CN1050

As an update, I had a conversation with one of the repair people at Maya and they informed me that there is a block on replacement parts for my brand (Oneplus) into Thailand, which is why it is difficult to get parts. I tried buying a phone in America and having my dad ship it out but it seems that they want some kind of license and the shipping costs plus customs is outrageous as I expected so not going that route.

I'll hang my head in defeat and go chance it, buying a phone at one of the stands today.

Yeah that may be the best, I'll likely go with that though I really would like the Oneplus One so I'll look at that first haha.

Well thank you for the suggestion, I will keep it in mind as my last choice, though at that point I figure I would rather buy the older Oneplus One and have it shipped out to me and wait on fixing my phone until I get to China in a month or so. I need a phone now, but paying all that money extra on top of having that inconvenience and gambling on a seller, just seems like a losing deal.

Yes, I've also seen it on Ali for that much. But if I go as far as ordering the screen myself, paying the customs on it, I may as well replace it myself which was my point in the post.

What I'm looking for is a shop that knows a reputable seller and has a channel to order the part and then can also replace it all at once. I'd be more than willing to leave the deposit for the part, I just do not want to have to chance it with a random seller AND pay ridiculous customs etc.

I recently broke the screen on my Oneplus 3T in Korea on my way back to Thailand and figured I'd have an easy time finding a phone repair place here that could do the job. If I was back in the States, I could have very easily ordered a new screen and replaced it myself but being in Thailand, I find it difficult to get things shipped here in a reasonable time frame, without massive fees.

I've been asking around at shops, both at Pantip and the kiosks at Central Plaza (I read of shops there that could have done the work but saw no phone repair shops other than the kiosks). Everyone tells me they do not have the spare parts on hand (understandable) but also that they do not want to order the part. I've gone to phone repair shops in Korea and the US that have been more than willing to order parts, as they have access to parts channels that get them cheaper bits, so the current situation is frustrating.

If you guys know of a place willing to order parts and can do the work, I'd be happy to know.

Thanks in advance!

Oh I see, the variety I'm stuck with at the moment unfortunately does not have tied ends, but a nearly seamless casing with a small hole at the tips. If I come across the tied ones, I will try to remove before cooking. I just lack trust when mixing the microwave with new food in a new country haha, eliminating as many variables as possible so that I can understand why XYZ food made me ill later down the line!

18 hours ago, lopburi3 said:

Most hot dogs have normal edible casing - those wrapped in clear plastic are easy to see as they are twist tied at ends and those need to have plastic removed - very easy to do on cold dog before heating (never heat in plastic - and if you make a mistake just discard).  Have mostly found the plastic used on chicken types - but it is something you need to be aware of as does not seem to be specific to any one brand.  

Your note about discarding them after cooking in plastic seems odd. I think that boiling shouldn't be an issue. Without boiling them first it is a mess of work to try and take off the plastic anyways. Most others here and those who have messaged me, seem to do it that way so I'll continue with that method. Though yes, I do see this a lot on the chicken ones after a more in-depth trip to the store. Though some of these dogs are mush on the inside and taking the plastic off before cooking is messy.

On 7/10/2017 at 6:29 AM, junglechef said:

I go mainly to a few of the O2 gyms, CNX and Magnus lately.

 

Firstly mixing it up keeps it interesting, allows me to use different machines as none have all the others do and different locations and opening times are convenient to when and where I am when I want to workout.

 

The last point is huge! If it's not convenient it's much more likely one won't go as much!

 

Another point is parking, all the one's I've listed have ample parking for large vehicles. I rather not park in a mall or hotel as their gym can be far away. 

 

Finally the costs! If you do the math of a long term plan it can work out to as much as going 5x a week EVERY week!

The one's I've listed are 60-100 bht a day. The more expensive one's have a/c so when it's hot or smokey I find it worth the extra cost.

I lift weights usually 2x a week (I cycle 4x/week) so the daily fee is much more cost effective for my exercise program.

