n8sail

As I stated in my original post... I know for sure it's not everyone's cup of tea. For us, adventure, change of scenery, it's nice to be cold every once in a while when you live in a place that breaks 40C very often and 30C literally every single day. "To each their own" is the saying I believe. Also, you can't take your money with you. I'll likely have no heirs, so I choose to spend mine while I have the physical ability for adventure.

Compared to skiing in North America or Europe, it's cheap as chips!! In March this year we went to Austria to ski. While the lift ticket prices aren't all that bad, lodging and food and car rental were off the charts. Literally twice as much money spent as our New Zealand trip, and 4x as much as Japan. In Japan we lived like kings in comparison to Austria and New Zealand. Certainly Hokkaido is a little more, but if you ski at Nagano or Aomori prefectures on Honshu you can find lodging with breakfast and dinner included for about $100/night. Try that in USA or Europe!

When I first got together with my girlfriend 10 years ago, I traveled with her to places that were as opposite from Thailand as could be. We live in tropical paradise, don't need to see more of it when we travel. Usually we travel to go snow skiing. Japan is an easy trip, good snow (even this time of year) and 'exotic' enough to be a real adventure for a Thai. It's generally pretty cheap, too. If you have more money, go to South Island of New Zealand, rent a car and drive around. We did 2400km in 8 days a few years ago, and it was the most incredible adventure. She loved it and all her friends were fascinated by the stories and photos. Visa could be an issue for New Zealand if your girlfriend is not well-employed. Japan would be much easier I believe as many Thais travel there. Traveling to snowy places, while not everyone's cup of tea, seems to be a great novelty for Thai people. As a plus, you get to pay for a lot of new cold-weather clothing for her as well. Decathalon is the best place to kit up, cheap and relatively decent quality. There is no such thing as a woman that doesn't love lots more new, novel clothing! ???? I use this website almost exclusively to plan ski trips. Incredible, detailed reviews of resorts all over the world (no affiliation with them): https://www.powderhounds.com/

They are still around, but you have to go to actual Thai pubs not farang oriented bars. They are great fun to chat with if you can speak some Thai, generally much smarter than your average bar girl as they are usually university students. I was served by one at a place not far from Impact Arena just a couple weeks ago after the motor show. Normally if you give them beer they'll sit with you between serving other customers. Of course they are usually FAR more attractive than your average slapper from a farang bar as well. Leo ones seem to be the rarest, in Rayong it is mostly Chang girls and sometimes Singha. I did see some 'Tiger' girls once, can't remember where though.

In 2 years of using the #7 extension on a daily basis, every time the main motorway has no tolls, the extension also does not have tolls.

Girlfriend bought a new MG4 EV at the show. The benefit over our local dealership was that 8 years of free maintenance was included in the price. Otherwise, I can't see any benefit... actually a bit of a pain as she had to go back up to BKK to pick up the car. I got an MG EP EV (now called 'MG ES') 2 years ago when they first came out here in Thailand. I have serious car envy now, the MG4 is by far the better vehicle. Designed from ground up as an EV, rear wheel drive, 50/50 weight distribution and far nicer suspension. Not as comfy, but handles incredibly well for a sub 1 million baht car (after EV discount from government, and only available to Thais). MG4 has a smaller trunk/boot, but feels a little larger in the passenger area. Pretty smart marketing for an EV as in 55,000km and 2 years, my MG EP has required the addition of windshield washer fluid and literally nothing else except a set of tires as it is way too fun to light them up with the instantaneous full torque from stop lights. :D

Thanks to this posting I am once again re-reminded why I never watch Sailing La Vag EVER. In the beginning the channel was just ridiculous. Had eff-all sailing ability, endangering themselves and others constantly. Painful horrible drivel to watch. This new trimaran is a VERY nice boat, though. Much better sailing performance than their last condomaran that Greta crossed the pond on with them. What a ridiculous stunt that was. Most auxiliary sailing vessels use significantly more petroleum/person/mile traveled than a jet airliner when looked at over the full life of the vehicle. They are extremely wasteful. I still love them though ????

