bojo

Anybody here recently driven from Chiang Mai to Hua Hin?

I'm just wondering what the best route would be and approx how many hours it would take. I looked up Google maps but the option given is a very convoluted route.

I would appreciate somebody posting with first hand knowledge.

Cheers

It can easily be done in a day, it took me 11 hours just stopping for petrol and food only. Left at 4.30pm and arrived 3 am. I bought a map for reference(which has proved very useful since) in a petrol station and just headed South on Highway 1. When I got to Bangkok I paid a cab driver 200b to lead me South, which he did! Saved loads of time looking for signs that aren't there.

regards and bon voyage

Bojo

When I left Aust. to move to Bangkok the 20 foot container was dropped via a rear lift at my front door and left for 4 days while I packed it. When it arrived at our house in Bangkok the driver waited while I climbed up into the container and unloaded the goods with the help of family. When the time comes this year for us to return to Aust. can I assume that again the driver will wait while I load everything UP into the container ? Do they not have side or rear lifts ?

I loaded a container in Samui afew years back. I was sending some products to Canada. The 20 footer arrived on a flatbed truck and the driver waited while we loaded it up. There was no lift of any kind.

I must admit I have never seen a lift attached to a container lorry in Thailand or Europe either, but then I've not been there for a while. Lifts tend to come on box lorries like those that deliver to Tescos etc.Assume there are no lifts and the driver will wait as long as it takes within a reasonable time limit. A

regards Bojosk a few pals to help and get the job done with ease.

I am a first time poster here so I will do my best to explain my circumstances. I purchase three condos about two years ago. One for me and the wife and two for rental. Well it has not been easy. The problem that I am having now is with Fairproperties, they stopped putting the rental money into my Kasikorn bank account they owe me currently 54,000 baht and they told me that they don't have the money to pay me. So I had a close friend of mine go to get the keys and to close my account with them. I have been robbed by them, and I wwant to know if anyone else is having the same problem. They still have somone in one of my condos now! Instead of having him pay me or my friend directly they said that they will move him to another condo instead of him paying me directly. What kind of shit is that!

If the owner of the agency is foreign, take a policeman with you to the office and give him 20% say of all money recovered and get him to help you kick the tenants out or then collect directly every month from them.

If the owners are Thai, take a lawyer with you to the office and cancel any contract you have with the agency, negotiate the removal of tenant or agree to collect cash from the tenant as they have probably been paying the agency in good faith.

Worst way, wipe your mouth, you've only lost the 54K, a fee for the lawyer and you get the condo(s) back.

Many have lost alot more, call it a small lesson.

Good luck

Bojo

I know it seems silly to be happy over a Tesco but if it means not shopping at the Chinese store all is good. I have been a regular customer at that store for years and not once have the owners who man the till ever smiled or said thank you. I'm sure anyone who lives in Aran knows what shop I'm talking about.

Anyways the protests have started as the small shop keepers see the end of days for them, I do feel for them but honestly, most are lazy, unfriendly, never remove out of date products and have no idea what it means to clean. I will still go to the shops and vegetable sellers who have been giving me good service for years but not the Chinese shop :-).

For years in Koh Samui prior to Tescos opening up residents and foreigners had to endure extortionate prices in poorly run dirty shops with often out of date products and most definitely the most unfriendly shopkeepers. These owners we're mostly Thai and not of Chinese descent.

A Thai/ Chinese friend of mine once said to me that we(meaning Chinese) don't mean to be rude, it's just our way and that foreigners shouldn't expect the Chinese to be the same as them as cultures are different. When you look at it like that, I'd say he has a very valid point. However understanding and hungrier merchants have in some cases adapted and corner most of the local Thai and foreign business.

We Westerners are naturally more polite anyway ( from our oint of view)and especially as most of us are very happy to be living here.

When Tescos opened in Samui about 8 years or so ago, all the Thais flocked to the store and hardly ever visit a local store anymore. All the small supermarkets have disappeared and 7/11's have replaced them.

The super/hypermarkets are clean, open all hours, convenient, provide guarantees on a huge range of products, help you carry big items to your car, have a food centre, banks and ATMs, kids play areas, sometimes cinemas and most of all give a welcome reprieve from the relenting heat and humidity and when it's monsoon time, life carries on as normal without having to change out of wet clothes with dirty splashes up the back legs on return from the local markets.

