ThaiHerbs

I am 67yo this year. Approx 20 years ago I began having difficulty reading and had to hold the book/newspaper further and further away. After a couple years I had to use reading glasses and still do.

About 15 years ago I began spending many hours every day on the computer/internet, I still do. The strain on my eyes began to get acute and I was experiencing quite a bit of eye pain. I experimented with various natural supplements from my local health food store with no improvement. My naturopathic dr gave me a bottle of "Vision Support by AOR" and told me I will notice improvement after about one week. HE WAS CORRECT. He said the reason I was not getting any good results from the products I tried is that they do not have sufficient quantities of "Lutein". As we age our levels of Lutein decline (my understanding), but since Lutein is also a very expensive item most brands of products put in as little as posslble.

http://www.aor.ca/products-page/aging/vision-support-ii/

I order from my Canadian Dr. periodically with no problems (3 btls per shipment) but I observe many here order items from iHerb.com (never tried them)

http://ca.iherb.com/search?kw=vision+support+aor&x=0&y=0#p=1

The product is quite expensive (but works). I cut back to one capsule a day when my eyes seem ok with no issues. I have no connection to the company.

Doug

I use a Berkey Water Filter http://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/ and find the water excellent. No electricity required, healthy minerals not removed, been around quite a long time, optional fluoride filters available (I use), can filter water from a polluted ditch so great in emergencies. I have no connection to the company, just a happy customer.

Doug

On recommendations from a very health conscious person I researched Aura mineral water http://aura.co.th/

https://www.facebook.com/AuraMineralWater

Wow, comes from a natural spring in Mae Rim, Chiang Mai. 100% natural, they only filter it and add ozone.

I now use my Big Berkey for cooking, coffee, tea etc and drink/sip bottled Aura throughout the day.

Between the two I feel I get

1) many/most essential minerals in natural form

2) absolutely clean water with nothing added

I consume approx 2 litres a day @ 15B/1.5 litre bottle at Macro.

5 minute video (repeats after 5 min) in English

couple articles below - Doug

Tipco's mineral water plant in the Chiang Mai district of Mae Rim welcomes visitors to its cold spring

...Spanning more than 80 rai of land, the Aura factory is located on a green mountain in Chiang Mai's Mae Rim district. The mineral water comes from a natural cold spring that persuaded a group of entrepreneurs to abandon plans to open a resort nearly two decades ago and set up a mineral-water factory instead.

...Today, the factory produces 100,000 litres of bottled mineral water per day using water from the natural spring. Believing that the fresh mineral water filtered by more than 300 metres of strata beneath a pristine high mountain is the best treatment, all Tipco Foods does during the manufacturing process is to let the water flow through a five-micron filter, go through ozonation, and then a one-micron filter. After that, it is put into clean bottles ready for distribution.

http://nationmultimedia.com/life/WATER-WITH-A-REAL-AURA-30176474.html

...Aura mineral water is packed with a wide array of beneficial substances that help boost body functions and good health. Sodium and Magnesium enhance nervous and muscles systems whilst Potassium helps relieve muscle spasms and promote regular heartbeat rate. Calcium and Silica play a vital role in strengthening bones and teeth. Nitrate helps maintain blood circulation system and Sulfate encourages cell’s efficiency in absorbing minerals. Aura mineral water has been tested that it contains all good qualities that pose no harms to your health. Aura mineral water earns its good reputation in terms of high quality. Consumers can assure that they have suitable mineral for human body when they drink “Aura” especially having OSA. (From science published research, they found value of Silica. It is called Orthosilicic Acid (OSA). There is no life without Silica. Silica is a essential mineral for human body. Normally we found Silica in epidermis, vessel, bone hair & nail) Research’s findings suggests that Si may be beneficial for cortical bone formation. Those taking Si of > 40 mg per day has higher BMD than those consuming

http://www.tivarati.com/general/102507/

that is what they call it on this website

http://www.snpthai.com/products/stevia-extract

I bought a couple small stevia potted plants 2 weeks ago, chew on 3-4 small (3cm) leaves during the day. Like the taste, supposedly very healthy

http://godshealingplants.wordpress.com/2014/01/08/stevia-benefits/

Doug

I have always had an interest in the supernatural. Learned over the years...

