tango

Pik-Ass has a display at the new Rimping store on the ring road until the 14 th of August. Their 105L Vacuum Solar water heater for 2-3 pers is B19,736 up to B39,977 for a 285L 6 pers system. They also had a solar garden lamp on sale for approx B500. Their windows also come double-glazed w the option of low E-gas. All in all, not bad. They are in 40 Moo2 NongHoi...not sure exactly where.

Cheers,

Tango

Parked just outside the Bangkok Bank on Suthep Road there is a Thai chap selling great coffee from a converted VW van. He sells the stovetop espresso pot. As I was having a cafe latte a man was in the process of purchasing one such espresso pot. Do not know the price?

Cheers, T

Since we're on the topic of vaccines, what other vaccines does most farang get when they move here? I talked with a few people and they told me that Japanese Encephalitus is a MUST. Are there any others that any of you have had here (such as the TB shot?)

As far as the regular stff (ie Hep), we had our done at a clinic that had a proper fridge for them. I'd trust any hospital as well.

Here is the latest on flu and vaccinations:

Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule --- United States, October 2005--September 2006

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/m...unizationa1.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5440-Immunization.pdf

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/

Cheers, Tango

Hi All,

Spent several years as a consultant with UNHCR in Sudan during the mid-80's Ethiopian crisis. Loved it. As to your immediate need to access UN and NGO jobs, the best site IMHO is here:

http://www.reliefweb.int/vacancies/ same as next

http://www.reliefweb.int/

Here's the 1st page of today's selection for Asia; you can access the data readily via any number of combinations, and have them email you regularly with job vacancies. Acess the job you are interested in and klik to be takenb to their particular site with all the specs for that job...

Good luck!

28 Jun 2006 Human Resources Officer (Appeals and Grievances), P-3

UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East Occupied Palestinian territory

28 Jun 2006 Senior Technical Manager

Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development India

28 Jun 2006 OT (Occupational Therapist) specialized in babies or Certified Prosthetist and Orthotist (CPO) specialized in babies

