elwood

Warin swimmingpool as teachers in the afternoon, about 5pm you find them there and can arrange the lessons, and also in the Sport School opposite to Tesco Lotus about same time you should find a tacher.

Four or five years ago my granddaughter had free swimming classes at the Sports School, from beginners upwards (they also had instructions for many other pastimes throughout the long school holiday).

This may well have been discontinued, but could be worth calling in to check.

Ok I got it. Close to Mo chit.

I think I just get a hotel and ride the bus in the morning.

Thanks for all the info.

The NCA bus calls in to Mo Chit after leaving their own terminal, just a few minutes - but much easier and more comfortable to board at NCA's terminal.

Mo Chit is crowded and can be a headache negotiating if you are new to it.

Good idea to print a Google map of NCA's place - most drivers know it but I have had a couple who didn't (must be Southerners!).

"Just thought it would make my life easier."

Sometimes yes, sometimes no.

Banks will accept a yellow book (or a work permit) for opening an account. The Revenue Department will accept a yellow book for obtaining a Tax I.D.. Probably there are other instances.

But as mentioned, most Land Transport offices will not accept a yellow book, will insist on a Certificate of Residence, when buying a vehicle or getting a driver's license.

I have only ever seen reports of one Land Transport office (Jomtien) not accepting the yellow tabien bahn. I have used mine in Bangkok, Petchaburi and Chiang Mai without any problems.

Sophon

There are several that will not accept them. Ubon is one of them. They don't accept residence certificates either they give you a form to have immigration sign and stamp,

I renewed my driving licence in Ubon last October using the Yellow book as proof of address.

You never lose your Thai girlfriend here, you just lose your place in the line.....

I swear they should put up warning signs at the airport. How can anybody

be so clueless ???

BP says she was Uzbek.

I have had accident claims paid promptly by AIA for myself; also our grandchildren have had hospitalisation paid on several occasions over the past 10 years.

All paid without fuss.

"Beyond these two events, the continued imposition of martial law and a delayed election could be spoilers in any effort to improve bilateral ties. If that is the prevailing scenario, it means Thai-US relations are not as seriously important as their officials like to portray."

"Thailand, as a key non-Nato ally, has been frustrated with its slow and complicated arms procurements from the US."

"Thailand has expanded defense dialogues and programmes with China, Russia and Vietnam."

The US has long had a defense treaty with Thailand, promising to defend it if attacked by outside forces. Thailand recently doesn't choose very good friends for when the chips are down. Its asking to be gobbled up by China which is on the verge of collapse itself. It has made bilateral trade agreements for "barter" with Russia which is already on its lips.

The US is the #2 buyer of Thai exports behind only Japan.

And, a fascist military dictatorship which overthrew an elected government wants the US to look the other way. Not gonna happen. (Look up "fascist" before you throw stones.)

So USA isn't happy dealing with a "fascist military dictatorship" - how about dealing with Communist Vietnam?

In October the USA announced it would be selling weapons to Vietnam for maritime security.

""State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters the U.S. will now allow sales of lethal maritime security capabilities and for surveillance on a case-by-case basis.

U.S. officials said it could include both boats and air assets, subject to discussion with Vietnam and evaluation of its needs, particularly its coast guard.

U.S. officials said the easing of the ban recognized improvements by Vietnam's authoritarian government on human rights, including the release of 11 prisoners of conscience this year and progress on religious freedom, but the move was primarily driven by America's national security interests.

Everyday, I go to Google News and search 'Thailand.'

The local press isn't covering the oppression. Imagine that.

The Bangkok Pundit?

He was reliable and would skirt around the sensitive issues but would lead you to the good stuff.

He took allot of shots at The Nation and pointed out their unethical journalism practices.

Voluntarily took his site down last week when the news stories just got too hot.

Yes the local papers have always printed 'nonsense' but it's got to the point now when it's a couple of pages of local 'celeb' fluff and the rest is made up of ads.

