Batty

Just wondering if anyone can suggest a lab, or home test kit, for a full gut Microbiome test in Thailand?

I have seen a few UK/US companies online offering the service but wanted to know if there is a Thai equivalent? 

Bumrungrad do it, but the 'package' is a ridiculous 40,000 baht. The home test kits in UK/US run for around (equivalent of) 5000 to 15000 baht. Would be great if there was a Thai equivalent?

Context: wife's guts have been ravaged by H Pylori for a few years, it is improving, thankfully, but after a few years of various medicines, prodding,  and poking, she wants to make sure her gut biome is in reasonable shape. Well, I do - and she's ok with it. 

She asked the doctor at local military hospital here in Udon but he apparently gave her the usual "Mai dai". Either he can't be bothered to get involved or has no clue such a test exists lol. 

And yes I know a good pro biotic & natural yogurt, kimchee etc will help restore gut bacteria, but would be good to learn what kind of shape it's in.

I'm not playing doctors here, by the way. It's been a hell of a problem over the last few years and the level of care has been a bit crappy - honestly, it has - so I'm just trying to be a little proactive, that's all. 

I'm assuming they are, but the wife seems to think they will all be closed on a Sunday. That's doubtful, isn't it? I mean the pharmacies in between Nanna and Asoke will be open, I would have thought?

Edit, I changed my mind. Sod it, going to fly instead like a normal person. Thanks anyway.

I'm gonna get trolled for posting this lol, I just know it 😁

I am thinking of getting the sleeper train from Udon Thani to Bangkok. Does anyone know if you can have a cheeky cigarette out of the window still?

Not in the carriage, obviously, but you used to be able to go in between carriages and pull down the window. You know, that sort of dark area where the carriages link together.

It's been maybe 17 years since I got a train though, so I don't know if it's still the case?

I know, I know. It's pathetic, I agree. But like it or not, I smoke, and the ability to smoke is looking like a deal breaker lol. If not, I'll fly.

Just thought it would be nice to get the train, as it's been so long 🙂

I was wondering if you guys could point me in the right direction for buying a UPS? I am not very computer savvy and I am finding the whole thing a bit confusing.

I recently bought an all-in-one desktop. The electricity here can sometimes be a little patchy, with blackouts for an hour or two every couple of months. Apparently, I need a UPS to ensure the safety of my computer when a blackout happens. The other thing is, sometimes these blackouts come with power surges where the electricity comes on with bursts of low voltage. There might be enough power to keep a lamp running, for example, without any air con units.

It doesn't happen very often, but I worry it will damage my AOI eventually.

So I looked on Lazada, and there are a ton of options available. I could do with spending just 2-3000 THB if possible. Do I grab literally any UPS within the price range? I would have liked a UPS that auto shuts down the computer (through software) but I cant determine which of the UPS on Lazada do that. Probably none within 2-3000 THB? I have no idea. Obviously, everything is in Thai so it's impossible to know which one to go for.

I'm not sure what the point of this post is, in hindsight. I suppose I'm just asking if its ok to grab any UPS within 2-3000 THB on Lazada? I'm assuming in that price range they are all mostly the same?

Thanks

Batty

Was just wondering if anyone might know of a good doctor in this field.

My wife has been experiencing issues for a couple of years. I won't go into all the details, but we have tried lots of different herbal remedies in addition to the advice and testing of local doctors. Long story short, she has had issues stemming from an H Pylori infection. Her indigestion is next level, and she won't stop burping. She gets constant stomach aches after eating.

Local doctor at the 'army hospital' has checked and confirmed H Pylori previously and has done a gastroscopy. They found nothing serious in her stomach apart from an ulcer. They are saying she has IBS.

I would like to take her to see a real gastro doctor though. The current doctor is a general GP. She has always refused to go anywhere else as she is part of some cheap insurance scheme I'm not exactly sure what ti is but the army hospital charges nothing, or very little. It worries me that they might not be the most proficient though.

I went around a few hospitals today asking the reception staff/international staff if they has a gastro doctor who might be considered as having the best reputation. None of them seemed to know.

