Happy New Year 2010

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Welcome Bar Sunday Lunch
January 3, 2010 - noon to 2 p.m.

Indian Curry

Rice

Nam Bread 

100 Baht

T.i.T.

Photos of the Sakonnakhon Beauty Pageant

The pageant was part of the Sakon Nakhon Starlight Mak Mao and Beef Feast.

You can find pictures of local beauties at thailandbeauties.com Don't miss

Attention all Beer drinkers:

Let's have another round: 

Chemical In Beer May Prevent Prostate Cancer SKY News

On the subject of Alcohol

Showing pictures of graphic accident victims to teenagers is touted to cut teen alcohol consumption by a third Sky News. Doubt it would be effective in this country. Going back in memory a few years: Gory videos used to be a popular item to watch around here. They were available at most video stands.

Local Home builders Alert

Two accidental electrocutions in Phuket in less than a week are a stark warning to prospective home builders.  When installing electrical wiring in your new home, insist on a ground wire installation.

Student dies of electrocution in Phuket THAIVISA forum

Israeli electrocuted to death in Thailand THAIVISA forum

Enjoy your FULL MOON New Years celebrations, be safe, use common sense.  

Lets enjoy 2010 together

Did I mention: THAIS LOVE A PARADE!

I'd found out later in the day that another local school had a parade yesterday.

Today it's sport day at a local school near my house. I did get advance notice of this one.

There are performances and competitions generally at the school. Fun entertainment.
Visitors always seem most welcome.

T.i.T. Bits

New form of malaria threatens Thai-Cambodia border Associated Press

American shrimp processors unhappy over proposed settlement Wisconsin AG Connection

Sakon Nakhon Makeover

- - - -

Street Sign 2003 - - - -  - - - - - - - - - -- - - Street Sign 2009

T.i.T. Bits

First International  Lotus, Waterlily and Aquatic Plants Conference

to be held in Sakon Nakhon in October 2010

This guy obviously left his brains in Sweden.

Wants to be a Pattaya policeman

Mekon River Damming gone wild.

China has built three hydroelectric dams, another almost completed. 

 Laos has seven dams, plans to build 70

Markmao Society Of Sakon Nakhon - - - - -- - - - - - - - Ban Kudnakham, Sakon Nakhon

Sakon Nakhon O.K. Corral

Was awakened by a barrage of firecrackers in the direction of ITU.
The barrage was followed by an orchestra of car alarms.

Traditional western Christmas celebrations I'm used to never included heavy artillery.
Other Countries, other Traditions.

Fireworks are part of Thailand's heritage and culture.I'd venture to say its like this all over Asia.
From my observation, fireworks season begins on fathers day, December 5, resumes on December 11, the Chinese Dragon and Serpent festival.

There is a two week lull until Christmas when fireworks become a daily event until New Years.
It's Fireworks "High Season."

Some fireworks are sold legally, some are not.
Some are home made.

It's the time of the year when some attention must
be paid to personal safety.

I believe it was less than a year ago when a local man literally lost his head over a fireworks.
Blew his head clean off..
You see fireworks ignited within feet of parked vehicles, it's time to take cover, in case that 4,000 pounds of shrapnel is sent your way.

Feast at Eddy's Branch 63

Home sick on Christmas Day

Woke up with a severe case of food poisoning, high fever and diarrhea.
 Needless to say it wasn't a merry day for me. All my plans for the day were cancelled.

As sick as I was I did appreciate a visit from a school owner and teachers, that much more.

T.i.T. Bits

Udon Thani Thai Air service to be replaced by NOK Air within three months Bangkok Post
Louisiana Jazzman Rice vs. Thai Jasmine Rice BusinessWeek

A Tha Rae Christmas

Pronounced Ta Lae, the town is approximately 25 km from Sakon Nakhon on highway 22 heading towards Nakhon Phanom.

The largest Christian community in Thailand, according to Tourism Authority Thailand, Tha Rae residents claim that the now famous Sakon Nakhon Christmas Star Parade originated in their town and rightfully should be known as the Tha Rae Christmas Star parade.

I had recently met an acquaintance  from a few years ago (my teaching years) and was honored with an invitation to visit his home on Christmas Eve. The parade passed in front of his home.

After the parade we enjoyed  a Thai Christmas dinner, complete with turkey done in green curry, and numerous other courses.  I had an additional pleasure of meeting and conversing with Rudi, a German gentleman, who has been residing in the area for  some years.

