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I'm trying to post a few pictures of Rice Harvestors, hope this works.

A few pictures from the TAMCO harvestors north of Satuk

One of the Sak Pattana machines

The lone TSY harvestor - a big machine

Used trailor at a shop north of Satuk. Can't remember exactly how much they asked for, think it was 600,000 baht

Thanks IsaanAussie. What you said makes sense. My Thai wife's family is looking into the trailor. I hope it is one of those big rigs, not the tow behind the truck kind. The family is supposed to be checking out a friend who has a trailor AND dump truck. My understanding is the family would pay to transport the harvestor and the guy would drive his dump truck along and offer his services seperately to the farmer to collect the rice from the harvestor.

As you pointed out, there are a lot of potential pitfalls, short harvesting season, being able to run the machine 24X7, transport available when needed, offload truck ready at all times, quick harvestor repairs. It's sounding less appealing all the time, but the family wants to do it.

Mixedbreed and everyone, thanks for the responses and keeping the thread going. My wife and I looked at many different rice harvestors while in Buriram in July.

Kubota has a new model out, DC-95GM I think. It seemed to be their biggest model, but Kubota's seem smaller then the Thai models we saw later.

We traveled up to the Satuk area and looked at a place that had one TSY harvestor in the window. Big machine, but you had to wonder if you would get any support if something went wrong. Another place was selling KM53, Sakpattana and had a few newer and used ones.

The best place we found with a decent inventory was TAMCO (Thai Agricultural Machinery Company, I think), KT08,KT09 and KT11 models for 1.5 to 0ver 2 million baht.

I don't know if this is the same place that others refer to as selling KPH models? Anyway, prices varied due to all the options. It seems if you get different parts that are stainless steel, instead of the painted metal (auger, thresher, storage tank), you will be better off down the road (no rust).

The wife ended up getting a medium sized one for the family to make some money?! We shall see, as long as she contines to work back here, to pay for it, I am happy!

I'll have to see if I can figure out how to post some pictures.

Now, the new questions for those that are in the business are:

OK, you have a rice harvestor, wife said they will rent a trailor to transport the rice harvestor to jobs. Anybody else do that and is it feasable? The family says they know someone that has a trailor and will use him. Trailor's seem to cost over 600K baht for a used one. The family doesn't have truck to offload the rice to, but say that who ever's field they are going to work on will supply their own. Is that your experience? Last one, when a farmer says they have 100 rai to harvest, how do you verify that or do you just take his word for it?

These are some questions I asked, but the family doesn't seem too concerned, which makes me wonder.

How is the rice crop doing this year in the Buriram, Surin area? Is it on time to start harvesting in Novemeber or later?

I have read the thread and talked it over with my Thai wife. She is seriously looking at getting a rice harvestor for the family. What the family (from Buriram) is telling her is: they don't want a Kubota DC-60 bagging machine. They claim it is too small and other farmers don't want someone using it on their farms. I guess they are getting lazy and don't want to carry the bags? I can't understand why, because farms in her area are small and it makes snese to use the bagging system based upon what others have said. If you buy a model with a big belly, you need to dump the rice somewhere or have a truck to move it too, right?

The family claims that a lot of people are returning the Kubota's to the local Buriram dealer and are not happy with them, since they are not reliable, unlike what I am hearing here. Not sure if they are talking DC60 or DC68's.

The family does not think the Kubota rubber tracks are as good as the metal ones on the Tamco (KPH models?) I believe. They claim,, the metal ones work better in wet or water then the Kubota's, unlike what I think I heard here. There is a Tamco (KPH/KRT?)dealer in Satuk that they want to work with. Apparantly, the machine they looked at is 1.9 million baht and they want 1 million baht down and a monthly payment. This sounds like shit to me, too expensive and I am trying to get the wife to think this through before putting her hard earned money into this family venture and possibly getting me to help!

