Old Curmudgeon

Thank you @Keeps for mentioning UNIrish's bake shop. Web site shows the name on the door now is "Crusty Loaf". I'm wondering about delivery service. Searched LINEMAN and FoodPanda, but no mention either UNIrish or Crusty Loaf. Do you know about deliveries from Crusty Loaf bake shop?

When it comes to bread in Chiang Mai, there are two aspects to consider: 1. bread served in restaurants 2. bread you can buy to take home Years ago, there was a little restaurant near Kad-Suan-Kaew with a name like, "Amazing Sandwich: An Island In a Sea of Rice." I don't know if still in business, and frankly I'm not going to check, because the sandwiches weren't great and the bread itself wasn't impressive -- just, I suspect, ordinary white bread from a plastic wrapper. But back then, bread -- any bread -- was a welcome change from rice everywhere, and from the lack of good-quality bread here. Now, in 2024, the situation is completely different. Excellent bread is easily available here. _________________________ The Best Bread in Chiang Mai Restaurants Two restaurants share my Grand Prize for bread: * That's It Schnitzel Their homemade egg bread sandwich rolls are a delight: Soft, light crumb with subtle yeast + egg aroma Just slightly sweet Very thin crust Topped with sesame seeds * Billy's Italian Restaurant Billy's Italian bread is exceptional. I'd bet it's homemade because bread this good doesn't come from a factory. Soft, delicate, slightly chewy crumb (as Italian bread should be) Warm yeast aroma Likely make with imported hard-wheat flour. Both deserve the top spot for their bread. * Sausage King Garden While I’m not sure if Sausage King bakes their bread in-house or sources it from an outside baker, the result is outstanding. Smooth, even crumb Light, soft crust Rich flavor and aroma of high-quality yeast And this bread makes incredible breakfast toast. As someone who has baked bread at home, using top-quality, high-protein flour and kneading by hand, I can honestly say Sausage King’s bread is my ideal. I’ve never achieved this level myself, but they’ve nailed it. __________________________ Bread for Take-Home or Delivery Can you buy these excellent breads to take home or order for delivery? I haven’t asked at That’s It Schnitzel or Billy’s Italian Restaurant, but I did inquire at Sausage King Garden. Unfortunately, they didn’t seem very interested in selling their bread outside the restaurant. Personally, I think their bread would be popular if they offered it for delivery through Grab, LineMan, or FoodPanda. Do you know of other restaurants in Chiang Mai with outstanding bread—or bakeries where you can buy or order high-quality bread? __________________________ Before I name the worst bread I've encountered, a quick detour: Farmhouse Bread I very much like Farmhouse Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread (not the "royal bread," which is too airy). For a factory-made bread, it’s a fine product, and I buy it often. And Farmhouse offers delivery with a minimum order of only 100 baht. That said, I’m always looking to upgrade my sandwich bread, so I welcome suggestions from others. ___________________________ The Loser: TOPS In-Store Bakery TOPS in-store bakery consistently delivers subpar bread. Every variety I've tried is disappointing. Why Is It So Bad? 1. The Business Reason TOPS is increasingly moving to its own branded products, like "Smarter" and "Love the Value." While prices are slightly lower than name brands, the quality is usually a lot lower. Their bread seems to be made from very cheap commercial mixes. The result? Bread that is inconsistent and low in quality. 2. The Cultural Factor In Thai culture, if something looks good, it must be good. TOPS takes full advantage of that fallacy. Their bread looks so good—big, shiny, and enticing. But slice into it, and you’ll find a crumb full of air. Bite into it, and you’ll discover there’s almost no flavor. Do they skimp on the rye flour or skimp on the grains or something like that? But with a hi-so name like, "German Rustical Dark Rye" the locals will snap it up. I stopped buying any bread from the in-story bakery at TOPS years ago. So my severe opinion here could be out-dated. Their quality may have changed, may have improved. If so, please post here to tell me and I'll give it another try. But I will be very surprised if it is any good. __________________________ The Wild Card: TikTok Bread Now for the joker in the deck: bread ordered online from TikTok. Yes, TikTok—for bread ! A few days ago, I placed an order for several loaves and some hamburger buns from two bakers I found on TikTok. I haven’t received it yet, so can’t comment on the taste. Will they be any good? Only one way to find out—order and try. If it turns out to be good, I’ll be pleased. __________________________ Your Thoughts? So, that’s my take on bread in Chiang Mai—the best, the worst, and a potential wild card. What do you think? Have you found any exceptional bread here? What’s your favorite for sandwiches or toast?

