T.i.T. Bits

Thailand international arrivals luggage check.

Recent arrivals have confirmed that their luggage is electronically screened and subject to random search during the inbound customs screening. Dropping off your "Nothing to declare" certificate, and not being searched is up to the discretion of customs officials.

Customs Information for Travelers at the Customs Department of the Kingdom of Thailand.

Isaan Rain High Season

Cloudy and the occasional rain storm. Most of our weather is approaching from the east, as is typical this time of year. A heavy storm stretching from Hong Kong to the Philippines, may dissipate somewhat after making land.

One local weather phenomenon I have seen with some consistency is the fact that the area is completely surrounded, with clear or slight clouds directly overhead. Almost like the eye of a storm.

Flu Season

I've been avoiding going to the doctors office.

If you want to get sick, go where sick people congregate.

The sign said open at 1800. It was outdated (T.i.T.)

The doctor is having dinner and will arrive at 18:45.
Most patients where aware of the new hours.

No one else arrived until then.

When patients did arrive, it was a bit comical.

Two people wore surgical masks.
A few people pulled their shirts over their faces, as if they were coming in to rob the place.
My condition has been confirmed as being chronic. I can expect to live with this pain for six months to a year (or more).

Then of course this chronic condition was worsened by my attending a recent funeral according to Thai voodoo.

During my career I lived with chronic whiplash and back injuries for 22 years.

It hasn't been all that pleasant.

The makings of a new Polish joke

14 year old pregnant from sperm contaminated swimming pool.

Facts About Swine flu

USA TODAY has a very informative article answering some basic questions about Swine Flu.

Surgical masks do not protect you from the virus. Respirators protect you.
Keep your distance from people coughing or sneezing.
Those little airborne particles settle on surfaces.
If you touch suspect surfaces, wash your hands frequently! It's your best defense.

You can get the virus from handling infected pork, but not after it's been cooked.
Wash your hands frequently.

Antiviral medications are recommended if you catch the disease.
Such medication is given to uninfected persons whose family members are infected as a defense.

I'm taking antiviral medication for another purpose at the moment.
It may be some protection
Read the article at USA TODAY

Also read: Game shops known transmission centers

Remodeling at home

The lava rock pathway was never comfortable to walk on barefoot.
Ants would use it as their pathway, or even nest.
It was replaced with cement. Doesn't look as nice, but it's more practical.

The best way to see Thailand is if you are visiting Thai friends.

They know what to avoid and keep you out of trouble.

In the matter of medications,

I suggest that you make out a list of your medications.
Give this list to your Thai friend. Have your Thai friend take that list to the local druggist.

The druggist can verify what's available and legal locally.
He can also suggest alternate medications, which you should discuss with your regular doctor. This of course is part of pre trip planning.

Special interest: Visit to the local fire department.

The fire department moved to a new location a little over a year ago.
They do have modern equipment, but also tend still depend on ancient equipment when needed.

These pictures where taken in 2003

Weather Advisory

The Thai Meteorological Department issued a weather alert in effect until July 16, warning of torrential rains, heavy and very heavy, in mostly the north and north-east.

Phallic Brouhaha

Monks in Khon Kaen are upset that a local aids foundation is selling Phallic aids Candles. ThaiChimes

Used to be (just ten years ago), phallic shrines were common place in Thailand.

A phallic shrine on beach road in Pattaya, displaying a red, four foot phallus disappeared a some years ago.

Wearing phallic replicas by Thai males is still quite common, as a means of enhancing fertility. You don't see them, since they are worn around the waist.

Then of course just a few months ago, some tourism official suggested selling phallic amulets to tourists, as a means to create income.

Something that may be hard to explain to customs agents when returning home.

Ask a Thai for directions to Bangkok's Tuptim temple.
Many will deny it's existence, while others will become quite "Thai embarrassed."
They go there to pray for fertility when they want to have children

Thai culture and religion vetoed by modern day moral values.

Chaos Ahead

Effective Monday

More than 1,000 summer schools to close for 15 days,
Internet gaming shops also are expected to close for the same period.
Thousands of Thai kids will be idle looking for something to do.

Staff at all government operated hospitals will be required to wear face masks.

Observed at local shops approximately 20 to 30% of the employees and customers are wearing protective masks.
Flu viruses can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours.
Touching shopping carts, products, and even money can spread the virus.
Haven't seen anyone wear gloves, or use handy wipes.

On the subject of viruses: A recent discovery most obesity can be treated with antibiotics (as proven on mice).
That should be obvious: there actually is an Obesity Virus

Farewell to a Friend (070809)

**SakonNakhon Hotels ** .

With countless diseases, illnesses and death...

... You would think scientists have better things to do.

SKY NEWS: Newcastle scientists create artificial human sperm

**SakonNakhon Hotels ** .