I'm a great believer in free market enterprise and can see how the retail giants have been successful worldwide over the past 3 decades. However I'm very aware and am not at all happy that they(the hypermarkets) charge the earth for many products and have buying monopolies with supplier squeezing policies, but I also believe that it's the publics lazy ways which have lead to their success. We can vote with our feet and hopefully with a recession in full swing, people will go back to the old ways of shopping and shop locally, walk or cycle to the shops maybe, especially as we are more environment aware nowadays. we have lived in a throw-away and wasteful age for too long and can save a fortune by shopping at markets and local shops. Obesity in many countries is a direct result of modern lifestyle and it's most definitely not healthy.

So I have highlighted some general points but in no way is the debate cut and dry however, hpefully some food for thought.

regards Bojo

Been to the Nong Hoi area many times even Yesterday, still have no clue where the new branch is.

Well it's been some time since that banner went up but it looks like the new place is going to open tomorrow, with a proper launch do in a week or two when they've got themselves bedded in or so I'm told. It's been really nicely fitted out and looks great - if the food is on target it will be a good addition to the neighbourhood.

I snapped this as they were doing their final preparations this evening. You can't really see the desert cacti out in front in this picture but it really stands out in sleepy Nong Hoi!

head South on the Lampun Road coming from the Nonghoi Intersection with Mahidon Road and it's about 700 metres or so on the right hand side just set back from the road a little set in the 89 plaza

regards

I'm assuming this is a new branch about to open on my doorstep in Nong Hoi and not someone who hasn't done their homework since I'd not heard any rumours of their impending expansion. I haven't yet plucked up baht to visit the Test of Taxes with it's faux cowboy staff but having some Mexican(ish) fare around the corner would be very welcome!

Couldn't agree more, the owners obviously got big balls or there's a shrewd franchisor involved. Funny area really, just too far for Holiday Inners and I suspect they wouldn't find the area anyway. Pizzamania closed that 89 branch just a few months ago and opened up on Mahidon in front of Montfords. WHY?

(Yamoto does a great lunch for 190 or so baht, excellent value for a Japanese blowout, last orders at 1.30pm though, get there early!)

If Miguels have got a decent chef and really know how to run a restaurant/bar with prices/ service and quality which will attract local expats and can convert open-minded Thais to the taste of Mexico (they'll need Thai management for that) then there's a chance of the place being successful.

Quite a difficult job ahead, I'd say but let's hope they get it right cos us suburbanites could all do with a decent eaterie.

Buona fortuna

Bojo

Wow! You detractors are really in such a rush to criticize that you totally missed the point of a program like this. This is done like almost any promotion in order to issue a press release. Said release will go out on travel agent mailing lists, boards just like this one and to travel magazines. The value of the program is not measured in how many people that were already going to come here rush the gates to save 1.500 baht but in all the new people who are casually thinking about where to go on vacatation with nothing set in stone and now reading about this program think "Oh yea Thailand we should find out more about Thailand" only a fraction of them will finally decide to come here but the value of the program is in the press release it allows you to issue not in the program itself.

The notion that property ownership would increase tourism is what is trully silly

Glad to see someone's one the ball

One thing to look out for is some banks will not loan money to a Thai women if she is married to a foreigner.

Tell me about it!

My Thai wife (I'm British) has recently been refused an 80% mortgage from 2 banks for the purchase of a second hand shophouse.

The bank also had an independent valuation of the property which unusually showed a value 20% above actual agreed sale price. My wife additionally furnished title deeds to millions of baht's worth of property (all paid in full and 6 times the value of the loan applied for) and showed plenty of cleared funds in bank accounts (4 times the value of the loan) and we have both been customers at the banks for over 10 years.

Have proof of previous car loans paid and an income (for the last year) over and above that required to cover the loan and the cash flow coming into my wifes account over the last year on a monthly basis was also a minimum of 3 times that of the salary declared/ needed for the loan. Furnished all employee tax/ salary slips requested. A minimum of 6 months was requested, my wife handed over 1 years worth.

Both loan officers agreed the loans in principle but just 2 days prior to deposit contract expiring (6 weeks after initially contacting bank) we had to press and chase them for an answer, both officers came back with unjustified (typical going round in circle Thai style) reasons for refusal. Loads more but can't be bothered to go into details. I remember being taught at a very young age that you can't argue with a liar.

Although there is (to my knowledge) no definite policy of not loaning to Thai women who have taken there husbands surname, by the porkie pies and nonsense that was given as excuses not to loan I would say that it must be a rule of thumb.

And the names of the banks.............. Bangkok Bank and Siam Commercial. I should add that Siam Commercial did offer in the end a token 50% mortgage which is the same as any non certified morgage available worldwide which every Tom, Dick and Harry can get. All banks are just waiting for a default of course!

I still bank with both and enjoy very good service at both, however after years in the Kingdom, nothing has come as a surprise for a while now and I'm just as cynical as ever. Shame really.

