tim armstrong

G'day all,

This one may be better posted somewhere else, but I thought some of you more experienced farmers may have similar experiences, or advice. My father in law is a retired Thai farmer with several small pockets of land around our district, which he now rents out to other farmers. One of these pockets is about 3 rai of jasmine bushes, planted by the current tenant some seven years ago. The tenant has paid 600 baht per annum, per rai, for the land for the past 7 years when he first started to rent it.

Father in law has decided to increase the rent, I think to 1000baht per rai, from this year, which is very cheap as this is good, fertile country. The tenant knows that my FIL really wants to let his only remaining son, farm the land with his wife. So the tenant got angry about the proposed increase and has destroyed all the jasmine plants by digging them up or chopping them off at ground level. To grow jasmine again would mean starting anew.

Being deep in rural LOS I would guess that there are no written contracts, or rental agreements governing termination of the agreement, or ownership of the plants. FIL is not wealthy, but I think is well respected by his peers in the area, and I don't think has been unfair to the tenant or treated him badly.

Does anyone know if FIL would be entitled to some form of legal compensation? FIL doesn't seem to know what to do next. - As the naive farlang son in law I'm not privy to any behind the scenes face saving stuff that may be happening, but it doesn't seem OK that the tenant should destroy the jasmine even if he did plant it all. Thoughts and suggestions would be much appreciated. Tim

Hi all,

Im looking for information about wine farming possibilities in Los.

We want to know how the yields are per/rai of land, how many trees/rai, investment cost/rai, costs of the vines, growing time in this climate before harvesting, things like this....

Anybody who can help me on the way with this ?

Thanks in advance

Scottbiker

Gday,

Have thought about this one too. The climate is tricky here unless you're high up. But this year might be good as there is a cold spell predicted. Probably the easiest is to work backwards and go to some vineyards. The Thai wines I've tasted are just not there yet. They are packaged well and cheap, but a long way from being there. The best one I've tried is a sweet red wine called 'Lady sweet wine' from Sokonnakon. Its very good if you're into sweet wines. Its an organic Mao red wine bottled by - De Pupanne Ltd Part 139 Moo 10 Sakon - Dongkhumkhao Rd., Sokonnakhon. Ph: 66 42 747349 - E: www.depupanne.com Good luck.Would be interested if you find some good info. Good luck, Tim

No advice from me re lucerne, but I am not in the scene here in Los....but I have seen bales of lucerne hay around on upcountry trips. So if you can get lucerne hay, you should be able to also get lucerne chaff which is even better.

Lucerne chaff tends to breakdown if its stored too long. Lucerne hay is probably better for the cow's digestion. But don't know where you can get it either. I would grow some if anyone has some plant/seed suppliers.

My wife recently saw a news item about a fast growing tree with a name that sounds like " dtak gool". Supposedly it can be harvested after 5 years, is used for building and furniture, and sells for 10,000 a tree. It has fairly large and ovoid shaped leaves. Don't have anymore details. Apparently it grows widely in Asia. Can this be true, and has anyone heard of it ? or something similar. I'm sceptical, but I'm constantly surprised in Thailand. Tim

maybe this link could help you find what you are looking for:

www.agroforestrycentre.org/sea/Products/AFDbases/AF/index.asp

I have found the tree!!

Thanks gondarman, the site you mentioned was very useful. Indeed it seems to have evry tree in thailand listed by its English sounding name. dam_n it, my wife was sort of right -again! The tree in question is called 'Takoo" in Thai/English. Its botanical name is Anthocephalus Cadamba. Its native to Indonesia and other SE asian countries.and has other local names. It is a fast grower, and thrives in coastal lowland with plenty of water. But the wood is soft and used mainly for pulp. The agroforestry site has all the detail, including photos. However, it takes longer to mature than Paulownia, and doesn't seem to produce the same quality timber. I will investigate sources of Paulownia seedlings in Thailand. Thanks again to you all.

My wife recently saw a news item about a fast growing tree with a name that sounds like " dtak gool". Supposedly it can be harvested after 5 years, is used for building and furniture, and sells for 10,000 a tree. It has fairly large and ovoid shaped leaves. Don't have anymore details. Apparently it grows widely in Asia. Can this be true, and has anyone heard of it ? or something similar. I'm sceptical, but I'm constantly surprised in Thailand. Tim

Tim,

Did you ever get to the bottom of what kind of tree this is? What is the actual Thai name?