Handicap International Belgium Viet Nam

28 Jun 2006 Chief of Party

Chemonics Philippines

28 Jun 2006 Chief of Party - ICT

Relief International Sri Lanka

28 Jun 2006 Team Leader, Grants Manager, & Operations Manager

Chemonics Nepal

28 Jun 2006 NSP Training Specialist

Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development Afghanistan

27 Jun 2006 Agronomist

Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development Tajikistan

27 Jun 2006 Central Asia Regional Coordinator

Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development Tajikistan

27 Jun 2006 Area Coordinator

Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development Tajikistan

27 Jun 2006 Country coordinator

Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development Pakistan

27 Jun 2006 Wat San Program manager

Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development Afghanistan

27 Jun 2006 Program Manager

Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development Afghanistan

27 Jun 2006 Country Director

MADERA Afghanistan

27 Jun 2006 Consultants for Animal Health & Rural Devt Strategy

MADERA Afghanistan

27 Jun 2006 Victim Support Service Advisor

Judicial System Monitoring Programme Timor-Leste

27 Jun 2006 Country Coordinator - Iraq

Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development Jordan

27 Jun 2006 Security and Logistics Officer

Relief International Iraq

27 Jun 2006 Water and Sanitation Programmes Co-ordinator

Action Against Hunger-UK Afghanistan

27 Jun 2006 Volunteer Environmental Reconstructionist

Tsunami Volunteer Center Thailand

27 Jun 2006 Volunteer Carpenter

Tsunami Volunteer Center Thailand

27 Jun 2006 Volunteer 'Learning Clubs' Teacher

Tsunami Volunteer Center Thailand

27 Jun 2006 Volunteer Construction Worker

Tsunami Volunteer Center Thailand

27 Jun 2006 Volunteer

Tsunami Volunteer Center Thailand

27 Jun 2006 Water & Sanitation Co-ordinator

Terre des hommes Foundation Pakistan

27 Jun 2006 Project Officer - Education, L-4

UN Children's Fund Indonesia

27 Jun 2006 Community Health and Nutrition Project Coordinator

Oxfam Timor-Leste

27 Jun 2006 Water and Sanitation Officer

Action Against Hunger-UK Afghanistan

26 Jun 2006 Public Health Promotor

Oxfam GB Indonesia

26 Jun 2006 Curriculum Assistant

CARE Cambodia

26 Jun 2006 Curriculum Writer

CARE Cambodia

26 Jun 2006 Programme Manager

HealthNet TPO Pakistan

26 Jun 2006 Logistics Coordinator

Academy for Educational Development Afghanistan

26 Jun 2006 Team Leader

Development Alternatives, Inc. Nepal

26 Jun 2006 Media Specialist

Development Alternatives, Inc. Nepal

26 Jun 2006 Civil Society Specialist

Development Alternatives, Inc. Nepal

26 Jun 2006 Training Program Designer/Technical Assistance Manager

Academy for Educational Development Afghanistan

26 Jun 2006 Private Sector Coordinator/Non-Governmental Organization Manager

Academy for Educational Development Afghanistan

26 Jun 2006 Technical Specialists

SME Interventions Pakistan

26 Jun 2006 Programme Support Coordinator

CARE Indonesia

26 Jun 2006 Water and Sanitation Project Officer

Cruz Roja Española Indonesia

26 Jun 2006 Livelihood Project Officer

Cruz Roja Española Indonesia

26 Jun 2006 Construction Project Officer

Cruz Roja Española Indonesia

Hi,

I recommend you check out Premcenter where you can rent an apartment on campus. Just checked and Mom Tri Devakun (sp?) is completing apartments and houses for rent.

I use to teach EFL at Tridhos before it changed to Prem. I have no current direct personal connection, but as Prem now offers the International Baccalaureate it may prove beneficial to you and your situation. Here are some relevant sites and data:

Prem Tinsulanonda International School

http://www.premcenter.in.th/introduction.html

234 Moo 3,

T. Huay Sai,

A. Mae Rim,

Chiang Mai 50180

tel: 053 301500

[email protected]

www.premcenter.in.th

http://www.newsweekshowcase.com/expatriate...onda-school.php

http://www.northernthailand.com/cm/education/Schools.html

Kindest regards..

Will PM shortly...

Hey Ajarn...just heard...had thought possibly you were on holiday as I too had not seen any of your recent posts. Wishing you a speedy recovery, guy. Kindest Regards, Tango.

....The inability to have stable investments in this country will be its downfall. Other countries in the Asian area offer far better deals to people willing to invest.

Here is an excerpt of a recent offer by the Malasian Government to encourage foreigners to settle there, assuming of course you accept the muslim situation there:"Com'on down, y'all!!"

Malaysia invites foreigners to make themselves at home

By Alex Frew McMillan International Herald Tribune

THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2006

http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/05/11/news/rebuymalay.php

Like many Southeast Asian nations, Malaysia has two primary property markets that are attractive to overseas buyers: the area around the capital’s central business district and the resort properties on the coast.

But unlike some of its neighbors, Malaysia makes it fairly easy to buy property. Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia and even Singapore all prevent foreigners from owning land, restricting them to buying apartments or to using leasehold arrangements.

“In Malaysia, you’ve got a government that is really trying to improve the environment for people looking to invest in the country,” said Darien Bradshaw, regional director of business development for Colliers International real estate brokerage.

That was not always the case. In the 1990s, the country feared that foreign buyers were driving prices beyond the reach of locals and, in reaction, it set up a Foreign Investment Committee and enacted restrictions. Now, however, the country even has a program aimed at overseas buyers, “Malaysia: My Second Home.”

Malaysia’s real estate market is considered transparent in comparison with other Southeast Asian countries. And owners can avoid a 30 percent capital gains tax by holding their property for at least five years, after which they pay 5 percent on any gains.

Brokers and buyers alike say Malaysian banks are eager to issue mortgages to overseas citizens. Mortgages are generally issued up front. “In terms of financing ability, compared to other countries, the banks are very liberal,” Bradshaw noted. “People can secure up to 90 percent finance.” [Continued at url above].

