42 minutes ago, bignok said:

34 minutes ago, bignok said:

I was drinking in a rooftop bar in  Udon during March. Pretty bad smog.

 

Really have to go south. Phuket is fine.

I was last in Phuket 28 years ago and is not the type of destination I prefer. 
Everybody is different. 

4 minutes ago, smallchungus said:

Thanks for all the replies.  Is healthcare decent in all these places or are the "big four" going to be best for that?  Udon is sounding pretty good for English as well as access to Western restaurants if farangs are there.  Is it possible to stay through smoke season in a place like Chiang Mai or is it as bad as they say?

For healthcare, I would rate Khon Kaen as first with Udon second.

The smoke in CM can be very unhealthy  for extended periods of time, with Isaan now having bad smoke in some areas depending on proximity to Laos, geography and wind patterns.

It is up to each person to determine their own tolerance level. 

I agree, as I now live 1.5 hours outside Udon city. 
 

Last year the smoke here was bad but not as bad as when I returned from Chiang Mai in early March.

Next year I will travel outside the country during the smoke season. 

Given the conditions decribed in the OP and having traveled to all the locations you named, IMO Udon Thani and Nong Khai would be your best options.

Udon city has most of the required major services, shopping, and a good airport, though few distinctive features. 
 

Nong Khai city, sitting on Western bank of the Mekong river is a nice though laid-back small city. 

A quiet country life is very possible here if you are prepared and open-minded but not ideal for those who have other priorities. 

We have similar backgrounds, and it works for me as a home base with the option of frequent travel as desired. 
 
Cheers 

18 minutes ago, khunPer said:

Great reply, but should be: "common property".

My bad …. Community property is a USA term for marital property 

Your use of ‘Common Property’ would also appear to be incorrect when referring to Thai law. 
 

The correct term according to numerous Thai law websites is 

‘Marital or Communal Property’

Cheers

————

BySasinun Chongthanapipat

On 9/3/2023 at 12:03 PM, foreverlomsak said:

Just so that I can understand, you're saying that Norwegians are being treated the exact opposite to UK, US and Aus citizens, who can't get an income document and thus 65k transfers are OK for them, the Norwegians are no longer allowed to use 65k transfers but must have income statements.

Confusing, no wonder my local office will only accept (or so I'm told, I've not asked them personally) money in the bank for both retirement and marriage.

The financial requirements and proof of meeting these requirements are separate issues.

First one must meet the financial requirements as outlined below, and then must verify Money in the bank or 12 monthly transfers of 65000thb or more. 
 

This rule is for all expats from any country. 
 

Providing proof of the above is dependent on your country of origin.

For me, I prefer the monthly transfer option, and for 3 years travelled to the US Embassy in BKK to obtain the required Affidavit. Now I have the bank provide a 12 month statement.

Actually saves me the time and money involved with the Embassy visit including Airfare and travel expenses.

Per the Thaiembassy.con website 

Meeting the Financial Requirements for a Retirement Visa:

Financial Requirements are as follows:

• Thai Bank Account showing THB 800,000 or
• Monthly income of at least THB 65,000 (income affidavit from your embassy in Bangkok) or
• Combination (Bank Account + Annual Income = THB 800,000)

cheers

27 minutes ago, dlclark97 said:

Why would you want steel clamps around the fire extinguisher?  The idea is to be able to get it in use as soon as possible, not to be fiddling around trying to open a clamp.  

The placement of fire extinguishers in protective cabinets,  (typically Red in commercial spaces) or being fitted with clamps is common and often required by fire codes. This is especially true for boats, vehicles and similar. 
 

Both a cabinet and clamp are shown in the attached picture.
 

Training the normal occupants or users is essential with any safety equipment and the OP’s desired usage in a residential space or similar would be acceptable with the above mentioned training if not in conflict with any Safety or Fire code.

Additionally fire suppression vehicles will have most hand-held extinguishers fitted with clamps to prevent shifting while the vehicle is moving…. 

2 hours ago, azt219 said:

@Wanderer555 any luck in the end?

Yes, I purchased the MIG200S to get started here.

Kovet BKK directed me to a dealer in Udon city that also provides support & repair service. 

Fair price given they are a real shop and not just an online seller.

Thanks for the advice ????????

T

33 minutes ago, carlyai said:

I've gone already.

So ฉันลาออกแล้ว

ฉัน       ลาออก        แล้ว

chan   laa-ɔ̀ɔk      laew

   I       Quit.          Already 

     I’ve gone already

Thank you ????????????
 

ฉันลาออกแล้ว  
The above was included in a business conversation regarding when I could visit a shop to make a purchase.

I am in Isaan, maybe a local spelling ?

The translation is not logical given the circumstances.

Google :

ฉันลาออกแล้ว:    I resigned

Removing ฉัน ( Chan)  

ลาออกแล้ว   :  not found in other Thai  

                      dictionaries 

Could I get some help here? 
Thank you, T 

ฉันลาออกแล้ว  
The above was included in a business conversation regarding when I could visit a shop to make a purchase.

I am in Isaan, maybe a local spelling ?

The translation is not logical given the circumstances.

Google :

ฉันลาออกแล้ว:    I resigned

Removing ฉัน ( Chan)  

ลาออกแล้ว   :  not found in other Thai  

                      dictionaries 

Could I get some help here? 
Thank you, T 

On 7/5/2023 at 6:44 AM, Dazinoz said:

And Google gave me the original route this morning with nearly same times.

 

 

Are you familiar with the route from Udon city to Kalasin via Kumphawaphi as provided by Google? 
  
Not the easiest route when traveling the first time, with many motorbikes, Etans, tractors and poorly marked turns.

Also the route from Nong Bua city to Ubol Rattana is not the clearest path…

I have taken both of the above and they are doable but also at the end of a long journey ….. 

Good luck ????

1 hour ago, Yellowtail said:

These events are what saves many children from suicide. Would you rather have a trans child or a dead child? 

A direct citation of research to support your claim would be appropriate.

I have seen them available but no time to research now.

You can try a browser search for ‘Grass Pavers Thailand’.

Also look at https://www.onestockhome.com/en

They have a large product list, with manufacturers. 
 

cheers, T

There appears to be a shortage of Benfotiamine with iHerb placing a 2 bottle limit on the LifeExt… product. 
Others are sold out.

Your retailer might be limiting individual sales especially for international delivery .

Also anything over about $45.00 US can trigger a customs inspection.

good luck 

31 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

Philips blenders are reliable, IIRC about 700 baht when I bought mine about 8 years ago. Still going strong.

Agree, I purchased one about 6 years ago for smoothies etc. Stong performer, acceptable noise level and no issues.  Reasonable price too!

On 4/24/2023 at 1:30 PM, DrukenMallardy said:

Try Kovet, they have good English support team, warranty etc avaliable.  Strong brand in welding.  

https://www.kovet.com/

 

Have a range of welding machines for MMA/MIG/TIG

 

Some Multi-Process.

 

Wide price-range depending on budget.  

Thank you, this is what I was looking for.
Cheers, T