Something to remember during the rainy season

When you're driving on your motorcycle, or walking through a major puddle and get your feet wet, wash as soon as possible.
If you're working in a wet field galoshes may be advisable

Circumstances confirmed

Many have asked what happened.  I heard bits and pieces here and there, but I don't write about what I have heard until it's confirmed. Doug Morton‎, who identifies himself as a nephew on facebook, wrote in his timeline of the circumstances. Some people can read the article while others get an "article not available" message.  The article does not have a share button. What he writes confirms what others have told me. The article was posted Tuesday morning. Hi this is Mike's nephew Doug, here is an update of what we know about his passing which is very little at this time. His Brother Dan is traveling to Thailand to help tomorrow or soon it has been hard to get flight confirmations. Mr Ming wrote us: Mike got an motorcycle accident last week. He broke his legs and some ribs and stay on the bed at home for a week. On Monday, Feb 20th according to Aoy (Mike's wife), Mike supposed to go see the doctor but somehow he postponed for he said he is too tired to move. On Tuesday, the day Mike passed, his condition get worse. Aoy got the ambulance to take Mike to hospital. At the ICU, doctor has to put ventilator on Mike. He shocked and his heart stopped but the doctor revive him. Then the hospital has to get the operation room set for Mike, but because there are many patients queued that night. I managed to get Mike in the operation on the next queue. But once we got Mike to see the surgeon, he said that Mike's condition is not good for operation, then minutes later, Mike passed away. Right now we are all in tear and preparing the funeral for Mike. We will all miss him and love him and we are sad for Aoy, Pompan and Lugate his wonderful loving wife and daughters.

Sakon Nakhon

some facebook shares

March temperatures (add 4 or more degrees for feels like)

Don't miss the ending of this performance

Looking for that worm

Add cucumber in your diet

Funeral services at Wat Prah Tat Dum

For funeral services at Wat Prah Tat Dum, stay on the paved road, take a right and follow the road until the next dirt road left.

Sakon Nakhon

Local products fair Mar 1-2 at Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University

There's always a chance that many fair operators are open for business during the 'setup days,' as it appears to be the case
Published 2/23/17

Sakon Nakhon

100 day remembrance brunch

Sakon Nakhon

Last rites most likely next weekend

Wat Phra Tat Dum is a few minutes drive from Pitstop Cafe

Sakon Nakhon

Eleventh of twelve teams

Sakon Nakhon next faces the number one team in the league, Huai Thalaeng Nakhon Ratchasima, on March 3

Sakon Nakhon

Visitors the last seven days at Sakon Nakhon - Live

China, India and Russia used to be in the top ten visitors Italy has been a steady number two for a few months UK readership used to be in the top three, it dropped about the same time the pound took an pounding

Sakon Nakhon

Senile at 14

Fat Boy had been limping for about a week.  Unable to jump up the two steps into the house, these days he whines a bit to let me know he needs to go. I carry him out into the yard, leave him to do his business and then carry him back inside.    I can tell he enjoys the extra attention.  I thought it was a new injury to his leg, but the vet assured me it's not, Fat Boy is getting to be senile.    I mix medicine in his food, including pain medicine, it seems to be helping, he's becoming a bit more active.  2003

Sakon Nakhon

Essential planning

I've seen a few unpleasant events regarding expat funerals in Thailand.  Quarrels most often about bank accounts and assets left behind. There should be a reserve fund for funeral expenses.  MAKE a Will. Average price 5,000 baht  two sites worth exploring "It is strongly recommended that you have a Last Will & Testament prepared in both your home country and in Thailand" Section 1656: A will may be made in the following form, that is to say, it must be in writing, dated at the time of making, dated at the time of making of the will and signed by the testator before at least two witnesses present at the same time who shall then and there sign their names certifying the signature of the testator. No erasure, addition or other alteration is valid unless made in the same form as prescribed by this section

Sakon Nakhon

Miracles do happen

Sakon FC at Surin  Had hoped to attend the game. Recent medical tests have stretched my budget too close for comfort. I'll be keeping an eye on  SMM SPORT livescore  during game time. Dreaming of a miracle

Sakon Nakhon

Glad to have met you

by Simon Lawrence on facebook February 24 I have just received new information concerning Mikey's funeral arrangements, apparently his Thai family are awaiting family members to arrive from America, Monday or Tuesday.