Just after the eh-holes invaded, g/f and I were eating outside at Wine Connection on Beach Rd and a car with two massive Ukrainian flags being held outside its open windows drove by, blasting some presumably Ukrainian music. No one even seemed to looked over at it. That said, there were very few Russians in town at that point. That act may get some attention nowadays.

I think that was the only time they met in person, so likely this was the time, if in fact true. I can't say any more because I might be racist according to all of the people here will have to self deport.

How is that racist?

Even Obama agrees!!

Terrible, stay away. Last thing we want is the place turning into a new "Dark Side" The bar strip is also terrible. Stay away. ????

I got an MG EP new nearly 2 years ago now; at that time the 7.5kw charger was included free, and installation was included as well. I live in a condo and the juristic office said we couldn't install there, so we tried at my girlfriend's house in Rayong. ~10 year old large house in very nice neighborhood. The installers arrived and said that all new lines would have to be run direct from the utility pole. They didn't think the existing lines could handle the additional load. This charger requires a 40amp circuit (draws about 32 amps when charging). I wish I was there to get the whole conversation as g/f doesn't know much about it and it's possible they were being lazy and just didn't want to do the job. I ended up having an electrical contractor at the factory where I work in Rayong install it in my work parking spot; cost 1500 baht including the meter. To be noted, the line was already run to the parking area, so just a bit of wire, breaker, ground, and a mount were needed. Doubt he'd travel far from here to a job, but never know. Where are you located, OP? As a side note, this same guy fell off a 8m high work platform and broke his hip about 1.5 years ago. Amazing he didn't die. Was not harnessed or tethered. So not sure how much I'd trust his work at my own property. The install at work is legit, though, complete with a proper grounding rod right below the charger.

Where'd you see the 'App' information? Source?

Right back to what I'm suggesting... Where do you queue up to buy the ticket? How long will that take? Those with work permit in hand exit the aircraft and beat the hording mob to the actual Immigration counters, bypassing whatever new counter is selling these tickets. But I'm hoping for full-on separate actual Immigration counters, that would be the most positive outcome for tax-paying, long-staying, legitimate expats who typically get eff-all for all their efforts here other than their salaries and nice weather.

I give two excrements about 300 baht like most people. However, I can see one potential upside for those of us that live and work here: If in fact this gets collected at the airport, which I can see no other way for them to do this logistically-speaking given the plan they've proposed, the only way to do so will be to have separate lines at Immigration for those that have work permits on-hand. This could be a boon for us that do have one as we'll sail on through since probably well less than 10% of people traveling into this place have a work permit. Yeah yeah, hopes and dreams. But I'm allowed them! ????

Made this mistake myself. Had no idea they were completely separate, and I've lived/worked here for 9 years! I thought they were pulling a fast one to make a quick 2000 baht, so I politely, but sternly, spoke in Thai language to the manager. I basically said why do I need to report if I was just here to get a new visa? My non-B 2 year BOI visa has ALLL my information right on it, and some, compared to the silly 90-day report form. She backed down, and asked for 1000 baht (which I'm sure she pocketed) and they didn't stamp my passport as missing 90 days nor give me a 45 minute lecture in the private office etc. as has already happened to me once before. This was in Rayong.

