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gondarman
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Posts posted by gondarman
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Straight to Jail is where he should go!
You seem to know all about it
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How do the Thai authorities view modified cars
being driven on the highways?
I want to revive my old hobby of shoe-horning
big engines into small cars.
My last effort in Oz was a Lotus Europa.
I removed the little 1.6 L Renault motor/gearbox
and replaced it with a 4.4 L alloy V8 and a custom-
made transaxle.
Going by what I've seen - homemade trucks, highly
modified motorcyles for transport..
Seems like I can do anything I want?
..
You would have a better chance to find French cars and parts in Lao. I have a contact there who does them all, Citroen, Renault and Peugeot
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Hi Arthur at Baan Meuanfun,
I saw the pictures from youre house and like the parking lot with stones.
Where did you buy the stones? Do you mind telling the price/m2?
I will start make something similar when I come to Thailand in 2 weeks,
and be glad if you have some suggestions where to buy.
We have a house in Ban Chat, just 20 kilometer from youre house,
so it would be nice to come and take a look.
regards,
Erkki
If you would like a similar pavement, you can buy the stones in Pak Chong, between Saraburi and Korat. Along the highway number 2 there are alot of businesses selling these and other stones. You buy them by the ton. I don't know the price anymore because it has been about 10 years since we laid them. You will have to find local people yourself to have them laid. You are always welcome to come and take a look. I can also give you some advice, so you don't have to make the mistakes in laying the stones like I did.
Cheers
Arthur
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Thanks Arthur, that canoe sure is impressive. I just do not have the patience to embark on a project like that, and it does not help with about 10 thumbs either.
My wife used to help her dad build those long and narrow canoes with next to nothing for freeboard. And a few are tied up down by the river right now. But those are to scary for me. But she claims she can build one he he.
But again, me I am just to lazy. So I'll keep looking for a ready to put on water canoe, and you are right about what I need. A canadian style canoe would fit the bill. I have used canoes before in Norway a lot. But Kayaking I have never tried. And I think I will feel a lot safer in a canoe.
So please give me a heads op should anyone see something like that for sale.
Yeah those long narrow ones are really scary. We had a go in two of them at Satuk boat races. Maybe you read the post from TBWG about it. These boats have sure little freeboard and they are built for 7/8 Thai people with an average weight of under 70 kg. No need to tell what will happen if you put 7 farang inside one of them. At Satuk we started trying with 5 farang, but they all had to sit in the center because their asses would not fit closer to the stems. And the freeboard what was left was not enough to withstand our shaky performance in it. We ended up with 3 farang in the center and 2 Thai at bow and stern. This way we could keep it afloat and show at least something that looked like a race.
I am busy now building a longboat fit for farang to race next year. Hope it will improve the performance.
I will let you know if I see or hear anything for you. Meantime if you have time you can always come to chumphonburi and have a go in mine while there is still water in the river.
Cheers
Atrthur
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Another quick one.
Does anybody know where Nanongphai is? It is a sub-district (I think) of Chumphonburi.
I have been trying to find a map that has Nanongphai on it but no luck.
Hi Matty
yes you are right, Tambon Nanongphai is a subdistrict of Chumphonburi. The capital town of the Tambon also called Nanongphai is situated about 10 km west out of Chumphonburi along the 2081. This is the road from Chumphonburi to Tatoom. You mentioned, that you were going to the village Ban Tipnaud. That is indeed a village belonging to Tambon Nanongphai. It is on the Northside of the district. You can get there from the mainroad to Nanongphai, but from there it is a dirt road leading to the village. When I drive there myself I know how to go there, but I can not explain where it is. A shorter and easier way to get there, which can also explain is: When You drive from Satuk to Chumphonburi first on the 219, then turn right to Chumphonburi at Thang Phat junction onto the 2081. About 3 km before Chumphonburi at the village Ban Yang Chum, turn left (follow the sign Meuanfun Resort 3km) If you follow that road after 3 km you will find our resort and further the 5th village you pass is Tipnaud. It is about 8 km from our place. This is all hard road and not too many potholes in it.
