Globalguppy

Hi hi,

I'm looking to buy a good quality body board. I've just been buying the cheapy ones from the beach vendors, and of course everytime I hit the waves the board breaks. I go out everyday so it's time to invest in a real board.

I like speed and being able to maneuver real well, so a bat tail board would be perfect.

The only shop I've seen on the island is Saltwater Dreams in Surin. I live in Nai Harn so something closer would be preferable.

Actually if I can find a good condition second hand board, for a good deal that'd be perfect... I'd drive to the airport for that!! BUT second hand is not necessary if it does not exist.

Does anyone know of a closer shop? Perhaps Kata or Karon? Patong even?

I greatly appreciate any responses, as I can't go one more day without riding!!!!I'm going crazy

Kap khun mak kaaaaa!!! ------ in advance

"I would suggest that many people from Europe visiting Thailand for the first, second or even third time are not so aware of the terrible gun culture this country has and this girl sadly and rather naively got in the middle of the fracass."

My friends talked to people who were there and he did not have a gun in sight. Bravo to this girl for being a stand up human being.. If enough people standing around had the decency that this girl did to stop things, than that man could have been jumped in a heart beat no doubt. I've seen it done. But, I guess it wasn't their problem..

But, unfortunately when it comes to fight or flight, people fly, fly, fly away. AND, it's not only when it comes to human to human violence.

I was mauled by a monkey the other week and five people just stood there and stared as I was losing so much blood. As a human being I would have run to help. A towel, a shirt, something for f*cks sake! But, alas no, they didn't do a thing. Five people. Just staring. But, I guess it wasn't their problem.

I saw a man nearly drowning to death a few months ago. My friends and I didn't even think for a second of just standing there to stare at him and listen to his screams. We didn't think "oh what an idiot for swimming in such bad waters". No. We ran bare foot over sharp rocks and shells, and stood flat foot, linking arms, while big waves crashed onto us, to help him, while people stood and stared. But, I guess it wasn't their problem.

I walked out of a store and saw a group of people standing and staring at something. When I looked to see what they were staring at, I saw a girl who'd fallen off her motorbike still on the ground. She wasn't severely injured just scratched, cut, and crying. I was the only one to run over and help. Some people even watched it happen, but just stood and stared. But, I guess it wasn't their problem.

I'm not saying I'm a hero, I'm just shocked that so many people just don't give a sh*t. Maybe it's the way I was raised. It makes me lose faith in humanity to see that so many people have cowardly instincts.

We'll see what you people will be saying (heaven forbid) while something terrible happens to you the next time, and people just stand around and stare. Oh stupid me, I guess you'll be shouting, "Oi, don't you folks worry bout a thing now, it's just my problem. Now stare and enjoy the show courtesy of, ow, owww, ow, of me! =)

Christ what a harrowing tale, I have always been wary of wandering around amongst monkeys - Thai girls think it is fun time., though I used to take a delight in feeding the smaller monkeys whilst the big one glowered. Great news that you changed hospital and found a good doctor and are on the mend.

Thank you. On Day 11 (yesterday) I was finally able to get stitched up. It used to be a fun time to go up there and feed them, especially with some of the local volunteers and monks. But now that I know how emotional and dangerous they are, I won't be going back. It's too bad, but it won't keep me from loving all animals. It'll just give me a new found respect and knowledge for these particular ones.

BEFORE- http://www.flickr.com/photos/27543190@N02/3470941562/

AFTER- http://www.flickr.com/photos/27543190@N02/3482749201/

So I decided to quit Phuket Intl' hospital and go to Bangkok Hospital instead for a second opinion.

What a difference!!! Thank the heavens I did!

The staff was so friendly. The doctor picked up on something within the first minuet that the other doctor had not seen for a whole week. It turns out the two bites are connected. He loaded me up with local anesthetics, cut a path from one wound to the other (totally infected, green, yellow, grey mess), and cleaned it all out. Now the wound is huge, however it's pink and healthy. I was so worried about amputation and said that it may have been a possibility if it had never been found.

He also told me that I didn't need any other vaccinations than the other ones I already had. And he also said that the two week time period was not necessary before stitching me up.. He said three days max and I'm good to go. They bandaged me so good. No leaks. Can you believe that my wound was actually sticking out from the job they did at the other hospital? Unbelievable.

With minor surgery, meds, latest anit biotic technology put directly on the wound (Phuket Intl' just used gauze and Betadine) and everything else, it cost half the price of Phuket Intl' the first day I arrived.

He actually made me feel better about the wound, seeing how clean it was, and how professional and smart he was (is). He also had wonderful bedside manner.

I almost can't wait to go back tomorrow! Ok that may be pushing it =) I'm just so happy to have found such a wonderful doctor and staff!!!

