sportsman69

I was going to give you a number of a good mechanic friend of 16 yrs standing who would know for sure. Got it 1/2 done then the site went down no harm done so here it is anyway....

Name... Vichai ( motors ) 0819563983 good English. Good mechanic.

If you live southside a good supplier is Choa fah Spare Parts just north of the entrance to Phuket Villa # 3 opposite Tesco on Choa Fah East Rd, The boss speaks perfect English and if not there his wife, in charge of the till, will phone him up so you can ask for exactly what you want. At one time running a fleet of 20 hire cars of every make and model and he never once failed to supply. From brake discs, body panels, batteries, pitman arms, light assy's .You name it he's either got it in stock or will get it overnight from BBK . Don't be mislead by the size of the joint. Maybe it was my smile but was always the cheapest as well. Highly recommended.

Hi 69,

I guess I owe you.

I needed a spare part for a 15 year old Toyota SR 5, pickup. The unit on the steering wheel, that contains the wiper and the light switch.

Went to Phuket arai. Not in stock, can order,cost more than 8'000 B, downpayment 4'000 B.

A few days later, can not order, we'll give you the money back.

This morning my wife went to Chao Fah spare part. They had the part in stock. Cost a little over 1'700 B.

She got it, went to Phuket alai, got the 4'00B back.

Then she got a phone call from PA, that they can order the part. TiT ?

The part from Chao Fa is not original Toyota. I don't really care.

Good one mate. Wish I had the same luck on the horses.

I Usually drink V.B. or Beer Lao. At those savings looks like a box eh? Na only joking!

Yeah Phuket Allied, pretty much had everything. Used to be a youngish chick working there called Goong who had a memory ideally suited to the spare parts trade, where it was and what it was for also Perfect English. Saw her working at Choa Fah Spare Parts the other day when I went in to get a couple of brake discs and the hard to get anti rattle springs for a prehistoric Ford Marathon. Didn't have time to question her but she may have become redundant due to the move, of which I wasn't aware, had happened. If so or if she was poached, Allied lost a gem.

Not trying to put the kybosh on your holiday plans but I think the average member on his forum is from middle age upwards and to recommend. somewhere to suit your needs is not a task they wish to undertake especially with the scant information about your desires.

For the record I first sailed into Phi Phi 22 years ago on my own yacht after sailing from Australia. I was then 49 years of age and relatively single.To me then it was paradise, as were all the other islands and places like Railay beach in this area. Since then it has seen the decline of it's natural beauty and innocent attraction from the onslaught of tourists, especially day trippers from Krabi and Phuket. I haven't been back for probably 15 years, not because I don't have a yacht anymore, If I really wanted to go that wouldn't be a problem but hearing reports and comments of others like myself I would rather remember it as it was in it's halcyon years.

If it is your destiny to go to Phi Phi come hell or high water especially if noise is not a problem I would suggest a travel site, this is not a recommendation, such as Trip Advisor or similar, that is if you wish to believe their stories, who cater to the mass tourism market, where Phi Phi is centred, will give you a better answer than here. Maybe Patong and save sheet loads of money would suit better.

Happy travels.

This was Bangla road last week during the big rains, crazy or what!!!!!

I was there. What a zoo that place has become over the years! What's up with all the Russian girls selling 'services'? That was a new one to me.

Tried to post a pic of flooded Kata Country House last week but can't get it to upload.

Many of our clients are Russian both the expat variety who live here full time running their real estate ventures, holiday villa rentals, latex shops and whatever else they do to eek out a living, along with a large percentage of their friends or clients who are here on holiday. I don't ask too many questions for obvious reasons and wouldn't get the true answer anyway. I can honestly state I have never seen any one of them even the obvious bachelor playboy types with a Thai Lady. Only Russian. Thai ladies if in their presence are invariably nanny's or real maids.

I think it proves they are not walking ATM machines that are subject to attack and subsequent downfall by local ladies and they have the money to be selective to rent what they want especially if there is no language barrier. Not a large percentage speak fluent English. There is a large market of Russians here that want service and if sex is part of that menu a Russian Ho speaking their native tongue is what they want. Money is not a problem.

I was going to give you a number of a good mechanic friend of 16 yrs standing who would know for sure. Got it 1/2 done then the site went down no harm done so here it is anyway....

Name... Vichai ( motors ) 0819563983 good English. Good mechanic.

