simon43

Yes, I have an appointment this morning with a recommended urology specialist at Bangkok Hospital, Pattaya. Best to expect the worst and hope for the best ????

In this case, I think his comments were justified. People will fear swimming in the sea, in case a box jellyfish makes a beeline for them.... I actually was stung by a box jellyfish in Thai waters about 15 years ago, and I had the red welts/scars on my leg for 2 years. It is very difficult to see the tentacles of any jellyfish that's in the water. I sincerely hope the boy recovers.

I haven't smoked cannabis for at least 30 years, and I have zero interest in starting again. But walking around Pattaya, with its many cannabis shops, vans and self-service vending machines, I haven't noticed any problems at all. No stoned tourists lying in the gutter, nada.... zilch.

Jogging along the promenade this morning, I saw the 'devastation' of ripped-up trees. For heaven's sake why? Now it's an eyesore...

As Charlie says, it's a kneejerk reaction. But commonsense would suggest that if a gunman cannot gain entry to the centre, then that must surely help. So fire exit doors only open outwards, only 1 entrance that is locked and monitored at all times, with toughened glass so that no-one can easily enter the premises etc.

Ah no..... that could also be an issue. Sheryl, My PSA test 8 years ago gave a result of 7.5, and 5 years ago it was 5. I did have a DRE 8 years ago, and only an enlarged prostate was found, nothing suspicious. Anyway, I'll go and see Dr Oliver in Pattaya on Monday and consult his wisdom on this matter.

I do, and have done so for the past 20 years, whilst living in Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. I have never lost it, forgot it or been robbed of it ????

To be honest, I haven't tried not taking the BPH medication. I guess I should give that a go ???? Dr Google tells me that a UTI will definitely raise my PSA value. He also says that I need to wait about 1 month before repeating the PSA test after clearing the UTI. But in any case, I will go and chat with the doctor in the meantime.

I did a blood/urine test today. The results indicated that I currently have bacteria and white cells in my urine (presumably caused by a UTI). My PSA result was 11. My last PSA test a few years ago (and previous to that) had a stable PSA value of about 6, slightly raised due to BPH. In the past couple of years, my BPH symptoms have increased, so I now take a daily tablet to enable me to pee. Should I be worried by the PSA of 11? Dr Google tells me that BPH will increase my PSA and a UTI will also increase it. How long should I wait before repeating the PSA test? I hadn't noticed any UTI symptoms - should I take some medication to sort that out? Thanks.

I've been in Bangkok for the past couple of days, staying on Silom Road. I can tell you that perhaps 99% of people walking in the street are wearing masks - those not wearing masks (including myself) are western foreigners. But I saw only 1 Thai person not wearing a mask.

Yes! My mad Thai ex. (But she wrote the letter herself!!)

As others have said, radio is the main stay of communication after a national disaster, because it is a relatively simple and reliable way to communicate. The USA and other countries rely on radio amateurs to provide this 'when all else fails' service. I use my ham radio rig in Thailand to provide an emergency email-by-radio service (winlink and pskmail).

"Did you ever get that feeling that you are crazy?" Yes! I often get the feeling that YOU are crazy.

Indeed. But was it karma that caused her to die in this way and at this time? Is everything pre-ordained? (Philosophical question...)

Fark - All business visas are suspended, as of about 1 week ago! I'm cooling my heels in Bangers, so will need to teach the classes online if the visa doesn't appear before term starts on the 17th. No problem, never mind, carry on, nothing to see...

Nope, it hasn't been reinstated yet - it was suspended due to Covid...

Fire that when mounted on a Thai train, and the train and rusty rails would disintegrate!

Frank must be about 130 years old now...

I'm down in Lamai (Samui) right now. Very quiet, nice beach, very friendly locals. Just waiting for my business visa before I return to the delights of the civil war in Myanmar...

If you want to see a 'quiet' airport, here is a photo of Naypyitaw Airport (capital city of Myanmar) in 2018. Imagine what it was like after Covid hit!

Well, I do have a tie of course in my wardrobe ???? I only wear it on more formal occasions than walking on the beach, such as visiting 7/11...

Yes, I had an HIV test (negative). But I knew it was pneumonia because I know the 'feeling' in my own body. I have had this several times previously (the last time about 12 years ago got me into Bumrungrad for a week!). My immune system is strong, but my lungs are not (aspergillosis for 25 years). Anyway, all good now and just waiting to see if the Myanmar immigration will give me an entry visa (they did about 4 weeks ago, so my new school employer has requested a business visa for me and now we are waiting...)

Actually, at the age of 63, jogging 4 km every morning and weighing 64 Kg, my body is in pretty good shape ???? No bulging muscles, but no man boobs and no beer gut either. Regardless, I keep my shirt on (a collared shirt of course...)

I guess it depends on the culture that you raised up in. For me, the only time that I would go shirtless in public (in any country) would be at the beach or at a swimming pool. The same applies to wearing shorts. But that's just me ????

They actually told me that it's all cool and come on over with my transceiver! But I guess this is a cunning plan on their part to throw me in jail, since they gave Aung San Suu Kyi 3 years jail term for possessing 3 walkie-talkies! My rig will stay in Thailand for now ????