Speedo1968

21 hours ago, Aussieroaming said:

Another drug available here from most pharmacy's if you order it is SIFROL (Pramipexole) at about 1300 baht per box of 30.

Thank you, yes Sifrol is available here.   Its a medication I was on when I had Parkinsons.

Two of the higher priced drugs I was on cost 3,000 baht per box.   Another reason to quit if possible.

4 hours ago, Sheryl said:

Co-careldopa is a term for the group of medications that Sinemet belongs to. Your friend would not be on both Sinemet Plus and another co-careldopa drug.

Brands equivalent to Sinemet Plus here are Levomet and Sinemet 25/100. They do not require a prescription.

Laxido is a laxative for constipation. It is not available here but many types of laxative are.

Ramipril is for hypertension or heart failure. It is available both in that brand (expensive) and locally made equivalents. No prescription required.

Zapain is paracetemol + codeine. Codeine is a class 2 narcotic and brining it in requires a permit from the Thai FDA narcotics bureau. If you google you'll find the site and instructions. They are pretty good about responding quickly and I recommend going to the trouble of bringing it in because, although it is available here, it can only be gotten at a hospital and Thai doctors are often reluctant to prescribe it, especially for chronic pain.

Zolmitriptan is for migraine headaches. It is not available in Thailand. Older drugs in the same class i.e. sumatatriptan are available but expensive.

The rule on medications brought in for personal use is 30 day supply. They are not strict on that (i.e. don't actually count the number of tablets) except possibly for controlled substance such as the paracetemol + codeine.

Your friend seems to have quite a lot of medical problems and should think twice about moving here unless he is wealthy IMO. The problem is not the medications he is currently on, it is the cost of medical care especially major hospitalizations. He will not be able to get health insurance with all these pre-existing problems. A heart attack, stroke, major accident etc can easily cost 1 million baht in a govt hospitsl and 3-5 times that in a private one. A number of TV members luving here have exhausted their savings due to medical expenses and had to go home.

The best medical care in your region is at Srinagarind Hospital (Khon Kaen Univ Hosp). I can't give you a specific name but go to the after hours clinic and ask for a neurology acharn.

Sent from my SM-J701F using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app
 

Thank you so much Sheryl for your very quick and extensive reply.

It answers many of the questions I raised and I am sure my friend with take note of your advice.

 

Having suffered from Parkinsons myself for many years from 2002 I know how difficult it can be for all concerned.

I found I was medicating to counteract the side effects of other medications and I can vouch for the high cost.

Trying to maintain a position as a freelance consultant with a Thai company was difficult, fortunately the position which involved most of the time away from the office visiting farms gave me a little hiding space but, walking around farms posses its own problems.

In early 2009 I got fed up with the problems. and expense, that medication was causing me and started to cutback medication very slowly ( even a quarter of a tablet at a time ).   I kept extensive notes.   It took me 30 months but finally I was free of all Parkinson meds.    I made life style changes, not that there were many; ( I have been a vegan for 40 years and do not drink or smoke anyway and do not have diabetes ), which also helped.

 

For the HBP I take only one med and have changed my lifestyle again following a big stroke last year.    Once I was able to walk again ( following another 3 months off my legs with severe leg infection from a dog scratch I am now walking 3km twice a day and do yoga floor exercises 1 - 2 hours per day ).

 

Although I would not recommend the same to others regarding the medications they may be taking I most certainly recommend that they make as many useful lifestyle changes as they can, not all at once of course.

Someone I know who lives in England and, is married to a Thai lady for about 20 years, developed a rare form of Parkinson’s around 8 years ago.

Their intention is to travel to Thailand later this month before his condition possibly makes travelling not possible.     They may consider that staying here is an option.

One of the purposes is to meet with me as I formally suffered from Parkinson’s ( not Parkinsonism ) for many years whilst living here.   He wishes to discuss alternative approaches that helped me, as he does not wish to go down the slippery slope of multiple medications.   I no longer take any medication.     These approaches may be lifestyle changes that can help, not just with the physical but also the emotional side.

