Korat Correct

I know there have been several attempts to get an Expats Club going in the Issan region and all have failed,which is why it is important to try to get this one right.

An initial meet at Passinee Cafe on June 1st at 12noon hopes to get the Club off the ground, but what issues are important to you?

Please let us have your ideas for discussion.

At the moment the main meet is on the 29th July in Korat.

Plachon

I'll stand by what I said, and let readers judge your contribution.

I should clarify

I produced 40000kgs of red meat per year,plus bread making wheat and feed and malting barley in the past.

I reintroduced undersown rye to feed to sheep.

I have been invited to the House of Commons Agricultural Select Committee to contribute to the Beef Industry in the UK.

I gave evidence to the BSE committee, though did not have BSE on my farm

I was invited to sit on the Foot and Mouth Committee

Evidence of my submissions are in Hansard.

I have articles and letters in the Farmers Weekly and Farmers Guardian.

I recently had a meeting with three Associate Professors of Agricultural Economics at Khon Kaen University on the subject of "red meat production in Thailand"

I helped a Thai peasant farmer introduce an irrigation system to help him diversify in to maize, beans and chillie. He wouldn't agree with your argument. He bought a mineral compound as Potash and Phospates are as important as Nitrogen in plant health and growth.

I have visited live cattle markets in this area and the slaughter facilities near Korat to see the situation for myself

Are speaking from experience?

Mosquitos like me too. May be the blood sugar levels?

Dengue fever is unpleasant to say the least and if in Chaiyaphum will spread unless controlled.

A Mossy bites a Dengue infected person and then bites you and thats how you get it.

High Fever,body rashes,severe headaches,pain- behind the eyes,in muscles and joints should be investigated immediately.

One question for the Korat Expats Club to address is what are their local government agency doing about controlling mosquitos especially after the rainy season.

Of course someone Political in Thailand is making big money from anti -Mosquito sprays and is not interested in their control.

I understand the problem of the Thai peasant problem of getting his produce to market with a fair return.

Rice is about 5bht /kilo at the farm gate, due to over production and lack of market support by Government.

Diversification and better land utilisation as I suggested previously, but what IS needed are cooperatives and guaranteed prices.

To have a market you need buyers and sellers. What has happened is that similar to the UK. Too few buyers and too many sellers.

Government needs to set up Cooperative stations in all areas,to handle small amounts and set prices to encourage farmers to trade with the coop.

In the early days, Government financial support is needed,but as the process settles down, the Coop and market takes care of the peaks and troughs.

What Thailand doesn't need are the rice barons.

Thats what the Agriculture Minister needs to concentrate on the real problem rather than tinkering at the edges, supporting the "Organic" cause.

Not something TRT are renouned for.

Further complications to the grateful contributions.

Arrive BKK 7.15am and don't want to wait until 11.47 for the train

There will be three of us. Two with ?4 suitcases and hand luggage and my GF,arriving from Korat in the early hours to meet us, bless her.

That seems too much for one meter taxi. One could be cramped for a long journey and Two could get expensive.

I think the Mo Chit bus will be the best with a transfer by taxi to Mo Chit.

That could add up to 1000bht though?

Does anyone know of a 5/7 seater van that does the trip from Korat for 2500bht?

A hotel mini bus?One that would bring the GF and wait arrival of both planes arriving within 30 mins of each other,hopefully!

ORGANIC FARMING IS PURE DECADENCE.

The UK Soil Association is a company and a business. It promotes its product and makes money.

The Thai Government should have nothing to do with universities who advocate providing less food from Thai-land. Less than 5% of UK food is Organic and I don't know any inorganic food,and I don't want bugs and slugs in my vegetables.

If this craze takes off more Thai people will get more hungry, and the peasants will not get rich quick. Organic farming is not cost effective on the small farming scale.

What Thailand needs to develop is crop rotation and cheap irrigation schemes. Less of the keeping cattle as status symbols and more converting ruminants into food.

Grow your own garden vegetables with household waste but don't buy animal manure from farmers who need it for their own production systems.

Water soluble nitrates,as urea and nitrogen fixing plants such as alph/alpha and clovers are preferred to using up the worlds minerals,but that is a different issue.

I feel qualified to comment since I retired from UK farming having begun in 1959.

Cheeky Farang

Thanks

Very informative.

Doesn't sound nearly as daunting as I first thought.

I am going to give it a try.

Afterall, the excellent public transport system should be supported when possible.

Are you joining in on the Korat Expats Club 1st June meet?

15 May 2006

There are already a few expat clubs operating in Korat. Part of the reason that this has to date not been an overwhelmingly successful enterprise is like some writers here have more than hinted, "It's nice to be on your own and unbothered."