Congratulations, Lauren. Just the car I am craving, except I prefer black. The added height and the 4 doors, in my opinion, gives the Prerunner a stylish edge over the 4-door standard Vigo model and even the 2-door 4x4 model. I had a 4 wheel drive Toyota 5 years ago and loved it, especially the added height with its view over most vehicles as it warns of traffic problems ahead. The Prerunner is to me, too, the best of most auto worlds, especiallly now given the added costs of fuel. Thanks for keeping tabs in your blog on kms/liter: I hope you continue to post monthly updates to see if there's a difference once the engine is worn in a bit. What was the cost, how long did it take for delivery, and were there any 'freebies' offered? I now drive a 2-wh drive 2-door Isuzu Hi-Liner with the added height of the 4x4. While impressed with Isuzu, I still covet the Prerunner yet Toyota still needs to get its act together to offer an air bag for the passenger, usually the wife, who incidentally is often the final word on buying your vehicle.

For some of the other TV posters, I did mention that she needed to get in corn bread.......

I also intimated she could do a dynamite breakfast business with bisquits and gravey (Southern Style) for all you Non-USA foreigners that is with Jimmy Dean Spicy Sausage (I am giving her the recipt for the sausage)

Latife's wife seems quite clever and industrious, but please mention this to him as well. Being Thai, she might not know what foods you are refering to!

He mentioned that he was thinking of doing a Southern breakfast and I'm sure that suggestions are welcome!

I Had lunch there yesterday, based on your recommendations and was very disapointed. I ordered the rib dinner, and the amount of meat on the two inch ribs were miniscule compared to some place like Dukes. Where the portions are very generous for almost the same money. Your right the baked beans were good, but that alone will not warrent a second visit. My friend ordered the chicken and said it was ok. The owners wife was pleasant and did come over several times times ask if things were ok. It did take a while for her to get our orders straight. I wish I could say it was great value, which is one of the things I look for, but sadly, I don't think this place will make it as the location is poor and the food was just so so. Hope I'm wrong, as the people seemed nice.

I agree totally. Initially reluctant to comment as was waiting someone who had the rack of rib as I was not impressed with the rib dinner. I am doing so now that I see someone else mirrors my assessment. I had the rib dinner and was astounded at the lack of meat. Surely the owner would not choose such a meagre sliver of ribs were he to serve the same at home; I certainly would not, least of all to serve at a restaurant. The beans were great. I had ordered fries but was served potato salad which was good, albeit no pepper only salt. The Thai lady was indeed pleasant, but where was the owner: in light of the fact that his restaurant is just starting up, I would think being there during its critical opening months would be a given. I did not mention the mixup in salad vs fries.

I did wonder how they were cooking the ribs, as I had seen no smoker. It turns out they have 2 barbecue pits behind the counter neither of which were lit. They said they cook them up in the morning: "hmmm, interesting" was my comment. This is not a Kansas-style BBQ and certainly not in the traditions of Afro-Americans. But hey...go for it. Thankfully for the restaurant, others on the board are ecstatic over the food.

The Chiangmai University Drug Store on the North side of Suthep about 300 meters from the Nimmenheiman intersection going towards Maharaj Hospital and the moat is recomended highly. I had a discount card while teaching at CMU. They have a 5% discount card available to anyone 60 and over, for the asking. Even without the card the prices IMO are among the lowest in CMai.

I also recommend the private drug store, Yuenyong Drugs - Ms Tanate Chatanawut,BSc MBA, at the Three Kings Monument, about 4 shophouses down on the left as you look at the Square. She is often on business in Bangkok but the staff too are great. The Special Medical Center to the front and right of Maharaj is highly recommended, and has beds for prolonged care. I notice this year that my Blue Cross no longer covers Ram, probably because of high costs especially drugs. I've been using Blue Cross because, if you join before age 60, it covers you throughout your life provided you maintain yearly coverage, unlike most others where you are cut off at age 70 when chances are you will most need it. I also recommend the Chiengmai Klaimoor on the left before you reach Lotus South of Airport plaza. I had gone there initially because a doctor there was my English student. He's now in his 2nd year as an internist in New York, but I go back because the service is great inexpensive, and the boutique-hotel-like rooms are classy and well below Ram's room prices.

