NguuMuu

Local bars around here (non-tourist area in Bangkok) have told me that the bars will be closed friday and saturday this weekend and next weekend.

My only problem with taxi drivers is that there aren't enough of them (I'm sure many of the posters here will disagree). I've lived in a major section of bangkok for quite some time now and there has been so many occurences where I am stranded on the side of the street unable to get a taxi. I have been stuck on the side of a major road trying to get a taxi for 30 minutes (even more than an hour once) many times with every single one passing by already occupied. I rarely have them refuse a fare if they do stop...it's just getting an unoccupied one in the first place that's a problem!

There are many areas of Bangkok where it's next to impossible to get a taxi during rush hour.

Ever try getting a taxi leaving the local mall around 7:00 on a saturday?

Try getting a taxi on a weekday at 6:00 in front of pratunam...

How easy is it to get a taxi when the rain starts?

If the higher fares will get more taxis on the street then I'm all for it.

Snowflake, games like you mentioned are great except still a bit to complicated. English level is still a bit too high, but more importantly the game play is too complex. I am familiar with both ragnarok and leisure suit larry....know of anything a little more basic?

Peaceblondie, I'll have to find that interactive picture dictionary. I think I'll get the Thai version of typing tutor as well.

Thanks for the suggestions!

I've been searching around for some computer games to aid in learning English. Probably around beginner to intermediate level.

Actually, the games don't even have to be specifically for learning English, just something that is basic enough that a beginner could play and get something beneficial from it. For example in the two listed below, the first is specifically for learning English while the second, and more useful (IMHO), is not directed towards English at all.

I have used Bookworm Adventures quite a bit and it works out OK, but I don't find the users get much out of it. Basically this is a game where you have to spell words from a set of letter tiles to kill monsters...the longer the word the more damage it does, with bonuses, etc. I found it's not so useful for beginners, though, because they just search through the dictionary to find long words without getting any meaning or pronounciation of the word so it's completely forgotten seconds later.

Mysteryville is another one I use that works a bit better. It's a 'detective' game where you find items hidden in a cluttered room or spot differences between two pictures, with a very easy to follow plot. Very similar to some of those games you may find at a bar or pub on one of those touch-screens that have a large variety of games. This is good because if you don't know the word you have to look it up in the dictionary, then find it on the screen. But to avoid being too tedious, some of the levels don't require any English at all...just spot the differences or match an object with its shadow.

Anybody have recommendations for other games that might be fun and helpful? Computer games of any type would be fine. Children's games would probably be good as well since they would have very basic English. Anyone know of any good ones?

Anyone know of any restaurants in Bangkok (or elsewhere) that sell any turkey related meals on a regular basis?

I'm looking for something that will be offered year round, not just at thanksgiving time.

Thanks!

Just an update to let you guys know I decided on the Canon iP4500 since the iP5300 is no longer available. Fairly new model and I guess it's an upgrade(?) on the iP5300, although I haven't found a straight answer on that yet.

It cost 4,500 baht and I haven't done much testing on it yet, but so far so good. Bought a bunch of different paper types to test it out. It's also not photo only so I can use it for standard print jobs as well which will be handy.

The 500 (now 600) photo backlog will still be printed at the local shop, but at least I'll now have the convenience of printing at home on occasion.

Another question: Should I definitely stick with Canon inks and paper?

Is there any difference between the japanese wii and the US wii other than menu language? Aren't all games available in Bangkok as either Japanese version or US version so that shouldn't make a difference.

Wouldn't it make sense to buy the cheaper one?

Also, any word on a future version of the wii being able to play DVDs? I heard it may happen a while back.

Well, I did end up getting a check-up at Viphavadee this past weekend so here's an update on this topic.

Well, I showed up about 9 in the morning, found the counter and requested VP3 (I figured the cost was small enough I could get a few extra blood tests). Of course, as is so typical in Thailand, the website packages were quite different than what they actual provide. On the plus side, the price of VP3 was only 1400 baht (and the thin prep add-on only 900). On the down side there was no eye test included in this package and that was something I actually was hoping for. They really hurried us through...there was no chance for us to request add-ons or realize that the VP3 did not include an eye test anymore until it was too late. We did manage to get through to somebody to finally add on the thin prep, but never did get that eye test.

