T.i.T.

Shirt seen at Sakon's Expo market

After the rains in Udon Thani, the water runs black as tar

News Bites

Thailand and Cambodia test single visa  TTR Weekly

with fees

THAI takes delivery of its first A380  Airbus com

Thailand to carpet Bangkok with 1 mil CCTV cameras  futuregov asia

My opinion: I've always said they should put a few million cameras in the "Restive South."

Thailand likely to trim industrial output target    MarketWatch Thai Aug factory output tumbles, some see rate cut ahead Reuters

For the moment a rate cut is unlikely, keeping the Baht strong

Thailand's top mobile operators bidding for 3G licences - Reuters

This process took six years, delayed by legal and political maneuvering.

Can you see the light at the end of the tunnel?

The show must go on

Passed by the temple shortly before 8 PM, last night.
Due to the rain a few hours earlier there were NO PEOPLE. 
Only a projectionist and one vendor.
You'd think they would call it a night. 
Not so.

Wish you the best "Baci Ceremony"

BACI at WIKIPEDIA

I know Baci as the string tying ceremony.  It's a ceremony, traditionally held before noon, to celebrate special events such as birthdays, marriages etc.  Other events may be to honor the arrival or departure of visitors and friends, recovery from sickness, seeking a medical cure. A longtime neighborhood friend recently lost a leg due to a sporting accident. His family held a  'Wish you the Best' Baci ceremony. Some of the folk I see on a daily basis, others I see less often.  To me it was also a bit of  a reunion party. The lottery is generally not part of the ceremony. It's something I like to do among certain friends on special occasions

Isan Boom Box

T.i.T.

Click on the image for a larger View 

T.i.T.

Governor Rest House    AKA Governor residence?

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Authentic replica down to the last detail

Caution !! Don't try this where you live

• Nothing but rice fields in every direction
•    (Nong Hahn (lake) in the distance)

                                       West                                                                                                           South

                                     East                                                                                                           North

No other human in sight.  Believe me, I looked for quite some time !!

T.i.T.

Field expedient

These guys were working on the wiring in the center of the highway.
Obviously their a-frame ladder was not tall enough, so they leaned a tall ladder against it

Field Expedient: Definition from Answers.comThe art of getting the job done despite the limitations.

Rainy Season? Where's the rain?

Funeral services for Mr. Francois Max Adair   Saturday 1 pm, at Pra Wat Saphan Kam (downtown, next to the gas station.)

Thailand Got Talent video over 1 million views                                                                in five days Thailand's culture minister was outraged by the recent topless painting contestant on the televised show Thailand got Talent. When I first heard of the incident, and saw the censored video, I was shocked, The censored nudity wasn't what shocked me, it was the supposed artwork. I've seen better 'art' painted by elephants. Latest online reports indicate that the young lady wasn't a real contestant. According to the online reports, the whole thing was planned to increase the show's ratings

Rainy season, where's the rain? Since June 7, we have had three rain days producing 71.2 mm (2.81inches) of rain. Not the usual rainy season. Thailand's Meteorological Department posted a warning on June 19 Warning: Heavy rain, flash floods...  possible in Sakon Nakhon There was a strong weather system which seemed to head this way from China.   It fizzled out.  Sakon Nakhon only experienced cloudy skies, cool temperatures and wind gusts. Chance of rain should increase somewhat over the next seven days. There's local talk that we will experience a shortened rainy season this year, ending in July. It's too early to say that with certainty as far as I'm concerned.  I'm keeping an eye on the weather developing in the South China Sea.

Rainy Season Interruptus ends

Seven Days without rain during the rainy season I had previously mentioned the increased chance of rain this weekend.  Yesterday:  (1) it looked like a heavy storm was coming from the east  (2) later in the morning a stronger weather system from the north pushed the easterly weather southward. (3) the northerly weather system quickly lowered the local thermostat, allowing for a fery comfortable afternoon and pleasant evening. With less rain, compared to the avoided easterly system