Also, the doctor said that this may be the same monkey that has been attacking everyone else. Apparently it's got a signature walk! I wouldn't have known since he jumped me from behind. Oi, not even a fair fight! Although I have a feeling that if I had it in me to hit an animal that it would have just mauled me death. That's why I just gave him the rest of the nuts and walked away. Still bitter

Thanks everyone for all of your replies and concerns.

It's strange, EVERYONE I've talked to about this has either been bitten or knows someone who has been bitten. Crazy, with all the years I've worked with stray dogs I've never heard such crazy stories.

Yes, now I know, monkeys are unpredictable. I learned just yesterday that it's the recent change in weather that has them all cranky and depressed.

Luckily I don't have to receive that set of rabies shots. I received one more yesterday when I went in for the daily cleaning and it was only like 600 baht.

Oh the cleaning. I'm supposed to go in an hour. I'm dreading it. It's torture time. They cut open the bandages (no pain killers, no local anesthetics) and they poke, prod, clean, and cut away the infection. All I get is a towel to scream into. I've lost my voice since. Yesterday was the most infected. I feel like throwing up just thinking about it. I really have to tell myself, it's either 2 weeks of torture or a lifetime of some other illness or no leg. The big wound does not even hurt as much as that singular tooth puncture right to the bone. They have to shove that hole with gauze and when they do that I see stars.

Ok wish me luck. Today is day 5 with only 9 days left.

I would be much more concerned for types of viruses that this monkey can carry similar to HIV or Herpes, and I would think its most important to get the same kind of shots that rape victims or injured police get when they have been exposed to HIV infected people.

SIV and STLV, This is the simian counterpart to HIV and HTLV

simian herpes virus is another one

How common is this? The doctor did not mention anything about it yesterday. I didn't think about it either, but since you posted it I didn't get a wink of sleep last night.

I'm going into the hospital right now for the first follow up cleaning. Yesterday I was on morphine so it was hard to look up anymore of the great information you all provided for me.

Thanks everyone again for being informative and kind. I'll update things when I get back. And see what's up with these prices.

Rang Hill.

I've been there loads of times, to watch the monkeys and enjoy the scenery of the mountain. If I have a friend from out of town I bring them there and we sometimes give them treats, fruits or unsalted nuts. I've never had a problem until today.

I do what I'd normally do and feed them, giving attention to the big alpha males as much as the younger and more week ones. Anyway as I was feeding some younger ones a large alpha male came from behind and bit me on the leg. Twice. I calmly dropped the food once I noticed a waterfall of blood flowing down my leg. I tied my leg in a tourniquet and I got on my bike and drove to Phuket International hospital.

I've had my full round of rabies shots in Thailand at the end of 2007 along with all other shots you need when traveling SE Asia. Today I received a booster, and tetunus shot. The main bite wound is large and deep to the bone. And because it's a wild monkey, and rabies is an issue, they can't sew me up for 2 weeks.

Today they just cleaned it out, gave me local anesthetic and morphine, and pennicilin. The bill was nearly 8,000 baht.

I have to go in for more rabies shots. They told me it would be 25,000 baht. I also need to go in everyday for two weeks to have it cleaned out. I don't know how much that will be.

The question is this. Is it possible to go somewhere that will give me the same great treatment, for cheaper? Do I really need the recommended 5 bottles of rabies shots if I already had my preventative rabies shots? I know that my health comes first. I need advice. Also curious as to why it bit me. Jealousy? Trying to keep the pecking order in order?

I'm a volunteer for both Soi Dog Foundation and P.A.W.S. I know by dealing with these animals that I put myself at risk and feel like a complete idiot for not having health insurance. I'm American and I'm just used to never having it.

I'm in a lot of pain and I already feel stupid enough for putting myself in this situation. So please, no lectures, just kind and informative advice as always.

Thank you.

aren't they just the best!

Yes they are! When I lived in San Francisco I didn't have a bed and I used this as my bed for quite some time. I always woke up from a great sleep. Just the other day I was at a tattoo shop that had two papasans outside the business for clients to relax on, listen to bossa nova, and look over the tattoo books, that was it, I was out like a light in a matter of minuets. That's when I knew I had to find one again (not for an actual bed this time).

Anyway the owner woke me up and I asked her where she got them and it was from a friend from a from who had them imported.

That's when the search was on to have my own!!

Did you notice if the cushions were included with the chairs on Chao Fa East? Do you mind if I ask how much you paid for the custom made papasan? Thanks for your reply.

The one I had made in Kata was quite expensive, about 8,000 baht.... 12 years ago. But it's still in use, with cushion cover renewal every 5 years. The ones I've noticed by roadside are cheaper build, with cushion.

Great thank you for the info. Going to check it out today!

