Sakon Nakhon Stormy Weather

No weather warnings preceded yesterday's storm, but it did create some major havoc. Electricity was down and out for over 2 1/2 hours. Nearby trees were felled by gusts I estimated  up to 50 mph (80 kph). Mother nature presented her version of the 1812. One extra loud explosion, a direct hit on my satellite dish. Or should I say a direct hit on my wallet? In total darkness I was entertained by my fully charged laptop. Photo of  Sakon City damage by Uttapon KonTan  Unfortunately there is a victim of the storm in my yard. I can only look on helplessly. The parent tried to rescue her hatchling all morning without success. One  it's legs seems to be crippled.

What did you expect? Place a pillow next to caged squirrel, and you create hours of entertainment

Funny Mail

Sakon City BOOM Town

Sakon City Songkran to the classics

It's obvious:    There's a construction boom underway in Sakon City. Within minutes in any direction from my home, there's construction underway. It's like that all over the city. The construction boom is going on in most of North Eastern Isaan. A decade ago, what today is known as Sakon City, was then a sleepy, slow paced town. Before the arrival of Big C, MACRO, and  Tesco. Changes were gradual at first    I.T.U., a major roadway these days,     was mostly dirt road for many years.    It functioned as a party zone.        Album 040315TheBigParty Internet was available locally at breathtaking modem speeds of 14,400 over local telephone lines. There was a waiting list to get a phone line to your home, unless you had friends with "connections."

sakonnakhon-live calendar discontinued I've deleted links to my calendar. It's simply not a project I can maintain at the moment. Had two hard drives crash on me over a year ago. Recently began a slow recovery process. I've recovered over 2,000 photographs so far, with lots more to go. Can't describe how happy I am seeing these pictures reappear. For a calender of 2012 Thai holidays I recommend the  THAI VISA calendar I'll continue to list local and special events here @ sakonnakhon-live

Links of Interest Thai government plays down consumer price rise- Korea Herald Husband relives hell of wife's killing - Bangkok Post FUTSAL World Cup: November 2 to 18, 2012, Thailand ℞  for Alzheimer’s: Music !! Ex-Thai PM Thaksin plans early return from exile  - Atlanta Journal Constitution Protein in the morning can reduce cravings and hunger throughout the day- TIME

Weather Increased chance of rain this weekend.

Funny Mail

Songkran Rules Overlooked

High-pressure water guns outlawed Sale and use of talcum powder not allowed Drinking alcohol while walking banned  Those rules where published prior to the start  of the Songkran holiday.  Obviously these rules were not sufficiently publicized. Had a fire hose pointed at me from a firetruck. I do have to admit I fired the first volley of ice water. Was blinded by talc on numerous occasions Had to stop frequently to wash my eyes Wasn't walking while drinking.  Was offered a drink probably every two minutes. Declined 99% of those offers The funniest Songkran story comes from Ayutthaya, where a 20 year old ladyboy (transvestite) was fined Bht 500 for dancing bare chested in public,  exposing 'her' implanted breasts.  "... relatives delivered him to police." Guess the lesson here is if you want to act the part, then follow the rules.

Day 1, Songkran 2012 in Sakon City

It's Party Time... Crank up the car stereo      No room for luggage in this car truck

I Enjoy visiting this nearby village temple    and watch the progress                 More Pictures in this album 120413

Songkran Celebrations on I.T.U.      More Pictures in this album 120413 ITU

Songkran Celebrations at the temple

Funny Mail

Caution: Slippery When Wet

April 11:  Food Fest Preparations

April 12:   Songkran Preparations at Wat Phra That Choeng Chum      This Year the Buddhist statutes are lined up along the temple grounds for worshipers to douse.      Caution:  When wet, the marble tile can be quite slippery in places      Obvious to me was the absence of larger statues on display in past years      Donations kindly accepted      As I was leaving the temple I passed the stage area.       One of the stage hands insisted that I take his picture and quite boisterously said      Welcome to Thailand !!      After having been here for almost a decade, it's still great to hear that

Subdued Songkran?      Bangkok Post published an article Songkran spending subdued      Noticed that locally      Only spotted two huts along the 'wet route.'   One quite meager at that.      There were a lot more in past years      Also in past years, the city set up water barrels and insured they were filled.  Did not see that this year.      Could be that they were running behind schedule in their preparations?      If you want to avoid all the water festivities,               you may opt to go for                    a pleasant boat ride on Nong Hahn

Still a dream in Sakon City

Central Plaza Udon Thani Video Published on Apr 11, 2012 by ken355555

Sakon F.C. Fans 'GONE WITH THE WIND'

Sakon F.C.  Surprise / NO Surprise The fact that Sakon F.C. lost against Udon Thani 2-1 in the  Toyota Cup game yesterday, comes as no surprise. What does come as a surprise is that the regular game ended in a 0-0 tie. Even during the extra period the team held on almost to the end. From the looks of things,   the team must perform miracles to regain some of their fans. That's apparent by the attendance at last Sunday's home game against Kalasin. Sakon F.C. vs Kalasin, April 8.  Sakon F.C. Fans 'GONE WITH THE WIND'

Sakon Nakhon Guide (via Google translate)

Ancient Nagha Tradition Revived

The sighting of a floating object last month has locals identifying it as a Nāga. A serpent like creature found in Buddhism and Hinduism. Thus a annual tradition (every April 11) is re-born Unfortunately I was informed of the event as it occurred, and could not attend

Koh Don Sawan   the biggest island of more than 20 islands on Nong Hahn

Prostitution busted. Infant Corpse discovered

Sakon Nakhon   Underage Boy Prostitution Business Busted . A teacher operating an after school prostitution establishment has been nabbed. Students from nearby colleges and schools went there to 'earn money' for sexual favors. Some of the students were 16 and 17 years old. First heard of the establishment in 2008. The establishment seems to have been operating mainly for the benefit of Thais. Prostitution is illegal in Thailand.  Paradoxically, another law states prostitutes must be at least 19 years old.

Sakon Nakhon   Abandoned Baby found in Trash Bin  video by MrSmithPNS on Apr 10, 2012

Thai Tourism Video                                                                        Sakon Nakhon

Nongharn town, where present day Sakon Nakhon stands Brief historical facts about Sakon Nakhon @ vietnammotorbiketours.asia