AgentOkeyDokey

You know the kind that looks like a sports racquet. I am centrally located between Mee Chok Plaza and the Promenade mall and Big C Super highway and Doi Saket second ring road. Do you know of anyplace near there? Or even anyplace in CM? I really appreciate it.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Out of interest, do your neighbours have anything to say about this or are you just hypersensitive and guilty of not doing your homework?

My two neighbors are both sick right now. One is "recovering" and looks a little like death warmed over. His wife was too tired to stand. (No kidding.) Yet they are failing to put two and two together. This is not rocket science guys. I have personally moved out and is not sleeping there anymore. I will move my things Sunday. I was nicely given the option of moving out with a portion of my deposit. I took it. Amazingly a friend emailed me a few days ago telling me of a property of his that was available. I didn't see the email right away because i was preoccupied and not checking my mail. I saw his place and found it adequate and accepted it. I am there now and breathing comfortably and feeling happy after having a few beers. .

All is well that ends well.

.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Did you explain your theory to your two sick neighbours? If so, how did they respond? And will you tell them that getting away from it has got rid of the symptoms?

Yes I did. Their response was odd. Agreeing and nonplused. My prediction is if their illnesses continue and/or return with some frequency and a symptom being the same apparent lack of vitality that I saw in them; that they will think harder about what I have said to them. The seed has been planted. It is their life.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Out of interest, do your neighbours have anything to say about this or are you just hypersensitive and guilty of not doing your homework?

My two neighbors are both sick right now. One is "recovering" and looks a little like death warmed over. His wife was too tired to stand. (No kidding.) Yet they are failing to put two and two together. This is not rocket science guys. I have personally moved out and is not sleeping there anymore. I will move my things Sunday. I was nicely given the option of moving out with a portion of my deposit. I took it. Amazingly a friend emailed me a few days ago telling me of a property of his that was available. I didn't see the email right away because i was preoccupied and not checking my mail. I saw his place and found it adequate and accepted it. I am there now and breathing comfortably and feeling happy after having a few beers. .

All is well that ends well.

.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I'm assuming this gets resolved today, given that you're willing to pay for the water cost of using city water to water the garden. If the places next to you are also rented out then maybe those people will chip in. (We actually haven't heard yet if the people next door also have complaints or not.) But anyway, worst case is that you pay a bit more for clean water sprinkling. Great solution.

BTW, I would recommend to not permanently route the supply to city water, but put in a valve to allow you to select between the two. This because chances are the water quality is near the worst this time of year in the dry season. In the rainy season there will be loads more water in the creek, which may significantly reduce the problem. Then come June or so you might give the creek water a try again.

And if for any reason this does not get solved today then just move out before the end of the month, walking away from your deposit.

Either way this gets resolved this week. And the drama ends.

Thx for reading what I have decided to do. I agree it is a good solution. Still waiting for the broker to come to have the meeting. I agree with you on every point. For responses like yours is the reason I posted on Thaivisa. Never thought of the valve. Clever. And true about the rainy season. The valve gives more control.

You certainly prove the value of this forum.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Gas_mask_img_1619.jpg

for the win...

also eliminates the need to "grow a pair"...

Ha ha ha. And what about the two mosquitoes bites you call a pair? It goes well with your pinhead. Should I club the owner on the head cave man? In civil society we talk our problems out. That is what I am doing.

Troll.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Firstly I would never stay in that property, it sounds like there are serious health hazards there plus the possibility that these unknown chemicals could be contaminating the main water supply.

My advice is; to tell your illegal property owning farang landlord who is running an illegal property renting business, that you want to leave a.s.a.p due to health hazards and you expert back any deposits due to you If the illegal farang property owner tries to give you a hard time, than inform him you intend to take legal action and if the illegal landlord ignores the warning, then hire the services of a reputable lawyer and have a lawyers letter sent directly to him. Explain in the lawyers letter that you want to see a work permit, company registration papers for the renting business, and 3 years audited accounts for the company, which if requested under the right authority you are entitled to inspect.

I know I can press "like"

How do I "GREATLY DISLIKE"?

You have no evidence of serious health hazards or even minute health hazards.

And f--- the lawyer's letter.

The guy's given you what sounds like a very decent place......you're lucky.

Work round it.