I had mine made at the Kata Ratan shop, Patak Road, south end of Kata. I've also noticed them being sold at the side of main roads from back of pick-ups. For example on Chao Fa East, almost at Phuket Town, near the giant PTT gas station.

God I love this forum!

Did you notice if the cushions were included with the chairs on Chao Fa East? Do you mind if I ask how much you paid for the custom made papasan? Thanks for your reply.

A picture might help to give an inkling of what your idea of a papasan chair is and thus cure your sore eyes more rapidly.

Makes me want to cuddle inside it right now!

Help! My eyes feel like raisens. I've checked the internet in every nook and cranny and can't seem to find out where I can get a papasan chair with cushion in this country. I'd preferably like to know of a place here in Phuket, but will spring for the shipping if it's coming from elsewhere in Thailand. Perhaps there's another name for these chairs in Thailand? I mean I'm pretty sure they were invented here.

I just want two for my new house, they are really the most comfortable things in the world!!

Great appreciation for any replies.

So many people who post on here that dont know what they are talking about. Have you been in consistent contact with one of this breed to make a fair opinion?? probably not.

Alot like people who post on things about Thais and their Thai culture but cant read or even speak Thai and hold a conversation.

Do you even know how Thais treat their fuc_kin dogs??? Beleive it or not, there are lots of pitties in Thailand and this is the first case I heard of. It could even be a case of Rabies, rampid in Thailand and highly contagious.

But an opinion is like an asshol_e,, everyone has one.

I agree. No one understands the first thing about the psycology of dogs here. I've grown up with pitties all my life and as long as they're treated with love and respect, they'll never hurt you.

Here's a thought for all of you geniuses:

Why don't we just have people out lawed as well, that way we don't have to constantly hear about how they maul people all the time.

Love, peace, and kindeness breeds good dogs AND people.

So many people who post on here that dont know what they are talking about. Have you been in consistent contact with one of this breed to make a fair opinion?? probably not.

Alot like people who post on things about Thais and their Thai culture but cant read or even speak Thai and hold a conversation.

Do you even know how Thais treat their fuc_kin dogs??? Beleive it or not, there are lots of pitties in Thailand and this is the first case I heard of. It could even be a case of Rabies, rampid in Thailand and highly contagious.

But an opinion is like an asshol_e,, everyone has one.

====================================================

I agree. No one understands the first thing about the psycology of dogs here. I've grown up with pitties all my life and as long as they're treated with love and respect, they'll never hurt you.

Here's a thought for all of you geniuses:

Why don't we just have people out lawed as well, that way we don't have to constantly hear about how they maul people all the time.

Love, peace, and kindeness breeds good dogs AND people.

You can get another 60 day tourist visa.

It is also possible to get a 2 entry tourist visa in Vientiane Laos which means you would only have to make a border run after 90 days instead of getting a new visa.

Is it possible to get a 2 entry in Panang or only Vientien. I am in Phuket now so Lao is a bit of a treck. Thanks for the speedy response btw.

Does anyone know where to get nag champa incense in Phuket??? I have been searching forever.

Thanks.

Hello,

I have been in Thailand for nearly six months. The first three were on 30 day visa exemptions on arrival. I then went to Panang to get a 60 day tourist visa. I have since had the tourist visa extended for another 30 days at the immigration office for 1900 baht. My boyfriend has recently gotten a job here and has a work permit, and I want to stay with him.

Here is my question: Is it possible to leave thailand and get another 60 day tourist visa, or do I have to leave and then return on a 30 day visa exemption? I would rather get another tourist visa as that means I will not have to do another visa run for 90 days including the extension. I am currently looking for a job that will get me a work permit, but my current tourist visa extension expires in 10 days.

Thanks for your help!

I've just come across this list and it really does have some great recommendations.

I just want to add one more:

Foccacia Pizzeria on the Chalong pier road. It's by far the best pizza I've had in all of S.E. Asia. He also makes fresh buccotini and other types of pastas My friends and I call it grumpy pizza, because the owner is an angry Italian man. However, he does make sure to check up on you every so often to make sure you're enjoying your meal, even if he is a bit harsh. However, he warms up at the end of the meal and gives a smile which looks like it might hurt, but still makes me feel warm inside!

Try this place out people, the food is so good it makes me want to cry tears of joy!!!

Thanks for the replies. I ended up going to Central and buying 2 sets of the brand name you recommended. They seem like great quality masks, and they were only 850 baht. What a deal!!!

Hello,

This should be an easy question. I'm looking to buy a snorkel set without blowing my budget. I just want a quality mask that isn't going to leak, and I want to spend less than a 1,000 baht. Where can I go? All the sports shops I've been to (Central, Jungceylon etc...) have been selling them for outrageous prices. Help?!