topcat333
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Posts posted by topcat333
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I'm going to add my story about well drilling, well water, and water filtering. I'll start by saying I'm no expert, but I have been forced to learn more about this topic than I ever wanted to know. I will also say this is an ongoing story because the problems are not solved. I'm providing this information to help others avoid making the same mistakes.
We built a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom country house in Roi Et Province, Phon Sai District, as a retirement home and started this project in 2023. My goal when starting the water project was to have a good supply of usable whole-house water, including safe drinking water. I did not want to fill tanks and buy bottled water. My first mistake was allocating 90% of my research to the filtration system and 10% to the well. In my defense, I left that part to my contractor and the drilling company that drills wells in this area, and they should certainly know their business, right?
My only request to the contractor and well drilling company was to provide me with a good source of water with a pump, and I would handle the rest above ground. I requested to go deeper for better water quality, but in this area, it doesn't seem to be the answer. I was told the deep water in this area has a heavy salt content so a shallow well is the only way to go.
I was out of the country working when the well was drilled. The house was still under construction, so the water was only being used for construction purposes at this point. I had designed a filtration system and had it shipped to the house. It consisted of a multi-stage filtration system designed to make the water usable before entering the house, and another 4-stage reverse osmosis system to provide drinking water at the faucets. The filtration system works as designed, passing all quality tests for minerals and bacteria. However, it only took a day or two to discover that we were pumping almost as much sand out of the well as we were water, which seriously clogged the filtration system and impeded the flow of water. I was able to quickly add a large particulate filtration tank to the system, which solved the immediate problem and provided a workable solution.
We still have not lived in our house for more than a few months in these past few years, but it's clear that everything about the well is wrong. We are pulling a large amount of sand through the pump, which is likely shortening the pump's life. The water level is already questionable, as when I backflush the system, I can tell we are actually running out of water, the pump is underpowered and clearly not designed for a house like ours, which will use far more water than a typical village house.
Conclusion: After conducting research, I have found ways to manage a sandy well at the wellhead through the use of casings and sand filters. The real challenge is finding a company that has the experience and resources to handle the job correctly, but it must be done; otherwise, the idea of being self-sufficient with our own source of water becomes increasingly problematic.
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On 12/9/2024 at 1:20 AM, MalcolmB said:
Does she have a job or are you paying her to be full time?
Whether she does or does not hardly matters. She is my wife, and yes, she has a job. All I'm saying is simply that relationships are what you make them, however you choose!
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The real gem in this article is the part it seems everyone missed. One of these guys had a cache of child pornography. I don't care how adults choose to make money as long as they are not harming others, but when children are exploited and abused for profit, it's a terrible thing.
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Over 10 years with mine, and she is still fulfilling my fantasies. Every relationship is a risk. I'll never try to give anyone relationship advice beyond, "Open your eyes and live in reality, at least 80% of the time!"
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I learned this lesson the hard way. My wife and I went for a foot massage, as we often do. It is typical for the masseuse to finish with a few minutes on the shoulders, neck, and head. This would have been fine, except the masseuse decided to crack my neck. It was quick and without my consent but still, I did not think much about it until pain set in. Over the next few days, it did not get better, and sometimes there was a shooting pain that was so intense it caused me to scream. I went to the doctor and had x-rays and therapy. It took about six months but I eventually healed. Never again will I allow that to happen.
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Nothing new here, and nothing will change. Why should it? I stopped judging others years ago. As long as there is a need, whether sexual, companionship, or both, everything remains status quo. Do we really have a right to judge others based on how they make this happen? Where adults make their own adult decisions. Sometimes, it's a business deal; other times, it's an emotional need, so what!
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5 hours ago, sqwakvfr said:
Does "Pizza The Hut" serve chicken? Can asking a general question be considered as defamation in the Land of Smiles?
The article starts out by stating "a well-known Thai Pizza Chain", Pizza, The Hut, as you call it is hardly a Thai Pizza Chain, or I guess we can imagine that it's now a Thai pizza chain if it makes you feel better.
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The big news here is that he is American! It would have been big news if he was European or Japanese or a Monkey. Some of these things you read about stronger Visa rules or foreigners are bad for Thailand are just ridiculous. Thai's abuse their young as much as any other culture and it's a well know fact that many pedophiles come to places like Thailand or the Philippines because it's easier to do here than in their countries. What they should be talking about is more enforcement, more task forces, more resources and a greater public knowledge to make it less attractive for Thais or any other nationality to attempt such acts in Thailand. America and European countries have committed many resources to these people, and they work with countries like Thailand to share information. This has nothing to do with nationality. It's a human scum problem.
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8 hours ago, webfact said:
Picture courtesy; The Pattaya News
In a shocking incident in Khon Kaen, Thailand, three American Bully dogs fatally mauled a 70-year-old man, Mr. Lek Sipak, on the night of July 24th. The tragedy struck in a small village situated in Phu Wiang District, sending ripples of grief and shock through the community.