Sent from my iPad using ThaiVisa app

I agreed. Trying to. We will see.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Your post reminds me of a polluted klong in a rubber plantation area in Rayong where the people have to put up with stench smell (worse situation than you) that caused by a rubber refinery factory nearby released polluted water into the klong. The red tape problem is that the factory is owned by an or-bor-tor who will not do anything to fix this problem. The people in the village are afraid to make complaints. My Thai friend whose house is right next to the klong. That stench nauseating smell is health hazard which causes nagging headache and loss of appetite.

You should have a talk to the landlord and tell him that after having stayed there long enough you discovered that this smell has caused you health problem. When you viewed the place was not long enough to know the hidden fault. Maybe the landlord would negotiate with you to let you break the lease.

Good luck.

The landlord is an excitable man. I think egos have come into play. The Broker didn't want to talk to me on the phone. Or hear my side of the story. I am afraid decisions have been decided. Emotions are riled. This does not bode well for rationality. She will come and talk to me in the afternoon. But didn't have time to talk on the phone.

Now I am kept in suspense until then.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Drama Drama Drama. Speculation, Speculation. Next time keep your mouth shut and do a little plumbing or other work to fix your problems, if you want to fix them.

I love it when the fools comes out.

I am renting and have no rights to do plumbing with out permission. Plus the owner is very hands on and comes around almost daily. Why should I keep my mouth shut and hide work on the plumbing that he can clearly see?

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Your post reminds me of a polluted klong in a rubber plantation area in Rayong where the people have to put up with stench smell (worse situation than you) that caused by a rubber refinery factory nearby released polluted water into the klong. The red tape problem is that the factory is owned by an or-bor-tor who will not do anything to fix this problem. The people in the village are afraid to make complaints. My Thai friend whose house is right next to the klong. That stench nauseating smell is health hazard which causes nagging headache and loss of appetite.

You should have a talk to the landlord and tell him that after having stayed there long enough you discovered that this smell has caused you health problem. When you viewed the place was not long enough to know the hidden fault. Maybe the landlord would negotiate with you to let you break the lease.

Good luck.

The landlord is an excitable man. I think egos have come into play. The Broker didn't want to talk to me on the phone. Or hear my side of the story. I am afraid decisions have been decided. Emotions are riled. This does not bode well for rationality. She will come and talk to me in the afternoon. But didn't have time to talk on the phone.

Now I am kept in suspense until then.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Having lost our dog last year to rat poison placed by a farmer, another farmer came over last week to warn us about the snail poison they were placing in the rice fields. Apparently it is quite strong and many dogs get ill from it, and even the farmers are wary of it. Not sure if that might be in your canal there but with the new rice season starting, snail poison is in the standing water and I suppose it could make it to your sprinklers.

Thx T-dog. This info helps a lot. How much poison is harmful? We don't know. Why not be safe than sorry? Why not change the water source? Especially if I accept the financial burden. That's why I don't agree with Kkup.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

The level of pesticide in the river water needed to create instant nausea would be ridiculously high. Just imagine who many ppm you can get in a drop of water.

Whilst it can be polluted, are you sure this isn't a psychosomatic reaction.

Why are you assuming just pesticides? That is unclear thinking. There are unknown chemical and biological contaminants in the sludge like canal/creek. Pesticides may be one of them. We don't know what chemicals of industry has found its way to this water source. Also biological contaminants such as bacteria or parasites or sewage and fecal matter could/would be a concern. It just doesn't seem like a good healthy practice to expose yourself needlessly to such water.

So a fresh creek of sparkling clear water it certainly is not. But my other point is this.... I had the reaction before I knew it was the source of water for the sprinklers.

Interestingly.

I never said I felt like vomiting. Having a "gut"reaction of having stomach upset or disturbance doesn't necessarily equate to having nausea. This negative reaction proved to be right in the "real world." Only after this negative reaction to exposure to the sprinkler spray for the first time and confronting the owner about it did I find that the water source of the sprinklers was the canal.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

your health is the most important asset you own. forget therefore well meant but ridiculous advice such as "close the windows... have the water tested... by an air purifier... wear a mask..." and change the water supply by forcing your landlord to agree.

My plan is to articulate my request through the broker today. I couldn't yesterday because it is her day off. Seeing the wisdom of your original idea and the continuing wisdom in this approach I am committed in seeing it through.

