Diary of a farang in Isaan

[owl sees all]

3 hours ago, chickenslegs said:

I even tried putting some through a coffee filter paper - still cloudy.

The answer is on all the Thai's faces. Yep; face masks!

 

Get a couple of of them and pour away. After all, if they can stop a tiny virus, they could surely take out a bit of stringy stuff in the wine.

[roo860]

2 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Yes!

 

They have some pups for sale now. They have so many that I was temped to get a couple more. but we don't live on the farm anymore, and it would have been just too difficult in the village.

 

Beautiful dogs they are.

They've only got bitches left, around 7 of them.

[owl sees all]

 

Owl Log - 22-01-2023 - Sunday afternoon

 

Not a cloud in the sky for a week. Been a little chilly, but warmer this morning. In just 40 days we will be in March; one of the hottest months of the year. Sometimes the hottest.

 

Another pond dug out next to us. Only small but very deep.

 

 

This is the Buddha farm.

 

 

Her name is Chelsea. She supports Chelsea. And - it seems - is sponsored by them.

 

Mildred's niece.

 

 

The road works along the 2022 are well underway. First job is to move all the leccy posts back.

 

 

 

It's gonna be grand. Hope they fill in the holes in the old sections.

 

 

It's that time of year. Rice is done and the stubble is burnt.

 

 

Sometimes it all gets out of control.

 

 

The monks are doubling up.

 

 

 

Gave the doggies a wash in the week.

 

 

Then they are dried.

 

 

Always thought that dogs shook themselves dry. What do I know! Perhaps the pups have to learn the skill. Just like we have to learn things.

 

 

Poo seems to be good friends with both the dogs. Ginger keeps his distance and Jack has changed carer. Not seen him for a week. He was my favourite too.

 

 

Tried to catch a few pla nin yesterday. I stressed that it was the wrong time of day. But they gave it a go. Caught 20 or so. We got the two biggest and will have them for lunch today.

 

 

Saw something really nice at the farm while we were after the fish.

 

 

If it hadn't been for the mum flying in, we might not have noticed them.

 

 

Bella's farm have a new little furnace.

 

 

Nice colour scheme Mil.

 

 

When we go to the farm we always feed the dogs. Chickens too, if we have food for them.

 

This afternoon we plan to take Robert and Oscar to the farm, for the first time. Will be interesting to see what happens. Not just with the dogs, but more importantly, with the chickens..

 

 

The new arrivals have slowed Mildred's artwork down. But she did a painting as a school project called 'Dreams'. Had to write a story to go with it. I'll try to get it translated, when It's finished, and have a read.

 

 

And it's out with the old and in with the new.

My old Nokia was giving problems. The phone was OK, but the battery was going US. Tried to get a replacement but not surprisingly I couldn't. So i had to dive deep into my pocket for a replacement.

 

 

I stayed with Nokia, as I had fond memories of a Finish lady that I knew from the past. She could do special things. But I digress. The phone is a bit complicated, and the camera is next to rubbish, but it's a nice colour and the shop lady managed to get all my old numbers onto the new phone. But most importantly; it was cheap. I'm using the old Nokia as an alarm clock, and if I could get a battery I'd go back.

I have got a lovely gold phone that I've never used. It's a long story, but I was crossed between getting the phone - that the lady assured me was real gold plated - or a Rolex. I chose the phone but when I got home and unpacked it, there was no charger. The silly lady had forgotten to put it in the bag. Waste of 500 baht really. The Nokia battery is on the right.

 

 

Footy round-up

Lots of draws in the EPL yesterday. Including a very un-exciting game at Anfield; 0-0 with Chelsea. Good to see the Irons win a game. Everton look down and dishevelled. Frankie L's job not in doubt however. A spell in the Championship might do the Toffeez good. Rekindle the juices so to speak. Like Burnley. Everton are due to move into their new home next season. Will be great to see 50k gates for home games in the Championship.

