n8sail

1 hour ago, Georgealbert said:

Yes the maths, I quoted was wrong. I should have checked it, but just repeated the figures stated at the press conference.

The same press conference also said “As for the initial cause, this fire happened during the closure for maintenance on the tank. Four employees went up to measure the amount of C9+ when an explosion occurred. The force of the explosion caused all four to fall from the tank. causing injury and death.” The dead employee, nickname Paul, had attended, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna Chiang Rai, before working for the company.

Evacuations are always going to be chaos. The problem here was that, I believe, the evacuation distances were set too large. This substance is not highly toxic, and the 2 biggest dangers were smoke (no toxic gas cloud), which was rising, and explosion risk, which was only going to happen if the fire had spread to the gas storage.

 

There is never going to enough responders to secure evacuation routes, and impossible to even alert people to evacuate, this was done here by news broadcasts and police cars, using sirens and loud hailers. Priority in evacuations, has to be to start at the incident point and work outwards from there. Remove more those most at risk first, not just a general full scale evacuation of everyone within 10km, which will cause panic, congestion and the chaos you witnessed.

Interesting, I work well within 10km and dead downwind yesterday and we never heard anything about evacuation.  I only got into it as had to drive to pick up girlfriend after her boat evacuation since her car had to be left behind at her work.

Many thanks for all the updates yesterday 🙏 

Update late last night from the horse's mouth (girlfriend was on meetings and calls with officials all night.  They had to do a full shutdown from this, a huge deal) was 2nd tank appears to not have been compromised, as you suspected.  However, from pictures I was shown I would say unlikely they'll be able to use it again, but maybe possible with a good restoration.

This tank farm is actually owned by SCG.  The company quoted in official press releases is just a subsidiary of them.

1 hour ago, Georgealbert said:

From the press conference, it seems that 2 tanks shared a common bund.

 

Both tanks were 18 metres high and 30 metres in diameter with a capacity of 2,500 cubic metres, but reported to contain different substances. 

Both tanks have been damaged by the fire, but is still not clear if the second tank was already empty, was emptied during the fire or the contents were burnt. The picture below shows that second tank and it seems structural intact, with the fire cooling pipe system up the walls of the tank, still in use.

 

The picture also shows that the fuel is still hot under the foam, as flames can be seen, where the valves break down the foam blanket.

 

I think you mean 12,700 meters cubed....   🙂  each tank.  Yes both are gone.

Girlfriend was sitting 1440m South of the initial blast, first photo to me at 10:39am.  Her and entire company evacuated by boat.

RIP to whoever was there and best recoveries to those who risked all to contain this.  From 9.3km away as the crow flies, it was immense.  And the evacuation was absolute crap.  Notaone police officer out, huge traffic jams, 4 lane roads with 2 lanes completely jammed and opposites empty.  What if it was a 'real' one?

Flights going into the USA are NOT allowed to depart the previous city with checked baggage aboard without a passenger connected to it.

Happened by chance to us a few years ago flying from Vancouver to Boston on Air Canada.  Got to Montreal to transfer, incoming flight was delayed slightly so we missed the connection and they let the Boston flight go with Thai girlfriend and my checked bags aboard but not us.

The ticket person handing out hotel vouchers said someone in baggage transfer dept. would likely be losing their job as the fine to the airline is many thousands of dollars when a bag turns up from international flight into the USA without a person to collect it.

So...  they will almost certainly hold the Air China flight in Taipei as long as her luggage makes it to the next plane.

I have an MG EP 3 years old now, Samsung S23 purchased brand-new at AIS 1 year ago.  Gmail/Google account is literally from the month after Google started offering Gmail nearly 20 years ago from the USA.  Android Auto works pretty well for me other than the occasional hiccup like screen not coming on in the Auto app, or music pausing randomly.  This happens maybe once a month or few weeks, so not really bothersome.  Stopping the car, shutting off and re-starting fixes it.  I drive 100-150km/day and so have a lot of hours with Android Auto running.

Girlfriend has Samsung Z4 Flip, purchased new here from AIS and Thai Gmail account.  She has a 1 year old MG4.  Not aware of any Android Auto problems for her, but I'm not sure she uses it that much.  The built-in maps in the MG4 are pretty good and she seems to just use bluetooth and wireless charger most of the time.  Her's is the 'top' model MG4 with iSmart.

I can't remember if I've used my phone in there and I rarely go in her car as it's a disastrous mess of everything AND the kitchen sink inside, so just sitting in the passenger seat requires 10 minutes of moving stuff.  Next time I'm in there though I will try with my phone.

3 hours ago, watgate said:

LivinLLOS- So do you think I can get a U.S ph# with google voice and can get text messages from my bank in Thailand?