I have now convinced her to go see a real gastro doc at another hospital (I have been nagging about it daily/weekly for ages). Any ideas on a good doctor anywhere in the isarn region? WIlling to travel, although closer to Udon the better.

Appreciate it

5 hours ago, koolkarl said:

It is called global emergency.  Keep burning fossil fuels and the human race will follow the dinosaur fate by 2050.  I recall when it was so cold at night in CM, would shake in bed even with 2 layers of clothing, socks, etc.

If we keep burning fossil fuels, a meteor the size of Everest will plow into the Yucatán Peninsula?

15 hours ago, HappyExpat57 said:

Chanthaburi seems to have skipped the rainy season and it HAS been unseasonably warm. End of November we were cooling off, but jumped backed into hotter than usual. Even Thai teachers at my school are complaining about the December heat.

Yah, same here man. Usualy November is patchy, with a few days in the lower 20s here and there, but then most of December is late teens in the daytime, here in Udon. 2 or 3 years ago we had a solid 2 weeks of 10 to 14 degrees in the daytime, 8 to 10 evening. It can get really nippy here. 

So far this year its been hot every day.

Thanks for the replies everyone, appreciate it.

I was rejected owing to a small issue with the address on file. It was rectified in person, with no fine. 

So, it is actually 7 days grace period regardless of whether in person or online.

1 minute ago, ukrules said:

No, it's 14 days before or 7 days after if you do it in person.

 

Otherwise 2000 Baht fine is the norm - but that might vary depending on where you are.

 

I wouldn't be rushing down there too quickly, the fine will be the same even if you leave it until the next time it's due - I did that once and they didn't seem to care.

 

I forgot to do it so I waited until the next 90 days were done - 2000 Baht fine.

Thanks mate. So, technically, shouldn't the 10th be ok? Reporting was due on 30th and I applied online on the 10th. That should fall into the very last day of the 7 day window, you would think? 

I'm wondering why they rejected it then. 

I guess I'll find out tomorrow!

Like an idiot, I mentally got the dates wrong. I checked my passport on Sunday 10th and realized I should have done my 90 day report on Dec 3rd. I applied online anyway on Sunday 10th thinking (maybe wrongly) that you had 7 days grace either side of the actual date, meaning 10th - seven days after the 3rd - would be ok.

I just got an email saying it is rejected and I should go to nearest immigration. 

Any idea what is in store for me tomorrow - am I looking at a fine or something?

Am I wrong about the 7 days grace thing? 

Hi there. I want to try CBD oil (for various reasons), had a quick look on Lazada but I have no idea which seller is reputable and which isn't and the prices differ wildly. I "think" I want the full spectrum CBD (although I definitely do not want any THC). Any suggestions for a trustworthy online dealer? I basically want the best quality CBD that is out there from a reputable store if possible.

Appreciate it!
 

11 minutes ago, save the frogs said:

If you want to go to China, Dali is cool.

You would need to fly to Kunming and then take a 2 1/2 hour high speed train. 

Charming old town with old-style architecture. 

 

Thanks, I'll take a look at that. Appreciate it ????

On 6/18/2023 at 9:10 AM, sandyf said:

How about Luang Prabang, interesting town and as quiet or lively as you want. Bit of a bonus is many of the older Laotians speak Thai. My wife asked why and it stems from when they were young they only had Thai TV.

We went in Jan, flew from BKK and had 3 days in LP then took the new high speed train to Vientiane.  Bus from the station across the border, stayed overnight in Udon Thani and flew back to BKK following day, enjoyable trip.

Thanks - I'll take a look at that. I've never really been to Laos, not properly - visa runs to Vientiane many years ago and a quick 2 night stay in the Mekong once but didn't leave the main strip. Always fancied seeing Laos properly. I'll have a good look at LP today. Cheers.

On 6/17/2023 at 1:23 PM, TheFishman1 said:

So you only been here 20 years and asking advice where to go for your birthday and you’ve mentioned all the places you’ve been to strange

Huh? I'm baffled. Your implying something but I can't figure out what exactly. It's strange that I listed all the places i have been? I mean if I didn't mention the fact I had been here a while and list the places, everyone would suggest the usual places, and I would have to reply "already been there" to every suggestion, wouldn't I.