You have to know this is really rural Thailand. Small ricefarmers villages scattered around. You see nothing but rice paddies, waterbuffalos and cows. At the time you are planning to come, at the end of the dry season, the rice paddies will be dry and farmers waiting for little rain to come so they can start seeding the rice. The area will not be at its nicest like in July/August when you the beatiful green rice growing on the land.
Apart from the Bigger cities in the area, like Surin and Buriram, there is not much nightlife or so. In the daytime you can make some excursions to few things worth to go and see, like the Elephant Research Center and Phanom Rung (A temple ruin of the same era as Ankhor Wat in Cambodja, but smaller) But I am sure you will have a hard time to make time for things like that, while you will only be here a couple of days and I know how in such cases the gf family will take up your time.
Like I said, not much entertainment around here, so if one lives here like myself, you have to occupy yourself, before you land up drinking your life away, like some of the Thais themselves.
I am Dutch, 53 years old, retired banker and have been living here more or less permanent for almost 5 years now. My wife runs a nice comfortable resort. (I do the maintenance and serve hamburgers now and again
) I have a nice big workshop right next to my house where I build an occasional boat (busy now with a 40 person dragon boat for racing next year) and right now I am also building a kitcar. So enough to keep me out of the bar and away from the girls.Hope to see you soon
Cheers
Arthur
Reading my last reply back after it was posted, I thought it sounded a bit negative about the Isaan and you might wonder why I am here in the first place. Well this is a complete different Thailand from what you have seen so far. The most important virtue I forgot to mention is, that you will meet the most friendly and hospitable of Thai people in Isaan. Complete different from the friendly but "business" attitude you will face in places like Pattaya, Phuket, BKK etc. The welcome expats get here is genuine and void of the hectic approach of before mentioned places.
That is why I like to live here so much and why I would never stay in Pattaya, Phuket or BKK. Meuanfun and I sometimes have to go to BKK for business or we go to Pattaya to see some friends and be out for a couple of days, but after 3 or 4 days we rush home again to enjoy the peace and quiet of our home area again.
Cheers
Arthur
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Another quick one.
Does anybody know where Nanongphai is? It is a sub-district (I think) of Chumphonburi.
I have been trying to find a map that has Nanongphai on it but no luck.
Hi Matty
yes you are right, Tambon Nanongphai is a subdistrict of Chumphonburi. The capital town of the Tambon also called Nanongphai is situated about 10 km west out of Chumphonburi along the 2081. This is the road from Chumphonburi to Tatoom. You mentioned, that you were going to the village Ban Tipnaud. That is indeed a village belonging to Tambon Nanongphai. It is on the Northside of the district. You can get there from the mainroad to Nanongphai, but from there it is a dirt road leading to the village. When I drive there myself I know how to go there, but I can not explain where it is. A shorter and easier way to get there, which can also explain is: When You drive from Satuk to Chumphonburi first on the 219, then turn right to Chumphonburi at Thang Phat junction onto the 2081. About 3 km before Chumphonburi at the village Ban Yang Chum, turn left (follow the sign Meuanfun Resort 3km) If you follow that road after 3 km you will find our resort and further the 5th village you pass is Tipnaud. It is about 8 km from our place. This is all hard road and not too many potholes in it.
You have to know this is really rural Thailand. Small ricefarmers villages scattered around. You see nothing but rice paddies, waterbuffalos and cows. At the time you are planning to come, at the end of the dry season, the rice paddies will be dry and farmers waiting for little rain to come so they can start seeding the rice. The area will not be at its nicest like in July/August when you the beatiful green rice growing on the land.
Apart from the Bigger cities in the area, like Surin and Buriram, there is not much nightlife or so. In the daytime you can make some excursions to few things worth to go and see, like the Elephant Research Center and Phanom Rung (A temple ruin of the same era as Ankhor Wat in Cambodja, but smaller) But I am sure you will have a hard time to make time for things like that, while you will only be here a couple of days and I know how in such cases the gf family will take up your time.
Like I said, not much entertainment around here, so if one lives here like myself, you have to occupy yourself, before you land up drinking your life away, like some of the Thais themselves.
