jollyrog

To the OP I commend you for your decision. If more men made this decision there would be far less unwanted babies and abortions on this planet.

I am commenting as I can see there are some posters who clearly are not knowledgeable on the subject.

I had my vasectomy in 1980 at the age of 40 and in retrospect wish I had made that decision many years earlier. I had followed my member around for so many years I had actually given him a name as I didn't like to follow a stranger around.

After several interviews with my Doctor I showed up at his office for the surgical procedure. After disrobing and reclining on the table the nurse shaves the area in the vicinity of the cajones and injects a local anesthetic. The Doctor makes two small incisions about an inch and one half apart. Using a small device he pulls what looks like a loop of spaghetti from one of the 1/4" incisions and with scissors cuts it tying the short end in a knot and reinserting it into the incision. Then going to the other incision he extracts the long end of the spaghetti (it is called the 'vas') and cuts off 1" then tying the short end in a knot and stuffing it back into the incision. He explains had he not removed the 1" there was always the possibility the two ends would untie and reconnect. Also he said eventually the 'sperm factory' would shut down as there would not be any demand.

I watched the entire procedure over a thirty minute period and was provided a document of the surgical procedure signed by him and witnessed by the nurse in the event of a future paternity suit. I walked out of the office and resumed my promiscuous lifestyle and "Mr Happy" never knew the difference.

Roger

I am surprised there are not more accounts of this nature reported on TV. A single bicycle rider putting in some kilometers riding on a two tracker or paved surface in the countryside or through the paddies. It is ideal riding........smooth surface, no traffic, only an occasional 100cc wave rider passing by on their way home.

It is common knowledge that Western bike riders carry Baht (to hire a red truck in case of a breakdown); a cell phone in the event of a health problem and are very naive trusting souls. Also common knowledge that they can easily be run off the road in a desolate spot with no witnesses by cretins with robbery in mind. This is not a victim-less crime. As well an expensive bicycle is easily turned into cash in this third world environment

I ride a 7200 Trek rigged out with all the extras through the paddies from Hang Dong to San Patong to Lamphun weekly. It has become a meditation to me with cardio exercise as an added benefit. Four years ago as I was finding my way by GPS down a desolate paddy road when I noticed in my rear view a single rider motorbike behind matching my speed. Eventually he passed slowly checking me out disappearing behind a distant treeline. A kilometer further he appears again and slowly passes.

I am becoming alarmed now as I did not have a single weapon with me for defense...... not even a nail file. I turned at the next crossroad heading for a village and safety only to encounter him parked on the side of the road, smiling and signaling me to stop. Giving him a wide berth I sped on realizing he was probably a ladyboy looking for an encounter.

That occurrence taught me a lesson............never be caught in the open without a weapon for defense. I now always carry a 5" switchblade knife in a holster strapped to my seat post; a 2 foot x 3/4 " bamboo swagger stick with a 3" sharpened nail, mounted on the seat post directly in front of the rear tire and I wear a wide leather belt around my waist(under my riding shirt) with a heavy USMC buckle, edges sharpened.

I now ride with impunity...........anywhere I want. I am 72 years old and haven't lived this long just on luck. Better prepared and never have to use it than ......?

Jolly Roger

Pikey..........I forgot to mention fans. I have 5 downstairs and 5 upstairs, all with 10" blades (considerably quieter and push almost as much air) with one placed strategically near the air/con being used. The fans are to keep the air moving in the living space being used......the a/c to maintain the temperature. We use fans daily regardless of temperature inside. A cheaper alternative to an oversize air conditioner.

Roger

. Twenty minutes before bedtime I turn it on high on the way to the shower and it is 25c

by the time I return

Forgive me for asking Rog but what do you do in the shower for 20 mins

Sh*t, shower and shave.....Alfie.....I suspect you've not been in the United States Marine Corps. oooorah !

@ Pikey..................Here is my experience of 8 years in a two story concrete home with barrel tile roof, no insulation, 8' ceilings, no shade trees built in 2000.