Sakon FC:  So many near misses, but no cigar  Dictionary: but no cigar Prior to the game I had predicted that it would not begin to rain until the end of the football game. I was right.  Wished we would have had some heavy rains before the game.  Sakon FC seems to win when the turf is soaking wet.  Before the game I noted another former Sakon FC player, now a member of the opposing Nong Kai team (39). Another severe setback: This guy is good. Gazelle comes to mind! Start of the second half Sakon FC momentarily came to life. One near miss after another. The crowd went wild for a while, but both the players and fans seemed to quickly loose all steam. The game ended Sakon 1, Nong Kai 3

Thai ministers gone Gaga Gaga Defined dictionary.reference.com 1915-20 French origin:  excessively and foolishly enthusiastic, infatuated, demented, crazy Lady Gaga performed in Bangkok on May 25 Within a few days the Commerce Ministry's Intellectual Property Department complained to the US Embassy, expressing disappointment of her tweet wanting to buy a fake Rolex in Bangkok. I'm certain that complaint received priority attention at the U.S. Embassy More recently the Culture Ministry has made international headlines with his complaint to the local police department, of the inappropriate use of the Thai flag during her performance.  A flag  was fastened to the rear of her motorcycle. Really !! What did they expect from a woman who does bizarre things to get media publicity.Wearing hamburger as a dress comes to mind. Thailand upset with Lady Gaga - KIAH   ***** Lady Gaga criticized by Thai ministry over inappropriate use of country's flag during concert NY Daily News Lady Gaga Takes Heat From Thai Officials Over -Inappropriate- Flag Use - E! Online

Funny Mail

Melons and Coconuts

Watermelon Star Show - Best Variety Google Translation

It's not watermelons, but then, who am I to complain?

Coconut Harvest

Decided to harvest some nuts before heavy storms bring them crashing down.
A few will wind up in my blender, mixed with rum preservative.

Rescued Plant

Found it abandoned in a vacant lot and brought it home.  

So far it seems to not attract insects

Bangkok experiences hottest temperatures in three decades

Recently saw a number of headlines declaring the Bangkok Heatwave of 2012.
Temperatures in the mid forties (113F).
The local thermometer hasn't gone quite that high, but local humidity made it feel just as hot as Bangkok.
I'd been hoping for some rain accompanied by cooler temperatures.
Three days of nearby thunder, but the rain clouds just passed us by.
I've frequently referred to that phenomena as the Doughnut Effect

A Heavy Rain and Flash Flood Warning by the Thai Meteorological Department (this morning)  

excludes North-East Thailand. 

"... very heavy in some places ...  in the western portion of Thailand, the North, Central, the East and the South West Coast

Rising Cost of Living

Complaints are mounting

• Pheu Thai failed us, say red shirts  Bangkok Post

Nong Han Trivia

Get drunk, it's good for business Holiday

Songkran Rules Overlooked

High-pressure water guns outlawed Sale and use of talcum powder not allowed Drinking alcohol while walking banned  Those rules where published prior to the start  of the Songkran holiday.  Obviously these rules were not sufficiently publicized. Had a fire hose pointed at me from a firetruck. I do have to admit I fired the first volley of ice water. Was blinded by talc on numerous occasions Had to stop frequently to wash my eyes Wasn't walking while drinking.  Was offered a drink probably every two minutes. Declined 99% of those offers The funniest Songkran story comes from Ayutthaya, where a 20 year old ladyboy (transvestite) was fined Bht 500 for dancing bare chested in public,  exposing 'her' implanted breasts.  "... relatives delivered him to police." Guess the lesson here is if you want to act the part, then follow the rules.

Football -Bus Terminal - Rumors - T.i.T.

Nong Kai FC   Home Field Advantage Victory

It was a different story the last time these teams faced off. (Aug 1,  2011 Sakon Nakhon Fans are Mad as Hell) Feb 18, 2012, with home field advantage and a near capacity stadium of cheering fans.... 5:25pm    Nong Kai scored early in the game. 5:35pm There was a brief moment of hope for Sakon Nakhon 5:39pm Nong Kai FC quickly shattered that Dream It was really a great game, well worth the six hour round trip travel time. The Nong Kai Football Fans added to the day's fun experience

T.i.T.Police Blotter

Somewhere in Thailand Speeding motorist stopped at road check. Doing 50 kph (31mph) over the speed limit. No radar device, but the speeding was obvious. The officer was quite polite and professional. Quite jovial ! "Driver's license!! Where are you going in such a hurry." "Football game," the driver responded. After the mentioning of football the conversation assumed a fan club atmosphere. FIFA, and various British football teams were mentioned. A Bt100 note was neatly folded and exchanged hands. Back on the road again, resuming the previous speed, passenger not knowing the Thai word for cheap, exclaimed "Very Mai Pang." Driver replied (through translator): "In SakonNakhon they want Bt400  !!!"

