diks

Similar things happen every year on the same date.

I posted a reply but it was deleted by a moderator - perhaps it was full of expletives (ha ha). So now I will just have to stockpile on booze to go around this mess. What is it about April that makes people so crazy?

It's only on April 1st

is this the 1st of April or is it real?

I can confirm that in interview in a local Chiang Mai paper with the head of immigration this year revealed by his own admission that they had 'processed' 18,000 visa applications during the previous 12 months. Let's assume that the majority of those applying would find some way or other to remain in Thailand, add to that the fact that many residents here exist on Non Imm visas which get renewed every 3 months without being properly processed into a 1 year visa, and I would guestimate that Chiang Mai has about 25,000 foreign residents at any one time (excluding Burmese). There's more expats in Chiang Mai than you think, specifically missionaries and NGOs, but this would include the entire province. Remember, there are also 7 international schools here, and a great deal of retirees.

Someone recently told me there were as many as 100,000 foreigners scattered across Isarn, if this is true then that would account for up to 40,000 visas processed in Udon Thani perhaps.

I wouldn't use the official stats as a gauge since so many foreigners here still reside using Non-Imm visas or even tourist visas which they simply renew without properly upgrading to a 1 year visa.

I'd be interested to know which city has more expats, Chiang Mai, Pattaya or Phuket.

When I was at CM immigration recently for 90 day reporting there must have been at least 12 foreigners being processed in less than 1 hour. This was early in the morning and it may slow down later but nevertheless an interesting number to extrapolate.

Let's see, take an average of 10 foreigners (falangs and others!) for every 8 hours and 6 days a week, that would be 480 per week or about 25,000 in a year.

There are no proven facts about afterlive. If you think there is, it is likely based on you indoctrination as a child. Grow up and get over it.

We will all kick the bucket sometime, live your life until then. It is the only chance you have.

Last year in June I decided to go Mac and bought an iMac with the biggest screen available in Chiang Mai. Sounded a bit pricey at the time but I had had it with Windows in any case.

Earlier this year just a little less than one year later the screen became very blotchy. At that time I took it to the Pro Shop service and they mentioned they would have to check it. That annoyed me a bit, because it was plain to see. However they said, they would get back to me in a few days. Sure enough about three days later they confirmed that the screen needs exchanging and it would take about two weeks to get the part. I thought that was a bit long but at least it was going to get done.

Low an behold about one week later they called, it was ready for pick-up. No charge, everyone including me was smiles and they have a happy customer. Since then I have bought a Mac mini as well and the iMac just keeps purring along.

He he...wonder what happens to this couple when back home and the families discover their holiday photos and videos at YouTube???

No worries about their family and youtube, I am sure it is blocked in Iran. The security police may be a different matter.

I have run with hash clubs all over the world (including CM). I certainly recognise the pen picture painted (social misfits on a mutual support mission) and it applies to maybe 1 or 2% of hashers, who unfortunately dominate proceedings on a few hashes. But as someone else has said, don't assume all hashes and hashers are like that on the strength of one experience. Where a town has more than one hash it is usually because some breakaway hash has formed to counteract the very thing you complain of.

If you do get a few people together why not start your own hash with your own collectively liked format? There are no rules!

Well said: There are no rules.

However kennels come up with their own rules and thereby often missing the point - to be a social club for all, including misfits, without any hierarchy. The point is tolerance and acceptance and making it fun for everybody present. This includes the run, the circle, the food, if there is any, or the ononon etc. Typically a short circle is a good circle, long ones often simply degenerate into what was mentioned by wedders.

I also want to chime in with HTWoodson, some hashers leave before the circle starts - missing some of the socializing in doing so - as HTWoodson has done many a times.

You are being fleeced if you are paying 12,000 baht for a night out in Thailand. You are in Thailand. LMAO. Wow, you had a good time even when you did not go "Hi-So".

Incredible and very impressive you are.

My point simply was that I enjoy both expensive and inexpensive entertainment. I'm not quite sure where your sarcasm is coming from, you sound like a very bitter kind of guy.

Also, it depends on your definination of getting fleeced. If you think that two people going to one of the top restuarants in Asia (possibly in the World) and spending 12K including pre drinks a good couple of hours at a quality club afterwards is expensive, then that's your opinion. However, your sarcasm tells me that you probably don't have the ability to do so. In reality spending 10-15K on a high end night out in one of Asia's capitol cities is still roughly half what it would cost you in Europe for this level of quality, and is in many ways more enjoyable.

And before you say "I don't need to spend that much to have a good time", that is exacly what I was saying above.

Tom.

Hmm, have not managed to spend that much here in CM, Thailand but have not had any problem in NA or Europe. And often times the meals were better here.