I am Dutch, 53 years old, retired banker and have been living here more or less permanent for almost 5 years now. My wife runs a nice comfortable resort. (I do the maintenance and serve hamburgers now and again
) I have a nice big workshop right next to my house where I build an occasional boat (busy now with a 40 person dragon boat for racing next year) and right now I am also building a kitcar. So enough to keep me out of the bar and away from the girls.Hope to see you soon
Cheers
Arthur
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In March next year I am looking at travelling to Chumphon Buri from Bangkok. This will be my first time venturing into Isaan and am really looking forward to it. I am just wondering if anyone can help me with my options for travelling there.
I am thinking of flying to Buriram with PB Air but after that I am a bit stuck. How would I go getting from Buriram airport to Chumphon Buri. Can you hire drivers at the airport that would take me there?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
[/quDepending on what day of arrival in BKK (PBAir flies only on Wed.Fri.Sun. at 15.50 from BKK) flying to Burriram airport would be the best option. Burriram Airport is in Satuk and only about 20 km from Chumphonburi. Taking a train to Surin like myfriend1 suggested is about the worst option I think. You would have to find your way from Suwannaphumi Airport to Hualompong Railway Station first and after about 7 hours in the train to Surin you would face a taxi drive of about 100 km to Chumphonburi. If for whatever reason you would take a train. Take the train to Buriram. It would be the same hassle to Hualompong, but at least the taxiride from Buriram to Chumphonburi is half as long as from Surin.
If you fly to Buriram normally there will be no taxis waiting, because most people arriving usually have their own transportation arranged. But there is a simple solution to this problem. You could call me from BKK on your day of arrival to confirm you will be on that flight and I will take care that there will be a taxi witing for you. Even better when you are booked up to BKK arriving on a Wed.Fri or SUN you can PM or email me and I will make a reservation for you.
We live in Chumphonburi and it is really no problem to make a suitable arrangement for you. We likepeople to come and enjoy our area in a comfortable way like we do ourselves.
Cheers
Arthur & Meuanfun
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My wife recently saw a news item about a fast growing tree with a name that sounds like " dtak gool". Supposedly it can be harvested after 5 years, is used for building and furniture, and sells for 10,000 a tree. It has fairly large and ovoid shaped leaves. Don't have anymore details. Apparently it grows widely in Asia. Can this be true, and has anyone heard of it ? or something similar. I'm sceptical, but I'm constantly surprised in Thailand. Tim
maybe this link could help you find what you are looking for:
www.agroforestrycentre.org/sea/Products/AFDbases/AF/index.asp
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I am in the market for a small canoo (2 people size) for day trips /fishing on the Mae Nam Mun river. One of them plastic canoo's is more than good enough for me.
If can not find a western style canoo, of them local little plastic flat bottomed long and narrow boats is good enough.
The closer to Puthhaisong I can find one, the better as we do not have car, so dealer must bring to the village.
Anyone seen a dealer somewhere?
If you plan on making daytrips and going fishing on Mae Nam Moon, I think those little plastic boats will not suit you. Especially at times when there is alot of water (and fish) in the river at the end of the raining season. A bigger canadian style canoe would suit you better. I have searched the internet and could not find them in Thailand, apart from that freekayak shop, which wells imported plastic kayaks. As they are imported, the price is also quite high.
That is why I have built one myself (17' Prospector stripplanked and epoxy/glass sheated)
and am busy with a second one, not far away from where you live. I live in Amphoo Chumphonbury, about 20 km. North west of Satuk. If you come from Phuttaisong and cross the 219 at Thang Phat junction it is about 13 km from there. I went on Mae Nam Moon with it a month ago (when the water level and the current where at its highest) from Ban Yang Chum to Ban Taklang (elephant village) and the boat performed extremely well. Also had a go with it during Satuk boat races and it got good reception there too. If you like you can come and have a look at it and maybe get tempted to build one yourself too. It is not as hard as you think. And if you do, you would not only have a boat which is fit for what you want to do with it, but also a nice peace of art to look at.Cheers
Arthur
great boat, looking forward to cruise with my cuisin on the mea nam mon aswell, but were can i find drawings or buildinginstructions of a canoe1
tx
From me, if you are serious about this.
