Right, So Who Is It?.......

[Rob8891]

Who went to the trouble of having a spotlight installed outside their apartment block?? <deleted> has the Grumpiest Expat in Thailand moved to Chiang Mai?

No. That'll be January / February

[Chicog]

With rent's as cheap as they are around CM it would be cheaper to move somewhere quieter than install spotlights !

Very True

But not as much fun. I would try to install a blinker on it one second on one second off That would really get their attention.

Why do drinkers figure they have the rite to subjugate the neighborhood around them to loud noise. If it is that loud how do they communicate with each other. I guess sign language and touch would do it. Not my idea of a good night out. (well maybe the touching part would be OK)

To each their own

Who dishes out entertainment licenses, and who enforces closing times and/or noise disturbances?

Oh, I know, the people on the take. All of whom will have a vested interest in dousing said spotlight if their revenue stream is getting interrupted.

[theblether]

I would say that the music was quite quiet and gentle/middle of the road. Absolutely not blaring, Furama is not that kind of place.

[mcgriffith]

Some guy in Hillside 4 has a mega-spotlight, that he blasts at people on the rooftop bar at Furama?

This is not a permanently installed unit - you can buy a handheld (battery powered or usually 12V with an auto cigarette lighter adaptor plug) that puts out 2 million candlepower- visible 1 mile away.

Anyone who is a night hunter, a boater or who lives in a rural area in the US or Oz has one of these behind the seat of his pickup truck.

11 PM might be a bit too picky IMHO for the music to stop.

Where I live, I listen to utter crap Thai pop and derivitive copy-cat western jingle jangle music every night until midnight.

Weekends, if there is a b-day party, the <deleted> continues to 1 AM.

Can't name the place, but it has existed for years opposite my apt bldg, and I just accept it as part of the territory.

If the music was halfway good, and to my taste (which is very eclectic) it would not be such a pain...but I will never ever in a million years understand how so many Thais gaily clap their hands, stomp their feet and sway back and forth to off tune, poorly sung mind-numbing dribble music.

[MAJIC]

I can be a bit dim sometimes.

Yep, you could easily figure out what floor and room the light was coming from, walk over and have a chat with him/them and get the issue sorted.

I'll leave that to the Thais to sort out........I was amazed at the concept of someone going out, buying what looked like an air raid spotlight, installing it on their condo, and religiously switching it on at 11.00 pm.

A wee bit excessive methinks.

11 pm noise reduction expected from the complainer,that sounds more like Farangland thinking. I never knew Thailand had noise reduction laws?if so can't say i've noticed anyone takes much notice.

[transam]

OK, it was me. I wasn't invited. .................................................. .....................................

[theblether]

I thought it was illegal to be quiet in Thailand? It certainly seems that way.

Has no one else been to the Xanadu bar? It's a very laid back place, stunning views, the food is excellent and it's not overly expensive. I think my bill the other night was about 2300 baht, that was food for three people and a bottle of Johnnie Walker plus a few beers. Not bad for the type of place that it is.

[true blue]

there is a a better upmarket resturant about a mile away from fumara were the ambience is far better the music (two groups)very good disco later in the night,promotion girls suay,and the food not expensive thai prices,last i went in a threesome bill was 1000bht something no whisky but plenty food and beer,that furama is pang mak,

[Mapguy]

I think this original post belongs in the TV Chiang Mai archive of "MEMORABLE TOPICS !!! Someone --- I hope there are some artistic TV readers with a sense of humor --- will start a "Chiang Mai Expat vs. Expat or Thailand" cartoon series.

The post does feature the difficulty --- or lack of common sense --- that some people have who decided to settle here from other countries with American suburban or quiet English Berkshire village mentalities !

NancyL has clearly had some nasty experiences recently. I am glad that "Hubby" was apparently not seriously injured in an instance reported on another thread (about Thais "giggling."). He apparently really had a serious head-banging "concrete encounter" with a low beam. It must have been really scary. But, NancyL, per your post above, if you chose to live next to a bar frequented by beer-soaked expats just chattering away (Or were they into karaoke ?!), you are asking for it. You don't own the neighborhood! That sort of expat is probably not particularly sympathetic (as you apparently found) with your concern for your health which, I am glad to read, is okay!

Also common, of course, is the experience of living in "posher" neighborhoods, such as in the Nimmenhamen sois. Care to live next to the Monkey Bar or other trendy establishments ?! Great bird watching, but !! Or, if rural, looking for bucolic sunset views, one had better be prepared for the neighbors' pre-dawn roosters feeling their testes !! Or phenomenally high-volume village celebrations (house dedications, marriages, holidays, and so on).

Expatriates seem to cart entirely too many of their homeland sensibilities to Thailand. Both seem to find Thailand a less expensive and amenable place to live BUT bring too many of their cultural sensitivities with them. And when the respectable sorts, such as NancyL, run into expatriate sots as in her neighborhood bar encounter, there may be trouble.

