AjarnP

You could consider going over the border in Chiang Khong/Huai Xai by bus and on to Luang Prabang. I believe it's about a 12 hour ride.

From there to VTN is another 400 kliks and my guess is there's a bus fling that trip too.

Alternative to that and doing the journey Thai side you would have to go to Pitsanulok 6hoursish and then into Khon Kaen and Nong Khai. I reckon with bus changes you could be looking at close to 18-20 hrs.

That's useful information Boomerang. Thanks.

Bringing computers and/or tablets from overseas will not provide a standard Thai Language keyboard or programming.

Yes, there are other ways to go on this issue but the keyboard issue is hard to resolve.

Yes, a plethora of pirate programmes may also be available "here and there" but is that what you want to teach?

Basically no. http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/542813-driving-own-car-in-burma/page-2#entry8097342

Thanks. Strange though, that link seems to me to err on the positive side. Maybe my cup is half full!

Methinks a trip up there to ask the dumb question is in order.

On a recent trip to Mae Sai I was surprised to see milestones giving distances into Sipsongpanna and Chiang Tung in Burma, oops Myanmar.

Does this mean it us possible to drive into that country now?

Has anyone tried it?

Be great to hear the why and wherefores.

Yes Don, I got the same message when I drove to Boten, (the main Laos-China border). I was told you need a special invitation from someone in China. Between the lines the message was you're not welcome.

So much for quid pro quo on border crossings.

This is a great little boutique 3 star to 3.5 star hotel. Only 6 months old. Clean, modern & comfortable. Great staff - very friendly and eager to be helpful. While not luxurious and a bit spartan, it is of stylish modern contemporary design. Pool & fitness room are small but do the job. Free wifi works fine. Complimentary mini bar. I have a deluxe room which is roomy and well designed, with a nice balcony overlooking the pool. The breakfast eggs tasted like they came from a microwave but no complaints and overall I thought breakfast was quite satisfactory (the whole wheat bread was excellent).

Location is good - 5 minute walk to night market, 2 blocks from the clock tower and about 3 blocks from the 'farang nightlife' bar street.

Extra bonus points for the very comfortable mattress, and also the bathroom with large counter-top and large walk-in rain shower.

Overall a very solid choice and great value for the price. I normally stay at either the Wiang Inn, Dusit Island or Le Meridien and have had good stays at all three, though now there are 4 hotels I would be happy to stay at when in the area.

As it is new and small, most taxi drivers and even the taxi dispatch call line are not familiar with it.

I am surprised that you find this hotel "great value for the price". I am a restaurateur/hotelier, now retired and living in CR for the past 2 years. The NGO my gf works with has sought my advice on local hotels and because they do great work (TB, child protection, disaster relief etc) and I have a lot of free time on my hands I have personally rated over 100 local hotels and guest houses for them. Le Patta is a good centrally located relatively new hotel; I don't doubt that, but it is not good value for money when compared to other hotels in it's category.

Surely "good value for money" depends on taste and the size of one's wallet. Possibly file under the category: superfluous comment?

Making sure the 3rd Party compulsory insurance is in place is good. The previous owner should gave the insurance document. This insurance follows the vehicle not the driver.

Regardless, it wouldn't hurt to get another. It's not at all expensive.

Other documents should include the Green Book. This needs to be taken to the vehicle registration dept where a transfer firm is available v

Good luck with the license. It may not be as easy as you've heard.

I agree it is a disgrace. These leeches should be reported to the relevant authorities post-haste.

As an aside; medical services are available to everyone in Thailand regardless if ethnicity.

If, I repeat if, it's the one I'm thinking of then yes it's a right turn at the Pratu Sri junction (Doi Chang Coffee shop) following the Phaholyothin Road which does the same turn. It's about 150m on the right next to a big electric appliances store.

So North from Night Bazaar to first lights, right there and look for it on the right. It looks very nice boutique style hotel.

