CharlieH

CLEAN ! thats the main issue- - the rest they'll do as they want - repaint if its particularly grubby - Good size notice fixed on the gate.

Just a thought on this: In Thailand the normal outcome is a quick police-station settlement. The focus is simple: cover hospital bills, repair the bike, add some compensation, and close the case. Arguments about possible future medical problems rarely carry much weight unless the injuries are clearly severe. So a payment like 50,000 THB—fair or not—actually fits the kind of compromise police often push through. And then there’s the practical side. Pursuing a civil case means legal fees, time, and uncertainty. Even if you win, you still face another issue: collecting the money. If the person at fault doesn’t have assets or insurance, enforcing a judgment can be extremely difficult. That’s why many people in Thailand accept a quick settlement—sometimes the “bird in the hand” approach makes more sense than chasing a larger amount that might never be received. This aint Kansas - and things do operate very differently in LOS

No — the statement itself is not automatically hate speech. It criticises or expresses fear of a religion (Islam). Hate-speech rules usually target attacks on people (Muslims), not beliefs. But: many forums or platforms may still treat it as hate speech or Islamophobia because it frames an entire religion as something to fear.

Simply report the post and it can be dealt with.

Excessive use of AI content will be removed. - A paragraph is fine, a full page isn't.

Please take a moment to read this......

Check out some rental properties right here on the forum...... https://aseannow.com/forum/455-property-for-sale-rent/

Renting property in Thailand is generally straightforward and accessible for both locals and foreigners. In large cities such as Bangkok and the coastal city of Pattaya, there is a wide range of accommodation available, from basic studio apartments to modern condominiums with shared facilities. Compared with many Western countries, the rental process in Thailand is usually faster and less formal. However, there are still a few practical points tenants should understand before signing a lease. Rental PricesRental prices vary depending on location, building quality, and facilities. Typical monthly price ranges include: Basic studio or older apartment: about 7,500–10,000 THB Standard one-bedroom condominium: about 10,000–25,000 THB Modern condos with facilities: roughly 20,000–35,000 THB Larger or luxury units: 35,000–50,000 THB or more In Bangkok, units close to BTS or MRT stations usually command higher rents. In Pattaya, properties near the beach or in central areas tend to cost more. Types of Rental PropertiesMost tenants will encounter three main types of accommodation. Condominiums The most common option for foreign renters. Condos typically include facilities such as swimming pools, gyms, and 24-hour security. Apartment buildings Usually owned by a single landlord or management company. Some offer serviced apartments with reception and cleaning services. Houses or villas More common outside city centres. Pattaya in particular has many houses available in residential developments. A Simpler Rental ProcessOne of the biggest differences between renting in Thailand and renting in many Western countries is the lack of formal screening requirements. In most cases: Credit checks are not required Employment verification is rarely requested Personal references are usually not needed Landlords are typically more concerned with receiving the deposit and advance rent. Because of this, it is often possible to view a property, agree on terms, and move in within a few days. Lease Terms and DepositsMost residential rental agreements follow a simple structure. 12-month leases are the most common 6-month contracts may sometimes be available The typical upfront payment is: Two months’ security deposit One month’s rent paid in advance This means tenants normally pay three months’ rent upfront before moving in. Deposits are intended to cover damage, unpaid rent, or utility bills when the tenancy ends. In practice, disagreements about deposits can occasionally occur, so tenants should keep copies of their contract and take photos of the property when moving in. Hidden Costs to CheckThe advertised rent is not always the full monthly cost, so it is worth confirming a few details before signing a lease. ElectricityElectricity is supplied by government utilities such as the Metropolitan Electricity Authority in Bangkok and the Provincial Electricity Authority in most other provinces. The official residential rate is usually around 4–5 THB per unit (kWh) depending on usage. However, some landlords charge a higher fixed rate, sometimes 6–10 THB per unit or more. The difference effectively becomes an additional form of rental income. Always ask what electricity rate will be charged and whether the bill comes directly from the electricity authority. Water and Drinking WaterWater costs themselves are normally low. However, tap water in most residential buildings is used mainly for washing and cleaning rather than drinking. For everyday drinking and cooking, most residents rely on sealed bottled water, which is inexpensive and widely available throughout Thailand. Check the Building EnvironmentWhen viewing a property, it is worth spending a few minutes walking through the building and the surrounding area. Construction quality can vary, and in some buildings noise travels easily between units. Walking along the corridor can give a quick sense of how much sound carries between apartments. It is also useful to visit the area at different times of day. Traffic, nearby businesses, or nightlife can affect noise levels, particularly in busy areas of Bangkok and Pattaya. Spending a little time observing the building and neighbourhood can help avoid surprises later. Practical Tips for Daily LivingDaily routines in Thailand can be slightly different from what many newcomers expect. Laundry Some condominium units include a small washing machine, often located on the balcony. However, local laundry services are widely available and inexpensive. Many residents simply drop off their clothes to be washed and ironed and collect them later the same day or the next day. Cooking Most rental properties include a small kitchen area, but many people use it less than expected. Thailand is well known for its affordable street food and local restaurants, so cooking at home is often limited to breakfast or occasional simple meals. Immigration Registration (TM30)Foreign tenants must be registered at their address with Thai immigration through a report known as TM30. This notification is usually submitted by the landlord or property owner shortly after the tenant moves in. The registration confirms the foreign resident’s address and may be required when applying for visa extensions or other immigration services. Final ThoughtsRenting property in Thailand is usually simple and flexible compared with many Western markets. With minimal paperwork and a wide range of available properties, tenants can often find accommodation quickly. Monthly rents in Bangkok and Pattaya can start from around 7,500 THB for basic accommodation and rise to 50,000 THB or more for larger or luxury units. Taking a little time to confirm the real monthly costs, understand the lease terms, and check the building environment can help ensure a smoother rental experience. For those who prefer professional assistance, experienced property companies such as FazWaz can help guide tenants through the rental process and answer questions about available properties. The members here on ASEAN Now are also a valuable resource and are often happy to share their own experiences and point newcomers in the right direction if problems arise.

