searcher22

If Accuweather is right, winter starts Nov 8 with a cold snap (28-30C) lasting several weeks. However, Wunderground is predicting more hot weather during that same period.

A few days ago I saw a Thai biker, who had stopped at a McDonalds's to use the bathroom, engaged in a heated 20-minute  discussion with a cop regarding his motorcycle papers after he stepped out. What I found interesting was that a McDonalds's employee was recording the entire event on her smartphone.

1: https://www.facebook.com/EartipsChiangmai

I went to the Promenada office yesterday to hand in my 90-day report (along with the Foreign National Information Form) and no one asked me for a picture. There is a space on the form to attach a picture, but it's not mandatory. I think it would be rather silly to ask us for a picture every three months. What's next...provide them with our height measurements every three months too??

Yet another one of those notorious "top ten" lists of no value that the media keeps churning out. This is one of the worst I've seen. A compilation of random cities with descriptions like "Bangkok...it can get hot" and Hong Kong "ranked highly for its abundance of air conditioning." !

Smog-exit flights from CNX to Bangkok for as low as 190 baht in early March! (Air Asia)

I bought an Otto ceramic slow cooker last year and am pleased with it. I had to visit several stores in Chiang Mai before finding one, as Thais don't have much use for such a device. Bought it at Central Festival...it was the only one in stock.

It is sad that one cannot take a walk outside the "complex" knowing that the odds of getting nipped or in the worst case bitten by a soi dog is very high.

I know how you feel. After a few close calls, I gave up walking or riding my bike in my village too because of the soy dogs. I stay in my moobahn and use the car whenever I have to leave the premises.

I was shopping at the Big C Superhighway yesterday evening. I could hear the thunder. Then suddenly the power went off. I was in total, pitch darkness for about 30 seconds before the backup lights went on. Had there been an explosion or earthquake, I wouldn't have been able to find my way out. I'm buying a small keyholder flashlite today...might be a life-saver some day! The surrounding neighbourhood with all its condos was also pitch dark.

So you think they're staying fresh and green naturally?

At cooled temperatures, yes

Subway does use sodium benzoate (a preservative) and food colouring to keep their "veggies" looking fresh. Some describe the veggies as being "embalmed."

Yes, totally agree, it's unethical to say the least. It allows Air Asia to display lower fares in their ads, which few people will actually pay. Security costs should be built into the price of a ticket. What's next? A car company that adds a $200 surcharge for air bags at the very end because they've invested a lot in safety?

I thought Subway was healthier than McDonald's...until I did some research.

And what did your research show ?

No offence, but I prefer not saying anymore. Google is your friend

You might wanna check out the ( not so ) healthy bread that Subway uses.

Yes. I think you're the first one to mention it in this thread. Azodicarbonamide....a chemical also found in yoga mats and shoe soles to add elasticity. It is a banned food additive in the U.K., Europe, and Australia, and apparently you can get up to 15 years in prison if you get caught using it in Singapore. Subway USA claims it has just about phased out this chemical in its breads, but I don't know if this is the case in Thailand too. To be fair, other fast food chains and grocery stores use this chemical too.

Yup, overpriced. The Mrs. was disappointed with the value offered when she ordered there once, 10 years ago. That was the last time.

BTW the Nimman branch is still there. That's how the 'Never Again' thing came up after I suggested grabbing a sandwich there.

I don't blame her though, I feel the same about Haagen Dasz and Starbucks.

All these places persist in charging the same in very up-country locations as they do on their Silom, Bangkok branch where all expenses are way higher. Maybe it makes sense there in the middle of other pricing insanity, but in Chiang Mai... nope, nope, nope. Some tourists fall for it, maybe.

Agree. Another overpriced outlet is Prefere Ice Cream, downstairs at the KSK mall, near Tops. In all my years walking through that mall, I have yet to see anyone buy an ice cream there (I believe it's 69 baht per cone). There's also one at the more upscale Festival Mall and even that one never seems to have any customers either. I've never tasted their ice cream, maybe it's great, but the price surely deters a lot of people.

I thought Subway was healthier than McDonald's...until I did some research.

And what did your research show ?

No offence, but I prefer not saying anymore. Google is your friend.

I thought Subway was healthier than McDonald's...until I did some research.

I'd like to be sitting on a beach in the Med, with a chunk of fresh bread, a wedge of strong cheese and a bottle of local wine.

Next month, I will be there.

Too hot here, and the smog is way too thick.

On a similar wave length , right now shopping at Super U in Northern France for fresh baguettes , 6 different cheeses , pate and a bottle of red for my lunch. I don't miss much in England but I do miss going to France every year for a holiday.

Aren't those Super U baguettes industrially produced? Why not enjoy a hand-made baguette from a local boulangerie/patisserie to go with your delicious food?

Same here. This is absolutely the last time I'll be staying in Chiang Mai during March , April and May, It's just not livable here during that period with the smog and extreme heat.

Still a long way off, but the EU Film Festival will probably return to the Maya cinema in late July. It was 80 baht per movie last year.

Definitely worth upgrading. The slightly higher electric bill is more or less offset by gas savings (less shopping excursions). I upgraded to a bigger fridge with a bigger freezer and with inverter technology, and am very happy with it, will save me time and money in the long run. I don't know exactly how much more I'm paying for electricity but I don't lose any sleep over it.

To each his own. I have a friend who hated The Hateful Eight and fell asleep during The Revenant..........

(...) They also have a bit of air blowing when it is a part of the film and a tiny jet of water that they shoot by your ear at some of the water scenes.

1) I almost fell asleep watching The Revenant too. I can't believe he got nominated for Best Actor when all he does is grunt through the whole movie.

2) About those tiny jets of water.....I wonder if there is any risk of contracting Legionnaires' disease with such 4D systems.

"Indoors, though, legionella bacteria can multiply in all kinds of water systems — hot tubs, air conditioners and mist sprayers in grocery store produce departments.

Although it's possible to contract Legionnaires' disease from home plumbing systems, most outbreaks have occurred in large buildings, perhaps because complex systems allow the bacteria to grow and spread more easily.

Most people become infected when they inhale microscopic water droplets containing legionella bacteria. This might be the spray from a shower, faucet or whirlpool, or water dispersed through the ventilation system in a large building." (Source: Mayo Clinic).

Just wait until the 20th of March - I believe is the date - when the new Immigration crackdown goes into force. What's happening now will be nothing compared to what's about to happen.

What is this sorcery of which you speak?

I may have been asleep and missed something, would be grateful if you could expand please.

I believe it's the new overstay crackdown whereby those who are caught living in LOS passed their visa expiry date will be barred from entering the country for a certain amount of time.

thanks all,

what is the best way to contact them, the website is a little messy with a few links not working, tried emailing an address and called a number but didnt work for the number and no response to emails

Best way is to go in person.

I remember wasting a day at Doi Inthanon once. Never again.

You need to give it another try. Avoid the beaten path. Avoid weekends or holidays. Avoid the tourist traps. Smell the flowers. Listen to the birds. Enjoy the early morning coolness.

The YMCA has a proven track record for its Thai courses. To borrow a sponsor's motto, "No claims, no games, just great..." It's also the right place to be if you're not seeking a visa. Most people go there just to learn Thai, and not to acquire an ED visa. The result is a better classroom experience.

Mailed out my 90-day report on Wednesday morning (Jan 27)

Received my new 90-day slip on Saturday (Jan 30). For the first time, it also concluded a blank TM47 form for my next report and a reminder of what documents to include (the usual). What more could you ask for?!