Sakon Nakhon

Silly stuff

Local team advances to semi-finals

If I have my numbers right, our local team has won four of five games.  Semi finals will be held tomorrow, Saturday, February 25.  Four teams will compete beginning at 1 pm (add half an hour for Thai time), at the Sakon Pattana Suksa stadium (south end of ITU. The winning teams will compete for the local trophy on Sunday at the Rajabhat university stadium.  Winners of Sunday's game will advance to regional provincial games to be held in Nakhon Phanom

Sakon Nakhon

U.S. Citizens: Khon Kaen Outreach, March 10, 2017

The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok is pleased to provide services in Khon Kaen

Date: Friday, March 10, 2017Time: 8:00AM to 11:00AM Venue: Pullman HotelAddress: 9-9 Prachasumran Road, Nai Muang, Muang 40000 KHON KAENHotel phone: Telephone: (+66)43/322155 Fax: (+66)43/322150 Email: pullman@pullmankhonkaen.comhttp://www.pullmanhotels.com/gb/hotel-1877-pullman-khon-kaen-raja-orchid/index.shtml

Services will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis; no appointment is necessary.

PAYMENT METHOD

Please be advised the U.S. embassy will no longer accept cash (U.S. Dollars and Thai Baht) at Outreach Events for American Citizen Services. This is a worldwide policy, and no exceptions can be considered, please see the No Cash Announcement.

All payments at U.S. Embassy Outreach Events must be made in the form of a BANK DRAFT.

All Bank Drafts must be:

• Purchased from Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn Bank, or Siam Commercial Bank(SCB). 
• You do not need an account at the bank to purchase a bank draft.
• Kasikorn Bank calls a "bank draft" a "Bill of Exchange."
• Purchased in advance.
• Made out to "American Embassy Bangkok"
• In the exact amount of Thai Baht (THB) for your total service.
• At the official embassy exchange rate at the time of the outreach. 
• Fees and exchange rates are included in individual outreach announcements and posted on our website.
• Submitted at the time of service.
• You can show this to the bank:ลูกค้าท่านนี้ต้องการซื้อแบงค์ดร๊าฟ(สกุลเงินบาทเท่านั้น)ตามจำนวนเงินที่ระบุด้านหลังสั่งจ่ายถึง"American Embassy Bangkok"รบกวนช่วยอำนวยความสะดวกให้ด้วยค่ะ

Delivery Service: Thai Post can mail back passports for applicants. If you require this service, you must purchase and submit a separate 100 THB bank draft. Do not include the cost of the envelope in your total bank draft for services.

Please note:

• Cashiers' checks, personal checks, cash, credit or any other form of payment will not be accepted.
• Bank Draft requirement only applies to Consular Outreach Events. Services rendered during normal business hours at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok or the Consulate in Chiang Mai will continue to accept payments made by credit card or cash (THB or USD) exclusively.

SERVICES OFFERED AND OFFICIAL EXCHANGE RATES ON MARCH 10, 2017

• 3,960 THB-Renewal of adult passports
• 3,780 THB- Renewal of minor (under age 16) passports
• 4,860 THB- Replacement of adult lost/stolen passports 
• 3,780 THB- Replacement of minor (under age 16) lost/stolen passports
• 1,080 THB –Adult passport card
• 540 THB –Minor passport card
• 1,800 THB (per notary stamp)  –Notary- including income affidavits

 Above fees are based on an exchange rate of 36 THB to 1 USD

PLEASE NOTE: You must bring copies of your passport bio data page and supplementary documents requested with the application per the online instructions. These copies will not be returned to you. IMPORTANT: For applications on behalf of minors, the child and both parents must appear in person.

RETURN OF PASSPORT 

There are two ways to receive your new passport:

1.) IN PERSON: Come to our office in Bangkok (or send a representative with a signed letter to pick up your passport on your behalf) during our appointment hours (M-F from 7:30-11 AM, except holidays and the last Friday of every month), but no appointment is necessary. Present your old passport for cancellation and collect your new passport. If you select this option, please submit a copy of your current passport when you apply.

2.) BY MAIL: Purchase a prepaid Thai Post envelope at the outreach for 100 THB (SEPARATE BANK DRAFT IS REQUIRED). Do not include the cost of the envelope in your total bank draft for services.

If you select this option, our staff will RETAIN your current passport in Bangkok, cancel it when the new passport arrives, and mail both passports to you at the same time.

