n8sail

5 minutes ago, bignok said:

4x Thailand prices. Why would you want to ski?

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.

Just now, bignok said:

Japan isn't cheap.

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!

On 4/26/2023 at 6:14 AM, Lemsta69 said:

Where have you encountered this? I haven't seen beer pretties for ages. Pretty sure I read on here years ago that they are verboten, just like that Thai singer that twerked too much and got scolded by the PM. 

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.

16 hours ago, soi3eddie said:

Of interest to more folks on this group; how about Motorway #7 to/from Pattaya?

 

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.

On 4/1/2023 at 2:57 PM, JayBird said:

Is there any benefit from buying during a show as opposed to at the show?

 

For normal cars, not luxury or super.

 

 

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.

4 hours ago, daveAustin said:

Wasn’t that the occasion when on greeting the president, YL slipped up with ‘who are you?’ as opposed to ‘how are you?’ ????

 

Yingluck or Michelle? Probably YL. She was quite fetching some days at some angles. Bung Vanessa Mae into the mix though…

 

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.

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.

56 minutes ago, Hummin said:

The stream of passengers will not change much at the emigration counters do to multiple landings. Most likely it is going to be an app as well.

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

2 minutes ago, Hummin said:

Can be a ticket you buy, and hand over to emigration at arrival, or when you leave. Not complicated at all

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.

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

3 hours ago, a340bangla1 said:

Agree about the Mabprachan track. We are going there with the bikes on the pickup (almost) every morning.

 

Last time we checked (about 3 - 4 weeks ago) that hill side track in the link given it was still closed

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.

9 hours ago, Deserted said:

I think those bikes are for kids. What sensible adult would want to ride one of them?

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.

16 hours ago, gomangosteen said:

^ looking at the framework behind, appears this is the place

FLORA EXHIBITION HALL, Phanprueksa Building, PTTLNG, Map Ta Phut Subdistrict, Muang Rayong District, Rayong Province

● GPS : https://goo.gl/maps/osFqPAw44QiJZmr78

 

 

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.