Orient crash at Stevenage 3-0.

Owls scrape home against Fleetwood, and cement second spot. Owls vs Toffeez next season; mouth-watering!

Man City comeback very well, against Spurs, to keep in second spot. Arsenal and United play today. As do Leeds.

Cold weather caused a lot of matches to be postponed in the lower divisions. Only three games went ahead in Div 3.

Thailand beat Vietnam 1-0 to win the AFF cup in Bangkok. 3-2 on aggregate, as they had drawn 2-2 away.

 

Had one eye on the tennis in Melbourne (Oz). Andy Murray has gone. Not surprised. as only a day or so before he was playing at 4 in the morning. Djokovic steams ahead; although badly injured. Raducanu knocked out by favourite Gauff; who got beaten yesterday. It's wide open in the Ladies tournament. Naomi Osaka - Japan's pin-up tennis star - is expecting. So no more watching this delightful lady on court until 2024; or later.

I also notice that the BBC are not putting the national flag against the Russian players.  A bit petty that, I think.

Big tennis tournament coming to Hua Hin soon. I'd pop along for a game or two if I was closer.

 

Leccy bill for the last 30 days the highest I've seen it; over 2,000 baht! The MinL's about the same at 400 baht.

 

Just had a guy come round asking if we - as in me, Mrs Owl and Mildred - wanted a free covid jab.

 

Not seen Ting for over a month. If she forgets me and moves on; I'll understand.

 

Still not gone to Udon to pick up my paperwork. Might leave it until my 90 day is ready next month.

 

Started my fasting last Monday. Urine challenge has been shelved for now. Not sorry about that as I got fed up with trimming my eyebrows every day. But the hairs on my arm have grown to 50mm. So it must work. And my war-wound has become almost unnoticeable.

 

World focus.

Jacinda Ardern is no more. Burnout!! Happens to the best of us dear. The WEF, for 2023, is about to finish. Tony Blair gave a rousing talk about jabbing up Africa and vaxx-passports. I reckon he will be the WEF's next leader withing a couple of years.

Moans and groans from the populas in the UK. Can't eat! Can't sleep! Can't heat! But they get along to support their footy teams. We English always have our priorities right.

 

Not seen the budgies since their release from captivity.

 

Mrs Owl wants to buy a pick-up. A Ford Wild-track has caught her eye. I'm pondering.

 

Mrs Owl has cracked more tiles in the sink. I'll have a good look tomorrow.

 

Only one thing left to say; bye y'all.

 

[roo860]

26 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

 

Owl Log - 22-01-2023 - Sunday afternoon

 

Not a cloud in the sky for a week. Been a little chilly, but warmer this morning. In just 40 days we will be in March; one of the hottest months of the year. Sometimes the hottest.

 

Another pond dug out next to us. Only small but very deep.

 

 

This is the Buddha farm.

 

 

Her name is Chelsea. She supports Chelsea. And - it seems - is sponsored by them.

 

Mildred's niece.

 

 

The road works along the 2022 are well underway. First job is to move all the leccy posts back.

 

 

 

It's gonna be grand. Hope they fill in the holes in the old sections.

 

 

It's that time of year. Rice is done and the stubble is burnt.

 

 

Sometimes it all gets out of control.

 

 

The monks are doubling up.

 

 

 

Gave the doggies a wash in the week.

 

 

Then they are dried.

 

 

Always thought that dogs shook themselves dry. What do I know! Perhaps the pups have to learn the skill. Just like we have to learn things.

 

 

 

Poo seems to be good friends with both the dogs. Ginger keeps his distance and Jack has changed carer. Not seen him for a week. He was my favourite too.

 

 

Tried to catch a few pla nin yesterday. I stressed that it was the wrong time of day. But they gave it a go. Caught 20 or so. We got the two biggest and will have them for lunch today.

 

 

Saw something really nice at the farm while we were after the fish.

 

 

If it hadn't been for the mum flying in, we might not have noticed them.