Anyone have any updates or comments would be appreciated. Sounds like Thais have their minds made up on what they like. Thanks

My Thai wifes family just started doing some ploughing for others with a Kubota tractor They are only charging 200 baht per rai in the Buriram area. Don't know what the difference is between deep ploughing and regular and not making the ground smooth, which seems to be another thing they can do?

The season seemed to be short 1 1/2 months or so and they needed to wait until conditions were right.. softer ground, not too wet, tried to avoid real tough slipery clay farms.

I don't think they have a real good handle on the expense side, like how much diesel they used per rai and not sure how they pay themselves. How much does diesel cost per liter these days? I would think that workers (family) should get paid per rai ploughed, something like 40 baht per rai, how are others doing it? Anyway, the TW is fundng this with her hard earned money, just trying to get a handle on it to help her. She has other ideas to get a rice harveter soon, but that is another topic!

Quantity and quality, what do you mean Chonburiram?

After reviewing the pictures again, it looks like there are two kinds of plants being shown.

In Soidog2's original post, it looks like the

1st picture is magroot (ma-kroot) kaffir lime

2nd and 3rd pictures look like manau (translates to lime - Thai lime)

4th picture, not sure

Soidog2's picture of the tree further down looks like manau (Thai lime)

Beardog's 3 pictures look like manau - Thai lime

So what do you call them in Thai?

I was told there is Bank called the Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Co-operative that lends to farmers. I think it's government sponsored and they have a website.

They were quoting loans for co-ops for 4.5%. Anyone know anything more about using this Bank or had any experiences with them. Of course, since only Thai's can own land, it's for loans to Thai's only.

In Thai it is called a magroot (มะกรูด). kaffir lime, Citrus hystrix

What Soundman said. My Thai wife said!

So both are wrong.

Not sure, what is it then?

If you feel up to convincing my Thai wife and the rest of the people in her village in Buriram, go ahead. Magroot is a native plant in Thailand they use all the time.

Thanks for the responses. After talking with the wifes family more, found out what you guys said, store the rice loose, is exactly what they want to do and is the right way to do it. At some point, they will want to seel it and I guess they will need some sort of bags then. Thanks again.

A quick question for those that are familiar with rice farming in Thailand. My wife's family has just finished harvesting rice in Buriram, as most and are storing the rice in a hut, but much of the rice is laying loose. Wouldn't it be better to store it in Gunny sacks (50 or 80 kg size)? They claim that these bags are too expensive.

Anyone know how much a rice gunny sack costs? Couldn't be more then 150 baht for one bag, could it?

In Thai it is called a magroot (มะกรูด). kaffir lime, Citrus hystrix

What Soundman said. My Thai wife said!

Yeah, it's pretty common to steal and cheat, isn't it? Just have to learn to say no....NO!

I thought this article was pretty interesting and relavent.

Bangkok Post - July 9, 2009

Business » Economics

OUTSIDE THE BOX

EVEN FOR A NATION OF THIEVES, IT'S NEVER TOO LATE

Writer: Sawai Boonma

Published: 9/07/2009 at 12:00 AM

Newspaper section: BusinessLast week, an Abac Poll of 1,228 households in 17 provinces across Thailand found that 84.5% of respondents regarded cheating as a normal business practice and 51.2% said corruption by government officials was acceptable as long as it improved their living conditions. Similar surveys conducted over the past few years reached essentially the same conclusions regardless of respondents' geographical regions. Such findings clearly point out that Thailand is a nation made up largely of thieves who will cheat at every opportunity.

With such a mindset, no further explanation should be needed as to why Thailand has not been able to attain the level of development achieved by other Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea despite having relatively more natural resources. If we raise this issue with fellow Thais, a lot of them would quickly point out that corruption also exists in those countries. They are right. Corruption does indeed exist in those countries and, for that matter, in all countries. But the difference lies in the degree; in more advanced countries corruption is not so high as to stifle development.

A few weeks ago, a former president of South Korea was driven by shame to commit suicide after rumours circulated that he was involved in corruption while in office. In the case of Thailand, a former prime minister apparently feels no shame even after being convicted of corruption. Moreover, a large number of Thais have joined a political movement to clear him, including the current drive to prepare a petition with at least one million signatures to obtain a royal pardon.