If you live southside a good supplier is Choa fah Spare Parts just north of the entrance to Phuket Villa # 3 opposite Tesco on Choa Fah East Rd, The boss speaks perfect English and if not there his wife, in charge of the till, will phone him up so you can ask for exactly what you want. At one time running a fleet of 20 hire cars of every make and model and he never once failed to supply. From brake discs, body panels, batteries, pitman arms, light assy's .You name it he's either got it in stock or will get it overnight from BBK . Don't be mislead by the size of the joint. Maybe it was my smile but was always the cheapest as well. Highly recommended.

C'mmon Val you know the way it works here. They only tell you want you want to hear not that tomorrow is going to be black for an indeterminable period of time. It upsets the masses. Simple rules of politics only on a lesser scale. Sound trucks have been absent for sometime too I notice, used to be as regular as the call to prayer, no doubt due to budget restraints. Have you ever tried to ring the 24 hr hotline when the power goes out ? Waste of time trying.

P.G. appears now to be a former shell of the original, not even a Thai copy, totally useless unless you want to advertise your property at ridiculous rates and then they'll screw it up.

Just my take on it, I don't think it will improve.

As much as I dislike the bloody things, they are supposed to be better for evacuation of the bowels.

Now what will happen is that they will raise the things off the floor and we will hear stories of the old folks breaking hips and legs and cracking skulls as they try to squat on those new toilets and fall off. Wouldn't it be cheaper and far more effective to simply add some hand rails on each side of the stall.

This reminds me of a true story set in OZ, Hampden Rd. Artarmon circa 1964.

A mate was a sales rep for a company called Japan Machines who imported and sold lathes and large machine tools and who witnessed the event.

The day arrived that they were honoured by a visit of the CEO of a large Japanese manufacturer. It was not just a simple visit, it was accompanied by the fanfare of a luncheon with their customers in attendance, a bit of a party you might say with this Jap Gent as guest of honour.

All goes well, foods great, the keg is behaving, until the Jap asks to use the bathroom indicating he's a bit clogged up after such a long flight but obviously his interpreter cant accompany him to the pot. He was courteously shown to the door for big jobs by my mate.

The Lowdown Suite as it was known was only just coming into vogue. Industrial type and even the majority of older home toilet, located in the dunny out the back, those days were invariably the common every day version of the Symphonia, a masterpiece of indestructibility. In fact you can see some fine examples still in operation in public parks and other places, a true testament to their durability. For those not familiar with the set up it used the same sit down porcelain part with bakelite seat ( renowned for cracking and pinching your arse btw ) as is used today. To this there was attached to the wall the cistern, mounted on angle brackets but unlike today 7 feet off the ground, this was to get maximum velocity of water flow to ensure no blockages would occur. Indeed it could flush a golf ball down a garden hose. This whole cistern unit including the brackets and 2'' downpipe were all made of durable cast iron and held about 3 gallons of water just to make sure it worked . The thing was operated by a pull chain. It wasn't lightweight plastic, it weighed in heavy especially when full, on a scale of 1 to 10 it was 11. This particular installation must have been done by a group called The Bodgie Brothers working for the firm Doubtful Constructions who had no clue on the laws of physics, as the method of wall fixing as it turned out, was well below par.

Anyways within 30 seconds of the CEO's entry to the throne room there is a resounding bang and crashing sound and cries for help. Those first on the scene shouldered the door and were witness to seeing the Jap lying on the floor, pants around ankles, water and sh1t everywhere as he'd just let it drop the moment the whole show unravelled. Fortunately not too seriously injured considering he'd just been brained by all that cast iron. Luckily Royal North Shore Hospital was just up the road. Of course what happened was he'd faced the wall as he climbed up onto the throne and took a firm grip on the 2" downpipe which also conveniently had fancy cast iron brackets to keep it an inch or so off the wall for ease of cleaning, He, and as is natural, strained to let one go...Just as the broken bakelite seat slipped from beneath his feet......I think we've all got the picture. It is not known if they still remained agents for the said CEO's products.

They thought of everything in those days except multi lingual signs such as how to use the bog.

I don't think such a entity exists here in Phuket but I do have a BBK contact that might be able to help. Her husband I believe is the head honcho of the Thai Law Society.

PM me.

Just don't look at the water heaters or you'll have to street fight your way outta there.

