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jazzed

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Posts posted by jazzed

  1. Congrats Nancy. The expat community needs someone like you more than ever.

    I've not yet relocated to Chiang Mai but Nancy -- and the CEC -- have been terrific support and sources of new friends and useful information. I try to time my visits with the Ladies Luncheon, where the company and food is always top notch.

    As for the couple of general CEC meetings I attended, both were very enjoyable specially where the new US Consul General regaled us with tales of dealing with demented, diseased and deceased. I got new respect for the diplomatic service after that. I also appreciated how, after one meeting, there were clinicians offering checkups + advice.... specialists in various services where we could seek information. Of course the companies were probably sponsors but to have all the services in one place, with no pressure to "buy", was helpful and convenient.

    It sounds like many here know Nancy and what a good egg she is. Not many people would have the guts to lead CEC after the recent unfortunate events. She certainly shows more gumption that those who sling brickbats from the shadows.

    • Like 1
  2. I believe the OP is looking to practise/learn Chinese-style martial arts (with weapons) Forummers are correct in advising that the basics involve learning "empty hand" combat first. Without knowing these basic principles, the exponent cannot wield weapons effectively and may even hurt him/herself.

    In South-east Asia this brand of martial arts is called "Wushu". Whether in Vietnam, Singapore or Thailand, the groups are related to Chinese cultural associations which often bring in coaches from China. I found this website of such a group in Bangkok:

    http://www.shaolinkungfuthailand.com/SWT-Workshop.html

    I know nothing of this group and cannot recommend it. I simply found it by internet search using the key words WUSHU and THAILAND. Wushu is a very good discipline but you must have good teachers who will guide you along the correct path. I wish you every success.

  3. Ausiris is only useful if you buy/sell their own product. I brought a 10-oz Credit Suisse bar and they would not even consider it. In fact the staff there seemed not to know about the commonly-accepted bullion products e.g. Kruggerands, Johnson Matthey, Perth Mint etc.

    Instead I popped around the corner to Maeboonruang Goldsmith (recommended by a helpful forum member) IT's near Chiang Mai Plastic. The lady boss Khun Tik is super to deal with. While she does not normally sell anything other than Thai gold (bars, jewellery) she readily buys internationally-known bullion, probably for her farang customers who do want them. She also gave me a better rate than I'd get from my dealers in Singapore or Hong Kong!

    Regarding the preservation of buying power, while it's wise to diversify and hold soft commodities (like whiskey *smile*) gold held its own and more over the past years:

    https://twitter.com/TelegraphNews/status/441880452094119937/photo/1

  4. I was thinking about 10-15000 a month.

    There are quite a few serviced apartments which are within your budget. For example Viangbua Mansion has very decent rooms with cleaning service, good WIFI, lots of eateries nearby in Tanin Market, free parking for your motorbike, great staff.

    http://www.viangbuamansion-chiangmai.com/room_rate.htm

    Lots of motorcycle hires but I recommend Vanessa Bikes in Nimmanheimin. If you take a month they will charge 3,000-3,500B for the month and deliver.

  5. The new rules came into effect start of this year. As late as Dec 2012, a friend managed to open bank accounts on his tourist visa. In Jan, I was refused at 3 different banks including Bangkok Bank. Luckily I have Thai friends who agreed to go with me and sign a form as guarantor. That worked and I opened accounts at 2 banks.

    Note: my friends and I are not Americans. We are Malaysian, Singaporean, Hong Kong. So these new rules are not only aimed at US citizens due to FATCA.

    • Like 1
  6. I love word games too! Happy to know that when we move to Chiang Mai, there are like-minded people.

    We could meet regularly at a cafe & just play for couple of hours.

    Meanwhile I play online: 'Words for Free' a free app on my iPad.....and Literati on Yahoo Games. Not quite the same but enjoyable enough. Please PM me to set up online games :-)

  7. Thanks guys for all the info. I have totally changed my travel plans to squeeze in Arunothai -- love traditional markets, tribal cultures, authentic locals.

    May I please ask some advice. I'm arriving Chiang Mai Thurs 14 Nov around noon. The plan is to get in the rental car, scoot straight up to someplace near Arunothai & stay the night....so I can wake early to catch the Friday market. Lots of options in Fang, Doi Angkhang etc should I be staying in Chiang Dao?

    By the way, after Arunothai I'm heading off to Thoed Thai so that I can catch Hua Mae Kham (sunflower festival) next day, Sat 16 Nov.