Check out the relatively small Rumchok gym for an example of an over priced gym for what you get (300 bht a day!!).

If you do sign-up for a term membership ask what the rules are for putting it on (vacation) hold. They will tell you it's allowed but then you might find out it's only allowed once a year and for no more then two weeks. Not great if you go home for a few months a year or travel more regularly. 

 

When I use to lift more regularly I had yearly memberships at Fitness Thailand and Harris and gone to many other on daily rate but listed my current preferences.

 

As for a trainer I have observed so many here that teach not only incorrectly but dangerously!

It's sadly amusing watching them teach a technique that was proven harmful in the 70's. 

And that's when they are not playing on their phone on your time!!

I'd be very wary of signing up with one here.

 

To learn how to use a basic machine I think youtube would be a better choice (sorry don't mean to be of of those "google is your friend" people but ..

 

Good luck and I'd be remiss not to say that cardio is an integral part of a work-out program and with the wonderful weather we have here, especially this time of year, one should really do it outside. 

 

Why not try a bike riding too!! :) 

 

 

 

I want to thank all the new posters but yours in specific was very well written and in-depth. In my head, with all the young hipster people being 'digital nomads' here I had thought the fitness culture would mean there would have been an abundance of good, educated trainers though I am increasingly becoming convinced I was wrong. I suppose google and YouTube are my friend but that isn't so bad! I'd love to run outside but between the dogs, the heat and the random rain, just not a cool mix for me. Used to live in southern California and could run outside without a second thought but here, not so much, same goes for biking at least for now.

I'll try out the places you mentioned. Though I'll be here six months, I'll be doing visa runs and frequent holidays, so the plans probably won't work for me. Popping in and out of different gyms seems fun and refreshing.

Thanks again for your insightful reply, maybe I'll see you around!

3 minutes ago, chickenslegs said:

Yes, hot dogs are already cooked and just need warming up.

Awesome, thank you for the quick replies!

2 minutes ago, chickenslegs said:

I have bought hot dogs with quite a thick plastic casing. I heat them up in a pan of boiling water then peel off the casing.

 

If you want to fry them I think you might need to remove the casing first.

Are they ready to eat once you remove the casings after boiling? I am eating the chicken-kind.

Oh I see, so the casing ought to be removed. I've just boiled a few and the casings have split up so I suppose I'll peel them off and eat them that way. Quite inconvenient when compared to the American variety. I knew that some had natural casings that they are meant to be cooked with so I was curious if this was the same, sad to see that isn't the case.

I've bought three batches of various hot dogs at the store and every time they have come in these difficult casings that I cannot seem to cook. Anyone have tips on how to cook these or if they ought to be avoided altogether? Also, if there is a better alternative in Chiang Mai for hot dogs that is reasonably priced I'm all ears.

Not a region specific question though, so I'm putting this in general.

14 hours ago, sfokevin said:

I work out at O2 Gym on Mahadol Rd... there is a farrang guy that trains others there most morning at 9-10am... he seems to be very engaged with his clients... I have never once seen him using his cellphone while training someone ;-)

Thanks, maybe I'll swing by on a day pass and see if I could find a moment to chat him up. That's definitely the kind of work ethic I'd be looking for!

2 hours ago, Trujillo said:

Ruamchok Fitness Center

 

This just recently opened and all the equipment is brand new. They have everything you could possibly want to lift or pull or push. They have yoga sessions as well as other group classes, which are free if you sign up for a year membership. 

 

They have trainers but they don't come cheaply, however, they do seem to have knowledge of how to set up and maintain a work-out program. 

Good tip, though this place is definitely too far to consider. Like I said I'm on Chiangmai Land so that's quite a bit out of the way from here. I'll keep it on the list though if any other place falls through, thanks!

23 hours ago, nickmondo said:

CNX Gym near to the Nissan Garage, fairly close to the shopping mall

Do you use this gym personally? As far as trainers, do they offer anything?

