paco

CHARGES TO NATIONAL PARKS - CHANGE FROM 15th NOVEMBER

ALL FOREIGNERS TO PAY FULL PRICE 400THB

The question here is can anyone confirm a change in the policy in Thailand of allowing long stay foreigners to enter national parks etc. at the local Thai prices. Up until now this has been straightforward by using Thai driving licence or similar BUT THIS MAY HAVE CHANGED.

We visited Doi Suthep national park yesterday (Sunday) and the officials demanded 400THB per person entry from all 10 of us. We protested that we are all Thai residents and had the necessary documents only to be told that there had been a recent meeting??? and that ALL foreigners are now required to pay. We protested about this and pointed out that there had been no signs or notice to this effect (we suspected that it had been made up) In the end the officials backed down, charged us 20THB each and said that we would have to pay 400THB next time! we pointed out that there would not be a next time if this was the policy - we will be voting with our feet.

This seems to be a new policy - the meeting was said to have taken place on 15th November - has any one else heard about this or is it just a few locals making policy up on the hoof????

Roger, Chiang Mai

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Well, here's another reason my move to China made sense. I finally started visiting the Thai parks after I got my Thai driver's license. No way would I pay the "foreigner" price before that. I also stopped going to the national parks in America when they started charging admission, although at age 65 you can get a lifetime pass.

One of the major tourist attractions here in Dali, Yunnan is the Three Pagodas. Everyone pays the same steep price of Y121 or about $17 US. I have not visited this attraction. I found other tourist attractions around here to be similarly priced. I think China used to have the two tier pricing but changed to charging everyone the same, in my opinion, outrageously high prices. Still, I think I prefer this to being charged a "special" price for being a "foreigner"

Paco, who used to live in Chiangmai

I'm moving to China and have two small dogs. China will only allow entry of one dog per ticketed passenger.

I want to leave in about two weeks and will pay half of round trip fare - about 5500 BT - for someone to go with me.

You can get a 30 day visa at the Chinese Consulate in a few days. Kunming is beautiful and cool this time of year!

Let me know if interested, I'll even help with visa cost.

Paco

[email protected]

Car: 1995 Hyundai Excel 4 door, 5 speed. New AC and CD player, alarm system, door locks and power windows.

Good condition, clean reliable transportation for 65,000 BT

TV: Samsung 32" LCD. Model LA32R71B 18,000BT Currently selling at Central for 25,000 BT

Both for 80,000 BT

Sending this to all my friends in Chiangmai in hopes that you or someone you know might be interested.

I also need someone to accompany me to Kunming in a few weeks so I can take both of my dogs. I will pay half of the round trip fare from Chiangmai.

Paco

[email protected]

Hi,

I saw a thread about a furniture expo in March, does anyone know if there is anything similar this month?

Does anyone have recommendations for good quality furniture - beds, wardrobes and tables etc?

Is there a particular area which has a lot of shops or showrooms?

I've bought some nice stuff in Hang Dong before but wold like to have a good look around before buying more.

thanks,

LP

I have a lot of used furniture to sell. Couches tables chairs. Almost new bed and dresser set. Some modern and some carved wood from Hangdong. All in excellent condition.

Moving to China soon so must sell all. Bargain prices.

Paco [email protected]

Me too, probably alone.

When are you leaving for China? I interested in taking everything, including the house. e-mail me. V

Leaving as soon as I sell everything. Sometime next month I hope. Please PM me if you want to make an appointment to see the house and things.

HI

I have just moved into a house in Chiang MaI, and need all kinds of furniture. Can you tell me what your kingsize bed is made of? Also do you have any sofas, paintings? Also I need a huge fridge!

Eve x

King size bed is wood frame with quality mattras. I have sofas, couch, chairs , coffee table etc. I have lots of paintings and art work, but I think I want to keep these. Although everything is negociable! Fridge is small.

Paco

I am moving to China soon.

I rent a small 2 bedroom house in a mooban about ten minutes from Airport Plaza off first ring road. It rents for B 4500 unfurnished.

I want to sell all of my furniture. Ideally someone could buy all my furniture and move into the house. It's a very cute house and has UBC and DSL.

