Thursday, January 1, 2015

CTH TV the ulcer aggravator

Recently wrote about what I thought was a victory celebration solving the difficulties with CTH Satellite TV service.
The victory celebration was short, my service was disconnected 2 days later. For some reason their accounting department is caught in a rut that I owe 4,000 baht. 
I have documented proof that this is not so,

My displeasure with the service is not a loner.  there are some people happy with the service, but I also hear plenty complaints very similar to mine.  The only advantage the service has is the fact that they have the exclusive one year contract for televising football (soccer) games from England.  They outbid their competitor in Thailand: True Visions.

Three phone conversations and finally someone explained to me that the outstanding balance is not 4,000.  My outstanding partial balance is based on the fact that I started the service in mid month (prorated charge)

  • Interesting to note:  Payments made at banks or stores take up to seven days to reach CTH.
  • Remote controls are guaranteed for 12 months.  If you have a problem with your remote during that time, you can mail it to CTH for verification that it is defective.  Since the box does not function without the remote.  You have no television service during this time. Alternative is pay 350 baht for a new remote.

Sakon Nakhon

Refuse breath test - go to jail Bangkok Post

You are Guilty until you can prove you are Innocent
Sakon Nakhon

Reuters Opinions

Vladimir Putin in jeopardy on all sides as Russia’s economy stumbles

The reason oil could drop as low as $20 per barrel
Sakon Nakhon

Play-Doh  Baking kit

Penis-Shaped Toy Outrages Parents

TIME

Sakon Nakhon

Floods push up palm oil, rubber prices
-  The Star Online

Sakon Nakhon

Toned down celebrations



Early evening was quite pleasant for the last day of the year. Temperatures started dipping quickly just before midnight.  This morning it was cool.

Compared to other years this New Years eve seemed very subdued around here.  I wonder if it is the Thai economy.  
Usually you can hear fireworks for days before the New Year becomes official.  Party music every night all night. Barely any pre-event parties this year.

Hardly any early New Years eve fireworks.  Everyone seemed to be saving their ammunition till the last minute.




ITU (road) almost seemed deserted.  Most parties were in the side street neighborhood


6:30 pm

Just an hour earlier, a neighbor was trimming his lawn Thai Style




The wind was going in the direction of some mosquito invested almost swamp land



No munitions shortage
Sakon Nakhon

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Ruble, Yen depreciation = fewer tourist

No Holiday Cheer From Japan And Russia...
Barrons.com


Sakon Nakhon

2014 Mishaps


Sakon Nakhon

The Temple Fair runs through January 4

Motorcycle repaired, but....

Had the rear balding tire replaced.
I have a turn signal beeper.  I tend to forget to turn off my turn signal.  Used to have one only the driver could hear.  They replaced it with a truck backup beeper.  Way too loud.
Now when I get ready to make a turn, everybody hears the horn and looks at me.  Really didn't want it that loud.  Kinda have to chuckle... crazy Farang (foreigner).

Sakon Nakhon Taxi

From the area of Rajabhat University to Apples restaurant the charge was 150 Baht, according to a visitor to Apples
 


Construction is progressing at a fast pace

Across the street from Apples restaurant, it is to be the new home of a very popular seafood restaurant



Getting an early start

Nightly concerts at the temple fair, these folk decided to arrive two hours early to insure a good seat. 

 

Monk Alms collection Pots are getting bigger


 

Expecting plenty sales at the Insect Grill

I still say each sale should include a pack of breath mints



Never cared for the aroma



Can you hear me now, mobile unit



The Temple Fair runs through January 4


Sakon Nakhon