RikDao

I was always, fascinated, in my life, about ghosts and paranormal activities.

Ive heard and read, thousands of Ghost stories and appearances all over the world.

I thought that England had the lead on Ghost stories till I came to Thailand.

Thais, do believe that ghosts exist, and many have seen them also.

Every day we read about a ghost story in Thailand and I cant understand the reaction of so many members on TVF condemning or ridiculing the Thais.

Why?

Why, would I believe some ex-pat members and not the experiences of a whole nation?

Why wouldnt members give the Thais the benefit of the doubt?

I would like to hear your opinions on this subject.

A long time ago some people thought the earth was flat and the sun revolved around it.

Those beliefs were prevalent in Europe, anyway, and not all that long ago, maybe 20 generations back.

If we're talking about ghosts being spirits, as in astral entities, put me in the believer column, all the way. Nothing to be afraid of there, either.

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Saw the headline on this and thought, Hmmmm, this a good thing to discuss here?

Is this a real thread? size of a supermarket.......yawn

Stay tuned we do hamburger threads and pizza threads.

Buckle up and get ready for the ride of your life.

Oh wow, been craving a good cheeseburger. Got one of the Rimpings to grind up some kind of marbled meat for me. Cost more, but it was tasty!

When I spent time in New Delhi roughly 20 years ago, there were large mansions in neighborhoods that were built by the British in which wealthy Indian families now lived. And there were ramshackle squatter camps between the mansions with no utilities. The squatters never bothered the families and v.v.

--------------------

I haven't been in India in years.

But when I was in Bombay (yes, it was still called Bombay then) there was a very expensive nightclub close to my hotel.

At night I used to see the wealthy Indians and their wives with jewelry on going into that nightclub. The admission fee alone for the night was ,more than the beggars sleeping outside the nightclub could get begging in a month.

The wealthy Indians and their wives in their beautiful gowns and Saris would actually step over the sleeping beggars to enter the nightclub without even looking at the beggars.

Thailand is nothing compared to that.

Often an entire makeshift camp (with 100+ residents) will grow up around one water faucet sticking out of the wall around a mansion. If the rich people ever turned the water off, the whole place would have to move. I was in India in 2011, and infrastructure-wise, Thailand seems like West Germany in comparison. (BTW, not that I care, but plenty of people in Bombay and elsewhere still call it that).

To me, Thailand is extremely interesting, and very attractive. Place was off the radar for westerners until a few hundred years ago, and they've been compelled to modernize fairly quickly...

No question about it, Chiang Mai has had its ups and downs since it was founded in 1296 by King Mengrai.

The period of the city's build-up was followed by what historians agree was the Lanna Thai's golden age, c.1400-1525. The high-point came in 1477 when the 8th Buddhist council [sangayana] opened in Wat Jet Yot, establishing the importance of Chiang Mai in countries where Theravada Buddhism was practiced.

Under King Tilokarat the Emerald Buddha was brought to Wat Chedi Luang and the city prospered like never before

Chiang Mai's decline began during the reign of King Khetchettharat [1525-1538], at the end of the Mengrai Dynasty. There was a period of chaos before Lanna Thai became a dependency of Burma in 1558.

Burma's policies fluctuated according to its own internal situation. Direct control alternating with periods of laxity when Chiang Mai nobles were allowed to participate in its administration.

Nevertheless, resistance to Burmese rule continued until they were finally driven out in 1774. This was followed by a period of nearly twenty years when the city was deserted.

Chiang Mai was refounded at the turn of the 18th century by King Kawila and flourished until the end of the 19th century when it lost its sovereignty to the central government in Bangkok and was incorporated into the state of Siam.

The 20th century began with Chiang Mai being subjected to political and business interests that effectively marginalized the local people - the Kohn Muang.

There seems to have been something of a revival in the 1960s, and when I first came in the late 70s the city was full of life.

The mid-80s saw a building boom that transformed Chiang Mai out of recognition. The modern city we see today co-exists with traditional ways of life that are still here, like the remains of past dynasties that are to be seen everywhere.

Wow, fascinating. Serious. I love reading about SE Asian history, and esp about Thailand and Chiang Mai. Can you recommend any interesting books? I'm reading a book right now about SE Asia in general. Talks about Vietnam being different from all the others (not counting the Philippines) because it was heavily influenced by China early on, as opposed to India.

Interested in local history? Welcome to the club!

But it's a rather small club, and we get quite lonely at times... new members are greeted with open arms... no English reserve here.

