DrPhibes

On 12/7/2022 at 12:14 AM, NickyLouie said:

It's appalling to see these old geezers who are so bent out of shape from their lack of basic self respect.   

Each life is different, we spent only such a short life on this level of existence who is to say as their life is/was/will be what is right.  Some of us that partake in alcohol, it is a different experience than others.  What would be a relaxation or mild inhibition to you would actually be a euphoric experience to someone else.  We are all built a bit different which is why, anything disease-wise, those that have a certain difference would inherit the earth.  The genetic difference/and its expression and our understanding and appreciation for it is our future.  My grandparents died in their late 80's and were rampant daily beer drinkers and smokers. Probably had to be less stressed with life and just enjoying it while we can. Maybe the village drunk had it right all the time ????

Ya, I can possibly see it.  3 people, non-stop flight from Chiang Mai to Samui with cheapest near beach accommodations we could find, 2.5 weeks, low season (there now) nearly $2,000 USD just for those two parts of the trip!  Weather is pretty kickass though.  82F at 3pm, short late afternoon thunderstorms keeps the mossy's/temp down.  Far cry from 95F plus humidity taking it to 109F in CM!

On 6/25/2023 at 7:36 AM, JimTripper said:

I lived in cm about 5 years. I left because I got bored going to the same places and eateries each time. After years in one spot I need to get out for more stimulation and to see new things.

Hear you on the same eateries.  Been here 7 years now and we have settled into  routine of about 10 restaurants.  Problem is we really like what they have.  Some places it is for a single dish they make.  However, every time we think of going somewhere new we are like, why should we spend on a chance when we know we will be happy if go to one of our normal haunts.  

Careful with MSI machines.  A slew of models were equipped with overly tight screen hinges leading to breaking the screen bezel hinge attachment that warranty won't cover.  There is an effort in the US for a class action lawsuit over it.  The machines themselves are actually pretty good for power for the buck.

On 6/12/2023 at 7:59 AM, clokwise said:

Since you say you are not in CM yet, I'd recommend on renting a condo for 2 to 6 months, and during that time you'll have a chance to drive to all parts of town and get a feel for the different areas. And you won't have to hurry to buy somewhere and possibly regret it later.

 

Surprised no one has mention it yet, the vicinity of the Ruamchok intersection is a really good choice. Right there you have a big wet market, Lotus's, Tops's, Rimping, plus all the usual banks, drug stores and all the other usual stores, plus heaps of great restaurants including farang favorites Dukes, Good View, Salsa Kitchen and Ohkajhu. Plus Central Festival is 10 minutes drive if you want to go there. All ranges of moobans - from the massive cookie cutter corporate style, to the build-your-own estates. Plenty of lo-rise inexpensive condos too. Hospitals nearby. International schools are around there too. Traffic is bad only at that intersection roughly for an hour and a half in the morning and in the evening (much like everywhere else in CM), but otherwise it's fine. Certainly beats Hang Dong traffic. Plus you have easy access to MaeJo and Huay Tung Tao, the superhighway, and the inner and outer ring roads.

 

Shhhhh, best way to ruin something is to advertise it ???? Seriously, spent a good amount of time looking for a strategic location and this is it for us.  NIS school 4min from house on top of the aforementioned.

52 minutes ago, Thailand said:

But they still stamped and recorded the TM30 indicating that a visit was required?

Happened to me a couple of months ago, told the same thing as you were but they still insisted on seeing our rental agreement though no copies required.

Yes, still required but a slimmed down requirement.  After a border bounce, I will go in again with passport and rental agreement (no copies) only.

3 hours ago, jacko45k said:

Or perhaps tourists.

I am concerned, durians will become scarcer and more expensive in Thailand and I do enjoy them. 

As well as everything else once the high speed train gets in and China siphons off most of Thailand's agriculture.  It runs right through Thailand's Bread Basket.

Hi all,  returned 3 weeks ago from the US entering Thailand in Chiang Mai under a new Non-O multiple entry based on wife.  Returned to our house in CM we have rented for the last 8 years.  Went to immigration the next day armed with rental agreement, signed copies of owners ID cards, TM-30 form, passport etc... to immigration next to the airport.  Was a number of people ahead of us but went quick.  Imm. Lady basically ignored all the docs, looked at my previous TM30 slip in my passport, asked if I am still at the same address which I replied yes.  She then stamped the TM30 slip and said, in the future, only need to bring the slip and my passport as long as I am living in the same place.  Each office have their particular procedures.  Best to call once you re-enter the country to see what the flavor of the day is.  Would have saved me a chunk of time and effort.  Hope all well with everyone.

