connda

My 3BB internet works great!...

I have met many friends through the local hiking club, sitting in Wawee Coffee and also through a local school that teaches Thai (Met both Farang & Thais there)...

Do you know how to contact "the local hiking club"?

Let's see. I've been in Thailand for about 4 years now. Took early retirement in the US and came to Thailand (I decided to leave the computer industry to those younger and brighter than I). I took some time off to relax (if you want to call teaching snow skiing full time relaxing), but then started work again here in the LOS. I've taught English for 3 years in Nakhon Ratchasima while by wife and son lived in Chiang Mai. Three years is enough time to sacrifice for a job ("Work for us at our Korat branch and we can transfer you to CM when there is an opening" -- Yeah, sure! How do you spell a-g-e d-i-s-c-r-i-m-i-n-a-t-i-o-n). So -- Family or Job??? OK, so it's now time to be with my family in Chiang Mai without a job.

Problem is: I have more time on my hands than I know what to do with. Retiree's dilemma, huh? You stay busy all your life, and then when you quit working-- your job is gone, your social network is gone, your cache of disposal income declines, and you start wondering what the hell to do - especially on a fixed income.

Hanging out at the pub and drinking use to be fun, but I don't do that anymore, so that's out. I'm still relatively athletic for a dude pushing 60. I like to get out and exercise: walk, bike, swim, lift weights). My running days are over -- 48 years of snow skiing does a job on your knees. I like good conversations with individuals who are not afraid to explore both sides of an issue. On the flip side, I have no time or energy to deal with disingenuous individuals or people who have a need to proselytize (you know who you are and I will too).

So with that said...what's there to do in this beautiful city for an old dude like me?

As in any place in the world, buyer beware. With that said:

I go to Fortune dental and have had mixed results. It all depends on the doctor you see, and they have a bunch. Many of them are on the faculty at Chiang Mai University.

I've seen a young female dentist there who has done some check-ups, cleanings, and fillings. Her English is adequate and her work is good.

I've also have had work done by one of the top dentists at Fortune, and the work was pretty shoddy. The guy seemed distracted. He's worked on me twice and I will not have him work on me again. He probably is a good administrator and maybe a good educator, but I don't want him working in my mouth again.

I''ve also had work done by Dr. Sitthichai. Excellent English, seems to be very caring. The work I've had done so far is as good as any that my dentist in the U.S. has done. He seems to be very professional.

Prices are slightly less than the other dental office (Empress) mentioned in this thread. Prices for "senior" dentists are more costly than the "junior" dentists.

So, I'd recommend Fortune because they have more that one office to serve you. They have modern, up-to-date facilities, and the office staff are friendly. Some speak English better than others, but take it slow and you can converse. However, you'll need to pick and choose among the doctors until you find a dentist who suits you. They have a list of dentists who work for them on their website (Google: Fortune Dental Chiang Mai). So for me, I'm pretty happy with the young dentist doing general procedures and specifically asking for Dr. Sitthichai for more complicated procedures. I'll get the young dentist's name. I've actually got an appointment with her this week.

Hope this helps.

This is a petty, mean-spirited article painted with an immensely board brush. Magnificent way the author bends the statistics of the Thai Visa Survey to promote his own narrow-minded, pea-brained agenda. You're a sad, sad individual there Mr. Waits. Perhaps you can move to Cambodia and writes some equally ludicrous articles about all the elderly sexually deviant Expat Westerns over 50 years old preying on young Cambodian maidens by marrying and taking care of them and their families. I'm sure the Cambodian government can hire you on as part of there Anti Over-50 Expat campaign. And feel free to stay in Cambodia. We really don't need our fellow Expats promoting Xenophobia in this county that I and many individuals like me now call home.

Disclaimer: Sorry to disappoint you but I don't drink, I'm married to a wonderful Thai woman almost my own age, I'm putting her son through private school, I financially take care of my family, and unlike many of my male Thai friends, I don't have a Mia Noi or a Gig, and the last time I visited Pattaya, I stayed one day and left because the place disgusted me. And most of my Expat friends pretty much share my story. And, I think Mr. Thaksin should "man-up", come back to Thailand, serve his two years in jail, and get on with his life -- I might personally then develop some respect for him. And I don't have a vote in this country because I'm not a citizen, so I stay out of Thai politics (although I do reserve the right to maintain an opinion that I share with my Expats friends).