Mr. Searchlight, whoever you are (if you are really real!), you are an arse!

All such "persecuted" expatriates, you had better get better estate agents!! Heaven forfend you should be offended! Until you learn to negotiate (and you can!), buy some ear plugs! They are very, very cheap, and available at any drugstore, and mitigate daily angst !! Or better --- join the party! Neighbors are traditionally very welcome. And the club being spotlighted is a lovely venue! Enjoy!!

[Mapguy]

I can be a bit dim sometimes.

Yep, you could easily figure out what floor and room the light was coming from, walk over and have a chat with him/them and get the issue sorted.

I'll leave that to the Thais to sort out........I was amazed at the concept of someone going out, buying what looked like an air raid spotlight, installing it on their condo, and religiously switching it on at 11.00 pm.

A wee bit excessive methinks.

11 pm noise reduction expected from the complainer,that sounds more like Farangland thinking. I never knew Thailand had noise reduction laws?if so can't say i've noticed anyone takes much notice.

Actually, Thailand does have "noise reduction" laws, but not quite like you'd imagine. You can find them on the web; in English, if you insist, to some extent, as I recall, on PCD web pages. Local negotiation (or common sense to avoid obvious situations) is in a huge number of instances makes much more sense. Perhaps expatriates should better understand the Thai language AND culture! Isn't that reasonable?

[Mapguy]

there is a a better upmarket resturant about a mile away from fumara were the ambience is far better the music (two groups)very good disco later in the night,promotion girls suay,and the food not expensive thai prices,last i went in a threesome bill was 1000bht something no whisky but plenty food and beer,that furama is pang mak,

Yes, the Furama nightspot is expensive. Where's the other place?! But I bet it doesn't have the view --- if you can shield the glare from the spotlight !!!

[justcruisin]

I think this original post belongs in the TV Chiang Mai archive of "MEMORABLE TOPICS !!! Someone --- I hope there are some artistic TV readers with a sense of humor --- will start a "Chiang Mai Expat vs. Expat or Thailand" cartoon series.

The post does feature the difficulty --- or lack of common sense --- that some people have who decided to settle here from other countries with American suburban or quiet English Berkshire village mentalities !

NancyL has clearly had some nasty experiences recently. I am glad that "Hubby" was apparently not seriously injured in an instance reported on another thread (about Thais "giggling."). He apparently really had a serious head-banging "concrete encounter" with a low beam. It must have been really scary. But, NancyL, per your post above, if you chose to live next to a bar frequented by beer-soaked expats just chattering away (Or were they into karaoke ?!), you are asking for it. You don't own the neighborhood! That sort of expat is probably not particularly sympathetic (as you apparently found) with your concern for your health which, I am glad to read, is okay!

Also common, of course, is the experience of living in "posher" neighborhoods, such as in the Nimmenhamen sois. Care to live next to the Monkey Bar or other trendy establishments ?! Great bird watching, but !! Or, if rural, looking for bucolic sunset views, one had better be prepared for the neighbors' pre-dawn roosters feeling their testes !! Or phenomenally high-volume village celebrations (house dedications, marriages, holidays, and so on).

Expatriates seem to cart entirely too many of their homeland sensibilities to Thailand. Both seem to find Thailand a less expensive and amenable place to live BUT bring too many of their cultural sensitivities with them. And when the respectable sorts, such as NancyL, run into expatriate sots as in her neighborhood bar encounter, there may be trouble.

Mr. Searchlight, whoever you are (if you are really real!), you are an arse!

All such "persecuted" expatriates, you had better get better estate agents!! Heaven forfend you should be offended! Until you learn to negotiate (and you can!), buy some ear plugs! They are very, very cheap, and available at any drugstore, and mitigate daily angst !! Or better --- join the party! Neighbors are traditionally very welcome. And the club being spotlighted is a lovely venue! Enjoy!!

+1

There are many nice apartments away from the noise but still within 5 minutes of Nimmen.

I wonder how many apartments can be sold in the likes of Punna?

[theblether]

Excellent posts gents, especially mapguy......where is that restaurant trueblue?

[jackr]

People who choose to move next to a bar and complain about the noise remind me of people who buy a house right under the takeoff end of an airport runway and complain.

Looks like he didn't, the bar in the HOTEL came later. People who post comments on TV before knowing the score reminds me of people who post comments on TV before knowing the score.

I think I'm with Mapguy on this one, though, especially those with an issue within the city. I just wish Thailand wasn't such a magnet for these po-faced pricks.

[CobraSnakeNecktie]

I live in Hillside and a year or so ago the Furama was really loud. Even with the windows closed the music drowned out everything. Crap music too.

I have never seen the spotlight or heard about it but I have to wonder if that is the reason that Furama is now a much better neighbor.

