miltonbentley

England won ugly that's for sure.

I enjoyed the France v Japan game. Japan played very well for a large part of the game. I love it when the minnows raise their game and refuse to be walked all over.

Some great games today as well

Australia v Italy - Australia to show they are genuine contenders

Ireland v USA - Ireland to scrape a tough win

South Africa v Wales - Wales to spring a surprise

Enjoy

Bit of a worry when the commentary switched to Thai but all fixed. Flashback to last year but it seems we have dual language yay

Can someone tell me where the above mentioned bars are located ?

UN Irish Pub is on Ratchwithi Road in the Old City - without doubt the best place to watch rugby in CM. Enjoy

I never referred to a group of death, my point was that England's group would be a very physical test. If they come through it either France or New Zealand would be lying in wait both of whom are currently ranked ahead of England and will be very difficult to beat.

Obviously, given their history, Wales would be concerned about coming up against Samoa and Fiji both of whom have previously embarrassed Wales in World Cup. Having said that as I stated earlier I fancy Wales to be a surprise package in the tournament.

what are the odds on tonga getting up its going to be a game of smash em and throw it out wide great game to start the world cup

New Zealand are 2,000-1 on to win

Tonga 100-1

I tend to agree with you that it might be too early for England, but you never know.

Personally, I would never write off the Springboks......they are so unpredictable.

England have a pig of a draw. It's going to be a very physical group and then either France or NZ waiting at the quarters which means if England are going to win they will likely have to beat at least 3 of the world's top 4 sides. That's a big ask! I just hope its France who we know how to beat

I thin SA are too old and conservative but you are right that they shouldn't be written off.

I think it will be a great tournament and the New Zealanders will be excellent hosts. I hope the grounds are full.

Can't wait

Here's a full list of the Pool stage fixtures. New Zealand is 5 hours ahead of us but there is a rather handy local time zone button

Cheers MB - who is your money on?.........or need I ask?

All Blacks have got to be favourites but the weight of expectation of the whole country and the failures of the past may prove crushing especially once they get to the knock out rounds. I think they will also have problems if Carter gets injured.

The tournament is 2 years too early for England IMHO, but I hope they will give a good account of themselves. I was very pleased to read about Martin Johnson's state of mind

Of course the Aussies and France will be competitive and I have a feeling Wales could spring a surprise perhaps in Sunday's game v South Africa who I don't fancy to retain the trophy.

Can't wait

Here's a full list of the Pool stage fixtures. New Zealand is 5 hours ahead of us but there is a rather handy local time zone button

There is a big snooker hall up Charoen Muang Road on the left near the railway station. Never been in so I can't be more help than that I'm afraid

I have used Rimping for the five years and they have never let me down. The quality is exceptional, well cooked succulent birds delivered hot at almost the time requested. I think the price is the retail price of the bird plus a price per kilo cooking charge. Delivery is extra 200 baht I think. The gravy is also extra and is nothing to write home about but useful for adding to homemade gravy. They may do stuffing I am not sure. Veg you will have to do yourself or source elsewhere.

You can order from any of their branches in December.

I will be using them again this year

Amorn electronics should have what you're looking for. There are a few about but the best one is at the front of the Icon Center on Mani Noppharat Road (northern outer moat road)

We recently used a little guy on the river road. Shortly after you pass under Mahidol road he has a little shop on the right about 50 yards before 7-11. The shop front is open and from the chairs and stuff it is quite obvious.

We had all the padding and upholstery replaced on a sofa bed and were very impressed by the quality of the work and the price.

I had what seemed like an excellent household policy from NZI which is part of the Insurance Australia Group and claims not only to be a leader in domestic insurance but the foremost health care insurance provider in Thailand. During my second year as insured I had to file a claim under the public liability section in the policy as our dog damaged a neighbour's car. They paid up in full and in a timely way and I recommended them to a number of people. When it came time to renew, they declined to cover me, sending a rude little email saying "Sum paid out less than premiums collected - cover denied". The broker (not AA, I hasten to add) was of no help.

These people clearly have little idea about the principles of underwriting. You can see the point of not wishing to take on a risk where the insured seems to have a repeated record of claims over a period but to refuse insurance after one claim is not only bad business but dumb as they'd have recovered their money in another 18 months.

What do I now do when filling in my next proposal when it comes to the question "Have you ever been refused insurance? I can imagine the sceptical reaction at any real insurance company when I try to sell them that story.

Bearing in mind their claim to be strong in the health insurance sector, I'd advise anyone looking for cover to look elsewhere.

