Thursday, September 30, 2010

School is out, internet improves

Schools are shut for vacation and the first thing I noticed is improved internet after 9 AM.
I have been able to watch internet television without interruption until early afternoon.
In the past that's been an impossibility after 9 AM, when schools went online.
Of course things do slow down once the internet shops get busy in the early afternoon.

Most of SakonNakhon internet is being rewired.  Had mine rewired a few days ago.
They told me to continue using the old wires until their work is tested and inspected.
No notice this morning when my internet went down.
Waited patiently for the system to reboot.  It didn't happen.
Took a wild guess and switched to the new wires.  Problem solved.

I know of a few locals who are without internet service.
Bet they are waiting for a courtesy call telling them to switch over to the new wires.

The monthly SakonNakhon cultural fair is again this Saturday.
Also this Saturday, an Isaan type music concert at Ming Muang Field.
I've been told admission to the concert is 30 baht.

Rumor has it there'll be a Sakon FC restaurant opening soon

Obviously the rainy season has ended, or is it only an intermission.
No rain this week, had to water the plants daily.  There may be a chance of a rainy day or two middle of next week.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Annual Provincial Governor reshuffle

Sakon Nakhon governor Sombat Treewatsuwan has been transferred  to Khon Kaen, effective October 1.
He will be replaced by Udon Thani governor Amnat Pakarat.
Transfers reflect promotions and demotions and are politically motivated.
source: Bangkok Post



Tuesday, September 28, 2010

The Party Season has started

Had heard of a few locals heading to this festival at Amphoe Akat Amnuai a few days ago
Unfortunately I was in the mids of fighting the flu and bronchitis.
Sorry I missed this one, but there'll be plenty more ahead.



Wondered how Thailand's tourism is really doing.
The government is touting increased arrival numbers, but other sources seem to indicate there's problems in paradise:

Jomtien to become a Ghost town - TeakDoor.com
The Changing Face Of The Pattaya Punter-Stickman
Thailand's bars are getting busier... However.. - Dave the Rave.

From personal experience in the tourism industry, tour groups tend to spend less on extra's.
In fact most believe tips are included in their tour price.


I'd like to see the outtakes from this production

Monday, September 27, 2010

Employment Opportunity

Native English speaker to teach Science
Thatnaraiwittaya School
606 SakonUdon Road
Mueang Sakon Nakhon

0-4297-0128
Salary at least 30,000 baht per month
Source http://www.ajarnjobspace.com/school-lWBgWw%3D%3D.htm

SakonNakhon Boat Races and Wax Castle Festival Schedule

October 19
09:30 Delivery of the Maha Chakri Sirindhorn cup to the waterfront park
10:00 Band led precession along the Mankhalai Road into the park
11:00 Opening ceremonies and long boat parade including peacock dance contest
           Boat Race qualifiers
18:00 OTOP "One Tamboon One Product" sales and amusements at Ming Muang Field. Food Fair, Concert

October 20
09:00 Long Boat Race round 2 and 3
12:00 Fishing Boat Race rowing qualifiers
14:00 Boat Race finals, closing ceremonies of boat races
18:00 OTOP "One Tamboon One Product" sales and amusements at Ming Muang Field. Food Fair, Concert


October 21
07:00 Merit ceremony of 10,000 clergy on Suk Kasem Road at the intersection next to the Thai Farmers Bank
08:30 Phan Bai Si flower arrangement contest begins at the Ming Muang Field
16:00 Wax Castles on display at Ming Muang Field
17:00 Completion of Phan Bai Si Contest
18:00 OTOP "One Tamboon One Product" sales and amusements at Ming Muang Field. Food Fair
18:30 Bai Si Ceremony and Dinner
19:00 Chairman and invited dignitaries preside over the ceremony. Includes musical performances and traditional folk art, Concert

(article to be continued Tuesday)

Friday, September 24, 2010

Extended VISA overstay now subject to jail time

Read the full details at THAI VISA

Wax Castle and Boat Racing Festival 2010

Wax castle brochure containing the schedule of events is now available.
Ask your hotel desk clerk for a copy.
I'll have the schedule translated later in the day and will post the information as soon as I receive it.


Boat races are already underway in some nearby villages and towns.



Thursday, September 23, 2010

I stand corrected

Liver fluke larvae can penetrate the skin of a human host.
Wikipedia
I had  been ill advised to think that they entered  through mouth, ear and nose membrane, including anal and sexual organs and open cuts.
read about the leaf shaped flatworm Trematode

The larvae attaches to fish skin and plants such as watercress.
Snails and slugs are the main carriers of liver fluke and transfer them to vegetation.
Liver flukes are also common in a exposed wild and domestic animals.
Nong Han (Lake) is known to be infested with the parasite.  
It stands to reason that surrounding waterways are similarly invested.