Mousehound

On ‎31‎/‎12‎/‎2016 at 10:39 PM, elektrified said:

Enjoying a very nice retirement after selling his place on the Mae Ping River for many, many millions.

Well that is good to hear.  But I really miss his playing.  I am back to CM soon for a few weeks and am at a loss to know where to go for my music fix.  Northgate jazz and Boy at the night market I guess.  Any other up to date suggestions for good live music would be appreciated.

Did anyone hear about Took/Tuk at all recently?

16 hours ago, chickenslegs said:

 

Agreed. Making sure that you comply with the conditions on your insurance policy is most important.

I was just pointing out the actual law regarding drivers licenses and IDP's.

 

http://www.adcidl.com/countries-convention-of-road-traffic-1949.html

and

http://driving-in-thailand.com/motor-vehicle-act/#03

(See section 42(2))

 

have a look at section 43 point 10.  This talks about IDPs.   These sections also talk about mutual agreements between countries.  The problem with a very old agreement is that it may well have been superseded. 

2 hours ago, chickenslegs said:

 

Why indeed.

 

This subject comes up regularly.  Renting a car without an IDP is not the problem The difficulty arises if there is an accident,  as often insurance does not cover the driver.  Typically my insurance requires me to have an IDP and rent from a licensed hire company i.e. a proper hire company not the guesthouse owners brother that wants to make a bit on the side.

Most people will suffer from some sort of depression in their lifetime.  Those that endure years of clinically diagnosed depression and manic depression have my sympathy.  Any group that attempts to support the sufferers of this malady have my support.  When in OZ I have supported  two family member who's life has been severely affected and I ride my bike with hundreds of others on "The Black Dog Rides".  Over the years I have had several friends that have been deeply affected by severe depression - some following traumatic work events.  Fortunately the stigma of mental illness is starting to lift.  With good professional help and support most seem to get by.  I wish you all the best in your endeavour.

In any city the best looking girls work behind the counter in the big store cosmetic sales area - usually on the ground floor by the main entrance.  In Japan I am told that all the cosmetic sales girls are actually Korean.

On ‎23‎/‎12‎/‎2016 at 5:39 PM, Loaded said:

These people started growing oranges on land that nobody else wanted and nobody else owned. It was unused mountain land. This went on for many years without a single complaint from anyone. The army has now decided that they should receive revenue from this land rather that the people who developed it - shades of Robert Mugabe.

If you read earlier posts you will see there were plenty of complaints and these were made public.  Nothing happened because of the corruption at the time.  The military is actually taking the action that should have occurred years ago.

40 minutes ago, lvr181 said:

Not interested in truth and accuracy? Are you a disciple of some politician/s (where truth and credibility are stretched very thin)?

Yes, the truth sometimes is not palatable but it is the truth nonetheless. Is it not better to form an opinion (if you have or want an opinion) based on facts and not based on lack of facts?  Up to you - as the Thai girl said.

 

RIP Warisa. You did not deserve this.

 

 

I understand your point.  However, in OZ at least, it is not usually reported in detail as details are often used in solving a crime.  Sometimes it works to let a crim think a detail has been missed.  Details of suicide are never revealed and photographs are taboo - even for the press.  I notice that in Thailand everything is revealed - often with a good deal of conjecture and usually by pretty ordinary reporters and with very ordinary editors.  Details of crimes should be handled carefully. At least in this instance the photo was blurred out, but letting a photographer that close at the start of what might be a murder investigation is dubious.

Is it me, or is this just becoming a tedious playground rant. 

10 hours ago, madmitch said:

It's a way of giving the tourists what they want. Tourists, remember, are the people that bring a great deal of money into Phuket yet seem to be the last people considered when it comes to the so-called beach management programme.

 

The Navy should not be making decisions like this but unfortunately Thailand has a military government in place and this is what happens.

No difference than a municipality ruling and I think the military running the place has led to massive improvements.  They have done a lot to improve cleaning the place up and at least some laws are being followed.  The corrupt shambles they took over needed sorting out.  That they get embroiled in petty stuff like this beach thing is because they are trying to say that the law is the law.  I really think a Rear Admiral has better things to do with his time.

Try TriGong.  They are inside moat, top right corner.  Excellent value and reviews.  All the staff speak excellent English double room, aircon with private bath for about $15US per night.  Comes with a kitchen, free coffee and WIFI in communal area.  There is also parking. Close to moat ring road so easy to get BHt bus (20BHT anywhere around the moat - I usually pay 10Bht for half a side of the moat.  Near the North Gate jazz which is fun.  One of the best coffee places in CM nearby.  Also a patisserie and the vegie markets are a short walk away.  Two Bht bus trips gets you to Doi Suthep.  The University and Zoo on the way.  Plenty of food places about and a short walk to Sunday Walking street. 