For an overview start with: A History of South-East Asia, by D.G.E.Hall [st. Martin's Press], first published in 1955, it has been revised and reprinted many times since then. It is a classic that has never been surpassed.

For Northern Thailand: A Brief History of Lanna, by Hans Penth [silkworm Books 1994]. There has been a recent reprint by the same publisher.

Dr.Andrew Forbes is probably the dean of Chiang Mai historians at present. His series of ebooks, Ancient Chiang Mai, vols. 1-6, CPA Media, is a goldmine of interesting information.

My ongoing topic, Chiang Mai Farangs - In Perspective, on this forum, might be of interest to you as well.

Otherwise, many first-hand accounts have been reprinted, notably by White Lotus and Silkworm Books. Suriwong Book Centre on Sri Dornchai has an excellent selection of local history books. Also check out the used bookshops; there are two very good ones on Chang Moi Kao, and others around town as well.

The first farangs to take up residence in Chiang Mai were American Protestant missionaries in 1867. They were followed soon after by British teak wallahs. Both these groups left extensive records of what life in Chiang Mai was like in the latter half of the 19th century... and a fascinating history it is.

All the best to you.

Hey thanks! I live near Chiang Moi Rd, so I'm aware of those two bookstores. But I'll write these down, the ones you listed, and check 'em out.

I tell my Thai wife I'm interested in this stuff and I get a "Whatever floats your boat!" look in return. Hilarious. I'm sure you're aware of that syndrome.

the glory days of c/mai was pre 2006

since around then, the farung hustlers invasion arrived , plus the building explosion, and has taken it apart

the air/ noise polloution , over a year time frame, is very disturbing, and continuing to get worse, as each year rolls by

the traffic conditions , are seriously becoming horrendous, gridlocked at vital intersections at peaktime,whilst nimmihedin area is a real no go zone for the car driver 24/7

perhaps this sounds a bit of bitch, but the above are cold hard facts

cannot stop progress,and one has to adjust, as i have done

but c/mai pre 2006,was a retirees/ visitors dream , now???..J.M.O.

and a very nice morning to all

No question about it, Chiang Mai has had its ups and downs since it was founded in 1296 by King Mengrai.

The period of the city's build-up was followed by what historians agree was the Lanna Thai's golden age, c.1400-1525. The high-point came in 1477 when the 8th Buddhist council [sangayana] opened in Wat Jet Yot, establishing the importance of Chiang Mai in countries where Theravada Buddhism was practiced.

Under King Tilokarat the Emerald Buddha was brought to Wat Chedi Luang and the city prospered like never before

Chiang Mai's decline began during the reign of King Khetchettharat [1525-1538], at the end of the Mengrai Dynasty. There was a period of chaos before Lanna Thai became a dependency of Burma in 1558.

Burma's policies fluctuated according to its own internal situation. Direct control alternating with periods of laxity when Chiang Mai nobles were allowed to participate in its administration.

Nevertheless, resistance to Burmese rule continued until they were finally driven out in 1774. This was followed by a period of nearly twenty years when the city was deserted.

Chiang Mai was refounded at the turn of the 18th century by King Kawila and flourished until the end of the 19th century when it lost its sovereignty to the central government in Bangkok and was incorporated into the state of Siam.

The 20th century began with Chiang Mai being subjected to political and business interests that effectively marginalized the local people - the Kohn Muang.

There seems to have been something of a revival in the 1960s, and when I first came in the late 70s the city was full of life.

The mid-80s saw a building boom that transformed Chiang Mai out of recognition. The modern city we see today co-exists with traditional ways of life that are still here, like the remains of past dynasties that are to be seen everywhere.

Wow, fascinating. Serious. I love reading about SE Asian history, and esp about Thailand and Chiang Mai. Can you recommend any interesting books? I'm reading a book right now about SE Asia in general. Talks about Vietnam being different from all the others (not counting the Philippines) because it was heavily influenced by China early on, as opposed to India.

Welcome!

And yeah, I'll try booking on the website next time.

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Went early, immigration was already crowded. They gave me a number and told me to come back at 2pm. Got back at 1:30, finally got my number called at 4:30. Lots of applicants slowed down the process by not having either pics or copies of relevant passport pages; they had to go out back and stand in another line to get this stuff, while the immigration official (and the rest of the applicants) waited for them.

I showed 'em my passport, with signed copies of the picture page, current visa page, most recent entry stamp, and departure card. Also, a letter from the US consulate with proof of sufficient income, plus a pic, and that was it. They weren't interested in the documentation regarding my living arrangements.

