marios

If he had just used the zebra crossing all of this could have been avoided...

If they did cross the road away from a pedestrian crossing then they are to blame. If that was the case, the riders had a scare also and they were pissed off also because their right of way was challenged by the couple. They could have been themselves involved in an accident so they were also upset and unsettled . Of course no matter how angry or provoked you might be, sending someone to the hospital is certainly not answer.

Been to both places. Extremely happily married to a Filipina and now have plans to move to the Philippines. I agree on most accounts of the Thai/Philippines comparison, Thai infrastructure, food, cleanliness better but the people make up for the those differences. The Philippine people are more genuine, open, speak great English, easy to understand. The different islands are a treat and an adventure in itself.

I am also happily married to a Filipina. moving to the Philippines was never an option because being a farang I am therefore rich and so the dozens of my wife's relatives will eat us alive. It goes like..'Jocelyn is sick.. she needs medicines..or Lito needs a denture and this goes on and on. If you move to an island away from them then you need to be near a halfway decent medical facility because rural Philippines is very backward. I never felt safe in the Philippines. You have the constant impression that everybody wants to rip you off. This could be the hotel management the money changer and the list is endless.

No, Thailand despite the huge language impediment remains a safe and enjoyable destination for retirement. Of course this is my opinion and it is not meant to dissuade anybody to make their choices. So my apologies to rbooks for my negative critique.

If you (knowingly) mess with a married woman you deserve to get hurt in my opinion.

I believe that's also the opinion of the police, so why would they take action against a Thai man if was really the victim in the broader story.

People step out of line and get slapped every day, it's only that fact that this is on video that makes it different.

This is partly true. If one knowingly does something he shouldn't do then he might expect a certain form of retribution. This statement is correct. But if the deed is not illegal, then the avenging party commits a crime. Adultery is not illegal outside the muslim world, I think.

Setup? <deleted> are you all babbling about? Why would the russian ask a thai guy to slap him hard on the face, and then proceed to go to the cops to file an official complaint? Why would the thai guy accept to do that while being filmed? It doesn't make any sense.

What makes sense is that a particularly horrible person was caught on tape. Russia is the land of dashcams, that explains why a Russian would think about turning on his cam before opening the door, at least much better than any of your ridiculous setup theories.

I hope that thai scum will be punished accordingly.

I thing the scene is real. The anger and jealousy of the man were too authentic to be disputed. The Russian, a young handsome tall hunk with lots of money is no contest compared to a local mediocrity. No, I believe this is a real life drama of desperate actions by a hurt, jealous man.

In addition to the above inquiry does anybody know anything about The Lake Condos in Muangthong Thani? The seem to offer very cheap good grade accommodation. Does anybody live there or knows anything about that place?

Thanks

Mario

I used to have similar problems. In fact I couldn't drive because turning my head sideways was painful. I had a fair share of near misses at intersections. Now my condition is almost ok. No pain during the day (unless I overdo it with the computer) and no pain when I wake up.

The formula which worked satisfactorily in my case has four components.

1) turmeric pills. They appear as FLEXOFYTOL and FLEXYCUR. They are both made in Belgium

2) A special cervical roll from the McKenzie Institute, it really works wonders, can be ordered through Amazon.

3) Special exercises which can be found in the book 'Treat your own neck' by Robin McKenzie. Again through Amazon.

4) Pills called Neurobion which consist of B3, B6 and B12 just vitamins which are said to repair the nerves.

1 and 4 have been prescribed by physicians (1 by a orthopaedic doctor and 4 by a rheumatologist both MDs)

2 and 3 I found on the net and I gave them a try. I am happy I did

In my opinion the most potent and effective were the cervical roll and the neurobion pill. Anyway my condition, which started really bothering more than 2 and half years have now for the last 4 months subsided. I introduced the cervical roll may be 5 months ago and neurobion 4 months ago.

The book I used not very regularly but i always felt my neck to be a little freer after the exercises.

So, In case you cannot find the turmeric pills which allow turmeric to be absorbed in great quantities as compared to

ordinary turmeric pills, i thing you should try the other options.

Good luck, my friend

Try the Chatrium in Bangkok. Naratiwas 24

Pricey, 42k for a 45 meter apartment, very plush and very nice.

Does anyone have experience with cure for neck syndrome through acupuncture?

Hi all

Since six months ago I have been suffering with pain and discomfort on my neck. Limited rotation and the rest of the symptoms characteristic of inflammation of the cervical part of the spine.

Has anybody found relief through acupuncture and where?

Western medicine advises pain killers and proper posture. They are not confident about physiotherapy as a sure remedy)

I am at a situation now that I cannot drive anymore ( limited neck rotation)

Thank you

mario

That doesnt surprise me , you can find them all between soi nana and ....soi nana ... staying there for sleep and for food ..... also because Bumrungrad is near by. I dont think those arabs spend a lot of money in going sightseeing or travel around Thailand . Mostly are here for medical tourism.

