mike2011

I paid next to nothing for the injection and about 1300 baht for the vaccine, so about 1340 baht in total. Public place in the sticks.

I bought the vaccine myself at a pharmacy with a prescription. In private hospitals their own pharmacies will be very expensive so walk out, cross the street and do your own shopping.

I trust 50 US $ at most should do the job in CM.

As I understand you there is nothing to see other than industrial establishments and an airport under construction plus a casino. Obviously not a relaxed place - I assume.

Anything worthwhile seeing or doing there for the non-gambling crowd?

The train is slow. Keep that in mind. There is along the way and close to Lopburi Wat Changsen, it has its own nearby train station (make sure the train stops there). http://<URL Automatically Removed>/thailands-travellers-tales/114362-chansen-museum-wat-chansen.html This link has nice photos and some further details.

If you go by train dont be fooled by the touts waiting for prey at the train station in Philok. The bus station is a bit further away - so do your homework on google maps.

Depending on your time budget you might prefer to get on a bus in Lopburi.

The time you save might allow you a visit to the Si Satchanalai Historical Park. I personally like that place much more than Sukothai. Between the two places is Sawankalok with a small national museum devoted to local pottery. This will help you to put the kilns in Si Satchanalai into context. Another side trip would be the Historical Park Kampanpeth. Also VERY worthwhile.

I like the train ride to Philok but it was getting a bit long (I took a train from BKK).

Any more details? Can you move on further inland? Food etc.? Not much on the web at least not by people who know Thailand and have local knowledge.

I did a google search and this came up on top

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/thailand

Rabies

Although rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Thailand, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends this vaccine only for these groups:

• Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for animal bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
• People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
• People who are taking long trips or moving to remote areas in Thailand
• Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.

The info tends to cover the OP's case. But then again such general info should be matched with input from local health experts, speak the docs and the hospital. The risk might be MUCH higher locally than in other regions.

I dont understand why people would gamble with their lives or give opinions/"advice" (??) that might endager somebody. Reminds me a little of debates about infection risks and condoms. Really irresponsible or plain stupid.

Harry - thanks for the info. I think that is what I got injected. Now I was more worried about contracting HIV through the vaccine in case it is based on human blood products.

I think this thread is very worthwhile. I recall descending into a sort panic one I realized the danger. I should have had informed myself a long time ago with peace of mind and then be prepared when the mishap struck me. So this thread might do the job for many who are not concerned now but could be in the future - I earnestly hope not though.

Thanks Harry, you got my point.

What I am taking from this thread is the important info on vaccinations that are made from human blood. Now I need to check what I got.

We get some good info put together here. We need also be clear about the two different discussions going on. 1) responsibility of the owner 2) health impact and its consequences

I am focusing on No. 2.

I somewhat fail to understand those posts that talk about probabilities when rabbies are a 100% a killer. Yes the law, the looks of the dog, the overall infection rate etc.

Let's see how the health system assess those probabilities in front of a breathing human: I was asked where the cat was. Then it was recorded that it had disappeared but notewas taken of the area in town (not CM). Now the result: No animal available - speak the poor kitten's brain was not open for inspection - means = you need a vaccination. This was public health service and not a money grabbing private health company running a hospital.

I most strongly urge anyone to discuss such matter with the RIGHT persons and these are nobody else than the local health/hospital staff. Many places are set up for these routine shots and have all the info they might need on local conditions. I am afraid however that the rule is no animal = vaccination and it makes perfect sense. Take no chances with your life no matter what others tell you.

As said above: I am uncertain about the sort of my vaccine and this qualifies my earlier remarks in this regard. Consequence: People should ask about it before the shot and probably ask about alternatives.

The Lopburi thieves are doing OK. Real masters you will find in Roi Et province at Ku Ka pronah temple (a few kilometer south of Suvannabum town). Nice Khmer temple with a resident monkey population. These friendly creatures are excellent beggars and also know how to open a backpack, take out a water battle, open that, and empty it without losses.

The Lopburi gang is badly obese (some of them) and a bit arrogant due to their movie fame.