1/ lots of scams to prey on naive persons

2/ the imagination and power of suggestion is extremely powerful, sometimes misleading

3/ there is more to life than: money, eat, sht, sex, die, Much More

4/ "intention" is very important (self serving motives vs wanting to learn more to improve life)

5/ anyone dealing with the supernatural/spirit world is vulnerable to negative entities and/or false beliefs, unless they know how to protect themselves.

6/ Protection can be obtained by: saying a prayer that has special meaning to the person - visualizing being surrounded by a pure white light - in Thailand I have watched sessions where the Monks/Priests do a sing-song chant (15-20 minutes approx) with persons wanting to meditate/communicate,

in advance of going into a meditation (opening karma) - in all cases the person states/thinks "only positive entities are welcome, others be gone"

Prior to coming to Thailand +5 years ago (from Canada) I had sufficient 1st hand experiences in my life to confirm to me we are more than just flesh. I looked into many religions over the years, joined none, they "excluded" other beliefs, not inclusive of all people - which in my mind made them seriously defective. Within a few months of living here I got the impression that the barrier between the physical and spiritual world(s) is less rigid here, I now firmly believed that this is the case.

I have witnessed first hand on 2 occasions (+3 & 4 years back) where people in a (out of town) Wat under the supervision of Monks/Priests would go into a trance after a session of sing/song chanting (prayers). There were between 15 & 30 people attending these 2 sessions. People went to this Wat when they felt ready to make substantial changes/improvements in their life ("Open Karma") by discovering what was holding them back (blocking progress) so that they could deal with that issue and "move on & up" with their lives.

The first session I attended (with my Thai family) had about 30 people wanting to "open their karma" (as an observer as I do not speak Thai, lots of people/family were observers, even walking around taking pictures which no-one minded, I have some pics). After the back and forth chanting ended everything went dead still, no-one moved a muscle for the longest time - they were definitely in a trance. One by one an individual would begin to stir, it seemed that the first sign of action was an artery in their neck would begin pulsing - easy to see. When a Monk or Priest(ess) (there were some women in white gowns as Priests or Priestess) observed a person beginning to stir they would immediately attend to that person and watch them extremely closely and never leave their side. Then the action started!

From what I could tell a spirit would enter their body and pretty much take over. The emotions expressed by active participants (about 1/3 were active, the rest just stayed totally still for 2-3 hrs) were very very extreme. From joy and laughter and the spirit even cracking jokes which caused gales of laughter from the audience/observers, to extreme anguish and uncontrolled crying, to almost a mean vindictive and very angry uncontrolable outburst that would not stop. One person was in a continual state of rage for the longest time. The latter cases quickly brought the main Monk (it was obvious by his dress and manner) who would communicate with the angry spirit. Initially the Monk would speak softly and try and reason, a couple times the Monk made very stern demands to the spirit and if that did not work he would tap the person on the shoulder with a cane he carried as he kept talking the angry spirit down to a reasonable level so they could communicate.

The emotions were so strong and genuine that I could not keep from tearing up. It was a very profound experience, the most profound experience of my life which I am thankful for.

The 2nd session I attended (15-20 people) was equally profound but personal. I do not post under an alias and my Thai family deserves privacy.

People fight change and view anything and anyone "different" as suspect. We in the "west" were brought up in the belief that if you cannot touch it & see it - it does not exist.

I can see this is a very hot topic as there have been over 15 posts since I started writing this. I will close and read up on these posts.

Doug

You mention taking Lutein. My situation is normal age related macular degeneration (I am 66yo) I think aggravated by a case of snow blindness when snowmobiling 10 hours on the arctic sea ice in full sun about 20 years back.