NZI did exactly the same to me some years ago and I received exactly the same rude email as Greenside. Following the advice of a well connected friend in the Bangkok insurance industry I telephoned the then English CEO of NZI Thailand who said he would investigate. He called back after a few days and claimed that the problem was caused by a cultural problem of local underwriting clerks not wishing to bother their superiors who they were supposed to refer renewals where a claim had been made, as a result they the clerks would just incorrectly refused the renewal without their superiors knowledge. He claimed that the company would embark on a retraining programme following the matter being brought to his attention in addition to being happy to renew my policy.

Given Greenside's more recent experience this retraining has clearly failed. IAG Group are a major insurance company and should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves. This sort of behaviour is exactly why people view insurance companies as dishonest.

I have had it with TOT and their laughable internet service. Three months of talking to their inappropriately named customer service centre and having seeing no improvement means I am looking to change provider.

I am in Phadaed district between Hang Dong Road and the river. Is anyone in the area using True and is it any good? Their brochure suggests a good game and I would be interested in feedback from users.

Thanks

The Rati Lanna is very nice and has rooms available at that price. Balcony and wifi - nice River view, excellent pool. Ignore the silly prices on their website and phone for a real rate or book through one of the big internet agencies who are advertising rooms at 3,600.

CM city is easy to get around so you will not need a car unless you plan on an out of town solo trip.

Enjoy your trip

In the past I contracted a surveyor from Siam Commercial to complete a full survey and valuation on a property. It was very detailed and I was very impressed. From memory I think it cost 7,000 baht but I also had to pay for it to be translated.

The office was located in the big Siam Commercial Bank on the corner of Thapae and Chang Klan.

For a structural survey on a property I have used Khun Daeng at May 37. As an addition to telling me the building wouldn't fall down he also gave an opinion on market value. Daeng is one of the city's top architects, who has extensive experience of working in the west and is a very knowledgeable and likeable guy.

Hope that helps.

The bar is basically in a roofed alley a couple of doors up from Le Spice. It is a little gem of a bar and with even a few people it has excellent atmosphere especially with the blues vibe going on. It is a very friendly and welcoming place.

Boy is extremely talented who rather incongruously plays blues with the most enormous smile on his face I have also been lucky enough to be having a drink when he played together with Chai, it was superb.

If you like good music, especially the blues it is definitely worth a visit.

Chiang Dao Nest is a one and a half hour drive out of town but is an excellent place to check out for a couple of nights and very baby/child friendly. It is situated in a beautiful spot in the mountains. They have comfortable but simple accommodation, superb western food, a pool and lots of toys and an area for kids.

Try Grooveshark

MB - Many thanks for the response, ill have a look at the Thai boxing shop you mentioned in your reply.

The mind boggles, but how on earth did you end up with a 40 by 20 foot Union Jack Flag!?!?!?

It was the one that hanged down from the roof in Earl's Court during the final Royal Tournament. It is enormous. I also have a 9 foot Royal Ensign and a Union Jack all of which you are welcome to borrow if you wish.

Size isn't everything.

They only say that to be nice

MB - Many thanks for the response, ill have a look at the Thai boxing shop you mentioned in your reply.

The mind boggles, but how on earth did you end up with a 40 by 20 foot Union Jack Flag!?!?!?

It was the one that hanged down from the roof in Earl's Court during the final Royal Tournament. It is enormous. I also have a 9 foot Royal Ensign and a Union Jack all of which you are welcome to borrow if you wish.

In response to the OP you can buy flags in the Thai boxing shop at the front of the Loi Kroh bar beer centre.

In response to which is the appropriate flag to wave; the Queen is currently, and William is in line to be sovereign of the following countries -

Antigua and Barbuda

Australia

The Bahamas

Barbados

Belize

Canada

Grenada

Guernsey

Isle of Man

Jamaica

Jersey

New Zealand

Papua New Guinea

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Solomon Islands

Tuvalu

United Kingdom (including England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland)

It would therefore be appropriate to fly any of those countries' flags in celebration of the event although I doubt most of them will be available in Chiang Mai

If anyone is that keen I have a 40 by 20 foot Union Jack which I would be prepared to loan out subject to a guarantee that I get it back but you will need a very big place to hang it.

you dont happen to have a map of the market do you, ta

Sorry no I don't know of a map of the market.

Chiang Mai Plastic is a sprawling store with a number of entrances. The easiest to find is on Wichayanon Road which is off Thapae Road directly opposite Chang Klan. The entrance is on the left hand side almost directly opposite the big fabric wholesaler on the RH side. I don't think there is a sign but from memory in that section of the store are coathangers among other things. Once inside the store is a warren of passages and sales space and they seem to stock just about any small household goods you can imagine.

Try Chiang Mai Plastic in Wararot Market.

Yep agree with this you won't find cheaper.

Rim Ping (Nim City) have chorizo on the deli counter

Happy hunting and happy eating