Burma Bill

5 weeks ago, first on a train from Don Mung Station to Chiang Mai then on an inter-provincial bus between Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen. On a similar bus from Khon Kaen back to DMK, I was not ordered to wear a mask. During the rest of my time visiting friends in Thailand, I remained "mask-less".

When I lived in Lanna, Thailand, I often used to make multiple visits to the locations listed. There are many more tourist spots on the way north to Chiang Rai and east to Phayao. I never tired of this northern part of Thailand as a Tourist Police Volunteer. With respect, may I ask about those ex-pats who routinely stroll from a condo and along the beach to their favourite bar stool? "then you have seen, so what then"!

Very interesting indeed, bringing back many happy memories when I was a Tourist Police Volunteer based in Chiang Rai, before moving across country to Khon Kaen Province. Regarding traffic in CR, the newish by-pass (via airport) might help divert traffic from the City centre.

After my recent experiences of being forced to wear a mask during bus and train journeys whilst on holiday in Thailand, a 2023 new year resolution will be "do not visit Thailand whilst this stupid rule remains - go spend money in another country"!! And before I get barraged with a load of "mask" BS, for those of you who are pro-mask, that is your choice, for those of us who are anti-mask, that is our choice.

With the greatest respect, having lived near Chiang Mai for several years, the following tourist attractions could be included:- Royal Park Rajapruek, Chiang Mai Night Safari, Chiang Mai Zoo and Aquarium, whilst nearby at Mae Rim there are the Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens, Mae Sa Elephant Camp and The Canopy Walks. Pre-pandemic there was Tiger Kingdom and the King Cobra Farm (with shows).

A knicker nicker on the loose??

I am no expert electrician but surely "yes" !! Exactly what I thought when I read this in the OP: "He was electrocuted. Friends pulled him off and called for rescue'"

From link to OP: "he was nearly unintelligible and talking in circles"

Oh dear! More support posts/poles for the microsleep drivers and vehicles with brake failures to crash into??

Very challenging is to complete the circular route from Chiang Mai back to Chiang Mai via Mae Sariang, Mae Hong Son and Pai. Serious roads but fantastic scenery. Total distance 612 kilometers.

Thai "moonshine"??

Just a "blueprint"! 2024 - 2028 - oh really and wishful thinking???

"Mister Concrete" trying to save face after his marijuana debacle???

Yes indeed. I can only relate to Cambodia where I now live in Siem Reap. My landlord with his extended family and friends regularly cross into Thailand at the O'Smach border crossing to get tests and treatment in the Government and Private hospitals in Ubon Ratchathani - but, I can assure you, not at 35,000 baht!!

To my knowledge "no" but that was pre-pandemic. Living near Chum Phae, I regularly shopped in MAKRO (Khon Kaen) and never saw craft beers on sale. Even Beer Laos (light and dark) wasn't a regular stock item. I seem to remember BIG C down the road stocked some interesting bottled beers and opposite the main Bangkok Bank there was an off-licence (beer and spirits shop) that also stocked interesting bottled beers. As another poster suggested, pop in and have a look. Good luck to you.

Thank you for the photos and what an interesting coincidence. Am I correct in saying your rice is "Royal Mongkut Cambodian Premium Jasmine Rice"? This is the rice I use here in Siem Reap and purchase from my local supermarket. It is sold in a yellow bag rather than a pink one and has the small holes - never noticed them before!

From the OP:- "Thong Supachai, a friend of the couple" (possibly?)

With respect, the fall was in Patong (Phuket)!!

A very sad and tragic road accident, like so many others we read about. Despite their sexual orientation and age difference, may they RIP together in Paradise (Sagga).

Amazing Thailand!!

Yes indeed - current temperature in Brussels (13/12/2022) is 1C (33F)!!

Corruption - yes (possibly). When I lived in Northern Thailand, myself and other local ex-pats used an agent - our friendly local Immigration Officer and many thanks to him!! I now continue my retirement in Cambodia where obtaining a visa, or extending a visa, is totally hassle free with no financial requirements and other associated bureaucratic paperwork - not even a bank account!!!

Cambodia is there as well - plastic bags galore in shopping malls, supermarkets, street food/take away food vendors etc. etc. BUT in todays Khmer media (13 December 2022): "If all people together do not use plastic bags a day, we can reduce the use of plastic bags by 16 million bags per day and let this be a movement.................." https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501201296/seminar-sheds-light-on-policy-to-reduce-plastic-use/

Not at all, especially if you entertain guests/customers and do not want "bugs" in your rice. I find this interesting compared to the regular boring news about entertainment hours, marijuana, Covid in Thailand and road accidents!