Monkeys. One temple is invested with them. When I paid my ticket - temple is in ruins and a historical site - the guys gave me a rattan cane. I refused such brutal behavior and paid the price. Monkey on the head and scratching me. Seems in a former life we were related or had some other intimate contact. Well, I was less pleased to make the acquaintance than she was. These beast are aggressive and some are accomplished thieves. No joking. Once you have seen it, you'll believe it.

Go to the Thai railways website. Train run from about 4.20 AM to 10PM from the main station. All stop at BangSue and Dong Muang as well as some smaller stations (less well-known). The trip takes about 2.5-3 hrs depending on the train. A third class would cost you 30-40 baht. Second class is more comfy though. I tried both. For Lopburi 3rd class is fine.

The faster trains (you pay much more though) will gain you only a few minutes.

So depending on your location in BKK jump anywhere on the train and off you go. The train is MUCH more relaxing than going to Morchit and sitting on the bus. Some nice views and you will be almost as fast cos the train brings exactly to the right spot.

Google maps is pretty good for the old part of Lopburi. The famous Lopburi Asia hotel is an old Chinese place with inexpensive rooms. Compares well with the guest houses. Big enough to have vacancies all the time. Further up the scale you can find more fancy places but this will do if you like to keep the powder dry.

Since this problem is nothing special or unusual and as it is likely that other reader with the same concern will find this thread through google etc:

I went first to a private hospital and the vaccination would have cost me a trip to the US (east coast) and back. They use a vaccination that is "the best" and all would be perfect. I could not image that the farmworker would pay such money. So I went off to a public hospital the final bill including the vaccine was 3 % of the private place. I have no doubt that the private hospital's vaccine was great and would have produced the same results as that ordinay and cheap stuff I got. Months later I am still breathing.

These shots are a daily routine for all public hospitals anywhere in Thailand. So go to the cheap places and get the problem adequately fixed.

Perhaps our health experts here on the forum have some more precise input and could add some useful data.

There is not alternative to a vaccination. The ultimate cost (death) does not justify the savings. Plus: You're save from the next dog, cat, etc bite. One more thought: I am surprised how many expats/tourists discuss at easy the prices of a take-out from a bar and then are hesitating to pay less for a potentially life-saving simple procedure.

I had a similar problem and did some online reading.Well, I was off at 2 AM to the hospital for my treatment. The idea that the animal has to show clear symptoms might be wrong. Cats and dogs can kill you just licking a scratch. Lots kids die this way. Thus, any info from the owner is pretty much usless unless it is proper official documentation.

Yes, the shots were no issue at all. Just two injections in both arms 5 times (or was it 4 times?).

Dont wait. You might end up as an addition to the RIP thread.

Sorry for this bad experience.

HMMM.

You need to be sure that you get to the Aran bus station before 6 PM otherwise you're pretty much stuck as far as buses are concerned.

You can hop on BKK -Morchit buses and switch buses at Kabinburi for Chaosenchao (spelling?) unless you catch a direct bus to Ekkamai. I never took this bus if it exists. I saw their bus at Ekkamai bus station but then there was talk that the bus would meet with the one from Morchit at Kabinburi and passengers are transfered to the one from Morchit. So Kabinburi is probably your best chance.

Your plans also depend a bit on timing. Poipet can produce long queues at Thai immigration. Hours. I came last time with a 10 AM bus from PP which got me around 5.30 PM to Poipet. NOBODY in line. Just walked through. I had to spend the night in Aran but that was fine and I took the morning train.

I am definitely no friend of Vans as even if they are doing ok other drivers might not.

From what I gather from your posts you will probably need to take the 6 AM bus from PP. They drop you off at their own stations in PoiPet and it is a dollar on motorbike to the border checkpoint.

If you go by train just exit at the station in front of one of the temples. Within a 200 meter radius there are several inexpensive options. Just look around. All places are within less then 5 minutes from the temples, the museum, and, of course, the famous monkeys. Be aware of those though....

+1 Bus to Trat more comfy and less heart attacks. The trip from Trat to the border will still offer enough thrills to suicide seekers. The wait at Trat bus station will be short and just long enough for some fresh food.

The first train leaves Aran at 6,40 AM and will be around 1130 at a station rather close to the airport. You can either switch to the airport train or - faster - take a cab that would be less than 100 baht, the train is 48 bath.it is a scenic and reliable service and one of the trips I really like in Thailand.