Now this is what I found to be the bad part: the physical exam. The physical exam consisted of putting the stethascope at about 5 places on my chest for 2 seconds each, pushing around on my stomach, and a 2 second glance in my mouth. Thats all. Nothing like I experience from my western doctor. No checking reflexes, looking at my eyes, in my ears, no deep breathes using the stethescope, no asking questions about lifestyle (doctors english was fine). Basically, I wouldn't call it a physical exam at all.

Everything else was OK. Taking blood, chest x-ray, dental, and thin prep (for the gf).

At the end the doctor did briefly review the results with me. Seems everything's fine except for my cholesteral, which is actually down 20 from last time, and some high wbc counts...he thinks I was just fighting off an infection of some kind. It was a very cursory discussion and I'm still awaiting my official results via mail. He wasn't very interested and I doubt it would be a worthwhile discussion had there been any serious problems.

Finished by 11 and a lot cheaper than I anticipated. Also got a 40 baht lunch voucher with the deal.

Overall I would have to say that I'm glad I did it, and everything was fine except the physical. At least I will have some x-rays and blod work done. Now I'll just wait until I'm back in the US for another physical.

OK, I should have left more details.

American style dinner would be preffered. I don't need Santa to be around...just looking for some good food.

I will be staying in Chaweng area, but could travel...just not too far.

I'll be in Samui for Christmas this year and was wondering what's available for a Christmas (eve) dinner. Anything good for a reasonable price out there?

I'm worried about having to book something in advance as I won't be arriving until the 23rd.

Thanks!

This is a question I'd also like to know the answer to.......any takers?

I have a Canon iP5300 I just recently bought and am impressed with the features and quality. It has top loader and front loader cassettes, a USB port to plug cameras or phone into for direct print, a tray to allow printing color labels on CDs/DVDs. Print quality is excellent in color saturation and contrast even on the cheaper Jet line photo glossy paper. It uses 5 tanks, CYMK dye inks and a larger Black pigment tank for black and white such as printing text. Cartridges cost 300 baht each and from review estimates of 1400 pages, depending on what you are printing, capacity. Haven't had it long enough to say how many prints, but again review sites indicate a lot.

That machine sounds pretty good from those review sites. It seems like it's obsolete already though...did another model already replace it? A lot of sites have it listed but say its no longer in stock.

How much did it cost you?

I'd be interested to know how many other posters got similar rates from their cartridges. The price of cartridges meant that ink was more expensive than top quality champagne, although I think prices have dropped a little.

I've had the Epson now for about 6 months. All I've had to do is top up the black ink cartridge once. We do heaps of printing everyday, mostly black, so the printer gets plenty of use. .

Besides the cost of the cartridges, there's also the hassle of buying and replacing them. To get them at a decent price I have to go to Pantip. Replacing is also a hassle, I've taught my staff but they always forget.

While it may not print real photo quality it does a good enough job. If you want photo quality I'd recommend the photo shop, you can usually strike a deal with them and I'd be surprised if a printer could be more economical.

Our computer guy also doesn't like the multi-functions either, I'm on my 3rd one now in as many years and think they're great, especially for small businesses. I can copy, print and scan. The Canon was B4,700 it's been going for 6 months without a single problem, if it last 12 months it will prove extremely economical.

If I was to have a separate printer, scanner and copier what sort of price would range would I be looking at?

Which Canon do you have?

I am still curious about cartridge prices as well.

And of course, now with all the input, I have no idea what printer I might purchase this weekend. Not sure if I should go for a multifunction or not. Maybe the Canon iP4300?

Here is a decent list to give you guys an idea of printer prices in Thailand - not all printers, but a good amount. Just select printer in the DIY section then click the button. (http://www.hwhinter.com/price.php)

Again, the less you pay up front, the more (MUCH MORE) you will pay in the end. You will also be getting inferior prints to the more expensive inkjets. Personally, I wouldn't buy an inkjet printer to print *photos* unless it has a minimum of 6 different colors, in separate cartridges.

Two big problems with third-party external ink cartridges: First is, as already mentioned, head clogging if you don't use it daily. Second is that the ink is not as good as the original, and you'll end up with prints that don't look as good and will fade quicker. If you're ok with these two issues, then go for it. Frankly, I don't see the use of having that much ink unless you've opened a photo printing shop.

I bought my Canon inkjet around 4 years ago. I've printed a lot on it (thousands of photos), but I've only had to change the inks a total of 3 (yes, three) times. Each *original* cartridge costs only 300 baht, so it's not been that much. Of course, I paid quite a bit for the printer itself, but quality and ink cost were the reason. These days you can get something similar, but *not* for just 3,000 baht. And, if you get a multifunction printer, be VERY aware that the reason that they're so cheap is that they while can do everything, they fail to do ANYTHING well. I stay far, far, far away from multifunctions, as they've given me (and my clients) nothing but grief.