NEARBY PARTICIPATING BANKS

Bangkok Bank

Khon Kaen Branch

254 Srichan Rd,

Nai Muang, Muang,

Khonkaen 40000

043 225142-6

Siam Commercial Bank (SCB)Com building Branch

250/1 ComKosa building, Srichan Rd,

Nai Muang,

Muang, Khon Kaen 40000

043 226331/

043 226371

Siam Commercial Bank (SCB)

Khon Kaen Branch

(Sri Chan Rd.)

491 Srichan Rd,

Nai Muang,

Muang, Khon Kaen 40000

043 333820-4

Kasikorn Bank

Na Muang Khon Kaen Road Branch
318/1 Namuangkhonkaen Rd,

Nai Muang,

Muang, Khonkaen 40000

043 225131-3/

043 225771-5

You may use any branch of the three participating banks. The above branches are suggested since they are near the venue.

SPECIAL NOTES

SOCIAL SECURITY, VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND OTHER FEDERAL BENEFITS QUESTIONS WILL ONLY BE ANSWERED OVER EMAIL acsbkk@state.gov. CONSULAR REPORTS OF BIRTH ABROAD CANNOT BE PROCESSED AT CONSULAR OUTREACH EVENTS.

For other outreach dates and locations please see http://th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/consular-outreach/

For information on US Citizen Services please see http://th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/

Send questions about total costs to acsbkk@state.gov or call 02-205-4049.

Follow us on Twitter by searching our username @ACSBKK

Doctors are giving me tons of this stuff, now I'm looking at alternatives

Popular heartburn drugs could lead to kidney damage without warning: study - Health - CBC News Feb 22, 2017

Popular heartburn drugs linked to gradual yet 'silent' kidney damage: Most patients don't experience acute kidney problems beforehand -- ScienceDaily

Somewhere between today thru Saturday a thundershower is likely. Could be 2 mm or could be .2 mm, then maybe not at all

Sakon Nakhon

Slight movement

Sakon Nakhon remains our little secret

The original CNN article mentioning Isaan was published earlier this year, specifically refers to Buriram, Loei, and the Ban Chiang Archeological Site in Udon Thani. Subsequent articles make no mention of Isaan. 17 best places to visit in 2017 - CNN.com January 6, 2017 World's 25 top tourism destinations - CNN.com February 1, 2017 20 destinations travel experts say everyone must visit - CNN.com February 8, 2017

Sakon Nakhon

Video downloader

There's times when the power goes off, probably more-so during the rainy season.  Then there are moments when there is no internet available. Not sure if internet is available tomorrow when I spend overnight in the hospital.    That's when a laptop with a long lasting battery becomes handy.  I use video downloader and download enough movies from you tube to keep myself entertained. I use free software 'video downloader professional,' a browser extension.    Of course I also have bluetooth earphones to avoid disturbing others.

Sakon Nakhon

Sakon Nakhon FC season looks rosy red

Sakon Nakhon FC has lost it's first two games of the season.  The second game should have been a win had it not been for the poor refereeing.  I'm not just saying that because we lost.  Unfortunately there's no video tape to make my point. Sakon Nakhon FC will visit Surin for the next game.  Chances would be greatly improved if the team did the six hour travel the day before the game, rather than on game day.  Surin has had one draw and one loss, but will have home court advantage. The following game in Nakhon Ratchasima, 3 March is even less promising. Huai Thalaeng has won both of their games, 3-2 against Mahasarakham, and 1-0 against Surin.    I'm hoping that the odds improve after these next two games

Sakon Nakhon

Food spoils quicker during the hot season

Many public events here in Sakon Nakhon have been cancelled or toned down since the death of the King. The mourning period is to last for one year.  Most religious related events including temple fairs, local concerts and some festivals are allowed to happen.    How Songkran will be celebrated locally is still a big guess. Will they be having the nightly dance in the downtown square, as in past years, or will it be 'scaled back.'    Right in the middle of this year's songkran celebration (13-17 April) is Easter Sunday on April 16.  The catholic community in Tha Rae has a yearly easter parade.    Songkran is also the highest alcohol related accident period in Thailand.  You can be certain of many road checks and even a breathalyzer test. As the hot season begins it's important to pay more attention to food safety. Food spoils quicker during the hot season.  Sometimes in a matter of hours. Make sure your food is freshly cooked or properly refrigerated.  In some cases food spoilage is hard to detect. Microwaving food does not always kill all bacteria.  Microwaving cooks food from the outside in, sometimes leaving cold spots where bacteria can survive.