Buona fortuna to all mortgage applicants in similar circumstances!

Regards Bojo

Seems like Thai Airways has non-stop flights from CM to Phuket, but the return trip always has a stop. Anyone know why this is? Are there airlines that have non-stops both ways?

Bangkok airways flys direct to Koh Samui from Chiang Mai most months but only direct back some months and schedules seem to change at the airlines whim.

For my experience tourists visiting a few destinations in Thailand will do the North first, trekking and so forth and then go to relax on the beaches further South. They invariably don't return to the north and head straight to BKK for a flight out of the country.

regards Bojo

I need a few square metres of tiling done in my kitchen and a door hanging.

Can anyone recommend a handy guy who can do the job?

Thanks Bojo

I know there are various timber shops around but after trying a few today most only stock hardwood.

I was just after some cheap and light timber to knock up some saw horses and a work bench, so it doesn't need to be top grade.

Does anyone have a good recommendation for where to go?

Many Thanks :-)

On the second ring road between Doi Saket road and the San Khampaeng / or maybe as far South as the new San Khampaeng road junctions on the west side of the road there is a shop right on the dual carriageway which sells some soft, I think it's pinewood strips, but they're not planks as such. more 2x2's and so on. Maybe worth a look.

Bojo

someone who knows more about fuel and the like than me might be able to answer this. went to the shell station on huay kaew to fill up the bike today and they seem to have replaced the usual 91 with something called 'v-series'. . . .so i took the staff recommendation and filled up with it, it seems fine, but it's about twice the price of 91. which is annoying. anyone know what this stuff is?

My local station just 3 days ago has stopped doing 91 as you mentioned, I got the impression that 91 is being phased out countrywide, didn't quite catch his jist. Is this the end of 91?

Bojo

Went to the reception desk on the ground floor at Kad Suan Kaew yesterday to buy some tickets for the Chiang Mai kids Charity show, which is on tomorrow( Sat 21st Feb). All 590 circle seats have been sold out and there are only 400b and 500b (stalls)tickets left. A very polite lady, whose name I forget is on this number if anyone wants to call her 089 8518059.

Hi, we're two British qualified teachers (Claire primary with specialism in music and special educational needs, Mark secondary with specialism in English/literature). We qualified recently (Claire this year, Mark last) from St. Martin's Teacher Training College in Lancaster, England with 2:1 degrees and have both taught regularly over the past four years in placements, paid employment and tutoring.

Having talked to a few of our new Chiang Mai friends we thought there might be interest in supplementary classes either after school or during holidays for children of parents who are unwilling to use the private school system, or just anyone who wants to leave open the opportunity to return to the UK by keeping their children "in the loop" of the British curriculum (which changes at least annually!). It might also be of interest to anyone who wants their children to follow SATs/GCSEs/A-levels to help with school and university applications.

So really we just wanted to know if there would be any demand? We're working on an education consulting project so not expecting to make a fortune, just an interesting sideline and a good networking opportunity. We'd try work out a venue deal with a hotel or expat bar if sufficient numbers, or home tutor if only a few. Our Thai number is 0821098905 if you want to chat, or just reply here. Cheers!

I would say there is definitely demand for your services both with Thai kids whose English programmes are not up to much and foreign kids where English is their second language. Many foreigners whose kids are Thai/mixed race have their kids in the Thai schools, usually because of the high cost of the international schools and I'm sure they would jump at the chance of having their kids English improved/ brushed up with professional tuition. I'm sure you'll work out the best wat to go forward with regards legalities, try to keep below the radar.

And of course word of mouth is by far the best means of gaining new clients , not least the cheapest.

best of luck regards Bojo

Hi all, ..Can anyone give me information,which area in or around chaing mai hv most foreigner people residence.....except tha phae ..or moong mueng road....thanks

Check out Palm Springs estate on the mahidon road next to the railway line.

Bojo

Dear Chiang Mai residents, any suggestions as to the best location for the soon coming Walen School of Thai in Chiang Mai?

I think that the centre would be good but it is hard to find a place with good parking, we expect to have quite a lot of customers so parking is very important.

Your input is greatly appreciated.

Walen School, www.thaiwalen.com

I've always found the Nimmanheiman, Huay kaew and Suthep road difficult for parking and heavy on the traffic. Across town just East of the river near The Narawat bridge and around there are plenty of buildings for rent and the superhighway/ main arterials heading East out of town and the Mahidon Road all very close with fast moving roads. Rents are also cheaper this side.

regards Bojo

That mini golf place behind Carrefour shut.... anyone know any other courses in chiang mai? i heard there was one on the way to San Kampaeng somewhere, but i've got no idea where it is.

can anyone help?

thanks

As Greenside says it's on the airport road(MahidonRd) that heads East out of town and is commonly known as New Sankampaeng Road. Go over the Superhighway/Big C flyover and after two sets of lights(about another 3k's) it's about 1000metres on the right after the 2nd set of lights.

