Lifestyle Improvement planned

Thailand Plans to Boost Northeastern Economy The article mentions border trade with Laos and government spending. The problem as I see it.  Everyone is growing rice, rubber and sugar.  When  demand is there, so is the economy. A downturn in market demand for these products and everybody is in the poor house. Diversified agriculture is essential to avoid such downturns. Government spending needs some redirecting. It smells somewhat of vote buying. Water management and storage should be of higher priority than fast trains. TAT promotions of the area are lacking.  Events calendars for Sakon Nakhon list the wax castle festival and the christmas star parade.  Not much beyond that.  There's more than that happening around here.  Event advertisement is generally a week before it happens. Not helpful to tourists who plan their trips months in advance.   PDF TAT brochure printed in 2011 "Sakon Nakhon"  PDF TAT brochure printed in 2010 " i-San "

Sakon Nakhon

Seems like the coldest days are behind us

Forecasters seem to be slightly at odds.  Obviously there's a continuing warming trend, Warmest days through Tuesday, Followed by some chilly days and another possible warming.  Seems like the coldest days are behind us
The predicted feels like temperatures seem to be the most accurate from past experience

	Sat 30	Sun 31	Mon 1	Tue  2	Wed  3	Thu  4	Fri  5	Sat  6	Sun  7	Mon  8
Accu	30/19	30/19	31/17	29/16	29/16	31/19	32/15	30/12	28/12	30/16
Accu feel	33/18	35/18	34/16	30/15	31/15	33/19	33/14	30/12	28/12	39/15
BBC	31/19	31/20	31/17	27/13	28/14	29/14	27/15	27/13	26/12	26/12
Meo	32/21	34/20	34/18	31/19	32/19	32/19	32/19
Thai MD	32/20	32/21	31/19	28/18	28/18	29/19	30/19
Weather Chan	31/18	31/19	32/17	29/14	29/15	31/16	29/15	27/13	27/13	28/14
Weather underground	31/18	32/19	32/17	29/14	29/16	31/13	29/16	27/13	27/13	28/14

Sakon Nakhon

Cool season Pool Maintenance

No Idea how a couple of tiles cracked in the pool: KIDS. Tiles replaced, next scrubbing and fresh caulking.  Filter lasted ten years. could have jury rigged it and made it last another year, but decided to replace it. New one should arrive Monday, as promised.  I won't hold my breath The pool is only a meter deep, enough to keep me cool on a hot day and not deep enough to have to worry when the neighborhood kids come for a splash.  That's almost every day

Sakon Nakhon

Sakon Nakhon Red Cross Fair Starts

Concert Schedule:   January 29 through February 7 click images below for larger view Red Cross Fair 21 February 2003 Daytime admission free  Nothing much has changed over the years since I first attended the Sakon Nakhon Red Cross Fair Since those days alcohol is no longer allowed.                 Also not seen in many years are the bumper cars.  Was my favorite attraction at the fair. Used to buy books of tickets and give them away.  That always attracted an increased audience. A table and chairs were set near the ride where I could relax between rides and'wet my whistle.' Of course the plastic ball fishing tank is a regular at the Red Cross Fair

Sakon Nakhon

Sakon Nakhon P-Mart raided

Illegal frozen meat haul impoundedFrozen cow and buffalo meat illegally imported from India and Nicaragua has been seized in a crackdown BANGKOKPOST.COM|BY POST PUBLISHING PCL Beef an buffalo meat imported illegally from India and Nicaragua.  I'm surprised 'beef from India.  I had shopped at P-Mart twice, doubt that I will shop there again

Sakon Nakhon

Starting on my thirteenth year in Sakon Nakhon

Getting ready to apply for another year long retirement visa.  Asked what documents I'd be needing to see if there are any changes from last year.  I was shown the requirements posted on the wall.  In past years a letter from my bank, copy of house papers and ID card of house owner were required.  Don't see these items on the list.    But then there is that sentence "Immigration officials reserve the right to request additional documents."  Guess I'll go in a day before with the listed documents and have them tell me what else they want to see.    The obvious change seems to be that every document has to be in duplicate

 Sakon Nakhon

Red Cross Fair starts Friday

	Just returned from a visit to the Red Cross Fair where I purchased a few of my favorite puddings.  Still warm, it's great with a rum spiced hot chocolate.    The fair starts Friday, most stands are busy setting up, other stands are ready for business.  Admittance is free during daytime hours. Admittance fees after 5 pm

Sakon Nakhon

Gradual warming

7 am, 27 Jan, 2016	216 Temperatures remain cooler than in recent years source 2016 2015 2014 2013 25 38 30 30 Chance of light rain today and tomorrow.  Another cool night or two

Sakon Nakhon

Sakon Nakhon Invasion

I'd say a few hundred buses from many provinces were parked throughout the city. The translated explanation, a senior monk was being certified. Huge crowds at the Temple There was a small parade driving through town, Not quite sure if this was part of the temple celebration or a seperate event.

Sakon Nakhon