siftasam

If I get a problem, I will certainly try Acupuncture.

I had bad trouble two years ago when I tore my ACL ligament and, seemingly, damaged every other damned thing in my left leg from the bottom of my back to my ankle (thankfully only on the outside of the leg!). It was very painful. I could barely move the leg for 2 months. I spent over 15,000 baht on hospital treatment in Chiang Mai including lots of physio - electric, manipulation etc. There was improvement. but the trouble recurred.

In my ignorance no doubt,I think of this problem as similar to ED.

I couldn't bear to see my lawn grass growing so tall and weedy so I was forced to hobble out with a stick and get on my sit-on rotary cutter. Forty minutes later, I had finished cutting. I dreaded getting off. Teeth gritted, I almost tumbled off, then got up and 'strolled' into the house. It was like a miracle. No stick, no pain, the trouble has never come back. The rapid rotary vibration and the quite severe bumping up and down on the tough grass and uneven ground cured it. So, in the case of ED, I would certainly investigate 'shockwave' or 'soundwave' therapy in the case of ED. I'm definitely 'up' for some good vibrations!

I would also hightail it to the excellent Chinese acupuncture clinic in CM. Lovely people. I've gone there for years with any problem and always been very pleased with the results (although 'cures' do take a little time).

Karsai Massage

For less serious cases, has anyone tried Karsai? 

I haven't, but I know at least two massage shops in Chiang Mai that offer this 'therapy' - a bit pricey, though, maybe 1800 baht.

The therapists in these shops are almost bound to be delightful, I think.

Yes, VigRXPlus is pricey - but, if you want to chance your 'arm' (so to speak!), order 'in bulk' - 6 boxes (6 months supply) is about 330 dollars, 230 pounds or just over 10, 000 baht.

12 months supply is 590 dollars, 417 pounds, 18, 500 baht. (prices from US website).   All plus shipping.

BUT don't blame me if it doesn't work!                        (although if at first you don't succeed, have fun trying again!)

As we know, so much depends upon one's individual constitution, general health and body 'tolerance'.

I'll TRY (hard!) not to bore you BUT I had a terrible time even in my 20s and 30s with ED. It was disastrous to  a couple of otherwise very good relationships that I had, including my first marriage. So cripplingly embarrassing.

I did not solve it 100% until I was 48! Different strokes for different folks (and I am not advertising!) but my sex life improved incredibly when I started taking VigRX (touted as the world's number one male supplement). Thankfully, it also began acting quite soon after starting 'treatment'.

I have never taken any other supplement. I am now 75 years old and I (at least!) am happy with my performance. I take VigRXPlus every day.  After so long, I need only take one tablet a day now. It's been worth every cent. BUT I cannot import it directly. Does anyone know if it's available here?

In 2 months time, I fear I will be forced to try something else. I've  ordered a bottle of Nature's Truth Korean Ginseng and one of Giffarine ARG-N-ORN.

I have two dogs: one German type Pom, who eats everything, and one very white Japanese Spitz/Pom. They are 7 years old.

Both are very healthy and fit BUT my white one has had a skin problem for 4 years. We have an excellent vet in Lamphun who looks after both dogs superbly on a very regular basis.

Kati (white) keeps out of the sun much of the time, which with its problems leading to some bare patches on its skin, is very wise of it!

The big problem for Kati is food. He wants to eat but, as indeed the vet told us, he cannot eat anything with chicken. This certainly limits the choices!

The vet recommended Royal Canin Hypoallergenic (there are several other RC types for specific problems).  I always fed Kati this with some kibble and a few treats. No problem. He liked it. But now it seems totally unavailable. Lazada appears not to stock it any more, and there's none in the shops I've visited in Lamphun and CM.

This week has been difficult but we've cooked some rice (white, although I think we should switch to brown) with Maria sachet wet fish and a little cooked pork and vegetable added. Two meals a day.