Many of the doctors in CMai are the same ones on call at most hospitals, in my experience.

From their 2006 brochure, Blue Cross now covers only six medical establishments in Chiangmai:

1 Special Medical Center

2 Chiengmai Klaimoor

3 Rachawej Chiang Mai (former condo opposite the old 4 Seasons)

4 Lanna ( friends have been there, all recommend it)

5 McCormick

6 Dr Wongse (no idea who, what where)

For what it's worth...cheers

I That’s not me, that’s you -- just up the road from where we released the fish is an international school where I know they have a “Roots & Shoots” club, which is an organization started by Jane Goodall when she was in Kenya. They grow things, study and intend to be environmentally aware. On adjacent land, locals are burning plastic bags. That kind of says it all.

How about starting close to home cleaning up Chiang Mai?

If the international school you are referring to is to the East of Chiangmai their series of washing machines, adjacent the school's Environmental show room, (used to) empty directly into the adjacent stream, and the garbage containers neatly labeled for ease in separating dorm garbage into 'plastics', 'glass', 'paper', etc while, too, very environmental in theory; nonetheless, when collected (used to) be emptied together into a common trash collector. Hmmm. Possibly someone would confirm there is no longer an environmental disconnect; that, they now do more than proverbially 'talk the talk'.

I That’s not me, that’s you -- just up the road from where we released the fish is an international school where I know they have a “Roots & Shoots” club, which is an organization started by Jane Goodall when she was in Kenya. They grow things, study and intend to be environmentally aware. On adjacent land, locals are burning plastic bags. That kind of says it all.

How about starting close to home cleaning up Chiang Mai?

If the international school you are referring to is to the East of Chiangmai their series of washing machines, near the school's Environmental show room, (used to) empty directly into the adjacent stream, and the garbage containers neatly labeled for ease in separating dorm garbage into 'plastics', 'glass', 'paper', etc while, too, very environmental in theory; nonetheless, when collected (used to) be emptied together into a common trash collector. Hmmm. Possibly someone would confirm there is no longer an environmental disconnect; that, they now do more than proverbially 'talk the talk'.

yes I got my house sprayed with foam and also got a electric fan extractor that has a temp switch set at 30 deg to extract the air out of the roof space with a small plastic extract comming out at the overhang of the roof so it looks nice but it works very well.

Hi Scotsman,

I've been looking all over CMai for an 'electric fan extractor that has a temp switch'. Was wondering what was the price, where did you buy it; and, would appreciate any photos of it with one of the extract exiting at the roof overhang. Thanks in advance. Tango.

I hope this pictures will help you

Thanks Scotsman. Just what I needed. When you mentioned earlier it was a German company I was expecting the price to be high. Nonetheless it looks good and, more importantly, works. You opened a great dialog - you've stood your ground admirably. Regards. Tango

yes I got my house sprayed with foam and also got a electric fan extractor that has a temp switch set at 30 deg to extract the air out of the roof space with a small plastic extract comming out at the overhang of the roof so it looks nice but it works very well.

Hi Scotsman,

I've been looking all over CMai for an 'electric fan extractor that has a temp switch'. Was wondering what was the price, where did you buy it; and, would appreciate any photos of it with one of the extract exiting at the roof overhang. Thanks in advance. Tango.

I am advised that the accepted method is to write it in your own hand as noted in this forum:

'A will may be made in the following form, that is to say,it must be made in writing,dated at the time of the making of the will and signed by the testator before at least two witnesses present at the same time who shall then and there sign their names certifyinf the signature of the testator.No erase,addition or other alteration in such will is valid unless made in the same form as prescribed by this section.'

[Attach a translation in Thai by a government-registered translator with a copy of his or her authority and photo - all duly signed.]