The food seems sorta distracting, that was my issue that led to me needing to work out haha

On 7/7/2017 at 1:58 PM, connda said:

Depends on how much you can afford or are willing to spend.  I tend to be a cheap charlie in this department.  I simply want free weights and aerobic machines.  I pay 30 THB a visit to the gym I use in Lamphun.

 
When I lived in CM I used Fitness Thai  http://www.fitnessthailand.co.th/contact.php.  My biggest complaint with them was their reluctance to keep their equipment maintained including not having enough steel pins for the weight racks on their weight machines.  They have personal trainers.  But overall they are an OK place for the price. Personally I'd recommend them.

One of the closest places to you is the fitness center at Centra Duangawan Hotel on the fourth floor  http://www.duangtawanhotelchiangmai.com/facilities.html
I consider it a frilly boutique fitness place.  Pricy. Crowded. Limited equipment.  Not sure about personal trainer.  

 

You also have a swimming pool at the Southwest side of CM Land.  Swimming is excellent exercise.  
Best of luck.  Happy training.

Fitness Thailand seems cool but they're on the opposite side of town. The hotel gym seems off and other people here seem to bash it so probably a pass on that as well. If you know any trainers that operate outside the gyms worth their salt then let me know though!

4 hours ago, UPDEHSOI said:

Do you have access to a computer? Umm, I'll assume....yes. Then why not just type in Athlean x.com. or athlean x you tube? Best darn exercise site on the net. And it does not have to cost you a baht, unless you want to buy into one of his programs, which are well worth the money (IMHO of course ) Exercises for any and all parts of the body, with weights, without weights, nutrition plans, the works. He has put out hundreds of vids, and still puts out one a week.

Was moreso looking for someone that could talk to me about my own goals, abilities and eating habits and work with me on a way to go about working out responsibly. I know of this guy from weighlifting mates and he can help form and what not but I am looking for a trainer, not just a youtube guide. All the perks of a human including personalized help, their informed advice down the line a few months, and maybe someone to work out with and keep you on program, are all helpful.

35 minutes ago, jobin said:

Buy an old bicycle, pedal out to the 700 stadium, on the dedicated bike trail, then swim in the olympic pool for 20 laps, at least 4 different strokes.  Cool down, dry off and then move downstairs to the weight training department with loads of various machines.  You'll be fit in no time at small cost.  3x per week.  

Swim = 60 baht, machine use the same.  approx.

Um, going to say you didn't read or are really naive? Pardon if I'm wrong but that place is awfully far.

8 hours ago, Loaded said:

If you want to avoid the beer chang vests, tough guy talk from pot-bellied pigs and little dark farang girlfriends from a medieval village, try somewhere that costs over 15,000 baht/year.

You seem to have rep on here but your comment is confusing and I don't get what you are trying to say. Either way it wasn't super... helpful?

Going to go through and respond to these posts but some of them come off as ads, are misinformed or sorta just dickish haha. Will reply to helpful people though.

Mostly looking for the personal trainer part just so that I can have some guidance and help down the line of where to be putting focus into. Gyms in my opinion are kind of a dime a dozen unless you are in need of serious weights and equipment. Trainers on the other hand, are workout tools that can be really shit or really good, and if they're shit then you can really mess up your body. Was moreso looking for recommendations on a trainer, my apologies for not being too specific. The gym info is helpful though.

I've been reading through the forums and it seems like all of the posts in regards to gyms and personal trainers are either outdated or for other areas of Thailand. I wanted to get into shape, but haven't exercised since high school and needed someone to help get me on track. Just going to the gym myself I wouldn't know how to use any of the machines or where to focus!

I'm in Chiang Mai Land and ideally would be looking for something close but if there are better options elsewhere I'd certainly consider, at least at first to learn about machines and get a plan in place.

If anyone has any suggestions of gyms or trainers they know or are currently using, I'd love to hear about them. Just looking to turn my health around.