32 minutes ago, SOUTHERNSTAR said:

Agree with you that he should stay outside the park. Have you been up to the the north west of the country Mae hong son area next to the Nam sa nga ?  Great area for birding with few people. 

I was going up to Mae Hong Son area with a fellow scientist but my plans changed.  He goes every year and loves it.  I like the Chiang Dao area a lot.  Mallee' s is the place to stay of course if you are a birder.  Going up the mountain is a treat but the lowlands and foothills can be more productive in some ways.  Doi Inthanon is great - especially for butterflies as well as birds.  To be honest in the cooler months most places turn up birds with the hot and wet months being the best for insects.  My pal is a botanist so there is never a dull moment.  I would like to spend the rest of my days just observing and recording this wonderful country.  But next stop is actually Vietnam.  I hope to get back for a visit to Khao Yai in July as this is a time I have never been there.  Conditions would be difficult but could throw up stuff I have not seen before.  The great advantage for me with KY is it is so easy to get to from BKK. I usually go up on the bus from Mo Chit.  From KY I usually head out to Phi Mai and surrounds for a day or so. 

Chiang Mai is a very safe place generally compared with just about anywhere I know.  As stated keep away from the karaoke bars.  Dodgy bars are really pretty rare but you can usually pick them from the scruffy Thai Visa members that drink there. LOL.

TV posters will whine on about back packers all day long but I have met some really interesting ones among them.  Seriously the only problems I have ever come across have involved farangs and in particular ex-pats that have had too much to drink and think the world revolves around them, and only once has that occurred in CM.  On the few times I have witnessed unpleasantness it has been in BKK or Pattaya.  CM ex-pats are 99% a pretty good lot.  Theft is pretty rare here and violent crimes more so.  Just be street wise.  Settle prices for tuk tuks at night before you get in them.  Use Tuk Tuks only if you have to.  learn a few words of Thai - it helps a lot. Smile and speak a few words of Thai and CM can be a really fun experience.

4 minutes ago, SOUTHERNSTAR said:

Have you ever been at Khao Yai on new year ? There are thousands of people, traffic jams, shouting. loud music, dirty toilets and littering. You took this picture in January which is a different story from new year. Yes January and early February are great time to visit that area and other areas up north, but as a rule avoid public holidays and weekend when visiting national parks.

This was taken on the 3rd of January.  The poster is talking about going on the 26th of December.  I had a guided tour and he kept us away from the crowds.  This was my fifth visit at this time of year to Khao Yai.  I spend many weeks a year filming in National Parks - mostly in December and January and yes parts  are packed but most visitors are not into serious wildlife - which I am.  For this I get out of the main drag so to speak.  Getting harder to do now that some trails are closed by the rangers owing to over use.  However, that is the value of a good guide. "getting up to the Peaks is really hard except for those high areas accessible by road and these tend to get traffic.  If this is a seriously shoe string visit, as has been indicated, I would recommend not actually entering the park but working around the periphery - as I have stated earlier.  Got some great views of Hornbills without even going into the park.  But this means no higher altitude stuff. Check out some of the birding sites that talk about Khao Yai.  By the way I think there are better parks for wildlife than Khao Yai but you really have to have your own wheels for those.  Camping in the park would, I guess,  get around the daily cost of entry and give more opportunity for exploring but the size of the Park means that without transport you are very limited. I know of one visitor that did well with a mountain bike.  Brought it up on the train and stayed in the Park for a couple of weeks.  As stated food is not great - but better than school lunches.  With the overcrowded camping areas I found the toilets etc were an adventure.

6 minutes ago, SOUTHERNSTAR said:

You are going the wrong time of the year but if you cant change your dates here are two things you can do. You can get a guided forest walk which is great as you can be alone with your guide and its not crowded and you can go to the local vineyard.

That's a broad statement.  For me it is the perfect time of year.  Cool and excellent bird watching and photography.  Also dry and not so many leeches. Took this shot January.

19 minutes ago, chrissables said:

I bought one as a tourist. Through a company, all paperwork with me, i could even take the bike out of country if i wanted.

 

A Thai licence is accepted. But of course they may play games with that.

