paulbrun

The TMD radar loops are working now. Mine is showing 7/7 for all areas..

'Windguru' works well, but you have to pay for the more detailed version.

I have been informed by someone working in hotel management, for a major chain, that when they treat for bed bugs, they close the room for about 3 months, to avoid any chance of accidental poisoning of guests using the beds afterwards.

Yes, good luck to you and your family. It is getting more and more difficult to maintain the standard if living we used to enjoy here. Luckily, I still have a good job, but I know of many returnees who are suffering. Where do you live, out of interest..? We are moving back to the north of the country where the cost of living is still reasonable.

Are you planning to learn to speak Thai, or write English..?

I stayed there when it first opened almost 20 years ago, and it was a very good hotel. It was never going to be top-end, but it was comfortable, well managed and in a great location. Many years later, I held my 50th birthday party there, hiring the area around the swimming pool, and the staff couldn't have been more helpful, and accomodating. It is very sad that something went so badly wrong, after all their efforts to provide good quality accomodation, at affordable prices. I hope they manage to clean the place up, and open again without the stigma that is inevitably going to be associated with the old hotel name..? Burning the mattresses is absolutely vital, because it was found to be those that absorbed the chemical that gave people such a bad reaction. I am quite surprised that they were even still in there..!

As stated, Central appears to be the main outlet for both the machines, and the capsules in Thailand. And the prices are as stated. One thing I found interesting, but not sure if it is 'approved' by Nespresso, is the option to buy empty capsules with sealing lids, so you can make your own capsiles, using your favourite coffee of choice..? They are offering this option at my local Central store. Anyway, I agree it gives a great brew, and is well worth the price, if you can afford it.

The 2012 Phuket International Blues Rock Festival was excellent, and was very good value for the money. The cost was 1200 baht a ticket (for both nights) for an 'expat' over 12 years old, but was free for kids, and my Thai wife..! The bands did not get paid, although I believe most of their expenses were covered..? The quality of the music was very good, and although the crowds were not huge, that made it more enjoyable, because you could get closer to the artists. So I give it a big 'thumbs up', and will definitely go again next year, if I'm around at the right time.

Unfortunate - Fico Corporation has just bought Nana Entertainment Plaza

Unfortunate indeed. The wrong building caught fire..!

My wife bought a case of Ginger Ale yesterday, in our local supermarket. They only had 2 cases, but still let her have one. I brought in 2 cases of Indian Tonic water from Malaysia last month, and also 2 cases of Bitter Lemon, all Schweppes.

Schweppes Dry Ginger Ale is usually available, but is a bit scarce at the moment, in Thailand. Since the floods at the end of last year, many of their mixers have been in short supply, including Indian Tonic Water. I have been bringing some in from Malaysia in recent months. Hopefully supplies will return to normal soon..?

No shortage of tonic in Malaysia, and it's half the price..!

Depending on the conditions at the time, visibility, day/night, wind, swell etc., it could have been quite difficult for one man to get the boat turned around quickly, while also keeping the MoB in sight. It is every sailors greatest fear, to lose a crew member overboard, and I feel for the skipper, and of course, the missing persons friends and family. Let's hope it was close enough to land for her to swim ashore, and eventually be found.

Yellowmama on Soi Thonglor is apparently the best place. Not sure about cheap though..? http://www.yellowmama.com/

The problem is that most Thais do not know how to drive around corners fast, only in a straight line. They almost always go flat out on the straight, and then brake when they get into a bend. And they then lose control of their vehicle..! That bend is not that dangerous, but it is, if you hit it too fast, and brake in the middle of it..! Proper driving lessons, and exams, and stricter punishments for driving offences, would inevitably reduce the amount of stupid accidents that happen all over the Kingdom of Thailand.

It's the indian, not the arrow.. Or as the Thai's say.. A bad dancer blames the drum and the flute. Just kidding.

Where will you be 'testing it out'?

Is this mudman Larry Bird..? From Louisiana..?

It's not the first time, or the last, an accident has happened at those lights. We were once waiting to turn right to Sansai, and a truck went straight through the red lights and took out a motorbike doing a u-turn from the other direction. The truck didn't stop, but some other bikers took off after him. The bike rider was killed outright. Sadly, it is just the way things are here..

TOPS supermarket (Central) sometimes has it, or else Villa supermarket in Chalong should have it..? I also prefer Marmite, which I always keep a good stock of. Plus I keep one jar of the other stuff, in case of emergencies..!

My wife threw out a bottle of expensive Paul Mitchell Tea Tree oil shampoo, that I have been using sparingly, because I have no idea where to buy more..? I was/am furious about it. I shudder to think what else has been binned in my absence, that I have not yet noticed..!

PS. I also have two jars of Frank Cooper's marmalade, that are hidden at the back of a cupboard in the kitchen. I just went to check that they are still there..!

I agree, that for you to confront a Thai male security guard, who already has a conviction for murder, was not a wise thing to do. Were there any witnesses..? I would seriously consider moving, if you are able to. He now holds a grudge against you, and will be looking for an opportunity seek his revenge. I am always being reminded that however long you have lived here, we are all visitors, and have no rights. Bite your tongue, smile and walk away.

I have had my drink spiked, but luckily noticed in time to bring most of it back up. I felt like sh** for the next 12 hours though, and stopped drinking in those sorts of establishments..!

Sounds like he finally run out of money, or needed a new passport..?

At least they can say they had the Rolling Stones come to the resort..!

I would have replied but you said it best.

Thank you.

Anyone who is serious about golf won't even consider playing there.

Anyone who is serious about golf needs their (club) head examined..! The more serious you get, the worse you will play. Go out relaxed, and enjoy the day, and you will probably play the best golf you've ever played..!

Best post of the day..! I looked down the list of selected TV stories, and it was the only one that caught my eye. I am optimistic that you will get a positive outcome, if you follow it up. The best thing is no-one was injured, and the bike was not a new hi-$, hi-tech model.