Thanks for the post @scorecard, but that comment is off the track. This thread is not about problems with apps like Bolt. What I suggest here is to get phone numbers from the good riders you find (on Bolt or LIneMan), so you can call them direct or make appointments in advance.

Excellent suggestion. I had no idea there were Win riders at the bus station. Thank you, @scorecard

Eye drops. Especially in Chiang Mai.

"used to"? Why stop? Thank you, @tomazbodner for this very useful suggestion. While it is not local to Chiang Mai (acknowledged already), they do have second-hand items. Looks like a Japan version of e-Bay.

Appreciate that comment @1FinickyOne, but Thai people's interest, or lack of it, is not really relevant. This thread is about Japanese-style second hand stores. And there are plenty of Japanese expats around here.

Appreciate this photo and map link. Thank you @Dazinoz for taking your time to search and find on Google Street View. -- Old Curmudgeon

That's very helpful. Thank you @roo860 for the map link. -- Old Curmudgeon

Those comments on ancient civilisations are really interesting! The connection between the Anunnaki and our human story is something worth exploring. It’s curious how the tales of the past might show us what we hope for or fear. As we look at lost civilisations, I wonder if these stories are just reflections of ourselves or if they hint at something bigger. The mix of myths and real events makes me wonder about what we truly know. Every new discovery could change how we see our history. What a fascinating mystery!

Again ... back to the original post. Gold in Thailand is so much more than just a shiny metal—it’s like a backbone of both culture and finance. Especially in rural areas, gold isn’t just a backup plan—it’s a bridge between formal banks and informal loans. During the 2020 scamdemic, gold literally became a lifeline for entire communities. That’s a huge factor when you think about how much it props up the economy when other systems fall short. Going into 2025, gold isn’t just about money or tradition—it’s basically the glue holding everything together. It’s not just surviving global uncertainty; it’s thriving because people see it as something they can count on, no matter what.

Another excellent question from @John Drake. And I have another tidbit of experience to offer. My neighbor, farang, works "offshore" and is in-and-out of Thailand a lot. He thought good idea to bring in Silver Eagles and re-sell them here to farang friends. I offered to buy, IFF he could put them on the table where I could see and touch and measure and weigh, before handing over any money. He agreed. He decided to be 100% legal and declare those coins. Had a letter from the Mint stating "face value". Thought he was in good shape. No, not in Thailand. Customs and Excise both got involved. "Face value" means nothing to them. They look at current market value. My neighbor could not get those coins into Thailand without paying a big load of duty and taxes. He, too, sent them back to wherever they came from. Bottom line, in my opinion, not worth messing around with bringing precious metals into Thailand myself. Buy here, or do without. --- Now, let's go back to the original post on this thread: #1 - The OP reads like / sounds like it was written by AI. And anything from AI always, always, gives the "mainstream" view. For investors -- in anything, not just precious metals -- following the mainstream view is -- in the long term -- a losing proposition. #2 - I follow news and trends about precious metals. There is so much wrong -- out of touch with the reality of the markets -- in the OP that I can only laugh while reading it. But it is presented as accurate and serious reporting. Hah! Based on just that one post, I would never depend on @snoop1130 (the starter of this topic) for accurate news or opinions on any financial topics. But in his defense, it was most likely written by AI anyway. @snoop1130 just did a good job of copy+paste.