Home Pro is the one of the most annoying customer experiences in LOS, but there is a lot of contenders in the field

I just heard they have a promotion on waterheaters

Could be a promotion for 90% off peterheaters but I still wouldn't shop there.

Thanks everyone for the help.

I called to the shop on Patak Road earlier today. They ask for 76 000 so that's ok.

Takes two months for them to have one in their shop so now I have to send a friend over with 5000 in deposit. Since it's a new shop I hope they'll stay in business

That staying in business is not so much the problem, the real crux of the situation I'm led to believe is that Honda BBK delegate who gets what and when. The dealer may order 10 of which yours is one but you are # 9 in their queue and they only get 5. Solly Mr. Khun IMN you wait till next delivery. And you respectfully ask when will that be. They will reply Idunno, mayblee 2,3,4 weeks more. You will get it eventually. Problem is you might see another one elsewhere, exactly what you want all ready to go, possibly a cancelled order, but your'e already in for 5 grand at your place of choice that has already broken their " promise offer to deliver " through no fault of their own. You will discover that even buying a new bike requires a certain skill set to achieve maximum results and satisfaction.

As I said b/4 Good Luck.

Can anyone tell me who has a striped cat named Spot?….In Phuket.

OK, I know it sounds like an odd question in Phuket. My crazy ex-wife told me I was normal. And, my mom says I might be president some day. The question still stands. …………

Can anyone tell me who has a striped cat named Spot?….In Phuket.

Edit: Just trying to keep it interesting.

Cant answer your question directly but I did hear that someone around here has a spotted cat named Stripes. Could there be any relationship. Maybe Bro and Sis.

Just one more before I go to bed please.

What the hell does the condition of her hotel room have to do with whether or not she was sexually assaulted on the way to the room?

Seems the Aussie g'ment needs to be issuing travel advisories to their citizens that Phuket is not a safe place for a single female to be out at night.

Yeah. Almost as bad as being at home.

Not to to make a mockery of these purported crimes and the trauma of the follow up that it must have on the victims

A bit like another report from an unmentionable source about the rape of a German girl a week or so ago,

Prerp. ''It wasn't quite like full sex. It was only [in?] for five minutes.''

Judge: ''Did she agree with you to have sex?'' Accused: ''No.''

[ Assumed reasoning ] Oh well in that case if she wasn't here in Phuket it wouldn't have happened anyway so she must be half to blame. Bail granted. Don't forget to come back for the next hearing if you have time, if not don't worry there's still room under the rug but we must keep your 2,000 baht and the 'big house' is full anyway. NEXT.

Crime, investigation, court procedures and results here, are a world away from what is regarded as normal from where most of us come from. Freaky to say the least.

At least there seems some positive steps forward. I guess every little bit helps. Most tourists I come across don't use roaming as it's horrendously expensive. Most get a Thai sim card on arrival but I believe the opportunity would still exist to programme sim cards sold in Phuket with a suitable warming they get when first loading the card.

The arrival hall at the immigration counter would be the ideal location to have screens welcoming visitors to Phuket with warnings about the various problems they're likely to encounter. At least the wasted time waiting in the queue could be put to some advantage and maybe save a life.

That is a very good idea.

Thank you. Hope it proves I'm not just a pretty face.

Can I please have my contact details back ???

Only joking 55555.

[....] Do you know of what the name of her album is going to be yet? Maybe once the TV guys get their party organized, she might be able to perform at the party!

That would be awesome.

Is this over selling because the workers get an commission of the sales?

Yep 100% sure, that is why they escort you to the checkout unless you pick it from the bin yourself unaided.

I tried to get a new propeller for a 18" fan at HomePro yesterday, they don't have one. Only 16 inchers. But they tried to sell me a new wall fan.

I ended up at Amon in BigC, 95 Baht for the part instead of 1700 for a lousy wallfan at HomePro.

Typical of the "big" stores. Most mom and pop " plastic " shops sell fan blades.

Not a fan of the game so I can't directly answer your question but would suggest you ask the Honorary Irish Consul here in Phuket. Nice lady Helene Fallon Wood.

Quote [...] " I expect a little more accuracy by the Phuket Gazette when reporting."

They've been deformed that way since birth, don't expect change anytime soon.

Can we please see the plans. No not just some CGI of someone's impossible dream of utopia. I mean real working plans detailing engineering construction details, escape route plans and associated tunnel(s), ventilation shafts, auxiliary power generation ( though Phuket seldom has blackouts so they probably won't consider that ), All the relevant details so that the general public can make constructive criticism or comment.

