Thursday, March 11, 2010

T.i.T. Bits

CCTV  coming to Sakon Nakhon 29 according to this bidding notice  Related News: Patong's security cameras blind
Local Aids Conference held March 9  1714 Aids patients have died in the province  

Not a good choice at this time

Some local expats are planning to drive to Bangkok.
They have to go to their respective embassies for documentation updates of sorts.
www.nationmultimedia.com has posted a map of possible hot spots to avoid.
Considering access roads to these hot spots, most of Bangkok should be avoided.
If your plans include a trip to wireless road, according to the above mentioned map, that road is closed to traffic.

Testing the ZOOM on my NEW TOY

Saw this tile mural in front of a house just recently completed


Just down the street, what I would describe as a mansion




Nong Hahn water levels look normal to me

With all the talk of drought and water shortages throughout Thailand, I was interested in seeing what  the local lake water levels looked like.


October 26, 2004                                                        February 10, 2010


October 4, 2006                                                         February 10,2010

Even though water levels seem to be down somewhat, older pictures were taken in October, at the end of the rainy season.  Water demand has obviously increased in the area, so the water level will be something to keep an eye on.

South of Sakon Nakhon one stream has dried up.
Pictured on the left is the road bridge after flooding had subsided in August 2008.  Today you can see collapsed roadway in the dry stream bed.



Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Palace History







Smokey

On a recent return trip from Udon, the most obvious occurrence was that the air smelled like one continuous fire.
Smoke from fires was noticeable in the air for most of the trip.
We passed plenty of fires along the highway. fields, yard waste and trash burning.
One fire I observed was big enough to have been a house.

I was somewhat worried about conditions around my own house.
When we left in the morning neighbors were burning trash in a dry field behind my house.
The fire had already gone out of control and neighbors were dousing the fire with a garden hose.
Luckily they contained the fires.



Sakon Nakhon FC 2, Nong Kai FC 1

When our group of Sakon Nakhon FC fans departed Sakon Nakhon, the truck was full.
But we picked up another passenger at the edge of town, and another half way to Udon.
Fourteen passengers received applause as we disembarked

Nong Kai scored first, but the team spirit was upbeat, thanks to the cheering team.
Two scores by Sakon Nakhon had everyone cheering on.

   
  

The second half started somewhat like a skirmish.  Two red cards, one for each team.
At least the playing field remained still equal.

Then a goal by Nong Kai was disallowed by the referee.  Things got very intense real fast.
The side refs joined in.  Men in suits entered the field.  Policemen  entered the field.
No violence but plenty of puffed up chests.

 

 

A lengthy discussion between the men in suits and the referee.
His decision was final.  The game resumed without further incident.
After the game and the handshake formalities, the referees received a police escort off the field.

 

Sakon Nakhon now is in fourth position of 16  teams in the 2010 Thai Division 2, League North Eastern Region
Surin is in first place and will face of with Sakon Nakhon April 3

Monday, March 8, 2010

Extended Sugar Shortage likely, or not

There are various headlines indicating sugar shortage, suggesting that an informal rationing had started.
Empty sugar shelves have been reported at stores throughout Thailand.
Noted the empty sugar shelves at the local BIG C twice last week, but there was plenty available today

Then there are those who claim NO SHORTAGE IN THAILAND, or only temporary shortage
http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255303060028
http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-143343781.html

Interesting to note is that industries recently started purchasing sugar at lower domestic prices, rather than export prices, which they were charged previously.

The Thai government recently announced that the sugar subsidies will be cut later this year.
comment: such announcements generally instigate hording, for sale at higher prices later.

If present drought conditions persist, it may have an impact on next years harvest.

 http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/health/167914/sugary-soft-drinks-linked-to-pancreatic-cancer

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Batten Down the Hatches

Noticeable cooling trend on Monday, becoming obvious on Tuesday.
Change of the weather direction.

West, South-West will change to East, North-East, and East-North-East.
Increased winds up to 25 km/h possible