Japanese are the world's leading experts in second hand stores. Everything from sets of golf clubs to kitchen appliances, along with the usual watches, cameras, clothing. All of it clean and in good condition -- as would expect from Japanese. Chiang Mai has plenty of Japanese expats living here. As a result we have some superb Japanese restaurants. But what about a second hand store, Japanese style? Anyone know of such a store here? I'm looking for small kitchen appliances. But, truth be told, I just want to wander around and see what's available.

1. Take it out, I don't know, but that's an excellent question. 2. Try to bring it in, I have a little experience. Bought a simple, gold ring in Singapore. 22K international standard gold -- not Thai "baht" gold. (Much easier to sell 22K anywhere in the world, than sell Thai "baht" gold.) Jewelry store offered to ship it to my house. Good idea. But Thai customs & excise got real interested. A little ring, only 25,000 baht -- that's not much. I said "forget it" to the customs & excise boys: "Send it back. Shipment refused." Yes, I paid shipping to return, but A LOT less than duty and tax to bring it in. The ring is waiting at the store -- will pick up next time I'm in Singapore. And this time will wear it on my finger. Paid the tuition, learned the lesson.

Good to see someone with the curiosity to ask questions like this, plus the courage to post in public view. I just wish @nobodysfriend had more experience or, perhaps, more education on the topics he posted about above. But as it is, the opening post is just a hash of slogans and phrases from every which where, most inspired by Cultural Marxism. Where to fill in the missing pieces in @nobodysfriend's thinking? Difficult to answer. Those slogans and phrases he uses surround us everywhere, in most all media, including social media. But sound ideas are not so easy to find. Possible, but not easy. I wish I could refer him to one web site with beginning lessons in clear thinking. But I don't know one, central, place. Many scattered ideas all over on web sites, blogs, paper books, videos, etc. But one place for the good ideas on this topic of "system change"? Now, that would be a useful change in itself.

Great idea! Thank you for thinking of something like this here.

Yes, in Bangkok, WIN riders (in their colorful vests) on almost every major street, all day long, in every kind of weather. But in Chiang Mai, I've never, ever seen any. Today I have my WIN rider working on two more projects. (Both are topics I posted about here on the Chiang Mai forum.) One is for mobile phone change of operating system. He "knows a guy" and will ask at the shop. WIN riders know a lot about a lot of things in Thailand. Another is where to buy a Pixel brand mobile phone. That brand is not popular at all in Thailand. But WIN is searching. Any time he goes into a mall, he'll ask around at mobile phone shops there. Meanwhile, I'm relaxing at home. Yes, I pay for this, but that's better that than me running around chasing the solutions. Pay how much? No fixed price for anything like this; not that I know of. So I just guess and hand him money. If he smiles and wai's with a bow, my guess was correct. If he doesn't smile, well, I'll make it up on the next errand. So far that method has worked out well. Is there a better way to know how much to pay?

Here's another place to eat in Chiang Mai that hasn't yet been mentioned anywhere on this forum (according to my search): Arno's steak house in Ratchapakinai road. Big variety of steaks. Fine beef. Aged in-house. Cut in-house (i.e. not from Makro). And they understand cooking levels. https://arnosgroup.com/arnos-chiangmai/

Looking in Chiang Mai for a cluster of mobile phone repair shops with higher expertise than the average phone shop. All in one place, such as at a mall or clustered around one market area. A location that has many mobile phone repair shops near each other. Not just selling counters, but actual repair shops. Not just "retail" sales of a new battery or applying plastic to the phone screen. Looking for shops with a high level of technical expertise. Reason for asking about a "cluster" like this is I have found that in Thailand shops that are the most technically capable tend to cluster together. Sure, will be outliers here and there, but I want to save time and save driving around. So looking for that "cluster" here in Chiang Mai. I shouldn't matter but the mobile phone is a Pixel 6A. The "repair" is to install a new operating system to replace Android. Where in Chiang Mai to find a cluster of mobile phone repair shops? In order to discover that one technician who might be able to handle this? Thank you.