Thanks,

Dave

G'day Dave,

I'm still working on it. My wife is still convinced its not Paulownia. This after I've searched every Paulownia site on the web, and started to think this might be the one. Incidentally I think Paulownia are resistant to bugs, but I'm not so sure about ants. I'll keep looking for the other one if it exists.

was this it... http://www.paulowniatrees.com.au/

No, it wasn't Paulownia, but thanks for the info. I've seen them grow in Oz, impressive but I'm not sure they suit this climate. If I find out more I'll post the detail. Tim

Tim, Paulownia is native to China ,Laos and Vietnam , there are very large plantations in Laos your description certainly fits them, it supposedly puts on more board feet per annum than any other known tree used for timber production,I think the Neem grows quicker but is not used for timber.

Thanks SBK and OzzyD for the info - I'll follow it up. Maybe it was Paulownia after all. If I find another one I'll let you all know.

Bangkok, Thailand, and other centers in Asia are becoming more and more accepted as good destinations for medical tourism.

Employers, Insurers Consider Overseas Health Care

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.p...toryId=16294182

Insurance companies are even paying for it, but there are also concerns about what happens if something goes wrong.

Yesterday's Post had more news about the Bio Clinic murders related to treatments gone wrong.

Ex-employee links Bio Clinic to fourth case

http://www.bangkokpost.com/141107_News/14Nov2007_news14.php

I've been feeling that one of the good things about living in Thailand is that if I chose or need some significant medical procedures I can afford to do it even if my insurance doesn't cover part or all of it.

So, I'm interested in your experiences with the big hospitals as well as provincially around the country.

UC

About 2 years ago I walked into our local rural semi-private orthopaedic hospital. This was to enquire about the costs and availability of having 2 bolts removed from my right ankle which had been put there after an industrial accident 20 years previously. The Dr. I saw spoke perfect English, - asked me if I'd eaten anything that morning, it was now 11am. An xray was done. He then said " I think we can do that - would 2pm be OK for you "!! 2pm: -into theatre, anaethestist also spaeaks English, 30 minutes later bolts removed. Spent 2 days in the VIP suite ( not very VIP furnishings) but great nursing and medical care. Follow up for the next 2 weeks at the hospital and local community health centre. Much attention and concern about the risks of infection. No problems. Cost about 50% of Oz, with no waiting.

The public system here is overcrowded and understaffed but the quality of care I think is generally very good compared to most wesern countries. The private system is in some areas world class, but at a cost. I would have no problems using either. Tim

If anyone can tell me, I would like to know if Mosquitos are often a problem in the areas bordering Burma in Kachanaburi in terms of dengue fever or malaria . If so what precautions are needed? While I would like to know for the whole calendar year, at this point March and early April are the dates of greatest to me. thanks

I live in Nakhon Sawan province which is not too far from where you are going to be. Occassionally there's a scare here about dengue fever but as the previous post said there's more hassle caused by the meds. unless its really necessary for you to take them don't do it.. I previously lived in East Timor, which is one of the malaria/dengue capitals of the world. I had many friends who took antimalarials and still got it. There is nothing you can take to prevent dengue. I was lucky and never got anything. But I did do some simple things like take Vitamin B12 everyday, used a high DEET content repellant - called RID tropical strength. Its Australian, but the best one here is Boots own brand repellant lotion, in a grey bottle - its about 50% DEET. Other than that avoid going outside in the early evening, especially after rain, and dont stand too long under trees. Dengue is really bad news if you get it, so wear long sleeve shirts if you are worried. I also use tea tree products a lot as they repel mosquitoes. Try and use unscented deodorants, soap and shampoo, and eat less red meat. Some of this has no solid research to support the claims, but these measures do work.

One further thing to worry you, dengue mosquitoes are striped black and white so watch out. With so much moisture, humidity, and so many trees in Thailand, there's probably no safe time of the year, but of course the wet season is worst. Good luck, Tim

was this it... http://www.paulowniatrees.com.au/

No, it wasn't Paulownia, but thanks for the info. I've seen them grow in Oz, impressive but I'm not sure they suit this climate. If I find out more I'll post the detail. Tim

Hi! :-)

Assuming a "legit" pharmacy.....like one at Tops Marketplace, etc......I've noticed that some drugs (antibiotics, thyroid medication, etc.) can be obtained without prescription. On the other hand, sleep aids do require a prescription.

