whatchamacallit

My partner had two stents put in his major left artery (heart) a couple of weeks ago :-) He is recovering well and now on medication (aspirin, Lipitor, Brilinta, and Normetec).

His 40 days supply of the above 4 meds cost him over 14,000 baht :-). So I called Fascino (pattaya) and they carry all but Brilinta. Buying at Fascino would have saved him about 23%.

I assume he will need to take these meds for a long long time (with dosage adjustment in the future).

Questions:

1. Anywhere in Thailand where he can get these meds any cheaper?

2. I have checked online where I can order at least the Lipitor and Brilinta (brand names) for almost over 50% cheaper. In the case of Lipitor - they even have UK made generic for over 80% cheaper. Has anyone ordered online for their meds and have them delivered to Thailand with no problem at all?

Thank you.

Women walking around topless, I endorse this concept and think we should go down that route in this thread instead.

From my own observation, it seems the only people interested in strutting about half naked are the very people I do not want to see naked.

Oops I didn't see you have found the recipe already :-). Your recipe is correct - not sure what powdery spice you are talking about... But the powdery stuff could be from the ground dried shrimp. When I made mine to add more of a kick I also added dried ground chili :-)

Thanks Jingthing & Michaelaway!

I was able to find a link with a recipe and description here - I think that is it.

The only thing still unresolved is - what is the herb & spice powder?

http://allrecipes.asia/recipe/2075/nam-pla-wan--sweet-fish-sauce-.aspx

Since when do you get charged for receiving SMS (text)? Maybe it could be one of those subscriber type of service that provides you with information daily... And in the past you may have mistakenly subscribe to the service. If so you can always call your provider to switch it off.

I think you know the answer to your question or you would not have asked it. To those oppose to giving tip, is it really going to change your lifestyle parting with an extra 20 or 40 baht or even a little more when the circumstance demand it? It's a very small amount and it makes someone happy. Yes life is not always about what makes you happy. Believe it or not to many people the act of making someone else happy, has its own reward. Doesn't always have to be about you!

^^^^^, Every street vendor and stall I have seen selling these has written in Thai, either moo ping or BBQ, I have never heard of vendors referring to this food as satay.

The only time I have seen this referred to as satay has been in tourist places.

Moo ping is grilled pork on skewer - usually marinated with garlic and fish sauce served without peanut sauce.

Satay is grilled chicken on skewer - marinated in milk, coconut milk, yellow curry, turmeric, soy sauce, salt and sugar. Served with peanut sauce.

Satay may have originated from Java, but the Malays and the Thais also claim it as their own. But the Arabs introduced kebab to Indonesia in the 19th century which evolved into Indonesian Satay or Sate. :-)

I wonder why you pick Chiang Mai in Thailand? Also are you aware of the yearly environmental concerns in that area? During about 3 months out of the year Chiang Mai, and the surrounding areas in the North are covered in smoke from forest fires, and the burning off of the fields in Thailand, and the surrounding countries. It is not a minor inconvenience. Planes are grounded it gets so bad.

Have you thought about how difficult it will be for your kids, and wife not being able to speak Thai, and living there? Have you explored medical concerns if something happens? If your wife was Thai that would be a serious reason for this move, but just to save money for the kids to go to a private school leaves much to be desired.

yes the the above are some negative points to consider with the exception of medical facilities which I think are quite good in Thailand. On the positive side - moving to a totally new environment and culture can also open your family's horizons. Our son has a better and wider view of the world which we consider to be a positive outcome. Having lived in Vietnam, Indonesia and now Thailand - he met friends from many different countries of the world which can only benefit him. In fact he can speak fluently, read and write Vietnamese, Indonesian, English and Thai.

Yes required for the extension of stay - not for the initial visa entry.

He means only one parent can ride the extension for child - you would not be able to obtain such an extension if your wife has one. But you will not be living here so that should not be a problem.

Thanks, exactly I would only be visiting as a tourist every 3 months or so for no more than 30 days. But as long as the mom can extend it's fine.

I also have a question that just came up discussing it with my wife. As the children owuld be only doing one semester and the school only asks for fees for one semester, would they still be able to extend for 1 year do you know? Of course in the summer we would continue enrolment and pay another year in advance but for now they only want this year and that's only 1 semester or half depending if we move in Jan or March.

Cheers

We enrolled our son at St. Andrews International here in Rayong - yes the tuition is paid in full each semester but the student visa issued will be valid for 1 year and extended each year. The school will issue the necessary documents and you take them to immigration yourself. Should be no problem at all.

^^^^^^^,

"Stuff like satay is the classic american Thai appetizer."