Yes, I do this with my USA bank.  Works fine.  I ported my 25-something year old USA number to Google Voice many years ago to do this, but you can just get a new one and it will probably work the same.  When you set up Google Voice it gives you the option for ported existed number of new number provided by them.  Can receive voice calls and texts and voicemails just like a normal phone, but through your web browser.

There is only one time it didn't work for me and that was trying to get the PIN needed for e-filing federal taxes.  They need a real phone number, not a virtual one as Google provides.  Somehow they could tell the difference.  My bank cannot and doesn't seem to care though.

You will want to use a USA VPN to setup the account, and if that doesn't work maybe have a friend/family set it up for you at home.   You won't be able to set up with a Thai IP address I don't think.  I've used ProtonVPN before, it is free, but may not work anymore, haven't tried in a long time.

I have a RUIO ZLT X21G from AIS, 5G router.  It has Port Forwarding menu, as well as DMZ, etc.

However, looking through their website, they don't appear to offer this anymore.  It was exceptionally fast and stable for almost 1.5 years, but in last 3 months started locking up periodically.  I suspect this is because I had to move to a different office further inside the building.

If you could find a 2nd hand one, might be worth checking out.  Was about 7,000 baht new.  1200 baht/month unlimited 5G up and down.

edit:  Looks like Lazada still sells them.  Highly recommend if you have good 5G signal in your area with AIS.

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/ais-5g-home-wifi-ruio-zlt-x21g-router-i3786962685-s19544406272.html?spm=a2o4m.tm80167383.2074280300.1.66cdciotciotgk.66cdciotciotgk

For the last 1 week, I was able to log in to the new "amazing" website but was NOT able to transfer money around within various accounts.  It just locked up the browser every time.  I exclusively use incognito mode in Chrome or InPrivate mode in Edge, no script blockers etc, and two factor ID every time.  Was extremely frustrating, and order of business this morning was to get on the horn with them, which always takes forever.

However, good news is this morning: I was able to log in on InPrivate mode in Edge and make a transfer between accounts.  Halleluiah!

Hopefully that's the last of the problems.  In way more than a decade using the old website I cannot remember once having any problems.  I refuse to use a phone app for banking, other than one Thai bank, and then keeping only very small amounts in the account.  The risk is way too high for nefarious activities IMHO, especially for a bank that can't even seem to get a web page to work correctly in 2024!  To each their own, though....

I also like them, and their interesting noises and behaviors, however, they are not originally native to Thailand, so good riddance if they are actually decreasing.  As mentioned above, a huge problem in Australia.  Still see many of them where I work in Rayong, I've been working here more than 10 years and have noticed no reduction in population.

Thailand National Parks - Common Myna

My favorite intelligent bird in Thailand is the Hill Myna, or 'Nok Kunthong' in Thai.  They are more rare than the Common Myna.  In Paknam Pranburi, at this restaurant, there is a cage of them near the kitchen and upper restrooms, right next to where everyone parks their motocys.  One of them can make the sound of a Honda Click 125cc engine start, literally perfectly.  Difficult to tell the difference other than it's slightly quieter.  Fascinating!   Here is one speaking Thai language in a video.   My girlfriend had one as a pet when she was growing up.  They are incredibly intelligent even beyond speaking apparently, like ability to escape from cages, etc.

(edit:  original video didn't work)

3 hours ago, NE1 said:

Will his young body have the strength to hang on for 4 hours fighting the waves ?

On a foilboard you don't really 'fight' the waves.  The board flies above the waves, only the hydrofoil is in the water.  Actually quite relaxing once you become proficient at it.  All tension from the kite goes to your harness, the control bar itself has very little tension on it, especially for the Ozone Edge kite he will be using.

Beertique in Pattaya has a massive selection of local microbrews and many imports as well. I believe some Belgian beers in the coolers last time I was there, but I'm not a big fan of them so can't tell you what they were.  There were a few stouts and porters both locally brewed and imported if you enjoy those sorts of dark beers.

Could be worth contacting them to see if they would send a stock list and/or ship to you in Isaan.

A video on Facebook of the cooler (don't need to log in, just close the prompt if it asks)
https://web.facebook.com/reel/1420496558811889

For those interested in ACTUAL facts about the 'discovery', and who has the rights to it rather than watching people tear each other down:

Australian Mining company that has rights to the two sites:  https://panasiametals.com/

They trade under ASX:PAM

A good article describing what they actually found and some history:
https://www.chemanalyst.com/NewsAndDeals/NewsDetails/thailand-lithium-resource-upgrade-on-pan-asias-radar-16930

57 minutes ago, TorquayFan said:

Thanks for the idea N8.

 

I might give that a go but I won't be camping up there !.

 

Soi Dao only 70 km from me at Chan but I'd probably travel up and get the lie of the land, stay locally, and walk the next day.

 

You can drive on the 3391 to the Waterfall, park and trek from there?