No typewritten or word processors are apparently advised, as these the court might contend could be tampered with, and thus the Thai lawyer may end up with your assets.

Possibilities:

To lessen the legalities, I would register all vehicles in my Thai partner's name [thus, no contest]. This acts too as a forebearer and safeguard; for if the vehicles are sold inappropriately, then one can assume it best not to leave any other valuables to them.

You mentioned that you as a foreigner own property(Chanote), hmmm... how can that be? Surely the property is in your Thai partner's name. If so, no need for a Thai will regarding land deeds as it is theirs already. Your Thai possessions may legally include the house on the land; in which case the house and all furniture should be beqeauthed to whomever you designate.

If you have pension or bank deposits from your home country (Norway?) then you will need a Norweigian will to ensure your Thai partner receives said dispersements.

Be awfully careful whom you inform about provisions of your will. I would advise telling any Thai benefactors that your will is an ongoing process, not yet complete for whatever problem, even if it is complete. Obviously the two witnesses[above] should therefore be unknown to your beneficiaries.

If you must tell your beneficiaries about provisions of your will, then ensure they are informed that they get nothing of your out-of-country monies were you to die un-naturall. This may prevent them or any of their relatives or 'friends' who need ready cash from obtaining it too readily by hastening your demise from this world.

In short, to avoid 3rd parties making off with your assets why not register as much as practical to your Thai partner while you are alive.

If you want further assurances place the a portion of the capital you would pay for the land and/ or house/ vehicle in a separate hidden bank and bank account; and have your partner take out loans/ mortgages in their name for which you pay monthly. If you were to die unexpectedly they understand that they too stand to lose. These assurances will cost you the added percentages of a loan or mortgage, but the added cost may be worth it as a sort of life assurance. If you pass away naturally; or if un-naturallybut not by the hand of your intended beneficiaries, your loyal and trustworthy lawyer will hopefully ensure the monies are immediately forthcoming to pay off the land-house-vehicle loans of your beloved. BTW, some banks abscond with the property after only two months of missed payments.

Inevitably whatever route you choose, it involves a lot of 'cloak-and-dagger' work to cover the loose ends...good luck.

Solar Heating Buffs

Here are a few interesting sites with lots of data on how to site a solar system yourself wherever you are in the world, including Chiangmai.

BTW, because Chiangmai has a latitude of 18.47o north, solar collectors must face south at an 18.47o angle .

See the following to confirm or to do your own calculations:

1. Deciding the Direction and Angle of Installation:

http://www.apricus-solar.com/html/solar_co...tion_basics.htm

2. NASA Surface meteorology and Solar Energy - Available Tables;

At Latitude 18.47 and Longitude 98.59, from this site:

http://eosweb.larc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/sse/gr...b&submit=Submit

The above link gives you a myriad of data, including:

Parameters for Sizing and Pointing of Solar Panels and for Solar Thermal Applications

Monthly Averaged Insolation Incident On A Horizontal Surface (kWh/m2/day)

Minimum And Maximum Difference From Monthly Averaged Insolation (%)

Monthly Averaged Hourly Solar Angles Relative to the Horizon (degrees) [great list]

Cloud Information

Parameters for Tilted Solar Panels

3. When determining what size collector you need, you must consider two key factors: insolation level and energy requirements, including determining how many solar tubes you need:

http://www.apricus-solar.com/html/solar_collector_size.htm

4. This site has an online working color-coded schematic explaining how solar panels / heaters work:

http://www.powermat.com/pools/

It would be interseting to see whether these solar company technicians install the panels at the appropriate angle for Chiangmai, or if they simply guestimate. With the above data at your fingertips, you will know.

[bTW, have no idea if 'insolation' is a uniquely American term or one to do with meteorology.]

Cheers, Tango

Know any reasonable tailor shops? Preferably a Thai tailor who makes shirts. If you post please include directions.

I've found these 4-5 Thai tailor shops great: solid stitching, good cut, and inexpensive. Not a lot of choice in materials, but hey....