I experienced eye pain (strain) from too much time on the computer and could not read my shopping list without glasses. I tried many products from various health food stores with poor results. My naturopathic Dr. recommended this

http://www.aor.ca/products-page/aging/vision-support-ii/

and I experienced good results in about a week. Taking them for over 8 years now, and no longer need glasses to read my shopping list.

As I said my situation is different, but you mentioned taking Lutein for your eyes and this product has 7.5mg Lutein per capsule, which my Dr. said is the most important and expensive ingredient.

Doug

^{For almost all surface skin issues I spray on colloidal silver. I used to get ichy eyes, rubbing them all the time. Once again, by spraying on colloidal silver it clears up.}

^{Love the stuff, been using it for many years now. Easy to get in Thailand}

^{https://www.google.co.th/search?q=colloidal+silver+thailand&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&client=firefox-a&channel=sb&gws_rd=cr&ei=deqzU9WADISGuAT_t4CQBA'}

^Doug

I don't think anyone posted their website http://www.mungkala.com/

location map http://www.mungkala.com/images/mungkalapic/Map.jpg

I went there a couple times (not lately), was impressed.

I will likely go again in a couple months for a general health assessment. Currently working on (taking) new items (Stevia & Moringa leaves, Jobs Tears) learned from 3 sessions at http://www.asianhealingartscenter.com/

I don't like to mix too many things at a time.

Doug

Best, most natural way to whiten teeth is by using activated carbon. It draws the tannins out much like it draws in poisons when in the gut. Amazing stuff, totally natural and very cheap. All chemists carry it. Google it!

Wouldn't recommend scrubbing baking soda onto teeth as it wears the enamel, though it is good in a mouthwash solution together with sea salt.

it wears the enamel

That is my understanding also, BS is an abraisive. My teeth are sensitive and they let me know if I overdo it.

I use a soft toothbrush and let the Baking Soda / Peroxide solution mostly just sit there. In a two minute application I likely only brush (lightly) 15 seconds, and only 2-3 times a month.

How do you apply the activated carbon?

Is it in powder form?

Doug

I occasionally use baking soda and Hydrogen Peroxide to whiten my teeth.

A level teaspoon of bs, add drops of HP to make a paste. Brush as with toothpaste but leave on for a few minutes. I repeat the process then rinse my mouth with water.

I have read it is best to brush your teeth normally prior to BS/HP whitening.

I try and do this a couple times a month but often forget, my GF reminds me tho it does work.

I am a smoker and drink coffee daily. My teeth are pretty sensitive (thin enamel ?) as I find even the normal dental cleaning process painful.

BS and HP are the common ingredients in many commercial whiteners.

Google search - teeth whiteners baking soda and hydrogen peroxide

Doug

Fluoridation of water supplies is an extremely controversial topic. Most of Europe does not add fluoride to their municipal water supplies and North America is a mixed bag.

My personal opinion is that whether or not fluoride reduces cavities it does not belong in drinking water, as the importance of healthy gut bacteria is well established. If I want fluoride for dental health I can get it in most brands of toothpaste. Toothpaste containing fluoride in the US must include the following warning

“Keep out of reach of children under 6 years of age. If you accidentally swallow more than used for brushing, seek professional help or contact a poison control center immediately.”

source: http://fluoridealert.org/issues/dental-products/toothpastes/

IMAGES

The past few years I have only consumed (at home) filtered water that removes fluoride ("Berkey" brand water filter, google it).

Anyway, I just came across this report about Lancet ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lancet ) classifying fluoride as a neurotoxin and thought I would post it here.

http://the-tap.blogspot.ca/2014/06/lancet-classifies-fluoride-as.html

Summary of the Lancet report...

A while back I forgot some uncooked chicken legs in the fridge and they had definately "turned" by the smell. I was just throwing them out and my gf grabbed them. She said her mother would wash them in clear vinigar and they would cook up fine.

Vinegar is a mainstay of the old folk recipes for cleaning, and with good reason. The vim of the vinegar is that it kills bacteria, mold and germs.