Komen wij misschien uit hetzelfde dorp in Noord-Holland?
Groeten
Arthur
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Hi, Arthur tried to rope me in to do some oar work but I couldn't help as I was going to be in England, never the less I'm still interested in how the day went, when Arthur mentioned this idea to me I envisaged sinking boats and drowning Farangs.......Hi All
Despite the lack of posts I have decided to continue with the saga for the following reasons (1) Bunple deserves a reply (2) I like talking about myself!
(3) I am currently at a loose end for something better to do, and finally (4) ThaiVisa members deserve to hear about our superhuman exploits on their behalf! So it’s…..Boat races Act II
Oh dear, the boss lady has got to hear about my nautical exploits and am I in for an ear bashing! But what’s this she is grinning from ear to ear! Great merit for the family I am only local farang in races and bring great honour on the family. So for once I have done something right despite the fact that I might drown!
So its 9 o’clock the next day and we are ready for action trouble is it’s the opening ceremony and we don’t see any boats for about 3 hours, still we are being watered and fed and gawped at by curious Thais.
Well to cut things short it has been decided that we will have 3 farangs in each boat and a Thai each end to steer and guide us to make sure that we go in the right general direction as this has previously proved to be a problem.
I am paired with my previous team mates Lars & Peter and we manage a confident trouble free run down the length of the course aided by a strong current! Now we have to turn and come back, sufficient to say we made hard work of turning and managed to sink again but close to the bank. With the boat full of water it proves impossible to turn over and empty it out, so we have to bail it out, lots of Thaïs appear with bowls and we are soon on the move again, albeit rather wetter! We now have to paddle back up the course against the current and in front of several thousand spectators and jeez it is exhausting, once again I am absolutely bu****ed by the time we get back.
The other team Arthur, Alan & Rex seem to have a trouble free but exhausting run and I put their lack of sinking down to Arthur’s boating experience, he having made the 4 seater canoe that is to be used to transport the local mayor on raceday!
Well we are all knackered and now adjourn to the floating restaurant for beer rations and distribution of team outfits, and agree to meet tomorrow race day at 10.00am for the big event.
Race day dawns fairly breezy and the current seems stronger, there are also spectators as far as the eye can see and are viewing from every vantage point. All the farang team members have turned up looking somewhat apprehensive, but rather professional in our team outfits!
Eventually our turn to be the star attraction arrives and we have to position ourselves for the start. Easier said than done! Somehow we have been maneuvered away from the bank not good with our record of capsizing! Anyway we seem to foul it up and both teams have to go around again, this in itself is tiring and we are past our best by the time we get the gun for the OFF.
It is worth mentioning that unbeknown to us a local Thai speaking American has been coerced into commentating for this cultural highlight of the weekend, however his knowledge of operating sound systems must leave a lot to be desired, as at this crucial point he manages to short the entire electrical system. With as we were later to find out far reaching consequences.
Anyway the race is off to a steady start and aided by the current we pick up a fair amount of speed and begin to dig a bit deeper and up the stroke rate as our confidence builds, rather than being a farcical event we actually achieved quite a good time and were very well matched and won by the narrowest of margins about 1 foot over half mile. Now we had to go back to whence we came, exhausted and against the current that was one hel_l of a long hard slog but the cheers of the spectators kept you going. But we were all absolutely drained upon our return.
It now seemed a bit odd that they would not let us get out of the boats and it was at this point that they told us we had to DO IT AGAIN!! Due to the sound system failure, do these people have any idea what physical torture us athletes have to endure for our sport??
Well it appears that no one was going to be the first to say I can’t do it, so after an M150 it was off to the start line. This time we got it right first go and were OFF again, current plus adrenalin got us up to speed again and this time we could hear the commentator whipping up the crowd to a frenzy, we managed to pull out half a length on the Meuanfun Resort team but they were closing us down as we had peaked to early, however we managed to hold them off and eventually won by a few meters.