The ground floor is an 84 sq meter great room with living, dining, kitchen, entertainment center and entrance foyer all adroitly arranged for functionality. The ground floor is always cooler as heat rises. I installed a 34,000 BTU unit which will cool the big room down to 25c in 20 minutes then cycle to maintain the temp....the down side is the cost not only of the unit but of electricity. When I replace it I will drop down to a 14-16,000 BTU unit.

Upstairs in the 28 sq mtr master I had installed a 12,000 BTU unit. Twenty minutes before bedtime I turn it on high on the way to the shower and it is 25c

by the time I return. Reset to low fan quiet mode I cannot hear it and it is programed to automatically shut off at a programmed time when a 10" fan turns on.

In the two guest bedrooms of 17 sq mtrs each I use 9,000 BTU units. On the West side at 5 PM it takes it takes a little longer to cool the room and the smaller units have a very quiet operation.

All units are Saijo Denki and I've had no problems with installations or service and the cost is competitive. I have electrostatic filters on all units to filter the air as they cool and dehumidify.

Roger

I am the originator of this topic.

The CM Forum is so quick to respond and with excellent advice. Thanks to all 16 of you.

The edge on your recommendations went CM Ram with the caveat of their high cost.

Two members said: Pick the Doctor and not the hospital.

I live in the Nimmankemin area and I believe that Ram is the closest to my place.

One member recommended a good doctor at Rajavej.

Does anyone recommend an Internal Medicine doctor at Ram?

Thankfully I am in excellent health and do not need specialists at this time.

Once again, thanks very much to one and all

James

James.....

Does anyone recommend an Internal Medicine doctor at Ram?

Dr. Kaset......Endocronologist at CM Ram ....on 4th floor .......full time at CM Ram........Has been my Doctor for 8 years.....schedules me with specialist as needed. If I need something I call his office and go in two hours later. So far this year heart/lungs chest X-ray; electrocardiagram; full blood breakdown; EENT Dr.; neurologist for MRI and a referal to an outside clinic for something not available in-house. At 300 Baht a visit, cheap at 10 times the price for excellent service and he is a nice guy.

Roger

This past Thursday, in at 2:45 PM, no ticket straight to counter, all paperwork completed before arrival, signed sealed and returned by the friendly officer with a reminder that my retirement visa was due for renewal Oct 1, out the door at 2:55 PM..............Sure beats 10 years ago going into the little house on the other side of the parking lot where the officer in charge had a real attitude if he didn't like the way you parted your hair. Even the kids working the counter would scatter when he walked out of his office. And setting out in the sun for hours waiting to renew your visa...........Immigration has improved 100 fold since "the good old days".

Roger

In answer to an above observation...

I booked an appt for a retirement extension last year, for this year (Sept 2012). This is before CM Imm started the 100 day queue card reservation rule.

I have a queue card ticket, and a confirming email- both of which I've printed out.

I feel no need to cancel my original reservation, and rebook, despite the fairly recent 100 day policy.

The first year that CM Imm started the online queue system, I was one of the first to book an appt. Perhaps a day after they went online with it, and it was announced here on Thai Visa by a member.

Then they did a webpage change, and somehow my reservation was wiped out.

When I showed up last Sept 2011, they had no record of my booking on the printout at the check-in located at the center of the counter.

Someone else had my time slot!

But when I showed them my printed out queue ticket....they said no problem, we realize some errors were made, and they accomodated me after a 20 minute wait past my appt time.

I have a feeling much the same thing will happen again this year, but I am not worried about it.

I would suggest people who booked in advance (as I did) just hold tight, and take in the printed out queue ticket.

I'm certain that you will be taken care of.

OK, thanks, but for people without a booking in advance. Can anyone confirm if it is worth turning up at all? Do the officials offer "on the day" queue tickets for people without online tickets?

