pgs

Reading, interneting, socializing, cell phoning, shopping, watching foreign movies, flirting, combing, whale watching (not really), watching foreign tv, cooking, eating, beaching, sexing, internet banking, walking, baht busing, kvetching, drinking, coffee and teaing, breathing, pissing, excreting, being ...

People who can't handle leisure are a kind of cripple.

so - what's wrong with a little whale watching? Whale watching not good enough for you? ;-)

There are listings in TV for this:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...p;#entry1000923

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...p;#entry1408112

You may also like to try:

http://www.justchiangmai.com/visit-chiangm...el/airlines.htm

http://www.laoairlines.com/index.html

Have a look also in the Chiang Mai forum, there will probaly be a few (buried) ones there.

Hi People

Does anyone know where I can buy Czech beer in Bangkok,Pilsen Urguell, Budvar,Kozel.any

imported Czech beer.

thanks in advance for any help.

regrds Ercorn

mmmm kozel (dark). lovely.

When there, the family are as supportive of me as I am of them - just in different ways. We do the big 'family meal' on arrival & at departure & larger gatherings with friends. I generally pay for these. Sometimes I am not permitted to pay at all. Mum Thai had 3 strokes in 10 days - we couldn't get there immediately, but payments did. When TW went home the house was modified to suit mum's lack of mobility. I followed a few weeks later & tended to the financials. This kept 4 locals directly emlpoyed for 2 - 3 weeks with building & several small businesses had special orders they were only too happy to do.

my 5 year old Sipping whisky

Blimey...................................I didn't start till I was seven

Only 5 YO? I don't buy anything under 10 (single malt) for myself. I think the average bottle here now was 15YO @ purchase.

I belief that most computers which will be seized are breaking some sort of law, illegal software, outside Thailand proxy server setting and …..etc.

If an officer seize your computer it is unlikely that you get it back, and there is even a change of deportation. The Thai government will love to point the finger to the expat community as the source of the IP violations. (Not forget this is amazing Thailand, everything can happen)

So time to get legal software or change to an open-source operating system….. Anybody interested in a original (free) Ubuntu Release 7.04 Linux CD, I have stock of 32 and 64 bit CD’s

Hmm - looks like your devil is having fun. Could be porn - better change the pic...

Equally important is: what are you interested in? Not much good sending you on a '1000 year old temple tour' if you want to play in the river rapids.

I would have thought that with the strength of the Baht that the fuel surcharge should be lowered. I note in todays Press that PTT are lowering their fuel prices by 40-70 satang so what is TG up to ??

Fair point, except that logically, they buy half of their fuel overseas in other currencies, often dollars, to fly the return-trips inbound to Thailand, and also leaving aside the effects of 'tankering'.

Wonder how bad things would have to get - for Thai to start charging MPs & Senators for their (currently) free flights ? Or making them subject-to-load, and bumping them, in favour of passengers who actually have paid for their tickets ?

Time for an axe-swinging accountant to take a close look at the whole company IMHO.

I believe all politicians should be paying for their flights. It's worse in Oz, where those no longer in Gov't still get it.

Boredom can prevail, I was drinking 2 bottles of whisky a day at one point in the LOS, glad to be out of that scene to honest...it is however still hard to give up old habits when I return, however lucky enough my family have become more important than booze...one must know that you can drink anywhere in the world, why choose somewhere beautiful with lots of other things to do to get mortal?

Hard but you have to reign the problem in mate or other problems will come from your drinking, believe me I know. The dark underbelly of drink crashes you down quick!

Goodluck with your problem, I just hope it doesnt get worse, cheap booze aint evrything.

I believe that Isaangeorge's OP was very much a p1ss-take, if you'll pardon the pun. But 2 bottles of whisky a day???? I think everyone's glad you're "out of that scene".

2 x 150ml. It's hard enough drinking 1 glass of Thai firewater.

1/14th of an elephant - IF you can get it. Bio from one of the Aussie military held by the Japs & worked on the railway to Burma. I have been told it's a 'banned book' in Thailand.

FEATURE: Cross-culture marriages a mixed blessing in Land of Smiles

Posted : Wed, 11 Jul 2007 04:49:02 GMT

Author : DPA

snip

"More Isaan (north-eastern Thai) women each year marry Western men to improve the quality of life for their families. The marriages have brought them more financial independence and, even in some cases, a steady monthly income to their parents," said researcher Assistant Professor Buaphan Promphakping from Khon Kaen University.

Cross-cultural marriages are not limited to Thailand's impoverished North-east.

snip

earthtimes.org

scary part: someone needed a uni degree & a grant to work it out. pretty much any of us could have told them ~ free ~

Quite happily, I was already fond of a drink or 6. The 640ml bottles fill a glass nicely - when I can be bothered being couth enough to use one. I brought some steins from Germany - 1 bottle = 1 glass. Works well. Preference for Chang, although Leo will suffice. Not over fussed on Singha. Probably comes from my time as a brewer - trained by a German brew master.