Most daytime outages in Thailand are planned maintenance by the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), not unexpected failures. Crews shut power during daylight because it’s safer to work on poles and lines, faults are easier to locate, and it avoids sending workers out at night. Utilities also try to avoid scheduled cuts in the evening when household demand is highest. When power goes out at night it’s usually an unplanned fault (storm damage, equipment failure, vehicles hitting poles, etc.) and those tend to be fixed quickly, so fewer people notice them.

Unless the missile entered the opposite side ? Then you have the internal explosion and the metal pushed out the pictured side 😄

And lets not forget the traditional Thai "sniff kiss" - now that had to be mentioned 😄 Anyone ever been on the receiving end of one of those ?

rude offensive personal attacks removed= if you cant control your comments your ability to post will be removed.

Looking for Walkable Cities in Thailand? Here's 5Thailand's reputation for traffic gridlock and motorbike chaos is well-earned in most places. But five cities buck that trend with pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods where retirees can walk to markets, healthcare, restaurants, and parks without needing a car or motorbike. Each city on this list offers pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods, quality healthcare within walking or short transit distance, and infrastructure that supports staying active. Here's where you can realistically park the car for good and live well on foot. Bangkok: Sukhumvit Corridor Bangkok seems like an odd choice for walkability, but several neighbourhoods are genuinely pedestrian-friendly. Ari sits along the main BTS Sukhumvit Line with everything fitting within a compact radius. Cafés, traditional Thai markets near the BTS station, and family-run restaurants are all accessible on foot. Pavements are wider, cleaner, and tree-shaded, an advantage in Bangkok's heat. One-bedroom condos run 10,000-15,000 baht monthly (US$285-430). Phrom Phong and Thong Lo, further down the Sukhumvit Line, offer more international atmosphere with higher expat concentration, Western restaurants, and international grocery stores. Phrom Phong centres on major shopping centres and Benjasiri Park. Thong Lo concentrates Bangkok's best restaurant and bar scene into a walkable strip. Both sit directly on the BTS with MRT interchange at Asok. One-bedroom rents start around 15,000-25,000 baht monthly (US$430-715). Two stations southeast, the Green Mile elevated walkway connects Lumphini Park to Benjakitti Forest Park, creating a continuous green corridor for running and cycling. Lumphini Park's running track fills every evening with office workers and retirees. Bangkok offers Thailand's highest concentration of JCI-accredited hospitals. The Sukhumvit corridor hosts multiple facilities, including Bumrungrad International and Samitivej Sukhumvit, both with multilingual staff and direct international insurance billing. Downsides: Year-round heat and humidity, dangerous road crossings as drivers ignore zebra crossings, periodic PM2.5 spikes affecting air quality, and the highest cost of living on this list. Chiang Mai: Old City and Nimmanhaemin Chiang Mai's walkability depends entirely on picking the right neighbourhood. The Old City is approximately 1.5 square kilometres, bounded by ancient walls and a moat. Everything sits within a 15-minute walk: over 30 temples, the famous Sunday Walking Street Market, cafés, and street food. Nong Buak Hard Public Park is the place to be once the skies turn amber, with yoga sessions, jogging loops, and local sports. Accommodation runs 8,000-15,000 baht monthly (US$230-430). Nimmanhaemin (Nimman), between the Old City's western moat and Chiang Mai University, is the polished version. The main road packs in artisan coffee shops, stores, shopping malls, and restaurants. Condos run 12,000-30,000 baht monthly (US$340-850). Canal Road features a dedicated 5-kilometre running and cycling lane separated from traffic. Chiang Mai University's Ang Kaew Reservoir offers a scenic, vehicle-free running loop. Healthcare is solid with Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai and Chiang Mai Ram Hospital, both JCI-accredited with English-speaking doctors and international patient departments. A comfortable retirement budget runs 30,000-50,000 baht monthly (US$850-1,430). Major drawback: The burning season from February to April fills Chiang Mai's valley with smoke. Air Quality Index (AQI) during this period averages 150 (unhealthy for all groups) with regular spikes to 200-300 (very unhealthy) and peaks exceeding 500 (hazardous). In March 2024, Chiang Mai ranked as the world's most polluted city for over a week. Phuket Town: Historic Quarter Most expats in Phuket head for the west coast beaches and accept needing a car, but Phuket Town offers a compact, historic quarter with pedestrian-friendly streets. The Old Town covers a tight grid centred on Thalang Road, Dibuk Road, and Phang Nga Road. Colourful Sino-Portuguese shophouses now house cafés, galleries, restaurants, and hotels. Every Sunday, Thalang Road closes for the Walking Street Market. Three new electric bus routes (15 baht flat fare) connect key points through Old Town. The Phuket Smart Bus (100 baht) runs from the airport through beach towns. Saphan Hin Park offers 3 kilometres of jogging and cycling paths, outdoor gym equipment, and a public swimming pool (1 baht entry). Rang Hill provides a 4-kilometre round-trip running route with views. Bangwad Dam in nearby Kathu offers a car-free 6.4-kilometre reservoir loop. Bangkok Hospital Phuket is JCI-accredited with over 160 physicians and a dedicated International Patient Centre offering interpreters in 10+ languages, handling direct billing with major international insurers. Trade-off: Living in Phuket Town means the beaches are 20-40 minutes away. You gain walkability and affordability in exchange for daily beach access. One-bedroom apartments run 15,000-20,000 baht monthly (US$420-560), roughly half what beach areas cost. A comfortable monthly budget sits around 40,000-70,000 baht (US$1,140-2,000). Hua Hin: A Retirement Hub Hua Hin doubles as a beachfront retirement town with a walkable centre, established healthcare, and Thailand's largest concentration of retirement-age expats. The walkable core clusters around Phetkasem Road and the beachfront. Daily errands, malls, restaurants, hospitals, and the night market are all within walking distance. Hua Hin Beach stretches approximately 8 kilometres south from the town centre, offering uncrowded morning runs or evening strolls. The most walkable area is Hua Hin's Old Town/city centre, where condos, restaurants, the beach, and hospitals are all within a 15-minute walk. Living near BluPort or Market Village malls puts supermarkets and cinemas within walking distance. Khao Hin Lek Fai, 3 kilometres west, offers a steep 1.5-kilometre climb to viewing platforms 162 metres above sea level, popular with cyclists and runners. Hua Hin is Thailand's premier golfing destination, with Royal Hua Hin Golf Course (established 1924, Thailand's oldest) just five minutes from the centre. Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin is JCI-accredited, opened in 2006 specifically to serve the growing expat and retiree community, offering an International Patient Services Department with direct insurance billing. San Paulo Hua Hin Hospital has strong cardiac and orthopaedic departments with English, German, and Filipino language support. The expat community leans heavily toward retirees from the UK, Germany, and Scandinavia, with golf societies, walking groups, wine tasting, and many more community events. A central one-bedroom condo with pool and gym runs 18,000-25,000 baht monthly (US$500-695). Downsides: The hottest months (March-May) regularly exceed 35°C, making midday walking uncomfortable, though sea breezes help. Weekend traffic spikes when Bangkok residents arrive. Chiang Rai: Quieter Northern Alternative Chiang Rai offers a walkable centre, JCI-accredited healthcare, and a cost of living roughly 13% cheaper than Chiang Mai. The walkable area covers approximately 1-2 kilometres around the Clock Tower and Night Bazaar. Within this zone, streets are flat and well-maintained, with temples, cafés, restaurants, and markets all within walking distance. The Saturday Walking Street on Thanalai Street (4pm-midnight) offers street food and hill tribe goods. The Jetyod Road corridor has become a speciality coffee district. Northern Thailand is a major Arabica-growing region, and Chiang Rai has become a hub for third-wave coffee roasters, many within walking distance of the city centre. A fully furnished one-bedroom condo runs approximately 8,000 baht monthly (US$237), often including pool, gym, and security. Local restaurant meals cost 50-65 baht. A comfortable retirement budget runs 35,000-42,000 baht monthly (US$1,000-1,200), among the lowest for any city on this list with comparable healthcare. Overbrook Hospital, founded in 1903, was the first hospital in Chiang Rai to achieve JCI accreditation. Bangkok Hospital Chiang Rai has an international patient department with direct insurance billing. Singha Park (10 kilometres south) features dedicated walking and cycling paths through tea plantations and flower fields. The cool season (November-February) drops temperatures to around 13°C at night, perfect for outdoor exercise. Downsides: The same burning season caveats that hit Chiang Mai apply here (February-April), though severity varies by year. Public transport is limited. The walkable core is pleasant but compact; step outside the 1-2 kilometre radius, and you'll need transportation. Cigna Coverage for Walkable City LivingCigna Global's international plans offer lifetime renewability, critical for retirees, as local Thai plans typically drop coverage at 70-75. Plan structure: Close Care℠: US$500,000 per year for Thailand, plus your home country Silver: US$1,000,000 annual maximum, essential hospital and emergency cover Gold: US$2,000,000 maximum, adds cancer screenings and specialised treatments Platinum: US$2,000,000+ with comprehensive coverage Direct billing at JCI-accredited hospitals means no upfront payment or claim submission, as treatment is cashless. Securing coverage earlier typically locks in better rates for life. Choosing Your Walkable City The right city depends on what matters most. Bangkok gives you world-class healthcare and transit connectivity at a higher cost. Chiang Mai works for active retirees who can leave during the burning season. Phuket Town appeals to those wanting walkable character without needing the beach daily. Hua Hin caters to expat retirees with beachfront, golf, and a well-established English-speaking community. Chiang Rai offers the quietest, cheapest option with surprisingly strong healthcare. All five cities share one reality: Thailand's heat makes midday walking uncomfortable from March to May. The rhythm everywhere is the same: early morning activity, air-conditioned midday retreats, and sunset walks when the city comes alive. The difference between expats who thrive and those who leave within a few years comes down to three decisions: picking a neighbourhood you'll actually walk daily, securing international health coverage before age prices you out, and accepting that Thailand won't adapt to you. Get a quote from Cigna Global for Thailand retirement living. A single emergency without coverage can wipe out years of cost-of-living savings. Sponsored

