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Locally (Chanthaburi) it's durian theft season; where a single fruit sells for more than a farm workers daily pay, too tempting for some. There will be the annual photos on Facebook of police accompanying a thief pointing at a durian.

i guessed it was this one, but the ages don't match, Nov 20 2024. A 75 year old man narrowly escaped a life-threatening encounter with a giant Asiatic black bear while collecting fishing traps near Khao Yai National Park. The bear attack left him with severe facial injuries and a desperate struggle for survival. source

The bridge at Phang Rad, border of Chanthaburi and Rayong provinces; don't feed the monkeys, but feeding cyclists is ok. Wednesday 26 March 2025, 89km ride. Eastern Thailand: Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi, Chonburi, Prachin Buri, Rayong, Sa Kaeo, Trat

Drive belt life - I saw the latest vlog from Life with Serg he's touring Isaan on a 160 ADV - drive belt disintegrated at just over 12,000km (and only a few weeks since a Honda service - guessing they didn't look?) - he says: "I've been pushing this bike beyond its capabilities for a year. The high heat and humidity here attributed to the belt breaking prematurely." My Click also had it's 12,000km service last month, I see they've ticked the box for belt check (of course they have) - what do you expect to be its normal lifespan? Thought I'd replace at next service, under 500B for peace of mind.

On the weekend 7-9 Feb we were in Bo Rai district in the eastern hills of Trat province near the Cambodian bordervfor a running event - Valentine's Run For Love 3/6/10/21km races. Race started at Dan Chumpon and coincided with a gathering of classic Jeeps and their owners who got into the spirit of things. decorating their vehicles. I know little about cars, and less about Jeeps, but these may be of interest hopefully to someone...? And for the record, didn't win, but we both came home with age-group place trophies

Ang Kep Nam Khlong Manao reservoir, Chang Thun, Bo Rai, Trat 8 February 2025 Eastern Thailand: Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi, Chonburi, Prachin Buri, Rayong, Sa Kaeo, Trat

As a pharmacist I hope she is able to mix up a nice doggie treat for these 'bullies' to solve the problem

Rocky coastline of Koh Proet 17 January 2025 Koh Kwang as seen from an abandoned development on Koh Proet. Boat trips are available to Koh Kwang, 500b for six passengers, there's a small beach and snorkeling off the rocks. Eastern Thailand: Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi, Chonburi, Prachin Buri, Rayong, Sa Kaeo, Trat

Mixed messages in different provinces, there's a lack of consistency in what passes as 'rules' Plenty of examples in Chanthaburi of the hard shoulder being designated for use by motorcycles and cycles, or cycles only (but used by motorcycles anyway)

Happy to offer suggestions on my preferred cycling routes; we're between city and Khung Wiman I go there often. Less keen on city riding but there's options to avoid the worst of it if you're in no hurry.

Khung Wiman beach; pink lane part of the coast highway cycle lane which goes from Trat through Chanthaburi to Rayong province. 8 January 2025 Eastern Thailand: Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi, Chonburi, Prachin Buri, Rayong, Sa Kaeo, Trat

Beach fishing at Bang Kachai 6 January 2025 Eastern Thailand: Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi, Chonburi, Prachin Buri, Rayong, Sa Kaeo, Trat

The one times we avoid going to or through the city is between 4-6pm on Friday, and if there's a festival around the lake as this diverts traffic. Small town stuff, it's nothing like I've experienced in larger cities here. I mostly cycle, survived so far. Enjoy your stay. Coast road traffic jam

Highway 317 Chanthaburi-Sa Kaeo From four up to ten lanes (pic in Soi Dao) 29 December 2024 Eastern Thailand: Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi, Chonburi, Prachin Buri, Rayong, Sa Kaeo, Trat

Blue skies, dry and dusty for new year in Sa Kaeo 30 December 2024 Eastern Thailand: Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi, Chonburi, Prachin Buri, Rayong, Sa Kaeo, Trat