 

 

Bella's farm have a new little furnace.

 

 

Nice colour scheme Mil.

 

 

When we go to the farm we always feed the dogs. Chickens too, if we have food for them.

 

This afternoon we plan to take Robert and Oscar to the farm, for the first time. Will be interesting to see what happens. Not just with the dogs, but more importantly, with the chickens..

 

 

The new arrivals have slowed Mildred's artwork down. But she did a painting as a school project called 'Dreams'. Had to write a story to go with it. I'll try to get it translated, when It's finished, and have a read.

 

 

And it's out with the old and in with the new.

My old Nokia was giving problems. The phone was OK, but the battery was going US. Tried to get a replacement but not surprisingly I couldn't. So i had to dive deep into my pocket for a replacement.

 

 

I stayed with Nokia, as I had fond memories of a Finish lady that I knew from the past. She could do special things. But I digress. The phone is a bit complicated, and the camera is next to rubbish, but it's a nice colour and the shop lady managed to get all my old numbers onto the new phone. But most importantly; it was cheap. I'm using the old Nokia as an alarm clock, and if I could get a battery I'd go back.

I have got a lovely gold phone that I've never used. It's a long story, but I was crossed between getting the phone - that the lady assured me was real gold plated - or a Rolex. I chose the phone but when I got home and unpacked it, there was no charger. The silly lady had forgotten to put it in the bag. Waste of 500 baht really. The Nokia battery is on the right.

 

 

Footy round-up

Lots of draws in the EPL yesterday. Including a very un-exciting game at Anfield; 0-0 with Chelsea. Good to see the Irons win a game. Everton look down and dishevelled. Frankie L's job not in doubt however. A spell in the Championship might do the Toffeez good. Rekindle the juices so to speak. Like Burnley. Everton are due to move into their new home next season. Will be great to see 50k gates for home games in the Championship.

Orient crash at Stevenage 3-0.

Owls scrape home against Fleetwood, and cement second spot. Owls vs Toffeez next season; mouth-watering!

Man City comeback very well, against Spurs, to keep in second spot. Arsenal and United play today. As do Leeds.

Cold weather caused a lot of matches to be postponed in the lower divisions. Only three games went ahead in Div 3.

Thailand beat Vietnam 1-0 to win the AFF cup in Bangkok. 3-2 on aggregate, as they had drawn 2-2 away.

 

Had one eye on the tennis in Melbourne (Oz). Andy Murray has gone. Not surprised. as only a day or so before he was playing at 4 in the morning. Djokovic steams ahead; although badly injured. Raducanu knocked out by favourite Gauff; who got beaten yesterday. It's wide open in the Ladies tournament. Naomi Osaka - Japan's pin-up tennis star - is expecting. So no more watching this delightful lady on court until 2024; or later.

I also notice that the BBC are not putting the national flag against the Russian players.  A bit petty that, I think.

Big tennis tournament coming to Hua Hin soon. I'd pop along for a game or two if I was closer.

 

Leccy bill for the last 30 days the highest I've seen it; over 2,000 baht! The MinL's about the same at 400 baht.

 

Just had a guy come round asking if we - as in me, Mrs Owl and Mildred - wanted a free covid jab.

 

Not seen Ting for over a month. If she forgets me and moves on; I'll understand.

 

Still not gone to Udon to pick up my paperwork. Might leave it until my 90 day is ready next month.

 

Started my fasting last Monday. Urine challenge has been shelved for now. Not sorry about that as I got fed up with trimming my eyebrows every day. But the hairs on my arm have grown to 50mm. So it must work. And my war-wound has become almost unnoticeable.

 

World focus.

Jacinda Ardern is no more. Burnout!! Happens to the best of us dear. The WEF, for 2023, is about to finish. Tony Blair gave a rousing talk about jabbing up Africa and vaxx-passports. I reckon he will be the WEF's next leader withing a couple of years.