Yes 'pete66' there are still people who do not use computers. As stated previously go any working day, up to 30 days before your due date; show up early (7 AM); get in the queue and upon entry take a number. At 8 AM the ticket machine employee will show up and start calling the numbers. You will receive a ticket showing your number for service. Have a seat and don't forget to bring a book. As stated previously have all your paperwork completed ready for submission. When in doubt make a copy of it and sign the bottom of every sheet. Have the correct funds with you; dress appropriately and smile.

At least this was the way it was before the computer appointment system was initiated and I assume it is still somewhat similar. Next year make your appointment 100 days before your due date. I usually make mine 2 to 3 weeks before my due date just in case there is a hick-up. Good luck..Roger

North side of the moat, outside East bound, Easterly end several shops with equipment displayed to the street, many battery chargers for sale.

Made in Thailand, cheap, cost depends on options selected such as voltage selector, timer or automatic shut off etc etc.

Have bought several over the years.

The wife and I bought in BWT 5C in 2004 and have never regretted it. Nice house, lots of trees.

Started with TOT telephone and dial-up internet at 52 kbps. Upgraded to TOT broadband in 2006 when it became available at 256 kbps.

Currently have TOT broadband 8 mbps at 590 baht a month and TOT landline. Best I've seen is 7.2 meg download to BKK......now avg 6.5 to BKK from 6 AM to 11 AM. Have TOT wi-fi modem for two laptops in the house and it has been flaky the past month.......dropping and reconnecting connection. Upon my complaint they have replaced my 950 baht modem free of charge but that did not sove the problem.

If I had it to do over I would really consider 3BB. neighbors who have 3BB would not go back to TOT.

Have 5 TV's in the house and 4 of them use rabbit ears for Thai local TV.....9 channels clear as a crystal. Have a roof top antenna but never hooked it up as didn't need to. MY 40" HD TV uses True/UBC satellite Gold package. It is simple....pay for it once a year for a free month and accept what is offered.

If you are considering buying or building here plan on installing a water storage tank and pump. Over the past two years the water supply has been spotty due to the rapid growth of BWT. There are some huge houses currently under construction so I doubt it will get any better.

Jolly Roger

Hikage .......... The CM area is great for bike riding, both mountain and road. The sport is growing rapidly so if you buy you should have little problem selling when ready to leave. You may even want to store it so it will be here when you come back.

I've been riding a Trek Hybrid for five years in the northern Hang Dong/San Patong/Lamphun triangle every week mostly for the cardio exercise. I wear a helmet for a multitude of obvious reasons one of which is it shelters the brain from the sun and a cool brain functions better than a hot one. Also works for motorcycle riders but that is another thread.

Riding a two wheel machine anywhere is dangerous and even more so in Asia. SIZE does matter in Thailand so having the smallest profile on the highway puts you at the bottom of importance. Best to defer to everyone bigger than you and drop your ego. Ride close to the edge of the highway and keep in mind as a guest in the country if you are involved in an encounter you are going to lose both physically and financially. In the years I've been riding here I've not had a problem though I've had to 'lock em up' occasionally.

I understand from the mountain riders CM offers some of the best riding any where. I prefer the minor roads criss-crossing the the paddy fields and even after 5 years I still find one I haven't been on before. I use a Garmin 60 CSx GPS which would be an asset in the mountains as well. I stay off of main highways such as Highway 11 and Hang Dong Road. Canal Road is still OK but the ring roads are becoming more crowded so use caution. Downtown CM I avoid for obvious reasons.

And I never let my bike out of my sight without locking it to an immovable object.

Ride safe and wave when you go by..............Jolly Roger

Do a Google for: loss of taste and smell

Lots of hits, here's just one, and it's from the Mayo Clinic, which is pretty much respected:

http://www.mayoclini...d-smell/AN01198

Hmmm, try some of the other hits, Mayo's comment is kinda incomplete.

Mac

A complete list of the medications you are on, please (and not just ones to treat this problem -- everything). Sometimes this is a side effect.

And just how complete is this loss? I.e. are the senses just blunted, or really completely absent?

