jagi00

Try the Basic Line Hotel/Bar, it has two good quality pool tables - it's next door to the No 1 Bar in Soi One.

Kedgeree OR Kippers?

Smoked haddock with a poached egg on top! Sadly not available in CM as far as I know

Not sure why you think that I would want to buy a dodgy unit from you when I have a good one already! I hope you have better luck with the Abus.

Just offering you the opportunity to put your money where your mouth is. You seem to believe so strongly that the fault can't be with Xena products that I thought you may be also be sufficiently obtuse to give me back some of the money I lost to Xena. You could always give it to a friend?

No need for nasty comments just because my alarm works OK. If you want compensation for your alarm why not take it back to your supplier.

^{Four of us ate there several months ago, we all had different mains and all were well below average for the price and one almost inedible. We had a quiet chat with the owner who, quite frankly, didn't give a toss - seems like he makes enough from one off visitors so not interested in repeat business. We would certainly not go back under the present management.}

Not sure why you think that I would want to buy a dodgy unit from you when I have a good one already! I hope you have better luck with the Abus.

If only it was that simple. Naturally I cleaned the sensors glass. In fact, I tried every tip I found when internet trawling. If you suspect my experience or numerous false alarms is an isolated event, do an internet search yourself for Xena problems.

Operator error or faulty equipment? Internet forums are full of good and bad info - I can only say it works for me.

You may want to try longan wood which is readily available here. I have had excellent results with it and also coconut husks as mentioned in an earlier post.

Xena is not a reliable product. Both mine (12 mths old brought over from Oz) and a friend's newer one bought in CM exhibited same symptoms of going off for no reason. An internet trawl suggested that the sensors in the lock don't like high humidity. I wrote to Xena asking if they were aware of sensor problem, and if it had been rectified or would be rectified - I would have bought another one I liked them so much. No answer 6 mths later. Still, it is a good padlock (with the battery removed to stop false alarms in the middle of the night), albeit very expensive!

I also bought the cheap Santoshi alarm/padlock here in CM. The alarm lasted about 3 weeks. Apparently they don't like any moisture either.

Xena uses an optical sensor. If it gets dirty, it will produce false alarms. Unfortunately, there isn't much about a brake rotor that remains clean... It's up to the user to maintain it, and I'll admit, that's a pain in the butt! If the sensor is kept clean, the Xena works well. But it doesn't take much to screw it up!

Yep, I have a Xena alarm disc lock and have had no problems - just clean the optical sensor with a cotton bud now and again and you should not get ant false alarms. The alarms can be purchased from Panda Rider in BKK who can EMS to Chiang Mai.

Steer clear of the Brother wifi printers. Crappy quality printing compared to the Canon all in ones. Even a really well qualified Ossie IT chap couldn't get the Wifi networks sorted out.

Maybe there's someone that can help you out here but Oh Brother! Don't get caught out by their cheap price.

+ 1, especially the point about the Wi-Fi set up.

I have a Brother MFC-J2510 printer and have had no issues with it - Wi FI set up was a doddle!. Printing quality is excellent and it supports double sided, booklet and A3 printing too. So far, the standard ink cartridges seem OK for my relatively low print volume.

Can anyone recommend a window cleaner for a two storey house in the San Sai area?

I like the malls for the convenience ...don't have to hang out there everyday..

But on some days of the month to watch a movie have a nice place to sit for a cup of coffee at Tom & Tom ( all over Korea with free wifi and comfy seating) it's a nice alternative to Starbucks.

I also agree u don't have to spend money at every trip like jungle chef ...it's a nice place or the family to stroll for the afternoon.

Tom & Tom at Promenara? We tried it a few days ago - possibly the worst coffee and service I've had in a long time. The snack food was no better - I'll not be back!

Very good news. Anyone has an update on the visa rules if I enter the country on either of this currently two entry points? Or still apply for a visa at embassy in Bangkok ?

Visa first then enter as you so desire.

I read elsewhere recently that you can obtain a visa on arrival now - can anyone please confirm?

I'm considering buying either a Mercedes SLK or BMW Z4 but finding it impossible to get a test drive. Does anyone know of any dealers who could oblige or do I have to head overseas to try them out?

We went to Na Na's yesterday [thanks for the lead] and picked up fresh baked cereal bread and some pastries - all excellent so we will be back for sure despite the distance. Now if only someone would open up in the San Sai area, with the amount of new housing developments it would be good business.

The baguettes on 'The Oven' stand at Rimping Meechok are invariably stale and hard - I have yet to find any on display which could be considered fresh. Can anyone suggest a good supplier of bread in the San Sai area?

Thanks to all, I'll check them out.

There is a metal shelf/racking shop on the North side of the moat as you are heading East, it's just before the big food hall on the NE corner. They may have what you need.

I'm looking for a lockable steel filing cabinet preferably with a combination lock, can anyone suggest where I might find one.

Mesquite is a very bitter wood and should never be used by itself. Most of the avid smokers I know if they use hickory or mesquite they mix with cherry or apple. Most people don't like the flavor of those woods pure.

I recommend Longan wood (lamyai) rich wonderful smoke. Jack fruit wood is also very good, but very light and similar to oak in flavor.

Don't ever use Mango, ever. Citrus woods are ok, but a little strong and should be mixed if used. Tamarind isn't too bad either, but my go to local wood has to be longan.

Most bitterness comes from over smoking not choice of wood. If you have big white clouds of smoke that is not good. If you open the lid and your eyes burn a little by the smoke, you have too much smoke and your food will taste like ash. using small chunks of wood smoldering on the side is best method. Chips burn quickly and create too much soot unless let to smolder, don't soak like so many people say, but put in a cast iron pan or small box with holes and put on the side of the heat source just touching some of briquettes if using charcoal.

You will definitely want to cold smoke salmon or trout. But the brine and technique are important for the type that you want.

Lox requires a dry brine, and then wrap in plastic and cool for 5-7 days to cure. You will need to rotate and drain the water that is forced out by the salt ever few days. Rinse, air dry for a few hours before smoking. Then cold smoke for 8-10 hours.

My recommendation is to check out

http://lpoli.50webs.com/Sausage%20recipes.htm#BRINED

and

http://www.deejayssmokepit.net/

Which also has a forum with recipes and how to's for all things smoked and cured

I have been using Longan wood for smoking for some time now and fid that it is the best of local wood available. Also, you may like to try coconut husks - great for seafood.

Happy smoking!

Market Trader - I meant Pon Yang Kum!

Thanks - Great to have a choice.

Yep, we buy most of our beef there - good price and good quality and my dog really appreciates the marrow bones at 50 baht/kg

Ah yes thanks! I remember seeing it now. I'll swing by and check it out.

Can anyone suggest where I might get a snap [stud] fastener replaced on my motorcycle trousers?

Oh dear, first butter then salt - what's next? Bread? All this from a long term resident in CM - you must be getting bored Richard!