On 1/22/2023 at 5:07 PM, proton said:

what about the exploited and vulnerable sex tourists?

Ya, what part of this bill protects me from them aka Valentines in Chiang Mai!

On 1/23/2023 at 3:32 AM, nigelforbes said:

I don't know where you got those prices from but the combination endoscopy and colonoscopy (or round trip as they like to call it) at RAM was 36,000 as a package in February last year. The Endoscopy alone is 26,000.

When the exchange rate was darn near 38 to 1 USD, would have to talk to the wife about the final number but was a bit over $800 USD.

Ram Hospital, about $800 USD for endoscopy, colonoscopy, ultrasound of abdomen, chest x-ray, and blood work, very reasonable compared to the states. There were a few blood work items that were not included but Bria lab in CM has a very full menu of diagnostic tests that are much cheaper than the hospital.  Good if you know what your looking at for the reported results.  For blood clots, depends where in the body you have concern.  There are blood tests to rule out certain clots, some parts of the body can use ultrasound, some parts require CT scan with contrasting dye.

On 1/12/2023 at 9:07 PM, stoner said:

for realz ? hahahahahahahaha

 

i just today came back from phuket and frequented the wong. i was quoted 1k for the bar fine. 

 

 

Thus was Harum, one of the Suzy Wong group.

What about tourists already in the country?  Have friends that showed up 8 days ago planning to stay for 90 days.  Do they now need to run out and get Covid health insurance?

God at least they were not stuck on the plane for several hrs with this total ear worm playing (4.5 millions view BTW)!

On 12/2/2022 at 7:21 AM, jacko45k said:

I am concerned about electricity prices which I am told will rise substantially in the New Year..... had a go at the Mrs last night as to why we had a rice cooker on for hours on end!

The plain and simple fact is Thailand is running out of available energy producing resources and is haivng to rely on pricey imports.  Natural gas is big in Thailand for electricity production but the production of available reserves is lagging badly.  Here is a good reason for part of it.

https://www.energyvoice.com/oilandgas/asia/423027/thailand-needs-shale-gas-moment-as-energy-crisis-deepens-on-ptteps-watch/

22 hours ago, Venom said:

Indeed the baht is losing its value faster than the US dollars estimated 9.1% annually! ???? 

Losing value?  Thai baht is about 1.5 baht stronger that it was 2 weeks ago.

Just received notice from the School that Immigration has called off the reporting.

Thanks for input everyone.

Moderator can close thread please.

My child goes to a higher end International School here in CM and we just received notice a couple of days ago that there is now a requirement to report if you are going to leave Chiang Mai Province at least 3 days before you go and to report where you are going.  Anyone else seen this?  Thanks in advance.

1 hour ago, Crossy said:

 

Ours is a Canon imageCLASS MF635Cx Color Multi-Function Printer with Duplex/LAN/WiFi (now discontinued). Cost 15,500 in 2018 when we bought it (from Invade).

 

Does two-sided scanning and printing.

 

Like other lasers it just prints, first time every time.

 

EDIT The updated version https://www.invadeit.co.th/product/multi-function-printers/canon/imageclass-mf643cdw-multi-function-colour-printer-print-scan-copy-duplex-lan-wifi-p046838/ is 13,910 at Invade

 

For mono-color laser I'm using a Brother MFC-L2740DW.  Does everything including 2 sided scan/copy and the extended knock off toner cartridges last forever.  Love it so much I have one in my office in the US.  Be careful when a manufacturer says it's a duplex machine.  Bought what was supposed to be the next revision up from mine and it even said duplex on the box.  Turns out it did only duplex printing, not duplex 2 sided scanning or copying.

15 minutes ago, Sparktrader said:

According to the UN Traffic Act of 1949 and the Thai Traffic Act of 1979, an IDP is not required if you are a tourist/visitor in Thailand as long as your license is in English, has a photo, and your country is a contracting state of the 1949 treaty, which most are.

Well someone better set the embassies straight.  This right off the British Thai Embassy:

"If you would like to drive, either vehicle or motorcycle, while visiting Thailand, you are required by law to hold an international driving license. When asked for, you need to show your international driving license along with your passport and national driving license."

Good to know, just need the above statement in Thai and be on the embassy website in the area where you get your Visa and such. 

Thanks!