[No longer able to book appointment for marriage extension]

On 4/12/2024 at 6:54 PM, ExpatOilWorker said:

Still there.

 

What app is that?  When I go to the chiang mai immigration website and try to book for marriage there is no option.  Tried last monday and just now again.  No option for marriage ext appointment. 

[Cheapest good weed now ? I found 350 thb/gram but not cheaper yet, any idea ?]

I don't know if anyone has mentioned them already, but I've been buying from Stoned Kitty Bud Shop for quite a while now.  He has really nice organic greenhouse (also some indoor mixed in for same price) for 50 baht per gram if over 28g or 60 per gram for smaller orders. 

 

Takes 48 hrs to Chiang Mai from where they are located outside Khon Kaen.  

 

They have a bunch of strains, plenty of heavy hitters.  Planet of the Grapes, when in stock, is a must for nerve pain.  I also like Deep Fried Oreoz,  hits me similar to a strong Blueberry, if any of you know what I mean.  

[Phuket’s ‘Russian invasion’ – they’re here to stay]

Surly Russians, surly locals.  Match made in heaven.  They can have it.  I am glad we moved north.  No beach, no ruskies. 

[Durability of Chinese EVs]

After a lifetime of disappointment with chinese products, I am very hesitant to buy a chinese ev, in fact I won't.  Just got burned at mr diy the other day.  Buy chinese, buy twice...or even three times.  Nothing against the chinese personally, but they aren't exactly known for putting quality first.  Imo, they never, ever pass any value on to the customer.  Every single corner will have been cut and any "deal" you think you might be getting is sure to show its true colors down the road, with disappointment, regret, annoyance, and in the case of cars maybe even safety issues.  Chinese business practice = if the customer isn't pissed off, kicking and screaming, feeling like they got screwed, then they(the chinese) didn't do their job and left money on the table. 

 

Also, really have to question the logic behind putting huge glass sunroofs on any car, much less an ev in a tropical country like Thailand.  Are they cool on hot days?  Is there any Thai person who wants to get sun in their face while they are driving?  The thought of sitting in traffic in bright sunlight with my head heating up while getting cold air blasted on me sounds absolutely nauseating.  Noticed the Teslas are the same.  Imagine the aircon uses a lot of battery to fight against the blasting midday heat in Thailand.  Can't be good for the range.  Not sure what they are thinking with this design other than add more gimmicky stuff to jack the price up.  

 

I'm looking forward to buying an ev, but it's still a few years away for me. 

[Driving from Chiang Mai to Hua Hin]

3 hours ago, taninthai said:

Done trip a few times just done it last month ,,,try heading to this place I stayed here place is ok include breakfast 700 bht

https://maps.app.goo.gl/2UUh4AXT6LtXEUPt8?g_st=ic

 

then them roads will take you down to the west of bangkok 321 is one of the roads you head for.

This is the route down through Nakhon pathom 

 

 

 

This route is the way to go.  Avoid all the traffic around Bangkok.  Enjoy the quiet nice roads through farm country.  We went down to south this way last time and I won't be going the other way through Bangkok again.  We seem to stop in Nakhon Sawan every time we head south from Chiang Mai.  Easy town for one night.  Good burger at a place called Yolk in NS. 

[Best Air-Con Units For A Small Room]

Not sure how many BTU, but I think it cost about 10-12k baht...a room that size doesn't need a huge unit.    Sorry I can't be of more help on that end.  Main thing I took away from the experience is to stick with mitsubishi or diahatsu.   I find the aircon salesmen usually push units that are on the large side.  Too big and it will be like a jet engine in the room and dry you out as well.  My advice is to go smallish for a room that size. 

 

For air filtering, you are probably better off buying a dedicated air purifier for around 3k baht.  they work better at cleaning the air and filters are relative cheap to replace.  Cuts down on aircon servicing a bit I have noticed as the room doesn't get as dusty. 