Moans and groans from the populas in the UK. Can't eat! Can't sleep! Can't heat! But they get along to support their footy teams. We English always have our priorities right.

 

Not seen the budgies since their release from captivity.

 

Mrs Owl wants to buy a pick-up. A Ford Wild-track has caught her eye. I'm pondering.

 

Mrs Owl has cracked more tiles in the sink. I'll have a good look tomorrow.

 

Only one thing left to say; bye y'all.

 

Them pups are grand, if I'd got a decent size garden would have snapped one up.????????

[owl sees all]

3 minutes ago, roo860 said:

Them pups are grand, if I'd got a decent size garden would have snapped one up.????????

 

They are cute alright. But I'm aware that they can grow up to be absolute <deleted>.

 

I'll get some pics when they visit the farm for the first time today.

 

[sotonowl]

18 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Owls scrape home against Fleetwood

Owls were lucky, thought Fleetwood deserved a point to be honest Owl. Never mind the Toffees, it's the Saints I'd like to be playing next season if we can manage it.

[owl sees all]

7 minutes ago, sotonowl said:

Owls were lucky, thought Fleetwood deserved a point to be honest Owl. Never mind the Toffees, it's the Saints I'd like to be playing next season if we can manage it.

I reckon you are right there Owl. But Saints are a strange lot; just when you think they are doomed, they go on a run.

 

Have not forgot the PM. Will answer in email.

[sotonowl]

15 hours ago, owl sees all said:

I reckon you are right there Owl. But Saints are a strange lot; just when you think they are doomed, they go on a run.

 

Have not forgot the PM. Will answer in email.

I only want Saints down if we go up as it's a game I can get to.

[rickudon]

On 1/21/2023 at 10:41 AM, owl sees all said:

That is the biggest Pacu I've ever seen. 16 kg. Wow!!

 

Must be a world record. Much bigger than the ones I used to catch in Jamaica; although maybe nor the same strain.

 

Did have some in Pond One a few years back, but they never grew more than 2.5/3 kg.

I think the record is about 40 kg. but yes, unlikely to see one over 20 kg. I do have at least one in my main private pond which is around 2-3 kg. Should also be some smaller ones, but not seen them for 6 months. I feed the pond every day with the previous days food waste (family creates a lot, cannot understand why they are not more careful). but mainly see plaa sawai which particularly like star fruit. The Jeramid only comes sometimes, and a Giant Gourami rarely. Haven't fished for 2 months as too much repair work around the banks. Also nightmare doing daughters passport and wife's visa for hopefully trip to UK in April. Talk about stress!

[d4dang]

On 11/18/2019 at 8:05 PM, geronimo said:

I heard Bernard was put out to pasture in Nakon Nowhere, where he grazes in an open field with his trusted notebook and pen .........

he might be riding the last green bus into the horizon

[d4dang]

On 11/19/2019 at 7:33 AM, sirineou said:

Especially since he's being hanging out with monkeys, next time he should try hanging out with people he might find it more enjoyable. 

tail in front monkeys?

[owl sees all]

9 hours ago, rickudon said:

I think the record is about 40 kg. but yes, unlikely to see one over 20 kg. I do have at least one in my main private pond which is around 2-3 kg. Should also be some smaller ones, but not seen them for 6 months. I feed the pond every day with the previous days food waste (family creates a lot, cannot understand why they are not more careful). but mainly see plaa sawai which particularly like star fruit. The Jeramid only comes sometimes, and a Giant Gourami rarely. Haven't fished for 2 months as too much repair work around the banks. Also nightmare doing daughters passport and wife's visa for hopefully trip to UK in April. Talk about stress!

I've fished in a lot of places here, and never caught a pacu more than a couple of kiloes. Wife caught a 34kg catfish in Chonburi. I'll dig out a pic for that. We also have Gourami in pond seven, but they are mini-gouramis not giants.

 

I only fish in ponds one and two for fish to eat; mostly pla nin.