Even the BP isn't worth a glance these days and the fact that Voranai disappeared immediately the junta seized power speaks volumes.

Nothing to do with the coup; a TV member a few months ago said Voranai emailed him to say that BP had cancelled his contract as he had become editor in chief of GQ Thailand.

Kong Rithdee is very much against the coup, yet his comments are published in BP every Saturday.

NP,

I went to renew my card this week in Ha Sip Pansa, Ubon. The answer was as expected - Sorry, scheme is cancelled now.

The lady did say, with a smile, that the last government was working on a new scheme for expats, so I should re-apply if and when we get a new government.

However, nothing to stop up continuing to use the hospital, which I will. You never know, being a relatively small hospital with few expat patients, we may well be given the 30 baht rate!

Elwood

excellent post young julian.

however i will say again the larb moo pizza was great !

and i do not intend to bash your restaurant , but i got a cold coffee !

the young lady did fix the problem , even though i am a RACIST LIAR.

it will not stop me going back to your restaurant to eat next saturday whilst i am in ubon.

rgeards

moose

and the black forest cake has been vastly improved since you gentlemen started to use real cherries.

+1 for praising larb moo pizza; tastes even better with a plate of garlic bread!

Nobody claimed Issan was just one big farm, it is indeed a plateau, and as such mostly boringly flat and dry as a bone, when it's not flooded that is! Every small town looks like a concrete copy of another with very little of interest that Thais have ever constructed. However I am all for issan folk keeping up their culture, Lao and kahmin should be taught in Schools, instead Thai authority does not and would be happy to see regional language die away altogether. Similarly 'real' Issan music is almost totally ignored by Thai TV networks, there are no regular morlam programs on the main TV channels and is there any TV broadcast in lao? I think not. No wonder there is such a split down the middle of Thai society when a large part of it has been ignored, sidelined and when they do vote in who they want the tanks roll them over. I don't see any support at all in Issan for Suthep and his laughingly called 'democrats'.

Ubon has, or rather had, 3 Democrat MPs in the last Parliament, Peua Thai 6 I believe.

Today in Ubon and other Isaan areas there were large demonstrations against the government.

My 'real' Isaan friends regularly listen to 'real' Isaan music on TV; and why have Lao and Khamin taught in schools - the locals speak Isaan and Thai. I know very little of the local dialect, but manage OK with the locals because they speak speak Thai to me.

You have a thing about slagging Isaan and its people, why do you bother? I don't go on the General section saying nasty things about your negative contributions.

Nice story.

Be prepared, some members will soon claim all the hospitality was part of an act to make you give money in the end.

After all, it is the only country in the world where it is a national policy to scam visitors.

Seriously pal, nice story.

And sure enough, your prediction comes true; who else but Swissie, with his inevitable Isaan-bashing twaddle.

Sheryl,

You are the person who has done so much to maintain this topic, so can you please add Ha Sip Pansah Ubon Ratchathani to your list.

Registered yesterday - had a few hurdles to overcome, as I was the first applicant; however, no need to bore everyone with all the happenings, just to say that the Admin lady who helped us was excellent, going out of her way to search websites and make calls to ensure that we were eligible, even chivied up the doctor who was querying how come a fat old retired farang was sitting in front of him with a medical form used by migrant workers to obtain work permits!

Yellow House Book plus copy

Passport plus copy

2 photos

I took along all sorts of info (and wife), plus extra copies just in case - maybe a good idea for others who may follow; you never know whether another admin officer would ask for more details.

We went to Saphasit Hospital, our main hospital, first - again a very helpful lady who knew about the scheme but re-directed us to the hospital covering our area - so quite possible that Saphasit would also be OK for applicants applying in that area.

I have to wait for the card but am already entered in the system should I need to use it.

Thanks to all who posted info from Udon Thani, it was a great help.

