the mid-eighties. Our refugees and staff were continually plagued with ameobic dysentry. On my rounds throughout 5 separate camps and 150,00 refugees I was always looking ahead for the next depression in the sand dunes...no porcelain here, nor leaves. ( The Sudanese and the refugees used flat pebbles, widely available in the sand, in lieu of non-existent leaves or tissue. If your so inclined sometime to experiment, it takes a certain mastery of manipulation: besides that, the pebbles are darn hot.

Our saviour was the drug "Flagyl"; 1-2 tablets and you were safely on your way for another couple of weeks: 'medication metronidazole (Flagyl) an antibiotic drug used against anaerobic bacteria and certain parasites like giardia and ameba'.

See: www.medicinenet.com/metronidazole/article.htm

BTW; if, as you say you have lost 7 lbs, then most of that loss is likely water. Water is crucial to your life. Amoeba eat tiny holes in the walls of your intestine and your bodily fluids seep thru...no, not those bodily fluids... thus the liquified waste you are expending: best get a few envelopes of electrolyte( aval at all pharmacies flavoured in lemon and orange), mix with water; and also drink plenty of plain water too. In Africa many mothers lost their children by depriving them of crucial water in the mistaken belief that their bowel movement would thereby dry up...wrong!... the body itself dries up and dies.

In a NATO tank unit defending against the Russian hordes way back when, we used to eat lots of cheese to bung us up until we could safely exit our tank crew positions to attend to nature's call. In your case I'd stick to Flagyl for now. Best hurry, and good luck.

Once this does the job go see a competent physician at any village clinic they attend to dysentry routinely... The Hang Dong hospital is handy, seldom crowded and cheap. The Special Clinic near the 14th floor of the Suandok Mahraj Hospital is excellent, covered by Blue Cross unlike Ram, inexpensive, short wait times, and uses essentially the same doctors as Ram. Chokdii

Thanks for letting us know how you lost your weight, Ajarn; I was wondering how you accomplished it as this is no mean feat. Been trying to shed about 20 kg for a year now - to no avail, so I too am reconfirming my on again-off again plan of building a pool now that you have shown the way. Still have not gotten out your way to check out your self-designed solar water heater which presumably is your pool heater too. Once I get a vehicle I'll phone and attempt to arrange a visit convenient to you. Have a huge data bank on pools but nothing on the plumbing system...so I would appreciate it if you could find time in your schedule to impart some wisdom, again once I am assured transport.

Congratulations on your weight loss...not many mortals have even come close to the amount you had lost!

If you are currently on a 1-year Non-Imm visa, which I presume you do as you have a work permit, then exit the country (say at Mae Sai) as I did 2 years ago, and intend to do in August. Exit at least a couple of days before your visa is due to expire, turn around immediately and re-enter Thailand: you will (should) automatically get 3 more months extension on your Non-Imm visa. Cheers

Here you are, a guide to wall construction: cheers

perimeter wall construction guide:

http://www.coolthaihouse.com/coolperimeterwall.htm

main house construction guide:

http://www.coolthaihouse.com/coolindex.htm

Also try here:

http://yahoo.com/construction-in-thaila...=perimeter+wall

To keep your pet cat or dog calm while travelling, especially if separated from you, place a well-worn T-shirt in the cage with your pet. Wear the T-shirt to bed for several nights beforehand. I also use this technique when taking my pet to the vet; it works wonders. Hope this helps.

Ajarn, I suggest the row of tailors just up the soi, on the right ,that passes directly behind the Montri hotel. All are good quality at prices well below Neramit. In that you may wish to lose more kgs I suggest you refrain from paying top baht until your are satisfied you've reached a constant plateau.

Price of course depends on the material, but I have bought quality pants with accompanying thai-govt-phuyai-style top for less than 3000B. Separately my nephew was ecstatic at finding quality at an affordable price to take back to North America for his wedding.

I would not be surprised that the tailoring is all stitched at the same locale by all and sundry incl the neramit folks.

BTW, the 2nd restaurant up from these tailor shops has the best Northern-style food in the area, IMHO. The trouble is I had to stop going regularly as the 'Na-aam' is addictive and piles on the pounds. Their Northern-style soup served over hot coals is aroy, and fat-free. Cheers

Glad to see you enjoy your teaching job. I too want to return to teaching, having taught for over 14 years here in Thailand, all with work permits and Non-Imm visas. I converted to a retirement visa 2 years ago, and while busy each day physically I do miss the intelectual stimulation of contributing as a teacher.

Has anyone, having already converted to a Non-Imm retirement visa where no work, even that of volunteering is permitted; converted back to a standard Non-Imm B visa to work again? What is the procedure please, or am I destined to remain 'retired'? Regards...tango

There are (were) 2 courts at Prem. Seldom used; if so, inquire as to setting up a club. Long way out of Dodge, but nice scenery. Why not phone them to check if non-staff may use? Chokdi.

can anyone recommend a shop that does a good job of cleaning the inside of cars?

i'm not really that lazy, but i don't own a vaccum.

thanks.