The Europeans have a group that meets at the Swiss restaurant, the VFW are supposedly still meeting at the Rachabhruk Grand Hotel but reported to be moving, the Japanese are separate from the westeners, etc.

One of the advantages in having an expat club, or as an alternative, an expat network, is that people can get information they need anytime they need it. This website offers a lot in this aspect, but there is a lot more to do. What about municipal building codes, real estate agents, the best emergency services, translations, schooling for expat children, etc.? These are only some of the areas that need to be continually placed both online and in hardcopy.

We have been around for a while, but because of local lack of commerce, business and government interest, have not been a spanking success in the publication field. Korat has been described by one writer on this forum as less friendly than wanted, and for expats who are serious about services and information, this is a huge understatement.

Frank G Anderson

Founder, the Korat Post

www.thekoratpost.com

[email protected]

Frank

All that you say about Farangs wanting to keep themselves to themselves may be true, but when they do meet,one so often hears that isolation from other farangs is a concern. To that end they congregate at farang watering holes or start up clubs.

Clearly you have put a great deal of effort into the Korat Post and this web could well be used to promote the Korat Expats Club.Certainly the Club needs developing along the lines you mention. A better information service and advertising board are just what is needed.

Farangs do make a financial contribution to the local economy and the local government should recognise this and an Expats Club could be the opportunity for a link to discuss matters of common concern with the Provinces politicans.( My next door neighbour is one)

I know this sounds high brow to some who may only see the Club as a social gathering, and that is fine for those who just want to socialise, but as you explain it should have a serious side too and to that end I do hope you can join us on June 1st at 12 noon in the Passinee to form a steering committee.

dereklev

I've just realised that "Osaka" is a BOOM BOOM massage place near the Passinee. So it WILL be more private and quieter! Please tell us all what its like,how much you paid and whether you got value for money? Then we can decide whether to move the meet to the Osaka.

Passinee or Osaka its OK by me but where is the Osaka?

I presume the Osaka has more privacy and is quieter?

Lets get it decided.

I am away shortly until the 26th May.

Its June 1st at 12 noon Where?

All these properties on offer? I wish they had been available when I was looking. Someone should start an office!

Alternative is to recommend Passinee Cafe,near Sri Pattana Hotel(not recommended) on Suranaree Road to put up a ads noticeboard. Passinee is the best watering hole for farangs,along with the Scandanavian Pizza cafe next door.

Shows we also need a Korat Club.

Thanks for the advice.

I've seen the train, its slow,irregular and dirty, but accept its convenient and inexpensive.

The buses are frequent and if I can get my bags downstairs after buying the ticket, it does seem the better option.

The taxi to Korat is expensive but for a worn out traveller may seem the best option.

I will see how I feel after the journey by plane and through Bkk airport.

Thanks again. I hope others have found the advice useful.

Loz

Well done

So you have arrived!

About 130bht by meter taxi?

Two suitcases and hand luggage wont impede this dash upstairs and down with ticket at the bus station?

When you say "upstairs" what does this imply for a pensioner?

Getting to Don Muang is easy from Korat. Take the bus and ask to be put off at Airport. 198bht.

I've spent 2000bht plus on taxi and private hire, from Airport to Korat centre,but thought I would look at the other options.

Intention..

Bkk airport to Mo Chit bus station .. bus to Korat

Is there a direct bus link?

Has anyone asked Korat bus station office to arrange pick up at drop off point?

Proceed to Mo Chit BS and get return to Korat?

Will have two large bags though.

Taxi to Mo Chit BS? How much is the fare?

Airport bus to? No 1,2,or 3 to City then bus to Mo Chit?

Airport Bus to Skytrain? Not advisable with heavy bags?

Train from Airport to Korat, slow and hot.?

Any other suggestions?

OK Comedians ....Shank's Pony is last option

LOZ

Well done!

The Mall is on Mittraphap Road,No 2 road, the main one through Korat.Coming in from Bangkok see Tesco on the right and the Mall entrance is 100 metres or so on the left, so slow down and get into the inside lane. Coming from the East do a U turn after Tesco and see above. I think you'll find that the U turn is just before Tesco not after.

As far as Korat Correct first's suggestion, to hold a Farang day, those in the "East", as always, have been most vocal.There are many comedians out there and even more serious people seriously interested.

The date seems to be set at 29th July. The venue Korat- somewhere.The time TBA.

A steering committee is still needed whatever is decided. Still a bit formal sounding but lets see what happens.

Hands up those who could meet on the ?Thursday 1st June at ?Passinee Cafe ?say 14.00hrs.I've marked the first of June on my calendar. For some of us "out of towners" 14:00 is starting a little bit late. That's usually when I'm thinking about heading "home". At any rate if I can make it I'll be there "noonish".