Elwood

I believe that 50 Pansah is a NEW hospital dedicated to the Crown Prince. It must be nice.

I'm wondering if you were sent there because you live outside Mueng Ubon? My place is across from Wat Ban Na Mueng. I wonder if I should go to Saphasit Hospital or 50 Pansah.

Sent from my iPad using ThaiVisa app

We are in amphoe Muang, but our tambon in my house book is Ban Tabor and it comes under Pansah. The hospital was created to try to ease the load from Saphasit; at the moment it has nothing like the volume of customers at the main hospital.

It suits me as the journey is very easy and parking is available. I was treated there in August and had good and efficient service - 90 minutes from filling in the form as first time visitor to collecting my medicine.

Elwood

My wife just explained to me that our place is in Rai Noi and so is Ha Sip Pansah so I am pretty sure that is where is should be going. Was the yellow house book requested by the hospital?

Yes, it was the first item asked for; she entered my reference number into her computer to check the records, then that number was used for the application form.

Sheryl,

You are the person who has done so much to maintain this topic, so can you please add Ha Sip Pansah Ubon Ratchathani to your list.

Registered yesterday - had a few hurdles to overcome, as I was the first applicant; however, no need to bore everyone with all the happenings, just to say that the Admin lady who helped us was excellent, going out of her way to search websites and make calls to ensure that we were eligible, even chivied up the doctor who was querying how come a fat old retired farang was sitting in front of him with a medical form used by migrant workers to obtain work permits!

Yellow House Book plus copy

Passport plus copy

2 photos

I took along all sorts of info (and wife), plus extra copies just in case - maybe a good idea for others who may follow; you never know whether another admin officer would ask for more details.

We went to Saphasit Hospital, our main hospital, first - again a very helpful lady who knew about the scheme but re-directed us to the hospital covering our area - so quite possible that Saphasit would also be OK for applicants applying in that area.

I have to wait for the card but am already entered in the system should I need to use it.

Thanks to all who posted info from Udon Thani, it was a great help.

Elwood

I believe that 50 Pansah is a NEW hospital dedicated to the Crown Prince. It must be nice.

I'm wondering if you were sent there because you live outside Mueng Ubon? My place is across from Wat Ban Na Mueng. I wonder if I should go to Saphasit Hospital or 50 Pansah.

Sent from my iPad using ThaiVisa app

We are in amphoe Muang, but our tambon in my house book is Ban Tabor and it comes under Pansah. The hospital was created to try to ease the load from Saphasit; at the moment it has nothing like the volume of customers at the main hospital.

It suits me as the journey is very easy and parking is available. I was treated there in August and had good and efficient service - 90 minutes from filling in the form as first time visitor to collecting my medicine.

Elwood

There are reports from many provinces of people getting cards. Unfortunately we haven't heard anything yet about Ubon.

Mike, I finally got around to applying yesterday.

Full details in the other thread (Sheryl's), so that she can add to her list, but I am registered at Ha Sip Pansah Ubon.

That's fine by me, as I have been there before and it is closer, and less hectic, than Saphasit.

Elwood

Sheryl,

You are the person who has done so much to maintain this topic, so can you please add Ha Sip Pansah Ubon Ratchathani to your list.

Registered yesterday - had a few hurdles to overcome, as I was the first applicant; however, no need to bore everyone with all the happenings, just to say that the Admin lady who helped us was excellent, going out of her way to search websites and make calls to ensure that we were eligible, even chivied up the doctor who was querying how come a fat old retired farang was sitting in front of him with a medical form used by migrant workers to obtain work permits!

Yellow House Book plus copy

Passport plus copy

2 photos

I took along all sorts of info (and wife), plus extra copies just in case - maybe a good idea for others who may follow; you never know whether another admin officer would ask for more details.

We went to Saphasit Hospital, our main hospital, first - again a very helpful lady who knew about the scheme but re-directed us to the hospital covering our area - so quite possible that Saphasit would also be OK for applicants applying in that area.

