bamboozled

Swimming pool and tennis courts? Hmm, come to think of it, I do recall seeing some tennis courts. A bit decrepit if I remember correctly. Sort of looked like Angkor Wat. Guess it's the Kad Suan Kaew of the south side. Most of you probably don't know, but there is a Formula 1 race track on the back side of KSK. Right next to the ski slope. Chiang Mai Land has the feel of entering a Moo Baan but then it's mostly shops and restaurants...and company headquarters/warehouses. An industrial complex of sorts...but then there were all the (are all the?) karaoke places and nightclubs/bars, too. An eclectic mix, for sure.

Does anyone know when this area was developed and by whom? What was the reasoning/goal? When I first started frequenting CM mid 2000s, my understanding was that it was sort of a Korean/Japanese hang out place. That is, a lot of business catering to those folks and a lot of that nighttime activities. I never had a reason to go but it seemed somewhat busy though how/why I thought that I can't really say. I guess it popped up in daily convo in CM now and again. Anecdotally, I think it's been on the decline since and my feeling is it's kind of a failure of a venture. I was just driving through the other day and thought what an ugly collection of cheaply constructed buildings laid out with little attention to beauty. But maybe that's just me. And so I started to wonder how it came to be. I'm not even sure of the size of the place or where "Chiang Mai Land" ends/begins.

My understanding is that the initial hurdle is high (in my eyes, at least). You need to put out a significant amount of money up front to get things off the ground. As a foreigner, that is. For Thai only, not so much. 2,000,000 baht capital. Employees. Accountants, Salaries. Taxes. Lawyers. You can't really start small.

Kale. Thai/Chinese version.

I saw someone at Ram also, though I can't remember his name. He burned a thingy off my nosey. Pre-cancer BEAUTY spot. I was satisfied. Brand new facility. Well, brand new now a few years ago, I guess. Time flies.

Just to finish up...I got my machine fixed at Magic in Pantip Plaza, khun A. He replaced the cable connecting the display to the body for 4500 baht. Instead of 23,000 to replace the whole screen. My display hasn't looked so crisp and new for a long time. Absolutely nothing wrong with it, only the cable. Not sure why Apple won't replace the cable and only the whole screen.

Well it depends on the size and year. They are repairing the 13 inch model only. I'm not sure of all the years but I know 2016, yes. My 2017 15 inch was refused repair yesterday, as I suspected. 23,000 to replace screen. I did not do it. Not sure what I'll do. Using it with the external, for the time being.

Problem...you had the blacked-out screen? Which model was it, please?

I know this shop and like this guy, Khun A, if I'm not mistaken. If the Apple shop won't have me, I'll certainly swing by.

Thanks Razzell. I'm in Chiang Mai, however. I have not encountered any English speakers here in CM at the Apple store. My bad for not speaking Thai, of course. Hmm, time for a road trip?? I'll at least try here in CM at the Apple store. But I won't expect much other than "change the screen". Never know, though! Thanks for you input!

Thanks again, all. It def sounds like there are some decent folks for repair and I appreciate getting the responses. The problem is, of course, that I use the machine daily so a down time such as sending it to Bkk I'll have to work into the plan. Nino3, you had the blacked out screen, the famous flexgate/stage lights issue? I read this morning that Apple will fix the issue for free on 2016 macbook pro 13" but not any other models. Mine is a 2017 15" but I suppose, as you point out, doesn't hurt to contact them. Maybe I'll get lucky. There was a class action suit apparently but it was dismissed.

Thanks folks. I keep read conflicting things on whether or not it can be repaired or only the screen replaced. There are some videos online that show a very arduous process that. Another guy in Vietnam said a shop fixed it for him for $50 just replacing the cable. But I read also that the cable is soldered into the display. Do either of you know that this issue has been tackled at the aforementioned shops?

Yes, my 2017 Macbook Pro display has gone dark. Previous to this, it had the so called "stage-light" going on for a long time. It's a known issue, at least to users, also called "flex-gate". Not sure Apple cops to it. The effect: the screen darkens at the bottom in 8 places. Apparently, it's caused by a malfunctioning "flexible" cable that wears out completely and the screen goes dark. Long story short, I've read it can be fixed by replacing this flex cable only, and not the pricey display itself. Has anyone had luck doing this in Thailand, Chiang Mai especially would be helpful? Thank you!