 

As for passports. I got Mildred a UK one when she was about 2. Never used it, but I thought it important to get her into the system. Easier to renew a passport than get one from scratch when in the teens. So far so good. The wife's visa was a nightmare. And when she finally got going, she was detained in Kuala Lumpa and missed her follow-on-flight to London. Had to get her a ticket back to Bangkok a few days later. Also flights to Spain from England were wasted. In all, lots of dosh done and also - just like yourself - tons of stress; all round.

 

Edited January 28, 2023 by owl sees all

[GarryP]

44 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

I've fished in a lot of places here, and never caught a pacu more than a couple of kiloes. Wife caught a 34kg catfish in Chonburi. I'll dig out a pic for that. We also have Gourami in pond seven, but they are mini-gouramis not giants.

 

I only fish in ponds one and two for fish to eat; mostly pla nin.

 

As for passports. I got Mildred a UK one when she was about 2. Never used it, but I thought it important to get her into the system. Easier to renew a passport than get one from scratch when in the teens. So far so good. The wife's visa was a nightmare. And when she finally got going, she was detained in Kuala Lumpa and missed her follow-on-flight to London. Had to get her a ticket back to Bangkok a few days later. Also flights to Spain from England were wasted. In all, lots of dosh done and also - just like yourself - tons of stress; all round.

 

Got my son his first UK passport at about 15 months. Renewed it twice without any problem. He'll be 34 next month and the last time he went to the UK he was 18 months old. 

 

Only detention I've had is by Thai immigration in 1986. Long story but ultimately my own fault. Kicked out and back 6 months later. I was young and gullible then. 

[bannork]

10 hours ago, GarryP said:

Got my son his first UK passport at about 15 months. Renewed it twice without any problem. He'll be 34 next month and the last time he went to the UK he was 18 months old. 

 

Only detention I've had is by Thai immigration in 1986. Long story but ultimately my own fault. Kicked out and back 6 months later. I was young and gullible then. 

Oh, come on Garry, do tell us more about your experience with immigration. A massive overstay I guess.

Owl, this cold weather is proving irksome, I worry it's having a detrimental effect on mango trees' flowering turning to fruit. 

My มะปราง maprang, the Indian 

Plum tree produced loads of flowers but none turned to fruit. No sign of butterflies, flies or other insects. Is it simply too cold? If this continues perhaps pollination will fail  

[HighPriority]

Here in Oz they say the (Darwin ????) cold is good for the mango crop ????????‍♂️

[owl sees all]

Owl Log - 29-01-2023 - Sunday morning

 

The guy opposite Soo - Bella's farther - has got himself a Stihl chain-saw. He is much in demand around the village and near-by farms.

 

 

Everywhere ya go there are felled trees.

 

 

 

 

 

Sang has a not-so-nice surprise waiting for him when he arrives for Songram.

 

 

That's what happens when you leave things in the sun.

 

The doggies are doing OK. They have made friends with a couple of locals.

 

 

Took them to the farm for the first time.

 

 

Harnesses on. Mildred and Mrs Owl travelled in the rear with them for the journey.

 

 

After they had a sniff about, they were let loose. Met the five dogs in Bella's farm for the first time. Chased a few chickens. Had a swim about. All went OK.

 

 

After a meal of Somtam it was time for home.

 

 

Spent 90 minutes at the farm. Gonna introduce them gradually to the farm's wide open spaces. Next trip Tuesday.

 

Back home they had a wash.

 

 

And dry.

 

 

It's been a job getting to know what food they like. Bought them puppy tin food and puppy biscuit, but they seem to like the fishy cat food. Bought 40 cans in Big C last week.

 

The pringles tubes are all filled with biscuit.

 

 

After the rice has laid in the sun for a few hours, it's time to put the sheet away.

 

 

They did manage it in the end.

 

 

Poo and Ginger love to get in the pick-up at every opportunity.

 

 

It's not all about cutting them down. New trees planted.