Using phrases like ......." would likely increase the budget required from 5.5 to 6 billion baht ",..... " should take no more than three years, should start in 2014 ", ...." promised that the toll fees will not be set too high."....." comprising four to six lanes ". ( please make up your mind ), convince me at this moment this is no more than a pipe dream instigated in the pursuit of brown envelopes. If I do live to see it's completion in a workmanlike and safe manner and it works for the benefit of all, I will be rejoicing as it will mean I'll be well over 100 years old, probably closer to 2.

Can of worms, this one.. because if you are honest enough with the reasons why many 'character's don't bother so much'..the.. and you will be so best to just and be and not to get too .with ....

I'll to that otherwise might go

I was just reading about that it was a big main dealer in Phuket Town on another board...but maybe i mixed it up with something else.

Do you have the name and/or phone number to that shop in Chalong?

It goes back a long way to when I had a bike rental business in Chalong but over a period of 5 or 6 years bought a total of about 45 Honda waves with a few Phantoms and NSR 150's in the mix. Shop named Sin Hock Suwi (spelling) located in Phuket Town on Phuket road, on R.H.S. 150 meters or so from it's start towards the clock circle on the way to Immigration. It's a 5 minute walk from where the blue songthaew buses pull up at the new fresh markets. Head east one block, hang right, 150mt. Prices were better than anywhere else at the time and their after sales service excellent. Their head mechanic at the time whose name was Hawk, was a factory trained specialist and brilliant to boot, even got for me a copy of the workshop manuals F.O.C. No mean feat when the answer from the Honda factory was " No not dealer ". I forget how much we were getting off the sticker price but I know it made it well worthwhile to wait for a certain spec. if necessary.

Can't advise if things are still the same on any or all of the aspects above as I said it's been awhile but was sure better than the way it was with ST with their incompetent 'kid' mechanics and sales BS. Worth a look.

Feel free to PM me if you need more help and remember to keep the rubber side down.

The news reports about this murder have been all over the place. Now we seems to be getting nearer the truth.

Plus one.

To quote Governor Tri the fine pillar of upstanding society he appears to himself to be, hasn't seemed to solve many Phuket problems so far.

" If approved, the project would involve compacting the soil beneath sections of the road to strengthen its base, as well as widening the road to increase traffic flow capacity, he said. "

The way the road was built in the first place defies all logic as to why some parts of it still exists to this day. This proposed band-aid repair is like trying to cure a horse with a broken leg. Impossible of course but profitable for those concerned in the effort. A major alternative route such as the one proposed from Chalong with another from a more northerly point with the present one patched up and reserved for motorcycles and 10, 18 wheelers and buses would make more sense. Why restrict the largest and smallest vehicles from using the new routes ? Because they represent the major source of complaint to the normal traffic flow around the Island.

Those that say different have never had Somchai on his illegal, made from reo bar samlor, dwadalling along in front at 30k, straddling both lanes until you just manage to overtake without having a head on and into clear road. Great.., only to be stopped at the next traffic lights even though no traffic crosses due to the timer sequence rather than traffic requirements and up behind comes Somchai, helmet on but chinstrap undone, mounts the footpath on the inside, pulls right, back on the road and stops straddling the lane marker ahead of you. Lights turn green, and off goes Somchai, pretty quick I might add but soon reaches his maximum velocity of 30k. Please repeat the same procedure as often as necessary or until you give up. No amount of horn blowing or flashing of lights will make him move over. He is completely oblivious to his surroundings and other traffic. Blinkered like a cart horse. Give him a nudge and your'e in deep do do. Sorry I digress.

Why buses as well. I believe it is the right of the packaged tourists looking like Down's Syndrome patients in their sunshine buses paying for everything in their own country for an overpriced holiday not being deprived of the excellent free roller coaster ride and sometimes an excellent unplanned free fall that an island bus trip offers over Patong hill. Replacements are simply a numbers game, queued up like lemmings waiting to get here.

No a tunnel is not the answer. Can you imagine the fustercluck with a head on at halfway in with the resultant fire and mayhem. Thankfully, despite my sig, I won't be alive to see it anyway. Why anyone wants to go to Patong beats me in the first place. Haven't been there for over 8 yrs and enjoyed every minute. Age and sanity may have a bearing on the matter.