The time spent with the immigration official was less than ten minutes, but had to wait another hour for the final sign-off from another official. Simple, uneventful, even a little bit amusing while I waited, as I ran into a couple of friends, chatted with a couple of strangers, etc. My best bud was a completely animated little 9-year-old boy from Bangladesh who spoke practically Oxford English. His mom kept telling him not to bother me, but I encouraged him, his charisma on full display for everyone! All the officials were polite and helpful. As far as the applicants, when their names and nationalities were called to come retrieve their passports, most were from the US, with the UK second, Myanmar third, and China fourth, for what it's worth.

Only stressed-out person I saw all day was a westerner who was involved in some sort of lengthy negotiations with some officials in the back office, seemingly trying to dig himself out of a deep pile of manure. Poor guy looked hung-over, kept gesticulating all over the place... Officials just dead-panned him. Maybe some kind of overstay thing.

Yeah, meant Phrae. Have one of those obnoxious word anticipator things.

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I'll add to Melon's: Keep reading a lot!

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Phrase.

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Thanks, I will.

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• Bubonic plague: a skin infection that can be treated with antibiotics see a doctor right away, symptoms are red marks on skin that turn black, heaving breathing, aching, and throwing up blood. The Bubonic plague, or Black Death as it was called in the middle ages, wiped out a significant portion of Europe’s population.
• Rat bite fever: most frequent in Asia, rat bite fever can take up to two weeks before symptoms develop like fevers and inflammation, penicillin is used for treatment.
• Arena virus: transmitted through the air where feces and urine are, causes flu like symptoms but can turn into internal bleeding. If exposed see a doctor immediately.
• Eosinophilic meningitis: this disease is also known as rat lungworm, it can also be transmitted through eating uncooked food like fish, snails, frogs, or freshwater prawns. Another way it can be transmitted is through contaminated foods such as lettuce. The symptoms are headache, neck pain, and vision problems. It is treatable, but you should see a doctor right away.
• Hanta virus: airborne virus, symptoms do not occur very quickly once they happen, they are similar to the flu and last about a week. If still sick heavy breathing can occur and you should be taken to a hospital because it can be fatal.
• Weil’s disease: transmitted through rat urine, it is often on contaminated food that people end up eating, shows flu like symptoms but can also cause jaundice and throwing up, is best to see a doctor right away.
• Typhoid: transmitted through feces and urine either airborne or from something contaminated, people will get high fevers, sweat profusely, diarrhea and rash of red spots. Treated with antibiotics, so see a doctor.
• Trichinosis: carried by rats, but they get it from pigs, it is a worm that can get inside of your intestines. Nausea, diarrhea, heartburn. Headache and chills are some of the symptoms best to go to a doctor right away.
• Murine Typhus: can be transmitted from the lice that live on rats, this is treatable with antibiotics and the symptoms resemble those of the measles or rubella.

Gosh, seems like a short list. Never knew or heard of anyone getting any of these, however. But keep wearing your face mask, I guess.

An estimated 21 million cases of typhoid fever and 200,000 deaths occur worldwide.

http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/divisions/dfbmd/diseases/typhoid_fever/technical.html

Thanks for enlightening me. Not trying to be argumentative, but typhoid fever is rare in Thailand, right? I think it's more prevalent in areas without running water.

Put me down for no reincarnation

no gods

no devils

no spirits

no ghosts

no heaven

no hell

no angels

no witches

no magic

no tooth fairy

no santa claus

no horses with wings

no coming back from the dead

but in saying that the most proof I've seen for any of the above was finding 20 cents under my pillow a few times in place of a lost tooth

I do believe in stupid, gullible people though

Hahahahahahah! You sound like the kind of guy who believes in the tooth fairy!

We as I posted, i have seen more proof of tooth fairy than of any god or reincarnation. But no, maybe you don't get the humour......it's all superstitious crap.

Ummm, I got it, guv. Did you get mine?

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Put me down for no reincarnation

no gods

no devils

no spirits

no ghosts

no heaven

no hell

no angels

no witches

no magic

no tooth fairy

no santa claus

no horses with wings

no coming back from the dead

but in saying that the most proof I've seen for any of the above was finding 20 cents under my pillow a few times in place of a lost tooth

I do believe in stupid, gullible people though

Hahahahahahah! You sound like the kind of guy who believes in the tooth fairy!