[Best Air-Con Units For A Small Room]

Only mitsubishi or diahatsu if you are concerned about noise.  The cheap chinese compressors they sell with the units that are a couple thousand baht less tend to rattle and sound like they are about to fall apart...they can be extremely loud and there is nothing that can be done according to my aircon guy.  He was out a few times installing rubber washers etc trying to quiet ours down to no avail.  Landlord coughed up for a new mitsubishi and it purrs like a kitten. 

[Neurologist - Thai / Eng Speaking]

19 hours ago, Mike Lister said:

Assistant Professor Surat Tanprawate comes highly recommended.

 

https://sriphat.med.cmu.ac.th/en/service/detail/5 

Dr. Surat has a clinic called ChivaCare just around the corner from Sriphat Hospital.  It will be easier to find him there.  Give them call or drop by in the evenings.   

 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/fjzAz67LfN9YzgEA9 

[Decarboxylation machines - Reviews or Recommendations?]

I have the Herbability Decarboxylator and Infusion machine that I picked up from shopee a couple months ago for around 3k baht.  It is awesome!  Before I would decarb in the oven and then infuse the butter/oil in a slowcooker, but it was messy and stunk the house up.  This thing works like a charm.  Put some ground herb in and hit a preset button.  Very little smell, although not scentless.  After decarbing the flower, just add the butter or oil and hit another preset button.   Word of warning if searching for this machine...it tends to be misspelled on shopee and lazada, herbablility, her bability, etc.  Terrible name for such a wonderful little machine! 

 

Just made a batch of salted mocha caramels yesterday with 7 grams of high grade flower.  Will get about 100 or so pieces at around 10mg THC per piece.  Comes out to 10-14 baht per piece including baking ingredients, depending on which flower I use...I pay 100-150 per gram for top quality, direct from farm.  Edibles from a dispensary are massively marked up, plus who knows what you are actually ingesting.  No thanks. 

 

Also, no thanks to vaping.  Tried it many times and really wanted it to be as great as some people say, but just doesn't do it for me.  High is not balanced, very racey, too much head high(anxiety), no pain killing effects.  I use medicinally for nerve pain first and foremost.  Smoking works best, but my lungs object.  Edibles work pretty well also - I find 5-10 mg THC give me a nice mellow medicinal effect, without putting me to sleep. 

[Shingrix Shingles Vaccine now available in CM]

On 11/26/2023 at 4:46 PM, Chongalulu said:

I have a friend in Samui who's asked every hospital on the island for Shingrix and none have or can get it for him. Anyone know different or have suggestions? Flying to Bangkok twice is very expensive .

Phuket maybe?  Have your friend call hospitals on the mainland.  Start with Surat Thani and go from there. 

[Shingrix Shingles Vaccine now available in CM]

21 hours ago, FolkGuitar said:

As I'm still dealing with the after-effects and postherpetic neuralgia (read: pain!) six months after a serious Shingles attack, I would spend ANY amount of money for a vaccine that could be back-dated to May 23rd when I went into the hospital at 3 am with a temperature of 105°, ANY amount of money that would alleviate the intense pain I experienced for the first THREE MONTHS.

I never paid attention to 'Shingles.' To me, it sounded like a 'little rash.' Maybe like Psoriasis... Nothing to worry about...

I had the wrong information. VERY WRONG.

You do NOT want to deal with this illness.  I was in the hospital with IV tubes sticking out of me for a week, then in bed at home for the next 3 months.

Today marks 6 months since my ambulance ride to Ram... and I'm still dealing with the pain and other symptoms.

Get the vaccines.

(Red= burning pain) This burning rash lasted for almost two months... applying medication several times daily. You do NOT want this disease. Get the vaccines!

Holy <deleted> that that looks painful!  You have my full sympathy!  I had a severe case as well about 14 months ago, but it was on my face/head.  Still hurts like a bitch due to the post herpetic neuralgia...constant pain 24/7...cannot rest that side of my head on a pillow or wear a hat, helmet, etc  Waking up is the worst...the nightmare doesn't end.  It's completely exhausting and debilitating.  It has severely affected my life, to an extent I'm not comfortable talking about on a public forum. 