Or I am lying about having lived here 20 years? What would be the point of that in a completely anonymous forum thread?

Instead of farting around with thinly veiled implications why don't you just come out and say whatever it is you think instead of being cryptic lol?

Always one, isn't there. Some pillock sat behind a keyboard with a Luke warm Leo, trolling perfectly normal posts. It never ceases to amaze me lol. 

On 6/17/2023 at 3:35 PM, robertson468 said:

Why not take the 4 day Cruise from Singapore.  Have just booked it for October and there are loads of activities on board, plus shore trips.

Thanks. That sounds like a good idea but I can't see anything about a 4 day cruise when I search. You mean a ship that departs from Singers? Or departs from BKK to Singers?

On 6/17/2023 at 1:20 PM, Lacessit said:

If you really want to splash money around, Le Meridien in Chiang Rai is 7000 baht/night. Swimming pool the size of a football field.

 Chiang Saen Skywalk, Phu Chi Fa, Wat Sang Kaew Phothiyan and the Mae Sai markets are all worth a visit. Charin Gardens on the 118 is a sweet-tooth paradise.

Outside Thailand, Vietnam. Danang beach, Dalat in the mountains, a Halong Bay cruise.

Happy fiftieth.

Thanks for the suggestion - we have stayed at Le Meridian a couple times in the past as it happens, done a few of the upmarket hotels in CM. Unfortunately my biz ended a few years ago and our 'baller' days are on hold at the moment (temporarily, hopefully) so that's a bit out of our budget right now. Great idea though, thanks.

On 6/17/2023 at 1:13 PM, richard_smith237 said:

Probably not if the the pun was intended.

 

But really, yep Japan is a great culture shock… Tokyo is awesome to walk around & really foodie !!!

Lol, took me a moment to realise what you meant by that ????

On 6/17/2023 at 1:10 PM, wwest5829 said:

To chill for a short time with friends. https://www.panviman.com/
 

I a not in anyway associated with them but, had I funds, I would consider a short chill stay. I live in Chiang Mai so this is a domestic recommendation. Air has cleared, place is up on Doi Suthep.

 

For a 50th, I think I would be tempted to visit Nam … beach or up in the cooler hills.

 

Happy mid-century mark!

Appreciate the suggestion, thanks. We have done CM to death though - actually just returned from a CM trip a couple months back. Thanks though ????

4 hours ago, bamnutsak said:

It's not me doing the "classification". You can Google "grey market".

 

Most/many/nearly all phones sold here, regardless of store-front characteristics, are legally imported, certified, OEM, real, original, with warranty. Generally though, I do recommend you buy from a manufacturer's certified on-line shop or brick/mortar shop. 

 

Perhaps the biggest issue, besides the warranty/service ones, with say a Pixel phone is that these are illegal to import, and probably to possess and use. They have not been certified by Thai authorities (NTC/NBTC).

 

If you want the phone, and there is nothing comparable (and there isn't re: Google Android UI, monthly updates (well no June update yet), years of updates, and understand the risks then go for it. But, chances are, there is a comparable model from a number of manufacturers, probably better bang for the buck too (given the mark-up for local availability).

 

 

 

Gotcha, thanks. That's what I thought, pretty much. I didn't go for the Pixel anyway - as soon as I realized there was no service centre here in Thailand I swerved it. Ended up going for a mid range Samsung in the end.

Like I said, stuff like this wouldn't worry me before but just lately I have been more conscious and aware of the fact that you can get stitched up quite easily. At the end of the day, how could you really know for sure if the phone you bought from a small dealer isn't tampered with? You don't really, do you. Slim chance and I doubt it happens a lot, but it can. It could easily be a refurb, or something.

I was close to buying a Samsung S22 from a dealer in Bangkok topseller on Lazada. He was telling me there is no warranty on the phone despite it being brand new, boxed, never opened. Only a 1 month seller warranty. I told him that as a new phone the 2 year warrenty should start from date of purchase but he was like "no not with this phone, this phone came from vietnam, so not have manufacturer warranty with Samsung." WTF? Should it matter where the phone came from? It's still a Samsung? A built in warrenty is a built in warrenty isn't it?