He was initially prescribed 6 medications but so far has only been treated with 4 of them.

I am fully aware that one must have a letter from the UK hospital / GP stating details of his medications, preferably both.

My questions are as follows regarding the list of medications shown below:-

#1 – Are any of the following banned in Thailand, as he will need to bring a supply of his current medications with him when he visits ?

#2 – Is there a limit to the number of tablets he can bring in for any of the medications ?

#3 – Are any of the medications only available here from a hospital ?

#4 – Are any of those medications in the list not available as per the specific trade name ?

#5 – If yes does anyone know of a replacement medication ?    I understand that some people, like myself, are allergic to one brand but not another, for me Aspirin was one.

#6 – Has anyone been in / are in the position of having to use any of those medications in the list ?  If yes could they give some details about the side effects, if any, that they have experienced ?         I appreciate people may not wish to discuss this online, but I would be most grateful if they could give details by messaging me.      Please note that I did not use any of the medications in the list, perhaps they are more suitable for the rare form that he has, ( unfortunately I do not know what specific form he has, only that it is very rare form ).

#7 – Does anyone have any idea about the prices for the same or replacement medication ?

#8 – Can anyone recommend a hospital / doctor in Khon Kaen regarding Parkinson’s treatment ?   I myself was under a very good doctor in Bangkok whilst suffering from Parkinson’s but, have been living about 50km from Khon Kaen for the past few years.    

Medication List

#1 – Co-careldopa 50mg/200mg – Not issued as yet

#2 – Laxido Orange 50mg/100mg

#3 – Ramipril 10mg

#4 – Sinemet Plus 25mg/100mg

#5 – Zapain 30mg/500mg

#6 – Zolmitriptan 2.5mg – Not issued as yet

Any help or advice you can give would be greatly appreciated.

 

 

Try this link for more gecko ads.

Now, if only I could train my gecko to do that !

 

 

 

 

On 7/30/2018 at 2:40 PM, upu2 said:

I think it means the chickens take regular showers and go walk in all the muddy bits

The only time a chicken is liable to get wet is on the way or once in the factory where they will have the pleasure of a chlorine bath, ( see pics / chicken shower is animated ).   A nice "hygienic" touch and on its way to you; lets hope it had time for a fresh water rinse before jumping in the bag.

 

As for ducks they like to do both, some farms even have sprinkler systems, only they tend to get taken over by the tough boys / girls - "No, honest !"

Although probably not of interest, ducks need to dip their head under the water as the key refreshing point for their immune system is their eyes.

If you like ducks Howard the Duck is an interesting film, bit like Fritz the Cat ( had he come from outer space ).

 

 

A lot of techspeak as usual !

 

From The Nation article above; quotes-

 

"In the first phase of the TGCP project from 2014 to 2017, the GIZ and ONEP focused on 17 pilot provinces to work out the bugs before expanding. It highlighted some challenges that needed to be addressed in the second phase".

 

“This problem was mainly caused by the lack of climate-change awareness among the officers in other agencies. Most of them saw climate change as a problem for the future and did not prioritise work on this issue,” the source said.

 

So they have already had since 2014 to work out the bugs and still have not improved awareness among officers.

 

A good example of "manyana manyana".

 

 

 

Just now, allane said:

- in Thailand, bank accounts are not transferred from one branch to another.

- the correct procedure is to open an account at the new branch, then transfer the funds from the old to the new acct.

- you can then close the old acct. if you wish. If you have no activity for a year, it will likely be closed automatically

- think twice before closing an acct., and only do so if you are sure you will never need it again.  You can come here any day and read posts from foreigners who can' find a bank that will open an account for them.

Thanks for the prompt response.

Yes, I understood from the bank that I would need to close the existing accounts and then open up new ones.

The accounts are used.

I have no intention of closing any account as I know the difficulties I had back in 2001 when I came to work here, even under contract, for specialists in my field.

I just do not understand why they wanted details of my family.

3 minutes ago, LM405 said:

Speedo: I was thinking the same, I don't see them around too much around winter season.

