Do ya think it's gonna fly?

Govt to ban begging, control busking  Bangkok Post Busking is the street performance for money. Foreign beggars would be deported, Thai beggars would be taken to 'occupational training programs. '

Creating such laws simply creates criminals.  There are better ways to tackle such social problems.

Sakon Nakhon

The 2013 Sakon Nakhon Songkran parade revisited

I have to admit, posting these pictures I am expecting an increase of blog visitors
Sakon Nakhon

Sakon Nakhon Expat Raymond William Scattini dead

Raymond William Scattini, an Australian,  of the Shack Shop,  passed away Monday, April 20, at 17:30, while in a Khon Kaen hotel.  Unconfirmed reports indicate it may have been a heart attack.   Ray had gone to Khon Kaen to seek medical treatment at the hospital there. He was apparently seriously ill

Sakon Nakhon

Expect Rain Tuesday through Tuesday

Even though the Thai Meteorological Department has been issuing daily update alerts of the storms about to hit the area, I tend to think that it's not going to be another tree felling storm.

The department lists rainfall at 40% at it's height for two days, then dropping to 20%

The highest wind gusts forecast for the area are 23 to 25 km.

Update 8pm:    Even though thunderstorms are expected to arrive in the area late in the day or early evening,  Tuesday, there will be only slight relief in the feels like temperatures throughout the week.

Sakon Nakhon

Weather update includes severe conditions for northeast

Up to now, severe conditions had been forecast for the north and central Thailand by TMD.    As of this morning's update, the Northeast is included in gusty winds, thunderstorms and some hail.    People should be aware of severe conditions.   Thailand News, translated, even mentions "Beware of hurricane force winds. Keep away from trees and billboards."    Other weather services have not indicated severe conditions, indicating occasional wind gusts at 24 km Tuesday and Wednesday.

Sakon Nakhon

Sakon Nakhon Wax Castle Festival 2015

Most tourists plan their vacations months in advance.  Unfortunately Thailand Tourism Agencies provide little help for such advance planning.  The Wax Castle Festival is held according to the lunar calendar, and therefore is on different days every year.  Traditionally the celebration is held during five days concluding with the October full moon.    Based on tradition, I would suggest the 2015 Wax Castle Festival will be held from 23 to 27 October. There are a number of other events in nearby areas prior to the festival.  If you can, come a few days early.  Watch the wax craft and boat races.   2004 Full Moon Day Oct 28                            2007 Full Moon Day Oct 26            2008 Full Moon Day Oct 14                            2006 Full Moon Day Oct 4             2013 Full Moon Day Oct 19                            2014 Full Moon Day Oct 8

Sakon Nakhon

Pesky travelers

The neighbors had done some plowing, causing ants to look for new homes.  Cut all plants touching the house, then baby powder around the entire house.  Ants are looking elsewhere

Sakon Nakhon

Triping through my past

I'm consolidating pictures from three computers and internet  postings:   sorting and deleting duplicates,   enhance brightness and crop.  Sorting includes facial recognition.  An average of 6,000 pictures per year for the past 15 years,  since going digital.  I've made a lot of friends, attended many public and private  gatherings.  I tend to frequently stare at pictures for extended periods and let my mind lead me on a trip through memory lane with a smile.  A few of my album 152 Sakon FC 111 Sakon Business Administration College   43 Sakon Nakhon Parades   40 Sakon Nakhon Fairs   12 Funerals                         1129 completed Albums

Sakon Nakhon

My gutters have been cleaned

Continued HOT Sunday and Monday, similar as today (Saturday). Temperature hovering around 40 with feels like at around 43 - 44 (110F).      Even though temperatures will start out very similar on Tuesday, HOT, expect Thunderstorms to arrive that day.  Thai Meteorological Department animated satellite image gives you a good picture of what is coming. Just click the 10 or 25 frame button.    None of the weather services can agree on the severity of the thunderstorms, forecasting anywhere from 40%  to 80% coverage.  Wednesday seems to be the most rainfall.

Sakon Nakhon