Yup, H2O2 3% is good stuff.

I brush with baking soda and rinse with peroxide.

Great vs gingivitis and only 30 baht per bottle.

Stock up.

PEROXIDE & BAKING SODA - TOOTH WHITENER

Once every week or two I mix baking soda and peroxide into a paste and brush my teeth (and gums and tongue). Only use a soft brush (baking soda is abraisive), excellent tooth whitener but leave it on for a minute or two, or repeat a couple times.

I rinse with water not peroxide. Some articles

http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/spa-health/whiten-teeth-with-baking-soda-peroxide.htm

http://domesticdana.blogspot.com/2012/07/easy-at-home-teeth-whitening-for-any.html

Colgate uses baking soda and peroxide http://www.colgate.com/app/Colgate/US/OC/Products/Toothpastes/ColgateBakingSodaAndPeroxide.cvsp

Doug

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/06/09/hypertension-prevention-treatment.aspx

An excellent article IMO. A bit long but covers most all the bases discussed on this thread. I copied a very small section below, but I do recommend reading the entire article which includes potential serious side effects of taking various drugs. At a minimum I suggest printing it down to read later at your leisure.

* I have to correct one error in my earlier post, my father died at 86, not 89.

* Also I likely gave the wrong impression about my average blood pressure readings. Although my bp sometimes hits 170/90 it likely averages 140-145/85-90 from past readings. Read the last sentence below about recommendations to "avoid medication until you are above 150/90". I am 66yo, slim and healthy, however I do not exercise enough.

As I mentioned there are serious side effects from taking most medications. If you are on meds read the article as it talks about that, plus there is excellent info on the internet about serious side effects of medical drugs (even the manufacturers offer that info online). Do the research, google the drug you are taking and read about side effects.

Lifestyle changes that I apply include:

- consume minimal amounts of processed foods

- only consume natural sea salt (we need salt to live) or my preferred salt is Himalayan Salt which can be purchased at Rimping and other places in Thailand listed here (I have no connection to the company, located in Pai btw)

http://www.starcrystalsalt.com/buy-in-thailand.html

Some interesting reading about salt on their homepage http://www.starcrystalsalt.com/ "talking their book" of course, but agrees with my extensive personal research over the years.

- eliminate processed sugar as much as possible, especially soda/pop. During the recent extremely hot weather I started drinking about one can a day of Schweppes Tonic Water (really picks me up in the afternoon during the heat wave) but never more than one can a day and only when heat stressed. Otherwise I do not drink pop, lots of fresh fruit tho.

- I cut back on my coffee consumption. I used to drink 2-3 cups in the morning and another cup or two in the late afternoon. I really sleep better now by only drinking coffee in the morning (before 10am).

I have been following Dr. Mercola for years and find his research outstanding! You can sign up for his free newsletters by clicking on the top right hand button on the page of his article.

Doug

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/06/09/hypertension-prevention-treatment.aspx

Strategies to Prevent Hypertension

By Dr. Mercola

About one in three American adults have hypertension (high blood pressure), and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),^1,2 hypertension is "the second greatest public health threat" in the US.

About half of all with hypertension have uncontrolled high blood pressure, which increases your risk for a number of more serious health problems, including heart attack, stroke, congestive heart failure, and end-stage kidney disease.³

Interestingly, 16 million Americans who take blood pressure medication still do not have their blood pressure under control⁴ — a fact that emphasizes the need for basic lifestyle changes to truly resolve this problem.

According to medical physiology textbooks, 95 percent of the causes of hypertension is idiopathic, meaning the underlying cause is unknown.

This is simply not true. Hypertension is typically a symptom of insulin and leptin resistance. And the vast majority of those who have hypertension can normalize their blood pressure without resorting to drugs. ...

