Language test for immigrants to the UK

Effective 29th November 2010 any non-European wishing to live in the UK must take an approved English test to prove they can understand and speak English
  British Embassy Bangkok

Another day in Paradise

Chern Chim store opening soon

Martin will soon be opening the Chern Chim store.
It's located just up the street from the Sawitree Restaurant on Thanon Senthai road.
Opening day and operating hours are yet to be announced.
Chern Chim is a supplier of quality western foods.

Wish you great success!!

Many Thanks, and please accept my apology

My thanks to the gentleman who stopped me while I was leaving Big C.
He just wanted to shake my hand and tell me that he reads my blog daily.
I really did appreciate it tremendously.  Sorry I was so abrupt.
Unfortunately "internal growling" advised me that I had better make a run for it.

Loy Krathong

I did not attend the parade and celebrations since I had been photographing at the University early in the morning.  I have seen these festivities many times before.
Wish I would have gone.
From pictures Joey brought home, it was obvious that the parade was larger than past Loy Krathong parades. After the parade and floating the Krathongs, there was a beauty pageant.

 

Of course (as previously mentioned), my friends were passing out condoms.
Got a big laugh when I saw pictures that they were using a "sex toy" to demonstrate.
Apparently a government official made them hide the toy.  Sex toys are illegal in Thailand.
But from the looks of things, there were plenty of "balloons."

There was partying till late in the morning. That became quite obvious Monday morning at school. Only about 25% of my students showed up for the first class. Those who did attend school should have stayed in bed.

Who said "Money can't buy you happiness?"

The school is making preparations for their sport day in December.  I was asked if they could borrow my ping pong table.  At first I agreed, but then I reconsidered and instead gave the school administrator money to buy their own.
They made such a big fuss:  Had me stand in front of the assembled students to thank me.

New Hotel in Sakon Nakhon

Watch FOX NEWS

December 1st is World Aids Awareness Day

Some friends of mine have a job which includes distributing free condoms.


They will be distributing free condoms at local schools and public events over the next few weeks in order to promote aids awareness.

Aids has drastically increased in Thailand over the past years.

I find it refreshing that Thailand has decided to renew its aids awareness campaign.

The last time I saw such a campaign was during my first week in Sakon Nakhon in 2003, when school children where in a parade with "balloons."

My friends stopped by for a short visit before heading out for their evening job, distributing condoms.
They brought their work with them.  1,000 condoms.  Each pack of 100 includes a number of  diameter measuring devices.... 


The Vatican recently changed its stance on condom use where it does not prevent conception, suggesting the use of condoms by male prostitutes  was a responsible act.
Referring to the heterosexual aids pandemic of Africa, the pope last year stated that the distribution of condoms increased the problem (HIV).

SakonNakhon Loy Krathong Parade 2010

  

Click on any photo to see this Album

100 Years Sakon Rat Wittayanukul School

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Students recently celebrated their school's 100'th year of operation

video by Zintiara

Photo Op Day at Rajabhat University

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I had been invited to come and take graduation pictures at Rajabhat University.
It took five phone calls to finally meet the person who had requested my attendance.
The crowds were massive.

This wasn't graduation day, that will be later this month.  This was graduation photo day.

Two tents were set up for group photo's.
As one group left the area, the next group took up their positions

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Back in town, preparations are under way for this evenings Loy Krathong parade and celebrations.
Floats were parked in front of flower shops for final touches of decorations. Krathong sales displays can be found on many sidewalks.
The parade begins at 6 PM.

Alvin's Adventures

Now that's what I call a big cage

Artificial tree ?

Call Me !!

I can't read that

There's Google Translate

I want one of these plastic trees

Did you hear me, I want one of these plastic trees

Cement snack, my favorite

Phu Phan Cup: Khon Kean vs Sisaket

And the winner is

Technical difficulties: Please stand by

We should have rehearsed this

Khon Kean scored first.
Sisaket scored early in the second half.
Seconds before the game ended Khon Kean landed another ball into Sisaket's goal, but it was off sides.
The game ended 1 - 1.


A kickoff determined the outcome of the game: 
Sisaket 7 Khon Kean 6.

Plenty of pregame pomp and circumstance

Halftime Entertainment

 

Security was extremely tight.
A bit overkill, but that's just my opinion

 

Brought a few beers along to quench my thirst. Thought I was the only one, till I spotted some Leo hidden in a policeman's helmet.

See all photo's from this event here

In memory of a friend

Hans Stollenwerk 
November 19, 2005
Khok Si Suphan

click on the picture to view this album