Yes, at Bumrungrad most of the patients are arabic. From what I have observed the elderly men and women patients are accompanied by younger males. It is my opinion that Thailand is chosen by the younger males for medical reasons for their elders because of the 'facilities' Thailand has to offer to younger (and older males). In India, for example, which is much closer, excellent hospitals advertise and cater for international clientèle. They do not offer,however, the easy, hassle free entertainment Thailand has to offer.

Has anybody any experience with acupuncture in the treatment of tinnitus? (buzzing in the ears)

I suffered from 'buzzing in the ears' for about 6 months, I think it was more of a stress-related, anxiety problem (coupled with too much Saeng Som) caused by my house sale in the UK (3 buyers over 9 months, one who was arrested by the fraud squad).

Anyway after the house sale went through the symptons persisted so I visited the St Louis Hospital Chinese Medecine clinic. First session was 850 baht, but following sessions were 600 baht each. I was recommended to have 8 sessions, in the end I had 12.

Difficult to say if it was the acupuncture or just the action of time, but the symptons subsided eventually to a manageable level (i.e. I don't wake up with the buzzing, but if I think about it I can still detect it).

Anyway I think it is well worth trying, the staff at St Louis are very pleasant and the doctor (Chinese) instilled confidence and optimism.

Good luck

This is superb news my friend.

I am aware of the TCM clinic at Saint Louis and I am also aware that they offer treatment for tinnitus in their page.

In fact I called a number of times and an English speaking nurse could n't really assure me that they will cure my wife. Anyway I am coming to Bangkok on the 5th Sept. and we will most certainly go there. Thank you again for this info. It is so good to have a hope, even a slim one.

Take care

Mario

I'm an Acupuncturist so can't help chiming in here. Tinnitus is very difficult to cure with any medicine so they have done well (and probably time away from UK too). Some illnesses which take a long time to develop also take time to reverse. Sometimes you can only stop them from getting worse. At least with Chinese medicine they treat the whole system so many other side complaints maybe alleviated even if the worst one is a bit more stubborn...

I have in fact come to Bangkok early September and spent one month there. I took my wife (suffering from tinnitus) to Saint Louis Hospital Chinese Clinic. After the second treatment, the tinnitus in her right ear has disappeared. Sadly though, the buzzing in her left ear persisted but with less intensity. I do not understand the mechanics of acupuncture so I cannot tell why was that. However, irrespective of the cruel irony of the cure of only one ear, one cannot dismiss acupuncture because it did cure something. Furthermore he cured my wifes big toe which had lost tone and sensation through acupucture.

Bottom line, for a modest fee, at a place which is not overcrowded yet, one may have a chance for chronic, persistent maladies where western medicine cannot help.

regards

Mario

Has anybody any experience with acupuncture in the treatment of tinnitus? (buzzing in the ears)

I suffered from 'buzzing in the ears' for about 6 months, I think it was more of a stress-related, anxiety problem (coupled with too much Saeng Som) caused by my house sale in the UK (3 buyers over 9 months, one who was arrested by the fraud squad).

Anyway after the house sale went through the symptons persisted so I visited the St Louis Hospital Chinese Medecine clinic. First session was 850 baht, but following sessions were 600 baht each. I was recommended to have 8 sessions, in the end I had 12.

Difficult to say if it was the acupuncture or just the action of time, but the symptons subsided eventually to a manageable level (i.e. I don't wake up with the buzzing, but if I think about it I can still detect it).

Anyway I think it is well worth trying, the staff at St Louis are very pleasant and the doctor (Chinese) instilled confidence and optimism.

Good luck

This is superb news my friend.

I am aware of the TCM clinic at Saint Louis and I am also aware that they offer treatment for tinnitus in their page.

In fact I called a number of times and an English speaking nurse could n't really assure me that they will cure my wife. Anyway I am coming to Bangkok on the 5th Sept. and we will most certainly go there. Thank you again for this info. It is so good to have a hope, even a slim one.

Take care

Mario

BKK in my opinion is a shit hole unless your going for a fun dirty but expensive weekend. Everyone will try and rip you off, tuk tuk's espically, it's expensive, it's dirty, it's hot and wet with no sun. List can go on, if I had to stay there for my time in Thailand I wouldn't be coming back.

