Samuipie

Oh, good idea!  I think we can get them at Tesko even those little sticky houses for bugs or mice should work great! 

Thanks for that.

My husband and I lived in one of those buildings while he was working in Bang Pa In. The space was about 200 sq. ft. but we've been living in Asia for so many years (Like Japan!) we have learned how to make do. The cost of ours was 350 Baht per month and they didn't mind our Soi Dog of 10 years with us.

While I had to give it a good scrubbing, it was not filthy by any means. The other tenants were nearly invisible because they all work and go to school so much they are barely home, however, friendly when greeted. They liked to practice their English and they help me with my Thai etc.

This building was cared for very well. That seems to be the ticket is to assess the funk factor upon inspecting. If the halls are filthy and stinky probably the apartment isn't maintained either. Look for cockroaches and heavy mold. It's good if someone smiles as you pass. Just pick up the vibes. We stayed a year and often think back to how happy we were there. The bus on the main street went straight to downtown.

5000 baht seems really high unless you have a bunch of appliances and stuff.

It worked for us!

These actions are not mutually exclusive! One may invest in personal vanity AS WELL as helping people in need. Ya can do both.

Thailand continues to be the number 1 medical destination in the world. Thai surgeons are internationally recognized for their exemplary work.

When it comes to surgery NEVER go for the cheapest!! Anything can happen during a surgical procedure, you want the back-up.

I recommend Bumrungrad Hospital in BKK. I have had several successful surgeries there. Dr. Teerasap is a miracle worker. But anyone on their staff is highly qualified.

Good luck and always be proud of anything that supports your self esteem.

I have lived and played in Thailand for more than 10 years. I have NEVER gotten Hep. B. Seems you just lucked out. For the record it is Hep C that leads to liver cancer not Hep B.

Hep B is usually contracted from bad food or someone not washing their hands before handling the food. Exotic stuff like raw oysters or the Sum Tum with the raw crabs in it are asking for trouble like parasites --- worse than Hep B !

I understand how having an operation is up to you. Next question is does it need to be operated on? or held in place with a brace till it heal's.

Somebody says it does others say it doesn't. While I am wearing braces I've sent my X-ray to my friends who are doctors and they consider that my case has to be operated. I don't want to fly to Moscow I just wanna know how it is to be opereated here?

There are fine doctors on Samui and especially at the Nathon Hosp. They have one of the finest Orthopedic Doc's in Thailand. Also go ONLY to Bangkok Samui for "real" doctors. If you are worried about price then you're not really sick. Now is not the time to go bargain shopping.

I don't know where you are, but Dr. Antika at Bangkok Hospital Samui is a lifesaver.

You are suffering from depression that is exacerbated by the valium.

You need a much clearer diagnosis and therapy. It isn't easy staying mentally healthy and it takes extra effort while in a foreign country.

Also Dr. Adul at BKK Hospital psych in Bangkok is a genius and a great guy.

You need support and proper diagnosis then the right medication for the job.

Don't give up. There is help in Thailand.

I went through every stage of Hell bringing my dogs from the USA and then trying to leave Thailand ten years later with my beloved Thai dog.

After the whole experience all I can say is DO NOT BRING YOUR PETS TO THAILAND.

Both my shepherds died, under horrible circumstances, their flights plus being taken by the Cargo people came to about 40,000 baht. The Thai people hated us for having dogs. Maids wouldn't work for us. Gardeners stayed away. Neighbors poison them. One died from Cobra bite.

The diseases they get here are vicious. The animals suffer. Then 10 years later I try to bring my Thai dog out of Thailand --- they lost her for 2 days, she was left in a crate filled with urine , no food or water until we found her. We greased more palms than I can count. Total cost and suffering = around $5000 US by the time she finished.

The whole thing was without question, the worst thing I ( and my pets) have ever been through.

Oh, and who will care for them when you need to go on Visa run or in hospital? No one or worse, these monsters that claim they care for your animal and you come home to a dead dog in a crate.

Please don't do this to yourself or your animals. Seriously.

As a decade long resident of Koh Samui I can tell you weather is very dicy every New Year so check with Thai weather reports.

Frankly I don't know what you will do with a 10 year old child during these very inebriated holidays, especially if you are house bound with rain.

Stay away from Chawang.

Chok Dee to you and family.

The concept of "saving face" is indeed one of the most culturally different phenomenon we encounter here as westerners. Despite being raised in Japan and growing up Buddhist I find this a most destructive behavior.

First, if we follow the Buddhist dhamma we aren't supposed to have a FACE as it teaches us to drop our attachments and willful desires. Face, as we see it in Thailand seems to be an expression of pure EGO as if one is above making mistakes.

Second point is how long Thais will hold on to the act of losing face and seek revenge even years later! They really seem to nurture this supposed insult against all sensibility.

Last, I don't even know half the time when I have done something that causes loss of said FACE. It's like suddenly the air turns cold and you wonder "What just happened? Whad I do? Help!"

I totally agree that it is a harmful, counter-productive concept that works against better communication and understanding for all.

Samui pie

I found everything I wanted on Ebay or you can have Kinokunya in BKK order for you. One time 12 years ago I ordered from Amazon and they charged me 3X the cost of the books!! So other options are out there.