noise

Where is Nopadon Panit?

On the inside (city side) of the Super Highway between the Mae Joe Road and the Doi Saket road. It is a big construction supply store with a Home Mart sign.

Following BB's advice above about a compacted leveled sand base is essential.

And go north on the Mae Joe Road past the Susco gas station and Land & Houses park on your left and 100 +/- meters further on on the west side of the highway is a wholeshale/retain outfit. They have been there for years, looked like they were just using an open field, but now they have built a permanent structure(s) and open air "show room". Prices seem to be a cheaper than at other sites. They do deliver.

Has anyone had any experience with local Toyota dealers in Chiang Mai. I know prices are pretty much the same but how about any freebies they throw in? What about service? Are there any you had a positive overall experience with? Any dealers to avoid? I am looking to buy a car in the near future and any help is much appreciated. Thanks.

Bought first car from Nakornping,130/555 Chiangmai-Hot Rd (Hang Dong)and 2nd car fromChiangmai Toyota, 62/1 Mahidol (by Airport Plaza) almost one year apart . Both effectively offered the same freebies (e.g., one year insurance, etc.) after bargaining, though on the 2nd car Nakornping took too long to agree and, therefore, we had already bought from Chiangmai Toyota. The extent of the freebies is dependent upon your bargaining and their hunger for a sale.

Take both cars back to their respective sources for service. Like Nokornping's brand new facilities and the ability to see the immaculate service area from the customer lounge. Like this lounge better than Chiangmai T's, including the free first "gormet" coffee (instant coffee, tea, ovaltine free) and 1/2 price 2nd cup. Service costs are about the same.

Can this office deal with visa renewals & re-entry visas?

I have a friend that works there and she said that it is (as of a couple of months ago) strictly an administrative office and does nothing with the unwashed public. Once you find it, they will redirect you to the airport office.

This string should be required reading for all falang in los. I've learned much about the Thai psychie by following this discussion. So after lurking for a while, I had to register and make this my first post just to say 'Thank You'

NowImEasy,

RE COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS. Yes, this string can help you to be sensitive to how you ask questions and how the answers are phrased, but......

I wasn't going to reply but I read so many comments that make it sound as if no one talks to another person, just talks around a subject. No one would ever get anything done if communications problems were as "black and white" bad as stated here.

To really understand the problems related in context, I think each commentor should say if they speak Thai or not. I do not have these problems, but I speak Thai. I never use English except with my wife in front of my mother-in-law. My personal and business interactions are, to me, straight forward and clear.

RE IQ COMMENTS IN SEVERAL COMMENTS: IQ test results are extremely sensitive to/dependent upon reading ability and vocabulary. Example, I once gave a sample test to a teenager who didn't understand a question about frankfurters but could answer the question once i explained it was a hotdog.

The rural background of many Thais was an appropriate comment on a way of thinking. Give the same IQ test to a college graduate and the cashier at 7-11 and quess what kind of results you would see ragardless of capabilities. So the country IQ ranking quoted in one reply may be more of a reflection on the educational system (e.g., availability of affordable schools) rather than the actual intellectual capabilities of a people as a nation.

I just had recessed lighting put into the dropped ceiling in a car port and, later, an outlet added to the outside of a wall (tapping into the line/outlet on the inside) and a line run to spot lights in the garden. The electrician, nicknamed Op, speaks only Thai/Chiangmai. I got him via my nephew who has used him, and I may be the first Farang he has done work for.

He is south of the moat. I am just south of Mae Jo and he came up to the house, we talked, he went away to check prices on the hardware I wanted, and made a bid (which I accepted). So PM me if you still need someone and I will get a contact number for you.

$22k before taxes is ridiculous for 24 yrs of service. Would that be E6, E7, or E8? Which branch? At least you get some medical benefits too, but it is shameful how low that pension amount is....

I have never worked for a company that gives me a pension. .... Why should a company be responsible for me after I quit working for them. I work, they pay me. ..... Why should they pay me even when I have stopped working? Planning and saving for my retirement is my responsibility, not the company I work for. That is why many large corporations in the US are in financial trouble because they have too many responsibilities for people that no longer work for the company.

I have two Uncles that both retired from the Marines. They joined when they were 18, finished when they were around my age. At my age, they were collecting a pension and a paycheck from their new jobs.

1. Money corporations put into your pension fund is actually part of your salary. That is why job shoppers get paid so much more; they pay for everything out of your own pocket. If you negotiated your salary correctly, you should be getting more working for a company with no retirement plan than for a company that does provide one.

2. I couldn't tell: were you complaing about your uncles collecting a pension when they shouldn't because they no longer are active duty Marines doing that job? And complaining they were drawing a pension and a salary?