There are many a hasher who don't drink at all. It's your own call, however it is a social club and beer is the drink of choice. You may want to try a Saturday or Sunday mixed hash, they are definitely lighter on the beer.

Martin, thanks for the tip. I see there is so much more to learn even after one year of using a Mac.

Went there late last week for 90 day reporting and transfer to a new passport. The enclosed room definitely has air conditioning, so it will be more bearable during the hot months. If you want / need to sit outside, there is still the coffee shop area. Of course you cannot hear being called there anymore.

As mentioned before, staff is as pleasant as ever in CM. It took me less than 90 minutes for both tasks including having to run back and forth for copies and missed copies.

Used to have one in Canada for similar purposes as you and was very happy. The printer lasted about 6 years and then gave up, likely due to too much moving and poor maintenance during the last year (others were using it whilst I enjoyed Thailand). Now I have one again here in Thailand, am not using it as much but the print quality makes up for all of it.

I am sure the cost is high though compared to other options but then coated paper and ink aren't cheap either.

saw Erdinger Dunkel most recently at Rimping.

Maple syrup is available at Rimping on the corner of the middle ring road and the road to Mae Jo. Just saw it there last week.

Today is a CH3 run starting @ 17:30, the bus leaves Number 1 Bar @ 16:30. Likely going to be a very wet run as it has been raining for more than 24 hours. The hare "Chuck Wow" has promised shelter for the circle though.

Directions:

From the Samong Rd./Irrigation Canal Rd. intersection drive SOUTH on the Canal Rd. toward Hang Dong about 12K. Turn RIGHT at Hash sign and follow signs from there. Run at 17:30-5:30pm. Pickup at #1 Bar, Soi 1, off Loi Kroh Rd. at 16:30-4:30pm.

Come run with us

nO|On

Time to update the Chiang Mai hash scene.

There are still five hashes in Chiang Mai:

- CH3, the original hash in Chiang Mai is a male only hash and runs biweekly on Mondays.

- CSH3 are the Chiang Mai Saturday Hash House Harriers, a mixed hash which runs every Saturday

- CUMH3 stands for Chiang Mai Underground Male Hash House harriers and runs biweekly on Tuesdays

- CH4 are the Chiang Mai Happy Hash House Harriers and for more than one year now they are running every Suday

- CBH3 are the Chiang Mai Bunny Hash House Harriers. They run every last Sunday of the month and often invite males as well.

There is now a common site with links to the individual hashes "hash-house-harriers.org". The page also has a calendar with information for the upcoming runs / events.

Hope to see you at the next hash

OnOn

From Koolpuntville 12 to Lanna International 121 may be you best choice, it is one way to avoid rush hour traffic. The short stretch from the third (outer) ring road (121) to the second (middle) ring road is very busy in the morning and it is only a two lane road. It actually divides right at Koolpuntville 10. All the traffic from San Kampaeng flows along it, so rush hour is a challenge. Also Mahidol can be quite busy and has its fair share of accidents in the morning.

As for something to look for in Koolpuntville 10, it is the same as everywhere else. Some extra supervising will get the job done better. Do not expect the same quality detail as in the west, they are using cheap labour but you are also paying a lot less than in the west. Always keep in mind how the people, who are building your house, live themselves and it will give you some idea why things do not always work out the way you expect.

Do some forward planning as well as there are items, which are not part of the package but you may want to include them or prepare for them so it is easier to add or change in the future.

Earlier you had mentioned that you had a look at Koolpuntville 12. That is a little farther out of town. In fact I consider it as far as Home in Park - not sure if that is true though, it is only my perception and one reason why we did not choose Home in Park. I wanted to be in a Moo Ban fairly close to the city and my wife wanted security. We chose Koolpuntville 10, which is just off the intersection of the middle ring road and the new San Kampaeng highway. Whilst most lots have been sold there may be a few larger ones left. From here it is 10 minutes to the airport and various shopping venues. City centre can be reached within 15 minutes and up to about 25 during rush hour, of course always dependent on traffic.

There is another development from Koolpuntville, which is called The Athena - I believe that is Koolpuntville 14. It is along Mahidol road, about half way between the airport and Koolpuntville 10. It therefore would even be closer to the city.

Considering Lanna International School, you may also want to look into that area. There are quite a number of moo Bans down along Hang Dong road but some are definitely exposed to air traffic. Vehicle traffic is also a mess down there during rush hour. Besides Lanna International there are a number of other schooling opportunities, which you may consider.

Come on Captiva owners, give us some insight how the beast has ee running.

Todays (Saturday April 5, 2008) hash run will be in Mesa Valley. Drive up to Mae Rim and turn left at the Mesa Valley intersection. Start looking for HHH signs from the left turn.

The run will be at 17:00 and the bus will leave the Hash House pub at 16:00