This is to plan the big day.

PS. Please bring a small wallet as nothing is free in life.

My comments highlighted in "blue" above.

Ken

Correction U turn before Tesco.

12 noonish would be fine.

Any other suggestions ?

Giles

LOZ

Well done!

The Mall is on Mittraphap Road,No 2 road, the main one through Korat.Coming in from Bangkok see Tesco on the right and the Mall entrance is 100 metres or so on the left, so slow down and get into the inside lane. Coming from the East do a U turn after Tesco and see above.

As far as Korat Correct first's suggestion, to hold a Farang day, those in the "East", as always, have been most vocal.There are many comedians out there and even more serious people seriously interested.

The date seems to be set at 29th July. The venue Korat- somewhere.The time TBA.

A steering committee is still needed whatever is decided.

Hands up those who could meet on the ?Thursday 1st June at ?Passinee Cafe ?say 14.00hrs.

This is to plan the big day.

PS. Please bring a small wallet as nothing is free in life.

One way to buy land at a reasonable price is to go to the Thai Farmers Bank in the area you want to buy in and consider some land the bank has repossessed. Of course the land may not have been productive, being the reason for repossession but it will give you an idea.

Banks will do valuations of property and land if you pay them.Better still if you have an account with them.Some also sell houses.

Chaiyaphum buses arrive at Khon Kaen road bus station, Korat and Pattaya buses leave from the same station,are regular, and tickets are bought at the bus station. A ticket ensures you get a seat. I don't know the exact times of the buses from Korat to Pattaya. Chaiyaphum bus station office should know otherwise email from this site and I will go and look for you.

LOZ

Think of bringing pounds sterling. The baht has been high against many currencies but as the dollar falls and the pound rises you get more baht for your pound. Bringing sterling gives you the option to change it as and when.

As far as furnished accomm. is concerned its abit scarce here. Think of an unfurnished one and make do with modest furniture if funds are moderate. 3000bht /month should get you two rooms a shower/bathroom and small kitchen area.

Basic furniture can be had at the many furniture stores.

UOB Bank offer savings/current accounts for farangs with safe boxes. Mine cost 1500bht / year and 3000bht deposit.

Deposit accounts for (baht) money you don't need for 3 months at 3.75% less 15%tax.

If you can't find a fellow teacher to help, and get desperate,use this site to email me. I live in Korat and have been through it recently.

LOZ

Korat Hotel Adsang Road is in the centre of Korat at 500bht + per night if you are staying a week or more.

You will need that to find a furnished rental which are few and far between and more expensive.

Try lodging with an existing Korat teacher to get your bearings. Consider hiring a motorbike, if funds are low, to get around.

I know of unfurnished places for 2500bht+ and if you buy a fan, mattress, use cheap chairs and a table and eat out you can get by on

a shoe string.

Try the Passinee Restaurant and Drinking hole to meet other teachers

This is near the Sri Pattana hotel ( not recommended) on Suraneree Road.

A note about valuables. You need a safe! Hotels have them.

When you get established a safe box at a bank will do.

If you have nothing to secure.. God help you here.

LOZ

You can drive on an International Driving Licence but if staying here better to get a Thai Licence.

You do not need to go to Bangkok. I have just obtained a Thai Licence here in Korat.

Considering a new Nissan pickup (with double cab,advisable) can be purchased for under 600kbht, think carefully about paying too much for a load of scrap. Cars ARE more expensive here.

Better to hire in the short term by the month.Under 20kbht plus a small deposit for the collision waiver.

If you want help email me through this site when you arrive in Korat.

Nimzo,why do you ask the question?

Reduced to automatism?

With a "spark" the world is your oyster.

Wherever you live.

The question should be "what do I want to achieve"?

Thats what LOS is all about. Within reason you CAN fulfil all your dreams

Dont let mistrust get in your way though. Mistrusting everyone doesn't make you a good person.

Sure you will be let down.

But you could have stayed in your own country for that.

Be inventive and enjoy life.

Ethanol is in the news.

Are converted cars available in LOS?

Are cars convertible

How much does it cost ?

Is it an effective power source?

Is it safe?

Where are the 233 Ethanol stations?

Anyone got a map of the current stations?

Back to the Beef thread

I intend to visit Nakhon Sakon, the farms producing real beef and the Thai French Beef Co.that processes and distributes the beef.

Can anyone advise on good accommodation nearby and further details of the Beef Production system?

Try the Korat Hotel in the centre of town or a short tuk tuk ride from the bus station.

Korat Hotel, 191 Asdang Road Korat Tel 044 257057 email [email protected]

500 bht standard /800bht deluxe .

Korat town centre is worth a look day or night. Walk toward Chumphon and the

food market.