Other wise I could sell all the furniture. New king bed and dresser, refer, gas stove, book shelves, TV, HiFi, and lots more.

I also have a 1995 Hyundai Excel for around B 80,000

Let me know if you are interested in any of things and we can get into particulars, pictures etc.

Also, let me know if anyone knows about shipping things to China. Kunming/Dali

Paco

I used to frequent the seafood restaurant that sat in front of O'Malleys in Anusarn market until they got shut down and still frequent another ex Anusarn restaurant that is now part of Galare (Kalare?) off Changklan but struggling for a new place to explore. Ran a search and nothing recent came to light so where do you folks recommend for seafood here in CM? I fully understand that there will be limitations with our distance from the open ocean but I would expect there to be one or two gems out there that I need to find.

Only name I know is Andaman Seafood on Mahidol but have yet to visit so is this on the recommended list?

Thanks

My girl friend took me to that big place in Anusarn across from O'Malleys the other night. I wasn't paying attention to what she was ordering and when the bill came it was 1270 BT.! Only drink was one glass of wine. The crab dish alone was 680 BT. The food was quit good though.

I have had good "seafood" at The Ping and Tha Nam both on south Changklan on the river and not expensive. My lesson. Pay attention to what your Thai girlfriend is ordering!

Top floor Galae Thong Tower, two stories, 70 sq/mt. Has UBC and ADSL. Two bath rooms, living area down stairs and bed room upstairs. View of Doi Sutep and Chiangmai. Other condos of similar size in this building go for 18,000 mo.

I have been living here for a year, but am moving out of town. I am just trying to help landlord get it rented so I can get my full deposit back.

Some furniture, two month deposit.

Will be ready about 3, May.

Reply here or PM me if interested.

Are you the Paco from the expat computer group?

Where is Galae Thong Tower and how high up is the "top floor"? Is UBC and ADSL included in the rent? Does it have at least a partial kitchen w/appliances? Parking? Security? How are the neighbors/noise levels?

Same Paco from computer club. Galae is south off of Changklan past Chiangmai land. 15th floor. UBC and ADSL are available, but not included in rent. I have both. There is no kitchen sink, but I made nice kitchen area with electric outlet. Have to wash dishes in bathroom. Easy to do. Plenty of covered parking, great helpful staff, but no uniformed security. I have lived here for a year and not heard of any problems. Great neighbors, very international. Set back from Changklan road so very quiet, no road noises.

Hope I covered your questions. Let me know if you want to see. 085 0304107 mobile

Top floor Galae Thong Tower, two stories, 70 sq/mt. Has UBC and ADSL. Two bath rooms, living area down stairs and bed room upstairs. View of Doi Sutep and Chiangmai. Other condos of similar size in this building go for 18,000 mo.

I have been living here for a year, but am moving out of town. I am just trying to help landlord get it rented so I can get my full deposit back.

Some furniture, two month deposit.

Will be ready about 3, May.

Reply here or PM me if interested.

I have an account with Bangkok Bank and would like to have my Social Security payments deposited directly into that account instead of into my US bank account.

Has anyone done this or know if it is possible?

I am living in Chiang Mai on a retirement visa. I will be 66 in December and have no health insurance. I'm in perfect health. Recently had a complete checkup at CM Ram. No problems. I just need medical coverage for accident or major unforseen problem. I checked Bupa and Thaihealth and they do not cover over 65. I have medicare in th US, but really do not want to go back there for any reason!

Any ideas??

I wondered how we would recognise you Phil. I was going to suggest you wore a red rose in your lapel, sporting facial injuries is a painful but acceptable substitute

See you tomorrow. Looking forward to it.

Chas

I'll be there too!

paco, you must have been at the wrong bar........ we were at Jammers Delight, there was NO falang bar owner there last night.

I left at 10pm and the TV pissup was still going strong.

I was at The Saloon. I was sure that was the place you guys said. Anyway, I had a goog time.

Next time I'll try to get better directions.

Have a good piss up....ya bastards!

Well, I was there and didn't meet any forum folks. I did meet the owner, Ron, and he said you probably looked in and saw the place was full of people watching the World Cup and passed.

