Getting the facts straight

Toon Bar is not closing

Had been hearing a number of rumors in regards to the future of the place.
So I went to get it 'straight from the horses mouth.'
What I got was an offer to buy the pool table from Graham.
Then Graham stated that everything was going into storage.
He also stated that he was planning on staying in England.
Thus I posted that the place is shutting down.
Friday evening Graham called me and stated the bar is not closing!!
No further explanation given.  

Lost in Translation Medical Labeling

Imagine you have a very painful outbreak on your skin over your chest, side and back.
Four local doctors informed me it was Herpes.

What do I know about Herpes, it's a sexually transmitted disease.

Then I'm told there is not much that can be done, just ride it out, two to four weeks.
Three visits to a local clinic, I was given over a dozen different pain medicines within a week.
Some labels simply said vitamin for pain. None of them really seemed to be too effective.
Finally I got some morphine pills and injections. But nothing to treat the symptoms.

After three weeks of misery I happen to get to the CDC web pages to discover that Shingles Disease is also known as Herpes Zoster.  The pictures on the webpage were identical to what I have.

This type of herpes is not sexually transmitted, rather a leftover virus that stays in your body after childhood chickenpox.

Translating the word Shingles into Thai, I sent someone to the local drug store.
I finally got the medication I should have been on three weeks ago.
Two hours after the first maximum dose, I feel the difference.

This makes me seriously wonder why doctors failed to prescribe more appropriate treatment.
In the future I may visit a local druggist first.

Questions about Thai law? 

Look at our sidebar "Useful Information." 
The link to THAI LAW ONLINE may be of great help to you.
It has plenty of good information worth looking at.

Swine flu renamed AH1N1 is inevitable.
A recent major outbreak in Japan, confirmed cases in Malaysia, Australia, etc..
Temperature screening at airports is more of a show that something is being done.
Infected persons show no sign of illness or fever for the first three  to six days.

How about blood tests before you board a plane, train or bus.<>Joke

Another Black Eye for Thai tourism: The Aussie Beer Mat incident.
Aussie vacationer goes to Assie bar. "Friends' play a prank and put a beer mat in her purse.
The bar's undercover man arrest her as she leaves the bar. 'Theft."
She goes to jail, gets out on bail.
Every Aussie media has the headline. Aussie's are enraged
A scheduled court appearance rescheduled four days early.
A guilty plea. The fine is paid by the local governor. Quick departure.

Lesson: You are responsible for your purse, handbag, anything you carry.  Choose your drinking friends carefully.

Catching Up

Been quite ill and on bed rest. Seems it was almost five weeks, then I checked the calender and counted 2 1/2 weeks.
I't seemed longer. The last few days I've been getting around, doing house and garden chores to regain some strength.

Laying around for two weeks sure zaps the energy out of you. I did some tree pruning, lot's of sweeping, pool cleaning, outdoor cement floor scrubbing. All those duties which wait patiently when you're not available.

As soon as the heavy downpour subsided, I ventured for a drive to visit Graham.
It was basically a good bye meeting, Graham is leaving this Saturday to get some body work done.
How long he'll be gone is somewhat open. Probably depends of required body repairs and recuperation.
We played the "Guess Who's In Town Game."

Then I was off to the furniture store, I needed to do something nice for myself. I walked through the store, and when I saw it, THAT WAS IT. Don't care for fake leather, naugehide, so I will cover it with a large blanket.

The chair was delivered within ten minutes after I left the store.
Half an hour later, after having eaten and indulged in a bit of pain medicine, I was in the reclined position.
I remained reclined until waking at 10 p.m.. At which time I moved to the couch.

Listed at 13,900 Baht, the price first dropped to 13,500, showing a bit of reluctance: final offer 13,000.

I actually had my eye on a LAZYBOY last time I was in Bangkok. It has more features and costs 55,000.
LAZY-BOY is a brand name for an American product, not some Thai I know.

The Sakon Nakhon Directory has grown quite nicely, thanks for some help from Martin. 

Funny Mail Google Group I was able to keep up with posting jokes as I received them. My Favorite Joke this month is: 

Jumbo Ride: Fun was had by all

   

Click on the thumbnail for a full view

That Picture should be used in the Thai Tourism revival campaign "AMAZING THAILAND"

Rainy season... Flu Season

There is no denying, the rainy season came early this year.
The first days of heavy rain started during the last week of April, traditionally considered the hot Season.
Looking at the temperature forecasts and comparing the real and feels like temperatures, it becomes quite apparent that the humidy will be quite high, but will ease somewhat later in the month.



The Southern Provinces of Thailand are experiencing a Chikungunya virus spread by mosquitos. More details at UPI.com
No such reports locally, but it's something to consider and take preventive measures.

The rainy season is typically also the flu season, Health Ministry warns. More details at MCOT.NET

There have been seven Heavy Rainfall weather warnings since May 14. The most severe rainfall is in North and Central Thailand.
Most of our rain is coming from the south, later in the rainy season that will change to an easterly direction, from the Philippines.

Satellite weather maps from the last few days, demonstrate the current weather trend.

Local Bang Fai celebration with deadly results

The Bang Fai season has begun.  

These celebrations can be most pleasurable events, but they can also be deadly as happened locally on May 11.

It's a stark reminder that if you attend such an event that you pay attention to your surroundings at all times.  These rockets are generally home made, some are quite elaborate, while others are not

 

Translation of the news article is quite incoherent, but apparently on that day a rocket misfired and instead of going skyward, headed toward spectators, hit a 29 year old spectator in the head, killing him instantly.

Related article: Bun Bang Fai - Thai Rocket Festival

News on the Net

Leeches in the Kwai River: THE NATION

Look before you sit, toilet snakes are not a myth: REUTERS

No food shortages sufficient water supply forecast: MCOT.NET

2009 Royal Ploughing Ceremony Photos: THAIPHOTOBLOGS

Thailand Resorts for sale: PHUKETWAN

Amazing Thailand Trip Giveaway extended: YOU TUBE

Wan Wisakha Bucha Day Parade

In observance of the commemoration of the birth, enlightenment and Passing of Buddha, as everywhere in Thailand, Sakon Nakhon celebrated the event with an evening candlelight parade.

The parade route was marked with lamps in the shape of flowers  and kerosene torches.

See More photos here 090508 Parade

Possible Ancient Temple Site Unearthed

Received a phone call by obviously excited Andy:  They've discovered an ancient site just around the corner.  There are dozens of police and plenty of media all over the place.

We had to check it out.

They were clearing the land, uprooting trees when they came across these ancient markers.  
We've seen these at some of the local temples.  Think they are ancient grave markers.  
With so many of these markers, there is a strong suspicion that the site may be an undiscovered temple site.  Estimates range from 300 to 3,000 years old.  No professionals were on site to make any official findings.

The area was cordoned off with tape, but after all officials had departed, locals began digging in the area for souvenirs.  The site is only a five minute walk from my house, so it will be interesting to observe what happens here next.