Sometimes I can hear music but its not so overwhelming to enjoy being on the balcony at night.

So maybe the spotlighter is a squeaky arse but its a much nicer place to live now and always good sleep.

So I think the guy made or contributed to a better situation. Maybe some people are jealous we aren't drowning is noise pollution like so many other locations.

[hellodolly]

there is a a better upmarket resturant about a mile away from fumara were the ambience is far better the music (two groups)very good disco later in the night,promotion girls suay,and the food not expensive thai prices,last i went in a threesome bill was 1000bht something no whisky but plenty food and beer,that furama is pang mak,

Yes, the Furama nightspot is expensive. Where's the other place?! But I bet it doesn't have the view --- if you can shield the glare from the spotlight !!!

When I think of Furama I think of the view. Never been there at night but would never consider it if all I wanted was music so loud that it would bother the neighbors. From what I have picked up here it is that loud. Could be they are catering to the hard of hearing who know sign language.

[Payboy]

Raybans, never leave home without 'em.

[NancyL]

Perhaps the poor soul with the spotlight was actually stupid enough to purchase a condo, rather than rent.

Incidentally, I've been to the venue in question, but at dusk, when Doi Suthep is very pretty from that vantage point. We left after the band with the really bad singer of John Denver songs started.

[mcgriffith]

...We left after the band with the really bad singer of John Denver songs started.

[theblether]

Hmmm......I would say that the music was quite restrained and middle of the road but I can see Cobras point........my main issue now is that true blue is holding out on us and not telling us where the other restaurant is

[true blue]

Perhaps the poor soul with the spotlight was actually stupid enough to purchase a condo, rather than rent.

Incidentally, I've been to the venue in question, but at dusk, when Doi Suthep is very pretty from that vantage point. We left after the band with the really bad singer of John Denver songs started.

what a stupid lemming type post,obviously uttered by someone one who has very little knowledge of places in chiang, mai and just utters platitudes,of the mob mentality,for your info hillside 4 is 100% residential,

[mcgriffith]

Perhaps the poor soul with the spotlight was actually stupid enough to purchase a condo, rather than rent.

Incidentally, I've been to the venue in question, but at dusk, when Doi Suthep is very pretty from that vantage point. We left after the band with the really bad singer of John Denver songs started.

what a stupid lemming type post,obviously uttered by someone one who has very little knowledge of places in chiang, mai and just utters platitudes,of the mob mentality,for your info hillside 4 is 100% residential,

What exactly do you mean by "100% residential", true blue?

Do you mean that all units in Hillside 4 are owned as condos?

Surely you are aware that many of these condos are rented out?

I know people who own multiple units there, and rent them out (mostly to farang)......

[jonwilly]

From my friend to Khun Noisy.

CORRECTION-NOT GRUMPY-TOTALLY PISSED OFF----IF YOU ARE IN BED SOME, 100 METERS AWAY FROM THE FURAMA BAR, SLEEPING SOUNDLY , WITH THE DOORS CLOSED AND THE CURTAINS DRAWN AND ARE AN 85 YEAR OLD MAN WITH A BAD EAR AND POOR HEARING IN THE OTHER AND A WOMAN SINGING SHRILLY WITH SOME IDIOT BEATING LOUDLY ON THE DRUMS ALL OF WHICH CONSPIRES TO WAKE YOU UP--- OF COURSE THE OLD GUY IS GOING TO DO SOMETHING-I HAVE THREE SPOT LIGHTS CONNECTED TO AN AUTOMOBILE BATTERY WHICH I HIT THE CUSTOMERS WITH WHEN THE NOISE BECOMES EXCESSIVE-AS IT DID THE OTHER NIGHT-I AND OTHERS HAVE WRITTEN NUMEROUS LETTERS TO THE MANAGEMENT ABOUT THE NOISE WITH LITTLE AVAIL.----DONATIONS TO BUY THE NEW ,VERY BRIGHT, BLUE FOG LIGHTS THAT WALOONS SPORT ON THEIR CARS ACCEPTED (WHICH IS MY NEXT MOVE).

john

[DowntownAl]

If you can afford to hang around expensive night clubs you can probably afford expensive sun (spotlight) glasses. Keep in mind, there is a major cool up-tick for wearing sunglasses at night.

[mcgriffith]

I particularly liked the part about

"WOMAN SINGING SHRILLY WITH SOME IDIOT BEATING LOUDLY ON THE DRUMS"

"DONATIONS TO BUY THE NEW ,VERY BRIGHT, BLUE FOG LIGHTS THAT WALOONS SPORT ON THEIR CARS"

[theblether]

If you can afford to hang around expensive night clubs you can probably afford expensive sun (spotlight) glasses. Keep in mind, there is a major cool up-tick for wearing sunglasses at night.

Never thought of that, however being Scottish I would take the cheap option and just sit with my back to the light.

[David48]

Apparently, someone had a camera that night ...