I use a Mazuma 4-stage filter with UV light chamber in Na Jomtien condo, never gotten sick. Cool thing about these is you can disassemble the cartridges and clean them yourself. The silica sand and carbon filters can even have the medium changed in them, you can just buy bags of medium for cheap at your local home improvement store. The Ceramic filter you just disassemble and scrub off the outside ceramic layer and reassemble. I boil the foam sponges and cap on each end of each cartridge for a minute or two before reassembly. Water does not smell bad for more than a few months after this maintenance. It was about 8k baht for the system. Changing all cartridges, if you can even find them, would be about 2k baht. We have great water pressure and after 6 months the filter definitely starts to slow down, but works perfectly after cleaning. At work I use a Katadyn BeFree miniature filter system designed for backpacking. There is a 'water filter' for the workers, which I'm sure is of dubious cleanliness, so I figure it's a good idea to re-filter it with the very easy to use and simple system. To all here saying "Just buy plastic bottles of water", okay fine for staying a week or two or situations where nothing else is practical, but as humans we are smart enough to STOP USING ONE-TIME-USE plastics as a way to get our drinking water! I make 50-100 tons of PET textiles every month, so I am plenty guilty of high plastic usage. However, the products this cloth goes into lasts years if not decades. Sick of all the lazy morons who just throw everything away after one time, and do this pervasively throughout their lives. I used to have glass bottled water from Singha delivered to my house in Rayong. Easy-peasy, only plastic is the seal on the cap. Aluminium cap can easily be recycled. I have an Aussie friend living in Rayong for a few decades, old fellah, drinks straight from the tap, always has. Never gets sick. It's all what your body is used to.

Found this post on Siri Charoenwat's Facebook page. On December 7th 2022, they were beginning review of what's needed for repairs to the bike track. 25 photos show that some sections are in pretty bad state of repair, suspect it will be closed for a while more sadly. Translating the Thai letter just says they are starting review, nothing about when repairs start or how long it will take. Don't hold your breath, in other words. Not sure we can post FB links on here, but I'll try: https://web.facebook.com/siricharoenwat/posts/pfbid025YwKPt8KGhrjFNo1XmHc3XSLib2nT2GcVsiFpFjkhSqRjkxPVqn4sUZXgGKBR8myl

Okay, many thanks for the update! That's a bummer to hear, as it's closer to me than Maprachan, and looks like a more challenging and more complete loop. The one thing I hate about Maprachan is while 2/3s of it is very nice pavement, the dam section is just terrible to ride on with a road bike (and I ride a gravel bike with 35mm tires!) Additionally, at night it closes quite early. The other thing I hate is that to do a complete lap you have to ride through that little park section, and the only direct route through if traveling around clockwise is to ride over a sidewalk section that always has people walking around slowly. Not conducive to keeping a pace 5555 ???? The Siri Charoenwat Forrest track is 17.8km long and has 300m of total vert across many small ups and downs on an apparently very nicely paved surface with lots of tight twists and turns to the point that multiple commenters actually warn about a certain downhill corner partway through the course. Here's hoping it opens soon. Sounds like fun! (At least my particularly masochistic type of 'fun' anyways ???? )

As said by others, you're better off walking or walking/running. Cycling on a flat road with traffic all around, even the smaller amounts very early in the morning, will not help you lose weight. It will help your cardiovascular health some which is nice, but isn't enough to lose weight in my opinion. When I lived in Rayong I would ride 150-300km per week, just north of the city which has excellent roads and little traffic so you could hammer and keep your heart-rate up. I moved to Na Jomtien and I hardly ever ride from my condo anymore. I drive in my car to Maprachan or Wat Yannasangwararam Woramahamihan which has excellent riding with some hills. Head from the temple over to Khao Chichan if you want some even bigger hills. Hill training on a bicycle WILL make you lose weight. I have yet to ride here, but apparently it is very nice also, and completely separate from all roads: https://goo.gl/maps/khQn8YaAoYCsP1sbA During COVID I rode up to Jomtien beach often, but those were different times. Little traffic so you could hammer. PLEASE wear a shirt, whatever you do. It's extremely uncouth for a male to be on a public road in Thailand without a shirt on. Just plain rude. I don't care what they do in your home country, this is not your home country.