What Canon do you have and how much would you expect a similar machine to cost these days? 300 baht for an original cartridge sounds like a pretty good deal.

Just printed a few photos from my son: 55-57 sec each photo! Papaer: Photo paper 10 x 15 cm (4"x6")! And my Model is DCP-330 C!

By the way: The best machine you can get for this price: THB 2,990 at IT City!

So I think I'll probably stop by IT city soon and end up getting one of those DCP-330C printers.

How much is that 4" x 6" paper you recommend?

What ink do you recommend and how much does a set of inks cost for one of these?

(will I be using the same ink for photos as well as normal printouts?)

Thanks!

The steak dinners are a bargain.

Would you mind elaborating on this?

Allow me to clarify that the guy who used to visit this place (only restaurant and shop available) was a canadian citizen with no military connections and said he just had to show his passport and they would let him in.

Again, this was about 5 years ago and the reason for this thread was because the situation may be different now...it seems like it is, I guess....

I'd like to add that I was also there a few months ago. The bill was padded big time and I won't be going back.

I've been talking to someone recently who's been telling me about the US-Thai army base near Sathorn soi 1. He used to go there and visit the restaurant for some tasty american food and supposedly they also have a small shop that sells cheap wholesale american products. Reason for the post is he hasn't been there in 5 years so I'm trying to see if this place is still open. I found the website for JUSMAGTHAI (http://www.jusmagthai.com/index_002.htm) as it's called and they give hours for the restaurant, but can anyone supply more details?

Most importantly, is the restaurant open to the public (non-military)?

I understand an american passport is required, but could you bring along some thais or other natinality (if they bring their passports as well)?

If anyone's eaten there, how is the food and prices?

Is there a wholesale shop as well? What kind of products do they stock?

Anything else I should know about this place?

My country-girl tgf loves blue cheese. A large amount of crumbly blue cheese on a salad with some italian dressing....

...hmm, maybe I'll have to grill up a burger this weekend.

<a href="http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=1444793" target="_blank">http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=1444793</a>

Rice King, I checked that post and that's exactly the kind of printer I was talking about (the cheaper ones) as I would pretty much only need 4 x 6 size. Anything bigger I could bring to the shop.

I have used an Epson PictureMate (I believe this is an ink jet?) a bit before and never had any problem with the print quality or fading.

But the real question here is are these dye-sublimination printers cost-effective in thailand? Is the ink and paper easy to find for a good price?

I can get a 4 x 6 digital photo printed (fine quality) for 4 baht at the photo shop just down the street. Bring them 100 photos and they'll have them ready the next day. That seems quite cheap when standard photo printers such as Epson Picturemate or Kodak EasyShare would cost about 8 or 9 baht per print according to several online sources.

So my questions:

1. How do they get it so cheap? I'm assuming they are using a much more expensive, faster machine built for heavy use, but I would still expect it to cost more than 4 baht per print.

2. Is ink or photo paper generally cheaper in Thailand?

3. Would it be cost effective for me to purchase one of those photo printers?

Right now I have about 500 photos I need to get printed. At the shop this would cost me 2000 baht. If I could buy my own personal photo printer for a few 1000 baht more maybe it would be worth it for the convenience? I understand 1 pack of ink and paper generally lasts for 100 prints, but would it still only be at 4 or 5 baht per print?

Thanks!

Thanks for the advice so far!

add on a thin prep, ask the doctor who does the thin prep to do a manual breast exam.

Should I expect the doctor to give the manual breast exam for free? I'm assuming this only takes a minute or two, right?

Also, is there a significant difference between the manual exam and machine exam? Would it be worth the extra cost for the machine test at this age?

Total time, under two hours. Not the same doc, shuttle from department to department. 10 days later get a report in the mail.

Did you just show up or make the appointment in advance? It looks like they've raised the prices a bit since your visit.

I am looking at getting a complete medical check up at Vibhavadi hospital.

Q1. Of the plans below, what would be best (health-wise and value-wise) for a seemingly healthy 27 year old female that has never had a full physical before?

Q2. Is there anything useful here for a 27 year old male that has had a full check up in America 6 months ago?

Q3. Do the prices seem reasonable?

Note that should you choose a cheaper package you can add individual items at the end.