• Bubonic plague: a skin infection that can be treated with antibiotics see a doctor right away, symptoms are red marks on skin that turn black, heaving breathing, aching, and throwing up blood. The Bubonic plague, or Black Death as it was called in the middle ages, wiped out a significant portion of Europe’s population.
• Rat bite fever: most frequent in Asia, rat bite fever can take up to two weeks before symptoms develop like fevers and inflammation, penicillin is used for treatment.
• Arena virus: transmitted through the air where feces and urine are, causes flu like symptoms but can turn into internal bleeding. If exposed see a doctor immediately.
• Eosinophilic meningitis: this disease is also known as rat lungworm, it can also be transmitted through eating uncooked food like fish, snails, frogs, or freshwater prawns. Another way it can be transmitted is through contaminated foods such as lettuce. The symptoms are headache, neck pain, and vision problems. It is treatable, but you should see a doctor right away.
• Hanta virus: airborne virus, symptoms do not occur very quickly once they happen, they are similar to the flu and last about a week. If still sick heavy breathing can occur and you should be taken to a hospital because it can be fatal.
• Weil’s disease: transmitted through rat urine, it is often on contaminated food that people end up eating, shows flu like symptoms but can also cause jaundice and throwing up, is best to see a doctor right away.
• Typhoid: transmitted through feces and urine either airborne or from something contaminated, people will get high fevers, sweat profusely, diarrhea and rash of red spots. Treated with antibiotics, so see a doctor.
• Trichinosis: carried by rats, but they get it from pigs, it is a worm that can get inside of your intestines. Nausea, diarrhea, heartburn. Headache and chills are some of the symptoms best to go to a doctor right away.
• Murine Typhus: can be transmitted from the lice that live on rats, this is treatable with antibiotics and the symptoms resemble those of the measles or rubella.

Gosh, seems like a short list. Never knew or heard of anyone getting any of these, however. But keep wearing your face mask, I guess.

I ate some rat last year. Tasted like snake. Well, not really, both tasted like a bunch of spicy chillis.

I like rats, though. Very resourceful and intelligent, just like humans. I know, yeah, they spread diseases, just like...

They get little love and respect, so I try to give 'em some. I'm serious.

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There is ZERO proof for reincarnation, stop believing this crap, or at least if your'e gonna believe it believe in any ridiculous statements.

The world is made of cheese and has a centre of custard but we dont know as we are fooled to think its something else like rocks n stuff as we are all implanted at birth with a chip which masks all of this.

21st century with prehistoric thinking.

Goodness gracious. What???

I haven't changed my mind since coming to Thailand; I still believe in reincarnation.

I used to jokingly use the concept now and then when trying to ingratiate myself with selected females, and yeah, it even worked sometimes: "I was your love slave in a past life..." Hey, I agree, sounds kinda creepy, but it depends on how you say it, and when. My old daddy told me, if you can get 'em to laugh...

Still believe God exists, too, although God has nothing to do with reincarnation (I believe). Of course, we ALL know that believing in something (or not) has nothing at all to do with whether something is true (or not), right? But, does anyone ever say something like "Reincarnation is for real, yeah, but I don't happen to believe in it..."

If it was a single remote I would believe it was misplaced, since it are 2 remotes that are at different locations usual, the chance that they are misplaced at the same time is very small.

I have checked all trousers, all couches, all drawers in the past 2 hours. They are definitely gone.

Can he stand outside your house at night and change the volume and selection on your sound system?

Hahahahahahah!

OK Bookie, can't believe I actually read as far as your post in this surreal thread, but apparently I did. Thanks for waking me up so I can move on to something else!

Thanks for all the replies.

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No, you will not loose your medicare benefits in the US.

Thanks. It didn't make sense that I would.

I recently read that I would lose all benefits in the US once I get a retirement extension here in Thailand. I know Medicare is not valid here, but I plan to go back and forth and I still own property there, I'm still a citizen there, etc.

Anybody know for sure? Thanks for your input.

Pretty much the same in our home except its the dogs that get it, not other people.

Although it has to be said, some of the stuff the wife and daughter eat I couldnt even look at it. Makes me wonder if all that chilli etc and "nampik" has somehow given them protection or immunity as they cover it on everything and I could never understand how they can actually taste anything other than the chilli.

Uhh, yeah, per'aps?

Hot peppers are an integral part of the diets of most hot climate countries worldwide, due to refrigeration issues. The peppers are meant to kill off worms and fly eggs, etc. Seems to me that Korea is one of the furthest north countries to use extensive amounts of hot peppers in their cuisine. Korea also uses copious amounts of garlic...