Do you know where there is a resource that lists which drugs, or classes of drugs require a prescription and which don't?

Also, specifically, do you know if the following require prescriptions (note: some are brand names, some are the "chemical name"....but all are available according to the MIMS Thailand drug database)?

1. antidepressants
   
2. Concerta (or Ritalin)
   
3. Nimodipine
   
4. Naltrexone
   
5. Mestinon
   
6. Itraconazole
   

Thank you for your help. I can assure you this is meant for a good cause....as a close friend is suffering through Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (a really bad case of it, too) and her doctor is only partially willing to help with prescriptions. For the most part, doctors just don't offer much help for this affliction at this time. Hard thing to deal with for sure.

CHEERS!

D

Is she sure of the diagnosis ? Many chronic fatigue cases can turn out to have a viral or bacteriological cause. Most current generation antidepressants need to be prescribed by a doctor - for good reason, that is to monitor accidental, (or sometimes deliberate ) overdosing, and subsequent effects on body and brain chemistry. I wouldn't be giving Ritalin to anyone for anything -but I'm not a doctor. However I have seen bad oucomes from its use, especially amongst children and adolescents. Dont know so much about the others. You can try the WHO site and look at their pharmacology sections and essential drugs lists. But as others have said drug company profits often determine the outcomes. As many drugs come off patent they also tend to become more widely available, as they are made in generic form and sold over the counter.

But in most countries the Ministry of health - advised by the medical profession, WHO, and of course the drug companies decide what is to be prescribed and what isn't.

But really, I think your friend needs to spend some time looking for an experienced, ethical and well respected doctor (by his/her peers) to go to.

Germans seem to know the recipe well.

Soy beans, peanuts, a corn meal of any description, lucerne if you can get it, lotsa mollasses, silage if you make it.

But doubt 3 weeks is enough to get much on, might bloat it and make it look fat, but good increase in fat not sure if the extra cost would be worth the gain.

Good advice above especially the lucerne. Also look for anywhere where the grass or shrubs have gone to seed and brown looking, to graze your cow as there is more value in this type of fodder, or dry hay with plenty of seed in it. The green grass in Thailand is all water and does nothing for weight gain. If your cow starts to get the shits on all this intensive input, stop it as she will lose weight quickly. Brahman type cows are slow weight gainers once they are adult. Young animals around 6 months are the best to try and grow on quickly

My wife recently saw a news item about a fast growing tree with a name that sounds like " dtak gool". Supposedly it can be harvested after 5 years, is used for building and furniture, and sells for 10,000 a tree. It has fairly large and ovoid shaped leaves. Don't have anymore details. Apparently it grows widely in Asia. Can this be true, and has anyone heard of it ? or something similar. I'm sceptical, but I'm constantly surprised in Thailand. Tim

As Chownah suggests, try grass carp (pla kin yaa), available from the bigger fish hatcheries. If you can't get them, try stocking a lot of pla tapien (looks like a roach) or the non-native pacu (pla joramet nam-jeud). They both chomp pretty well on any soft weeds and grow like the clappers with enough food. At the moment it sounds like its understocked with herbivore fish only, so stock some more and it should solve the problem fairly quickly.

thanks for that. we're going to try the carp. I'm not sure if the weed is duckweed, I'll do some searching

As described it is not duckweed, which is tiny floating leaves with dangling roots, but more like what in England is called "Canadian pond weed" or similar (bottle brushes).

Its definitely not floating leaves with dangling roots. Its submerged, but near the surface is very dense and just grows while you watch. I suspect it also uses a lot of oxygen, which is why some of our fish have disappeared. Or perhaps its eaten the fish!?

Here in the N.W.U.S. we have slug invasions in spring-summer, but if you have ducks they suck them up like candy.

Do ducks eat leeches or would they just get blood sucked to death?

What predators do eat leeches?

perhaps you can sellt hem to a local hospital. They are starting to be used again to help blood flow in some conditions. Tim

As Chownah suggests, try grass carp (pla kin yaa), available from the bigger fish hatcheries. If you can't get them, try stocking a lot of pla tapien (looks like a roach) or the non-native pacu (pla joramet nam-jeud). They both chomp pretty well on any soft weeds and grow like the clappers with enough food. At the moment it sounds like its understocked with herbivore fish only, so stock some more and it should solve the problem fairly quickly.

thanks for that. we're going to try the carp. I'm not sure if the weed is duckweed, I'll do some searching

My Specialist in the UK recommended that I take Oxycodone and hydrocondone. But a pain specialist I saw at Bumrungrad said only Morphine was available. Is this so? Are there any better pain clinics for dealing with chronic pain?