Mr. Lek had just finished collecting payment for frogs he had sold to a neighbour when the attack occurred. His son, Prasert, who was working in Chonburi at the time, rushed home immediately upon hearing the dire news, only to be informed, half an hour later, of his father’s untimely death.
Local officials and the sub-district head, Sutthirak Duangtanoy, paid a visit to the grieving family and the site of the attack.
They met with the dog owners, a local teacher named Mr. Sakon, 49, and his wife, Mrs. Saowanee, 46. Officials stressed the importance of managing aggressive pets and implementing precautionary measures such as visible warning signs and secure enclosures around the property.
Mrs. Saowanee guided Thai reporters through the scene, marking the spot where the attack happened near their home’s 1.5-metre-high iron gate.
The tragedy unfolded while she was out shopping, and upon her return, she found the dogs attacking Mr. Lek, who was still alive but severely injured. Struggling to control the dogs, she eventually managed to secure them and called for medical assistance, but sadly, it was too late, reported The Pattaya News.
Mrs. Saowanee stated that her dogs had never bitten anyone before and speculated that the victim might have opened the gate himself. Expressing remorse, she offered to assist with funeral expenses. The family accepted the gesture, deciding not to press charges in exchange for compensation.
In a final turn, the bereaved family agreed to give the dogs away to a professional trainer who would take over their care. This tragic event has left the village grappling with sorrow and the pressing issue of pet safety.
-- 2024-07-27
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7 hours ago, eggzthaioz said:It's not about being negative, it's about the reality of living in Thailand.
All the relatives and friends will be circling like vultures.
Thais find in it extremely difficult to say no when they're asked by family or friends for a loan. They know they probably won't get it back as well.
Hope a brother or family member isn't building the house as that would be another story.
Cheers
Tom
We have a nice Western Style house in the village and my wife is tighter with our money then I. She tells all the village people we are poor, just worked hard and saved our money to build a nice house but nothing extra except a monthly allowance. If you don't flaunt it, easy enough to control.
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Very sad for anyone who was injured or lost everything but looking at the timeline, and give the complexity of the area pretty impressive for the firefighter to get the fire out in all of 2 3/4 hours from the original report.
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7 hours ago, Gsxrnz said:
With the upcoming dedollarization of the USD, maybe baked beans should replace the McDonald's Big Mac International Currency comparison.
Upcoming in what year? Other countries have been talking about trashing the USD for my whole lifetime and I'm 68
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No Comment! I plead the 5th????
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Of course, you all know it has nothing to do with tomato's, right?
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I think everyone has to weigh costs based on their desired lifestyle. What I'm reading here are many are changing apples to apples comparing things that just don't add up. example... If you own a house that's paid off then of course your cost ratio is different but that's totally off point.
I live 6 months a year in the US and the rest in Thailand. I maintain residence in Bangkok and Tampa Florida. I have a Thai wife and she and I are both still working. She lives 12 months a year in BKK. My monthly cost in Bangkok when we are both there is still way less than my single cost in Tampa. We are not living an extravagant lifestyle in either place but we live well. I'm also building a house in Northern Thailand and it's a nice house designed to be energy efficient and mostly off the grid. My cost in doing this is far less than I could even begin to imagine if I built the same anywhere in the USA. Yes, I realize that's if I chose to do so in BKK the costs would be far greater and that's why we chose Northern Thailand. We can come back to BKK or go to the beach whenever we want. We can fly in, Airbnb for a week and it's still cheaper than living a daily life in the USA trying to maintain a similar lifestyle. I’ve done the math and We have lived the math but my choices and my math is different than yours.
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2 hours ago, leeroy221 said:
Someone here might be able to answer this, as I am visiting soon I am wondering whether to bring GBP and change to THB when there or, should I change to USD and then THB when I arrive?
It's off topic so won't answer here but if you want to write me at <Email address removed> I'll be happy to share some tips as I've been going in and out of country for years and there definatly is a more correct way to exchange to get your best rate.
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15 hours ago, KhunLA said:
Has it been accurate in the past ?
I personally wouldn't take much stock in rate forecasting, much further than 1 week. Though I certainly do like their forecast. Getting back to 40 would be great ... for me anyway.
QuoteTo answer your question, the charts change regularly, but just following the trends the Baht continues to weaken. I've been building and holding USD based on these trends and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Less than a year ago there were many who said the Baht would not likely ever see 35 ever again. I can't predict whether 40 will be reached but I'm not going to rule it out either.