A bus from Aran to Ekkamai bus station might be a better choice than the Morchit one.

I can confirm the OP's experiences. I was at the big place a few years ago. The physician gave a diagnosis that I knew to be wrong - he claimed I had STD. But who argues with the expert? So I swallowed the antibiotics and nothing changed. Then he sent me to a colleague and he gave me another diagnosis. Nothing changed and the pain remained.

So I went to the memorial and the physician told me to come back when their specialist would be in (in the evening). The man immediately understood the problem and gave me a diagnosis. The result was that the two doctors in the big place had caused me strong pain and worsened the problem through their examinations. I cannot be sure that they played a game but it was an obvious and age related issue that just needed some time to take of itself. On a visit to Europe I had a checkup and the diagnosis of the Memorial specialist was 100% confirmed. I wasted several thousand baht on the big place and got useless antibiotics for a condition that had nothing to do with bacteria (concussion). I also got a suggestion to undergo surgery without having performed the necessary checkup that should be the base of any such suggestion. Plus they caused intense pain. Ahh, I should add, they played the cancer scare game as well. The Memorial doc just laughed at the story and made a comment that summed up the other place. No need to add it here.

I never entered that big place again.

The memorial is a bit sub-standard in many regards but for simple stuff it is ok and those old docs have seen a lot of patients in their lives and have experience. PLUS they seem not to be under any obligation to milk their customers until their broke. In fact, they use the cheaper alternatives if possible.

You can take the Mukdahan Bus from the bus terminal at Pattaya North Rd and go until Aranyaprathet. There you will need to get from the bus station to border. There will be discussion with tuktuk drivers or the motorbike taxi folks.

For the border scams and evisa try the usual travel forums or google.

On the other side of the border you might hire a taxi or two depending on the size of the group. The famous scam bus will steal a lot of time from you and you might also be detained by the company in their SR "compound" in order to extort more money.

You can book online numerous hotels in the center of SR no problem.

I doubt that you will be able to rent a Van all the way to SR because of the border and law. If they saw so, it means they have another Van waiting on the other side.

You could, of course, also hire a Van in Pattaya to go directly to the border. Friends of mine did this years ago and it made sense financially. Plus you avoid the bus station tuktuk drivers.

SR has probably well over a million tourists per year and is a fully developed tourist center with all you might possibly need. So no worries. People who tell otherwise usually want to scare you in buying something overprices be it a transfer, a room, a guide, a tuktuk to the temples whatever you can think of.

Do a little reading about Angkor or get an official guide.

Depending on your time budget you might also like some more remote temples (Koh Ker for example).

Get up really early and be at the park around 5 AM. Then get back around noon, take a break and return around 3.30 to 4 pm to the park for the sunsets.

PM me if you like some more info and links to websites. Cambodia trips are very popular when it comes to play games. Seems failed real estate guys found a place where they can still use their lack of ethics.

Have fun. Angkor is a unique place and you will always remember it.

What about a restaurant/food thread here? I like some Vietnamese soup shops near the Olympic market for instance. The bakery info is certainly worthwhile to be easily available.

Somehow it is VERY easy to get info on bars and the like on the web. The few places with info on food 'stink' mostly as it is too often hidden advertising. A good example for this are the Indian restaurants in SR. I like the new TV Cambodia section as is it is a good addition that does not suffer from a heavy overemphasis on nightlife or the deplored self-promotion.

Maybe the wrong thread but..... anyone remembers Malaysian auntie? The place was first at the market on Suk which was bulldozed during the times of the brother whose sister currently serves as a/the model for the government. Later it reopened on Suk soi 8 in a small side soi. It was at the end on the first side soi on the left.

Later they disappeared and some f....s opened shop offering the finest Indian cuisine (who does not?) at inflated prices.

I always had a good meal at Malaysian aunties and the price was right PLUS never needed suddenly a bathroom following a visit or had that oily feeling in the stomach. Badly missed place even after years. Anyone know if they opened at a different location or knows a similar place? I like the Muslim Indian/Malaysian food much more than the 'original' and never got poisoned. Any help is greatly appreciated by myself and my tummy.

