SammyJ

Your comments are very confusing--i have never had either Ram or other hospitals send me to x-ray upon entering the hospital--only a dr sends a order for necessary tests--and i have had drs at Ram and Bkk Cm happily review any test results from another reputable hospital--however, it would not be unusual for a dr to want to their own tests--this would be true here or in the US or anywhere, I believe. Additionally, you say, you don't know "what specialist here deals with this particular issue" sounds foolish--medical specialties are the same here or in any country with accredited hospitals (as here in Thailand), so you can talk about a tumor in the chest wall--the lung??--google and it will tell you what dr to see for that, even if common sense does not tell you. Now with all that said, it makes me think, in reality, you must actually be just trolling, as it does not seem someone could be as foolish as you are making out.

exactly correct--if i do not know of a doctor or specialist, i will search the specialist department i want, and review the various doctors' training and additional educational and work experience, looking, for any overseas experience in the US, UK, Germany, Australia, etc--not that such experience is mandatory, but, if you are searching among a list of unknown doctors, it is a good starting point.

I agree-as a long time expat in Thailand and now years in Chiang Mai, I have used Ram, and also Bkk CM hospitals extensively. Usually, I have heard just the opposite, that one can't see a regular "GP" doctor, and must see a specialist, Ram and many hospitals here are built around their specialist doctors--if you want a "general doctor", you really go to Ram's Health Clinic, nearby the Starbucks and their Skin Clinic. I would advise asking for a Pulmonologist or a Cardiologist and explaining the issue--but, most likely, if they are not the appropriate "specialist", then they will refer you to whom you should see. It was mentioned about Dr Morgan in another post, but she is an independent GP doctor, and very good--at one time in the past, i went to her on a smaller issue and she referred me to a specialist at CM Ram. But, again, no need to see a GP first---but you do have to start with a related specialist and go from there. Good luck!

Yes, you left it open, but too open--by clarifying you have ensured that you're not a cheap charlie trying to take advantage, and may actually draw more sincere interest. Some, share they want a maid for cleaning, but once the individual is on the scene, the duties increase to include all kinds of other responsibilities--so, it's good you clarified. However, often it is by word of mouth ==Thai friends recommending a name--i have yet to see an agency in CM, like in Bkk that offers maids, often from Myanmar, which one can interview and select.

Most will not want to share a candidate unless you provide a few more details--all one needs to do is to look on Jobs Chiang Mai on FB and can see those looking for a maid and offering a poor salary and extensive household duties and long hours, etc. At least post the required hours for the days you want worked and clarify duties---cleaning only,. no cooking, laundry, childcare, garden work, etc, and what you will pay for each day worked--what's at least a range.

You mean your wife's/Thai partner's business, at which you can't be seen working? Well, too late to return the blocks, and even if one could do it themselves, not all of us, myself included, are so inclined anymore to do a great deal of manual labor if instead we can pay someone to do it, I would follow the advice given about supervising, etc, (even from a discrete distance) to make sure it gets done--the other advice offered--go back to where you bought the blocks and ask them for help in the installation.

What about the other way--if going back to the US, and my US state driving license has expired--can i get an IDP here, or use my Thai driver's license to rent a car in the US?

I was thinking the same thing--some times in the past, i have had to abandon more ambitious plans, and stick to the "KISS rule", just to get the job done and maintain my sanity--when i realize that, in reality, no one but me, will likely appreciate the fancier landscaping projects, i had to admit adjust.

Having lived in Thailand, in various places, for well over 20 years, and having Thai family, friends, workers, etc,, and spending the last 7 years in CM, your advice is spot on! Prior to CM, in more "rural living", I did what you describe above many times--especially, the "sit and watch" and "diplomatically supervise and re-direct" as things sometimes veered from the original set of directions. If you don't do the "sit and watch", even here in CM, you may return to find the end result somewhat lacking from what you had expected.

Unfortunately, haven't found that to be the case here in Chiang Mai.

Yes, most any local shops will work on those--try taking in an older model Ford, and as another poster also commented, and they will not want to work on it.

Yes, I found, basically, the same thing--pretty much automatic rejection of wanting to tackle my Ford--unfortunately, I am not a mechanic, so could not tackle the problems myself. But, as you mentioned, i found a lot of accessories and a few parts on Lazada--looked overseas to ship some from the US, but very expensive--I also did join a FB group of Ford Escape owners, all Thai, but they accepted me in and were of help at times, but most of them lived in Bkk or other provinces than Chiang Mai. I have a repair guy who is "ok" and we have made do for now, but I was on the search for someone better--thanks for the suggestions!

Not really that surprising--Ive lived in Thailand over 20 years, the last 7 in Chiang Mai--very little surprises me anymore. Were you older vehicles foreign cars? Or, Toyota, Honda, Mitsu, etc--most local auto shops will work on those cars of any age, but most have rejected working on Fords or Chevys--that's why I posted here, seeing if I could get a lead on a new shop--Expat Auto did recommend one that, time allowing, I will check out later today (Saturday)--will let you know. Like I offered in my original post--I actually do wish i had not made the Ford purchase--I know better to stick mainly with Toyotas and Hondas--my other three cars are all Toyotas--two trucks and an SUV--anyone can work on them--my new Toyota truck I take to the Dealer--yes, under warranty, On my older Toyota vehicles I checked around and got recommendations--looked at Expat Auto also, and while i like them, their prices were similar to the dealer's, and when i inquired about purchasing a new set of tires, I was quoted a price, which included extra charge for balancing and alignment--every other shop I asked, did that for free upon purchase of four tires.