...If you're between the ages of 18-59 without major health conditions, or if you're 60 or older with diabetes and/or chronic kidney disease, conventional medicine believes drug treatment is advised to begin if your blood pressure is at or above 140/90. In those over 60 who do not have diabetes or chronic kidney disease, the panel suggests delaying drug treatment until you're above 150/90. According to the JNC panel members:^{10 ...}

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/06/09/hypertension-prevention-treatment.aspx

re

Thapae Gate live webcam in Chiang Mai,

this cam has got to be on the art cafe coz the red and white

kerbstone at the bottom is outside the indian ladys clothing shop next to the dentist

dave2

ps ... there are two cctv police / traffic / or government cameras on the roof of her clothes shop a well and every part of thaphae gate area is covered by cameras by someone ?

Art's Cafe should be ruining a cam special. BTW great food.

I agree, great food at Art's Cafe, same owners (sisters I believe) operate the Hideaway Cafe http://www.artcafechiangmai.com/ that I frequent, http://www.artcafechiangmai.com/thehideaway.html

Doug

reasons to be cautious

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/10/16/drug-commercials-misleading.aspx

This is not as simple a situation as many would like to think. I do believe as some have mentioned that pushing drugs (and unnecessary surgeries, chemo etc) is rampant in western society/medicine. The FDA and BIG Pharma play musical chairs with key positions of power and have for some time. Drugs for the most part treat the symptom and are not a cure for most disease, and most have very serious side effects. Diet and lifestyle issues are definately important as discussed in this article http://www.naturalnews.com/030039_high_blood_pressure_prevention.html

I am not anti-drugs, they have a place in treatment but I prefer to place them in the category of "emergency medicine". For instance: I had a motorbike accident this past Feb 28, unconscious for over one hour, nothing broken but my hip was badly twisted on impact and I was on crutches for approx 5 weeks. I was proscribed 3 drugs: for pain, swelling/inflamation and muscle relaxant. They did an amazing job of relieving my pain and discomfort and allowed me to be somewhat mobile. However, my online research on these drugs (ORPHENADRINE/NORGESIC, nidol, PARCONO) and discussions with the doctor made me realize there were potential VERY serious side effects with taking these drugs so I weaned myself off them as soon as possible/tolerable. I was grateful for the drugs but in no way were they going to be put into my body longer than absolutely necessary for a decent quality of life.

I have the same attitude about my fluctuating blood pressure, but I do not pretend to have all the answers.

My father: had perfect blood pressure all the time all his life, it was a subject of conversation in our house. From memory, it was always 120/80 or very very close to that number. He died at 89yo but during the last approx 30 years he had a series of strokes, often many many years apart. He lost partial use of one hand, one eye went wonky (pointed off to one side), and he had short periods of recovery time where his thinking was a bit confused. Between strokes his blood pressure continued to be "normal".

One size does not fit all, we are all unique and continually changing. The above true story of my father breaks the accepted theory of high blood pressure being THE cause of strokes. It may be one of the causes for some people but I believe much more is involved.

Doug

I went into Klaimor Hospital this morning to get a health certificate (2 copies) for motorbike and car licence. My blood pressure has always bounced around mostly to the high side.

Top: 135-175

Bottom 80-95

This morning it was 170 over 90 (or 95) which is a bit on the high side

Drs over the years have frequently suggested I look at taking some kind of meds for high blood pressure but since mine varies I never followed thru, except I take the occasional Lorazapam (Ativan) when I feel a bit stressed which helps.

The Dr. suggested I again consider medication. I told him it bounces around and I just had 2 cups of coffee which likely bumped it up. He asked me to come back in a week, do not drink coffee, and have another test. I think I will follow thru this time. Perhaps the long term ringing in my ears is connected to high blood pressure?

He seemed like a nice guy, 55-60yo, great manner, genuine. Occasionally someone gives a great first impression.

If interested his name and hours available at Klaimor below:

Dr. Vichai

Tues & Thurs 8-12am at Klaimor Hospital

(Klaimor is just before Tesco on Hang Dong Rd (same side) car parking 30m past the hospital, bike parking in front.)