I am going to have some personal items shipped from USA to Thailand in the future. Does anyone have any good resources for information on this, such as what is allowed and not allowed, ie any prohibited items. I would be coming under the definition of a retirement visa, one time only exemption. Thanks.

I shipped a 40 ft container full of stuff from Denver to BKK late 06 for $2400. Shipper would provide help clearing thru customs on a retiree and/or returning Thai. PM me and I will provide more complete info.

I'm quite satisfied with IPStar. Use it a little over a year now.

Nienke

Nienke,

I looked at http://www.csloxinfo.com/broadband/ipstar4_ennon.asp and found the following prices. Are they real? How do the loading rates actually compare to the, for example, claimed TOT ADSL? I ask because I am paying 700 baht for 1MB + and measure close to that most of the time from BKK; less from the ourside world but still more than 256/128. So how can Loxinfo ask 2500 to 8000 baht for the same rate?

Well, I've been doing some research, and it seems that Reverse Osmosis removes fluoride but doesn't remove other chemicals like pesticides. However, if the RO filter is combined with a carbon filter, it will remove the pesticides too. In the US it is common to combine the two types in one unit. So what I think I need is a SMALL (so I can take it with me when I move) RO/carbon unit.

We have two RO/multi-filter systems, one in the inside kitchen with a tap for drinking water and a line going to the ice maker in the fridge. We have the other one in the outside kitchen with a tap for drinking water. They are relatively small in that they fit under the sinks and the filter sets are removable for cleaning, changing the filters. Yes, you could take them with you when you move.

We got ours at Home Pro: they installed and they come out every 6 months and service. I change the carbon filter when I see it is dirty in its clear plasic holder.

We use just plain tap water for washing vegetables. And all the 20 some people used by the community for upkeep that I see daily are always taking jugs of tap water home for drinking vice the water available to them in their housing (whatever that may be). I occassionally drink tap water and drink more but the taste is off because I am used to bottled and RO water. Maybe Chiangmai tap water is better?

Hi All,

When I married my wife we always envisaged that we would retire to Thailand in about 10 years time, I am now 45.

.........Have many of you had the experience that your wife did not want to leave her adopted country and return to Thailand?

We were the same way, first planning on Thailand and then giving it up in later years. Specially since we had no friends left, just family. We would return yearly, but one day of talking with any one family member and we had nothing more in common. All my wife's old friend all moved away. So moving in retirement looked less and less inviting. But then some things came together that made a big difference. Here they are in order of importance for us.

1. Found a house with all the amenities we were used to in the US and more (except for no basement to store junk). Brand new house in a 15+ year old gated community, 24 hr security on the gate, good on site recreational facilities, and effectively 7 days/week common grounds upkeep by the on site developer. Bigger and better than what we had in the US, and their history said the developer would be for the long term, not just sell his houses and run, letting the common areas rot.
   
2. I worked until I had maximized my pensions and was eligible for full social security. I can use my medical insurance in Thailand.
   
3. Even though other family exists, we were the primary "care takers" of my in-laws and they were now in the 80s. They needed us to push them to get the medical help and in home (e.g., cleaning, cooking, washing) help they needed. They were so used to living on a shoe string all their lives they would never spend money "unnecessarily". So, for example, they would "save" the money we sent for a maid.
   
4. Many of our Thai couple friends and our Thai/American couple friends were/are reaching our age and moving to Thailand, some to our town, others all over. So now we have long time friends located all over that we can go visit/can come visit us.
   

Don't know to what age you have to work in Ireland to maximize your pensions, but if you work only 10 more years, I bet you will find very little difference in the quality of life aviable there and here, if you look for it. Since you do not have to make a decision now, just keep an open mind and see how things change.

Phil Also be wary of landlords who tell you no problem you can get DSL. I would make it a condition of the lease. No DSL then no rent payment.

Once you pick a house, go to TOT and TT&T and check availability. I have TOT ADSL in Land & Houses Mae Jo; everyone I know has it. Then my neighbor moved in and tried to get it in December. TOT is the only comany serving the area and they said they would have no capacity to add him for a few months. So he waited until Feb. But, now that he has it, it does not mean the next person moving into L&H will be able to get it. So Phil suggestion is a good one, but check with the providers before signing or have landlord install it and check it works before signing.

Rumor has it cable DSL has been run into L&H (3 km south of Mae Jo). So check on that also if you decide to live out this way.

.....a poll to see what the average net worth of expats are. .......By net worth i mean if you cashed in all your assets - house, savings, shares etc.

Skimmed a few answers and didn't see anyone else asked the question/made the point.