He can have a stick or treat or two during the day. But he doesn't want now (or can't eat) much rice; however, I've rescued my sanity (at least temporarily!) by pouring a raw egg over the rice and a little kibble.

He loves it!

(so far!)

Forgot to mention it!

If you want a really good and COOL Montfort Primary school experience for your young offspring, and you have the wherewithal (in my dreams!), why not rent or buy (?) a brand new condo in the luxie 'The Astra Condo' directly opposite the 7/11 on Changklang. Great location. Facilities as seen on the internet look superb.

While other parents are driving through CM at 'peak time' and then jostling for parking spaces, you could be relaxing by the pool with a mint julep, before strolling with your child across Changklang and Charoen Prathet (10 minutes). On the way back, maybe a coffee or a cake at the MOST coffee shop (or the one with the cuddly lion toys!) - both lovely service (and some very nice Mums relax in there too).

I live between Saraphi and Lamphun, so I'm there in the afternoons, having had some lovely farang food in the Amererican /Thai restaurant just up the road near Pantip Plaza - 'Butter is Better' - and, finally, that is next to one of the best 'orthodox' massage shops in CM.  Not a Loi Kroh type shop, but a really good massage and inexpensive. I like it very much.

Service in all these places is friendly and professional. Lovely people.

p.s. I don't get money from Montfort for this endorsement. Has anybody ever in history managed to screw money out of Jesuit?

Returning to the original question, I am very happy at the moment with my 7 year old daughter's education at Montfort Primary in CM.

She starts year 2 this month. She is a girl of strong character and a lively personality, but also quite shy; however, she made good friends at Montfort quickly, and her year 1 teacher was always a strong and caring support. She quite often has homework to do, her text books are fine and interestingly presented. The various uniform outfits are very smart.

The pupils are very regularly tested and the school has a decent library and computer facilities. In addition to 'basic subjects', she is taught Chinese as well as 'English' and receives computer education. There are many activities and the sports facilities look good. When I was her age, I was trying (unsuccessfully and pathetically!) to weave raffia pots at school - believe me, my daughter is better off!

Montfort appears to be a very safe establishment with well controlled access and car park facilities. I wait with the other parents inside the gates every school afternoon, having parked my car either in the shopping car park opposite, or along Chanklang Road near to the school. The shopping precinct opposite includes a B2S for books, games and school supplies, and a 7/11 - and there's a lot of cheap but good Thai food, coffee and cakes. A foot bridge spans the quite narrow but busy road, but most parents walk their children across.

I have never seen any bad behaviour and never seen any of the young ones in tears as they come out. 

I have lived near to CM and Lamphun for 13 years. Almost every school day I drive past at least 1 big school - often 3 or 4.  In 13 years, I have never seen schoolkids misbehaving in shops or malls, never seen them fighting, I've seen 2 boys smoking and  1 girl only with  dirty uniform and shoes. How different to England! 

My daughter left alone with a man? NO! Vigilance is essential as much here as in England, where I'm sure the appalling horror at Soham will never be forgotten. Child abuse seems never mentioned publicly in Thailand, but (of course) all parents must be extremely careful. I hope that when my daughter is a little older she will go to Tae Kwon Do lessons and I shall issue her later with a personalized alarm (an imported police recommended UK one) which she will carry with her at all times.

Fees at Montfort? It's best to contact the School Office direct as the fee structure can get complicated and change quite regularly.

I do, however, want my daughter to be taught ENGLISH, not (forgive me!) 'bastardized' American English - OK, American English is becoming more and more a separate language. Montfort English seems to be occasionally (and perhaps inevitably?) a mixture of the two but I do object to the very big gold lettering just inside the school gate advertising the school's 'ENGLISH PROGRAM' (ugh!)

To be honest, I was dubious about sending her to a Roman Catholic (Jesuit) school; but so far, so good. I will keep close tabs!

For young children who wish to learn to swim, (or improve a basic standard or learn a new stroke), Aquababies on the Super Highway, next to Macro, is top class.