 

I will be getting the vaccine soon.  Have covid at the moment, so I'll have to wait a litte more until my immune system gets stronger. 

 

So many people seem to be getting shingles lately.  Maybe we should start a support group. 

 

Shingles is a horrific disease! 

 

[Shingrix Shingles Vaccine now available in CM]

Thanks for this info! 

[Can recommend a "gummy"?]

26 minutes ago, Freddy42OZ said:

Saw that.  Not a single menu or price to be found.   Completely useless as an e-commerce page.  

They might have great products but they aren't doing a very good job of making potential customers aware of their products/prices.

They also might want to take down the pics on google maps showing farangs performing manual labor on the farm. 

[Thai hostages may be released in next Hamas prisoner batch, says PM]

Saw this saying that there are 54 Thais held hostage, much higher number than reported previously. 

 

https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sjuu9p8f6

 

[Russian Couple Suffers Panic Attack, Blames Eating Cannabis-Infused Cake]

This is news now??!   What's the next headline.. Couple has too many drinks and suffers a hangover from hell?   Boris stubs toe and has to visit hospital? 

 

Somebody get these two a pizza asap!!

[Leaving to go to Thailand too young]

22 hours ago, SuperSaiyan said:

The earlier the better because all the girls get wet just looking at a handsome White fella in his early 20s. How do I know? I was 22 while I moved to Thailand for a couple of years the first time.

 

Don't let anybody stop you, especially not the gatekeeping boomers who love to have you stuck in the hamster wheel like they did for 40 years so you pay their pensions, "son, you have to work 40 years in some bullsh1t job then you can enjoy the fruits of your life when you are in your 60s". Yeah, why don't you shut the f up.

 

 

Exactly right!  Moved here at 24 in the late 90's and had the time of my life.  Couldn't leave the apartment without getting hit on by beautiful women.  Talk about the shoe's on the other foot!  

 

Thailand has enriched my life in ways I never dreamed possible. 

 

Seen so many bitter old farang men hating on younger guys over the years.  In the early 00's there was an influx of young guys and the grumpy old bastards where losing there <deleted> on the regular. 

 

Happily settled with a family and count my blessings everyday that I'm fortunate enough to be able to live in this wonderful country. 

 

This young couple will be just fine.  Like Sheryl says, it's the old guys with limited funds and no insurance who are taking the real risk. 

[Don't cut off the hands that feeds you]

Move to Malaysia instead of Thailand over this tax issue....hahahaha....thanks for the good laugh.  It's always good for a chuckle when expats in Thailand threaten to move to Malaysia.  Of all the countries in the world Malaysia.....LOL

[Norwegian man murders his Thai boyfriend in Chiang Mai]

12 hours ago, Arbeid said:

Being his sister I can give you all some PROPER information on this case, as it is nothing but a nightmare my very sick brother has ended up in in this country, and all these lies and misinformation that are circulating in the media over there is nothing but bl..dy appalling!! Makes us all sick!

 

He was released from hospital 2 days before this crazy thing happened, after nearly dying from a massive stroke from a bloodclot, that caused him to fall and get a brainbleed on top of everything. He was in intensive care for 3 weeks before he was moved to different department. He has had brain surgery, as well as surgery to remove a bloodclot from his leg. He is paralyzed on his right side, therefor can not walk, as well as he got afasi, meaning he has massive problems speaking, and understanding properly.  He also have problems with his memory.  He does NOT have HIV, nor ALS. Just more lies about him.

 

So yes, this is the "MURDERER" so many dare call this poor sick man, who is the nicest person in this world and has NEVER hurt anyone in his whole life. He has wasted all he had on helping all his socalled Thai friends, hundreds of thousands of Norwegian kr, never a no  from him if anyone needed anything. This is the type of person my brother is, and we are totally shocked by the awful treatment he has received in this country. We only wish we can get him out from there and back home to proper care and traing after his stroke. Never had any want to go to Thailand myself but have always warned against this dangerous corrupted country and lack of proper system, so sad it had to come to this for me to be proven right. So a good idea to read Thai news after a handful of salt first, they are lying their heads off.