Just an update for anyone looking at this thread in the future, the area by Chiangmai Land is nice. I have no complaints. It's a quieter road than those nearer the city and no crazy roaming dog packs or roosters. Still a convenient distance to stores and stuff and an Uber anywhere is less than a few bucks, if you don't get out much like me, it's cheaper than renting or buying a bike.

Again thanks for the comments guys.

I ended up going with a place in Chiangmai Land. The area seemed a tad less packed and the condo was much larger and in a nicer building.

Any complaints about this place? Couldn't find anything to whine about in my trip there or on Google and the place is secured pretty well and just renovated.

Thank you all for the replies, noise was my primary concern with North so that one's out. I like Riverside more and the place I'm looking at is a renovated room from it so I noticed it looks a lot less old than the other rooms. The issue is it's pricy but being close to he city is nice.

Thank you guys again for the inputs, it's helped me rule out and reaffirm some options here!

I know the apartment questions get annoying, but I've narrowed my choices down and want to know if anyone has opinions on these complexes having been here longer. I've scoped the areas and they seem fine but more people have more exposure to the area.

North 4 Condominium at Serene Lake

Riverside Condominium

Chiangmai Land

Thanks in advance!

13 hours ago, suzannegoh said:

 

One thing that I'm not sure about with the AIS Fibre sevice is whether you can sign up for it for only 6 months. When you sign up the give you the installation, two routers, and an Android box for free but as I recall that was contingent upon signing a one year contract.

Also, you mentioned the AIS SIM. I use AIS 4G in a phone and in a tablet, mostly when away from the home. It's good though at the time that I signed up for it they did not have truly unlimited data packages. You should also be aware some older devices and some devices purchased in other countries might not support Thailand's flavor of 4G LTE and hence will dropback to 3G speeds.

 

Right right, luckily Thai and Japanese devices operate on compatible systems and that's what I have. I'll see what I can do in terms of deals. If it doesn't work out there are other providers, though I'll still likely use AIS for my phone since choosing True last time was a disaster.

22 hours ago, suzannegoh said:

 

They might not be everywhere in Chiang Mai yet but we've had AIS Fibre's 50/10 package for almost a year and it has been excellent so far. Almost always it benchmarks at the full 50mbps download speed to severs inside Thailand and even back to the US it's usually in excess of 10 mbps. And I think that it only went down once, and then only for a couple of hours.

 

That's great to hear. I think they offer package deals with a SIM card with data as well which would be ideal. Definitely AIS will be my all-round first choice based on research and testimonials. Just a matter of which places will let me get internet and if decent connections are available.

The limited downtime note you made is excellent, along with a consistent up and down, sounds like my kinda service!

13 hours ago, lordblackader said:

Be aware that sometimes condo buildings have exclusive deals with providers so you'll be restricted to getting online with the given provider for the building. Also take a look at Sinet, great value for money. 

Oh yeah, that will be one of my first questions to the people showing these places. Haven't heard of Sinet but will check them out as well, though they seem to have some bad reviews in general, the in-depth reviews on them seem to be generally positive. If you and others have it and are happy, the cost is lower than AIS and or they have better speeds or coverage I'll go with them.

14 hours ago, suzannegoh said:

 

If you drop by an AIS office and give them the address of the place that are considering they should be able to tell you if their Fibre service is available there. The AIS office at Central Festival is pretty easy to deal with.

 

Got it, so then my approach would be to narrow down home picks first based on amenities and looks, then narrow the search further based on which are within AIS's service area, I would assume. Good suggestion on where to go too, I'll check them out there rather than other locations.

12 hours ago, Dante99 said:

Contact Chiang Mai Buddy, they are experts about helping folks like you.

I see, that was my first choice. I just read on other forum threads that you can be better off just asking around on the forums and meeting up with someone rather than using that. If that's the only good option though, I suppose that's what I'll go with!

Thank you for the reply.