Tazmo

Archers ; UN Irish ; Crustys; Cafe du Siam ; The Score Sports Bar; ( google them for menu, all top quality and service)

Sounds like what others have already alluded to, and you know, “withdrawal symptoms “. You should seek help from an Addiction Center, possibly a Psychiatrist trained or experienced in opiates misuse. You can have methadone on a sliding scale, reducing over a period of time. Then in between you could agree to having a placebo in between. So that psychologically you will be able to come off the methadone all together without any withdrawal symptoms. Be aware also that some people suffer from depression after withdrawing from tramadol. There are specialists who can help, you may have to travel if not available in your area abe prepared to pay a bit. Residential care might be indicated.

“Safety” sadly is not uppermost in the minds of the Government or the people in Thailand. Tourists should be warned of that but some like those who hire motorcycles would ride without helmets! As one example. parents drive kids on their motorcycles without any protection! I know poverty is a factor but to put your child’s life at risk speaks volumes and should alert us to the fact that any industry or workplace does not implement and monitor health and safety. all should be educated, drivers and pedestrians. I won’t step on a zebra unless the driver looks like stopping! We are responsible for taking our own safety into consideration. Having said that prosecution for the driver for failing to stop, should be automatic!

One of the dangers of tramadol, which is not well documented, but I observed it in practice, is that upon stopping it you can become depressed, even suicidal. Not trying to scare you but it’s a fact. For nerve type pain, diclofenac 50-100 mogs is very effective, but make sure you get the good quality one, not the cheap Thai product!!i

I had a colonoscopy done in May and removal of 2 polyps, non- malignant. Was suffering from diarrhea for 2 months and one of my brothers had colorectal cancer ( diagnosed in his 80’s)! At first I had several antibiotics which never worked and saw a Gastroenterologist (Asst. Prof) who advised conservative treatment to try before colonoscopy. But it didn’t help and my stool occult blood was positive. So I went ahead with the colonoscopy. The sedation given was excellent, I never felt a thing and it was over quickly. Cost me over 25K Thai baht and follow up histology test showed no cancer. Follow up in a year. But my diarrhea persisted ( even though he said it will get better!) So I went for a second opinion and saw another Gastroenterologist who diagnosed that I had an Irritable Bowel. He gave me some new medication which helped, but I wasn’t able to keep the follow up appointment. However, I still have diarrhea unless I avoid certain foods, beer or Guinness 0% alcohol, the yeast seems to set it off ; no fried food, chips or fries in particular; no spicy food ; any milk except for soya! Found a new herbal medicine,FyboCalm at Holland and Barrett whilst on vacation in the UK, that helps. I will have a check up again, but felt more confident with the second Gastroenterologist, a less expensive hospital than my previous. And he was more thorough and showed understanding. From my research I couldn’t find any explanation for my condition, I conclude it’s an age thing, in my mid 70’s!

My partner traveled with me last year to the US. But although we traveled together, at Immigration we separated and saw different officers. She said that her officer was very pleasant and asked her about Thailand, saying he would like to visit one day! Don’t think there’s any need for her to worry, it’s normal to feel a bit anxious and they know that, but they don’t make it difficult.

I won’t use the word “ local”, mainly because of the language, interpretation etc I but I felt more accepted here than I did living in England ( lived there for most of my life). I believe because I am brown skinned and I am not trying to use the race card, but it’s a fact. I am often spoken to in Thai, people believing that I am a Thai. I first came for an International Cricket Tournament 24 years ago and identified with the culture, food, weather, people etc etc I moved here and worked for a while before retiring. I had to learn about working with Thais, as you would moving to any country.

Thanks for the latest and all the various suggestions. Sorry to sound cliche, but I heard it all before! I’m fully aware of costs with aging; history etc etc, and all the limitations, risks etc, but I have taken the decision to opt out. I will continue as usual to pay as I go. I have paid several thousands to date! In my last job here in Thailand, the Company’s Insurance didn’t cover me because I was over 65. I never knew this until my Medical check up for my last work permit! I was reimbursed by my Company for that bill. I can still get Travel Insurance at a reasonable price for now anyway. But I appreciate your time and contributions.

