compounds

I stopped by the shop a while ago. Got a bad first impression.

The owner seemed like a weasel, kinda made my skin crawl.

Like his goal was to squeeze as much money out of customers as possible.

Also it seemed like he should have been more knowledgeable about some RC stuff,

impossible to know everything, but you should know the stuff you sell, right?

But maybe that is language problems, my Thai is good but not Fluent.

Maybe I misunderstood him, I am not always a good judge of people,

or maybe he was having a bad day, but I am NEVER going back to that shop.

Plenty of professional RC stores in Bangkok, they will ship to Chiang Mai, next day delivery if you need it.

I have a Bark River Liten bror in CPM 3V steel that I will sell for $150. It is more of a bushcraft knife. Imported from America.

They are over $200 new plus shipping.

Here are some photo and an excellent review:

www.bladeforumsDOTcom/forums/showthread.php/707484-Bark-River-Liten-Bror-Initial-Impressions

I've been to most if not all the "high end game shops" in Chiang mai.

There are several you should avoid.

I definitely recommend one.

It is in Pantip Computer Plaza (near the Night Bazaar), on the 1st floor. South West corner. Closest shop to the bathrooms.

The owner is Mr Porn, speaks passable english. ph: 089-7571661 Open about Noon to 8pm

Most important he is honest, and provides great service after the sale.

I've bought a several "top of the line" gaming rigs there over the years.

It is a small shop, but he can order anything you need.

If you are interested, I have two used AMD 6990 cards for sale with 2 years left on the warranty.

I'm planning on upgrading to the AMD 7990 for 30,000 baht each when they come out mid year. Ouch!

Send me a phone number or PM

The two sisters at the pharmacy across from the Montri Hotel can help. They deal with many, many westerners so they're used to dealing with people who don't speak English with a Thai accent. It's the first pharmacy west of Thapae Gate. There is another pharmacy a few doors west of theirs that isn't as helpful.

Good recommendation, and good directions.

That is my favorite Pharmacy of the 20 or so that I have tried in Chiang Mai. I think the owners are mother and daughter.

I miss Fritos Corn Chips. I can't figure out why they never caught on with the Thais as they usually like corn snacks. Dorritos are a pretty good substitute.

Lays potato chips are just fine once you figure out which one you like (plain, garlic with sour cream or onion with cheese and ridges).

I miss Fritos corn chips too!

Cheap and Simple: Corn, Corn oil, Salt.

How could anybody screw up that recipe?

I can't find them anywhere in Thailand.

And I am for jonesing for them.

Thai people like salty stuff. Where are the good corn chips!

Is there an importer in Bankok that helps people with food addiction?

I would appreciate a phone number for Somboon. I have a friend coming to Chiang Mai who would like to see him for a treatment - back problem.

Somboon's English is pretty good his phone number is 053-492 514

For those in pain like I was I can't say enough good things about the Physical Therapy Department at Rajavej Hospital, in particular Khun Diow. I tried all kinds of massage, hot herbal balls, etc. for close to a year and I did get some relief but the pain always returned the next day. I got real relief at Rajavej. I think you need a physicians referral for treatment but I'm not 100% sure about that.

Thanks for the suggestion. I went to have a look today.

FY:I Rajavej Hospital is near the Holiday Inn (across the street to the north).It is on the east bank of the Ping River.

The Physical Therapy Dept is on the Second floor and closed on Sunday.

I know somebody will ask if Somboon is a Chiropractor.

No definitely not, and I don't know what to call his treatment. Some combination of stretching and pressure points.

He was highly recommended by my Pharmacist so I tried him. He is pretty far out of town unless you are really hurting.

I do have a positive suggestion for people in pain.I found a Thai named Somboon who did help me. He is near Mae Jo university (he is also a Professor at the university)The location is about a 30 minute drive from Chiang Mai, and a bit hard to find.Very pleasant soft spoken guy about 50 years old.

He charges 500 baht the first time and 300 if you need to come back (He says no need to come back unless you have a new problem).He doesn't waste time with goofy mystical stuff or "feel good" massage.He goes straight to work and it seemed like most people are done in 10 minutes.I took an Amercian friend who was in chronic pain from years of boxing, problem fixed in one visit. He said he could breath pain free for the first time in years.

I took two other friends and they said it helped but they didn't have the dramatic results my American friend had.

Anyhow take the 1001 highway North to Mae Jo university, at the 3 way red light at Mae Jo turn right (east) on Sahakon rd and drive about 3 KMTurn right just before Wat Mae Kat (it is on the right and is the only Wat you will see)

Now you are about 300 meters from Somboon but the little Thai streets are confusing, better to ask for directions.I know he is on Soi 5.

If anybody is interested I'll ask for his phone number if I go again.