Victory obviously gives you strength as we managed to turn the boat without problem despite the fact that 3 of those big 40 seater jobs sank there during the day whilst trying to turn.
Now the horrifying journey back, but wait! We are all getting out at the Mayors sala for various introductions and photo shoots with all the local big shots. Several hundred pictures later we are whisked off minus footwear in a Limo to the presentation lunch on our sponsors floating restaurant. Large amounts of draught Chang are freely available during the presentation ceremony and we are photographed with the governor of Buriram being awarded certificates for our endeavors. Finally after a big blowout lunch we are reacquainted with our shoes!
At this point I am so exhausted I am glad that Arthur overlooked the arrangements for the groupies and cheerleaders
TBWG
PS: Arthur has promised to make a farang sized 7 seater dragon boat so that next year we can take on the Thais. Look forward to it, so it’s straight into training on that beer and bananas regime
Hi TBWG
Thanks alot for the brilliant reports on the boat race. At the time I did not realize, there was one of us, who had the ability to register all the events so accurately, while exhausting himself physically as we all did. Great work TBWG and as some posters already mentioned, a hel_l of a promotion for this event and an invitation to more of us to participate in next years race. I feel confident enough to start talking to the lord mayor to have some more boats ready for next year
As you know, our sponsor Meuanfun also followed our performance with great interest. A winner as she is, she was devastated , that her team just could not manage to beat you guys. In her mind she is already making preparations to become a sure winner for next year and has her eyes on some super-atheletes of the other team. So don't be surprised, when she will invite you for next years contract negotiations.To prove, that TBWG is not just a fiction writer I am posting some of the pics, that I have collected from around in the meantime.
Thanks to all participants and spectators for a great event and see you all (and more) next year again.
Cheers
Arthur
P.S. Sorry TBWG, I could not resist to show the picture of your training efforts.
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Hey, that's a fine-looking boat you built Arthur! Nice one. You should think about volunteering your services at a local secondary school and encouraging them to have a go at building a similar canoe. Maybe you could ask folks back home to chip in the cost of materials through sponsoring the school. I've just done something similar for schools up in Nakhon Phanom near the Songkhram River. I got the sponsorship money by canoeing down the length of the Nam Songkhram in July. Coincidentally, the story is covered in today's Outlook section of Bangkok Post.
I think canoeing or kayaking is one of the best ways for getting young people to appreciate their local river and thus increasing the likelihood of looking after it in future. It's also a great way of seeing the countryside and some brilliant old characters who still fish for a living. Like Newquay trawlermen, they're a dying breed unfortunately.
Thank you paddlesup for the compliments on my boat. I am quite pleased with it myself too, since it is my first self built boat. The hull is out of the local Mai Takian Thong and the trimmings Mai Pra Doo (Rosewood) I made it completely from scratch out of rough lumber, stripped and routered the strips all myself. It was a hel_l of a job but I enjoyed doing it. Even the seats are made out of wild cut rattan, stripped and woven myself ( must be honest my wife did the weaving)
Great what you have been doing with the school. Coincidently, I am starting up a similar project now with Chumphonburi secondary school. It is a combination with their sports instruction, English converstation and arts&crafts. I have volunteered to provide, the materials, working facilities and instruction and design for two longboats (crew of 8) which the students can make under my supervision. The two boats will be donated to the school to use for sports instruction. In the course of the year the school will form two teams out of the best performing paddlers to take part in the boatraces which are held every year at the end of the raining season. The boats will carry the sponsor name "Meuanfun Resort", which is my wife's operation. Cooperation from school and local authorities is great and we are looking forward to next years races.
I will be buying a copy of the BKK Post today to read about your activities.
Cheers
Arthur
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I am in the market for a small canoo (2 people size) for day trips /fishing on the Mae Nam Mun river. One of them plastic canoo's is more than good enough for me.
If can not find a western style canoo, of them local little plastic flat bottomed long and narrow boats is good enough.
The closer to Puthhaisong I can find one, the better as we do not have car, so dealer must bring to the village.
Anyone seen a dealer somewhere?