Mac... I have goggled and bookmarked many of the sites relative..what I have derived thus far is to increase B12 and zinc and perhaps in 40 days the senses will reappear.........no other useful info.

Sheryl.......I am hypothyroid and take 150 mg of Thyroid S daily for about 15 years. Current level is .635 on a scale of .4 to 4.0 . I know I am close to hyperthyroid however I prefer that to maintain energy level. In reference to blunted or absent......I cannot tell......If I eat something I am accustomed too my mind says I recognize that leading me to think taste is returning..........if I eat something I detest (a clove of raw garlic) on fried fish I taste nothing.

I have no sense of smell at all......none, zero, zip.

Thank you for your interest in my malady...........Roger

Since February of this year I have lost my senses of smell and taste and I am seeking help from those who might have faced this dilemma.

I have searched this forum to no avail. I have consulted with an endocrinologist, an EENT Dr. and a neurologist to no avail.

I have had an x-ray of the heart and lungs; an EKG and an MRI of my brain to no avail. No sign of any problems.

I had rhinitis (swelling of the nasal membranes obstructing normal breathing) during Feb/Mar/Apr and bronchitis in May. I think both were virus oriented.

I have medicated since Feb with iliadin, flixonase, xyzal, maxiphed, and prednisolone for the nose/breathing problem, all prescribed by the EENT Dr.

The bronchitis passed without medication however the senses were still conspicuous in their absence.

I have not been tested by an allergist as I have been unable to locate one in Chiang Mai.

The only suggestion from the doctors I have consulted with is to increase my B12 vitamin and zinc mineral which I have done to no avail.

I am 71 years old and considered elderly by Thai standards who are quick to point out the air pollution problems in Chiang Mai are probably the cause.

In full disclosure I did smoke cigarettes for 50 years and pakalolo for 30 years, both ending in 2005. Clean and sober since.

Regardless I still ride my Trek hybrid bicycle 40 kilometers in 2 hours every Thursday. My body appears to be healthy with the two exceptions.

If you have experienced this problem would you share with me how to recover these senses.

Thank you for your time...............

Roger

.

True Visions brings NFL back to Thailand (quoted from Bangkok Post this week)

"True Visions has won back the broadcasting rights for the National Football League the company said this week".

"True Visions will show the NFL for four years from this season which kicks off in September, it said in a statement".

Now if they would only bring back Jay Leno and The Tonight Show television would become bearable once again.

Jolly Roger

The day following this unfortunate accident my wife told me of it while reading the Thai Rath newspaper. Her English translation abilities not being the best I was able to extrapolate from her description of events that the victim was cleaning out the garage of their rental home when he came across a package left by a previous tenant. Without thinking he lit an exposed fuse with the intent of tossing it away to watch the explosion if any, much as we in America do on July 4 Independence Day. It is a tradition from early childhood. It exploded immediately taking most of his arm............and you know the rest of the story.

There is a moral here and I pray those reading this heed it and pass it on to other trusting souls. We are in a country in the midst of upheaval supported by violent people with dangerous methods. We as foreigners are not the target but can easily become a victim. Stay aware.................

May Mr. Christopher John , an American citizen, rest-in-peace.

Jolly Roger

Another update developed yesterday 06 June..........

I made an appointment in January 2012 for the 2nd week in September, retirement visa one year renewal.

Lately IMMIGRATION put a 100 day maximum on making an appointment so my thought was; Is my appointment made in January for September still valid ?

I went to the site and the code (provided in January) was not accepted therefore I assumed I no longer had an appointment however my time slot said reserved.

Soooo......I went to an available time on the same date to make a new appointment and immediately upon completion of the new appointment my name became visible on my original time. I now knew my original time was still valid even though the code did not work.

I immediately canceled the new appointment using the new code provided.

A 'work in progress' and the key word is progress.

Jolly Roger

mrmackerel..........I suggest you consider moo bahn Banwangtan in Hang Dong 15 minutes South of Chiang Mai city center.

It is a large moo bahn with a 4 kilometer perimeter with better security than most.