Stand at Thapae Gate looking at the Montri hotel, walk over to the Montri towards AUA. Immediately adjacent to the rear of the Montri is a Soi, turn right onto the soi, walking along the back of the hotel for about 300 meters. On your right are the tailor shops.

BTW, the best CMai food restaurant IMHO serving Northern Thai Food is nestled there just after the tailor shops, serving naam, roasted pork, sticky rice, and a great 'house' soup served in earthen bowls which will cure whatever ails you. Not to mention cold,crisp beer. Enjoy...

I've been in Chiang Mai for a month and looked at roughly 50 properties so far. Recent observations confirm my first impression from my visit in August. The Chiang Mai property market is a bit of a minefield.

(*) Basically, there are no "market prices" for land in any given area. There is no data on average land value. If one obtains asking prices for two lots next to each other from different owners, the quoted prices often vary wildly. Differences of more than 30% are not uncommon.

(*) The boom has not leveled off yet. Land value appreciation is rapid. Especially some suburbian areas are high-growth. This situation probably offers some good investment opportunties. Unfortunately it also makes owners greedy. Some owners are inclined to quote now what the land will be worth in a couple of years.

(*) Farangs almost always receive higher quotes. Not that this is Chiang Mai specific.

(*) 95% of all Internet offerings are over-priced.

(*) Best prices are obtained through the local network. Frequently land that is for sale is not signposted. Only neighbours, friends, and relatives are "in the know". It is cumbersome to explore these kind of offers, but most likely rewarding.

(*) The information one gets from agents and owners is rarely 100% accurate. There are often deviations from the actual land size (even with a chanote title). Hardly anyone seems to know square meters / square footages of houses. Bring your measurement tape. :-)

(*) Building quality is often pretty bad, especially that of buildings built before 2000 and Moo Baan houses (which are built for profit). I don't even mention interior design quality. It's not so easy to find a good quality 2nd hand house.

(*) Rents are very high compared to property value, especially in the suburbs and Moo Baans. I have seen many houses being offered at around 1% of their value for monthly rent, which I find ridiculously high.

These are of course not universal truths, but just some of my impressions. I am interested if anyone else had similar experiences.

Yesterday I found my dream property by the way. A large Thai style teak house situated on the shore of the Ping on approx. 1 rai land. It is a central style Thai house with a panlom rather than a Lanna style house. Absolutely beautiful. Unfortunately the asking price of 10 Mio THB is above my budget.    So, it remains a dream I am afraid.

Cheers, X-Pat

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I agree with most of what you have written. I have watched the asking prices on real estate skyrocket in recent years: but, the same home advertised 5-6 years ago is still awaiting a buyer. Take any of the back issues of any of the magazines aimed at the farang market in Chiangmai, and compare their realty ads. You will find many homes for rent or for sale today that were advertised years ago. In some, the ads never change from month to month, none are deleted I suppose because this bulk-outs the magazine. I once enquired of an advertised piece of furniture only to be told it was sold three years ago.

I suggest you build your own home on land large enough for privacy, yet close to town and schools.

The least expensive area currently in the Chiangmai area is West of Sanpatong towards Mae Wiang. Why… because it is deemed too far away. Currently it truly is too far from town for a comfortable commute; but, not for long, as the 4-lane highway along the canal fronting the Night Safari is to be driven further south to the West of Sanpatong. This will be an alternate parallel to the current ‘super’ highway heading south from Airport plaza intersection past Tesco Lotus, which is rapidly becoming congested. Take this ‘super’ to the only traffic lights in the center of Sanpatong (~20km), turn right (west) and go ~ another 20 to 30 km: the ‘new’ projected 4-lane from Night Safari intersects this Sanpatong route at about the 15km point west. So residents living in this general area will soon have a short trip into Chiangmai versus the current 40 km “L” route they take now.

There are plots of land going far cheaper here than, for instance, Mae Rim at ~600,000 per rai; or behind Lanna Hospital / Lanna Tech at 7 million per rai; or the Mae Ping riverside at 10-15 Million per rai along the Patan road North towards Mae Rim. The 10 million you quote for 1 rai on the Mae Ping including a teak house is a bargain… considering the price of teak and of land.