Sakon Nakhon

Phu Phan forests fire hazard

Sakon Nakhon

Even though the fim is not dated, it seems to have been produced in the mid 1960's

"... It has been estimated that 90% of Northeast Thailand may be infected with the liver fluke ..."
"... snail, fish, mammals, including humans..."

Sunday fun

House of Pain

Fatboy  Noticed Fatboy severely limping day before yesterday.  Don't know what happened, but he's been at the vet for the past two days.  Seems to be improving, but very slowly. Can't jump the steps into and out of the house.  I have to carry him.  Have to keep him in the yard next week when I spend overnight at the hospital, he won't be able to get up the two steps  Me  Have been having lower abdominal pains for months.  All sorts of tests, everything is normal except my stool. Having that camera up the caboose on Tuesday, check into the hospital on monday. Just came to realize that the pain is not stomach related.  Was doing a lot of sitting during the hospital tests.  The pain was severe.  When I stood up, the pain lessened significantly. Seems to be a muscle or nerve that gets compressed when I sit for any length of time.  Most likely the result of a too heavy massage.   Joey  Drunken accident has left him with some major permanent injuries.  Has already been declared 'handicapped.' Complains about a lot of pain, but does little to remedy the problem.  Most of the medication he is getting is useless.  He needs some serious pain medication and physical therapy

Sakon Nakhon

Details pending

Happens February 26 at the University Stadium

Sakon Nakhon

Baht at snail pace UP, Temperature HOT, Roadwork detours

Sakon Nakhon

Chances are good for a Sakon Nakhon win this Saturday

Sakon Nakhon FC hosts Yasothon FC this Saturday. While Sakon Nakhon lost its season opener to Roiet 1-2, Yasothon faced Surin in a scoreless tie. First game scores are no indication who has the advantage, but I've watched a few minutes footage of the Yasothon game and am convinced this 'should be' a win.

Sakon Nakhon

Esan Music

Sakon Nakhon

The south will rise again

I'm talking weather here. When a cooler system from the north and a warmer system from the south converge on us.    You probably noticed a very windy period yesterday.  Saw a dust devil (not the vacuum cleaner) before the football game yesterday.  It only lasted one or two minutes.  I wasn't ready with my camera.  It looked a lot like this video During the game wind gusts created smaller dirt devils from dust raised by ballplayers. Wind gusts were quite strong and there were times when I thought those 'tents' were close to going airborne.  Expect occasional wind gusts in the 20 km (37m) range over the next few days.    Dry temperatures (low humidity) tend to get quite dusty.  Sediment in the swimming pool, dusty floors. Time to do a bit of regular house maintenance. Dust off the electronics under the refrigerator and freezer, clean aircon filters, any electronic devices. Dust inhibits heat dissipation, shortening the life of your devices.

Sakon Nakhon

Wear protection

UV RATING ALERT Wed  Feb 15 Thu  Feb 16 Fri  Feb 17 Sat  Feb 18 Sun  Feb 19 Mon  Feb 20 Tue  Feb 21 8 very high 10 Extreme 10 Extreme 9 very high 9 very high 10 Extreme 9 very high Excessive exposure can lead to cataract, other eye diseases, and skin cancer.

Sakon Nakhon

Time to dust off your fans and air conditioner

Cool Season ends this weekend in Sakon Nakhon By Tuesday realfeel temperatures could reach 36 - 40 (97F - 104F), nighttime temperatures 19 - 21 (66 - 70F)

Sakon Nakhon

Slight change in Thai baht

Bank Transfer US$ to Thai฿

Ding Dong BBQ luncheon

Ding Dong Place is having a rib BBQ and coleslaw luncheon starting at noon today, price 199 THB ← Temperature at 6:30 this morning. Slow warming trend this week. Expect some unusually high temperatures next week FL40 possible). Temperatures still doing the wave (up and down) till the middle of next month. Pool season begins middle of March Sakon FC had a disappointing start of the season with a 2-1 loss against Roiet. Sakon FC next hosts Yasothon United. Yasothon came away with a draw in their season opener.

Sakon Nakhon

Sakon Nakhon 1 Roiet 2

Sun High 28C 82F  Low  12C 54F	Mon High 28C 82F Low  14C 57F	Tue High 31C 88F Low  15C 59F	Wed High 31C 88F  Low 16C 61F	Thu High 31C 88F Low  17C 63F	Fri High 32C 90F Low  17C 63F
Songkran (Apr 13- 17) feels like 39 102 to 41 106

click image to see complete album

Sakon Nakhon