You'll be dealing with two brokers: the one that ships it from US and the one that unloads and delivers on this end, and collects the taxes. Yes, you'll pay duty in my experience but it's hard to say how much. The US forwarder, it depends where you're shipping from. My receiver here in Thailand was Finigate and I was happy with their work. The guy I was dealing with is no longer there but you can send them an email an inquire. Not sure I can post contact info on here. I had my stuff sent to Chiang Mai, like you. The trucking from BKK is expensive but....not much choice.

In a perfect world, perhaps one would not self-medicate with anti-depressants. But I don't see any perfect world out there. It's plenty easy (and good advice) to say go see a doctor, go see a therapist, or see a psycho, 2, 3 sessions. I would agree. But first you have to find a therapist/psycho near you. Are there any at all that deal with Westerners? Then...are they any good at what they do, is it a good fit? And then, do they have time to see you? These days, many mental health folk have their plate full, I believe, as so many people are...bummed out. They might just tell you, very sorry, we are full. This was certainly the case 1 year ago. I don't think much has changed. And then....all this adds up to a grand expense, just the doctors, and then you add the meds on top of that. We're talking hundreds of dollars. Sure, your mental health is top priority but if you don't have the money that road is closed. A side note about some docs: there are plenty of quacks in powerful positions with multiple degrees who will entertain you with a brief visit and then simply write you a script for the drug of the pharmaceutical compaNnies choice (the one that gives them the most kickback) and set you on your way with little to no guidance and come see me in a month. In a scenario such as this, informed self-medication would be safer. Just because a professional doctor signed off on it does not necessarily make it, as my math teacher in high school liked to say now and again, "copacetic". I have experienced all of the above first hand; I'm not just riffing in thin air. It happens and I think quite often. Here and everywhere. Life is fraught with danger. Yet, we must make informed decisions about doing dangerous things everyday. Apart from dangerous physical pursuits, some of us take mind altering substances or engage in mind altering activities. Not necessarily drugs but spiritual quests, fasting, etc... Hopefully, we do our research and enter into them with some knowledge and a game plan/support. I think there exists a somewhat knee-jerk reaction to the word "self-medicate" that we have cultivated in the west. Probably due to people being ignorant and doing dumb things and harming themselves. I'm not advocating that. In the absence of the perfect world, we have to make decisions based on our own personal experience, resources, situation, capacities, etc...and act accordingly. OP, yes, your ailments are there, they exist. It is your reaction to them that you might be able to alter to decrease your suffering. You also might look at Vipassana meditation. The Power of Now surfs on a lot of the same tenets. A good book for that is, The Art of Living : Vipassana Meditation as Taught by S. N. Goenka. I read this and The Power of Now when I was down in the dumps and both gave me great insight. They are both available in Thailand in English.

Not a paradox. The main point is not to let your mind live CONSTANTLY in the past or in the future, instead of the moment. It doesn't mean to eschew planning or doing what is needed. It's not that easy, necessarily, to know that you are not in the moment because we spend so little time there. Most of our brain power is devoted to pointless guilt and remorse from the past and worry and fear about the future. Yes, plan for the future but distressing over it brings only suffering. Don't get me wrong, I have not succeeded in "living in the moment" but just understanding the mechanism is powerful. Many if his ideas are not necessarily original but I found his delivery in Power of Now hard-hitting in the best way. If one is looking to disregard it from the get-go, surely it won't be effective. But it might not be your thing, nothing wrong with that.

It sounds like you have a good bit of awareness of the how and why of your current mental health situation. I think that's good, the ability to step back and the wisdom to know that it's time to try for some change. I had similar feelings and lack of motivation which is when I first took Wellbutrin, among doing other things to help myself. I took 150mg/day and did not feel much for two weeks or so and then gradually the glass started to seem half full instead of half empty. What was nice, I think, is that I felt totally myself, not drugged or numb at all. Just, as I said, the glass was suddenly half full instead of half empty. In a way, it's not much change but at the same time, it's huge. Do some research and consider it. Here it's about 1600 baht for 30 pills, I believe, so 30 days if you're taking just one. And again I would suggest the book I mentioned above. You can find lots of info on it online. ...Might not be your thing, might turn you off, who knows. It really helped and helps me. Don't get lost in the author's online presence now or it might make you feel negative about the book or the insight. Also, I think any podcast or books on astrophysics are so mind blowing that you can't help but get out of your own head. I know, sounds weird but when they start talking about time not existing or going back in time or the whole universe being squashed down into a pin head (smaller!) by a black hole, anti-matter, all this insane stuff, well, your problems can seem a lot less like a big deal.