I dont know what your pain is about, but as you probably know the big issue with most strong painkillers is increasing dependencyand/or liver/kidney and other physical problems, all of which are to be avoided if possible. I also don't know about pain clinics in Thailand, but I suspect the private sector hospitals have them. If you are committed to western medicine ask your doctor about Zooloft. Its a well known antidepressant, but is used by some people as a pain reliever, - with few side effects.

You mentioned chronic pain, so I assume you have already tried many conventional treatments. If you've not tried alternative treatments, Thailand has a number of TTM practitioners, - (thai traditonal medicine) who are licensed by the govt, and are often attached to teaching hospitals, or regional university health faculties. They use natural herbs and medicines, meditation and massage to relieve symptoms. I understand Chiangmai has some TTM drs. Traditional healers are really worth considering in pain management, as the good ones can produce some great outcomes, and thailand has a long history of using both TTM and chinese medicine. Tim

Hi I have a prostate problem one that as been ongoing for over 7 years that is to say my prostrate is enlarged a problem that seems to all to common in men of my age 67 started at 60.

at the moment I am in the UK with my Thia lady on a marrage Visa (Expires in Feb 2008)

On my return to the UK in Sept I had a Scheduled Hospital appointment to attend in oct at the appointment I was told my PSA was 12.1 and that the consultant wanted me to have a further PSA check in 6 weeks and another one at 6 weeks after that, and that he would see me soon after the second PSA check

I have now got a hospital appointment on the 3 Jan 2008

I have not married in the UK the lady in my life would like me to return to Thialand and live there

I have good Income from property investment and pension so life in Thialand would be fainancaly easy compared to the UK however I am no millionare

I think it would be wise to wait untill after my visit to the Hospital

It may be that I have to go for Biopsy have had them in 2000 twice both clear but that means my lady would have to return to Thialand alone before her visa expires, or get married here and pay for 2 year extention to her visa £395

If I come back to Thialand What is is the level of care and possible cost if i did have a positive result from biopsy ?

any advice or comments greatly apreciated. would be living near Chang Mia

Hi,

I've just been through the whole process. I had a routine check by my GP in Australia last year. PSA was 15. Referred to Urologist. He thought it might be prostatitis so tried medication. After a month PSA was 25. Referred for biopsy. Advanced local cancer diagnosed -Gleason score 4+4. Oncologist advises hormone therapy for 6 months then radiotherapy.

Commenced hormone treatment and returned to Thailand with my Thai wife. Most costs so far are covered by Aus. Medicare (your national health). Found a good private Dr. and Bangkok hospital via Sheryl and others, - to monitor psa and continue hormone treatment. This is Samitivej Hospital, Sukkumvit - Dr Thanoo Choovichian. Samitivej is not cheap but is world class. Costs about 1500 -4000 baht for each consultation and blood/PSA check, depending on how many tests you want.

Went back to Australia in July to commence radiation treatment. Had 39 outpatient treatments most days over 7 weeks. Almost no side effects except tiredness, and lost libido. treatments covered by Medicare. Our only costs were for some accomodation and airfares for my wife and I to and from Thailand. The same treatment at Samitivej would have cost about 750,000 baht.

We have now been back a month. First post treatment PSA check last week was 0.03 (the normal range is 0.00 - 4.00). So I'm very happy. I will have PSA checks every 3 months for a year then six monthly for another 4 years. If all is well after 5 years I'm in the clear.

I know you haven't been diagnosed with cancer, (and I hope you're not) But, if you are I would opt for checks, blood tests here, and treatment in UK, providing its covered by your national health. However, if costs are not an issue, I'd have no problems with treatment here.

One point to consider is that the prostate cancer prevalence rate is much higher amongst westerners than asian men. Therefore there is probably a lot more experience with prostate issues and treatment approaches amongst western doctors in general, or western trained doctors - in Thailand. Good luck, Tim

I have no idea how to get rid of it, but if youre stuck with it then make use of it in the garden.

Either add it to the compost heap or just dump it around tree's & plants.

Will ducks eat it ?

Thanks to you both. I might try ducks and carp. It could be a nutrient problem, although its also in some small conrete ponds near our house.

Tim

Hello.