A Christmas Eve full of fond memories

Sakon Nakhon is getting ready for the holidays

Early this morning  they started setting up for this evenings
Sakon Nakhon Starlight Mak Mao and Beef Feast 
at the new waterfront park

Preparations are also in full swing at Wat Phra That Choeng Chum

Sakon Nakhon Starlight Mak Mao and Beef Feast

Locally produced Ma Mao (Mak Mao) red wine, juices, deserts and the like, are featured with locally raised  beef , during the festival held December 24 through 26.  The feast is scheduled to be held at the new waterfront park.
This STV video clip features a similar event held in September of this year
Sakon Hmakemea Festival

Pond at Sakon Nakhon Airport

Don't knock till you tried it

I have flown with NOK Air ATR-72 twin-turboprop from Sakon Nakhon to Bangkok. 
I can say I'll remember the flight for some time and won't be repeating it any time soon.
In flight you receive a miniature hot dog on a sweet roll which is eaten in three bites.
You are offered seconds on a four ounce container of water.
If you do want a meal, order it when you book your flight for an additional charge. I must admit, that meal was absolutely delicious. Think two or three people (including myself) ordered meals

I suspect the aircraft I flew in had been in service on other routes for some time.
Seat cushions were well worn where it counted, totally flat.
My own seat being worn with age began to feel painful after 20 minutes into the flight.
It felt like sitting on a metal bench.

Preparations for landing were announced with a jolt which I would compare to a sudden down-shifting in an eighteen wheeler.  After that flying seemed a bit rough till we landed at Don Mueang Airport.  If you have a connecting flight, you'll have to take a shuttle bus to the international airport.

My schedule in Bangkok changed unexpectedly.  I needed a few extra hours before my return trip.
I asked if I could change to the afternoon flight to Nakhon Phanom.
I was informed I could not change my destination or cancel my flight (for a refund) and would have to purchase a new ticket to Nakhon Phanom.
I opted instead to fly on a Thai Airways 737 to Udon Thani.
Complimentary newspapers, boxed meals, coffee or tea where provided.
The flight was shorter and more comfortable.

I did have to spend a few extra hours riding in a car from Udon, but made good use shopping along the way.

Related Aviation News at 
http://inspiring-isaan.blogspot.com/2009/12/thai-to-stop-udon-flights.html

Nok Air to assume three Thai Air Routes beginning March 2010 http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/economics/29893/thai-boss-insists-nok-handover-will-go-ahead

Buddha Community Festival

Dec 25 - 31

Opening Ceremony 3 p.m. Dec 25

Wat Phra That Choeng Chum

They do love parades

Many times I have driven into town to do some shopping, or visit friends, only to run smack into a road block for a parade. Today I got a ten minute advance notice of the parade. Turned out there were actually two parades with two different routes, merging together near the school grounds

Met some Thai friends and was invited to a Christmas party.
My holiday party schedule is really starting to fill up

T.i.T. Bits

extra holidays for 2010 approved by Thai cabinet

March 1  Magha Puja Day has been extended to a three day holiday
April 13-15  The Songkran holiday  has been extended to April 13 - 18
August 12 - 15  Mothers Day has been made a four day Holiday
October 25  Chulalongkorn Day has been extended to a three day holiday
December 6  Fathers day has been extended to a three day holiday
Source: The Nation

internet services
Thailand connected to High-Bandwidth Submarine Cable‎ read at THAIVISA

CAT cuts int'l internet gateway fees read at THAIVISA

I Like

Cool Temperatures ahead

The mannequin at Thai Meteorological Department website is changing wardrobe from sweater to parka on Thursday. Expect a nightly two degree temperature drop until the weekend. When nighttime temperature forecast vary from 9 to 13C.

Seasons Greetings

Back in the 1960, in Pacific Grove, we used to pile in German mini bus and drive through the neighborhoods and admire all the lighted house decorations. But they did not have anything like this.

Amazing Grace Techno - Computer Controlled Christmas Lights from Richard Holdman on Vimeo.

Toon Army Sunday Brunch a Huge Success

The caterers deserve nothing less than a standing ovation

Fried rice, Indian curry beef stew, Pita bread, 100 baht

The beef was delicious and melt in your mouth tender.  People at my table where hovering, hoping that I could not eat it all... they wanted more.

The event was such a success, there will be an encore performance next Sunday.

Meal reservations strongly suggested

How to build a Sakon Nakhon Paradise Villa

Sakon Nakhon Christmas Star Parade

Annual event in Sakon Nakhon starts at dusk on Christmas Day (Dec 25)

Video by sakechana

A fond memory.
A few years ago I bought bags of candy and was going to throw it from the back of a friends truck in the parade. The police had other plans for me. Transfered all the cany into the back of the police truck. Local friends were totally surprised to see me on the lead vehicle to the parade.

Dear Santa

Here's this years wish list

Sakon Nakhon Dragon Festival

Immigration rules misconception

A list of required documents for visas and extensions can be found at Thailand Immigration Bureau
Download forms here immigration.go.th...download
One must understand that these are the basic requirements.
Each jurisdiction may require additional documentation at their discretion.

There seems to be an omission in the basic requirements where proof of income is done with an embassy or consulate certified letter.