If you plan on making daytrips and going fishing on Mae Nam Moon, I think those little plastic boats will not suit you. Especially at times when there is alot of water (and fish) in the river at the end of the raining season. A bigger canadian style canoe would suit you better. I have searched the internet and could not find them in Thailand, apart from that freekayak shop, which wells imported plastic kayaks. As they are imported, the price is also quite high.
That is why I have built one myself (17' Prospector stripplanked and epoxy/glass sheated)
and am busy with a second one, not far away from where you live. I live in Amphoo Chumphonbury, about 20 km. North west of Satuk. If you come from Phuttaisong and cross the 219 at Thang Phat junction it is about 13 km from there. I went on Mae Nam Moon with it a month ago (when the water level and the current where at its highest) from Ban Yang Chum to Ban Taklang (elephant village) and the boat performed extremely well. Also had a go with it during Satuk boat races and it got good reception there too. If you like you can come and have a look at it and maybe get tempted to build one yourself too. It is not as hard as you think. And if you do, you would not only have a boat which is fit for what you want to do with it, but also a nice peace of art to look at.Cheers
Arthur
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Where is Satuek?
If not too far, I would come to cheer; but am no longer fit to paddle.
Twenty years ago, I paddled in one of those long ones in Brunei.
The Shell Oil Company lads were making up a team, and felt that the fact that I put their product in the tank of my carwas a sufficient qualification for me to be enrolled.
Wielding that paddle was strenuous work. My arm muscles were really suffering next day.
Good luck to the younger generation.
Satuek is quite a bit away from where you are in Udon Thani. I would reckon about 240 km. to the south from Udon City. Along the 219 between Roi Et and Burriram. So quite a bit for a days outing, but if you want to spend a couple of days, we have comfortable accommodation available to stay overnight.
You may have guessed, that the race we are planning is part of the program, but just for fun and therefore as strenuous as we like it to be. (which will not be pushed to the limit, I can assure you)
This area in Isaan is scattered with all kind of different festivals every season the whole year through, and we (some local expats and some guys who live in Pattaya and visit here regularly) just like to enjoy it with the Thai, not only as spectators. Taking part in it is highly appreciated by the Thai and we are usually well rewarded.
If you can not come, you will see it nationwide on all TV channels.
Cheers
Arthur
Hi Arthur
Darn, im off to work that time,, but put me in for next year.
Is it same time every year? as we have loong boat race here Ubon now last 2 weekends continuing this weekend.
Remeber take some picture(or i think you are in the boat) or let missus take some and of course if any of the guys going there, please post your pictures here so we (who cant join) can enjoy and have good smirk in our faces while looking them.
Hi Marco
Good to hear from you on this issue. Sure I will put your name down for next year. I should have been in Ubon for this years races too, because we are sponsoring one of the BIIIIIIIIIG boats (crew 40) from Satuek who were racing in Ubon, but the first weekend could not leave the resort because full of guest and the second weekend was away to BKK for business. If everything goes right I will have my own dragon boat ready for next year so you can be there for the maiden voyage haha. I am working on it now. Traditional Eastern style with some sneeky Western design tricks to make it a real winner. Think we will be able only to race it one season, before they start hating our unbeatable boat and team hahahaha
Sure I will post the pics all of them. The heroic ones and the less successfull ones too hahahaha. No need to be secretive about failure. In this case failure will be the largest part of the fun 5555 if you understand what I mean.
Cheers
Arthur
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Where is Satuek?
If not too far, I would come to cheer; but am no longer fit to paddle.
Twenty years ago, I paddled in one of those long ones in Brunei.
The Shell Oil Company lads were making up a team, and felt that the fact that I put their product in the tank of my carwas a sufficient qualification for me to be enrolled.
Wielding that paddle was strenuous work. My arm muscles were really suffering next day.
Good luck to the younger generation.
Satuek is quite a bit away from where you are in Udon Thani. I would reckon about 240 km. to the south from Udon City. Along the 219 between Roi Et and Burriram. So quite a bit for a days outing, but if you want to spend a couple of days, we have comfortable accommodation available to stay overnight.