Bus Terminal 2 begins operations March 9

Sakon Nakhon Shopping Mall Rumor persists

Rumor of the pending construction of a new shopping mall in Sakon Nakhon first surfaced some weeks ago on Facebook. Subsequent discussions guessed Robinson or Central Plaza. Similar posts also appeared at a Thai website entitled SAKON NAKHON "City of Beautiful lake, Beautiful Mountain and Beautiful Girl" More recently a government employee's unofficial reply was "Next Year."

Mailroom

Wear your company name with Pride Fuquing Fuxin Furniture Compay

No I did not change my name: T.i.T.

In the past I supplied water and soft drinks to the local Y.F.C. league (Youth Football Club).

I also donated some funds for jerseys for the team, with the promise that I would get a jersey with Sakon Nakhon-Live printed on it.

Small letters were not available, this is what I got.
Think OSAKA is the team sponsor.

I'll have a good excuse not to wear the shirt:  "too small !!!"

This is Thailand  T.i.T.

Sakon City Chinese New Year Celebration Finale

Not as packed as on the opening day, 

but still a very respectable crowd.

They were playing American music when I arrived

Reminiscent of the swing band era

Was a bit windy, lamps were swinging

I was a bit concerned (unnecessarily)

Stopped of to see slides of "Old Sakon"

Received a few copies to add to my collection

Had some great food (shish kabob), great entertainment, chatted with friends.
The Chinese New Years celebrations  are always on the top of my list of things to do in Sakon Nakhon.




Sakon FC 1,  Udon FC 2, in a recent preseason match












T i T (This is Thailand) Chuckle

• Prolific Bangkok underwear thief busted

More video clips of the Suphan Buri fireworks disaster 

.

Posted a previous video of a similar incident, earlier this month
That incident  in Hua Hin, was without injuries or property damage.

It's obvious that many of these 'technicians' are under-trained.

Spectators are well advised to keep a safe distance and "be aware!"
This also applies to the Bang Fai (Rocket) festival.
A few years back a spectator was decapitated by one of these rockets

The biggest shortage in today's employment market is code writers.
Code writer salaries average US$50,000 per year
Plenty of free on-line courses available
Recommend: http://www.codecademy.com

Really funny!!


 
  

Thai Children day or Armed Forces day?

This is Thailand.
Where else does the military put on a demonstration of their might and readiness for young kids.
Saw this video of children day in Surin and thought "What the Heck!"

 

On kids day you play kids games and pass out candy and toys, not induce nightmares!
Armed forces demonstrations are best done on armed forces day.

If you don't believe me, ask the kids in Chiang Mai who witnessed an Air Force sky diver fall to his death

• Thai Air Force skydiver killed as parachute malfunctions AISA ONE

Thailand Brand Name

First day back at school.  I teach English twice a week.
Didn't expect much on the first Monday in the new year.  Only two students had their textbooks.
Half the class hadn't recovered from the week long New Years celebrations.

A girl was texting on her mobile.  She tried to hide her phone when I approached her.
I asked her what the brand name was.
Blank looks from the entire class.
I explained 'brand names.'
She replied i-Phone.
I looked at her phone and questioned: "Copy?" She nodded in agreement.

Later, reviewing the hour's lessons, I again asked the class to name a brand name.
Almost in unison the class answered "COPY."

Sometimes lessons don't have the expected results


What did they expect?

Had the highest number of visitors to my blog yesterday after publishing the headline announcing the January 26 concert  "Big Ass - Body Slam in Sakon Nakhon"
Most likely a few disappointed visitors.  Probably even a few censors.


Two concerts on January 26. One at Ming Muang, the other at the Red Cross Fair.
Will be interesting to see if this town can support two concert events on the same day.

Most likely plenty out of town traffic 

No injuries in Hua Hin Fireworks mishap