Look out for the archway on the other side of the dual carriageway.. Inter minigolf Chiang Mai.

It's 100b a round if I remember correctly with a cute cake and coffee shop attached.

Bojo

On Saturdays and Sundays there is a great second-hand market near Prince Royal College.

It is held on Bumrungrat rd between Kaew Narawat and Doi Saket Kao roads. It also runs along one side of Doi Saket Kao rd.

I was talking to a friend who has a stall there, and he tells me that ChiangMai City govt has ordered the Doi Saket Kao section to be disallowed on Sundays. The vendors can still set up on Saturdays and Sundays on Bumrungrat rd, but can only set up on Doi Saket Kao on Saturdays.

Apparently the city says it causes a traffic problem on Doi Saket Kao.

I have been going to this market for years now, and there is virtually no disruption of traffic on that very wide street, and certainly not on Sundays when there is not much traffic anyways.

You're right, a great market with some great bargains. There are loads of vendors who would obviously not want to see their weekend income slip away. Thais love a 'mob' and know how to use it's strengh.

Rest assures the authorities will listen to the locals' voice when the time comes.

Regards Bojo

I don't know the logic behind the decision (or if anybody's palms are being greased), but this affects about a hundred vendors who set up along that part of the street.

It is a lovely market with all sorts of second hand items ranging from crafts to tools, clothes to motor-bikes (saw a Honda 70 there today for 9,000bt), art to junk, food to kitchen stuff (I have bought a few cast-iron woks there), bicycles to TVs, stereos to toys - almost anything else one could think of. It is also generally very cheap (I bought 6 25cm hand-carved little wooden gargoyle monsters for 100bt/6).

It would be a shame to see half of it gutted due to an officious bureaucratic decision.

This is people's livelihoods they are playing with, and with no clear reason to do it. To close half of it due to 'traffic problems' (which in my opinion don't exist) and to close it for Sundays, not Saturdays shows the ridiculousness of that decision. And with the economy crashing, it makes it even more important to keep as much commerce alive as possible.

Any ideas who I could contact, and if anyone else wants to jump in, that would be great to.

I suggest that people check out this market - so much different from the touristy Walking Street and Sunday markets. People always thank me for telling them about it...

Hello Everyone!

I am trying to find someone, or a company to hire to Move about 10 boxes of household stuff and minimal studio style furniture from my apartment in Bangkok to my new apartment in Chiang Mai. Can anyone recomend where to find an "Affordable" way of doing this? We can pack our own boxes, we just want need help moving things like the refrigerator, matress and sofa to the truck and then into the new apartment.

Thanks in advance for any leads!

Boonsac cargo and Feung Fah ship stuff out of Chiang Mai everywhere nationwide and often come back empty. There rate for pick ups on return are half usual price as they are coming back empty anyway. Boonsac 089 7777723, he speaks great English and Feung Fah 053 434493.

Regards Bojo

Hi,

Just a quick question, I'm sending a canvas print photograph from the UK to Chiang Mai tomorrow using DHL. Can anyone advise what tax will have to be paid when it arrives?

Thanks in advance,

Jay

It's probably too late now as you've most likely posted the item. However for future reference, the post office offer a 'document registered post' service for items under 2 Kilos and as long as the parcel could contain books or paperstuff any package of any shape will go through.

My experience with customs is write on the form a low value and in the very unlikely event a package of obvious low value is assessed, then they will go with the price indicated on the package.

Bojo

Does anyone know where i can buy soy wax flakes here in Chiang Mai - Please

There's a company called 'Meo Jaidee' who have been making candles in San Khampaeng for over a decade. They might know and might divulge if you're not going to compete with them.They are signposted at a left turning on the San Khampaeng road about 2 kilometres after the Borsang traffic lights. Follow the windy road and they are about another 2 K's up on the right. Alternatively 'google' them.

I know they sell second hand fridges on the moat road. Just past Chang Peuk gate there are rows of town houses on your left (outer moat) as yo uhead towards the corner. There are great deals, but don't know about catering equipoment, check out classifieds sites for restaurant closure sales.

Cheers for that SJM, will get over there as soon as.

Does anyone know where to buy second hand catering equipment, fridges and furniture for a restaurant in Chiang Mai? Any info most appreciated.