tom yum goong

85k - bargain

walnuts are also apparently very good for omega-3 fats but i can't find them here in Phuket.

were they live? the only time i've been offered yum mod daeng they were still alive and walking about. didn't seem too appetising.

i can confirm that it is a scanner for paying bills by ATM, and as mentioned above only works with some bills. Of course u must have an account at the bank that the ATM belongs to in order to use it.

Malaysia is an oil producing country.

From Wikipedia:

The government predicts that at current production rates Malaysia will be able to produce oil for 18 years and gas for 35 years. In 2004 Malaysia is ranked 24th in terms of world oil reserves and 13th for gas. 56% of the oil reserves exist in the Peninsula while 19% exist in East Malaysia. The government collects oil royalties of which 5% are passed to the states and the rest retained by the federal government.

The more conservative and certainly safe method is to have a dentist make customized bleaching trays for you. These are used several times at home, and, again, it does work.

I don't think its several times. I think its something like you have to wear the bleaching tray while you sleep every night for 3 weeks.

Toyota are advertising their new D4D (diesel) engine on the Vigo as doing 38.19 km per litre!

I realise that this would be under ideal conditions but still, I don't think there are many petrol engines that come close to that.

This is sad news indeed

R.I.P. Stevo, you're a legend.

a list of schools in Phuket here:

http://www.phuket.net/phuket-living/schools.htm

My advice: cook your own meals at home.

I second this advice.

If you want to eat healthy in Thailand and u can't afford to eat at expensive restaurants (where they use high quality ingredients and are health conscious) every meal, you have to cook for yourself.

I found this to be a great site which explains why particular types of food are healthier than others and also gives recipe ideas:

http://www.whfoods.com/foodstoc.php

wow, if Baan Yin Dee is mid-range I'm definitely not getting paid enough

My Phuket is in Samkong, Phuket Town:

Samkong Dental Clinic

its just before the Samkong intersection on Yaowaraj rd. not expensive and pretty good.

info and schedule here:

http://www.phuketvegetarian.com/index_eg.htm

4000 baht/ month: small 1 floor terraced house in a dingy and noisy area

8000 baht/ month: small 2 or 3 bedroom house, not bad for Thai standards.

12,000 baht/ month: modern 2 or 3 bedroom, approaching western standards

16,000 baht/ month: ditto, but slightly nicer area

decent sized house large enough to create an oasis of monastic like peace and quiet.?

For a nice house I guess you'd be looking at least 20,000 if its not near the beach. Double it if u want to be near the beach.

However, u can get a half decent place for about 10,000 - 15,000 somewhere like Chalong. It wont be big or luxurious but it should be approaching western standard.

whats to stop a rabid dog walking across Sarasin Bridge? I assume they wouldnt normally have to go through the police checkpoint.

don't scrimp on your power supply. Go for the best your budget will allow. I found out the hard way and had to buy a new mainboard

I would imagine that the nice sales man/lady will be getting a fat commission from the insurance company that they are pushing. Should be cheaper to sort out your own.

Hi Ozy

Not a doppler map but quite detailed information here:

http://weather.phuket-info.com/

just noticed there is a satellite image here:

http://weather.phuket-info.com/satellite.htm

I wouldn't want to be driving from town to the near the airport everyday to go to work, but its certainly doable, should be around 30 mins drive.

Personally I would look for a place in Cherng Talay. Its near the airport, beaches (Bang Tao, Surin etc.) and there's plenty of restaurants and bars nearby.

9,000 baht should get you something quite ok as long you do your homework and look around. Cheaper places aren't always advertised in the Gazette so best to drive around the area you are interested in and look for "For Rent" signs. Take a Thai friend along to negotiate.

Hi Ciggie, that would be awesome if i could only get the thing to work, keeps saying:

"Sorry, but this script has been called from a domain that is not authorized to use this script."

chair on a knee board?

you'll be doing plenty of face plants thats for sure

bump

are you up for coming JD?

Sunday at 11 if u feel like it.

hi berries

i'm one of those luk krueng children who studied abroad (boarding school and uni in the UK) and now work in Phuket. i'm 26 and moved back to Thailand 2 years ago.

i could be earning a lot more money in the UK, i earn slightly more than 50k but not much however, after nearly 13 years studying and working there all i could think about was moving back here. i guess its down to quality of life. i'm still young but I know i'm not advancing my career very much by working in Phuket. But thats not why i'm here. this is paradise for me and i am enjoying myself.

i also know i could be earning more in Bangkok, maybe try and get a posting from the UK to work out here, but i grew up in Bangkok and i know i couldn't live there again - i can't stand the pollution and traffic.

maybe after a few years i will go back to the UK and continue my studies, then get a job and work for a few years there. But if i had to choose a place to settle down, it would be Thailand.

if you have the option, i think its important that you get them a western education. there will be so many more options open to them.

TYG

Its comparable in price to Acer in Thailand too.