10 million is well out of my league,too. A friend purchased land in the area west of Sanpatong and recently Bangkokians, teachers, police officials and civil servants were and are buying up 5-rai (plus) plots of land in the area at a fast pace. They are buying up farming plots to plant longan, or to build a house on. Why… because it’s the cheapest area; most are on government wages after all. But land prices there are escalating semi-annually at least. SorPor Kor titles are gradually being converted into saleable land titles so government can get some monies in transfer fees. In 10 years they expect the city limits of Chiangmai to include this area. Mae Wiang itself is too far away to benefit. Close to Sanpatong is too expensive with a building plot (and rice paddies) now going for over 1 million Baht vs 500,000 Baht three years ago. I have my eye on several nice 5-rai plots and yet to decide which to invest in.

Simply tour this area and ask in any Moo Bahn that interests you, what land is for sale. Build your own dream home at a fraction of what the realty magazines and ads targeting farangs are asking here in Chiangmai. Caveat emptor, as you infer, when viewing advertised house sales or even rentals: many have possible future problems being situated in former rice paddies on iffy soil. In the city you could be permanently residing next to the neighbour from hel_l, a disco, or a future junk yard. A lot of advertised homes are built with exposed brick which sucks in the rain, on former rice paddies, or on mountain housing estates which are cool but enveloped in smoke for three months of the year while hill tribes burn off crops. I have seen the same homes advertised for years now. One, asking 25 million 6 years ago sold for less than half that a year or so ago. I’d guestimate that most are awaiting the gullible. There's a house currently advertised in a local 'trade' magazine advertising a nice looking house in Sankamphaeng: the same house is advertised on a Bangkok site for more, and the house is advertised on a local golf club noticeboard for ~500,000 baht less than either. Even rents are generally 20,000 to 35,000 plus baht: yet most farangs here do not make enough to pay that amount and still have enough to take care of their families. At a loss to explain. BTW the sellers in the area I mentioned at the beginning are not greedy...yet.

In closing, I’d like to thank you for having opened this discussion with your well thought out discourse on the ‘real’ situation in Chiangmai. Cheers.

The glass-tube-based solar water heaters made in China, available relatively cheaply in Thailand, are incredibly efficient.

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Can you tell us a bit more about this type of solar water heater? Are the glass tubes filled with water, or what?

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There is a new shop between Lotus(near Lanna Hosp) and the Chotana intersection selling these Chinese-made solar water heaters for about 39,000 Baht. The shop is amongst the many newly-built shophouses across from Lanna Hospital. Drive slowly as the vehicles parked in front of the shops obstruct your view. Head west from Lotus toward the Chotana intersection on the side road to the main Super Highway. Stay off the 'Super'. The product is half the price of comparable sytems now marketed in Thailand. I am convinced this is the solution to my heating neeeds for a new house I will begin building in the new year. As I will have 5-6 bathrooms and hopefully a pool ( gotta go see Ajarn's masterpiece one day, if he'd invite me..hint hint Ajarn.) the price is nearly equivalent to what I'd have to pay for quality, wall-mounted shower heaters. They also sell a heat-proof, white, poly water-pipe. They do get a little carried away demonstrating with a hammer, just how shock-resistant the glass panel is. Best to check this out yourselves, guys. Chinese-built products have come a long way.Cheers, Tango

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So, do these have glass tubes?

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Just checked yesterday. No,no glass tubes; but several flat ribbons of black poly-whatever enclosed under unbrakable glass. Price is 38K including installation

The glass-tube-based solar water heaters made in China, available relatively cheaply in Thailand, are incredibly efficient.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Can you tell us a bit more about this type of solar water heater? Are the glass tubes filled with water, or what?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