    Then onto Chiang Saen for Loy Krathong. Cross fingers that the rental car & GPS are in good condition :-)

  8. Mama's Kitchen serves up brilliant Indian food. The Thai lady boss moved to Pakistan with her husband, learning from her mother-in-law. You can also order through Meals on Wheels. After you have eaten her fine cooking, you will no doubt wish to order her spice mixes.

    8 Charoenprathet Lane 1

    Off Changklan Rd, near Galare GH.

    Google them for their Facebook page

  9. Insisting on renters having licenses is only covering b*** (assuming most of these renters are from China)

    It will not be effective in promoting road safety in Chiang Mai

    Most countries require a 3-stage process to acquire a driving license (1) theory course/test...(2) practical lessons... (3) practical test

    To my knowledge, the final practical test is conducted in real world environments i.e. on the streets with drivers, riders, pedestrians, stray dogs etc. In my personal experience, my lessons were also on public roads (but the instructor kept to quiet back-roads for my first few lessons)

    In China, the practical test is conducted in gigantic car-parks set up to mimic real-world streets. There are street signs, traffic lights, parking bays, fake buildings, the odd abandoned bicycle. But the learner driver is never taken on onto the public road system. THE TEST OR EXAM IS ALSO CONDUCTED THE CAR PARK!!

    The first time drivers in China hit the streets: when they have collected their licenses.

  10. Top loaders are less kind to your clothes. They have a stronger "pulling" effect. But they are easier to load/unload.

    Front loaders clean clothes better. They replicate - more than top loaders - the action of hand-washing clothes. The pulling is also less severe so your stuff will not get torn up so much. But if you have bad knees or bad back, squatting to load/unload can be a downside.

    Some French brands have a drum which washes clothes "sideways" but all loading is from a top open lid. Those are expensive though.

    If you wear mainly jeans and own less delicate fabrics, go for the cheaper top loaders.

    • Like 1
  11. Consider BaanSongJum for a medium-term option. It's a delightful homestay down a quiet soi, exactly opposite Rimping Condo. While not exactly on Kaew Nawarat Road, it's probably near enough for your needs. There are 4 fan rooms (450B/day) and 4 a/c rooms (550B) on either side of a charming teak house. I believe the owner will negotiate medium- to long-term monthly rates which are within your budget. That includes utilities so once you agree a rate, you don't worry about any other house costs.

    When I was last there 1/2 year ago, a young American couple were renting the little house at the back of the garden. They teach in different schools and there's plenty of space for scooters. If they're no longer there. that would be a nice private corner in a very large property.

    Lovely hangout area under the house. Very strong WIFI. No private kitchen for you, but the landlady is flexible with you cooking in the main kitchen. She's a friendly, generous landlady which is why I stay there on my visits to Chiang Mai.

    Khun Parichart (Nui)

    053-244 994

    089-8100 482

  12. Might be easier to take up petanque as all you need is a bit of open land

    Excellent idea. Setting up a League would incentivise teams to practise, compete regularly and keep the interest up. Having the games during "slower Happy Hour" times means win-win for all: players get the place all to themselves... restaurant can sell drinks+ snacks... everything is packed up in good time so that diners are not disturbed,

    • Like 1
  13. It is difficult to answer your question "any ideas?" What is it exactly that you wish to know?

    I can immediately say though that you can live very comfortably (and get decent internet connection) on 120,000 Baht.

    You would know that -- and find out many more useful things -- if you bother to look through previous posts. I myself have been planning to transition to Chiang Mai and find the Thaivisa forum members generous and helpful. I am amazed at the number of newcomers who ask the same basic questions "where should I rent?" .... "How much should I budget for xxxx?" .... Some key words in the search box on top will bring up many previous discussions.

    You ask forum members to be kind. May I humbly suggest that you treat them with the same consideration. It will also serve you better to inform yourself through reading those previous discussions....then asking more specific questions.

  14. Romyen Garden has something else going for it (besides being little patronised by tourists) A short walk to the end of the soi is Fiore Rosa, a very decent Italian eatery. Roberto runs it out of his own home so there's an easy-going vibe. It faces a man-made pond, pleasant to chill out in the evenings with a glass of wine.

    Their Saturday lunch buffets are excellent value for money. Even then you won't be over-run by crowds. But if you really want peace and quiet, then just go at other times.

    • Like 1
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