His office: go thru the main entrance right to the back, far left corner, ask for Dr. Vichai

Doug

I went into Immigration at 8:30 this morning (small office behind Immigration) with all my documents, 2 copies each, for 2 copies of a "Proof of Residency" for my motorbike and car 5 year drivers licence (previously had a 1 yr expired).

List 2 copies each:

- house rental agreement with my GF (her house) including 2 copies of her Thai ID which she signed

- appropriate passport copies

- 2 photos, was told I needed 3 photos to get 2 copies of Proof of Res

I went to get new photos (4 for 100B) with no wait, paid the 1,000B rush fee, was given a receipt to pick up my Proof of Res docs tomorrow at 8:30am.

I was in and out in approx 30 minutes - excellent!!

btw: the choice was mine to rush and pay the 1,000B which I gladly did. Went right into his pocket, they likely work nights to get these ready for the following morning. His manner was brisk (business-like) but friendly. I am a happy guy.

Any updates on "Residence Certificates" issued at CM Immigration? I plan on getting one this week (closed tomorrow?) and this seems to be such a changing situation I do not know what to expect,

thanks for any input

Doug

(edit: for 5 year drivers licence, I have type O Retirement Visa)

Tonic Water - GREAT!!!

Back in Canada for some reason on the hottest summer days I really enjoyed Tonic Water, either alone with fresh lime, or with gin or scotch. I had heard that it was created by the British Army for the prevention of Malaria in the tropics by adding quinine to it. I never researched this before.

I started drinking it again a few days ago and what a difference it made to my afternoon heat funk. It really really refreshes in hot weather. I usually drink it with some scotch, in the early afternoon (pre-alcohol) I just drink it on ice with a fresh squeeze of lime. Try it!

Some reading...

Tonic water (or Indian tonic water) is a carbonated soft drink, in which quinine is dissolved. Originally used as a prophylactic against malaria, tonic water usually now has a significantly lower quinine content and is consumed for its distinctive bitter flavour. It is often used in mixed drinks, particularly in gin and tonic.

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

I bought Schweppes brand from Rimping (none at Macro), from the profile below I will be looking for an alternative. High Fructose Corn Syrup (sugar) is really unhealthy.

Nutrition Information Amount per 8 fl oz serving % Daily Value* Calories 90 Total Fat 0 g 0% Sodium 35 mg 1% Total Carbohydrates 22 g 7% Sugar 22 g Protein 0 g

Ingredients

Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate (preservative), Quinine, Natural Flavors

http://www.schweppesus.com/products/schweppes-tonic-water

For my first annual renewel/extension I printed down (from Internet) my most recent 3 bank statements that showed monthly pension deposits to my bank account and gave them to the lady at the Canadian Consulate. The description on the bank entry (deposit) was clearly a pension payment, if your entries are not clearly described as a monthly pension payment I suggest you also provide other supporting documents (email correspondence etc). I now only provide the latest bank statement when seeking my annual letter from the Consulate.

Doug

^ It gets pretty grubby inside.. all parts that touch the air the flows through it will get very dusty and dirty, even when using filters. So service is mostly cleaning the thing out completely, and checking if the filters need changing and the gas topping up.

We have 2 airconditioners. One small old one is only used occsionally (spare bdrm/ironing room) and a new one purchased 2 years ago for the master bdrm. Last year we had them serviced, they only cleaned filters and checked fluids. This year Noi contacted another company she knows and the owner came alone,

he tore apart the new one and showed us all the dirt accumulated everywhere, not just on the filters. He spent 2-3 hrs dismanteling/cleaning. Works perfect. This air con used to pump out a lot of water outside, now it doesn't??? and works perfect. I thought all air cons kick out some water???

With the old one he replaced a part (looks like a glass tube?) and did a basic cleaning. Works perfect now, was not cooling well before. Forget the cost, around 1,000B total or just a bit more, forget.

