How many Thais does it take to build a platform ?

Areas have been assigned to racing teams for their cheering platforms along Nong Hahn

  

The local government hospital apparently has a boat entered in the race.  They are building their platform.
If you look closely, one guy is doing the work,  the other 15 seem to be advisors and counterweights.

Further down along the shore they are still working on getting rid of all the vegetation

And the answer to todays question: One !!

Working Frenzied In Sakon - NOT

Read some news releases on the net, just a few days ago:
"Craftsmen have been working feverishly to build a bee wax castle."
I don't know who writes this stuff.
I checked out a few of them.  The work is complete.
Most wax castles are now sitting in shaded and ventilated areas to keep the wax from getting soft.

They have been building these wax castles for a few centuries now.  The craftsmen know exactly what supplies, how many helpers... to get the job done on time

They are placing the bleachers along the parade route.  Nothing frantic there either.

An elephant and horse seem to be grazing near a temple. They seem quite horny.

New 500M Sports Facility to be built in Sakon

Heard a rumor that Sakon F.C. had been sold some time ago.
Today the local TV station had the story on their news.
A new Sakon province sports facility, complete with stadium, pool, and other amenities is being built at a cost expected to exceed 500M baht.
Landfill is already under way for the facility to be located near the Sakon Nakhon airport.

BRRRR

Recently mentioned

The most intense La Nina since 1955 is forming near the equator. 

Expect unseasonably heavy rains.  Philippines bracing for La Nina

There's an update of what to expect at THE NATION

La Nina to cause record drop in temperature...

36 years ago (1974) Sakon Nakhon recorded its coldest night on record 1.4C (34.52F).


While THE NATION suggest a thirty year low, other parts of the globe expect a 55 year low


Warnings of winter illnesses, especially pneumonia and influenza are now appearing at some Thai health offices

Additional reading:
Herbs used for winter illnesses
Using foods to prevent and cure winter illness

more pictures- Phon Na Kaeo Longboat Races

Saturday afternoon at the Phon Na Kaeo long boat races.

Spent most of the time leisurely walking around the entire lake, Chang at hand.
I was a bit amazed by the number of people who recognized and greeted me.

Of course there was plenty of entertainment, dancing, socializing, and yes... drinking

  

Plenty of security around the stage and dancing area, all smiles and Thai polite, made me feel safe and welcome.


Lost in translation

My work permit application had been put on hold until the new school term begins in November.  

There were some questions regarding my answers on one of the forms:

For official purposes I listed my father as "unknown" and left the remaining questions blank.  

I had to explain why I did not list his occupation and religion.

I listed my mother as deceased, but still had to explain her religion.  

She's not going to church these days.

Don't miss this link

"Threat of bubble economy looms again for Thailand"    THE NATION
a well written and informative editorial analyzing the current monetary situation

Internet television I'm watching

Al Jazeera  BBC1  ABC   NBC  TNT

Boat Race weekend at Phon Na Kaeo

Indulged in my favorite past time today.  

Jumped on the crotch rocket (motorcycle), and drove out into the countryside.  

First a stopover at Eddy's restaurant, where I learned that he has recovered and attends to the bar during the evening hours.  

Of course I also caught up on the latest gossip of who'd been visiting, who's back in town, and who indulged in a bit of a beer when he knows he shouldn't. 

After a few drinks I was off to see how  preparations are going for this weekend's boat races.

A few miles down the road on highway 223, you can see the highway sign were you turn left. (click on the photo to see a larger view)

The road does have a few potholes, here and there, so it's advisable to drive at a reasonable speed.

Once you come to this intersection (pictured below), it's time to look for a parking space.

It's a good idea to carry an umbrella, wear a hat, and use sunscreen

At the fair grounds everything seems to be ready for the fun ahead.

There are even opportunities to participate in model car races

The eateries are all ready and the cooks are lounging while they can

The longboats are arriving and are being readied

Seems like even the judges are doing a test boat trip

Festival Preparations underway

They were hauling away road dividers in town this morning.

Construction of the grandstands is well underway.

Banners all over town announce the Wax Castle Festival, the boat races, and a vegetarian festival at the Chinese temple from Oct 8 through 10.

They are also quite busy at the lake harvesting seaweed and vegetation from the boating race area.

 

As previously mentioned, the Welcome bar was recently sold.
It is now Thai owned and will shortly be renamed.  They will continue the Friday evening pool tournaments.  At the moment the bar is open in the evenings only.
The bar will begin regular hours on October 15 and will have a Thai menu.


There's some interesting reading at the EXPAT FORUM, entitled "In Thailand ... someone is always watching you." It's well written, and oh so true.

Don't miss the picture of the porn restaurant sign at the Pattaya Rag. 
It's hilarious.
Porn is a very common name in Thailand and does not mean the same thing it does in English. 
While ago I had this call from a friend complaining that his girlfriend went to Pattaya to do Porn. A quick phone call and I set him straight. 
She was in Pattaya with her friend named Porn


If you're interested to find out what sales BigC is having, you can see their advertising brochures on-line

The most intense La Nina since 1955 is forming near the equator.  Expect unseasonably heavy rains.  Philippines bracing for La Nina

Torrential rains and flash floods forecast

A tropical depression to the east of us is moving in a northwesterly direction.

Heavy rains are forecast through midweek.