ctrunfree

Should mention, I did try the thread on Best Restaurants in CR but it seems to be more about burgers and pizza than Thai food.

Thanks Toybits, have tried Khao Soy a few times in Chiang Mai, and will probably try the CR version while here. What about the markets- is there anywhere that you can pick up plastic bags of takeaway Thai like CM? We'll have a kitchen in the apartment we are staying in to reheat or cook things.

They may well, but how do you get through to them when you ring the automated message Thai language Call Centre

Duplicate post removed

I recently got a Happy SIM. The instructions that come with it tell you to ring the Call Centre to get the language changed to English, but when you ring the Call Centre the recorded message is all in Thai. (TIT) Even after getting the hotel staff to help I still get 2 to 3 SMS from Happy every day, none of which are readable (the Thai language characters come out on my phone as square boxes). Now whenever I hear my SMS tone go off I say "It's Mr Happy!"

However, if like me you just want to make the odd call I guess its fine.

Bought a Happy SIM card for the GF and had the same experience. Fortunately, my apartment building manager was kind enough to help her get it up and running, but I was useless trying to follow the instructions on the top-up card, or to get to an actual English language message in spite of several attempts. And she was absolutely bombarded by junk SMS's. Somehow, she burned through 300 baht in a week (no data or international calls- but a lot of int'l texts), and had to retop again. Next time, going with a different provider.

I have ais no problem with language if your phone is in English that's what it come up in same with Thai once you put monies in it'll tell you how long it last's 300bt for example will give you a 1 month credit put another 300 in two week's later and you will find you have another 5/6 week's credit this will build up to 1 year in total the more you put the more credit.

Re the unwanted tex's just phone them free listen to the computer and press the no: they tell you and all unwanted one's will be gone they say in 4 day's but I have found 2 day's max is the normal. N/B best company to deal with in Thailand. Just ask and it's done.

That's the problem...I can't speak Thai, so how do I ring them to tell them to stop texting? And my phone is in English, but as I say messages don't come in that language..

I recently got a Happy SIM. The instructions that come with it tell you to ring the Call Centre to get the language changed to English, but when you ring the Call Centre the recorded message is all in Thai. (TIT) Even after getting the hotel staff to help I still get 2 to 3 SMS from Happy every day, none of which are readable (the Thai language characters come out on my phone as square boxes). Now whenever I hear my SMS tone go off I say "It's Mr Happy!"

However, if like me you just want to make the odd call I guess its fine.

I spells it like I sez it!

Have always enjoyed the occasional visit to Svensen's, whether in Chiang Mai or in Siam Sq. But after a 2 year absence tried the Rambutri Rd branch last night, only to find in the intervening period that they have not only started using mock cream, but the prices have gone up and the serving sizes have shrunk dramatically. What's going on? Is this just a bad franchise or has it happened across all their businesses?

Yes, no problem at all getting a ticket on the day. I'd have thought one of the meter-taxis are your best bet as you should be able to arrange a return ride with the same driver.

Thanks for that!

Hi people

Making our first trip to CR in a couple of weeks. Wonder if people could recommend places to get good, authentic Thai food. Could be restaurants, food stalls, or markets like the ones in CM where you can get great meals in those little takeaway plastic bags.

Many thanks

Just noticed that CRFC will be at home for one match while I'm there. (11 August). Have been to a few CM FC home games and enjoyed them. Is it possible to get a ticket at the gate on match day, and what's the best way of getting to the stadium?

Will still be in Oz unfortunately, but my best wishes to all Thaivisa attendees, and a shout out to Pedr and Beer for hosting...

But wasn't the chap second in line to the English throne seen cavorting in a Nazi uniform a couple of years back? If its good enough for Harry....

Whatever you do , do NOT go to Kantary Hills. Hard beds, and THE MOST uncomfortable couches i have ever sat on.

They have good imported steak though.

I love the Kantary beds! And the lounges are great!

Different strokes I guess...but a really soft bed isn't doing your back any favours.

Nah, they were all rushing up to the UN Pub to witness Australia's resurgence as a cricketing superpower!

Great game, the Aussies deserved the win but the Thai's gave them hell of a scare in the first half. Australia 2-1 Thailand.

Shame the power went out in the Old Belle and all along Loi Kroh road just 10 minutes into the match!

From the press reports, it didn't sound like I missed much by way of an impressive Socceroo performance

Yes, I'm an idiot, but what is a markee?

Its like a big tent!

Kick off time is 5pm Thai time. As several people have asked, we will be showing the game live at The Olde Bell on Loi Kroh Rd.

Righto then, I'll be there!

I suppose if we want to find somewhere to watch with a bit of atmosphere we just head towards the sound of the vevuzelas?

"Anyway back to the pork, the sweet and sour pork was done Real Chinese style (like back in the US), slightly battered in corn starch and fried before being cooked in the sweet and sour sauce. First time ever anyone's ever cooked it this way for me in Thailand".

I must admit that sometimes I fancy a good old UK/USA Chinese meal.

Sweet & Sour Prawn Balls, Chicken Chop Suey, Special Fried Rice, Spring Rolls, Beef Chow Mein... all washed down with Ice cold Coke!

......not forgetting the alkaseltzer...

It will no doubt be on Thai television so most places will show it, you should be able to watch it in your posh hotel room.

Excellent! So all I need to find is a good supply of caviar and a crate of Bollinger and I'm set!

Anyone know where I am likely to be able to watch the Australia v Thailand World Cup football qualifier on Friday (kick off is 8pm Brisbane time)?

(Doesn't need to be a place with hammocks!)

An investment of 20 baht will get you to Airport Plaza, where you can go crazy on appliances..

Northwest end of Middle Ring Road. It.s on the opposite side of the canal road. Latitude 18°50'23.14"N; Longitude 98°57'53.65"E.

I don't know if it is the lap pool, but the swimming pool you would take a right at that intersection then the next left enters with the swimming pool on your left.

MSPain

I think the middle ring road is the one that terminates at CM City Hall complex after you go under Mae Rim Road. After you reach the second stop light, you will be facing the entire Sports Complex more or less to your right, built for the Asian Games when they were in Chiang Mai.

If you proceed straight across the canal road, Highway 121, you will enter the South Gate to the complex and then you much drive around the complex with many speed bumps, but it is a good familiarization drive. You will eventually reach the pool complex, which is a right turn going this way, it is located just before you reach the North Gate to exit. The pool complex is located just adjacent to the canal which abuts the complex to its east.

To avoid this experience, turn right when you reach Highway 121 and then make a left at the first opportunity. You will be entering the complex through the North gate and the first left turn opportunity puts you in front of the pool complex on your left. There are signs in English with arrows to make the turn once your in the complex.

Thanks, will try later today.

Hope you aren't trying to drive into the complex today, as I gather the big touring car race is happening again today...

Great night, and good to catch up with you chaps again (and thanks for the lift, Thaimiller and Kev).

I'd be interested to know if any of the local press reporters were as amazed as I was that the CM goalie didn't get an early shower for his bizarre behaviour..

Also good to see the CM President grab the hoon who chucked the container full of ice at the ref!