I have to wait for the card but am already entered in the system should I need to use it.

Thanks to all who posted info from Udon Thani, it was a great help.

Elwood

Watch this space as its coming soon. I have just sold the business and the new owners will be updating and creating the new website shortly. On saying that, I would like to thank all of my many customers and friends that have supported me over the past 3.5 years. I have had a wonderful time chatting over a cuppa or two and meeting the varying characters that make up this wonderful city of Ubon. I will be taking a break for a couple of months then think about whats next.

The new owners are Julian and Uriel and they bring a wealth of experience to Peppers as they come from a strong restaurant back ground in the US. I would like to welcome them to Ubon Ratchathani and I wish them every success in their new business at Peppers Bakery.

Cheers to you all and thank you again.

Regards

John

I was wondering when you were going to announce this to the Issan world!

As the previous owner before John I would like to say a big well done to him for continuing on with our project and continuing to build a successful business that has been much welcomed and used by both locals, expats and tourists in Ubon. He spent many hours building it up and making many great improvements. I have heard a lot about the new owners and look forward to meeting them soon, all the best Julian and Uriel.

Not only has John built a great business he has also helped out so many people behind the scenes which most locals would be completely unaware of. If you do decide to leave Ubon John I know for a fact you will be greatly missed. All the best mate.

I like the way he always finds time to acknowledge customers, whether regulars or strangers; along with his great staff it means that Peppers is a very nice place to sit and relax. Thanks for the little chats and the Earl Grey!

He'll be a hard act to follow - like coming on after Springsteen!

Elwood

went there last week for the first time ..very nice and clean..i wish the cups were bigger though...

Try a pot of tea; gives you a couple of large cups of Earl Grey, washes the savoury pies down a treat!

In this case, yes, your niece is clearly wrong!

It would be something like

มีแฟนหรือยัง

[ถามอะไร]น่าเกลียด

There is just no way that the reply would mean that their partner is ugly.

มีแฟนหรือยัง

[เขาหน้าตา]น่าเกลียด

Sorry, doesn't work at all...

Stone me, this is hard work.

The OP's question was do you have a boyfriend? My niece's answer would be no I'm not attractive enough, or too plain, whatever. (Similar to a reply in England - no I'm not pretty enough to get one or they don't fancy me). She is referring to herself - where does a partner suddenly crop up?

Anyway Mr Mole, no problem - you have your ideas I'll have mine, that's what this forum is all about. Now I'll get out and leave it to the language experts; I should imagine the OP is a little confused with all the different answers!

According to my niece, when said as a reply to such as "do you have a boy/girlfriend?", it means "no, too plain, or " not good looking enough"; nothing to do with feeling insulted by the question.

The same as a woman in the west may reply.

No, your niece has clearly misunderstood the context.

So my niece must be wrong and you must be right? Fair enough; that's why we are here, to hear different opinions.

That's the way she sees it, and the answer she would give.

According to my niece, when said as a reply to such as "do you have a boy/girlfriend?", it means "no, too plain, or " not good looking enough"; nothing to do with feeling insulted by the question.

The same as a woman in the west may reply.

With the technology available today, they can't put some technology in ATM's to stop this? How is it possible?

They could at least put CCTV cameras around every ATM machine, so the bib immediately know who to look for.

We don´t need an ATM machine outside of every shop or in every dark alley! Allow the shops to pay out extra cash on credit/debit cards on any purchase (like up to THB 1,000). Gather the ATM machines from different banks in safe rooms built of concrete and armored glass (like in the movie ATM) and keep the suspects locked inside the room, until the local bib shows up and check, if they are in possession of any illegal equipment or stolen credit cards. A valid credit or debit card should be used to access the rooms. The rooms could be placed in connection to 7 eleven shops, which are open 24 hours and widely spread all over Thailand.

