jkinbkk

I certainly believe that preventative measures must be taken against termite attack for houses in Thailand.

Over the past 7 years I have used both systems with varying degrees of success.

I am due again to renew my contract with one or the other systems but firstly I’d like to see what experiences you guys have had?

My two main questions are:

1. Which system, insecticide or bait really is the most effective deterrent?

2. How honourable are the contractors when it comes to legitimate claims within warranty for compensation if the system has failed and termites have caused damage?

At what level of development and accuracy are the current Garmin or Tom Tom SatNav systems for getting about in Thailand or SE Asia?

Is it yet realistic to expect the same ‘door to door’ accuracy associated with use of these same systems in Europe, US or Australia?

'Expect the unexpected'

This one line has enabled me to continually enjoy my 12 years here regardless of the daily frustrations that 'could' easily wear me down and turn me into one of those 'bitter and twisted' Farang that are all too common.

Last night on the flight back to BKK for KL I chatted with an American guy who has lived in Bangkok for the past 18 months with no full time job and the odd freelance work.

Anyhow the point is that he pops down to the Thai Consulate in KL every 3 months to renew his tourist visa. He gets two month from the Thai Consulate there then extends for one more month at the BKK Immigration HQ, then heads for KL again just before the current extension expires.

He tells me that he’s done this 6 times consecutively since he arrived in Thailand 18 months ago with no problems or questions raised at any juncture?

He also says a similar visa run can be undertaken through Vientiane, but he can’t handle the microbus trip?

Just thought I would share this with you guys to bash out the legitimacy of this guys seemingly genuine experience?

Please don't ask for more details, this is all I know and though it might help some of you fellas out there!

Maybe my experience can help?

When I moved to Thailand 11 years ago I was a 20-a-day man on a 'night out with the lads'.

This soon developed into 40 to 60-a-day depending on whether I was at home or 'on the beers that night'!

For years I wondered how my health would eventually be impacted by this?, and with dread I finally went for full health check.

ALL CLEAR came back the result.

That was the catalyst for me to stop. I purchased a full course of patches from Ebay (half price and cheap to ship to Thailand)

Prepared my replacement 'hand to mouth' alternative for after meals which was ice cream in a stick (tub or scoop ice cream will not suffice!) Magnum works best!

It was not easy, but by using the patches the craving was minimal. I actually think the physical connection is the harder to overcome.

I have been without a smoke now for 18 months.

A few things to remember for increased chances of success:

1. Do it because YOU want to, not because you are being nagged to stop! You need your own personal catalyst to encourage you to seriously consider trying to stop in the first place.

2. Patches work only if you follow a total non smoking plan. The odd one or two now and then may seem harmless, but send you right back to square one very quickly.(I know as I failed my first attempt like that)

3. Avoid going out with the boys, at least until the 1st half (full strength) of the patch course is over

4. Don't let your stupid mates try to tempt you with a quick cig when you do return to the boys nights out (some idiots will try because they dont have the guts or common sense to try and give up themselves)

5. The craving for a smoke lasts about 5 minutes...after that it goes.

6. Use the 'hand to mouth' substitute whenever you really thicraare gonna crack!

7. You WILL put on weight, but don't worry, the weight issue can be dealt with later once the critical period of your non smoking has passed.

8. Get your wife or GF involved in a rewards programme for you. You see, prepare for the return of your libido after 2 -3 months, so while your on Ebay signing up for your patches, she could be stocking up on Victoria Secret goodies to encourage you and treat you once you have passed predetermined milestones in your ever so successful attempt to stop smoking!

All the best

Superb!.....had me frantic all morning.