Mahseer

Bang Saphan Yai itself isn't anything special but 6kms south you have Suan Luang beach where there are a couple of beach bars, Why Not & Montris, and the former does decent food along with Ploy's and the ever popular Cuisine. Stop off if passing through you might enjoy. It's 90 minutes south of Hua Hin and the train stops at both Yai & Noi and motorbike taxis meet arrivals at Yai not sure about Noi. Bang Saphan Noi is mighty quite compared to Suan Luang.

Attended 2 years ago and hugely impressive if on the dangerous side. Some of these balloons are massive and the gondola which is packed with fireworks is only brought in at the last minute then hooked up and everyone wisely backs off. C0220.mov

India visa a hassle? You must be looking in the wrong places. India offers e visas up to 5 years which costs $80 and typically issued within 48 hours. There are exceptions for certain countries but all western countries are eligible. https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html

Travel agent in Rangoon I have been dealing with has always responded swiftly but yesterday I asked her to confirm if foreigners could enter at Tachilek and proceed to Kengtung and for the first time no reply.

Received from Rangoon travel agent: We have checked with the MOHT, and according to their reply, the Mai Sai and Tachileik borders are currently open. While the situation at the Mai Sai border remains stable than the Tachileik, the Tachileik border may open or close depending on the circumstances.

It's been closed to foreigners for 7+years (vast majority need visas) and according to the tourist office I use in Rangoon it's still closed except for Thais & Burmese plus all land border points out to India are closed so mightily surprised to read this report. Would be elated to hear border is open to all but certainly needs verifying.

Report today on Tripadvisor that the border was open to foreigners anyone local confirm either way please. There's a tour guide I follow who goes by Zawmin Tun on Facebook. He does (did) cross border overland car/motorbike tours. He says the border crossing at Mai Sai / Tachileik is now open to foreign tourists. He's currently doing a trip with an FIT from Luxembourg. Apparently the guy rode a motorcycle over the border today. You can follow along here: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/16HaMQXNDn/ https://www.facebook.com/share/17Hx5W16d4/

That lady is believed to be imprisoned near Naypyidaw possibly in solitary or under strict house arrest at best and has been since the coup in '21. Her house on Inya Lake in Rangoon has been put up for auction by the junta several times starting around the $90million level but no takers.

The below named doctor at Samitvej has been recommended any experiences with this gent? Dr. Oumyos Rattanamahatana

Hi folks, looking for options to get the above cosmetic procedure undertaken in Bangkok. I previously visited Dr Amorn at Bumrungrad 15 years back but would expect him to be retired now so looking for affordable alternatives as now retired the aforementioned hospital is likely out of reach. Any surgeons to recommend please. Many thanks

Wonder if to one or more of the 6 generals who are due to stand at the upcoming 'elections'.

Taunggyi not a bad spot and the October/November balloon festival is excellent despite the military being more involved these days than villagers would like. Beauty of Taunggyi is you not only have Inle nearby but also Kalaw a fabulous town devoid of western influence 90 minutes west. Good luck.

Mandalay yes but not even sure there is an airport in Sagaing.

Rangoon / Mandalay / Bagan / Nyaung Shwe (Inle Lake) / Kalaw / Taunggyi / Mergui Archipelago to name a few. Flights from Bangkok to Rangoon & Mandalay, Chiang Mai to Rangoon. E visa normally issued within 48 hours and valid for 28 days single entry.

Have been looking at Sriphat myself is this is likely who you refer to. https://sriphat.med.cmu.ac.th/en/doctor/detail/17