So I stayed and watched the WC first with some cool Dutch people and then there was a group of school girls from Guadalajara cheering wildly for Mexico and calling the Irianian players "putos"! Very funny.

So, let me know about your next "get together"

Cool. 7.30pm is good then. Se you all on Sunday.

Hi all,

I'm new in town and would like to meet some of you TV forum types, so I will try to be there too.

Still finding my way around town, but if it's called The Saloon and it's on the corner of Loi Kroh by the moat I should be able to find it.

I just moved here and am living in a condo in the Galae Thong Tower off Changklan Rd. near Chiang Mai Land.

My two Pekingese and I love it here so far.

I searched the forum for broadband and adsl and the threads I found are all about 2 years old. I have a TT&T phone line and got DSL working yesterday. The speed is miserably slow. About 150, so I went to the TTT office in Central (KSK) yesterday and they upgraded my service, but it will cost me 2515 B/month. After I left I realized that this is more than four time what I was paying for dsl in San Antonio, Texas.

My friend down the hall tells me he only pays 800 B/month. I can sit outside his door and get around 450 poaching his wireless!

I am going to cancel the upgrade as I don't want to pay more than 1000 B/month. It would be great to get cable, but does not seem to be available around here? I could get rid of the phone I don't need and just use my mobile. I only need bandwidth for Skype which does not work at all at my current speed.

Any ideas?

Hi

Locating to Chiang Mai soon, I will be up to have a scout around but would like some input first.

House Prices to Buy or Rent, a house 3/4 Bedroom with a garden for the Bulldog and Cat.

The best area for location, I do not have children so schools are not at the forefront of choice for location.

Also a Hotel for my recce in the next 3 weeks.

All advice will be appreciated.

Woa, am I missing something?

This guy has a dog and two cats.

To the best of my knowledge none of the places bieng recommended like Boonhaven, Tawan, etc are going to rent to him with his pets!

I'm moving to CM this month with my two Pekingese and found a condo in the Galae Thong tower that does allow pets. Good luck!

Reading through the thread I read one post that said that as soon as I sell my car I'm moving to Chiang Mai. That got me thinking of my totally negative previous post. To be truthful the part I really HATE is driving in the inner city. Parking places are as difficult to find there as in Bangkok. If a person didn't have to drive, the city has interesting activities and many places to go and see. This is as close to an apology that I am going to make. I still prefer the boonies and wouldn't want to live in ANY city anywhere in the world.

I'm the one that posted about selling my car before moving to CM. I wasn't trying to make a point about driving, just that it's the last thing I have to do before booking my ticket to LOS.

But since you mention it, I'm amazed at the posts about driving and parking in CM.

I hate the "car culture" and it's one of the main reasons I want to get out of the US. (I do have other reasons!)

One of the things I consider most attractive about living in Chiang Mai, or anywhere in Thailand is that you don't need a car. So I don't understand why anyone would choose to drive a car there with all the cheap, convenient public transport. Tuk tuk, song tao. and now busses I hear. When I was there last year I walked everywhere and loved it. So much life on the streets! Now that's charm! Nothing like that here. You need a car to get anywhere and you have to deal with some extremely agressive drivers, especially here in San Antonio, Texas.

I have lived most of my life in the "boonies", but now that I'm older and recently single, I'm ready to enjoy city life without the burden of a car.

> Is CM getting more visitors but lower per tourist spend revenues and

> thus lower incomes into the local economy?

No, exactly the other way around. 10+ years ago there were almost ONLY backpackers, and some package tourers who didn't venture much beyond their hotel and restaurants immediately next to them. Does seem that more single men made it up to Chiang Mai 10 years ago though, that segment is completely dominated by Bangkok, Patters and other beachy desintions now. Loi Kroh is indeed pretty gloomy in many ways. (Compared to foreign nightlife areas in Pattaya or Bangkok or Phuket)

> Is it because it's Taksin's home town people (particularly Thai's), are sceptical of

> investing?

