Welcome Bar changes ownership

The bar will temporarily not be open during day time and opens at 6 PM.
The bar should be on a regular operating schedule after October 15, opening at 10 AM.

Concert time correction

Previously mentioned a concert of Isaan type music at Ming Muang Field.
The concert is scheduled for October 4, not Saturday, October 1.

Thai filing system

Got an example of the Thai way of filing.
I'll have to remember this one for future reference.
Decided to visit the local hospital to get an injection for a pulled muscle.
Checked in at the front desk and handed the receptionist my passport.
After about ten minutes on the computer, she still had not found my files.
Another ten minutes and my records just didn't seem to exist.
I tried to simplify her search by printing my name on a piece of paper.
No help!!
After over half an hour, and with plenty people getting ahead of me, she finally found my files.
In the hospital records my name is not Hans, but Mr Hans.
Now who would think to look for Hans under the M's.
Not me!!

Thank my lucky stars this was not an emergency.  I'd be in deep doo doo.   555

Thai lingo for dummies

The Thai version of lol (laughing out loud) in a text conversation. "5" in Thai is pronounced "ha," so three of them would be "hahaha."

Keep Kool, Insulate

The problem with most brick and mortar houses is the fact that these building materials absorb and hold heat either through direct exposure to the sun or through heat absorbed and transmitted from  roof tiles.

 

My attic, without insulation or ventilation had the capabilities to fry an egg in under 30 seconds.

First I had vents installed at both ends of the attic.

There are a number of options for attic insulation. 

Large sheets of paper backed foil which are mounted under the roof tiles.   These sheets come in varying sized rolls

Recently saw local advertisements of a company which sprays insulation either on the top or underside of roof tiles.  It's something I may consider on a newer roof.

I insulated my suspended ceilings in 2005 with a combination of  Styrofoam sheets and rolls of insulation.

Purchased the insulation at PC hardware store at 90 baht per roll.  I had found these insulation rolls being sold at other stores at double that price.

Still on my Christmas wish list, a solar Attic Vent, something I have not been able to find locally.

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.

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

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

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)