Screen copy from www.immigration.go.th

A bank letter is also required along with your original and a copy of your Thai bank passbook.

Let's say you're in the middle of your monthly spending cycle and you only have a balance of Bt30,000 when your visa renewal is due.  Immigration officials can verify the money flow from your certified bank records and grant you the extension.

Sakon Nakhon is getting ready for the holidays

At the Toon Army Bar,  business seems to be picking up.
Sunday luncheon is in the works for this weekend.
They're also rekindling the book and video exchange.
Plans are in the works for  a Christmas afternoon party with multiple courses of freshly prepared foods.
So you have plenty of time to see the star parade later in the evening.

Preparations are under way all over town

These signs are promoting the dragon festival. The big parade starts at 8 a.m. December 11. If you haven't seen it before, its a must see event. Ear plugs recommended.

There will be activities at the Chinese temple every night Dec 11 through 16.
 Wonder if I'll be lucky enough to get a dinner invitation this year for their closing day celebrations.

Sakon Nakhon's main attraction "Wat Phra That Choeng Chum" they are getting an early start for their December 25 celebrations.

A bit early to start blocking the road (T.i.T.)

I miss you

Same place, new name, improved atmosphere

Paul & Family take over reins at Toon Army

I visited on the first day of operation

As is typical, all visitors, including myself, had plenty of suggestions.

I guess that's one way of saying,"we wish you the very best success!!"

Sakon Nakhon Internet Services

Here are the facts as I know them. I'll continue to gather further information and update this blog entry. In the meantime I hope that readers in the area will fill in some of the blanks by posting comments.

Hotels:

Most provide an internet ready computer for their guests in the hotel lobby. Take precautions when using public computers. Deleting your surfing history may be advisable. A list of hotels in the area with internet services can be seen HERE. updated Spring 2009

Internet Shops:

After school hours these places are practically packed with video game players

Local Internet Providers

T.O.T.

1. DSL: wired telephone service required. Monthly service. Metropolitan areas only. prices vary pending on speed.

   At times very slow and disruptive.
   Peak hours begin around 10 am and will last until late night.
   If you wish to use the internet during these hours, extreme patience is essential.
   Best speeds and least disruptions, from my experience, 3 a.m. to 10 a.m

   
   
2. WiFi

CSLOXINFO

1. WiFi

True Move

1. WiFi

Overloaded?

Sakon Nakhon Parade

Saturday Bruncheon

Even though sales of alcoholic beverages are permitted on Thailand's fathers day, some establishments prefer not to, in observance of this revered day.

I had been served a beer at the M.J. Majestic by an uninformed waiter. By the time others arrived, the no alcohol rule was being enforced.

We adjourned and reconvened our gathering across the street.

An inexpensive menu provided for really tasty food

I found the food so delicious, I was enticed to watch it being prepared

Always enjoy these gatherings to exchange news updates and jokes.
This restaurant is definitely on my great dining list.

Feeding the Plants -update-

First wrote about this fertilizer back in October.

Had asked for information in English.

There must have been a few detours in this information highway (T.i.T)

Normally I would not advertise a commercial product, but this stuff is really TOP OF THE LINE. I've used it and was amazed at the results.

Read this blog entry for further details "Feeding the plants"

and read this Fertilizer Literature

Cable TV likely to follow 8 track music

More and more Television shows are becoming available on the internet.
The list of internet providers is growing, eventually some will merge or disappear. Video quality on the net is also improving in leaps and bounds.

At the present rate cable television services may become a dinosaur within a decade. The Comcast - NBC purchase underway at the moment is an indicator of the road ahead. It's all about owning video content.

Holiday Season is approaching

When I have aches and pains I go to the nearest Ma & Pa. I have a standing prescription of 3 Doctor Chang.

With the holiday season approaching, so are the parties and plenty of drinking. Programs of getting drunk drivers of the road also intensify this time of the year.

Personally I have a three drink maximum. Then I either call a friend or walk.

Yes I walked home from Eddie's bar just recently. Nearly to 20 km to my house.

Mud Fishing

The swamp next to my house is beginning to dry out and is slowly becoming a grazing ground again.

Before all the water disappears, locals put on rubber boots and gloves and start digging for fish.

Meanwhile, the local bird enthusiast is airing out his living room.

Wakeup Call

turn up the volume & click arrow to play

It's the morning wakeup call. The neighborhood speakers blare traditional regional music, followed by public notices.

It's all reminiscent of my Psy Ops days (Psychological Warfare aka Propaganda)

You have to read the Honest Cab Driver story at Pattaya Today.

We're not talking small change here!!

Seattle restaurant Thai Tom facing possible closure due to health violations.
Cockroaches, food containers stored in the restroom.
Sounds to me like AUTHENTIC Thai.

British expats and tourists encouraged to register with new embassy tracking