No.. Look at all the 5 star mega hotels going up. 10+ years ago there were NO 5 star hotels. (Well, perhaps just what used to be the Westin)

And look for example at Nimmanaemin Road 'Then and Now', then tell me again local people aren't investing.....

> Is it because CM is noticeably spreading out further from the city centre?

Ha, consider the alternative: Unabated expansion INSIDE the city center. Channelling away from the old center is a local policy, AND one that's working.

BTW, some examples posted by people aren't really fair.. Like a picture of Khlong Mae Kha Canal, which was a MUCH bigger mess 10 years ago. It's been beautified on many places on the outside, now what's left is just the water quality. (Which was atorcious also 10 years ago).

> Bad roads

Thapae is a mess, but other than that, the new Ring roads are among the best in Thailand (with the tunnels). The inner city has a one-way system that WORKS. Canal Road is a stellar road now, too. All major roads to outlying districs have been made 4/6 lane separate-lane roads. There's the New Sankamphaeng road, the old one was super dangerous. That one has recently been beautified too with bicycle lanes, footpaths, lanterns and signage in an additional language nobody can read. Remember what it was like driving to Doi Saket or the Sankamphaeng area 10 years ago? Yikes! THAT was bad!!!

> Unfinished projects

Nope. After the economic crisis, almost everything has been picked up again, including the VERY nice new Pantip Plaza.

> Increased traffic

Of course. Comes with growing into a bigger city. If it gets too big then there's always Lamphun or Phrae or something, or Doi Saket, Sanpatong, etc, etc.

If Chiang Mai wasn't a nice place, it wouldn't be growing so fast...

> Filthy air

Is a problem, especially (only?) in the dry season.

> Concrete flyovers

They changed their ways on that one. It's now tunnels galore, which look MUCH better... The people in local govenrment dont like flyovers either, so changes were made for the better. Imagine the old Lamphun road with a big fat concrete flyover.. It got a tunnel you don't even see from that road.

> Expansion in high rise development

Of course. However the new roads and the chanelling of development away from the center means there's a lot of land available AND accessible, so less need for Condo's. The main condo boom was during the bubble years anyway, when they were considered modern and hi-so. There's laws in place that ban high rise condo's in the old center. (And no point in building them further away where land is cheap.). Kudos to the Tessaban on this one.

> Carnival Safaris

Just one at last count. Indeed I don't think this type of project is the way to go. Another ill-conceived Taksin brain fart. Let's hope it will remain just this monumental f-up.

> Early closing

If you DONT have nightlife regulation laws (like before) then you get people complaining about the Karaoke shack next door that keeps blaring until 4am and people would say Chiang Mai is going to the dogs because of the ABSENCE of such regulations. And it's a nationwide thing, obviously. If anything it helps stop the Pattayafication of Chiang Mai.

Cheers,

Chanchao

Whew! I was starting to get really depressed. Thanks for some positive views on Chiang Mai. I just got my O-A visa and as soon as I sell my car I'm moving to CM and plan to stay.

I spent the month of March there last year and loved it. The bad air was the only downer that I noticed and I figure since it's seasonal I can live with it.

I passed through Chiang Mai as a back packer in 1974 and did not recognize it at all on my last visit. It was a sweet little town, but not much to do.

I was pleased the "modern" CM has great restaurants, movie theaters, good shopping and to this soon to be expat, tons of charm!

My friend living in Chiang Mai wants to drive his truck to Hanoi and check out the northern beaches as an alternative to the beaches of Thailand. He hopes the weather will be cooler there than in Thailand.

First, is this possible? Has anyone done it? If so, what about road conditions, visas, etc?

I'm moving to Chiang Mai in April or May on an A-O visa and want to send some stuff. I would like to send some boxes of mostly clothes, art works, and my CD's & DVD's. Maybe 3 or 4 boxes of about 20 lbs each.

I would like to send by surface USPS to my friend in CM. That way it only costs about $30 per box and takes 4 to 6 weeks and would be there about the time I arrive. Not sure if Thai customs would be a problem.

The other way is to wait untill I get setup in CM with a house or a condo and have my daughter send my things to me from here in San Antonio, but then I have to wait quite awhile.

Anyone have any ideas or experience getting things sent to Thailand?