A close friend of mine was involved in a horrific tragedy that resulted in a fatality.  The police obviously had some sleazeball reporters on speed dial, as they showed up within minutes.  These reporters did their best to make my friend look guilty.  They started 'who done it" internet discussions that would get them a lot of clicks on their <deleted>ty websites.  <deleted> them. 

 

In the end he was declared innocent and released after a month or so in Thai remand prison.  It was traumatic to say the least. 

 

My advice - Be very careful with Thai lawyers.  Get one from a different province (Bangkok) who will be much less likely to be working with corrupt cops from Chiang Mai. 

Also get some Thai you can trust to go to the courthouse with you to get the real amount if bail is granted.  We had a hell of a time getting to the bottom of that, with all sorts of slimeball cops/lawyers trying to get him to cough up millions of baht.  Never seen anything like it and the staff at the courthouse were purposely unhelpful.  In the end it was only 125k baht to get him bailed out.  It was posted on the wall for public to view, but not a single person of the period of about 3 weeks would tell us this simple fact. 

 

 

[Thailand Wrestles with the Ripple Effects of Cannabis Decriminalisation]

This whole thing is about money.  There is a massive pile of money being left on the table right now by the lack of regulation.  Anyone who has seen what is going on in the US in states like Illinois will know what I am talking about.  Lack of regulation means lack of that sweet, sweet tax money.  The way they did it here was amateur hour.   So much more money to be squeezed out of it. 

 

Regulation also pushes up prices and drives the little guy out of business.  Winner, winner, chicken dinner for the elites who run this country and some of whom have invested a <deleted>load only to be sitting on untold kilos of weed they can't sell, cause everyone and their brother is growing these days. 

 

btw, the cali import thing is largely a myth imo.  Thais catch on quick and are growing a huge supply of top quality bud these days.  It ain't rocket science. 

 

 

[Detoxing from Marijuana]

JHC, rehab for weed?!  What is next, halfway house for six months to get off coffee and cigs? 

[Where are some good areas to live in CM?]

You have gotten some great replies.  There are so many good areas to live in CM...mostly just depends on your lifestyle and what you like to do.  I like the area around the canal rd and 121 in the south.  You have multiple routes into the city with the canal rd, and the ring roads.  If one way is busy you can easily take another route.  To the west, mountains and nature.  Also, and this is a small thing, but when driving up from bkk, you get home quicker and without having to fight traffic after a long day on the road.  The southern suburbs also have more western amenities like import supermarkets and farang restaurants. 

 

Definitely rent for a year first.  It is impossible to know what is really going on in your neighborhood until you have spent an extended period there.  It took us three rentals to find a house we are satisfied with...had problems with bad neighbors, loud dogs, loud businesses popping up that weren't there before, etc. 

[New shingles vaccine Skyzoster available in Thailand]

If you get post herpetic neuralgia, there is no amount of money that can help you.  Can seriously ruin your quality of life...indefinitely.  Very hard situation to deal with and wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. 

[New shingles vaccine Skyzoster available in Thailand]

I had a bad case of shingles on my head/face 3 months ago and now dealing with post herpetic neuralgia.  Every morning when I wake up it feels like somebody was kicking me in the face the day before.  Not fun. I'm in my late 40s and wasn't able to get the vaccine, nor did I really know how severe shingles can be.  If I had known then what I know now, I would have traveled around the world and paid many thousands of dollars plus my left nut for the vaccine. 

[Vigo windscreen film window tinting that protects from sun UV but doesn't look too dark ? what brand did you buy and what % percent %]

Have to agree about the 3M Crystalline.  Had that put in my car after driving home from the dealership with the cheap film they put on.  Couldn't see very well and was hot.  The Crystalline is very clear and can sit in a traffic jam in Bangkok during the hot season and can't feel the heat through the windows.  Remarkable indeed.  Money well spent. 

[car rental recommendations please]

Hertz takes debit cards.  They will take a 5 or 10k baht deposit...can't remember which it was, but not more than that.  They might not state it on their website, but will confirm when you call to ask.