Global oil prices surged above $110 a barrel on Monday while stock markets across Asia tumbled, as the escalating war involving Iran triggered fears of a prolonged disruption to energy supplies from the Middle East. The conflict — involving strikes by the United States and Israel — has heightened concerns about shipments through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply normally passes. With tanker traffic through the strait largely halted since the conflict began, markets reacted sharply to the possibility that global supplies could remain constrained for weeks. Get the latest headlines in your email Oil Prices SpikeBenchmark crude prices rose dramatically in early Asian trading. Brent crude climbed nearly 24% to about $114.74 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude — traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange — jumped more than 26% to roughly $114.78. The price surge happened rapidly. Oil first jumped about 10% within minutes of markets opening before climbing another 10% shortly afterward. Analysts said the sharp move reflected a sudden shift in sentiment after markets had previously appeared relatively calm about the risks posed by the conflict. Scenes of damage to energy infrastructure across Iran and the wider Gulf region over the weekend increased fears that supplies could be severely disrupted. Some analysts now warn that if the shutdown of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz continues until the end of March, prices could climb above $150 a barrel — potentially reaching record levels. Stock Markets SlideThe surge in oil prices coincided with steep losses across Asia-Pacific stock markets. Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell more than 7%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index dropped over 3%. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 lost more than 4%. The sharpest fall came in South Korea, where the KOSPI index plunged over 8%, triggering a 20-minute trading halt under the market’s circuit breaker rules — a mechanism designed to prevent panic selling. It was the second time the safeguard had been activated in recent days after the index fell 12% earlier in the week. Economic Ripple EffectsHigher oil prices threaten to push up costs for consumers and businesses worldwide. Petroleum products such as jet fuel could become more expensive, and rising energy costs may also increase the price of key industrial materials including fertiliser inputs. Much of the oil shipped through the Gulf is consumed in Asia, meaning the region could feel the immediate impact of supply disruptions. There are already signs of shifts in global energy flows, with some liquefied natural gas shipments originally bound for Europe reportedly being redirected toward Asian buyers willing to pay higher prices. Political ResponseResponding to the market turmoil, Donald Trump said temporary price increases were a “small price to pay” for eliminating what he described as Iran’s nuclear threat. Meanwhile, Iran signalled political continuity during the crisis by naming Mojtaba Khamenei as the successor to his father, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Analysts say the move suggests that hardline leadership remains firmly in control of the country as the conflict enters its second week. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now · ·Source 09.03 2026 View full article