And to the editorial staff of the Thai Visa News: What are you people thinking by publishing such a ridiculous opinion piece that should have never found its way beyond a normal Thai Visa Forum post? It's really irresponsible on your part to publish narrow-minded junk like this that really serves no other purpose than to promote disharmony.

Thanks for all the replies and excellent info! +1

I'm planning on taking a bus trip on NakhonChai Air Bus service. They advertise three types of buses: VIP, AIR1, and AIR2. Does anyone know the specific difference between the buses? Which one is the best?

Bus Driver speeding??? Come on -- really?

If you do have one made that you like, let me know because I want one too!

I'm thinking if I can get these made, I could probably sell them. Thai have spent their whole lives sitting cross-legged. Easy for them, but Westerners...ouch! Our ligaments aren't naturally stretched, so we need to get our butts further off the ground to take weight off the our legs and knees.

I'll see what I can do. If I find one or have some made I'll let you know.

I'm looking for someone who sells (or even better, manufacutures) Zafu style meditation cushions. I've attached a picture of what I'm looking for. I live in Chiang Mai.

Last time I was up in Chiangmai, there was a Suzuki dealership on the 118, not far from the middle ring Rd intersection / San Sai Noi markets.. Perhaps a CM member can confirm whether they're still there?

Yep! Went out there today, and by golly, there is a Suzuki dealership out there.

Thanks much for the info.

I'm interested in buying a Suzuki Carry, but it looks as though the only dealers are in Bangkok. I live in Chiang Mai. Does anyone know where I would get warranty level service in this area if I bought one?

That wasn't a "normal" jet ski scam, however...

if I was running an honest rental service I'd simply purchase insurance and pass that cost off to the renter. Then put up a big sign that says: Don't Get Scammed!!! Rent An Insured Jet Ski Here! Then make sure you have purchased the insurance that covers major damage, like a collision -- you're passing the cost off to the renter, right?

If I was a tourist as saw a sign that says Don't Get Scammed!!! I'd ask why. Then I'd rent from the guy at a higher price because he's honest and I'm protecting my butt.

If any of these guys are truly above-board this would be a great marketing approach. More lucrative and less of a hassle than scamming!

Like most Americans on a fixed income, the pounding the dollar is taking is scaring the heck out of me. I understand that prior to 1997 the baht was pegged at 25B to $1. Also at this time, there were no monetary requirements for a visa extension based on marriage and a retirement visa extension required something like 250,000B. Then after the collapse of the baht in 1997 the value of the dollar skyrocketed and obviously the amount needed for retirement and spouse visas increased. Now that the US government and the Federal Reserved have decided to destroy the US dollar -- pensioners, retirees, and individuals who would like to live in Thailand may have to reassess their plans. If the dollar starts to float in the 20 - 25B to $1 range (or less), and the visa requirements remain at their current levels, this isn't going to be a very attractive place to retire to.

And what's with the baht / USD conversation rate that I see at the top of the page on the Thaivisa forum. I went to Bangkok Bank two days ago and you could buy baht at around 28.11B / $1. The price at the top of the page looks more like what the bank will sell USD for, although I think their spread was higher. My guess is that the Thai Banks (along with the rest of the world) don't want to be holding US Dollars. Can't blame them considering that the US is fabricating US Dollars out of thin air. Too bad individuals like me who have worked and saved all their lives, and have paid off all their debt in order to enjoy a relatively nice retirement are the ones getting totally screwed over by our government and the banking cartel. I guess I can just eat an iPad, right?

Good luck to my fellow US expat retirees. What are your plans after our government toasts the US Dollar?

I've been in Thailand for 4 years. Never been to Phuket. And I don't think I ever will.

The European Court of Human Rights does hold that the right of marriage is inviolate. However I notice that the Asian Human Rights Commission make no mention of marriage as a right. Hummmm.

I just talked to my wife about this: Ha ha ha!!!