I don't know about "forcing" him. I certainly can and will put forth as compelling an argument that I can.

Paying for water consumption and materials and labor to change the water source to the public grid will be among them . Also I will emphasize the common sense possibility of the human health hazard of being exposed to the spray and of breathing in such dirty canal-like creek water filled with unknown chemical and biological contaminants.

I will make the offer through the broker who I consider a friend and I have known her professionally for about a year and a half. She is a Thai and Thailand born and an American citizen through marriage and pretty Americanized through long time American residency and she can speak English better than the farlang who is of a non-English language country and also she can speak Thai to his Thai wife if necessary.

I agree with you our health is our greatest treasure and that which really matters. And we need to take reasonable measures to safeguard it. In this case from the needless toxic load from a polluted water source.

Thank you for your clear thinking on the subject. I feel I always make better decisions when I get good input from others.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I was here last year during the smoggy season. I did not have a problem. But I do have problem breathing wet particles or droplets of water for some reason they seem to go straight into my body and I react. I am not hypersensitive and i have seen some people that are diagnosed as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and they can not be around perfumes. It's something about this water that makes me react. I ask again where can one get the water tested?

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I have no information but would a mask work if all that bothers you is the moisture carried chemicals. Not exactly sure how long you would have to wear them. Would it be OK shortly after the water sprinkling system is shut off.

Actually I believe the permanent solution is to change the water source.

As my helpful "friend" Naam has pointed out that since I like the place maybe I can pay for the sprinklers to be put on the public water grid. That is an elegant solution and probably cheaper than the 15000 baht complete water testing from CMU. (Hopefully. I don't know. Perhaps the "owner" is even willing to go "halfsies.") I will try to find out tomorrow when I talk with my broker. I want her to suggest this solution to the "owner." (Again finesse over balls.) But me offering to put forth my own money should help mend our communication breakdown and start us talking again. (I hope.) Thx for your suggestion.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I agree with you but you had earlier indicated that the communication between you and the owner was not good. Excellent idea even if it was good communications to get the Broker to introduce the idea.

I did not realize that water testing was that expensive here. Wouldn't matter what it came up with any how as you still would have the problem. Check into it and see what the cost would be probably a lot cheaper and if necessary have it done at night.

Not suggesting any thing illegal here just it is cooler to work at night.

In the mean time would a mask not help to alleviate the problem some what?

Thx for the mask idea. I think it could help a little.

But this not just a chemical sensitivity issue as stated above. I think we need to make rational choices about what goes into our bodies. I may be more in contact with the needs of my body to maintain health. I don't smoke and when I had it made me sick. I didn't need the Surgeon General to tell me that cigarette smoke is not healthy. My body told me and common sense. Breathing in smoke for "pleasure" doesn't seem like a good idea. Likewise breathing in filthy water from a slow moving canal-like creek doesn't seem like a good idea either. And also my body just happens to agree and reacts negatively to its exposure.

Have we gone so far afield that we cannot even listen to our body's signs until we get an incurable illness and it is too late?

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Gotta kind of wonder how gardens survived before sprinkler systems became ubiquitous here in Thailand.

Several posters have hit on it, but gotten no acknowledgment from the OP.

If the sprinkler system is your only problem with the property, turn it off and enjoy the relaxation and therapeutic release that comes from watering the garden.

Win-win.

Actually that is one of the first suggestions I made to the Landlord. As I indicated in the OP he is proud of his "baby." HE likes having the sprinkler system on. It assures him that HIS garden is being watered properly. The suggestion you propose is certainly on the table.

The problem is not the sprinkler system. The problem is the water the sprinkler system is using.

I find it interesting that the house is just now being put on the public water grid. What was it using before for tap and shower? Creek water? (When i say "creek water" think dirty canal-like water.) He has much as admitted it today. Doesn't it need to be filtered or clean somehow? (Real question.) I know there is little enforceable regulation here around these matters. But are we so cavalier about pollutants these days that breathing (and in the house's history bathing) in unfiltered creek water with untold chemical and biological contaminants seems ok?

I asked the broker why did the owners switch to the public water grid. She said cleaning the water costs too much? Does that mean the water before was cleaned. How? Note: just a few weeks ago they switched to the public water grid. That mean they had another source of water before for shower and tap. When I mentioned that the past source of water was the creek he didn't deny it. Something fishy is going on and I am not getting all the answers I need from the owner either because of his English or because of duplicity or both. So I am going to let the broker handle it.