Bad as the readiness to cheat may be, it is but one of four Thai characteristics that have been labelled detrimental to development, according to a former prime minister who echoed opinions expressed by some foreigners who know Thais well. The others are laziness, ostentatiousness and jealousy. Many Thais who hear this for the first time may be offended. But they should not be, as evidence can be found everywhere. Government lottery tickets are sold out regularly at premium prices because a lot of Thais wish to attain a high income level without working for it. Young Thai women marry retired foreigners whose pensions provide a road to an easy life. These phenomena may not be laziness as commonly understood but are laziness nonetheless.

Expensive German cars, Swiss watches, and French handbags all sell well in Thailand. Thais buy more luxury German cars than the Japanese, even though the latter have far more upper-income professionals. Personal debt has become a critical problem mainly because most Thais feel a strong need to keep up with their peers. Large debt may be incurred to finance ostentatious ceremonies to marry off daughters or send sons into the monkhood for two weeks.

Jealousy may not be as apparent, yet the co-operative movement in Thailand has never been successful since it was introduced during the reign of Rama VI because Thais cannot work co-operatively for any length of time. Tens of thousands of Buddhist temples have been built, many practically next to each other, because the solution for disagreement among members of the congregation is to build another one. These phenomena indicate a lack of social capital, which is vital for development.

The survey findings and foreigners' opinions are mirrors reflecting the true picture of our society that we have ignored or denied for so long. Our mindset must be changed for Thailand to develop further and grim as the picture may be, it is never too late to do that. While responsibility lies with all of us, the ruling class should take the lead for it has had better opportunities. As for the government, a lot of suggestions can be made but I will make only three, beginning with the easiest: do not approve the current online lottery proposal or make gambling in whatever form more convenient in the future; start revamping the tax base with the ultimate aim of making a progressive consumption tax the main source of revenues; and make sure that its own ranks are not populated by corrupt politicians.

Sawai Boonma served for more than two decades as an economist with the World Bank in Washington DC. He can be reached at [email protected]

Tokay, thanks for the warning. That is one shity scam they are pulling. The lack of other

ways to fleece falangs must be drying up with all the economic problems we are seeing.

Look forward to seeing a video, if you can put one together.

Just out of curiosity, did you speak Thai with the Police? They will sometimes back down if you

do, simply because then they feel you know what is going on if you do.

I followed this thread with interest a few months ago to see what was happening with Buriram land prices.

I am back in the US now with my Thai wife from Buriram. Anyone know what is really happening in Buriram regarding land prices.

Talking with her family from time to time, she has been told that people are selling and trying to sell farm (rice) land for 100,000 baht per rai, is this really happening? I am talking about farm land that is maybe 7 km outside of Buriram town off of route 288 (road to Satuk), so it's very close to town. One plot she talked about is over 70 rai and another Thai gentlemen would be glad to accept 100,000 baht per rai for 13 rai of farm land that is in the middle of other fields. At these prices, it would probably take 50 years to break even on a land purchase.

She also told me that a neighbor sold land by the new school being built at the junction of route 2074 and 288 was sold for 1,000,000 baht per rai (yes, 1 million...and I don't believe it either!).

I personally take this all with a grain of salt, because all the village folks just talk and there is no real way for me to separate fact from fiction from where I am.

If anyone has any updated information I would certainly appreciate it.

I have a 3 br. townhouse central Pattaya that I just moved out of with my 5 small dogs. No regulations regarding pets, my neighbors have not complained but all of my dogs are "watch dogs" meaning they watch and bark but don't bite. It will be available to rent furnished about the 15th of June (after I do some patching and painting). The house is large with over 210 sq. mtrs inside and many patios and decks. Includes wireless internet, 4 A/C units 6 ceiling fans etc. Rent is B25,000 for 6-12 months or B22,000 12 mos or more, utilities are whatever the bill says no up charges.

that's nice. Just how would that help control barking?