The Shop street 240 (also a branch in Tuol Kork)

Blue Pumpkin bakery

Delishop in the Intercontinental Hotel

Fresco (good multigrain bread)

Sisters All Day Breakfast Shop (they will do specialty breads to order) - near Russian Market

Madeleines Cafe-Restaurant-Bakery st 51 near ISPP

Comma a la Maison used to sell breads, haven't beenthere is ages so I don't know if they still do

Java I know has muffins & the like, not sure if bread

French bakery next to Savannah Mall

for Bagels only, Vego's

Deli in Le Duo restaurant for Italian bread (also great source for cheeses)

THANKS! On my net visit I will put the info to the stomach (test).

On a different note: Am I correct that we compare mostly PP, plus perhaps SHV and SR, with theThai province and not Thai centers?

In defense of the Thai province: A careful review of expat boards will produce a wealth of info on imports and local western production. Most is not well advertized and one needs to do some homework but usually once in the region the info pops up quickly. Who generally knows about the small delis in Surin or a German butcher in the sticks in Sakon Nakon? There are more examples.

Sheryl: As an administrator for this section - why dont you open a food thread with some stickys where we can collect the data? Say groceries, restaurants and other stuff that comes to mind. This way the discussion generates a practical product aside from entertainment.

There are fabulous whole grain breads to be had in PP, ditto meats and cheeses, but you need to know where to go.

Great, i got you almost half of the way. Now let's cross the finish line: WHERE?....

Baron: Next time in Sakon try the bakery at the old bus station for some apple struddle. Make sure you're there before cos I vaccum the place if i m in town. Nonkhai ask the German baker. You will love it - his bread and other treats. In CM is a good German baker that even does Stollen during Christmas time. I dont want to hijack the thread with a long list of good places (especially as Sheryl still owes us the PP info on HER bakeries). Maybe the mods could add something like a bread sticky in the Thailand food section and we post our info there. This way the info would be easily available for all the hungry.

So SheryL where is the bread?

No need to argue about a baguette and some sorts of pastries. BUT - what about some nice sour dough or whole grain bread? I think Thailand wins by a good margin thanks to its German bakers. Big C Extra is also pretty good. Perhaps not all locations but most.

My wanderings in SHV ended without much success in SHV. PP and SR were better and I found some of the cheaper places surprisingly good in SR as they had this 50% off past 6 PM (or was it 7?).

I have no doubt that some really good places are around but at a price. This means they sell treats rather than daily staple. I know of good bakeries in Isaan (e.g. Nonkhai), in the North anyhow and the urban centers are well covered. Cambodia lacks this artisanal producers. Interestingly, I found it surprisingly hard to come by a decent Croissant. Bottom line: While Cambodian has this phantastic French tradition is has been weakened while in Thailand the strong tourist and expat presence sustains numerous small shops and also some nice pastry/bread departments in the major supermarkets.

I think the same holds true for locally produced sausages, hams, and within limits for cheese.

It is of limited value to use established modes of comparison which are employed in discussions of industrialized nations in the case of Laos. The average wage or income does not mean much in a country where subsistence agriculture is still important. Questions about taxation, health case and government services also need to be considered. Economists usually fail to comprehend the complexities of society and reduce to favor their simplistic growth models.

The Laotian economy can hardly be analyzed along the lines Australia, the EU, or the US might be.

I m confident that the villagers south of Luang Namta are terribly worried about the prospects of Australia.

The question for Laos is not one of decline but of rising Chinese influence and economic penetration. Let's hope the country finds a way to avoid developing into something like a Chinese colony.

at superrich the rate is today (see their webpage) 32.75 / 32.80. It took the baht a bit over a week to weaken by 0.8 baht. Other Asian currencies have also nicely weakened by about 7-8% this year alone.

My take is that the Thai bankers overstate the influence of domestic politics. The 2014 withdrawal from Afghanistan will help European and US budgets plus the recovery is there, slow but it is real. Unfortunately, not all participate but for the foreign exchange rates it hardly matters.

The Thai bankers hope for 34 baht might come true by january not at the end of the year and 35 and above are well within reach.

If the condo bubble bursts depends on how well the banks have checked their customers this time around. If those can withstand losses for some time the landing might be softer than many expats would hope. The banks have not much real estate on offer at attractive prices that is. If someome has better info please let us know. It is an importan topic for almost of all us or at least most of us.