I don't care about the past history of the water source. The water in the tap now which is on the grid is fine. I feel great showering in it. The water in the sprinklers are another matter. And it is not just in my yard but the two houses that he owns to either side. It would not take that much to attached the sprinkler systems to the public water grid. And I am willing to help with the costs. I think that is a true win-win.

Cancer is on the rise folks. All over the world. And also in Thailand. It has been directly linked to the increased pollutants in our environment. Why should I be cavalier?

I am not talking to you directly impulse but in general beetle juice and Naam who may be alternate egos have talked about "balls." At least I fight for something I believe in and that make sense to me. This is not an issue of chemical sensitivity but a issue of common sense. Not being needlessly poisoned is a good thing.

Now to be removed from all pollutants is impossible in these days. But why breath in known chemically and biologically polluted water and not care or try to do something simple to change it? And if you don't think the creek is polluted I welcome you to come to my house and have a cup full. Unfiltered. Straight no chaser.

Two if you like.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I was here last year during the smoggy season. I did not have a problem. But I do have problem breathing wet particles or droplets of water for some reason they seem to go straight into my body and I react. I am not hypersensitive and i have seen some people that are diagnosed as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and they can not be around perfumes. It's something about this water that makes me react. I ask again where can one get the water tested?

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I have no information but would a mask work if all that bothers you is the moisture carried chemicals. Not exactly sure how long you would have to wear them. Would it be OK shortly after the water sprinkling system is shut off.

Actually I believe the permanent solution is to change the water source.

As my helpful "friend" Naam has pointed out that since I like the place maybe I can pay for the sprinklers to be put on the public water grid. That is an elegant solution and probably cheaper than the 15000 baht complete water testing from CMU. (Hopefully. I don't know. Perhaps the "owner" is even willing to go "halfsies.") I will try to find out tomorrow when I talk with my broker. I want her to suggest this solution to the "owner." (Again finesse over balls.) But me offering to put forth my own money should help mend our communication breakdown and start us talking again. (I hope.) Thx for your suggestion.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

as you seem to like the house what about shelling out some additional money and have the sprinklers connected to the well water supply?

Yes I started to try to have that conversation. It went south really fast for some reason.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

for "some reason" you seem to be not only helpless but also resistent to advice. grow a pair of balls and good luck!

Naam read past posts before you stuck your foot in your mouth. I have said twice I liked you advice. Helpless? Hardly. I reached out and i got good advice from Thai Visa including yours. I have already investigated where to get water testing (an option) and how much (not an option.) Further I "liked" your comment and suggestion. (Look at your notifications lately?) I don't know what manliness has to do with it? Or "balls." I could have let the disagreement escalate until it was not about the issue anymore and about the landlord and I egos or use finesse and be patient. I choose the latter. The former has more "balls" the latter was smarter. You started off intelligent you ended up being a nitwit. That's why it is wise to shut up. Good luck to you too.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Water testing can be carried out at Chiang Mai University as per this old thread. Still valid or not, no idea, but a start.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/513023-well-water-testing/

Thx.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I was here last year during the smoggy season. I did not have a problem. But I do have problem breathing wet particles or droplets of water for some reason they seem to go straight into my body and I react. I am not hypersensitive and i have seen some people that are diagnosed as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and they can not be around perfumes. It's something about this water that makes me react. I ask again where can one get the water tested?

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

During my time in construction whenever staff came to me with a problem I used to send them away and ask them to come back to me with 3 solutions.

I asked for the quickest solution

I asked for the best solution

I asked for the cheapest solution.

In the end it was usually an economical best solution.

You have a list already, from timers,to changing the source to using standard tap water,closing windows to moving out.

Find the quickest, the best and the cheapest.....my guess is the timer clock will be the answer to all 3

I like how you think. But I don't think the timer is a good solution as I am a homebody and like to be at home. There is not a regular time I am away. I will talk to the broker as direct communication with the owner has broken down. I think changing the water source to tap water would be a good solution. I am willing to help pay for it as Naam suggested.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Take a sample and get it tested. Either its ok, or its polluted. Either way, you will know what to do next. If polluted, you can show the landlord the report and have him change the water source, or, allow you to leave on the grounds that the property has been "contaminated".