100% agree with your post.I would rather live in the jungle than that sess pit.Racism,polution,nastiness,wannabe hi-so farangs,proper hi-so thais,who are beyond the law,traffic congestion,major flooding,rat infested,a bad edge about the place in general,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Then pack your bags and head off to the jungle Tarzan. It never ceases to amaze me at the whining by some foreign residents and tourists alike about the quality of life in BKK and Thailand in general. It seems as though folks like you want 1st world infrastructure, protections, service, etc but at 3rd world prices. A bunch of cry-babies. It is NOT expensive here if you have your head about you, a lick or two of common sense and are willing to adapt to a more indigenous lifestyle. I've been living here 5 years and before here, in Taiwan. You either get acclimated to it and find ways to make it acceptable to you, or don't let the door slap you on your behind as you leave. If it is so bad, why are you still here???

I agree entirely. People just love Thailand and they adore Bangkok. So do the farang residents who are complaining now. One can only read the posts of anger and desperation for the difficulties in renewing the visa or the elation for having done an easy visa run. They dread the thought of having to leave Thailand. Thailand is magic. The same hotel in London would cost 250 pounds compared to 60 dollars. The food is superb, so is the shopping. Taxis appear at the speed of thought. In the advanced west someone must not get sick on the weekend. Why? simple, no doctors available, hospitals are manned with skeleton crews because in the west free time is (and rightly so ) revered. Take the hospitals in Bangkok, they are always fully staffed and available. Mercifully for us they value money more than leisure time so the medical staff are willing to work on weekends and public holidays. For an elderly person like myself this is important equally so for the rest of the farang whose mean age,I suspect, is middle age plus. The same applies for the market place. People are willing to work 7 days a week. So gentlemen enjoy Thailand as it is now because soon things will change. People will want leisure time and higher pay. For them is only fair, for us the beginning of the end of a wonderful story.

Yes, the poll was correct. Bangkok is a super destination

No difference at all,unless you want to make trouble.

Actually one of the main differences is that you can get a free tourist visa.

Come and enjoy yourself

Thanks Robby

mario

State of emergency cancelled in three provinces

By The Nation

The Cabinet on Tuesday approved the cancellation of emergency rule in Lampang, Sakhon Nakhon and Roi Et as per the recommendation from relevant authorities, signalling the gradual resumption of normalcy.

The state of emergency remains enforced in 16 provinces, including Bangkok. Last week the emergency rule was lifted in five provinces.

The emergency measures are still in effect in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Ubon Ratchathani, Maha Sarakham, Nong Bua Lamphu, Mukdahan, Udon Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Chon Buri and Samut Prakan.

-- The Nation 2010-07-20

What does the state of emergency mean to a tourist, for example? Is there a night curfew? Can one please tell me what to expect,in a few words, as I am coming to Bangkok early September for one month? Are there any tourists now? I am familiar with 'normal' Bangkok of course as I visit almost every year. I will appreciate any short info

Thank you

Bangkok Hospital Phuket was going to charge me about twice the price of my local pharmacy for the same drug, outpatient. I got a bit angry with the doctor there as well. I guess Thais never question a doctor. She was a bit taken aback by my questioning her. And then got a bit rude to me, which doesn't fly with an American that is taught to ask questions of their doctor and be informed. At that point I told her to give me all the test results, paid the bill and never went back there.

This is the problem. Thai doctors cannot be doubted. How can you make an asian person lose face? You can certainly do it in a one -off visit, you cannot do it if you see the same doctor on a regular basis, I think.

In 2004 I spent 2 weeks as an in-patient at Bumrungrad. The cost of medicines was high, but the cost of the room was really cheap. It was a huge room with breakfast bar and a sofa with 2 armchairs,full UBC etc. I think it was 2500 per day. I am not sure but it was certainly more than half of what I would had paid in my own country. I had a crippling case of sciatica which let me bedridden for 2 weeks. They treated me fine. There was an endless availability of nurses. I have feelings of gratitude to those nurses and physiotherapists who treated me in such a cheerful and smiling manner. A nurse was 2 minutes away from my ringing the bell.

All in all my thoughts on this hospital, in 2004, were very positive. They overcharged the medicines? Someone has to pay for the privilege of having a nurse rushing to your bedside when you press the button.

Hi all

I need accommodation for one month in the central area of Bkk. The tickets are: arrival 27/09 departure 27/10. I prefer a westerner owner (no disrespect to all other decent owners)the reason being that I may have a chance of receiving back the deposit. As simple as that) I do not expect of course the offered yearly rate. The apartment should have good facilities (pool gym, sauna) UBC. A garden will be a welcome bonus. Fully furnished with full kitchen and if possible a washing machine.

I am not quoting a price but for a good small apartment a yearly rate could be of the order of 20-26k. Well, If this amount is beefed up to a certain extend, then there may be a success.I want to avoid a serviced apartment because I do not need their services. My young Filipina wife is quite capable of cleaning the house herself. We are non smokers and non drinkers.

thank you

Mario

Don't let yourself be scammed. If a Thai girlfriend or her family asks for money, cut her loose, period.

