AFF Suzuki Cup Semi-finals game this evening

Thailand vs Malaysia Today 7 PM broadcast on Thai TV Channel 7 

Malaysia protests Thai football training ground 

Must See Photo!! Not really a field day for Malaysia 

Sakon Nakhon streaming reception of USATV NOW

I've subscribed to the service. The price is right for what you get.
But I'm not cancelling my local TV services just yet.

USTV NOW is great during non peak internet periods

During peak internet hours,  frequently it's nearly impossible

Possibly when Thailand finally gets the 3G upgrade 'installed,' things may improve.

Then again: maybe not.

I suspect it's not entirely a slow overloaded, internet service in Thailand,
rather the cables between the US and Asia are overloaded. 
The reasons for my suspicions are the fact that I can watch some US TV channels through European providers without any down time, even during peak hours.

Again I surmise, internet traffic between Europe and Asia is far less than traffic between the USA and Asia.



Related reading:

WiFox could boost Wi-Fi performance by 700 %  techradar

USTV NOW offers a limited number of stations on a trial basis free for 45 days, just by registering.  No financial information is asked for during the trial period registration

• USTVnow - Watch Live American TV Shows Online: 

New Alcohol Sales Restrictions Effective January 1

Alcohol sales in public places face restrictions  Bangkok Post

• "...it prohibits the sale of alcoholic drinks on footpaths, in public parks, and in public areas..."

Alcohol sales set to be banned at roadside stalls THE NATION

• "...The ban on roadside alcohol sales, except on personal property, was imposed on grounds that consumption of alcohol causes traffic accidents, he said..."

Opinion

Another attempt at curbing drunk driving, which will do little to diminish drunk driving. 

It's probably somewhat of a windfall for  ma and pa shops, which are all on private property.

The law may be easier to enforce than the sales hour restrictions  (11 am - 2 pm and 5 pm - midnight). 

The hourly restrictions are more of an inconvenience creating a noontime alcohol purchase rush hour.  These restrictions tend to be ignored at many ma and pa shops.

The occasional alcohol purchases I make for home consumption, not available at local ma and pa shops, have to be scheduled similarly to most doctors visits.

Recycle

This week at Apples

This week at the Pit Stop

Thai students drop in world maths and science study Poor quality of teaching blamed for decline in scores

Sakon Nakhon Dragons, Cobras and Pythons sighted

Almost missed one of my favorite Sakon Nakhon events. I was about to update my calender when I realized what day it was. Arrived at the Chinese temple where ceremonies had already begun.

First thing I spotted was a Sakon Nakhon license plate tourist police.

I didn't realize we had them here. Must be a fairly new arrival to the area.

Was a bit perplexed why they are called tourist 'HAM.'  Made me wonder if it had something to do with western name calling of police men.  Nah, I don't think so.

My brain wasn't quite up to speed yet, I was wondering why street sweepers were standing by for this parade.  I didn't see any elephants or horses

Then I realized why.

Notice all the cotton filled ears !! They came prepared !!

           

I seem to forget every year to bring ear plugs.  

The parade sounds a bit like a combat zone with small arms and artillery sounds, as whiteness in this 2008 video

The festival lasts through December 16 

with daily evening performances at the Chinese Temple (Near Golden Pond)