An expat could be here living on any sized pension and have zero assets in housing, savings, shares, IRAs/401k's, autos, etc. Rents a furnish abode; takes public transportation. That would show a net worth on your poll of ZERO.

But, for example, he/she might have a life time pension of (for easy figuring) of 50,000 GBPs/dollars/Francs/Pesos/Rubles/Lira, If you assume a 5% return is sustainable as an average on a capital safe investment, then his/her net worth is really 1,000,000 GBPs/dollars/Francs/Pesos/Rubles/Lira.

So will the poll provide the information you really wanted?

Just curious to hear opinions and experiences of people who are caught up with / involved with / trying to get out of / want to get involved with / are forced to be part of / try to avoid / the Thai social tax.

If the person giving you the envelope is one to whom you would/will give one in the future, make a donation of whatever you can afford. If it is a "stranger" in that you would never consider requesting a donation from them, then make some excuse on the spot or do not return the envelope.

I have seen several households collecting at the same time. No one is expected to give to all of them. Do not feel obligated just because you are asked.

If you will never ask for a donation, for whatever reason, then just give selectively to close neighbors or friends. And you don't have to try to impress anyone, just give something to maintain that relationship, be part of the community. You can ignore the religious aspect, just focus on building/maintaining good will.

Is US$1000 per month enough to live off? I have no dependents and in good health. I don't need much but enough to enjoy simple things in life.....I got over $600,000 as of now .....small pension....at 60 and SSA at 62..... will get ED. O visa until I turn 50. I just don't want to work anymore but enjoy the simple finer things in life rather than work my ass off until 65 like my father did and die early.

I skimmed all the answers and didn't see anyone asking you about the long term. If you know you will die at 65 +/- OK, that is one thing. But life spans are going up to the 80s and 90s. Why lock yourself in to this minimum retirement income? The exchange rate will never be much better, if any better. The odds are it will be worse. And inflation will cause all prices to go up in baht, even if the exchange rate stays stable.

You said "get ED. O visa until I turn 50"...so you are in your 40s? Drop out now and you won't be able to go back if you change you mind in 5 years; your income is set for life (the next 30 to 50 years) unless you want to go back and work at WalMart as a greeter.

Lots of don't/didn't want work any more in our 40s and 50s, but sure glad we did now. Quality of life is the key to whether or not you enjoy retirement. Make sure you know exactly what it takes to give you the minimum life style you could stand for 30 years because you are only going to get one chance to build for the future!

Somebody now the prices of a land in NONG BUA LAMPHU PROVINCE

Or land and House together.

Have you asked your question on the Isan forum ?? http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showforum=32

Maybe some one who lives there can tell you better information.

My (2) teenage kids and I will be traveling to Chiang mai later this month for 4 days, any ideas on places to stay ?we looking for somewhere (not too expensive)near the night market that might be more tradition thai style place (I've herd of some type of Thai style tree house there??) any ideas on good trekking co. would also be greatly appreciated. we want to go on a 1 nite two day trek.

Thank you for any and all ideas - We can't wait to get there-

Your question is open ended so I would recommend you go to the Chiangmai accomodation list and research what is listed: http://www.hotelthailand.net/search_instan...;bd=1&sList=

Search the forum on "trekking" et al and you should find lots of info.

Does anyone know of any place to purchase a quality coffeemaker, such as a Mr. Coffee or like?

I bought a cheap "Kessel" ( and I do mean cheap ) made of "high quaility" plastic, Ha! at Robinson's ( Airport Plaza ) for like 350 bht...and ya get what ya pay for, but it does brew.

It seems as though if you're into high dollar espresso machines it's no problem, but just wanna decent maker for my morning joe.

I am currently using an inexpensive 10 cup-one I have seen in Lotus/Carrefour with a simple mechanical on/off timer (1200 watt) that I bought from Home-Pro; it brews good coffee. I don't remember the price but think it is around 1200-1500 baht, which is reasonable to me (obviously "inexpensive" is a relative term) .

When I break this one, I will buy the 12 cup one I saw in Central Kad Suan Kaew that has the built in clock/auto feature. It costs 4000 baht or so. Expensive compared to the US but I like having the coffee ready when I get up. And with the amount of guests we get throughout the year, it well worth the money to have lots of coffee ready whenever anyone/everyone gets up.

Was on the "Raja Ferry" going back from Koh Samui to Don Sak just before it dock and saw this poster hanging in the indoor seating area.

I was thinking of moving the blue seat forwards, but decided not to. Was I correct or not?