If you give a Thai woman or her family money, from that point on you will never know the real reason she is with you, but chances are, it is for the cash.

Don't worry, Thailand offers plenty of women to entertain you. The second she ask you for money, consider the relationship a business arrangement, and treat it as such. Do not ever, ever combine business with love.

If you want a serious relationship with a Thai woman, find one that doesn't ask for money, and doesn't lie. Take a few years of watching her manage her money and proving her honesty. You will save yourself a disaster.

You are absolutely right. But what kind of a 'proper' thai woman would marry you if you are middle aged, balding and may be fat also? You get exactly what your situation allows. A young girl may be, but poor and uneducated. A high class educated young woman would'nt spit on you (unless of course if you are dashing,in your early 30s, rich and handsome.Any american or western woman would fall for you) So it is give and take. You get something young and pretty versus your moderately financially sound, middle aged condition. She will never be swept on her feet by you and you know why? Because she will never be able to appreciate your intellect or talents (if you have any) due to her lack of education, school or social.

Bottom line. Do not expect the full monty. It is against nature for an older man to win the heart and mind of a much younger woman. Maybe it appears to be so in some couples but I doubt if it is true.

Has anybody any experience with acupuncture in the treatment of tinnitus? (buzzing in the ears)

This is evolving into civil war. Eventually,hopefully, things will come back to normal but for the farang the game is over, I think.

Brother is posed against brother. This intolerable situation makes people angry and I fear part of this anger will be directed against the farang. In thai people's view the average middle aged farang has come to their country seeking sex. I feel that there is a slight, imperceptible contempt behind the smiles. I fear that the political heightened passions in the country will force this negative feeling towards us to surface. I feel, paradise Thailand will be no more. An what a wonderful paradise it is! Despite the negative comments made on this forum about the various shortcomings of the country, Thailand with its superb food, superb shopping, sexual outlets and taxis which appear at the speed of thought and countless other virtues is a much desired place to relocate and settle.

My fear is that for us things will somehow change and that we shall be viewed with more hostility. I suspect the age of 'innocense' is over and I lament for that.

Try Chatrium Residences in Naratiwat 24, which is in theory in Sathorn but not exactly in either of the Sathorn roads. It used to be called Oakwood Apartments, now Chatrium Residences. They advertise that they accept pets but not sure about cats,dogs for sure. It is a high class place with shuttle bus to Chong Nonsi. I stayed there some years back,when called Oakwood, and I was very satisfied.

For a good deal call 'Click 4 apartment' they advertise it and they can negotiate a good price for you. I would try it if the location presents no problem.

cheers

mario

The presence of earth wire is mandatory in most countries. One,however, might need an knowledgeable elecrician to install correctly and effectively an earthing arrangement. For those who already have or thinking of having a house, the only solution is solar water heaters. In a tropical country like Thailand, piping hot water is guaranteed throughout the year. I know this for a fact because I have one installed in my residence here in Cyprus. In fact more than 95% of residences,houses or apartments in Cyprus get their hot water from the sun. Many british expats who have been to Cyprus may verify that. Half an hour of good sunshine is sufficient to warm up the water to more than 60 degrees. In summer it can reach 80 deg.

Of course these water heaters have a back up electric element and the system is of course grounded. One however can live without the electric element and still enjoy hot water for most of the time.

This does not address the issue of electic safety at home but the most common causes of electrocution at home are water heater related.

Mercifully we are still allowed to wish Merry Christmas on this forum. In other countries, unfortunately it is illegal to do so.

Try Bangkok Garden serviced apartments ~40-45K (2-3 bedrms) or Bangkok Garden Condo 2-3 bdrms 30-35K

The pool and garden are fantastic. 24 Naratiwat road next to former Oakwood. Good road, plenty of amenities good for families.

Sorry to hijack this thread. I am considering staying at this property for about 7 months from November, so do not have much time to think through.

Distance to BTS is critical for me. Therefore, may I know if the property is 5min on foot to the station, or is that by vehicle? If I were to walk, how long would it take? Also, is there sufficient eating areas around the property?

Sorry to be so abrupt, but would really like to hear from real people who have stayed there before (rather than the hotel's marketing team). Thanks so much!

No, it is a 5 min walk from the Apartments to the main road Naratiwat Srinakarindra, where numerous buses and taxis pass. There is no way you can walk to Chong Nonsi BTS. There might be a possibility that the Hotel offers shuttle bus service to the BTS. The other Serviced apartments in the same road such as Bangkok Garden and Oakwood, all provide shuttle bus service. Consult the hotel and if not, ask them for the best bus route.

Hope I've helped a little bit

The area is very good, Starbucks, restaurants, pharmacy supermarket are all at the exit of the compound.

cheers