The Fugitive

Seem to work OK in my area. We don't notice any flashes when our hybrid hydro dam switches between solar and hydro. Apparently, they go on battery power during the change overs. Never had a circuit board burnt out in an applicance in Thailand either. Happened several times when I lived in South America.

Been to a couple of floating solar panel hybrid hydro dams nearest to me. Floating motorised platforms provide food, drink and karaoke entertainment. Banana and donut boats for those who are able! Apparently, as I don't know how they know, fish enjoy the shade provided underneath the solar panels. I like the dual benefits these provide. Renewable energy plus extending the life of the dams built in the 1960's that are now suffering from low water levels. A feasibility study is planned for a new dam in my small town, if successful to be built around 2034.

Not really. Best not to store any card details if you can avoid it. Just my opinion based upon my own experience.

They only got goods worth $6 USD out of me. I noticed too late to stop the initial (trial?) transaction. The next order they made was too big for the Chinese shop to handle so they declined it! I cancelled my credit card and my bank refunded the six dollars.

My AliExpress account was hacked. I had a stored credit card. The hacker ordered goods and changed the delivery address to Moldova.

Remember reading some time ago of the challenges faced by crematorium workers (not Thailand) with regard to the grossly overweight deceased. Apparently, burning fat leaks out of the cremation chamber, spilling across the floor thus creating a grease fire.

The fact you were unaware of the changes would indicate existing service continues for current subscribers?

I had one extra unplanned visit. The dental laboratory had made an error in manufacturing one of my crowns. Fortunately, my dentist noticed it as he was about to glue it in!

Not any longer I'm afraid. No pay by the minute either. However, subscriptions are cheap.

Thanks for your information. I shall keep my eye on this. Appears similar to the VOIP service I use; 'VYKE'. Only difference I can see (from a U.K. user point of view) is that SWYTCH charges 5.00 GBP per month to rent a U.K. mobile number and VYKE charges 19.99 GBP per annum.

Unless you use Skype.

Agree! We Brits live/love to complain. If there isn't anything to complain about we are actively trying to think of something. If you ask a Brit how was their holiday (for example) they will typically reply; 'good flights, on time, good hotel, good weather, good food etc. BUT....................They will always finish on a downer!

Have experienced the same although not in Thailand. The dentist couldn't cope and asked his father (family practice) to take over. I felt much downward pressure. The faces of the original dentist and dental nurse said it all. A lot of blood. They said only one stitch inserted though. Caused considerable swelling of my jaw.

Sounds good, thanks for the info. I can confirm that Thai Life (their Life Insurance that is) do pay out and do so quickly. My Thai wife took out Life Insurance with them to cover her Mum's funeral costs. When she died two years ago they paid out immediately. On the strength of that, my wife has since taken out policies on both myself and her uncle. I obtained a quote for health insurance from SBC (brokers). I declared my pre-existing conditions. They replied; 'we can cover you'. However, no mention of exclusions and the premium remained the same. I got back to SBC (brokers) and they said they would have to check with the company. When they got back to me they said pre-existing conditions would be excluded. I wasn't happy with the evasive nature of their communications.

Agree! OP says 'private rooms not necessary'. However, probably wouldn't want to be treated on a public ward in a Thai Government hospital. Private rooms are available at 1,000 baht per day.

Wife has a Buddhist religious goods/garland flower shop. It's an everyday seller!

Pleased to report excellent service at Srinagarind. Gamma Bone Scan completed with printed report and images interpreted by a doctor immediately afterwards and handed to us.

Certainly a lack of preventative medicine. Breast cancer screening is apparently shortly to be offered by Thai National Health Service. However, it will be limited to women aged between 40 and 59 who also have immediate family history. My Thai wife wouldn't qualify. She has two friends with breast cancer. This prompted her to book a special promotional screening at Bangkok Hospital. They found invasive ductal carcinoma cancer stage between two and three. She's now had surgery, two sessions of chemo and CT scans of chest and abdomen. Tomorrow we're off for a bone scan to..........Srinagarind.

Just had a look. It says; 'Skype number no longer available'. Presumably existing customers such as yourself will continue to be able to use and renew your annual subscriptions to rent your geographical landline number?

The problem is Thai National Health Service (NHS) don't yet offer breast cancer screening. I have read they propose to do so, however, it will be limited to age 40-59 AND with immediate family history. Even when it's in place my wife wouldn't qualify. Agree, Bangkok Hospital would have treated my wife. The lady cancer doctor told her she also worked in NHS and suggested my wife could take the results/reports to a Government hospital for them to treat her. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy has/will be given at our Regional Government Hospital. Don't have much faith in alternative/traditional/herbal remedies myself. Two years ago my brother-in-law passed away at age 56 from kidney failure. Zero sympathy from family because he had long since refused to take prescription medication, preferring Chinese Herbal remedies. My wife has had three Covid jabs before refusing to have any more. Myself, five to date and seeking more. Her two friends I don't know about.

I was brought up to believe that you shouldn't 'trouble' a doctor and only seek treatment when ill and your condition is intolerable and/or worsening. Annual medicals unheard of. My mother attended for free routine health checks at our local GP's group practice. She was told she was very good for her age (mid eighties). Unfortunately, she was actually terminally ill with metastatic disease. A doctor later told me that such health checks don't include cancer. However, my Thai Mrs has two friends who have breast cancer. This prompted her to book a promotional screening at Bangkok Hospital priced at only 2,900 baht. They found stage 2-3 breast cancer for which she has undergone surgery and is now being treated with chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy.

Stepson, 30, staying with us for a while. Brought with him a flashy desktop computer, large monitor and several mobile phones. He commandeered our dining room for his set up. I asked my Mrs what he does? She replied; ‘Online lottery, illegal but not serious’. She then wanted to know what I was laughing about? House, utilities and internet aren’t in my name although I pay the bills. Am I in the clear if we get a knock on the door?

The rule is 'lived in UK during the previous six months'. If returning to UK upon a 'permanent basis' you are entitled to NHS services immediately. However, the only time I have been asked that question was by the check-in machine when checking-in for an outpatients appointment at my local NHS hospital.

Very helpful thank you. The reason I asked about ; 'Restricted Items' was due to personal experience. My Thai Mrs told me she was going to post a Buddha statue. I advised her that Royal Thai Mail wouldn't accept it. She didn't believe me but soon returned from our Post Office with the parcel. 5davidhen1 obviously needs his medication and if this method works for him I believe he should continue. However, he probably already realises he needs to have a 'plan b' in case, one day, it doesn't.

I agree! What sort of yardstick are you using for your remaining months? For example, we know that in civilised countries the greatest numbers of people die around 85/86 years. However, official figures vary. Also, in my family, males have died almost exclusively between ages 67 and 73.