Does my head in a bit, the levels of sketchyness with stuff like this. Easier and safer just to buy from a big national branded store or manufacturer direct isn't it.

Really wanted that pixel though, what a cracking phone ????

It's my 50th coming up soon. I have a mate coming over from UK with his Mrs, and together with my Mrs we are after somewhere to go for a few days break.

Was hoping for somewhere different, but I have lived here 20 years and have been to a good few places a good number of times.

Can anyone suggest a decent place to fly to for 4 or 5 days, within a few hours of Bangkok? Somewhere touristy and interesting or just chilled.

I have already hit Samui, KP, Kanchanaburi, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Chiang Rai, Pattaya, Ranong, Rayong. Covered most of Isarn already but wouldn't fancy Isarn for a 50th anyway. 

Any suggestions outside of those? 

Is Railey Beach worth a visit or will it be rained out in mid July?

What about outside of Thailand? Other than Bali, Singapore, Hong Kong, Cambodia, Vietnam, Penang - been to all of those a few times.

Is Japan somewhere good to 'nip away' for a short break from Thailand? Taiwan maybe? China? 

I'm struggling for ideas here. This forum is full of well travelled people, was hoping to grab a suggestion or two if I could.

Cheers ????

On 6/12/2023 at 8:00 AM, bamnutsak said:

Buying a Pixel device here is "as is" with no warranty repair/service.

 

thainexusman might replace a DOA (if stocks permit), or offer a full refund, within some prescribed period, normally seven days. Ask for confirmation on DOAs.

 

I never, ever recommend (to others) buying a grey-market device here. In fact I strongly discourage it as the risks far outweigh the advantages.

 

 

 

Good advice, thanks. What exactly do you class as grey market though? Would that be anything bought outside of an actual branded shop? 

So in other words, buy all of your phones from the manufacturer store (online or physical) but never from a dealer?

It sounds like I disagree with you, just reading that back lol. I don't - just looking for clarification.

I never used to give a <deleted> about stuff like this before, but I have become a bit more cautious lately, for some reason.

8 minutes ago, malathione said:

My pleasure. He's been around for a while now and I first used him to get a Pixel 4. I haven't needed any repair work so no idea but I'd seriously doubt that he or anyone else offers that service simply because spare parts would not be readily available. Once you order, you do need to follow up, though, as he can be quite slow.

Yah I mean, thats the thing, isnt it - the chances of needing a repair are quite slim. I guess its just the notion of spending 31K and winding up with a glitchy problem, a few months down the line. Its never happened to me with any phone, ever. Sods law would dictate it happening in this instance though, lol.

Hmm. I am in two minds now. I did drop my last samsung and had to replace the screen, cant remember how much it cost, about 3K I think. But if that happend with the Pixel it would probaby mean importing a screen from Europe, then finding a guy to fit it, then sending it to Back from Isarn.

Sod it. I appreciate the heads up but I might swerve it, now i think about it. Ill just go for a Samsung again, safer bet I guess.

Hell of a phone though. Personaly I think it edges the S23 Ultra, its that good.

Cheers!

8 hours ago, bamnutsak said:

I also buy from thainexusman, and have for quite a few years.

 

Looks like he has nine (9) units (7 Pro) left. https://www.thainexusman.com/en/product/1246/google-pixel-7-pro-smartphone

 

Maybe consider the 7A? https://www.thainexusman.com/en/product/1322/google-pixel-7a-smartphone

 

These are U.S. variants, and may not support 5G on your current service provider here. Not a deal-breaker IMO. I use a Pixel 6 on DTAC, and LTE is more than fine for me.

 

For Samsung, the A54 5G looks quite nice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thats great - another thumbs up for this guy. Thanks. As mentioned int he reply above, the Pixel is out of warrenty in Thailand, does this guy offer a warrenty do you know? And outside of warrenty if there is an issue, will he fix?