 

 

Found some old pics and vids on a sim (not mine), from a couple of years back. Plugged it into a card-reader. 800 pics and vids in all.

 

 

Goats look so cute.

 

 

Spot the farang.

 

 

At Prajek Park.

 

 

 

And round the corner in the Chinese sector.

 

 

I had the Minolta camera around my neck - fortunately - and was watching the guys pull the tree over.

 

 

World focus.

Europe and US sending 100 tanks and 200 armoured vehicles between them to the Ukraine/Russia front. Could this be a turning point in the conflict? A German government guy says they are at war with Russia. Gradually ramping up the conflict to a fully fledged war.

Problems in the UK Government. A naughty MP gets fined for tax evasion, and Boris borrows 800k squids. New boss of the BBC comes under scrutiny.

Aryna Sabalenka wins the ladies title in Melbourne. Is she Russian or Belarusian? Whatever she is, the BBC refuse to say one way or t'other, and will not put her national flag next to her name. Big one today. Is Djokovic gonna win his 20 something slam, or will the Greek Tsitsipas take his first GS title?

 

Local news.

Taiwanese lady gives Thai police 27k of her hard earned dosh; then moans to Interpol. Thaksin gonna return to Thailand soon. Ladies international tennis starts tomorrow at the True Arena; Hua Hin.

 

Footy roundup.

The Owls hold on to get a replay in the FA Cup. No shocks so far this round.

Unusual results,,,. All the matches in the Aussie League yesterday finish in 2-2 draws. In the Scottish Highland League four teams win 6-0; Including Banks O'Dee. Cove get crushed 0-5 at home to Ayr Utd.

USA 1 - Serbia 2.

As was hinted at last Sunday; Frankie Lampard has vacated the managerial office at Everton. Lamps expended more energy on the touchline than the whole team on the field when I last watched them. Should have kept the manager and gave the team away.

 

Mildred off school for the next three days. I'll get my revenge in the chess.

 

Finished my diet last night. Three days without food. Only drank water. Gonna do this once a month. Gotta get that liver sorted. The Urine therapy has been relegated down the list of healthy things to do. For now!

 

Cold this morning 11C. I think Bannork is right about the mangoes. These Thai fruit trees are not accustomed to such a prolonged cold spell.

 

'Gab' was taken down in the whole of Asia last week. Evidently it was hit with 1 billion requests of service a minute; and was sent crashing.

 

Sent away for a 64gb flash drive. Delivered next day. So far so good. Uploaded 20k pics and short vids.

 

 

The 128g one that I got on the cheap, is rubbish. In all, only 2g was ever usable. And now I can't even get it recognised on me laptop. Waste of 101 baht that.

 

Only one thing left to say; bye y'all.

 

Edited January 29, 2023 by owl sees all

[DJ54]

Owl thanks for the Sunday log.. it’s great reading… Speaking of chainsaws bought one awhile back for father in law… he commenced to cut down every tree in the front yard… I was to late putting a stop to it, Had a beautiful big tree with reddish purple little berries good eating in the front corner… it provided great big shade …

 

asked wife what s the problem with papa and trees… she said the monk told him to cut all them down let the spirits out… told her next time he cuts down any trees I’ll throw him and the monk off the property… it was and angry moment for sure…. 
 

have a great week.. 

[owl sees all]

On 1/21/2023 at 10:59 AM, roo860 said:

Did you get the Ridgebacks from Michael and Mem? I have followed them for a long time on YouTube, quality dogs they breed!

Just watched the video, you did buy from them, I remembered the names of the pups!

Mem and hubby visited us yesterday. They were so happy to see the dogs in good shape, and the dogs were overjoyed to see old friends.

 

Michael took a couple of short vids around the farm. I reckon he will put them up on his channel.

