metice

I'm trying to find out the recommended stocking of catfish for an earthen pond without aeration. Obvioulsy it's not for commerical purposes as I just want this for psersonal consumption. I've tried researching elsewhere but most figures are based on some form of aeration.

Thanks for your advice Worgeordie

I'd lke to negotiate a lease for a large plot of land and buildings and I was wondering if there are any guidelines for assessing the rental value.

It's located in the countryside, there's no mains electricity and the buildings have been unused for 15 years. It has stood empty for this period without any income for the owner.

I know the valuation of the land and buildings but not really sure where to start in terms of a rental fee.

There was a group of tourists at the waters edge watching the sunset this evening who were approached by one of the beach chair vendors demanding some money. I'm guessing they had used his facilities and perhaps owed him something (I thought they always paid in advance?). Anyway, this guy was aggressive and confrontational and an arguement ensued. When he didn't get what he wanted he started lashing out with his fists. He also struck two of the women. The guy was out of control.

His work buddy then appeared on the scene and I thought he was going to try and calm his friend down. Insead, he joined in with the violence.

The concession is near the lifeguard tower and this is the second time in a month I've seen this guy start a fight. He clearly has a problem.

Please... no replies about how some ignorant tourists deserve it. They weren't looking for trouble and this was totally unwarranted. I always admire the patience of Thais in dealing with uncultured tourists and it's a shame this incident will shape people's opinion. It was sickening to see this, especially as it was on the busiest part of the beach where it was witnessed by many tourists.

I hope they file a complaint because I fear it's not the last time he will do this.

I have a friend who has a valuable collection of Buddha antiques from Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Burma. He would like to sell them but no longer has any connections in the antiques trade. I was wondering what might be the best way of going about it. He has no idea of their value so I think we need a professional who can put a price on them. Any idea where we might find someone? Any thoughts on trying to sell them here in Bangkok or perhaps overseas? Many thanks,

There seems to be a lot of preperation for some kind of event on Kata beach. The whole of the beach road has been closed and marquees being set up. Have they given any thought to where people can park? (yeah ,I know that's a silly question)

Good to see someone is trying something original here. It's a shame that it's such a small space - they probably need to boost their income from bar and restaurant sales. Not sure if they will get that. Maybe Patong would have been a better location.

Thanks for all of your advice and suggestions

Are you looking for fresh yeast?

The recipe I was given lists granulated yeast. Not sure of the pros and cons compared to live yeast.

When your reicpe lists granulated than you do not need fresh yeast.

But if you want bake bread the fresh one gives a better taste.

Fresh yeast sounds a better option but I was wondering if it's more difficult to work with?

Are you looking for fresh yeast?

The recipe I was given lists granulated yeast. Not sure of the pros and cons compared to live yeast.

from chalong down to rawai, when you come down the slop on the left hand side, called schmidt.

erverything you need for bread making

huuwi

Thanks huuwi. Is this a farang-owned shop?

I'm trying to find somewhere that sells yeast (for bread making). Is there anywhere in Phuket? Also, it would be good to find alternatives to Villa for wholemeal flour. Thanks

Thanks for the Chusak recommendation. I popped in this morning and it took him about 2 mins to issue a certificate! He knew exactly what was required.

Apparently, the labor department does not ask to see blood test paperwork. You only give them the paper that says you are free of all stated diseases with doc's signature. Is this something that Dr Chusak might be able to provide?

Can anyone recommend a hospital or clinic that knows exactly what is required for a work permit renewal medical? I believe the certificate needs to show that you are free from certain diseases. Not really interested in the Bangkok hospital or any others that view it as an opportunity to relieve you of more money than necessary!

Thanks

Asked why patrons were still inside the nightclub at 4am, Mr Thamrongsak replied, “Heavy rain started to fall at about 1am, the time we usually close. That’s why people did not want to leave the club.

“It was still packed when the fire broke out [at 4am],” he said.

Source: http://www.phuketgaz...taff-16688.html

-- Phuket Gazette 2012-08-17

How generous of them to stay open an extra 3 hours so that people didn't have to get wet.

It's the beach vendors and their goods that need rescuing today Nasty conditions

The problem is that most people simply don't understand the dangers. They go in the water thinking that it's safe to paddle waist deep, then get taken along the beach by the volume of water continuously moving, end up in a deeper area where the rip current swiftly takes from the shore. To be fair, most people who end up being rescued don't intend to go 'swimming', they are just oblivious to the strength of the water even when it's shallow.

These people don't want to be educated about the dangers; they're here on holiday to have a good time. The only way to protect them is surely to stop them entering the water. When I lived in Cornwall, the lifeguards had the authority (backed up by the police) to close the beach. I only remember it happening on one occasion and they were able to enforce it.

It might be more difficult here, especially having seen the reaction of tourists to the lifeguards when they are told not to swim. You also have to consider the safety of the lifeguards. I heard that one drowned last year at Nai Harn?

At least the surfers were having a good time

This afternoon, I witnessed four people being rescued by lifeguards in the space of 15 minutes at Kata. None of them took any notice of the clear red flags and signs stating dangerous rip currents. Two of them were extremely lucky as it took the lifeguard a while to paddle out through the big waves. A kite surfer assisted in rescuing one of them.

From the recent reports that I have seen, there have been at least 5 drownings in the past 2 weeks. It begs the question, should the lifeguards be allowed to stop people entering the water when the conditions are dangerous? I know that the law allows this in some countries and it is rigorously enforced when the rip currents are strong. I don't think they are allowed to do it here.

I heard that there is a version of the Thai building control act that has been translated into English. I was wondering if anyone knew where to find this?

I'm trying to find out more about 'non-permanent structures'. A survey by the Thailand Hotels Association reported that small accommodations such as bungalows and huts made from natural materials are not subject to the act. It would be useful to have the specifics before I start any work!

Hoping someone might be able to clarify my situation;

- I have a non immigrant O visa (multi entry)

- I took a trip to Hong Kong and flew back to Thailand on 8th March

- Applied at immigration office to renew my visa on 23rd March (received 30 days 'under consideration')

- Collected my new visa from immigration on 20th April

I'm trying to work out when my 90 days will be calculated from. I'm assuming it won't be the last date (20th April) as I wasn't technically reporting my address. I'm not sure which of the other dates it might be. Any help most appreciated.

Lifeguards in Phuket are poorly trained and can't be compared to other countries (by their own admission, 10 drowned in the Kata/Karon area last season). Even so, they receive a good salary so it seems odd that no-one wants to bid for the contract. The authorities should have a better grasp of the situation because it's scary to think that the beaches will be un-patrolled next week.

As the Director of 'Living with the Tiger', I'm very happy to be invited by LIST for a screening of the film and Q & A session on Tuesday 10th. This will be our only public event in Chiang Mai so I hope it's of interest to members of ThaiVisa.

Please don't be put off by the subject matter. It's not what you think. In fact, it's about issues that affect all of us - family, belonging and acceptance. The children that feature in the film will likely surprise many people. We receive lots of comments saying how inspiring they are.

You can also be entertained by something that rarely happens in the Thai countryside - an opera!

Look forward to seeing you there.

Mike Thomas

Director/Producer 'Living with the Tiger'

Didn't realise that they couldn't pick you up and take you to the airport. I'd rather walk than give a tuk tuk driver any money. I had some phone numbers as well but have lost them

Anyone have a phone number of a reliable meter taxi to go from Kata to the airport. I think I paid 600 baht the last few times. (or is there a central office?)