Raising the Roof

My neighbor's been at it for over a week. One hour every morning before going to work. 6:30 to 7:30. He's building a roof between three houses on his property.
Working with steel gets a bit noisy at times. Needless to say I'm looking forward completion of the project.


It's a holiday today and my neighbor began laying the tin sheets promptly at 6:30. Noisier than usual of course. Looking at what he'd accomplished in an hour, I'd say he'll get done by early afternoon, just in time to make merry with his family.

Promptly at 7:30 somewhat soothing (sedated) music started to play over the 'municipal Intercom.' 
After 5 minutes or "Thai elevator music, a young ladie's voice could be heard making an announcement. Then the broadcast was terminated.

video clip capture

Pre - Merrymaking Scout Trip

The town is abuzz. Traffic is heavier than normal in the city center. 
A large part of the traffic is making their way to Big C. 
If you can, I'd suggest postponing your shopping trip till after the holidays. 
If you do go, bring an extra helping or two of patience.
Did see quite a number of new western ATM's doing a village supply run.

Approaching Wat Phra That Choeng Chum, tents set up on the street have created a one lane funnel approach

If you haven't been to the temple lately, they recently removed that unsightly wall and replaced it with an equally unsightly parking lot

The Statue table where the faithful come and pour water on Buddha replicas, has been moved from previous years, when it was under the shaded building awnings.

Bird ladies at the temple eagerly await revelers wishing to set a bird free, for a price.
Of course after having been given their freedom, these birds head home and will be back at the temple the next day.

13 through 15 April

Notice the Road barriers alongside the road

Municipal grounds being readied for evening entertainment

At the other side of the municipal grounds pee wee soccer

The part of the parade route which turns into the evening food fair

Those people not busy with a shopping expedition are busy delivering party supplies



Leaving town it becomes very apparent that we haven't had a decent rain since last October

At the other End of I.T.U. road check ready

They found a man made watering hole

Another road check ready

Have a safe and pleasant Songkran

Songkran's first road death reported   April 12 THE NATION


UK’s tougher visa rules for overseas students  expatforum
Students are required to have improved English comprehension and are not entitled the right to work.

Enjoy the "Hot Season," Rainy season starts next week

I may be just kidding, but then I may not.
The extended forecast calls for clouds and rain every day next week. Accuweather
Forecasts beyond three or four days are a little more than anticipations.
Plenty of things can cause the weather to do a 360.


Starting this weekend
High temperatures mixed with rain, nighttime temperatures rising
Pleasant nighttime temperatures  we've been having recently are about to abandon us.
It's time once again to dust off the air conditioner.

Clear skies above "for the moment"

Isaan Song and Dance on You Tube

Thai Classic dance at Phanom Temple. Year 2004
7 part video by golfsaaaa

Real Football Challenge ahead for Sakon FC

Yesterday:   Sakon FC at Nong Kai FC 3-3

Half-time phone reports from Nong Kai yesterday were desperate.
Sakon FC was down by two.
This time there was no live broadcasting from their website.
The sports caster had another engagement.

Ken scored two of last nights goals for Sakon.
Ken was lured from a season contract with Nong Kai with better financial rewards in Sakon.

Ken's performance on the field yesterday was a total surprise, considering that just a few days before he received word that his father had passed away.

Next:   Sakon FC hosts Loei FC 

Loei is NUMBER TWO in the  Thai Division 2 North Eastern Region League, winning 5 games, loosing one.
Sakon FC is NUMBER SEVEN.

Weapons Check

The southern weather system has won out over the northerly cold and the easterly winds we've been experiencing the last weeks.
4PM indoor temperature is 86F (30C).  Outdoor temperature is 102F (39C).
Add to that the humidity Factor and it feels more like mid 40C. 
Expect temperatures to slowly inch upwards over the holidays.


Cleaned the pool around noon. The water is starting to warm up, but it still felt chilly at 75F (24C).

By 3PM the pool was in use and it was a good opportunity to to do a weapons check.

Normally they serve as garden sprayers, but at this time of the year they are turned into ice-water-canons
All systems A.O.K.

I have found that these garden sprayers outlast all water guns, and in most cases are less expensive. 
After the hot season my ice-water-canon returns to it's normal duties in the garden mister.

Native English speakers with bachelor degree in demand

ajarnjobspace
Thatnaraiwitta School, Sakon Nakhon
Full Time Native English Speaking Teachers
At least 30,000 baht per month
approximately 15 periods a week plus occasional overtime when required.


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Sakon Y.FC vs THET.C

One o'clock they said. 
I decided to show up half an hour late after visiting with Scott at the great  ESCAPE.

The game got underway promptly at 2:10
Most of the team  and coach are from my neighborhood. 
Have known many of the families for a number of years.

Had a front row seat on the team bench.
Of course cheering a winning team is always more fun.
Game action was near superior... 
...though each team received one yellow card.
Sakon FC should really be scouting these games.

After the game I donated Bt 1,000 ($30) to the winning team for their victory celebrations.
Most of the team showed up at my house for a Thai style beef dinner after concluding their victory celebrations.

click image for larger view

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April 8  in Sakon Nakhon 
facebook Wall Photo by Anton Proszamer

Time Travel Thailand 

Pictures taken in 1971 and 1972 in Nakhon Phanom.  Does include pictures of downtown Sakon
Explanations and comments accompany the pictures



Thailand's Rice Bowl May Get Smaller... Bloomberg