It took me a long, long time to figure out what your were talking about because it was not immediately obvious to me that the blue "things" were seat backs. I personally find them distracting and would, after the fact like this, take them out with PS Elements like we learned how to do in the camera club.

I am starting to build up quite a value in house contents in Chiang Mai and would like to get some insurance against theft, fire, and flooding if possible.

Some US companies will offer "renter's" converage on all house contents in Thailand (even if you are the owner vice renter). They will also offer a Personal Article Floater for high value items like jewelry, cameras, antiques, etc.

I say "some companies" because I have both coverages with one company and, if one company offers it, I assume others do, also.

.....ok so dec 11 2008 is the date we have set to move to thailand!! to explore a bit more of the world while we are young ....i will be 24 by this time and he 25....We will have some savings so do you think for cash when we are out there I should get my TEFL teaching certificate here and find work once im out there doing this - this is what I think im swaying towards, and seems the only possible income option, plus i would enjoy this type of work

See my bolded underlined part of your words. I hope that means you are just coming for a short time, not planning on staying here years, and are not cutting any employment strings back home. As I am sure many, many people will reply by saying, living here is not a year round picnic and party just like the 3 week vacation was.

Your chances of earning enough money here to save some, let alone prepare for old(er) age and retirement, are next to nil, if not nil. So, sooner or later, you will realize you have to return/go somewhere else to find work. And keep in mind that recruiters automatically reject people with employment gaps because there hundreds of applicants without them. It doesn't matter what field you are in, it will hurt you. You will be behind your peers in experience and will have a gap because of what could be perceived as indicative of probably quiting later on as soon as you have enough money for another jaunt off around the world.

I put off moving here until my retirement income was fixed effectively at its maximum potential. The baht increasing in value some 20% since I got here hurts but I am still comfortable only because I looked ahead to a specific retirement goal and had no breaks in employment. It may be hard to worry about 40 years from now when you are in your 20s, but can you afford not to?

It sure is fun to pontificate!

Hi,

we have a small ornamental fish pond in the garden, with a fountain which I leave on 24/7 for oxygenation. We only have guppies in there - probably about 200 now (started with 7 about 18 months ago).

When I first set this up we used to clean it out about every 2-3 months when the water got a little murky, but now we have to do it every 2 weeks as the water ends up like pea soup in this time.

Anyone know why this is happening more than before, and any useful tips for stopping it going green so quickly.

Thanks.

I can not offer a specific reason why your pond is soupy (dry weather, sun, or ??) but serious fish dealers have Anti-Green which, when added to the water, cause the floating algea to coagulate and precipitate out. You can then vacuum/siphon it out of the bottom. I have successfully used it in my 7000 liter pond when I only had mosquito fish and the like. It did help the oxygenation, but was more cosmetic than anything else (could see the fish better). I have since put in a full filter system as others have recommended so do not expect to need it any more.

Interestingly enough (to me) is that I also have a fountain (like pictured in one input) with about 10 mosquito fish and it never gets floating algea That may be because the fountain splashes water out and I have to keep adding fresh water a couple times a week.

Well I was in there today (saturday) ........I arrived just after 9am..........the chef had not arrived

So when all of you talk breakfast, what is the earliest you get to eat? I guess my real question is still what places, other than hotel coffee shops, open between 7 am and 8am at the latest?

So, what's this thread about??

Hopefully beer.

I have been drinking Singha off and on for only 40 years plus 44 days and still like it. But I would really like to have an IPA every so often. I have never seen even an import IPA, let alone a decently (to my taste) hopped Thai beer. Has there been any "work around" developed here?

From the website it looks tiny.

I have been driven and walked that 3 way intersection for the last 25 years and that building have been there since some time way back (don't remember exactly when I first started noticing it). It just recently got a new facelift and, from the web site, must have been remodeled inside. Never been in there, but it looks interesting and I think it is a great location for someone who likes to walk a little. And there is a continuous stream of tuk-tuks and baht buses and pedicabs going buy the hospital across the street and the Chiangmai Gate for cheap transportation.

For British Breakfasts, Chiang Mai Leprechan can't be beat (Yorkies sausages, bacon and black pudding). It has just reopened near Butterfly bar near the begining of Loi Kroh Road. The proprieter is out of town for a while, but his missus is doing her best to keep up standards.

IMHO, by far the biggest and the best in town (but I haven't tried the Queen Vic or Half Moon Cafe yet).

UG

I never see any opening times mentioned in any of the restaurant recommendations. Since you are very knowledgable, can you also recommend by opening time? I frequently want/have to go into town for some task and would really like to eat breakfast first. Sometimes I want to eat at 7 am, others at 8. What good places are open then? And, since I am driving, can you also describe the parking at these places?