I am not a birdwatcher as such but am interested in wildlife having been in farming ( if this is not a contradiction ), in different countries since the 1960's.

I live south of KK outside a small village, most wildlife seems to have got pretty screwed up with its breeding seasons over the past few years, probably climate change and loss of habitat.

This last month I have seen large groups of male hoopoe, normally only the odd pair, many having been netted along with other birds about 3 years ago.

Myna's have learnt some wonderful tricks to obtain food.

I have a pair that bathe daily by the house.

There are many other birds that call around 4am, perhaps the cockerels are getting lazy.

There is a lot that we can learn about upcoming and even future weather conditions from the birds.

Myna's like other wildlife have the right to live where they choose, it is often us that force them to move elsewhere.

I have had accounts with KBank since 2001 and since 2012.

Having moved to a different area of Thailand I asked in my local branch about the procedure.

It was duly explained ( I had Thai person with me ) and I started completing the applications with relevant house documents etc.

Once the documents were completed I was asked if I had children, how many, their age, where they live.

With each question, which I did not answer, I asked "Why do you want to know ?": each time I got the same answer from the banking consultant "The computer is asking".  When I asked why the 'computer' was asking they could not tell me.

I have not gone ahead with the transferring the accounts.

Is this normal procedure ?

I can not remember being asked this when I set up the accounts.

On 7/15/2018 at 6:30 PM, theguyfromanotherforum said:

CP

Sorry for the delay in responding.

Can find nothing specific in any CP website, only generalisations about farm practices.

A few comments dating back to 2014 and in an ad about 'halal'.

Please note I neither work / or have worked for any chicken producer here in Thailand e.g. CP or Betagro.   I have acted as a consultant regarding there duck farms.

Would be helpful if you could post a link to the specific site you are quoting regarding "hygieneic" chickens.

 

I think its been the breeding season.

 

Not always the detergent that can cause itchy skin.

It can depend on how and where you dry your clothes.

I live outside a small market town south of KK.

When I lived in England ( not often ) clothes were hung on the line to dry inside out to prevent fading of the fabric, here many Thais dry inside in to stop dust particles being close to the skin when the clothes are worn, I used to do this in desert climates when working overseas.

The wind can often carry sand particles from the local fields and even from China in the dry season.

Skin irritation can be caused by local air quality, other than sand particles.

Then there is of course water quality.

There is also a possibility of you being allergic to non-cotton clothing.

You may be using too much detergent especially the liquid ones and these are not rinsed out properly.

Sorry can't help with a specific brand, I have high body electric so can only wear cotton clothing and I do dry my clothes outside on a line, the clothes are hung inside in.

Get one made locally.

 

Although I haven't eaten cheese for years since becoming a vegan I do still look at the shelves.

I live in a small market town south of Khon Kaen.

Although not a "real" cheese Allowrie Cheddar slices 6 pack the local small BigC has it priced at 79 baht and the local 7/11 at 65 baht.

 

The more I check BigC prices against 7/11 the more I notice how much dearer BigC is.

If one is lucky enough to have real 'local' shops then one can save 10 - 20 baht on 30 - 100 baht items even between local shops.

23 hours ago, theguyfromanotherforum said:

Yeah, I mean the other "hygienic" chicken.....not s pyre

Sorry not sure which brand you are talking about - :the "hygienic" chicken: can you please advise and where you got the information from ?   A link would be useful.

 

Please note I have worked in farming since 1961 and as a freelance consultant worldwide ( except US ) since 1983, with poultry and ducks.

 

Your earlier post mentions battery cages and deep litter, a cleaner kind of drinking water, quality level of food and water.

Commercial chickens for meat do not live in cages and deep litter would be a "NO NO" as they are grown on an "all in all out" system to prevent disease spread to the next flock.

Drinking water is always chlorinated, or should be, except when a water based vaccine is given during growing.   Birds will be vaccinated against certain diseases by law and by common sense.  

Food should be bacteria free.

The company that contracts the growers does / should be making regular spot checks for all aspects of chick quality / health and growing.