It looks like I might be traveling to Buri Ram and spending a few nights there.

What are the better hotels in Buri Ram and maybe someone might also give a heads up on what resorts there are in close proximity to the city.

Been there 3 - 4 times but it has been some time now.

Any info will be gratefully received

Can't help with the resorts....but a look here http://buriramexpats.com/hotels.shtml shows 3 hotels and info.

I have stayed at the Thep Nakorn Hotel, and it is fine.

There are also a heap of other places to stay around town from 350 - 700 bht. All ok for a few days if the other dont suite.

Stayed at both Vongton and Thepnakorn. Vongton is in town and convenient, a little older, restaurants, internet close by, bus station close by. Thepnakorn is newer with a pool, but a little outside of town or on the edge of town. You will need a car or motorbike. Check the Buriramexpats site for hotel and Car information. Have a good stay.

Well, it looks like eating vegetables and fruit is not unusual or a problem for a dog from what others have said.

Still not sure what brand of dog food we are using, but it is liver and vegetables and the puppy seems to be eating fine now, so all is well. Teelak says the puppy does NOT have worms and she has stopped putting any sugar in the dogs food, so looks like he will survive fine. Thanks for everyones responses and sharing your experiences.

I stopped feeding it and put it on my balcony hoping she continue flight.

good start, once it realises it's not on an easy meal ticket from you anymore it may take flight due to hunger and resume it's flight

Are you talking about a bar girl, a bird or both?

Thanks for everyone's replys! No, this thread is not about eating puppies, although you don't want to know about the habits of some people up north!

I will certainly get the girlfriend to discontinue adding a little bit of sugar to the puppy chow, my feeling exactly, that this is not a good practice. I'll have to check on what kind of puppy chow she is buying, I think it is a decent brand with liver and vegetable content. That could be the problem, who likes liver and veges? Maybe should go back to chicken and whatever she was doing before! I don't want a finnicky eating dog either, I was telling her to give him the puppy chow and if he doesn't eat for a day or so, that is OK. When he gets hungry, he will. What I had been told is that dogs like the same food every day, don't change it around, unless there is a problem.

The puppy is only 4 months old or so and getting 3 bowls of food a day, as recommended, with water always available. He is not fat and not too skinny, just growing. I don't think he has worms, but will ask sweetie pie to check his output. He has had his puppy shots, so should be up to date on that. I take it, that it is NOT unusual for a puppy to eat fruit and veges. I'll let you know what I find out. If I am doing things incorrectly, let me know.

My girlfriend got a puppy (part German Sheperd) a few months ago. She has been feeding him the standard puppy chow. He seemed to eat pretty good, occassionally she would put a little dog treat in tho get him eating.

She has not intentionally feed him any human type food, but tells me that lately, the puppy eats fruit (papaya) and some vegetables when he sees them or finds them. Is this unusual, it shouldn't be unhealthy? Also, the puppy is not eating his puppy chow as enthusiastically as before, so she started to put a "little" sugar mixed in with his chow. That doesn't sound like a good thing to do, anybody know if this is a no no? Thanks

Mac, been reading this thread since it started and it sounds like you are making progress

and getting support from friends!

I think it would be good, if you could get custody of your daughter, if possible,

your not too old and with someone helping you, it would work fine.

One thing to really think about is, if your Ex-wife keeps custody, you will be forever going back

to Buriram, still linked with her, her family and all the drama and excitement that goes with it (phone calls...)!

Think about it, if you had a choice, is that what you want? In this situation, If it was me,

I would try very hard to get custody and get disconnected from the ex-wife. Good luck...

Easier said then done maybe..

Well Mac, you have gotten many responses from concerned board members. Many have never met you or Bee,

but all have good intentions and want to see you move forward on this.

What did Isaan Lawyers say? It may be worth a 2 hour ride to Korat to see them? Unless you know what can be done in your situation, your blowing in the wind! Knowledge is power. It sounds like you and Bee are finished, you will not live in Huarat after this is settled, all else is up in the air. I'm not sure if you are still in shock at what has happened, have accepted it and want to move on or are somewhere in the middle probably.