I think that if you look on the WWW there is quite a lot on this.  Buying a bike should not be a problem - also exporting a bike.  Registering a bike and driving legally is different.  You can hire a bike and I suppose buy a bike  and drive it about but it is not legal to do so without a Vietnamese license.  If you get pulled over by the police  it will cost you.  If you have an accident you will not be insured.  The best thing really is to look at government warnings - (The UK one is now out of date) on bikes in Vietnam.  Have a look The Australian Government Travel Advice.  Or ask your own countries Consul direct - a miracle may happen and you get a reply.  International Licenses are also not officially recognised.  The real problem is insurance. - you can bet they will weasel their way out of paying if they can.  I asked my insurers and they basically stated that as long as it was driven legally and you are not under the influence, and your home country license covered me it would be OK.  However, I would have to hire from a legal entity,  licensed to hire and 120cc was the max size.  The chances of having an accident in Vietnam have to be high.  Saigon (Where I am off to ) is traffic hell. This with the fact that most of the traffic drives on the wrong side of the road makes it a pretty dangerous task.  One I was looking forward to but not if I can't get insurance.

3 minutes ago, kingalfred said:

Just want to get to lodge from Train station. Half way along the road to Khao yai about 7-8kms. Why is it not good idea to take public transport on this route? I'm not looking to hire trucks in park. This is budget trip


Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect

OK just saw this come up as I was sending my last post.  If on a budget stay outside the park for approx. 300Bht and get a lift to the Park entrance. The Park entry fee is quite high.  Strike off to the side before you get to the entrance. and you will find some good trails.  Don't get lost.  This last is a serious comment.  Khao Yai is big and it very easy to get lost even a few meters into the jungle - I have seen it happen.  So make sure you stick on paths and mark turnings and have a GPS.

Staying outside the park and getting a guide to take you around is the way to go.  I have been several times and have had a great time.  I usually go late December/January.  Excellent for wildlife photography.  I stay at Greenleaf - but there are plenty of more upmarket places to stay.  Khun 9  runs excellent guided tours and really knows his stuff.  You can join a group or go solo.  They will also drop you off outside the gates if you prefer as there are some long hikes along the edge of the park that are pretty good.  It is nice up at the higher altitudes though and although there were people where we were there were not many.  The camping areas were packed however and the toilets .... well, interesting.

As I understand it as a tourist you can't own a bike in Vietnam.  Also, driving without a Vietnamese license is illegal in Vietnam.  Plenty of people rent bikes but it will not be covered by any insurance I have come across.  Bike tours may have special arrangements.

Becoming rarer and not usually aggressive unless provoked.  They do eat other snakes and the Monocled Cobra, which is far more common than the King, is most likely part of the diet as are Kraits.  This is knowledge passed down to me by a herpetologist - I am no expert on snakes.  Personally I am more concerned with Monocled and the White lipped Viper, which I have gotten way too close too by accident. 

Proton use a lot of Mitsubishi parts.  A lot of people hate them but in my case they are the same people that said Kia and Hyundai were unreliable.  One, an auto engineer, laughed that I buy Japanese cars and only buys VW.  He is continually plagued with problems with his cars and my old Corolla keeps on going.  I know a couple of guys that have old Jumbucks and they really like them.  If it is in good condition and the price is right then I would go for it.  You can buy repairs in Thailand pretty cheap.  Go and check the dealer out and see what kind of workshop they have.  Might be worth getting them to look the car over.

Looks like a White-bellied Sea Eagle.  I very large bird.  Could be defending a nest? Birds don't randomly attack people for no reason.

34 minutes ago, jobin said:

Ur a bit sour pgrahmm, don't u think?  I mean the world is what it is, if u don't like what u find here, institute change in urself first.  But moaning to others is downright foolish.  I can see by ur avatar (which may be bogus) that u r getting on in yrs and r losing the zip of youth, hence the need to complain. Won't work here.

What is it with the idea that older people spend their life complaining about change.  I am an old bloke and can tell you that the thing I complain about most is that some younger people think that older people are half dead whingers - but don't put us all in that category.  I find too many younger people are wasting their lives because they are not getting out there and experiencing everything they can. I welcome any new music opportunities.  I admit HRC is a bit potted but anything to liven up a place has to be a good thing.  Too many music venues have closed over the recent years.

3 hours ago, thai3 said:

Bit selfish, not really thinking about the kid is he, kid will be an orphan before finishing School

But a very rich one.

Actually, for most westerners and Asians the purchasing power has increased dramatically over the last thirty years. Things tend, on the whole to be far cheaper against income.  Thinking back, my father had a good job but it was a long time before he could buy a new car as an example.  As a kid I flew fairly regularly around the world and this was very unusual as flights were extremely expensive.  The idea of an ordinary blue collar worker going overseas on holiday was unimaginable.  Computers are cheap - the first one I saw was worth over a million pounds and had way less power than my phone.  In fact, for better or worse, things are so cheap we accumulate them and it is cheaper to replace them than repair them.  We actually produce better food more cheaply and in greater quantities that at any other time and have far more food than the world can eat.  The problem here is that most of the food is polarised in the wealthy countries and much of it wasted,  Generally inflation will be with us as reliably as old age.  It hits those on a fixed income the most.