As I worked for the NHS in the UK, I never had Health Insurance. But a few years after retiring in Thailand, I read that Insurance would be necessary to renew your visa. I researched several Companies,then contacted a Broker who insisted that I need Insurance cover. I took out a Policy in 2019 for £2,711.31 per year. Then found out from my Visa Agent that with my visa, no Insurance was necessary. However I continued with the Policy, although the Premium kept increasing each year and I had made no claims. I have been paying for my own hospital treatment, which included in patient for dengue fever etc etc and most recently paid, 28K THB for a colonoscopy and removal of polyps. My excess on my Policy is £2,000. so I am unable to claim, for anything less than that, and reducing the 'excess' will increase my premium! This year my premium has climbed to £3,148.09. I decided to cancel the Policy altogether. I can’t afford it on my pension! I realize it’s taking a risk Incase of emergencies, but hopefully I will return to the UK if anything major is required. Any experience with Insurance cover for the over 70’s?

Yes Kayaking, as mentioned by the previous contributor, at Crystal Lagoon, through the Caves is thrilling, you can get assistance if you don’t kayak, and a nice cool spot for swimming at the end. Railay Beach is a nice day out by the long tail boats. Plenty of walking around if you like. The sunset is terrific, try to stay for that.

My Thai mother-in-law went to a Private Clinic yesterday and was told surgery was not indicated. She got an injection and cost her 1K THB with other medicines. Haemorrhoids are varicose veins and varicose veins in the legs were often injected with good cosmetic effect. They inject a solution that dissolves the clotted blood. Maybe you should try that method?

We went in February to March, mainly to escape the smog and pollution in Chiang Mai. So we explored as much as we wanted and can afford. We had a self catering place, very nice and helpful owners. Explored a few Islands, caves, lagoons, day trips and long tail boat trips. There was more to explore but our budget was tight. Would have liked to do the James Bond Island. The weather was good at that time. Plenty to do, night market is big, good food and booze at reasonable prices. Many places have happy hour, buy one get one, and half price dinners. Good restaurants with plenty to choose from. The beach areas, town and Island largest population are Thai Muslims, so plenty of Indian food, halal, but they serve alcohol. I explored the Al Nang briefly, busy but different life style, Mosques and cheap food at roadside. Cheap laboritory services, if you need blood tests/ check up. I don’t think personally that a week is enough, though you can pack in a fair bit if young and energetic. But watch for the weather as someone else has highlighted, high and rough tides etc.

Thanks to all those who have taken the time to reply. All useful to know. It’s not a ‘ life or death’ situation that I must have one. I got the idea from this forum. Anyway, from one of the replies it would appear that the Amphur that I live in, is the problem in that someone else has been waiting for “ years”! I live in Mae Rim, Chiang Mai Province.

I applied early last year, but my documents only got registered in November. The lady in charge insisted that was the correct date! At first she said that she didn't know about this request and had to consult with her Manager! We made several visits since then. Once I was asked to get a letter from Immigration re my visa, which I did.( then she said it was not needed!). Then I had to get verification of my passport by the British Consulate in Bangkok, which I did. I was told that I had to be resident at my permanent address for at least 60 days! I was told that I would receive a phone call to further process my application. As I hadn't heard, and 60 days had lapsed, I went back to see her. She recognized me immediately and addressed me by my first name! Then insisted that I had to await for her phone call. She explained to my wife that she was very busy with registration of births and deaths etc etc. asked to speak with her Manager. He couldn't speak English and was very abrupt to my wife, with no explanation for the delay or given an estimated time. So we went to see the Head of the Center (Deputy Sheriff). He was apologetic and reiterated that the center was very busy. But promised to call my wife with an answer on the same day. But he never called. So we called again and he promised to speak to the Officer in charge and get back to us. But nothing so far! Except that the Manager added my wife to his Line contact! So I am wondering how long did it take Martin or anyone, from the time of applying to receipt of the book and card? I appreciate it may vary from area to area, but just to get a rough idea. Thanks.

The money in the bank wasn’t a big deal. she just prepared a statement and carried her bank book with her, just in case they asked. The other points are more important I believe.