Therein lies the problem for many visiting Thailand for the first time, they assume whats sold in Thai restaurants overseas is typical of Thai cuisine.

Meisgq has pretty much got it spot on.

There is also a misconception that satay is a Thai dish, most people who have travelled in Asia would be aware its more of an Indonesian dish also popular in Singapore and Malayasia.

There are many places I have been to in Thailand where this isnt even on the menu, more of a street food, much like that other Thai classic, som tam, you never see it on the menu in upmarket restaurants or hotels.

I'm sorry, where in lies what problem? Satay is Thai food. Whether it's roots are from other countries in the region or not. It's still sold throughout Thailand in many street stalls. Even up in the country where there are few (if any) westerners. It's a Thai dish indeed. I enjoy it and my wife makes it frequently at home for us. Much better than any street stall variety as she makes sure the starting ingredients are grade A.

Just because Thais eat it doesnt make it Thai food.

Jeez what next pizza is Thai because Thais eat it and its sold here.

"Satay is Thai food."

Should read satay is food of Indonesian origin sold in Thailand.

I refer back to my original point, just because its sold as Thai food in Thai restaurants overseas doesnt make it Thai food, hence many farang visiting Thailand for the first time are in a state of confusion.

BTW, for Thai restaurants overseas how do you define one?

Indian owned with Pinoy cooks?

Chinese owned with Malay cooks?

Vietnamese owned with Viet cooks?

Most farang wouldnt know the difference, I and the mrs have been in them all, and refused to pay the bill.

As JT says sorry for being anal, but its something I have a passion for, Thai food that is not anal.

It is well known that curry originated from the prehistoric inhabitants of the Indus Valley civilization - so if what you said about satay is true then I guess all the curry based Thai dishes are not Thai? And don't forget to tell the Italians that any pasta dish is actually Chinese foods! It just depends on how far back you want to take your theory!

Yes it is normal.... They may be small, but the flavor is more intense! Personally I cannot be bothered peeling them.... Too much trouble! Gimme those big ones anytime... :-)

a good tom yum requires a lot of preparation and I am always surprised when a restaurant can bring it to the table within 20 minutes of it being ordered...

at home as with most dishes start with a simple recipe and then adjust as required to produce the dish that you like...I did this with soto ayam in indonesia as there are so many local variations...good fresh ingredients are important but getting the broth right is the big trick...just like tom yum...and yeah, ditch the ginger for the galangale...they are both totally different with this application...

It doesn't take a lot of time! Prepare your chicken or shrimp broth first and you can save it in the fridge.

Tom yum for two:

Bring a quart of broth to a boil.

Add 1 tbs roasted chili paste.

Add sliced galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and straw mushrooms.

Add prawns and let simmer for a couple of minutes

Season to taste with sugar, lime juice, fish sauce, small Birdseye chili.

Add cut up tomatoes if you like.

Serve hot garnished with fresh coriander leaves and fried dried chili.

The above is Tom yum ( red ) soup.

If you like the creamy Tom yum, you add 1/4 cup heavy cream at the end. If you can't afford heavy cream, you can use carnation cream ( in a can ). Do not use coconut cream!!!!

There you go... Very simple! Bon appetite!

We have been living in Pattaya for over 6 years. We eat out about once a week, but most days we cook at home. On our menu: pasta dishes, steaks, burgers, Mexican foods, pizzas, quiche, salads, fresh fruit juices, and Thai foods. I took thai cooking classes and my partner thinks my Thai dishes are better than anything you can go out and buy... :-). Really, as we are not trying to make a profit on it, so we use the best meat and ingredients.

Maybe your prostate is inflamed? Chronic prostatitis? Have you seen a urologistt? Have you had a PSA test?

JT, here's my own Angel's Wings and the recipe - Not too difficult to prepare :-) Enjoy!!

Angel’s Wings (Peek Gai Yad Sai)

Stuffed Chicken Wings

Makes: 2 stuffed chicken wings

50 gr. Ground pork

50 gr. Ground shrimp

¼ cup glass noodle, cut 2 cm in length

¼ cup Chinese ear mushroom (or Shitake mushroom), sliced

1 clove garlic, chopped

1 coriander root, chopped

1 tsp white pepper powder

1 tbs soy sauce

1 tsp sugar

2 Chicken wings, bone removed

1 cup breadcrumb

1 egg

2 cup oil for deep frying

¼ cup dipping sauce

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl mix all first 9 ingredients
   
2. Stuff chicken wings with the above mixture – not to overstuffed
   
3. Use tooth pick to seal the open end preventing mixture to ooze out
   
4. Steam stuffed chicken wings in a steamer until cooks
   
5. In a flat bowl, mix the egg with fork
   
6. Dip chicken wings in egg and coat with bread crumbs
   
7. Deep fry chicken wings until golden brown
   
8. Dry on paper towels, then transfer to a plate
   
9. Serve hot with dipping sauce
   

Scary and I am glad you are ok. This is the same route I used to take with my bicycle for 2 years. I have this phobia when on a lonely road that someone will come from the back and hit me. I sold my bike last month on doctors advice. Just be careful, don't wear jewelry and maybe get yourself a pepper spray. I am getting one :-) as I have just started a 6 mile morning walk and I do see many drunks both farang and Thai along Jomtien beach.