There is a new shop between Lotus(near Lanna Hosp) and the Chotana intersection selling these Chinese-made solar water heaters for about 39,000 Baht. The shop is amongst the many newly-built shophouses across from Lanna Hospital. Drive slowly as the vehicles parked in front of the shops obstruct your view. Head west from Lotus toward the Chotana intersection on the side road to the main Super Highway. Stay off the 'Super'. The product is half the price of comparable sytems now marketed in Thailand. I am convinced this is the solution to my heating neeeds for a new house I will begin building in the new year. As I will have 5-6 bathrooms and hopefully a pool ( gotta go see Ajarn's masterpiece one day, if he'd invite me..hint hint Ajarn.) the price is nearly equivalent to what I'd have to pay for quality, wall-mounted shower heaters. They also sell a heat-proof, white, poly water-pipe. They do get a little carried away demonstrating with a hammer, just how shock-resistant the glass panel is. Best to check this out yourselves, guys. Chinese-built products have come a long way.Cheers, Tango

As of right now a little before 8 AM, the river is out of its banks at my place by Rama IX Bridge. 

It is still on the rise....

I do wish that the Hydro people were a little more concerned with the graph readings.  It is now almost 8AM and there has been no postings at all for the 8 hours of the 1st of November...

To have some idea on how fast the river is rising gives one a little advance knowledge on what to do.....   

Still see no sandbagging activity in this area.

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I live on the Ping River near the new French restaurant, Le Crystal, the manager of which lamented the lack of municipal assistance during September and October's flooding [CityLife:http://www.chiangmainews.com/forumc/viewtopic.php?t=422].

Actually the government dredged the river, albeit sporadically, last year along the frontage of Le Crystal and south beyond the Patan bridge near the new Lotus Tesco. Shortly thereafter, local fishermen were chest-deep while casting for fish, while last week they were only knee-deep. There has been so much sand deposited in the Ping as a result of the recent flooding, that I fear the worst next year. There are now sandbars where there were none. I have been renting here for five years now, and the October flooding was the worst, coming within a centimeter of entering my home. I am considering building a concrete block wall along the riverside of the property, but as the landlord is reluctant to share the cost, I may well have to move. If the dredging begins again it will have to be consistent and deep. Last year the barge simply moved helter-skelter along the river, seemingly dredging only beside open areas where the dredged sand could be piled for easy access for loading onto trucks.

I have investigated Blue Cross Insurance and it seems that after a certain age, I think 65, they won't insure me anymore for hospital coverage.  Assuming one lives to be 86, is there any medical insurance available in Chiang Mai?

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Yes and No. No, not correct wrt age 65 with Blue Cross. And yes, BUPA will cover you for life. BUPA is one of the few medical insurance companies that will cover you for life. Not only in Thailand but on your travels worldwide except the USA where coverage is for accidents only.

For BUPA life coverage you must sign on or before age 60, and remain covered thereafter. That's why I have been with Blue Cross for ages. Just google 'Blue Cross Thailand' and then check the fine print near the bottom of their pdf on 'Personal Cover'.

If you are over 60, hmmm....

Thai schools and businesses, if they do insure you, will use an agency where your coverage diappears at around age 70, when you are most likely in need of coverage, which is why I have personally paid for BUPA, despite 'free' medical coverage by the schools with their friends' companies.

Take care...

Until July I lived in Lampang, now in Nonthaburi, and bought nearly all my electrical stuff from the Siam TV branch there.  While I wholeheartedly agree about the lack of aftersales service in LOS in general, Siam TV Lampang were always brilliant, not expensive, the best aftersales service I've ever had in Thailand, great staff, the full monty.  I don't know what Siam TV Chiang Mai is like but Lampang is the dogs goolies.  Personally I've never had a problem with Homepro, maybe I'm just lucky!

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I've been in CMai now for several years and buy all my electrics from Siam TV, also called Electronic Plaza. Not only are their prices more than competitive, their aftersales service is exceptionally good. They have an in-house service center and will also visit your home to make service calls. This is unlike most places elsewhere in CMai who do no servicing or like the big department stores tell you to send the item to Bangkok for repair. Regards,

Welcome back, Ajarn!

You had us worried for a while there.

Still recall the delicious brownies you and yours made available at CMU way back when. You're always thinking of others.

Hope all goes well healthwise from here on in!

Regards...