Vibhavadi Packages (from http://www.vibhavadi.com/en/events_detail.php?id=21):

-----------------------------------------

PROGRAM VP1

1. Physical Examination

2. Dental Examination

3. Laboratory Test

3.1 Complete Blood Count

3.2 Fasting Blood Sugar

3.3 BUN

3.4 Creatinine

3.5 Uric Acid

3.6 SGOT,SGPT,Alkaline Phosphatase Bilirubin, Direct Bilirubin, Total Protein,Albumin,Globulin

3.7 Cholesterol, Triglyceride,HDL,LDL

3.8 AFP/CEA

3.9 PSA

3.10 Urine Examination

3.11 Stool Examination/Occult Blood

4. Thin Prep Pap Test

5.Chest X – ray

6. EKG

7.Ultrasound Whole Abdomen

8.Mammogram both breast

9.Medical Report Book

10. Complimentary

M. 7,300 Baht 215 US Dollars F. 9,800 Baht 288 US Dollars

PROGRAM VP2

1. Physical Examination

2. Eye Examination

3. Dental Examination

4. Laboratory Test

4.1 Complete Blood Count

4.2 Fasting Blood Sugar

4.3 BUN

4.4 Creatinine

4.5 Uric Acid

4.6 SGOT

4.7 SGPT

4.8 Cholesterol, Triglyceride,HDL,LDL

4.9 PSA

4.10 Urine Examination

4.11 Stool Examination/Occult Blood

5. Thin Prep Pap Test

6.Chest X – ray

7. EKG

8.Medical Report Book

9. Complimentary

M. 3,200 Baht 94 US Dollars F. 3,700 Baht 109 US Dollars

PROGRAM VP3

1. Physical Examination

2. Eye Examination

3. Dental Examination

4. Laboratory Test

4.1 Complete Blood Count

4.2 Fasting Blood Sugar

4.3 Creatinine

4.4 Uric Acid

4.5 SGOT

4.6 SGPT

4.7 Cholesterol, Triglyceride,HDL,LDL

4.8 Urine Examination

5.Chest X – ray

6.Medical Report Book

M. 1,900 Baht 56 US Dollars F. 1,900 Baht 56 US Dollars

PROGRAM VP4

1. Physical Examination

2.Eye Examination

3. Dental Examination

4. Laboratory Test

4.1 Complete Blood Count

4.2 Fasting Blood Sugar

4.3 Creatinine

4.4 SGPT

4.5 Urine Examination

5.Chest X – ray

6.Medical Report Book

M. 1,300 Baht 38 US Dollars F. 1,300 Baht 38 US Dollars

2Note Prices up to currency rate SPECIAL PROMOTION FOR ADDITONAL EXAMINATIONS FOR THOSE WHO SELECT PROGRAMS VP1-VP.5

1. ABO (Free)

2. RH 120 Baht

3. Hepatitis B (HBs Ag,HBs Ab, HBc ab) 720 Baht

4. Anti – HAV 480 Baht

5. Anti – HCA 480 Baht

6. Anti – HIV (AIDS test) 480 Baht

7. Thyroid Function Test (TSH, FT3, FT4) 960 Baht

8. Liver/Intestine CA (AFP, CEA) 760 Baht

9. Prostate CA (PSA) 540 Baht

10. Bone Strenght (Bone Densitometer) 1,950 Baht

11. Mammogram both breast 2,050 Baht

12. Thin Prep Pap Test 1,200 Baht

13. Exercise Stress Test 3,000 Baht

14. Barium Enema 3,000 Baht

15. Upper GI 1,800 Baht

16. Ultrasound Upper Abdomen 1,800 Baht

17. Ultrasound Lower Abdinen 1,800 Baht

What about

Khao kaa muu (stewed pork leg) with a cut of pork instead of the whole leg

Lad naa (noodles in the thick sauce)

Gra pao bplaa (fish maw/pork rind soup)

Bua loi kai waan (sweet dessert)

Other sweet dessert soup type items

any other soup broths

The sauce for khao Muu Daeng

masaman curry as previously mentioned

I know very little about cooking. Are any of these possible?

I'm trying to make better use of my crockpot so I thought maybe I could put it to use making some Thai food. I found a few recipes on this forum, but not much. Searching the internet you can find a few more 'thai' recipes, but they are usually adapted to Western ingrediants and tastes (such as red curry chicken or the thai salsa and peanut sauce that is not really that common over here but so popular in America).

So basically, can anyone share a few more authentic slow cooker recipes? Thanks!