Perhaps you'd be kind enough to let us know it's good and bad sides.

Enjoy

Forgot to say; I'm 25km (not as the crow flies) East of the city

I use AIS 3G and set up my computer to use my iPhone as a wireless modem via the "personal hotspot" function. Using this I actually get better speed than the TOT Landline I have too.

If total download capacity is an issue this may not work for you though.

Depends on your preferences. Staying in CR and leaving early probably gives you more to do (day and nite) than either Chiang Khong or Huai Xai.

From LP to VTN a Bus is probably the best option. You might want to think about staying mid way at Wang Wiang if you're into the hippie scene. Some good bars and lots if relaxing going on there. I'm not sure about the boat possibility as the river may be impassible during the dry season.

Oh, and I agree. Good work Sir.

Even land distributed under the Agricultural Reform act only permis one dwelling for the "farmer" it does not permit multiple buildings nor does it permit a commercial venture if any sort.

As far as the Forestry Land encroachment, tear them down. It's the only way the action will be a deterrent.

There is a scam being used by some unscrupulous individuals which goes like this.

It starts with an "English" guy professing undieing love for a single Thai lady and after some sweet talk on fb messenger, he sends her a parcel containing things like Apple laptops, iPhones Gucchi bags etc (you get the idea)

After a few more days a Thsi "lady" contacts the target and says that a parcel is waiting, but she needs to transfer by ATM the sum of 35k yo arrange clearance.

Our innocent young, single lady wanting to keep her fb lover happy, transfers the sum. As might be guessed by now, nothing arrives. The phone rings again and says customs duty has to be paid too at around 100k

Our innocent young lady (mug?) is now slightly suspicious, but transfers this sum too. Nothing arrives and the phone number given in UK is untraceable.

So far, at least one nurse at the Thai Hodpital has been hit.

Please ask your Thai friends to pass the word and be very careful.

We felt the 4.6 tremor at about 2:45 pm today here in Wiang Chai. It was enough to rattle the windows but it only lasted a second or two.

Why would you want to rent just a tv?

Ain't much good without a "cable" subscription including the dish and the receiver box.

I suspect there are places showing thd World Cup in town for free too??

There's nothing worse than z reformed 40/day smoker, but... Wouldn't it be better to give them up altogether?

Sorry, couldn't resist.

I have a good quality elliptical machine I don't use sny more.

Bought it for my wife when she was recouperating from a broken leg.

PM me if you're interested.

It is possible to get heat tempered glass up to 12 mm thick and up to 3m long by your 2m requirement.

The main manufacturer here is call Pol Charoen and the are just north if the bridge on hiway 1

I would suggest, strongly, that if you've not done so yet, you should contact an engineer to look at wing and quake requirements. I would also recommend handing the whole thing to a company skilled in this kind of installation AND who will provide a guarantee

I would not recommend Perspex due to its propensity to yellow in prolonged exposure to sunlight.

It's official now. Lockdown iz now only 12 midnight to 04:00.

Enjoy.

Charin has a shop in town in the main market opposite Krungthai Bank.

All Amazon outlets at PTT gas stations have free wi-fi

If you drive a car truck or motorsai organize yourself a PTT Blue Card (enroll only on their website) and once you have accumulated a few points, you get a coffee for free.

Not sure about the Phil's recommendation.

I have travelled and worked in almost all SEAsian countries and one thing which can most certainly t be said for Thailand, with some coastal exceptions, is that I have always felt totally safe here. Even on deserted streets on the dead of night, I gave never experienced that feeling that someone, is hiding in the next shop doorway, behind a tree or a parked car.

In Manila, for some reason, I was always uncomfortable. In hindsight, probably undeservedly, but uncomfortable enough to resist going out during the dark hours unless absolutely necessary

As this contributor offered, there is very little to separate the cities. Rent a cheap apartment and a motorcycle and try each one for a few months. Just days won't give you the insight you need to be able to plant roots.