[owl sees all]

1 hour ago, DJ54 said:

Owl thanks for the Sunday log.. it’s great reading… Speaking of chainsaws bought one awhile back for father in law… he commenced to cut down every tree in the front yard… I was to late putting a stop to it, Had a beautiful big tree with reddish purple little berries good eating in the front corner… it provided great big shade …

 

asked wife what s the problem with papa and trees… she said the monk told him to cut all them down let the spirits out… told her next time he cuts down any trees I’ll throw him and the monk off the property… it was and angry moment for sure…. 
 

have a great week.. 

Thanks for the inspiring words DJ.

 

Give a Thai a new toy, and he just can't put it down.

[HighPriority]

Nothing better than chainsaw bloodlust 

[owl sees all]

Found an interesting add for a www this morning.

 

Can't make me mind up if it's a biblical or a flat-earther's add.

 

 

I could put it in AN's joke section. Think I will.

 

Took note of the www and will have a look later.

 

Edited January 30, 2023 by owl sees all

[bannork]

Last Friday some workers from the Forestry Department cut down some ต้นประดู่ Burmese hardwood trees from a neighbour's land giving him a derisory 500 baht a tree, claiming they had the right because the land's status is สปก sor bor kor officially state land but families are given the right to farm it and must pass it down to their descendants ( officially).

I was told their actions were illegal if the family have held the land over 10 years- they all have around here.

If they come for my ต้นพะยูง Siamese rosewood, I'll chain myself to the trees.

Rise up tree huggers!

[roo860]

9 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Mem and hubby visited us yesterday. They were so happy to see the dogs in good shape, and the dogs were overjoyed to see old friends.

 

Michael took a couple of short vids around the farm. I reckon he will put them up on his channel.

Excellent, he said he'd been to the farm, what grand dogs they are!!!!!

[sotonowl]

13 hours ago, owl sees all said:

Found an interesting add for a www this morning.

 

Can't make me mind up if it's a biblical or a flat-earther's add.

 

 

I could put it in AN's joke section. Think I will.

 

Took note of the www and will have a look later.

 

I've always struggled with this, 16th, 17th, 18th centuries and they all thought the earth was flat but old Zeus made Atlas walk round with the world on his back, how did the ancients know before our more recent ancestors?

[Damrongsak]

3 hours ago, sotonowl said:

I've always struggled with this, 16th, 17th, 18th centuries and they all thought the earth was flat but old Zeus made Atlas walk round with the world on his back, how did the ancients know before our more recent ancestors?

Maybe Zeus and Atlas were on the same bowling team.

 

Flat earth (at the end). 

 

[owl sees all]

16 hours ago, bannork said:

Last Friday some workers from the Forestry Department cut down some ต้นประดู่ Burmese hardwood trees from a neighbour's land giving him a derisory 500 baht a tree, claiming they had the right because the land's status is สปก sor bor kor officially state land but families are given the right to farm it and must pass it down to their descendants ( officially).

I was told their actions were illegal if the family have held the land over 10 years- they all have around here.

If they come for my ต้นพะยูง Siamese rosewood, I'll chain myself to the trees.

Rise up tree huggers!

Interesting post!

 

About 15 years ago me and the Mrs went to the festival at Udon over the NY holiday. The Forestry had a big stand. I had a nosy round their presentation to see what was on offer.  There were maps of land that could be taken over for 'development'. Most of this was to the north of the Udon to Sakon Nakon road. I was interested, but it was obviously not for farngs.

 

The land was in 4 rai parcels. However it couldn't be cleared for rice growing - withour permission - and there could be no permanent dwellings built. This meant that all living buildings were to be in wood and bamboo. The exception to this was a toilet. Which could be concrete and blocks. There was the offer of free hardwood trees also. Each tenure was for 10 years..

 

Was this one of Thaksin;s projects? Much like the free ponds. being dug all over the place. right now. And is this what Bannork's post is about?

 

 

[bannork]

18 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Interesting post!