Not really sure what your point is...all ATMs already have small cameras in them (ever notice that mirror thingy...it's not for ladies to touch up their makeup you know). As for the standalone ATMs everywhere, I agree these should be avoided as its easier for criminals to attach card readers to them. It's best practice to only use ATMs in or adjacent to bank branches or busy locations like inside shopping centers or supermarkets.

The tiny mirror maybe it's not for the ladys to touch up ther make-up but it is possible the same lady's are thinking it is for to keep the ghosts outside. ;-))

The Lithuanian are coming now to Thailand because in Europe they don't make so much chance anymore all the police there know there tricks already.

Britain is part of Europe and these things are still being reported regularly, France too (also see Italy mentioned in another post). If the police have indeed learnt all the Lithuanian tricks as you say, it makes no difference; the Romanians, Bulgarians and others, including our own thieving bar stewards, are still busy stealing.

This government Health insurance is for Foreigners. It's 2800 baht per year and you would have government Health insurance similar to Thai nationals.

I am guessing that either the farangs in Ubon either don't need the insurance or don't know about it.

Mike, I am an interested farang in Ubon; however, my wife doesn't return from visiting the kids until early November. She has asked me to wait until then as she wants to come with me. We do know some people in the Ubon medical world - not administrative departments unfortunately - and will be talking with them first.

I have private medical insurance and would of course retain it, but in recent months I have used government facilities for general medical ailments that would not have been covered by it and have no complaints about the treatment.

Thanks for posting this in the Isaan forum; I rarely look at the health forum so would have missed it.

In the meantime I hope that someone else will give it a try and report back here.

might have something to do with one, or more, of your add-ons. Because going into 'incognito' mode usually disables some, or all, of your add-ons depending on your settings (see the "Allow in incognito" checkbox in the Extension section of the Settings page [ chrome://extensions/ ]). With a bit of testing you should be able to find out which add-on is causing problems.

Thanks; I enabled the extensions for Incognito but it still played videos OK.

I have tried another couple of websites and their videos played, so it seems to be just YouTube. So that means I have somehow picked up something that blocks only their videos eh? Unfortunately, MSE and Malwarebytes came up clean.

It isn't a major problem, seeing as I can watch via Incognito anyway, but I don't like having something like that around, in case it eventually does some more important damage.

I had the same problem with Chrome and Youtube a while ago. My skills in this area are limited and my memory of it a bit vague.

However. It maybe a conflict between the flash add on(?) or plug-in already built into Chrome, and the separate and downloadable flash player you may already have got separately. The two beasts fight.

The answer is to look at your add ons - or plug ins in the settings, and disable one of these. In the tick box. So they do not have a little conflict.

There, To me that sounds as if I know what I am talking about, but I have probably initiated mass hysteria amongst computer experts.

If you can look at youtube videos on your or another's computer and put in a begging query about chrome and downloading videos on you tube you will get loads of clips showing how to rectify the problem.

The clips always come at you a bit quickly, but persevere.

I hope this answer doesn't break anything.

I hope this answer doesn't break anything.

No it didn't Chas, but it gave me a smile. Seems that you and I are at similar levels when it comes to computers - low level, that is!

As for the plug-ins, I have already tried disabling one, but no change unfortunately. What gets me is that I can watch the videos on Chrome incognito, but not the regular page. Seems that I am doomed to remain in the Incognito site when wishing to watch You Tube.

Anyway, I'll take another look at Google Search and YouTube for any other ideas.

Thanks Chas.

I would select the video, but it would either stop after 20 seconds and the picture go black, or it wouldn't start at all and just show the black screen.

On Internet Explorer there wasn't any problem.

I tried a few remedies taken from Google Search with no effect. Luckily I have just opened You Tube on Incognito - Ctrl+Shift+N - and everything is fine.

However, could someone please help this dummy to get my main page back to normal?

I did a malware scan yesterday - clean, and checked my Chrome extensions, but all of those were my own additions.

Thanks in advance,

Elwood