yosib157

Thanks for that-- and I did. 3thb/min for landline is far cheaper than the link I used. Wish I had known that before buying 600 baht of DTAC cards. Either way, in the unlikely event that I should ever need to call the UK again, I will certainly keep your link and use mytello.

Thanks for all the responses. I last called the UK maybe 10 years ago using SKYPE and have only used LINE for everything for the past 4. Since then I have had no need to call the UK, but this time it was essential that I contacted two specific Government Offices who only use land lines for communication and refused to take the required information using emails. Maybe different for other Government departments. I cannot remember how long it is since I bought a phone card and didn't even know how to load it. However, I eventually connected using the prefix 001 before 44. Apparently this is necessary when calling from a mobile to a UK landline, but it was extremely expensive. This method may be not be the best, but it worked for me and my issues have now been resolved. Hopefully others in my situation may benefit from this information in the future.

Yes I have Skype, LINE, Facebook and 3 emails but the Government offices I need to call do not use any other contacts but by phone. I can't really share more than that on an open forum. But thanks for the suggestion anyway.

I was using the same mobile and number I used last week

Did anyone else have problems calling the UK yesterday (Tuesday)? I tried for an hour to call 4 different official numbers in the UK and everytime I only got "no such number'' or number unavailable. These were all numbers I had called before so I dunno what was happening.

Being retired from UK Government Service, I used to sign for fellow Brits and none was ever declined. However, a month ago when mine arrived at our new address, I noticed some significant changes from previous forms and having only lived in this isolated area for 18 months, I didn't know who ask. So off to my ttb bank where they instantly refused point blank even though I've had the account for 20 years. Right out of the blue, my missus suggested driving 65km to Roi Et Immigration where they willingly obliged, naturally, for a small donation. The Officer concerned was a Lieutenant Colonel no less so it should be OK. I have information they are tightening up on these forms so signing your own may cause future problems. 18 months ago a 74 year old friend of mine received his first as he had never told them he was here. Wrong advice from the wrong person who said they would never find out -- until they stopped his pension. The guy is now back in Blighty living in a Salvation Army Hostel or similar trying to pay back 7 years of over payments.

Does anyone know of a local gate/fence maker from Yasothon to Phanom Phrai. Wood and metal combination would be my first choice but not essential. I've tried browsing the web but no luck so far. Any information or recommendations would be appreciated.

Pre-Covid we visited the huge New Years Market, fair, carnival behind Roi Et General Hospital. Can any locals tell me if it will be re-opened this year as we'll be in the vicinity and would like enjoy it again.

If the nest is not too close to your house, children or anything of value, maybe you could try my solution. After 100 bites and many overrated products, I did the following. I had some paint thinners handy so I poured a little down the tunnels they build. I lit it after a few minutes while it penetrated and it burned for maybe 10 minutes. It must have reached them all as no sign of them since. I guess any flamable spirit would work.

Thanks to all who contributed to my post. Many useful tips. Unfortunately, I didn't ask anyone to give their locations. Isaan is a large area and not everywhere has the same weather. Either way, I'll certainly follow a lot of advice,

Great tip about the guava as the missus will soon have more than 20 trees and she has already sold some but would attract more customers if they looked nicer. Shame we can't buy more at the same price we found at a casual market a few months back. Currently we are using only this half Rai which is our actual backyard as our American friends call it, but we have access to much more as our family own another Rai or 2 which they aren't using. So, great info from everyone. Any more will go into the draw to decide which way to proceed.

Thanks for the heads up

OK, thanks for that and I'll check it out.

We inherited one unhealthy custard apple which may be ripped out and burnt. Will be replaced with 6 healthy ones. Longans were popular as a large crop at our last place so we'll maybe also try those. Mangoes are plentiful in most gardens. Star fruit are grown but few are picked with lots on the floor cashews I never considered as they need a lot of processing. That said I'll certainly put one in to try. Thanks for the input.

Thanks both, exactly the answers I was hoping for.

I realise this subject has been covered a few times but I'm hoping for any up to date and current experiences. We have recently reclaimed about a half rai of land rear of the house in Isaan. This has been thoroughly cleared and topped up with sandy rice paddy soil. We have plenty of water and full sunshine. In the past few months we've had some decent success with planting flowering trees on the same size land front of the house. Some young trees were bought via mail order and very successful others were from local garden centres. The wife also bought 8 guava trees which are already producing dozens of fruit. Now she wants to plant a lot more fruit trees and I was wondering what's the best and/or quickest growing for Isaan. I read there is a mad dash for people to plant Durian for the crazy prices the fruits bring in around 5? years, but we don't need that. In our previous house, we had great success with the golden mango-like fruit called Mayongchit Tulklao. The second year it cropped there were kilos of 'em. Quite a high price in the markets. Unfortunately it took about 8 years to mature and produce and I doubt I'll see that long. Maybe the wife should just get another 30 guava trees and stick with what she knows. But I'd like some variety so any comments welcome.

Thanks for the feedback. My wife will call them tomorrow.

I've done a long seaarch and can't find much about the Dr.Hann Hospital in Yasothon. Can anyone tell of any recent treatment ot experiences at this hospital. I'm especially interested in the orthopedic clinic or their consultant. Thanks