For years I've been using the auto wash/detailing/rustproofing/shineguard service at the complex beside the golf driving range across fron Airport Plaza. Purchase a booklet of 6-wash(0nly) coupons for 500B prior to getting your vehicle washed; But as you need the interior and possibly other detailing, check that price as it will incl washing. Save the booklet for later. A great team there. Use the time to window-shop at Air...Plaza. Cheers.

Jackr

Time to get yourself a Thai license if you haven't already

Do you mean Driving License by this ?

Correct, Enigma. Can save a lot of hassle.

Yep, just the same as last time with certifying your address down immigration, getting a medical (50-baht RAM etc) and having some more photos done - minus tests. About 500 for car, 50/100 for bike or thereabouts.

For renewal you shouldn't need medical test or letter from immigration.

Shouldn't, yes, but try doing it without them as I found out when sent back by the official at the license centre last year, unless everything has changed under Sonthi.

I have lived here for 21 years and have never gotten a Thai driving license... since 1990, no license at all. Best I have been able to figure, it could only help me with my car insurance. For the Parks, speaking Thai, or a business card with a local address has always been fine.

A Thai driver's license can prove quite handy at times: not difficult or expensive especially if you have a license from your own country. I had to simply hand over a copy of my country license and pick out the numbers in a maze of colored dots; pay a little over a 100 baht for a car license and almost 100B for my M/C license. I now have a 5-year license they offered automatically after a few years. Next year my 5-year Thai license is up for renewal after a total of 14 years. Quite speedy service these days in Hang Dong across from Lanna Intl School... just don't forget to pick up a queue ticket.

Certainly a Thai driver's license could help with your insurance as this is the first thing most insurance companies have on their checklist to see if they have an easy opt out should you have an accident.

Would not want to chance a 1st Class insurance being compromised for not having a current Thai license. I believe your own country license or Intl Driver's License is good only for a few months, although many do continue to use them, or not, for years afterwards. No insurance or compromised insurance could see your estate go down the drain, especially as it seems it's always the farang's fault; or, if not, the police seem to think you would be doing the Thai driver, if his/her fault; a big favour as he probably has no insurance whatsoever -really nice of you farang, should there be several Thai autos/deaths/mutilations involved. Remember there exists a mindset still lingering out there: "This accident would not have happened had you not come to Thailand".

No suggestions about where to buy unfarmed fish? River fish I guess since sea, if not farmed, may not be that fresh.

I'm sorry to have to say this but around where I live alot of people like to buy stuff from my garden because they have faith that I really don't use chemicals in my garden and they don't trust Thai people who say that they don't use chemicals......and I guess to be honest I would say that I agree with them. If you want to be sure you get organic produce the best way is to find someone who really believes in raising stuff naturally...and these days you might be more likely to find a westerner than a Thai.....but of course the best way is to raise some yourself!!!! If ten of you each chipped in 10k or 20k baht you could probably buy one rai and split it up into plots (NOT legally subdivide.....get all your wives and husbands to be part owners of an organic gardening "club") and each have a nice organic garden plot....you could buy manure in bulk and get a good deal on it and even water each other's plots by mutual agreement if you got really organized.....just a thought!!!!

Chownah

Do you grow thai vegetables or farang or both? If you are open to new customers perhaps you could give me contact info to note for when I am settled in CM.

Suggest you try the salad restaurant which uses vegetables grown hydroponically on its grounds at the rear of the restaurant. The restaurant (not sure of name) can not be missed as it is on the left just past the turn-in to Airport Plaza and before Immigration on your way to the airport. Visit the hydroponic set-up and if you like, fresh produce is aval for purchase.

Hmmm...not so sure river fish is all that free from pesticides considering what is dumped in the city water drains and eventually ends up in the Mae Ping and other waterways. If you are near Suriwongse Book store take a minute to cross the road down a ways toward the moat where there is a motorcycle shop in an old wooden house. Look through the gaps in the floor boards to witness a pit of coagulating oil waste beneath. Not far from the black babbling regurgitating stream that bisects the town.

IME breakins in Thailand are usually people we know,

who have a good idea of what to find in the house and where.

I agree. When I first moved to my rental along the Mae Ping, I initially thought it a good idea to hold a house warming to get to know the Thai neighbours. Having slept on it, I immediately thought such a party would broadcast to all and sundry what was in my house, so I held no housewarming. It's been 6 years now, the neighbours have proven to be pests, but no breakin. Mind you my 5 rottweilers may have something to do with it... I am mindful my sentry dogs could be poisoned. But not knowing what if anything valuable I own, is a disincentive to potential burglars. I also wear worn jeans and the like when walking my rotts to the local park; not the typical rich farang. I also casually mention that I teach policemen whenever the subject of my profession arises which was often, initially (I simply failed to mention the subject was English for cops).

There's an electronics shop at Icon computer plaza in CMai which coincidentally sells tiny cams and several anti-intrusion control centers, but my thai is insufficient to understand the best for the money. Grateful to all for names and prices of equipment they've experienced as solid buys. Regards...

The YMCA near Kad Suan Kow offers beginner's English at a comfortable pace and at a reasonable price. I have recommended this school for years to many as a good first step. I have taught at CMU and AUA, and headed the secondary English Department at a great private school. Good luck with your eventual choice. Cheers.