Hi just wondering if the OP tried any of the suggestions and if he found them to be any good. Also about this Toshi. People said that he trained in Hawaii. What is his Thai like as it is my girlfriend who has the back problem.

I called Dr. Ken Leeper, but they said he is in America for 1 year. I called Toshi Toyoda. He is American (Japanese ancestry) so he speaks perfect English, Very good Japanese, but minimal Thai.

I was quoted a price of 2200 baht for one hour, which seemed very expensive at the time but having read a positive comment in this forum I made the appointment anyway.

Toshi met me at to door of PT condo (20 meters from Mike's burger on Nimmanheiman) and I followed Toshi up to his "office" which is basically an empty apartment with a table and three chairs.

Upon arriving, I expected some semblance of health care "professional" but I was seeing something very different. In hindsight I should have left immediately.

After sitting down Toshi proceeded with a sales pitch about his extensive training and qualifications. Unfortunately, the heavy emphasis on repeated reassurance had the opposite effect.

Bombshell #1: 99% of his clients need more than one treatment, perhaps for a year or longer each session costing 2200 baht. Of course all this was before any physical examination! No looking at x-rays or previous medical documents. Amazing.

I had simply said my back hurts which resulted in a 30 minute sermon on why his training is so great and how lucky I was because the price is $500 USD per hour in America! (which begs the question, why isn't he back there making the big money!) I asked the obvious question: What if his treatment doesn't help?

Bombshell # 2 - the treatment had already begun and I owed 2200 baht. <deleted>!

I actually laughed out loud and asked if he was joking. He angrily said he was serious and that I must pay. As he is 2 to 3 times heavier than me and I was feeling intimidated, I paid and left immediately

To be fair, he had mentioned that I shouldn't stretch before exercise and I should sit up straighter, maybe that is worth 2200 baht in America!

I received no "hands on" therapy so I have no experience to share about his skill, technique, or results.

I had a look at Phillips Securities, apparently just a passport is enough to open an account.

That is great news.

Would you share how you opened your account? Online, thru the mail, or in a branch?

>To open an account, you will need to bring along the following items:

>1. Your Singapore Identity Card (NRIC) or your Permanent Resident Card. If you do not belong to either of >the two categories, you will need to bring along your valid passport as documentary proof.

DBS-Vickers & OCBC both do it, I use DBS as you can trade OTC and Pink sheets.

Myself and alot of people I know also use Philips Securities, which covers all the main SE Asia markets plus US and UK

How did you manage to open a Singapore bank account?

When I visited Singapore in 2008 only Singapore citizens or residents (must show proof)

could open acounts. Has this changed or are trading accounts different?

Well said!

My little Honda Dream has 99,000 kilometers on it. And it was probably turned back before I bought it!

Runs fine. Change the oil regular and they just keep running.

Don't fret about it mate. If you got the bike for a price you were happy with then no problem. I have to smile that people still hark on about mileage in this day and age. Years ago, and I mean years ago an engine was knackered after 40- 50,00 miles. Now with better alloys and lubricants an engine can easily do 200,000 plus. I change the oil & filter on mine every 5000 km and put decent synthetic oil. For the sake of a couple of hundred baht it gives me peace of mind. Keep on top of your fluids and a regular service and a modern automatic bike will run forever

I've got a place for rent. 4000 baht

Townhouse, 2 floors, two bathrooms.

Quiet dead end street.

Near Chiang Mai gate.

It is empty now but no hurry to rent it, the quiet is nice.

Last tennent was noisy.

I think I am looking for an quiet older gentleman who keeps to himself and

doesn't bring home "guests". Ideal would be someone who only stays the winter in Chiang Mai

but wants to keep the place all year.

It was Feb 14th. Lots of talking and speeches.

The race actually started about 7:30

Over 400 riders this year.

brutal ride. The 48k part is ok.

The 2000 meters vertical is rough.

Some people chose to start half way up the mountain, but

It still looked like 80% of the riders had to walk their bike part of the way.

And I bet 90% of the Thai riders stopped to "inspect" their bike in the middle

of the steeper parts. Safety first! Lots of long safety inspections.

I heard the winning time was 2:28.

Amazing.

slightly off topic, but has anyone brought their MTB from their country? Do you have to give notice to the airline? And did it cost a whole lot?

I brought my expensive custom Mountain bike from America on China airlines.

no fee.

Bought a cardboard bike box from the United airlines counter for $10.

Take off the pedals, rotate the handlebars 90 degrees and

roll the bike into the box. Right at the airline counter.

Easy.

I put spare tires and stuff in the box, got the weight up to 30kg!

China airlines never complained. And Thai customs just waved me thru.

Sweet!

Thanks

You're welcome. Just want to contribute something back to the community since I received great help here in the past!

However, I wonder whether anybody will bother to read since it is 'slightly' longer than the average post on thaivisa LOL

welo