How can I start this process? Where do I go? Who do I ask? I like this suggestion?

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Shut the windows on the side of the house where they have the water sprinkler in the morning or when the sprinkler is in use. Also get an air cleaner to filter the air. Run your aircon more and make sure your filters are cleaned monthly.

I think it is a bit too much to ask that the sprinklers be shut off as the grass and bushes may die and take away the beautiful environment. It is very difficult to keep a nice lawn in Thailand.

After your year lease is up move. I think you should get a condo on the upper floors to avoid similar problems. It's not anyone's fault but you may have some health issues to address. You are a difficult person to please... very sensitive to your environment.

Sent from my iPhone using ThaiVisa app

thx. Did most of this already. Also have the aircon on dehumidifier mode. It helps a little.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

as you seem to like the house what about shelling out some additional money and have the sprinklers connected to the well water supply?

Yes I started to try to have that conversation. It went south really fast for some reason.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I have just moved into a new house. It is nice in many ways. Well thought out design and many amenities catering to western tastes. The "owner" is a farlang married to a Thai wife and was in on the design and construction of the houses that he "owns" that stand side by side each other in an area 20 minutes from CM. I have the middle unit. The houses have been around a while for years. Not just built but newly built in the last ten years. Very well maintained. These houses and the property is obviously the "owner's" baby. He has even put a few street lights in at his own expense. They have well maintained and beautiful gardens and the use of foliage and walls and fences to increase privacy. Plus there is a "stream"/creek in back.

Here's the rub.

When I first viewed the house I smelled and felt something in the air. Some faint chemical like smell that I felt had something to do with the water. Being chemically sensitive that was a immediate concern of mine. Interestingly, the owner informed me that they were changing the water source on the house I was being shown to the government water grid system . I asked him where did the water come from presently. He said. "Underneath." (English is his second language.) I thought... "Oh, ok well water or water table . That's Ok."

The rental broker that I have dealt with before reminded me that the previous house I was renting that I initially didn't like the smell in the house either and had my concerns and it was due to it be closed up and after I moved in and aired things out a bit it was fine. I kept that in mind. I also brought in a few friends and asked them if they smelled anything. They did not. Plus when I viewed it one final time in the late afternoon (not knowing that the timing was important) I hardly smelled anything and was not really bothered and chalked everything down to hyper-vigilance. So swayed by the beauty of the place I signed a year long lease gave the customary deposit and moved in. It's been less than a week. And I think I have found out the source of my original concern.

It's the creek that is only thirty feet in the back and runs the length of the "owner's" properties.

You see in the mornings the the automated sprinklers goes off and waters the yards. The first day I had spent the night it happened about 8:00 and I had all the windows open "airing out the house" as was my want and the mist of the sprinkler water vapor hit my stomach like a brick. My stomach started to bother me almost instantly and I knew that I didn't like breathing that water misting in. So I eventually shut all the windows after I figured out what was happening and found shutting them offered some relief.

I didn't really know what was going on. But through exposing myself to the water's mist and then seeking shelter inside I could deduce that my body didn't like the spray.

Here's the kicker.

I started to talk to the "owner" about my experiences. He than told me that the sprinklers water source is the dirty creek with unknown pollutants. And his defense was that the Thai Farmers uses this creek to water their crops! My thinking is that people use pesticides on crops too but you don't want to breath it in or get it on you. In other words just because it is used on crops doesn't mean it is good for you. That is why so many people want to buy organic produce these days.

Does anyone have any suggestions on this situation? I think it is reasonable to not to want to breathe in the spray misting of dirty creek with unknown pollutants. And even though it seems minute I appear to reacting to it. I have no idea of the health hazards. But if I don't want to drink it. I would think I don't want to breathe it in either. Does this make sense?

And for the inevitable dim wads that will circle around this thread hoping to draw blood and revel in another's misfortune.... I got your number and you will be ignored.

On the other hand..... I know there are lots of intelligent and thoughtful and experienced and helpful people here and I would appreciate and value your input, suggestions, remedies, approaches, and what have you.

Wisdom is found in the counsel of many.

In am in a little bit of a quandary. I can't afford to move again right away.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Off topic posts about Nigerians selling Dope in Bangkok removed, please do not hijack this topic.

Thx Rimmer!!

Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight!!!! (Wink. Wink.)