Sakon Nakhon Christmas Star Parade

Annual event in Sakon Nakhon starts at dusk on Christmas Day (Dec 25)

Video by sakechana

A fond memory.
A few years ago I bought bags of candy and was going to throw it from the back of a friends truck in the parade. The police had other plans for me. Transfered all the cany into the back of the police truck. Local friends were totally surprised to see me on the lead vehicle to the parade.

Dear Santa

Here's this years wish list

Sakon Nakhon Dragon Festival

Immigration rules misconception

A list of required documents for visas and extensions can be found at Thailand Immigration Bureau
Download forms here immigration.go.th...download
One must understand that these are the basic requirements.
Each jurisdiction may require additional documentation at their discretion.

There seems to be an omission in the basic requirements where proof of income is done with an embassy or consulate certified letter.

Screen copy from www.immigration.go.th

A bank letter is also required along with your original and a copy of your Thai bank passbook.

Let's say you're in the middle of your monthly spending cycle and you only have a balance of Bt30,000 when your visa renewal is due.  Immigration officials can verify the money flow from your certified bank records and grant you the extension.

Sakon Nakhon is getting ready for the holidays

At the Toon Army Bar,  business seems to be picking up.
Sunday luncheon is in the works for this weekend.
They're also rekindling the book and video exchange.
Plans are in the works for  a Christmas afternoon party with multiple courses of freshly prepared foods.
So you have plenty of time to see the star parade later in the evening.

Preparations are under way all over town

These signs are promoting the dragon festival. The big parade starts at 8 a.m. December 11. If you haven't seen it before, its a must see event. Ear plugs recommended.

There will be activities at the Chinese temple every night Dec 11 through 16.
 Wonder if I'll be lucky enough to get a dinner invitation this year for their closing day celebrations.

Sakon Nakhon's main attraction "Wat Phra That Choeng Chum" they are getting an early start for their December 25 celebrations.

A bit early to start blocking the road (T.i.T.)

I miss you

Same place, new name, improved atmosphere

Paul & Family take over reins at Toon Army

I visited on the first day of operation

As is typical, all visitors, including myself, had plenty of suggestions.

I guess that's one way of saying,"we wish you the very best success!!"

Sakon Nakhon Internet Services

Here are the facts as I know them. I'll continue to gather further information and update this blog entry. In the meantime I hope that readers in the area will fill in some of the blanks by posting comments.

Hotels:

Most provide an internet ready computer for their guests in the hotel lobby. Take precautions when using public computers. Deleting your surfing history may be advisable. A list of hotels in the area with internet services can be seen HERE. updated Spring 2009

Internet Shops:

After school hours these places are practically packed with video game players

Local Internet Providers

T.O.T.

1. DSL: wired telephone service required. Monthly service. Metropolitan areas only. prices vary pending on speed.

   At times very slow and disruptive.
   Peak hours begin around 10 am and will last until late night.
   If you wish to use the internet during these hours, extreme patience is essential.
   Best speeds and least disruptions, from my experience, 3 a.m. to 10 a.m

   
   
2. WiFi

CSLOXINFO

1. WiFi

True Move

1. WiFi

Overloaded?

Sakon Nakhon Parade