You may have guessed, that the race we are planning is part of the program, but just for fun and therefore as strenuous as we like it to be. (which will not be pushed to the limit, I can assure you)
This area in Isaan is scattered with all kind of different festivals every season the whole year through, and we (some local expats and some guys who live in Pattaya and visit here regularly) just like to enjoy it with the Thai, not only as spectators. Taking part in it is highly appreciated by the Thai and we are usually well rewarded.
If you can not come, you will see it nationwide on all TV channels.
Cheers
Arthur
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Send in the clowns.
So what?
Clowns with the heart in the right place sure have more fun than the people they are supposed to amuse or the ones who let life go by without taking part in it.
Keep on sitting back in your rocking chair while we enjoy life with the Thai.
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Arthur, if I was in Thailand you could put me down for it but as you know I'm in the UK, are you trying to fill one of those Biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiig boats with expats? are there that many expats in Isaan.
Enjoy the races.
No definately we are not intending to fill up two of those biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiig boats. The ones we will be using are those containing 7 people as thy are using in the villages around here for their local racing events.
We already got one about filled up with guys from Norway, US, UK, Switserland, Danmark, Germany and of course the Netherlands. No need to be in perfect shape. That would spoil the fun 5555
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Come on guys let's get rid of that dusty image Thai people like to give us and take this chance to show them we are all fit and full of adrenaline!!!!!!!
Thamnong Srimueng (Leader of Amphur Satuek) would like to give this years Satuek longboat races a more international character. Therefore he has two nice longboats ready and invites us to take part in the pre program of the Satuek longboat races on 3rd and 4th November. The race between farang on 3rd November is supposed to be a demonstration of farang ties with Thai traditional activities and has no official status. Any farang who is able to move a paddle and swim (just in case) is welcome. There will be traning facilities, lead by a longboat sports trainer on Mae Nam Moon before the event and of course a VIP treatment for us atheletes on the event.
So don't be shy to show off your atheletic bodies and PM me to register and get all the details.
See you all at Satuek longboat races. Fun guaranteed!!!!!!!
Arthur
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Hello Forum
We are in Buriram/Bangruad from 17th for 12 days, If you know of any activities, places to visit we can do or enjoy please let me know with a post below
In particular Christmas day
But anything like the Buriram Beach that has opened sounds great
Cheers and Merry Christmas !!!!!!
If you are interested in local activities. You could visit the Eel festival in Chumphonburi on 28/29/30 December. Parades, competitions, shows. You can even take part in the eel race for farang ( I sponsor that activity) After that you could have a dip in my private swimming pool and enjoy some karaoke (Thai & English)
You could also visit the elephant research center in Ban Taklang. If you let me know I can take you there too if you can not find it.
Cheers and enjoy your stay in Isaan
Arthur
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Having just returned to England from a great trip to meet the GF’s family who live in a village near Satuk,
firstly, I would like to say many thanks to Arthur and Muanfun who run the “Baan Muanfun Resort” near Chomphon buri where we stayed, thanks for your help and good company,
secondly, the GF myself, Arthur and Muanfun had a couple of drinks and a bite to eat on the floating restaurant on the Munn river at Satuk, when leaving the restaurant one of the deck floor board cracked and broke and I was sent sprawling onto the deck with my right leg dangling in the river, I was shocked but luckily only suffered from a badly bruised knee and slight cuts and grazing to the leg, however after extracting myself from the hole in the deck I did notice that several other of the floor boards seemed to be the worst for wear , watch your step if you eat afloat. Apart from that a great trip and nice people.
We are glad you enjoyed your stay in Isarn and more particular with us in Meuanfun Resort. You and Apple were very pleasant guests to have too. Very sorry about your little accident in the restaurant, but glad you did not get seriously injured. Specially Arthur will be missing you at Satuk boatrace event first weekend of November. We got a special invitation to present the new boat in the water parade to start the event. You and Arthur could have paddled the boat together. Would have been great fun. Fortunately Alan from Liverpool reported here this week so he will be a good stand in for you. Hope to see you soon again.