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I follow this chart regularly.
https://longforecast.com/usd-to-bht-today-forecast
Dollar To Baht Forecast For 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 And 2026
Month Open Low-High Close Mo,% Total,% 2022 Jun 34.14 34.14-36.27 35.73 4.7% 4.7% Jul 35.73 35.47-36.55 36.01 0.8% 5.5% Aug 36.01 35.23-36.31 35.77 -0.7% 4.8% Sep 35.77 35.77-37.39 36.84 3.0% 7.9% Oct 36.84 36.84-38.09 37.53 1.9% 9.9% Nov 37.53 36.31-37.53 36.86 -1.8% 8.0% Dec 36.86 36.34-37.44 36.89 0.1% 8.1% 2023 Jan 36.89 36.02-37.12 36.57 -0.9% 7.1% Feb 36.57 36.22-37.32 36.77 0.5% 7.7% Mar 36.77 35.94-37.04 36.49 -0.8% 6.9% Apr 36.49 36.49-38.14 37.58 3.0% 10.1% May 37.58 36.21-37.58 36.76 -2.2% 7.7% Jun 36.76 36.76-38.34 37.77 2.7% 10.6% Jul 37.77 37.77-39.38 38.80 2.7% 13.6% Aug 38.80 38.25-39.41 38.83 0.1% 13.7% Sep 38.83 38.19-39.35 38.77 -0.2% 13.6% Oct 38.77 38.77-40.43 39.83 2.7% 16.7% Nov 39.83 39.83-41.11 40.50 1.7% 18.6% Dec 40.50 39.74-40.96 40.35 -0.4% 18.2% -
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I'm only semi-retired here in Thaialnd as I'm still working in the US living in Thailand 4 months a year. I've been doing this for the past seven years so I've seen a lot and have a good feel for living here. I've traveled many Asian countries but for me Thailand is the most appealing. The reason why doesn’t matter. I would imagine there are many reasons why others decide to stay or leave.
I'll be here more permanently over the next few years as I continue to close things out in the US. I have relations here, many friends and maintain a place in BKK. I'm not wealthy so living here and being able to maintain a higher standard of living has its appeal. I'm not young, 67 but fortunate enough to have very good health. Most of my friends have been here for years and none that I know of are talking about leaving. I look at many of the things the Thai government does and shake my head, but honestly, I look at the things going on in my country and other countries and I'm certainly not impressed.
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4 hours ago, stoner said:the vast majority of the weed grown here is garbage. only a few sources of quality. other than that its imported.
What happened to Thai Stick? I don't smoke the stuff, or at least since Vietnam but Thai stick was famious and would put you on your ass. Much of it found it's way back into the US as well as many other countries.
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1 hour ago, mogandave said:Dual pricing is routine in the US.
Surprisingly the majority of United States National Park units are free to enter all year long. Only 116 of the 419 National Park Service units charge any sort of entrance fee. Admission to these parks can range from $5 per person to $35 per vehicle.
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2 minutes ago, HaoleBoy said:
Aus gave $65 million dollars for Covid-19 use earlier this year.
US giving 500 milllion doses ... part to Thailand.
Why should any country be giving to Thailand? Thailand has the means to supply (and make money from) their own vaccine production to other countries here in SE Asia. Thailand's corruption is so bad they will probably take the donations then put a price tag to sell the vaccines here to foreigners.
The US, UK and other large countries want to end Covid by any means. So in short if the smaller countries don't have the means, "or the Sense" they are stepping up to take care of it in other ways. That's just a nice way to say it. We all want to get on with life and as long as there is covid with new variants developing it's a threat to the World
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Don't be so quick to slam USA. They are donating "Free of any charges or Strings attached" 500 Million doses this month to 100 low income countries. Thailand included! I have no idea how they will determine who gets what but if the split it even that means 5M shots to Thailand.
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Just venting frustration….but this goes right along with allowing to tourist industry to start truly reopening.
Does this make sense? If you want to participate in the Phuket Sandbox project starting July 1 “with the current plan” the only way there is by international flight from another country to Phuket. This means you must arrange your flight from your country to Dubai, Doho or Singapore to get a connecting flight to Phuket. Not only is it costly to get there but it’s also difficult. You can’t fly into BKK and catch another flight to Phuket. It’s not allowed.
What makes sense would be a flight into BKK with a daily flight for tourists from BKK to Phuket. Then the travelers would likely come. The way it is now offers as much success as the Thai Elite Visa program.
Does this make sense? If you are vaccinated and fly into BKK you still must spend 14 days in quarantine but if you fly direct to Phuket only 7 days with few limitations as long as you are on the island, and then after 7 days you can travel anywhere in Thailand.
What makes more sense is for fully vaccinated arrivals to BKK only quarantine 7 days. I could live with that, but who in their right mind would sit in a hotel for 14 days on a 25 to 30 day stay in Thailand.
I’m frustrated because I’ve waited patiently for the past 16 months for some type of normalcy to arrive and now, while normal has returned to me here it’s a long way off over there.
I have a Thai Girlfriend and we have been together 7 years. We both work, she in BKK and I in my country. We spend a few months a year together and plan to continue this way for another few years when we both will retire. My motivation for coming to Thailand is greater than most. Further, we have the financial ability to pay the high costs associated with the honor to enter Thailand in these difficult times, but this by no means constitutes reasoning to throw money away for the honor of sitting in a Hotel by myself for 14 days or flying around the world just to catch an International connecting flight to Phuket. You really have to wonder who comes up with these crazy ideas that are only partially hatched and then believes they will actually work?
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US Tourist Visa for my Thai Wife
in Visas and migration to other countries
Posted