Indeed, it's almost never one problem, almost always a chain of smaller ones. I concur with 3m waves. Sunday I was kitesurfing in Prachuap Kiri Khan not far from where this vessel tragically sank. Biggest waves were well over my head, and I'm nearly 2m tall. I would call the mean seas about 2-2.5m, though. Morning time we had recorded gusts to 32.7 knots on the beach, and when I was about 150m off the beach, it was definitely stronger, probably above 30 knots steady, gusting much higher. 7m kite, the smallets I own, was crazy over-powered. I would describe the sea-state as extremely rough for a small vessel. Indeed I would not have wanted to be out on even my 35 foot sailing boat in those conditions and she's a French boat designed for such. However, a Corvette class should easily handle this. Loss of power and going beam-to-seas would be a likely scenario. However, this vessel has substantial ground tackle, and should have been able to anchor and keep bow into the waves. Even in 3-4m seas, an anchor on this boat would likely hold no problem, or at least drag very slowly and keep the bow upwind. It's only 20-30m deep, and a boat this size would likely have at least a couple hundred meters of chain rode, plenty to anchor in that much water. Has anyone seen anywhere that they did in fact try to anchor? I was in the US Coast Guard for 4 years; we had smaller vessels that would laugh at these conditions, even with an engine failure. RIP, fair winds and following seas fellow sea people. Final note on the weather: This wind had been predicted 10 days out, and the forecast never changed that entire 10 days. This wasn't some 'freak storm'. It wasn't even a storm, it is a high pressure system pushing through. A competent skipper wouldn't leave shore knowing this forecast unless it was dire circumstances or rescue. If they were ordered to do so for a birthday party or something as is the scuttlebutt here at my work, shame on the officials doing the ordering.

Anyone that wants to ride on snow/sand/any other very soft surface? My mates at home all have fat bikes, they ride right through the winter. Some of them cost as much as their ridiculous full suspension carbon trail bikes. I like Giant. I did crack a Giant full suspension frame once, but they replaced it no questions. I ride hard and am tall, so seat tube/top tube welds are often punished hard on my bikes. In Thailand, I ride a Breezer Inversion Team, brought from USA. Steel frame, carbon fork, bomb-proof 29er thru-axle WTB MTB wheelset. I recommend something like this here. I use 35mm tires on it. You could change it to flat bars for your 'hybrid' needs. Whatever you do, get a frame that's made in Taiwan, not China. You'll have to buy an mid-upper level model for that though. Most Bianchi frames are made in Taiwan, so that option you posted above would be a great idea I think. Just have a look at the 'made in' decal on whatever model you're interested in.

Must have just opened within the last couple months. I work about 5km from here and drive by the area often, was wondering what they were building behind the construction fencing, thought it was just a new factory. For those unfamiliar, this is a VERY densely developed industrial area. It is not beautiful. However, some very nice 'Thai' style beaches just a couple minutes drive to the West of this. Phala, Nam Rin etc. Worth a journey over if you don't live far and are bored. Particularly nice in NE monsoon, offshore winds allow for clear water and very calm seas. Romson Restaurant for a great Thai meal sitting on the beach in the natural shade of the pine trees. Can't imagine the energy required to keep something this size at 14C! Suppose Thai government/PTT doesn't really care, heaps of co-gen electricity from burned-off excess chemicals at Map-Ta-Phut anyways. Wonder what family member of an influential person made a boat-load of cash for this pet project?

Gorgeous Conure. Hopefully you've got it back already! We lost our hand-reared Cockatiel a few months ago from 21 stories up. It's all trees around us, and despite nearly 5 hours of walking around and calling him, we never found him. It was a pretty windy day, so I suspect he got blown pretty far away quickly. Skilled flier, but only indoors, so I'm sure the instant open space all around was quite a surprise for him. To those that think they can't survive here, on our walkings around, we did find a definitely-not-native large Greencheeks parakeet that looked to be surviving just fine. Nearly was able to coax it over to me, obviously a pet. I would love a Conure, but they can be extremely loud for a Condo. The Cockatiel was loud enough already LOL.