All the best and take care
Arthur & Meuanfun
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Im moving to east Pattaya in July and Im looking for an old rear wheel drive car to prepare for a rally spec. I believe there is a Classic car Rally in Thailand. If anyone in the forum has any involvement with this event and others like it, I would be very interested.
Cheers,
Rob.
There is an MKI Escort advertisedon thaisecondhand.com at the moment Price is 35k
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Im moving to east Pattaya in July and Im looking for an old rear wheel drive car to prepare for a rally spec. I believe there is a Classic car Rally in Thailand. If anyone in the forum has any involvement with this event and others like it, I would be very interested.
Cheers,
Rob.
Hi Rob (and Marco too if you read this)
There is an annual classic car rally in Bangkok. It is organised by the Vintage Car Club of Thailand. I know the club and the president Mr Boonyarid. But what they call rally is more like a running show of classic cars. Not the rally sport you might think of. They also organise an annual vintage car show. Usually in one of those big shopping malls in BKK. You will be surprised what a fine selection of reasonably well restored cars they put together every year. The VCCOT is also involved in the organisation of some rally's and runs in the provinces, assisting local Classic Car Clubs. I know like that they are involved the Classic Car Club of Lanna in Chiang Mai. If you are nterested I will get the information, website etc, together, because i don't have it handy now in this computer.
Cheers
Arthur
Surin
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Looking to buy a 2nd hand motorbike and figure it would be better/cheaper to buy private than from a shop. Can anyone recommend any good websites; I can read enough Thai to get by so it doesnt matter if the site is in Thai.
Try: http://www.thaisecondhand.com/_board/ca/main.php?catid=470
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I believe there is a company assembling these Westfields in Thailand.Great fun in the UK,pain in the bottom here in Thailand I would think.Good luck if you buy one!
There is a company in Pattaya importing those Westfields into Thailand. They advertise them on www.bahtsold.com. Are the prices "pleasing" to the starter of this thread, 1.5 mil. does not appeal to me at all. And there are other ways to drive a car like that and have it registered for less than half that price. To me it could only serve as a second toy car, because apart from beach locations where there is always a bit of breeze, inland one would only be able to drive it comfortably from november to march.
Cheers
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Arthur,
I pass that garage regularly. There is always a lovely selection of classics in and around the premises in various stages of restoration (in the true sense of the word). Yesterday there was a Jaguar XJS and a Porsche 928 parked at the front with sale boards on the roof. Usually a couple of 911's and older Ferrrari's in the doorway. Even saw a DeLorean there a few months ago. Always something tasty to wind your neck out at as you drive by.
Can't say I've ever noticed any US stuff there though, maybe inside ?
Cheers,
INTJ.
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Like I said, he has an odd muscle car at hand sometimes, but is more into different cars. Most of his stock is inside. Next time you pass by there go and have a look inside. Chalerm appreciates farang interest in his work. He will give you full details of everything and will even show you some dvd of recent restaurations. Especially his vintage MB convertible is a nice piece which he is very proud of. I suppose though, that alot of his projects are not his own, but done on order. Mostly ordered by thai people, I think. I have not seen many farang around there. Also not an area where many farang frequent. Spoke to some of his Thai customers, who are all quite pleased with him.
Cheers
Arthur
(3) I am currently at a loose end for something better to do, and finally (4) ThaiVisa members deserve to hear about our superhuman exploits on their behalf! 
As you know, our sponsor Meuanfun also followed our performance with great interest. A winner as she is, she was devastated 
Kap Cheong Visa
in Isaan
Posted
I visit Kap Chueng regularly for my visa and 18 hour rule/ 24 hour rule or not. I never pay and never get any trouble with them. I always tell them sure, I will pay but I want to have a receipt for that. In the beginning they would act as if they don't understand what I meant though I spoke Thai to them, then usually one of those guys around would translate into Cambodian. The end of the story always was that the "chief"would look up from his paper and tell his boys to let the farang f...off (In Khmen of course) Now they don't even ask me for money anymore. Friend of mine who lives in the village next to mine has been here for 23 years and has never paid a baht.