Each home is on its own tree shaded lot with many rentals ranging from 7000 to 25,000 baht per month. Most homes are owner occupied with only half of the development built out. Many homes are holiday homes for Bangkok residents.

Noise is not an issue as the glide slope to Chiang mai International is nearby with large airplanes coming and going 24/7. As well most every home has at least one dog and there are more than a few private breeding kennels scattered around the moo bahn. Thai's do this to supplement their income and it is permitted activity.

Frequently there are weekend karoke parties that can be very loud but they seem to quiet down around midnite.

Noise and security.........not an issue in Banwangtan..........and don't forget to get a dog.

Jolly Roger

Won't go with totally slick tyres, I preferr a bit of thread for the occassional rain day! Or do what I did when I was in the US, have 2 set of tyres at home, one for road and one for the mountain!, never use the hybrid (multi purpose) for the mountain, tried that almost got my arm broken when it got side ways

mic6ard............I call that pilot error...............Last year I rode my Trek 7200 Hybrid off Doi Pui down to the lake......kick-ass ride .........

and I'm 72. Hy brid is the way to go.

Jolly Roger

Trying to book on-line for my 90 day reporting in May. Seems like I can only do it by using the calendar, if I try to put in a date below a window opens that says I have to use calendar and then everything locks up since after hitting "ok" it keeps reappearing and I have to force quit my safari browser. But the problem is the calendar is only for the current month. How do I book for a date in another future month?

As Wentworth pointed out do not abuse the online booking system for something that takes the staff a couple of minutes to do.

Read the related threads and simply find the optimum time to go for the 90 day report or send it by post.

Did my 90 day this past Weds. Showed up at 2:30 PM took a number, one person ahead of me, waited five minutes, handed in my completed paperwork, out the door in 10 minutes total. Best time for me is 2:30 to 3:30 PM middle of the week. In and out quick.....no appt necessary.

Gentlemen........Last year I found it at Home Pro Hang Dong. 3 month's ago I went back and bought enough to last me several years/4 a/c's changing every 6 months.

It is named FILTRete Electrostatic fibers by 3M approved by U/L and the American Lung Association.

HomePro Hang Dong, right side half way back, red package with name on front in English, around 245 Baht.

Changed mine Oct 1 after 12 months and absolutely black. This year I'll change them at 6 months.

In the package it comes in a single sheet.......you remove the filter from your A/c and cut to fit........mount with included sticky tape and reinstall filter. By memory I think I can do 3 a/c's with one package.

I run my A/c in my bedroom 1 hour before going to bed to clean the air and cool the room. Works for me.

Good Luck.............Jolly Roger

As of 1400 today Tesco-Lotus Hang Dong has cases (12 1.25 bottles) of Pepsi Max . I only bought one. lots left.

Jolly Roger

It appears an apology is in order for disseminating erroneous information. I was in reference to the school near to the entrance of the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek and the Night Safari which has a large Lanna School sign displayed on the second level. I've been there with a friend and his five year old daughter in the past as well as riding by frequently on my road bike. The road is called Ratchaphreuk Rd or road 3044 and is the segment West of Irrigation Canal.

My apologies again and can only attest my few remaining brain cells have let me down again.

Jolly Roger

Lanna International School is West of Irrigation/canal road so if you stay West you will be distant from the airport. There are three very nice Moo Baans South on Canal Road that come to mind although their names do not. They are on the West side of Canal Road within ten minutes of Lanna School. Another is on Samoeng Road 1 kilometer West of the intersection with Canal Road. There are several ThaiVisa posters who live in these Moo Baans. Perhaps they will come on-line and provide more info for you.

This smoke condition is not just in Northern Thailand. I drove up from Hua Hin on Wednesday. One hour North of Hua Hin as I left Highway #4 heading North I encountered the same density of smoke as in Chiang Mai now and drove through it the entire day. I encountered actual fire on both sides of the highway South of Lampang though it was evident the entire

journey. I fear it is going to be a long burning season.