Very skilled instructors, caring and friendly. Good professional management. Very clean with excellent toilets and shower facilities for young ones.

I recommend unreservedly. My daughter started there aged 5, always in a small class with great personal supervision and teaching.

Does anyone have any experience of the Principal Healthcare Company, which claims to be 'the most experienced healthcare management and services company in ASEAN'?

I am registered at the Bangkok Hospital in Chiang Mai and I am always pleased with their treatment and services. I think it's first class (although, of course, 'pricey'? - by Thai standards).

I am 75 and live closer to Lamphun than to CM. In case of emergency, I can reach the brand new PrincHospital (i.e. the former Sirivej) in 15 minutes from home. To the BKK hospital in CM, it would take just over twice as long. The PrincHospital has, of course, 24 hour emergency services.

The Company claims to have 11 hospitals in 10 Thai provinces.

Does anyone have experience of healthcare, services, treatment and prices in this Company's hospitals?

Many thanks!

Thank you, 007!  So admirably clear and comprehensive.

I hope your retirement is not quite like that of the 70 year old James Bond in the brilliant Alan Coren parody ('Dr. No Will See You Now'), which starts:

'Bond tensed in the darkness, and reached for his teeth. There was something in the room............the teeth fell exactly to hand, there between the senna and the Algipan on his bedside table.'

As I am 75 next month, and I have no Health Insurance - and no idea whether Immigration will deem it compulsory this year or in the future, I'd better arm myself with it ASAP.

But which company or 'agent' is best to contact? (But that's for another forum)

Until then, let's remember M's beautiful words from Tennyson

'Tho' much is taken, much abides; and though

We are not now that strength which in old days

Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are;

One equal temper of heroic hearts,

Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will

To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.'

Thank you for all the excellent  information and advice. I am very nearly 75 so please excuse any confusion.

My 90 day renewal is on April 21st.

My Retirement Extension renewal date is June 25th.

My UK Passport expires on June 21st next year.

So, when ideally should I apply for a new Passport in this Covid world? Any advice please?

Will I have to obtain a visa for the gap of 4 days next year? Is this a problem?

In an interview a few years ago he attributed his longevity to 'masturbating a lot'.

Living to be 95 years old? Having 5 wives? There's hope for us oldies yet...

'She is a beautiful lady inside and out.'

Hmm...say no more!

Eugene Polley? Never heard of him.

I always thought the remote control was the work of Frank Zapper. Wasn't that why he was called the 'Mother of

Invention"?

(or the Mothersomething of Invention?)

The article: 'Forget Gay Marriage' immediately followed on my computer screen by the Google ad: '7 Tips To Get Pregnant' (?)

Presumably, tip number one is: 'Forget Gay Marriage'.

Why would you want to get rid of it? They're lovely animals and their 'fuc_k you' call always makes me laugh!

I speak as someone who has many around her house, and enjoy them.

Edit - Explain to the guest that its just a gekko - nothing that he needs to be afraid of.....

"Nothing that he needs to be afraid of" -- tell that to most Thai people, they'll think you've gone nuts! For some reason nobody has been able to explain to me yet, most Thais regard these great creatures as -- what, a threat? with equal disdain as for snakes?

Hmm, I like those guys; I keep counting the "rounds" and marvel at anything over 9

Why would you want to get rid of it? They're lovely animals and their 'fuc_k you' call always makes me laugh!

I speak as someone who has many around her house, and enjoy them.

Edit - Explain to the guest that its just a gekko - nothing that he needs to be afraid of.....

"Nothing that he needs to be afraid of" -- tell that to most Thai people, they'll think you've gone nuts! For some reason nobody has been able to explain to me yet, most Thais regard these great creatures as -- what, a threat? with equal disdain as for snakes?

Hmm, I like those guys; I keep counting the "rounds" and marvel at anything over 9

Tut tut! Shocking. Yet another example of Thailand becoming very expensive. At Oxford University in the 1980s it only cost 5 pounds (or was it 10?) to convert a B.A. degree into a Master of Arts degree - no work involved!

