GarryP

What is the air quality like up there in Udon? Will be moving quite close at the end of the year. Just hoping it is better than Bangkok.

Yeah, so useless it is now available under the NHS in the UK and the Australian equivalent. There are numerous studies by independent organizations that have found it to be a cost effective treatment for BPH. Obviously, it is not suitable for everyone.

It is expensive because it is new and competition is still low. But as more hospitals start providing the treatment the costs are likely to drop due to competition. I recall the cost for the delivery device (needle injection thing) was about USD 1,300 (@53,000), so once the cost of the machine has been recovered, the recurring equipment cost will be limited to the delivery device.

Sorry, that is just not true. Yes, for some men their condition started to worsen again after 3 to 4 years, but that is the minority. The problem is that the treatment only was only approved in 2015 so historical data only goes back 5 or 6 years. Hence the window of data that is available. However, according to numerous studies most Rezum patients did not need to be retreated or to go back on meds at 5 years. Hopefully those patients will now be at 7 years and not need to retreatment.

Actually since September 2021 when it was approved by the Thai FDA. I had the treatment in October 2021.

I have purchased land in Kalasin and am in the process of having my house built there. When I retire at the end of this year after 40 years of living in Bangkok, I will move there. While the air in Kalasin is not great at times, it is a damn sight better than smokey BKK, but as mentioned by a few posters boredom could be a serious issue that needs to be addressed.

Yes. The cost index is per sqm. I received a number of quotes from different companies ranging from Baht4.2m, 3.6m, 2.8m and 2.25m for a 182sqm one storey house. The costs came out to slightly under the Medium costs for Line 5. As you will note, the costs vary greatly and the company that quoted 4.2m would not build with AAC blocks, only red brick, so it was the first to be knocked off the list.

That would only be the case if the property was bought after they were married. Property owned by either party prior to marriage remains the sole property of the respectice party upon divorce. Only assets acquired post marriage will be considered shared assets, in which case such a decalaration may be required for purchased property in the case of marriage between a Thai and a foreigner.

AIS. Mine sometimes gets quite slow in the evening/night. Last night was terrible.

I was going to go with single thickness 15cm ACC block walls, but they were not readily available where my house is being built so I went with 7.5cm blocks and cavity walls instead. As to cost, two 7.5cm blocks were cheaper than a single 15cm block so there was cost saving on the blocks but added expense for the mortar and labour. Still glad that I ended up going with cavity walls though.

Don't say that. I was just about to buy front row tickets.

The latest news is that Srisuwn is filing charges against all those who have donated funds to his attacker. This is not a joke, but still funny. ????

I thought the government introduced a minimum starting salary of 15k for those with a university degree.

I'd check out median salaries rather than average. It gives a better picture.

Yes, he has filed a few reasonable complaints but they are the exception rather than the norm now. For every 20 or so frivolous complaints filed against those who do not support the current regime, their lackeys, etc, he'll file one against those in power. It's almost as if it is a token gesture to show he is not biased, which is <deleted> - as can be seen by his latest charges against a Thai comedian for disparaging the government, claiming it may damage state security.

Srisuwan: How dare you say that! I will now go down to the local clink and file charges against you for defaming Thailand.

There needs to be a restraining order put on him and he not be allowed within 200 meters of any police station. Nor should he be allowed to use the phone to call any official numbers. He's a nut job, serial complainer who is wasting time.

This might give a rough idea. From my experience, material costs are higher upcountry but labour lower.

Drug use is a big problem out in the sticks. My soon to be next door neighbour's son is an addict, i.e. a policeman's son. I was actually quite surprised at how pervasive it is now.

I am interested in your type of widows rather than going with window bars. I think if you factor in the costs of window bars, your option is unlikely to be much more expensive (I am really guessing on this). Where did you order your windows if you don't mind me asking?

You only need to add those knife proof security screens and you are totally covered. I don't think bars are an option for homes with very large windows/sliding glass doors. It would look like a cage.

No window bars/ anti-theft bars/ monkey bars or whatever they are called? I don't think my wife would agree to depend solely on cctv for our new build.

It is not uncommon for ganja to be added to food such as noodles, and other broth based meals as it supposedly enhances the taste. Not at levels which will make you high though. This has been going on for decades if not longer.

I'd give up my British citizenship if I had to choose between Thai and British. In the UK I only have my father, step-mother and half sister. Having lived here for 40 years, I have no ties to the UK other than that. It's a no brainer really. Obviously, I won't be proactive in surrendering my British citizenship though.

I would be very hesitant to sell up. I have heard some horror stories and know a couple of families who sold up their land thinking they would be able to have a better future with money to buy this and that and invest in stuff. It didn't work out. There were no plans for a sustainable lifestyle, it was just the feeling of having a load of cash in hand. The money was gone very quickly and they were then worse off than before they sold the land. One family ended up renting land for farming to make a living, but at least they now have a house and a pickup truck. Sad, but not uncommon. Money management skills, or rather lack thereof, seems to be a major problem in Thailand and is not taught by parents or in schools. As a result there is a massive personal loan and credit card debt problem here and just about every civil servant is in debt. Crazy situation. Hold on to the farm Owl. It is also a great place for you to spend time with Mildred, feeding fish, planting this and that, teaching her about wildlife, plants, farming etc. and generally enjoying each others company outdoors.