 

About 15 years ago me and the Mrs went to the festival at Udon over the NY holiday. The Forestry had a big stand. I had a nosy round their presentation to see what was on offer.  There were maps of land that could be taken over for 'development'. Most of this was to the north of the Udon to Sakon Nakon road. I was interested, but it was obviously not for farngs.

 

The land was in 4 rai parcels. However it couldn't be cleared for rice growing - withour permission - and there could be no permanent dwellings built. This meant that all living buildings were to be in wood and bamboo. The exception to this was a toilet. Which could be concrete and blocks. There was the offer of free hardwood trees also. Each tenure was for 10 years..

 

Was this one of Thaksin;s projects? Much like the free ponds. being dug all over the place. right now. And is this what Bannork's post is about?

 

 

No, the land from which the Forestry Officials cut down the Burmese hardwood had been Sor Poor Kor land for a long time in his family.1'm going to talk to the village headman and get the daughter to talk to the Forestry Department in Udon.

 

 

 

[owl sees all]

1 minute ago, bannork said:

No, the land from which the Forestry Officials cut down the Burmese hardwood had been Sor Poor Kor land for a long time in his family.1'm going to talk to the village headman and get the daughter to talk to the Forestry Department in Udon.

 

 

 

Very interesting.

 

Keep us informed with progress please.

[GarryP]

18 minutes ago, owl sees all said:

Interesting post!

 

About 15 years ago me and the Mrs went to the festival at Udon over the NY holiday. The Forestry had a big stand. I had a nosy round their presentation to see what was on offer.  There were maps of land that could be taken over for 'development'. Most of this was to the north of the Udon to Sakon Nakon road. I was interested, but it was obviously not for farngs.

 

The land was in 4 rai parcels. However it couldn't be cleared for rice growing - withour permission - and there could be no permanent dwellings built. This meant that all living buildings were to be in wood and bamboo. The exception to this was a toilet. Which could be concrete and blocks. There was the offer of free hardwood trees also. Each tenure was for 10 years..

 

Was this one of Thaksin;s projects? Much like the free ponds. being dug all over the place. right now. And is this what Bannork's post is about?

 

 

Sister-in-law has taken "possession" of a few large plots of land on the hills between Kalasin, Udon and Sakhon Nakorn all of which are planted with rubber trees and about 80 percent is productive. On the other 20 percent the trees are not quite mature enough for scraping/cutting and collecting rubber. The land is under the purview of the Agricultural Land Reform Office (Sor Por Kor). You are not supposed to be able to transfer title to/sell such land, but it still changes hands quite regularly, which involves a matter of trust between the parties concerned. Like you say, you are not allowed to build any permanent buildings on such land and ultimately the land could be reclaimed by the government. That is, you do not have title to the land but rather documents showing your entitlement to use the land for agricultural purposes.

 

"The tenant will be given a SorPorKor Land 4-01 document issued by the Agricultural Land Reform Office, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives showing their right to make use of in the land reform area."

 

I had a wander round one of the sister in laws plots and loved it. Access is only by 4 wheel drive, motorcycle or shanks's pony. Had to cross a lot of rocky terrain in the hills to get there. 

 

Only a couple of weeks or so away from moving up that way permanently after living in Bangkok for 40 years. Not going to become a farmer though. Cycling, fishing and chilling is going to be my thing, while still working on contract 3 days a week from home. 

   

[bannork]

Regarding Sor por kor. All our area is still sor por kior, and yet there are plenty of houses, permanent structures, when they're in close proximity they're called a village!

When does gardening become farming? Is size the deciding factor or is it farming is supposed to be commercially viable?

I don't know, but I do know for me there's a lot of pleasure in growing trees and plants, especially here in the tropics where things grow all year round.

I'm a softie, when I see a sapling that is still struggling after 6 months, I should really pull it up and buy anew. But I can't. I planted it, it's my duty to help it grow. Okay, I admit it, I do at times talk to the growing plants/ trees. Words of encouragement and praise. Not much different to bringing kids up except the plants behave better.

 

Edited January 31, 2023 by bannork