One thing that is too hard to stomache is Thai 'whisk(e)y' - that rotgut shouldn't be sold for anything more than a firestarter.

I'd like to know as well! I have been looking desperately for a cast iron pan, but to no avail!

I haven't checked JJ market yet, but I'll take the recommendation.

Markets in Yarrowat (Chinatown).

Howdy

Here's the one we have. I like the open grill better that I have seen in Thailand. However, this one is closed, it cuts down on the smoke and can be used in the house.

http://www.gourmetsleuth.com/pDetail.asp?i...amp;price=23.99

They have a number on the site. Not sure what the shipping to the UK would be.

*J*

Hi Chung Noi,

I have actually got the grill now. However I still trying to find the charcoal pot for under it. Any ideas welcomed as my Wife wants to cook it the same as she does in Thailand! Take the girl out of Thailand, but cannot take Thailand out the girl!!! However would not have it any other way.

Hi... try contacting these guys..... http://www.thai4uk.com/acatalog/shop.html they may be able to help... they sell pestles and mortars so are obviously used to weighty objects. Explain what you want, you never know!!!

Nope, they do not sell em.

A trip down to the nearest good sized 'chinatown' should provide what you need. May be better to leave TW @ home - could get expensive... ;-)

Both sides. Being Asian in Thailand doesn't mean they speak Thai. Being western anywhere doesn't mean you speak English.

Acting the goat makes you a pain anywhere.

We learnt not to order a full meal in one hit, or that's how it comes - entree, main, dessert all together.

It is so easy to get frustrated with being told 'yes' when 'no' is the correct answer. When TW is on the phone is hard to see if she understands (always says 'yes, undertand'). The tone may drop a touch if I'm lucky & can pick up on it. Watching her is far better, I can see if she understands. I'm sure sometimes it's as bad for her.

Locally, service in Chaiyaphum hasn't really been a problem. We had a fun couple of hours looking for some tools there one visit. TW not really knowing what I'm after, shop assistant doing everything possible - wouldn't have been many boxes left un-opened, but we got what was needed. They get repeat business (I know where to look now). Whitegoods - again no problem. If what I want isn't there, we find it in the catalogue & it's deliverd to home a few days later. Around the ampur, the majority of the shopkeepers / market holders seem quite happy to track things down for me. Service here - I'm happy with.

I have worked and lived in foreign countries most of 30 years so not what it use to be.

Many beautiful countries out there if money is not an issue and I plan on spending much time in them.

Looking for more moderate climate and not a predominately low income retirement resort/place.

For each their own and life goes on.

You've had an interesting life. Like yourself, I've been lucky enough to see much of the world. Never worked in another country, but have travelled 7-8 years around the glode.

If money wasn't an issue, I would probably still pick Thailand. I make enough money to live extravagantly in America, but big houses, 5 star hotels, and fine dining do nothing for me. All I need is more time to do the simple and inexpensive things that make me happy. Sitting on a barstool and interacting with all sorts(losers, winners, quacks...) is more entertaining than the upscale bars in America. It will be nice to wakeup every morning and not have a difficult time trying to fit in a bike ride or a trip to the health club.

I've also worked in a number of countries & miss being in LoS. For all the places I've stayed, I always found it hard to be happy in the overpiced hotels - never needed to be in the 4 & 5 star places. Back in Sydney I guess the one thing I really don't like seeing is BA10 leaving. If I can see it, I'm not on it.

We have encountered a Canadian living around Chaiyaphum. Haven't seen him for a few years now, though.

Sometimes one just NEEDS someone to talk the mother tongue with - just for a few changs.

On the up side, in our village there are enough people whom want to try English (or have me use really pathetic Thai) over a drink or 6. That aside, we also have enough with sufficient conversant English that it's OK there for me. Besides, one can always talk to the buffalo - they don't have language problems.

Anyway I was in Tesco/Lotus Phitsanulok last monday and there was an old farang who I kept bumping into...............

After bumping into him for about the the 10th time however .......................

The first thing you need to do is to learn how to control your shopping trolley cart. There is nothing worse than bending down to get a can of sardines off the lower shelf and having some snobby farang bump into your butt with his trolley.

Because farangs are a rare species in Phitsanulok, why not stop and have a quick chat with those of a similar breed to yourself. It doesn't take much to say, "Bloody hot today, isn't it?" or "Do you think crunchy peanut butter is better than smooth?"

As for the poor old guy who wanted to chat with you, he probably only wanted to tell you that your fly was undone.