 

Thanks again, Roger

 

 

 

 

The sunrise is apparently incredible from the boulder campsite, but understand not wanting to camp in the jungle!  According to the trail reports I've read, the trek to this spot is intense enough to really require staying overnight.  Girlfriend will be researching this for us soon to try and plan another trip over there and attempt this.

Yes, 3391 gets you to the trailhead going up to the waterfalls.  You will likely have to pay to get into the national park area.  I can't remember if I had to pay farang price or if I got away with showing my work permit to pay Thai price.  There were some smaller loop 'nature' trails there as well, we did not walk on them though.

Khao Soi Dao Waterfall, well worth the drive.  There are several levels you can trek up to.  It is gorgeous, and normally not too many people above the first couple levels.  Will be getting a little less water this time of year, but nice cool weather.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ftnph5EMzk583s7AA

Some neat resorts to stay at nearby on the Eastern side of the ridge.  If you like playing golf, the Chatrium Golf resort would be a good place to base your exploration of the area, this is where we stayed when we visited.  They had bicycles to borrow and ride around the substantially large property.  https://maps.app.goo.gl/q4EvGXRsmUxbpRY79

You can hire a guide to take you to this spot on the Southern part of Soi Dao...  We've been meaning to try this out.  They allow you to camp overnight under the massive boulders.  This is the best time of year to go apparently.  Probably have to book ahead though.  Zoom in on google maps in satellite view and you can see the boulders.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/EtkHwP1PgGejAY8EA

13 hours ago, roger101 said:

Pimmy's photos look good but where is the menu and price list? An explanation of how to order and an idea of delivery times would be helpful. I'm not one for delivery normally I much prefer to pick up myself.

Message her on Farcebook and find out.  She replies very quickly normally.

However, she is normally closed on Mondays.

Food is good and was my first exposure to British style "Chinese" food.  I have ordered multiple times from her.  It is quite different from US style "Chinese" food.

1 hour ago, Pouatchee said:

 

i know, that is why i was wondering where the photo was from. there isnt much night life worth mentioning in rayong. that city is actually boring. it has gotten a bit better over the years, robinsons... lamtong ... but i am glad i am past the age of going out

That's because nightlife in Rayong is NOT for westerners that can't speak Thai.

Nightlife there looks a HECK of a lot better than Nana, Walking Street, Soi 6 etc.

https://web.facebook.com/Zoods/?_rdc=1&_rdr

There are very seedy sections of Amphur Mueang Rayong, near the car dealerships on Sukhumvit on the East end of the town, and one small road over near Paknam (Rayong Rivermouth).   I used to keep a kayak over near there and when bicycling over for sunrise paddles, the girls would still be standing out waiting for customers.  No doubt some were in situations like the OP.   Very sad to see, but what to do?  The BiB were no doubt involved allowing this activity to occur.

Just now, charleskerins said:

 I have a 20 page"deed package" 9 signatures required .Your realtor and settlement  company accepted a Thai notary?

Yes.  To be clear, they didn't think it would be accepted, but in the end they did accept the Thai notary.  I used Thai888 Law Office, Jeab is the woman's name I believe.  I brought a friend to be a witness as two were required, but they actually just used another person in the office as the witness.

I sold my home in Connecticut last year while in Thailand.  At first the realtor asked for 3 documents to be notarized by US Embassy.  It was a 3 week wait for an appointment at that time.  Went to a law office in Jomtien and had them notarize the documents, sent them by DHL and lo-and-behold, it worked.  Cost 1000 baht.

I would say worth trying that first and save the frustration, time and money of going to US Embassy.  If it doesn't work, you don't lose too much.

1 hour ago, newbee2022 said:

Somebody said he got a Harvard's degree

Undergraduate in economics at University of Massachusetts (decent public university)
Claremont Graduate University in California for MBA (decently ranked nearly 100 year old school)

While his command of English is less than that of K. Pita in my opinion, it is definitely good enough for interviewing on Bloomberg TV:

3 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

Decathlon has quite a range, if near a decathlon its well worth a visit and going to checkout the quality etc yourself. 

 

 

Silly discussion about poles - there are rigid poles and flexible poles. 

The type of pole and material you have depends purely on the type of tent you have, whether its a-frame, popup, rigid etc... 

 

I've been to Decathlon many times and seen the readily available stock.  In fact Decathlon are my customer, but for a different textile-based industry, not tents.

Allow me to clarify my comment about poles:  Free-standing, dome-style camping tents, as are being discussed here, unless very very cheap (below ~1500 baht), nearly always use various alloys of aluminium.
 

I'm well aware of other styles of tents; certainly there are rigid pole 'A' frame tents and also tarps and lean-tos and Teepees that use non-flexible poles. Doesn't appear to be what the OP is looking for.