Thought they kept the original ?

They certainly kept all my financial documents at Chiang Mai. Start afresh next year.

I must be one of the lucky ones!

On my first trip to Thailand I was looking (obviously just a little anxiously) at the unfamiliar departures boards for a flight to Chiang Mai and on two separate occasions two very smartly uniformed young airport staff left their counters and crossed over to me to ask me very politely if I was OK and could they help me - I've never known such courtesy in any other airport. When I had the inevitable first query with immigration the lady was similarly friendly, polite and helpful. The check in has always been efficient and courteous. I was offered an earlier flight to Chiang Mai without me asking for it or expecting it - I was very grateful for that. Twice i have had queries about what I could take on board in hand luggage - both times my queries were dealt with immediately and satisfactorily.

On several occasions I have 'slept over' in the airport. I had no trouble finding food up to 3 a.m. and food was available again at 5 a.m. As I find sleep in an airport virtually impossible I became well aware how very efficient the cleaning staff are - smartly uniformed and polite too. The toilets were very clean. Police would circulate but it does need to be more regularly. The only unpleasant thing I've witnessed was an attractive girl of about 20 from Macao being harassed by a taxi driver and a guy in some sort of uniform inside the airport in the middle of the night.

OK so the passport check can take ages. BUT as has been already said is Heathrow any better? Heathrow Terminal 3 is a nightmare. And Stansted? People being charged one pound for a banana (and that was five years ago!)

Hi,

I should look on www.tripadviser.co.uk (indispensable for all flights, hotels,restaurant recommendations etc.). We stayed at the Hotel Mariya through tripadvisor which directed us to www.booking.com . Good discount - very friendly, clean hotel (but no lift) - decent breakfast included. Free internet in foyer area. Very good value. About 10 minutes by taxi from the airport. Decent and quiet restaurants, ice cream etc. in a side road nearby (on opposite side of road near a local market) - about 10 minutes walk.

Hi

My wife and I were quoted 100,000 baht in what is reckoned to be a very good clinic in Chiang Mai. This would be for 3 embryos. Chances reckoned at about 30 per cent as my wife is 35 years old. Possibility of a multiple birth with IVF.

My wife and i are a bit worried about the number of injections she would need to have. How did your wife get on with them - OK?

Best of luck.

Hi Rushden

For everything to do with holidays - flights, hotels (including excellent reviews), things to do, restaurants etc I would become a member (free) of www.tripadvisor.co.uk - I've always found them 100 per cent reliable and their information interesting and virtually infallible. The site will direct you to the appropriate booking website. Hotel discounts are pretty generous I think. Place an 'Air alert' for tickets e.g. LHR to BKK and they will email you with their best figure when the price drops e.g. LHR to BKK single for some dates in October is 19.000 baht.

Best of luck, Rushden and Diamonds! - my local team (with many family connections)

Cheers, me duck

Sam (over the hill, Rushden - in more ways than one! - from Higham Ferrers)

I would strongly support the reconmmendation to visit Dokmai Gardens near Hang Dong for all garden builders. Eric is such a knowledgeable guy who will give you his time and advice unstintingly (all for the entrance of just 300 baht). Do prepare a list of questions (and take a sample of your soil if you wish). Ask him about e.g. drainage, the best type of grass to grow, which trees and shrubs will grow best in any given position in your future garden, how to attract birds, butterflies and other wildlife, how to grow the best fruit and vegetables etc. He is brilliant at telling you how to prepare your soil - e,g. how much sand, what kind of topsoil and especially the BEST dung! If you want elephant sh*t, he can lay his hands on it! Do not hesitate, just go - he's on the web at www.dokmaigarden.co.th Take a pencil and pad with you! You can buy many plants, shrubs, trees from his impressive listings. Eric helped me enormously even though I was a first time visitor. He is closed on Mondays though - probably best to ring ahead.