The environment inside the houses - there are many systems but it is down to the farmer to operate these properly as it is for the farmer to keep his farm disease free.

Two diseases of chicken / other birds are in Thailand - whatever the govt. says.

 

2 minutes ago, theguyfromanotherforum said:

Good thread since I meant to ask the same since 2-years ago but always forget.

 

However, getreal, how can you be so sure about the process? After all, the "hygienic chicken" is from a company not so loved by many.

 

Found this quote about Betagro chicken.

S-Pure chicken is fresh, clean and flavourful without administration of antibiotics, growth hormones or growth promoters. Select high-quality, chicken breeds and raise chickens in a closed-system farming environment equipped with high technology system to help protect them from infection and parasites. With e-traceability system, customers are able to trace product details back to the farm by just scanning the code against QR Code Reader on your smart phone. It provides greater transparency to ensure safety and consistency of products.

Please see link below which should answer some of your questions.

 

Having been in farming since the early 1960's in different countries much that is written in advertising can be read  in different ways.   A good example is "antibiotic free" which generally means no trace of antibiotics at slaughter.    This does not mean the animal has not been given antibiotics at some stage in its life.

 

Meat birds are unlikely to have been grown in cages, except for quail.   However, spent layers, these are chickens that were kept in cages for eating egg production and, at the end of their commercial value life are sold for meat; often found in local markets.     

 

The so called S-chicken is said to have had no antibiotics during its lifetime. See link below.

 

http://market-comms.co.th/?p=1212

Have you tried Asia books and similar book shops like Kinokuniya?

The link is from Thai visa back in 2012, someone asking similar question, may be of use.   

One reply in the link said that they brought a Kindle from the US but it doesn't work in Thailand.

Good luck.

 

https://www.udonmap.com/udonthaniforum/thai-language-ebooks-t24025.html

Dogs are classed as omnivores as like wolves they will and do eat plant materials including nuts, berries, grains etc.

They will also hunt out beetles etc.

The intestinal length of a dog is slightly longer than that of a cat, making it possible for dogs to digest plant material.

Cats are carnivores.

Both eat grass if they have digestive problems and dogs seem to be more selective on what they eat.    You may see two dogs with the same problem eat different grasses within metres of each other.

 

Unfortunately many ( house ) dogs here are left just scraps of food and eat whatever they are given if hungry enough, including things that are not good for them.

 

If anyone reads this posting I have made an additional posting concerning information required on Degenerative Myelopathy in dogs; any feedback would be very welcome.     Thank you.

On 6/23/2018 at 10:32 AM, dick dasterdly said:

It would probably be better to post this on the 'Plants, Pets and Vets' sub-forum.

Many thanks.    Didn't know there was one, thanks for letting me know.

Will try to find where it is, guess in general.

I am not a techie but could you use Opera browser which has a built in VPN or Kaspersky ?

16 hours ago, Crossy said:

Yes! FLAC is lossless (Free Lossless Audio Codec).

 

Record in the highest bitrate your audio card supports, get everything that's on the tape, warts and all. Then start post-processing to remove the warts without losing too much content.

 

Task A. Find a decent cassette deck / player.

Thanks for the reply.

Fortunately I have a good quality player.    Will read up about FLAC.

18 hours ago, KittenKong said:

Audacity is very good and not hard to learn the basics of, at least.

No reason why it should not be used for copying cassettes. You just need a cassette player (cant remember the last time I saw one of those, and the audio quality is grim) and a suitable lead. Your laptop will surely have a line-in audio connection.

I suggest that you make an initial recording in the highest quality format (FLAC would be good) and then later you can experiment with things like hiss reduction which Audacity does quite well. But always keep the original recording.

Many thanks for the reply.   Will give Audacity a try.

Some of the cassettes go back to when I lived in South America in the 1970's.

I also lived in Saudi and Kuwait during the 1980's - 90's where cassettes were really cheap.

My collection ( 500+ tapes ) I left to my daughters in the UK, I only brought about 100 here to Thailand, mainly originals and time is running out to save them.