Normally a teller can print out a current balance and suspect TMB could have done - but may have required asking a supervisor to do. I have seen the same said by many about K-Bank accounts but have actually had them do so I know it can be done - but it did take about 2 minutes of computer usage to get it printed (and being directed to do so by manager).

Thank you lopburi3 - I was a systems analyst for a bank and wrote many of their programs so I do know that they are capable of printing on demand. The problem is if the wrong person at the bank on the day that you need it, you could be out of luck. I would rather be on the safe side and put the money in a bank where it is a normal procedure not a special request. My money is moving to Bank of Bangkok :-).

I just run the passbook thru the update machine the same day that I get the bank letter. The Bangkok Bank machines will print out the current balance and date, even if the balance hasn't changed since the previous updating.

My partner has a fixed deposit with Bangkok Bank which he used for his last retirement extension, and I have a TMB fixed deposit that I am planning to use for my next extension coming in December. I went to both banks yesterday and tried to print out the current balances and date using the machine. Well.... As NancyL said, only the Bangkok Bank printed out the current balance with the current date even though the balance hasnt changed since last update. My TMB didn't! So I went in and talked to the bank rep Ho told me they only print the balance at maturity, but they will issue an accompanying letter for immigration stating the amount I have in the account...... I told her that the letter alone will not be good enough! My TMB fixed account matures on the 26th of this month.... I am moving to Bangkok Bank.

On the hill above Khlong Nin are quite a few houses, not sure if available or not.

In Saladan Town is Lanta Divers and the owner there, Ulf, is quite knowledgeable about everything Lanta. If you can get a moment of his time he will either point you toward someone who can help you better or may have direct info himself.

Thank you... It's raining right now, but when it stops we'll do as you suggested.

Umm if your actually on the island you should be able to find out yourself get a bike and have a look around

Will surely bring up better results than asking people on a forum that aren't even on the island..,,,,

Umm if your actually on the island you should be able to find out yourself get a bike and have a look around

Will surely bring up better results than asking people on a forum that aren't even on the island..,,,,

Ummmmm we have rented a motorbike and travel around the island which prompted the question. We were hoping that anyone who would response would be an experience islander with some useful input and obviously this is not you. Isn't that what the Krabi forum is all about, more experience people sharing their input. Isn't Koh Lanta is in Krabi?

Sitting on the beach now (Long Beach) enjoying two beautiful days of gorgeous weather!! We live in Jomtien, so you can imagine how happy we are to have all this beautiful island to ourselves lol. We are thinking of renting a beach house for 1 to 2 months next year during off season (May, June, July or August). Requirement, nice open ocean view and access to the beach and fully functional kitchen. Location: Long Beach and further south (klong nin, kantiang bay, etc). Is something like this available on the island? And if so how much would rent price be for a month? We will be here thru Sunday July 22 - anyone we can contact to view the property? PM us for info please? Thank you.

As said you got an extension of stay - passport should say extension of stay permitted and the reason retirement.

Thaidown and Lopburi: thank you for clearing this up for me. You guys are the best.

Early This year I turned 50 and went to the Jomtien immigration and converted my Non-O to retirement visa Non-OA valid for 1 year. My question is, at conversion time, did I get a Non-OA visa aka Retirement Visa or a one year extension of stay based on retirement? If they converted my Non-O to Non-OA, since I also applied for multi entries, will I be able to get another year extension by just going out of the country before my next extension date? I keep enough money in a bank all year round to meet the requirement for retirement extension anyway, so either way it's not a problem. Just curious?

I do not believe any Consulate will issue on basis of condo ownership anymore - some did in the past but believe it has ceased - but could be wrong.

I got mine from Brisbane - but this was a little over a year ago. Any update from anyone whose been to Brsbane consulate recently?

Good to know that Cardiff Thai consulate is issueing non-o visa based on owning a condo in Thailand. I know by experience that most consulates do not issue Non-o visa unless you are married to a Thai woman or have a Thai child. FYI Brisbane consulate also will issue non-o visa based on owning a condo in Thailand. Glad I don't have to worry about this anymore as I am now qualified for a retirement visa.