"We marry already. I no care. It not my business. I think too much I get headache. It not our problem."

She's right you know -- <deleted> should I care. Well, that is until they decide to annul our marriage because I'm a Farang over 50. I guess that the Thai government will have to wait until their Laos and Cambodia big brothers make the first move before that happens 'eh. With my pension, assets, and retirement saving -- man, I just hate being such a darn burden to the Thai people. Maybe it's time to move to Central American or Sri Lanka? Or hell, Malaysia would welcome me with open arms. Why am I here again?

Yeah back to reality: I'm here because I met, fell in love with, and married a beautiful, good-hearted, middle-aged Buddhist woman who shares common ideals and a common moral and religious background as I do. And it's her desire and wishes to remain in her home country. We can always move back to mine. So -- how do you legislate that?

Stupid, corrupt governments + Apathetic populations = 99% of the countries around the world (Nothing to see here. Keep walking please...)

Yes. Thailand should bring in this law to prohibit older Farangs and other foreigners from marrying very young women .

I have seen some farangs with young wives who could be their grand daughters!.

Laos and Cambodia have enacted these law: why not Thailand.

So Khun Sundaram444. What do you think about me being 57 and my Thai wife being 52. Do you think this is a just law? Do you think that just because I'm over 50 I should not have been able to marry my Thai wife who is 5 years younger then me?

You totally miss the point. A Farang over 50 can't marry anyone, including Thai women over 50.

It they want to implement an age range -- fine. I don't think think a guy ought to marry someone old enough to be their daughter (or grand-daughter) either. But this stupidity is saying that men over 50 can not marry at all. It's stupid, it's discriminatory, and borders on a human rights violation.

Amazing Thailand!

I'm over 50. So that means that I and my 52 year old Thai wife would not be able to get married. <deleted>?

I live in Issan. I look around at most married ex-pats over 50 and I see guys that are married to Thai women ranging from their own age to maybe 15 years younger. I'd say that the average farang in his 50's in married to a woman in their 40's. So this will essentially affects middle class, middle aged Thai women who are looking to marry at an acceptable status level.

It's a lose/lose situation and will gain the Thai banks and the politicians nothing. It will affect Thai families who are being supported by potential Farang suitors. If they had any sense, they would limit that age disparity, i.e., you can't marry outside of a specific age range.

Totally craziness, but not unexpected.

Suthep: "I don't respect 'farangs'. We do not have to surrender to them"

OK. Here's an idea. Compromise! No pasty white, election monitors of European ancestry. If you don't have any respect for us -- no problem. In my country, everybody hates white people anyway -- so we're pretty much use to it by now, and we no longer take offense at the name calling. Compared to "gringo", "honky", or "evil white devils" -- Farang actually has a nice sound to it! Sort of -- fruity!

So instead, why not use folk from India, Malaysia, or Lao!!! Or maybe even Africa! You know...kon kɛɛk (คนแขก). They're not "Farang"! Wadayathink? Good idea?

OR, you know, you really don't need election monitors at all. You politicians and your rich friends are just doing things on too small of a scale! Think BIG! If the politicians or your friends pay the voters directly for their votes, it sort of looks like corruption. The do-gooders of the world see that as "bad".

Instead, you should do what American does (Hold on -- only about half of us are farang nowadays, so bear with me on this): Just pass a law allowing the most powerful corporations, banks, industries, and businesses to give unlimited "campaign funds" directly to the politicians. Then you use this massive amount of money to buy the Main Stream Media. If you can pay for enough signs and publicity, you don't need to buy the votes directly from the people!!! Then it's not corruption! It's the LAW. Far out huh?

And what's even better is that you can use all those campaign funds to take your family on vacations, buy designer clothes, stay at the most expensive hotels, and drive around in chauffeur driven, body-guard protected stretch Benzs so you can show all the chaao naa ชาวนา exactly how powerful and important you are. And it's all perfectly legal, because you passed the laws to make it legal. Isn't that great!!!