Wellbutrin is available over the counter. If you are not going to go through a professional, I would strongly suggest/insist on doing a lot of research on it and knowing what to expect and the dos and don'ts. There are plenty of personal stories on the web, and doctors stories, too, and I would read through as many as possible to get a picture of the different reactions that you might encounter. Some people have very strong reactions and others feel nothing or mild reactions. Many get a lot of benefit, which is great. A professional can help and evaluate the best course of action, of course, and he/she might feel your particular case is absolutely NOT something that should be tackled with Wellbutrin, that it could be dangerous in some way. All these antidepressant meds have the potential of causing suicidal thoughts and worsening depression. Or feelings of acute discomfort both mental and physical. At the same time, a lot of "professionals" deal them out liberally and with little follow-up. I know from personal experience that this can put some people in life-threatening situations. Just don't jump into anything without informing yourself. A good sense of who you are and mentally how you handle things is important if you have no one guiding you. I think the major hospitals have psychologists on staff. You could certainly call and ask. There is Suan Prung near the south west corner of the moat which is a mental health hospital but there isn't much English spoken there. Did you try googling clinics/doctors in Chiang Mai? There are a good number geared toward westerners. I think a great many of us are depressed to different degrees during Covid. It ebbs and flows with me but it seems like there is just a general overall gray cast to everything that is hard to shake off. I think it is important to consider that these are particularly weird and trying times and that everything just feels that much heavier and dire because of it. It will pass, I do think so. One way or another. The book, The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle really helped me some years ago when I was feeling low. It got me out of my own head and I continue to go back to it. You might have a look.

To which country were you flying?

Hey folks, to revive the thread... For travelers to the US, if I'm not mistaken, what I'm reading at this moment is a PCR test is not required. That is, an antigen test is sufficient as long as it is certified by a doctor/hospital. On my first google search, I found that Bangkok Hospital offers this for 700 baht and I'm sure there are others, too. I'm going to shore up my research as I was convinced a PCR test was needed but the CDC webpage says an antigen test is sufficient. This is good news.

Very helpful and informative additional info, thank you much. Interesting it's ok with a sleeping pill, and good to hear that, too. It sounds like you did not get/are not getting much benefit from the machine. I hope you have results showing that the machine is doing what it is supposed to be doing. Well, I'm sure you are covering your bases. I'm very glad to have this info. Best of luck with the fatigue... It's one of those rather nondescript phenomena...what does it mean to be fatigued and how much fatigue is normal for John Smith? That makes it easy to kick the can down the road another day and just try to ignore it. Come to think of it, that reminds me I did not call that hospital today! Thank you!

True enough. Well, I could get a re-entry permit if I think I might come back before Dec. 28 when my extension expires, as I understand it. And then get the next extension via the normal way. But if it is as easy as it seems to get the Non-O via email while in the US, that almost makes more sense. Then I arrive with everything in order and a new Non-O.

That is super news, Sparkles, thank you. I know who you're talking about...the HCMC clinic with the Indian/Thai doctor, I do believe. I have been to see her a couple times and she had mentioned a sleep study, as well, but we tested some other things first (I had low B-12) and then I dropped the ball (the B-12 did not "cure" me). I'm assuming you are feeling more rested? I'm quite thin and in pretty good shape at 53 and my wife doesn't complain about me snoring particularly. I do have a pretty good deviated septum, however, which is perhaps causing me some breathing issues when sleeping. If not that, then it must be anxiety/stress/etc... I will have my wife give them a call..... THis is very welcome news....much appreciated. By the way, were you able to sleep during the study? That is one thing that has been holding me back. I am such a crummy sleep, I can just imagine not getting a wink in that place and thus the 500 bucks would be a waste. A price tag at half that would certainly be easier to swallow. I'll let you know!

Wow....that's a hell of a lot easier than 12 months of 40k or 2 months of 400k. Thank you, Joe! Oh....how far in advance of my current expiration can I make the new Non-O, please?

I will check that, thanks. I think I have looked in the past and came up with nothing. Or it could have been the price that I couldn't come up with whereas Bangkok Hospital I somewhere found that 15k figure. I'm trying to convince myself to do it but even though my sleep is a mess, no one likes going to the doctor!