Ok, I understand--I did check just yesterday at Expat Auto and they recommended another shop at which to check, so hope that might work out.

Sorry, another follow up and one that might seem obvious and was mentioned here, and that I should explore--and that is to take it the Ford dealer--I just haven't, assuming their unwillingness for older models or the cost, but I may well be wrong--so I will explore that option as well.

Mine is a 2004--are you indicating that you take your later model Fords to expat auto for repairs or just general maintenance--oil changes, etc---I had recently taken asked Pro Auto, which is often highly recommended, about working on my Ford, and they declined.

Yes, I know Expat Auto and actually bought a different vehicle from them--unfortunately, they are not into addressing the needs of older Fords, and are on the more expensive side of auto maintenance and repair.

"Rayong garage" is this a name of a shop in Chiang Mai?? If not, i cannot actually take it to Rayong--just not very practical.

Hello. Is there anyone who could recommend an individual or auto shop that can work on my older model Ford Escape? I have tried a few shops, and they leave a bit to be desired==so. am on the search for a new option. Would greatly appreciate any advice or recommendations--(the best advice i should have followed several years ago was NOT to have purchased this car to begin with--but, the family likes it, a nice mid-szed SUV, a V6 so has some power, and let's not forget the snazzy sunroof. In reality, i have already put enough money in the darn thing, i'd lose on trying to sell it, so just looking for someone proficient to work on it.) Thanks very much

Thanks, I will take a look--Lotus is one of the few places I haven't been to.

Hello All---not my usual. more serious, medical question, but still very much health related and related to Chiang Mai. For any reading the latest research about sugars, fructose (which metabolizes into Uric Acid), fruit is great, apples are great, as they contain great fiber and other things which are of help--but in moderation--too much fructose (fruit sugar) is harmful to some, especially those with diabetes, hypertension, gout, etc--so, Granny Smith apples are not only very delicious, but the lowest in sugar--I have friends in Bkk that buy them at supermarkets, but i have not been successful in finding them in Chiang Mai--I have tried, the Central Supermarket at Central Festival (where i expected to find them, but didn't),. Tops, Rimping, Big C, all to no avail--they seem to have every other type of apple, ranging in flavor and cost from 15 baht per, to more than 100 baht per, many imported, but again, no Granny Smiths--if they have them in Bkk, thought we would have them here. So, if anyone knows a market that might have them, I would appreciate the information. For those interested, below is a copy from an online article about why Granny Smith apples are so good. Why Granny Smith Apples Are The Preferred Choice This next study is important cause I find its’ conclusions very true since I’ve felt the same experience with Granny Smith apples. I’ve noticed a good way to keep the pounds off and control hunger more than anything which leads to eating less and losing weight is to eat a Granny Smith apple before a meal and you will notice that your hunger will subside and you’ll end up eating less. This is what I call a “diet hack”, a shortcut to losing weight. Take my advice, it works and so do the researchers of this 2014 study agree as well. The study studied seven varieties of apples on how the bioactive compounds affected the good gut bacteria of diet-induced obese mice. The researchers found that compared to all the other apple varieties, Granny Smith apples had the most beneficial effect on gut bacteria and that’s why I eat mostly eat Granny Smith apples myself compared to all the other apples. “The researchers explain that Granny Smiths are high in non-digestible dietary fiber and polyphenols, and low in carbohydrates. Even after chewing and exposure to stomach acid and digestive enzymes, the compounds are unscathed when they reach the colon. The bacteria present in the colon then ferment the compounds, producing butyric acid that spurs on the growth of friendly gut bacteria,” according to Medical News Today. If you are overweight and want to lose pounds, make sure to add Granny Smith apples in your diet. You’ll thank me! Gout And Eating Apples When it comes to gout, you should know what apples contain about 14 milligrams of purine compounds per 100 grams of fruit, so it is very low in purines. Applesauce, apple juice and dried apples are also low in purines. Make sure to watch out for the sugar content but for the most part they are allowed in a gout diet. Apples are also high in vitamin C which may help support healthy uric acid levels. Although there haven’t been any studies as of yet that have analyzed the impact of apples on gout patients, one study shows promise and concluded that apples can combat against inflammatory diseases. This study clearly outlines the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory role of apple, so a similar response could be expected with gout sufferers after consuming an apple. Another 2013 study on colorectal cancer found that apples possess anti-inflammatory characteristics as it inhibits the activity of COX-2 which is another player when you suffer from gout inflammation. Finally, a word about fructose. Apples do contain a large concentration of naturally occurring sugar fructose, so again my advice is best to stick with Granny Smith apples since it also has the lowest sugar content from all variety of apples. One cup of sliced Granny Smith apples contains 10.45 grams of sugar. As gout sufferers, it is important to watch out for our sugars --glucose and fructose. Thank you