Now, for a while you're going to have to pretend that you hate people in the other parties. But after the public display of mutual hate and distrust on the floor of parliament, you all go out with your Banking buddies, drink Johnney Walker Blue label and sing Karaoke together. It's all a show for the peasants anyway. And what about those pesky folk in the middle class you ask? Well, once you're in power, just pass laws that will allow most of the wealth of the country to flow directly to your Banking buddies. That way you can drive those middle class wanke_rs right back to the rice farms where they belong. Hey, Goldman-Sachs is your friend! They'll take good care of you and your family for life!!! All you have to do is take care of them, and do a little play-acting in parliament to make it look like you hate the opposition parties. Life is GOOD. And it's all legal, because you passed the laws to make it legal. Heck, what good is power if you can't use it, huh?

So see, not all farang are untrustworthy. And you still don't need to respect us. Heck, once you, your friends, and the Banks are running the show, you don't have to respect any of the little people who vote for you -- you just pretend you do just around election time. And you definitely don't need to respect foreigners. But you gotta admit, we Farang are useful for an occasional good idea -- don't you think? And it's gotta be fun to have a few of us around to insult when you get good and drunk -- or when you're giving a speech in parliament. If ya didn't, who else would you have to disrespect?

Xenophobia is alive and well in Thailand. :jap:

"Multiculturalism means never having to go overseas to find an enemy."

- Anonymous

Well -- here come's 300 baht non-domestic ATM fees just it time for a strengthening baht. I hear Cuba is a great place for a vacation...might be time to settle down in a less developed developing country. Corona anyone? Cuba cigar? San Migual Dark? ¿Habla usted español?

Al Gore will probably try to say it's " climate change" caused by our SUV's!

Right on Miami Bob!

Mr. Gore and his cartel of elites, who produced the movie on global warming called An Inconvenient Truth, would probably tell you that all of this cold weather is being caused by global warming. Yes, Mr. Gore and his friends spent a few million dollars to convince you that cold weather really means hot weather

What Mr. Gore did not tell you in his film is that he and his friends own very lucrative companies that deal in the marketing of Carbon Credits, and that they stand to make billions of dollars if they can convince you to support your government's plans to pass legislation to limit carbon emissions and to legally mandate the global, international trading of Carbon Credits. Hummm. That was just a small, inconvenient truth that was left out of the movie. Darn!

So everyone! Open up those beautiful minds of yours and connect the dots... and enjoy this wonderful cool weather we are experiencing in the middle of the hot season. 'Tis just a small proclivity of Mother Nature for your enjoyment.

"Gee Whiz! Thanks Mother Nature!!!"

Very interesting, my friend. Can you tell me where you found out this info on Gore or is it hearsay? I would like to do more research on this putz Gore, but before I condem i would like to know where the facts are obtained. Thnx 4 your input

Google these companies and terms and then look at the inter-relationships. Gore's is co-owner of the firm Generation Investment Management:

Chicago Climate Exchange

Generation Investment Management

InterContinental Exchange

Joyce Foundation

Goldman Sachs

Merrill Lynch

Lehman Brother

Carbon Credits

Carbon Offsets

Cap-and-trade

I could offer you links, but if you're on the fence, or on the other side of the fence, it would be too easy for you to simply dismiss the sources as so much malarkey: Research and draw your own conclusions. The information is out there.

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. -- Lao Tzu :jap:

Al Gore will probably try to say it's " climate change" caused by our SUV's!

Right on Miami Bob!

Mr. Gore and his cartel of elites, who produced the movie on global warming called An Inconvenient Truth, would probably tell you that all of this cold weather is being caused by global warming. Yes, Mr. Gore and his friends spent a few million dollars to convince you that cold weather really means hot weather

What Mr. Gore did not tell you in his film is that he and his friends own very lucrative companies that deal in the marketing of Carbon Credits, and that they stand to make billions of dollars if they can convince you to support your government's plans to pass legislation to limit carbon emissions and to legally mandate the global, international trading of Carbon Credits. Hummm. That was just a small, inconvenient truth that was left out of the movie. Darn!

So everyone! Open up those beautiful minds of yours and connect the dots... and enjoy this wonderful cool weather we are experiencing in the middle of the hot season. 'Tis just a small proclivity of Mother Nature for your enjoyment.