Sorry Mighty Mouse, but after being ignored for the millionth time you stop trying to make conversation with other farang.

Btw, my fly wasn't open. I was wearing my swimming shorts!

If I ever see a farang wearing swimming trunks in Tesco, I'll speak to him.

I'd be a bit worried - I haven't seen a pool in a Tesco yet.

As for the 'maybe s/he doesn't speak my language' concept, perhaps it can be made a rule that all farang wear badges signifying the laguages they speak - similar to airline staff. ;-) (sorry, 'startrekian' isn't really language.)

I don't believe it's down to a language barrier as most farang newcomers need a modicum of English anyway for basic communication with Thais.

ich scherzte

Anyway I was in Tesco/Lotus Phitsanulok last monday and there was an old farang who I kept bumping into...............

After bumping into him for about the the 10th time however .......................

The first thing you need to do is to learn how to control your shopping trolley cart. There is nothing worse than bending down to get a can of sardines off the lower shelf and having some snobby farang bump into your butt with his trolley.

Because farangs are a rare species in Phitsanulok, why not stop and have a quick chat with those of a similar breed to yourself. It doesn't take much to say, "Bloody hot today, isn't it?" or "Do you think crunchy peanut butter is better than smooth?"

As for the poor old guy who wanted to chat with you, he probably only wanted to tell you that your fly was undone.

Sorry Mighty Mouse, but after being ignored for the millionth time you stop trying to make conversation with other farang.

Btw, my fly wasn't open. I was wearing my swimming shorts!

If I ever see a farang wearing swimming trunks in Tesco, I'll speak to him.

I'd be a bit worried - I haven't seen a pool in a Tesco yet.

As for the 'maybe s/he doesn't speak my language' concept, perhaps it can be made a rule that all farang wear badges signifying the laguages they speak - similar to airline staff. ;-) (sorry, 'startrekian' isn't really language.)

probably find medicare is gonna be used more heavily soon, the health insurance leeches are putting up the premiums again

Dropping non-essential expensive things like IVF & similar would be a great starting point.

When I left Oz about a billion years ago to work overseas, (maybe a little exageration) my accountant suggested one of the things that I should do to establish myself as a "non resident for taxation purposes" was to return my medi-care card.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

When I left Aus , there was no such thing as Medicare, Centrelink or Tax numbers!

My last driving licence was number 9493AA Go figure .....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

that licence is only current for a burke and wills stage coach

Bit rugged - mine is 9107xx circa '81. They were Cobb & Co.

Another question i keep asking myself over and over is how much of a budget financialy would be needed for my family to up stick from UK and live sometime in future in Isaan/Ubon. We have two children and would need to consider schooling and medical cover given that one of our son's is disabled. We have a holiday home and car already in Ubon and moving would not be much of an issue really apart from the fact that our first priority would be how best to look after our two son's (one a few months old and the other 4 yo) which makes any decision difficult. I have never priced up medical cover and school costs so don't know what the monthly budget would need to be for this in the town but if anyone has information then please post. We are just getting bored of life here in UK and had enough of the "groundhog day" existance.

We don't have kids, so find an average of 20,000/month is generally adequate when we're there. This is based only on 'normal' household type bills / food / usual transport. Kids would add to that considerably, moreso depending on the disability & it's requirements. You may need a chat with a few insurance companies' travel sections - not the travel agent / bank selling it, but the company itself. All replies in writing, so you have the info if they try to get out of a claim later. Is there a suitable medical facility close enough if you need help with the disabled one?

My sister is a teacher in a local school. The claim is at 'primary' school level you should only pay for uniforms, some books & food. As foreigners, you could well be asked to pay a 'fee'. Possibly if you donate some writing material the fee would be waived or reduced. The poorer families of the are would certainly appreciate it.

Different strokes. We live in Sydney because it's practical. In LoS, we live in a village as we have family there. If it wasn't there, it would probably be nearer to Chiang Mai - my preference. Growing up in the country, village life is fine for me. The number of times I've seen city-slickers make the big move to the country only to be back a few months later because they couldn't cope with the difference & being too far from what they're used to having around the corner.

Be sure you have someone around or that you can contact easily that speaks your language - it tends to make things a little easier.

Hi, Boring question i know.

I'm travelling back to Thailand in the next two weeks and i need to find some of the furniture mentioned in the title. Any idea of the cost also.

I'm will be in the Trat area when i get back.

Thanks

Whislt we're not in your area, I'm sure the same could be done.

We found a local timberyard / carpenter who made as a 6'x4' hardwood table for about 1500b. I only wanted the timber to make it myself, but when he saw what it was, it was just "OK, come tomorrow". Less than 24 hours later we had a laquered table delivered that took 3 Thais to move safely, and is as strong as. If you were closer, I'd have no hesitation in recommending him.