No, it is not. How do I say this with polite respect to @damole ... I appreciate the post on my thread. Thank you. I appreciate your willingness to help. Again, thank you. I just wish you'd read the title and opening post more carefully than you did, because that link is not on topic. You may be surprised to know that I know how to use Google. If I was looking for a detailed analysis of operating systems for mobile phones, I would not waste time asking on this forum. The context here is Chiang Mai -- or, reasonably, anywhere in Thailand. The title of this thread clearly states "where in Chiang Mai". The opening post did NOT ask for technical details. If I'd wanted that, I'd go to a technical forum, not the ASEAN Now forum. Why am I being so severe about this ... Because I see it so often here: Someone reads an opening post, and notices one or two words out of context. Then rushes off to do a Google search and post the result. So, thanks for good intentions (I think), but I'm not going to fritter away time trying to understand that information. All I asked for is "where?" If you know that, I hope you'll overlook my severe tone, and post again.

Wey-La-Dee is not in Doi Saket, but it is on that side of Chiang Mai. In a small soi behind Thai Watsadu. Link below to their page in the Michelin Guide. Very, very nice food with an emphasis on quality. And careful service, too. https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/chiang-mai-region/chiang-mai/restaurant/we-la-dee I read on this forum that it can get crowded with obnoxious Chinese tourists, but my one experience eating there was pleasant.

Thank you, again @xllxix for another very helpful post. I appreciate posts like that: positive attitude, helpful information, worth reading. Very encouraging to see new poster, @xllxix on this forum. --- Looks like I'm out of luck on this quest to convert my new phone to be Google-free. Based on years of experience in these matters, I'm not going to spend a lot of time hunting for a Thai technician in a retail shop who can handle this. Might be one somewhere, but chances of finding him are so slim. not worth the effort. Instead I'll go with my "Plan B": buy a phone that is already loaded with GrapheneOS. So my question changes to: Is there any place in Chiang Mai to buy a Pixel/Graphene phone? Or even any place anywhere Thailand? (If not, ordering from overseas is the final option.)

You have?!? Here in Chiang Mai?

Thank you, @xllxix for posting your helpful comments on this topic. Problem is I don't know if Graphene can be installed on my phone, because I don't know if it is a Pixel compatible phone or not? Is there some test that can be done on the phone itself, which will give a result: Graphene Yes or No? You will ask what is the brand and model of my new phone. You will laugh, but I don't know. There is no brand name or model number anywhere on the phone. Nor on the box. Not on the instruction booklet in the box. And looking at "settings" just shows "SmartPhone", that's all. So, as you can imagine I am in a quandry about "do it yourself". Much prefer to have someone who has done this before do the job. Not worried about some stranger "messing" with this phone. High security is not my goal. What I want to do is eliminate all the Google nonsense. Do you have any thoughts about where to find someone who can handle this?

I am surprised no mention so far of That's It Schnitzel. Such good food. Is it new in Chiang Mai? I just discovered it a few weeks ago (thanks to Food Panda). I ordered Chicken Schnitzel sandwich. With "original sauce" plus grilled eggplant optional "topping". Really delicious. And a very generous size, too. Now schnitzel looks like a simple food to cook, but it is not. Cook too fast, and it gets tough because the meat is so thin. Cook too slow and the crust is cooked, but the meat is raw. Cooked just right takes a careful touch and, probably, years of experience. That's It Schnitzel was just right: tender and juicy The egg bread sandwich roll excellent, too. Fresh, soft, delicious bread. I don't know if they sell just the bread rolls alone, but if they did, I'd bet would be very popular. Alas, and sad to say, forget the falafel. Not bad, but not good. Bland and a little bit dry, which is not nice for falafel to be. By "bland" I don't mean should be more spicy. I just mean overall lack of any flavor. Save your appetite for the Schnitzel. "Make by Yourselt" doesn't really mean you actually make it. It's just their way to say you can select from a variety of toppings and sauces.