If interested call Noi at the store for the name & phone of the guy www.thai-herbs-chiangmai.com/contact.php he only speaks Thai, Noi knows a fair bit of english but perhaps your Thai wife/gf would get better info.

We were really happy with the guy.

Doug

So Thai herbs presumably you've found out if there's flouridation of CM water?

No, I have no idea if fluoride is being physically added to CM water supplies. This report http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007%2F978-4-431-78399-2_15 and others I read 3-4 years ago from my research indicate that the Chiang Mai region has lots (perhaps an excess) of fluoride occuring naturally in our ground water - we certainly do not need to consume even more in our bottled water (and/or tap water IF it is being added).

Jeez!

Just found out the person concerned is not oaranoid about chlorine, but about fluoride.

Do we even know if it's in the water supply?

Sent from my iPad using ThaiVisa app

I also am concerned about fluoride in drinking water. This is after dozens of hours or more of personal research, I am not a chemist or doctor. Fluoride is also added to many or most bottled water products and not usually shown as such on the label or on the company websites. Claims that fluoride is added to drinking water to protect the teeth is stupid IMO, think about it - the fluoridated water goes immediately past the mouth/teeth and into the guts and is absorbed by the entire body. There are a few studies I have found about the toxicity of fluoride to the body in general and the pineal gland in particular, some links below. Fluoride can occur naturally in the water table but it is my understanding that the chemical composition is different than the fluoride that is added to drinking water (it is a byproduct of industrial waste and here)

I have used a "Berkey Water Filter" for a few years now as it has extra filters (optional) that remove most of the fluoride. I am very happy with the product, mine is the "travel berkey" as it is large enough for two people yet packs small for shipping. This is the supplier I used www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com and I was happy with the service including ordering replacement filters a couple years ago. I have no connection with the company and there are many other dealers for the same product - google "berkey water filters" if interested in researching them further.

Some links for those wanting to research the controversy of fluoride added to drinking water below.

"...Continental Europe has ceased water fluoridation" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_fluoridation_controversy

by country (no mention of Thailand) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluoridation_by_country

I found this just now by googling

"The Chiand Mai Basin in [is?] one such region where groundwater contains very high levels of fluoride. Many residents of the basin suffer from chronic fluorosis."

http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007%2F978-4-431-78399-2_15#page-1 [click on "Look Inside"]

http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007%2F978-4-431-78399-2_15

"The Case Against Fluoride"

http://www.naturalnews.com/sodium_fluoride.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/fluoride.html

Pineal Gland & Lowered IQ

"Sodium fluoride is accumulated and stored by bone matter, displacing calcium and weakening bones. The pineal gland sucks up even more of the stuff that is being put in 70% of the USA water supply"

Chiang Mai

Been here 5+ years, driving Honda 125cc +3 years.

Dropped the bike once to avoid 2 kids coming at me fast and wide around a blind corner, I was a bit tight on the corner also which I no longer do. Some minor scratches and headache, helmet saved me.

Dumped once pretty hard when I forgot the kickstand was down, helmet saved me - only a headache for a couple days, minor bike scratches.

2 1/2 weeks ago got nailed by someone I never saw? Think he came out of a small soi without looking to see if the lane was clear, could have been someone passing me tho. I went over the handlebars - all I remember is someone (I never saw) knocked the handlebars out of my hands. Woke up 1 1/2 hrs later in the hospital where I spent the next 3 nights. According to the ambulance guy the biker who hit me waited there until the ambulance came then took off. Bad headache for 3 days (helmet saved me), shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle scraped. Nothing was broken but hip is damaged - still on crutches, going to take some time to heal. Not going fast as I was calmly approaching a T intersection (under 30 metres) where I had to turn left, shoulder lane ahead was clear to the intersection as backed up traffic left over 1-1/2 meter clear for bike traffic.

I have seen many people blindly enter the same road, same spot, from a small soi in the past, exactly where I got nailed. Don't understand why so many people cut into main roads from small sois without even looking to see if the lane is clear???

Doug