Hope you sort it out soon. It sounds like you have some good friends in Ron and MGC and they know the situation, so hope you are taking their thoughts seriously.

I have no doubt that once this is settled, you will be able to start again, although you may be a little more cautious.

I am already going to look into a month away from here:

What is strange my wife is acting very happy about it all, maybe she is thinking good he will go soon : Well there will be no reconciliation I have gone with the flow all the time and it is not the flow I expected when I came to Thailand. My hearts to big for everyone it always has been that's the way my dear ole Mum raised me. I will pursue Issan lawyers for advice: Now I got to think of myself I know I am to old to care my daughter 24/7 on my own

Mac, so shocked and sorry to hear about you and Bee. I am glad to hear that you contacted a lawyer to get some legal advice.

A month a way to get a clear understanding of what is what and to clear the mind would be a good idea. I think you need to keep busy during that time and start to think about a future away from Bee. Don't leave any important papers at home when you leave and wouldn't be too surprised if some possesions disapear during the month to pay for things. I hope you are not locked out when you go back, but no matter.

Take the truck, go to Bangkok, Hua Hin even Pattaya or where ever you have friends. You won't have any problems picking up with your life after this is cleared up and I think the lawyer will present you with those options. A tough time for you, I know, but have all the faith that you will come through this and find happiness down the the road.

Good luck, hope to catch up with you some time. I will be in Thailand in two weeks, if you want to get together.

First I agree with the last poster re getting them to look after them !!

Try Home mart : Any hardware store has rakes or mkts even most of them have the tool heads and you buy the wooden shaft separate, be prepared to change your thinking slightly about the type of tool you used in your home Country and a similar Thai tool that will do the same job .

But rakes Thai dutch Hoes Shovels Wellies barrows mowers Strimmers are all available to name but a few even garden hand tools

Thanks for all the replies. I did try HomeMart, but did not see western rakes, shovels and hoes (not looking for small garden hand tools). They had real small rakes, the sliver (thin) shovels, and wooden handles, not what I was looking for. They did have other garden hand tools though.

I find it funny to see mama outside with a sliver shovel trying to gather up loose dirt after a rain storm. It takes 5 times as long to do this. A bigger western shovel might work better, you think? It's also funny to see her bending over and squating with a little hand weed wacker (probably what the use for harvesting rice) to trim the grass (actually weeds) in the yard. This takes just a little long to do, clearly there are better tools then what she is using. Oh well, the rainy season has largely passed, so things aren't going to grow as fast soon. It's rice harvesting time now, so the family is getting ready for the harvesting (start on Monday, if it doesn't rain).

Last time I was in Buriram, I wanted to get the girlfriend and family to start taking care of the yard a little better.

I looked around a bit for some garden tools, but wasn't able to locate some western type garden weapons, like a full bladed shovel (they only have the sliver kind), big rakes, garden hoe, pitchfork and few other items. Anyone know what stores sell these items?

Getting the tools is the easy part. Getting the family to use them & take care of the yard is another matter; especially if you're not going to be around to keep them on their toes.

I kind of got the same impression about the family wanting to use any new tool that they got and they sure don't take care of the tools and not just tools.

Putting oil on a metal blade of a tool to keep it from rusting seems like a foreign concept (I think that is an accurate description). They seem to leave tools outside to rust or they just disappear, never to be found. I will be back next month, so will keep searching and maybe visit that store a few mentioned. You think Big C has any or I'll try searching in town?

Here's a bit better picture of one we killed in our garden last year.

There's a ruler at the side for comparison.

Nasty little buggers. My wife killed it without it bothering

her Buddhist sensabilities.

That is a big, fat, juicy looking one, yum yum! I've heard all sorts of stories about centipedes. Where I live,

they say even the small ones can pack a bigger whallop then the big ones and if the color is bright, they are more

poisonous. Not sure if that is true, but not going to run a test to find out either. Appears that I need to buy some of that spray to keep them at bay.