Does anyone have any idea as to how often I should feed my lawn here in Isaan.

I dont know the technical term but am using the white granules that look like sugar.

The grass looks ok till you look close where the top third of the stems are nice and green but the bottom 2 thirds is a bit straw like.

Maybe this is normal here I do not know.

Thanks.

Sounds like you might be using Urea. If so don't use too much. We did last year. My wife and I ran outside, naked, one midnight after a very long dry spell, during a heavy downpour, -and threw the stuff about with much gusto. It was fine for about a week and we were very pleased with ourselves. Then large brown patches appeared all over the lawn, like the aftermath of a wedding where huge quantities of beer are consumed and there's no trees or toilets.

Anyway use a mugful for your average sized lawn, and water it well in. Also don't mow it too short or the weeds wil grow and suck the moisture out. Leave the grass clippings on if its fairly weed free as they will mulch it. Tim

Boots own 24hr is good but expensive. DEO- STONES 93 is excellent but not easy to find. Often sold in craft markets.

The company is at 16/1 Tawinrassadonburana Rd.T. Boplub A. Muang Nakhonpathom. 7300 Ph: 6634-270880-1

Good luck, Tim

IT would need to be a government hospital and the type of cancer at this time is not known

Seems like the local hospitals are into diagnosing without the benefit of testig

Joe

I've heard about the government one at Lopburi which seems to attract a lot of funding and is well recommended by my thai friends as the place to go to for a variety of cancers, . There was a news item recently about its latest radoitherapy treatments. Sorry, I dont have any more details.

I use Samitivej ( private) myself for prostate cancer monitoring. Its excellent, but not cheap.

Good luck, Tim

Hi all,

Maybe this has been done before but, we have a large pond that has become invested with the dreaded green pond weed of the dense bottlebrush variety that spreads under the surface. It seems to grow by the minute and strangles everything. Does anyone know of a non chemical or safe way of dealing with it other than pulling it out by hand. We have lotus and some fish in the pond, which is concrete lined. If there is a fish that eats the weed but not other fish that would be great. Its almost a daily ritual to try and rake the stuff I can reach. All ideas much appreciated. Tim

These two are similar and so good I take both! But only tablets sourced from commercial supplement companies in the West. These are too expensive in Thailand due to import duties, so where can I buy local produce? I know there is a spirulina farm in Chiangmai, but where are their retail outlets? Many thanks!

These two are similar and so good I take both! But only tablets sourced from commercial supplement companies in the West. These are too expensive in Thailand due to import duties, so where can I buy local produce? I know there is a spirulina farm in Chiangmai, but where are their retail outlets? Many thanks!

Excuse my ignorance, but what are these foods good for ??

Not really.

But then again if everyone thinks about it enough they will find something that they want to do, or have wanted to do and were not able to do it....Everyone.

So in that case, you would have to say there are a lot of very angry people out there.

Not the case.

As i have said, I do not like medications and usually go the extra mile and/or put up with it rather than take medications. I do not remember ever finishing a course of something prescribed for whatever reason. I often just let my body heal itself, takes longer often, but I figure it may heal stronger in the end.

Not sure really, had 3 operations here in Los in last few years. Never had any back home and rarely went to a doc in fact.

I have things I have not done, I have others things I want to do and may or may not do them. They do not stress me out and I take a very realistic approach to them, if I can I will. If I cannot I will either try again later or just forget about it.

I have done many more things throughout my life that the greater majority have not. I have not done as many things as some others have done. I have on the other hand done some things that several years ago I thought I would never do and they have given me the greatest joy and satisfaction of my life so far.

I am not sure why, but there as you say, must be a reason for it and I would really like to know why and fix it if possible.

A very interesting and somewhat undiscussed topic for men, who unlike women of course, have few physical changes to signal mid life. and dont like talking about it too much Mr. Squiggle there is a whole industry on men and mid life. Much of it is psychobabble, but there is some good literature out there. I've even written a few articles about it myself in another life. Send me a PM and I can give you some useful references if you want some good reading. On the point some made about doctors (GPs) not being helpful in this area - true, as most have very limited training in psychology or counselling. Many psychiatrists are not good at this area either as

mid life crises are not mental disorders. The best advice is to find someone who you regard as -a wise person, and talk to them. This person may or may not be a counsellor, psych., priest or simply someone you can trust, who is a good listener. They don't have to have a psych. background, although those that do may have some more options for you to consider. Hope this is useful. Tim