"Gee Whiz! Thanks Mother Nature!!!"

Forget Al Gore and the other limousine liberals, they make me want to puke too. Regardless there is a well established scientific model that dictates the earth's carbon equilibrium is directly linked to the earth's weather. That model holds up across time. It is the reason for the ice age and it applies today also.

Global warming means human's pump way too much carbon in the atmosphere and we artificially warm the planet in an unnatural amount of time. What mother nature does to react to that is up to her. Cold weather, hot weather, no rain, too much rain, high winds, no winds, or what ever fits her fancy. In the end she will win.

Actually I don't disagree with the fact that global warming is a phenomenon that occurs on this planet. So is global cooling. The Earth has gone through significant warming and cooling cycles throughout recorded history, and there are tomes of paleoclimatological evidence that show these cycles occurring throughout the long geological history of this planet. This is nothing new. I find the various theories, pros and cons, to be fascinating – but they're theories. You can attempt to find statistical correlations and draw your conclusion as you wish, but at the end of the day, I don't think you can definitively prove the causes either way. But unlike the more impassioned folk commenting on this thread, I'm not emotional wrapped up in the issue. Man-made CO2 emissions, solar flares, buffalo farts…who really knows? In the big scheme of things, one rouge asteroid or comet and the whole issue is a moot point Most people filter their world-view through the lens of a single life-time. You need to screw on the wide-angle lens on to see the bigger picture.

But trading carbon credits? Boy I wish I had the "buy-in" money to get a piece of that scam, and then use it to help to improve the lives of those less fortunate who will be the most adversely affected by the rising costs associated with this elaborate con-job.

And for our more liberal friends who thinks that anyone who holds a view like mine is some kind of the SUV driving, hateful, right-wing nut job – I live a simple, quite life in a one room apartment, I drive a Honda 125cc motorcycle and a mountain bike, I try of find compassion for all sentient beings including Al Gore (yeah I'm Buddhist), I have the carbon footprint of a CO2 midget, and I don't fit well in anyone's right-left paradigm (which suits me just fine). So take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy this wonderful weather – whatever its cause! Hell, if man-made CO2 emissions caused this weather, I need to start eating beans and farting more!!!

Al Gore will probably try to say it's " climate change" caused by our SUV's!

Right on Miami Bob!

Mr. Gore and his cartel of elites, who produced the movie on global warming called An Inconvenient Truth, would probably tell you that all of this cold weather is being caused by global warming. Yes, Mr. Gore and his friends spent a few million dollars to convince you that cold weather really means hot weather

What Mr. Gore did not tell you in his film is that he and his friends own very lucrative companies that deal in the marketing of Carbon Credits, and that they stand to make billions of dollars if they can convince you to support your government's plans to pass legislation to limit carbon emissions and to legally mandate the global, international trading of Carbon Credits. Hummm. That was just a small, inconvenient truth that was left out of the movie. Darn!

So everyone! Open up those beautiful minds of yours and connect the dots... and enjoy this wonderful cool weather we are experiencing in the middle of the hot season. 'Tis just a small proclivity of Mother Nature for your enjoyment.

"Gee Whiz! Thanks Mother Nature!!!"

Forget Al Gore and the other limousine liberals, they make me want to puke too. Regardless there is a well established scientific model that dictates the earth's carbon equilibrium is directly linked to the earth's weather. That model holds up across time. It is the reason for the ice age and it applies today also.

Global warming means human's pump way too much carbon in the atmosphere and we artificially warm the planet in an unnatural amount of time. What mother nature does to react to that is up to her. Cold weather, hot weather, no rain, too much rain, high winds, no winds, or what ever fits her fancy. In the end she will win.

It's nothing an asteroid hit won't fix

All the American Global Warming deniers are out today, The Al Gore haters,. the gas guzzlers in their pick ups in Thailand who complain about 4 dollars a gallon in their old country, You know what , global warmer means all manner of climate changes , The scientific facts are clear. Now go and watch your fox news on TV or online to re enforce your denial.

Yep sure brings the bozoes out of the woodwork.

Emotional, aren't they? <grin>