Anything Alphabet Inc. (Google) was not available for many webb surfers in Thailand on Saturday

The official line was "A glitch." I'm always skeptical of such excuses.  Could have been a well planned test At first I thought I had a computer virus.  When My second and third computer encountered the same problem, I realized it was a server problem.  Switching on my VPN I was able to check Google mail and check some news clips on YouTube.

Sakon Nakhon

Visa Run

If you are visiting Thailand on a tourist visa (30 days) and wish to extend your visit, you can extend your tourist visa an additional 30 days at any immigration office within Thailand for a fee. If you want to visit Thailand beyond the 60 days, you must  leave the country and apply at any Thai consulate or embassy.  The nearest Thai consulate to Sakon Nakhon is in Savannakhet, Laos.   Step by step Procedures: Visa Run Savannakhet, Laos – Pinoy the Explorer  date posted 6 August, 2016 The above article was written  for ASEAN nationals.  Non ASEAN nationals are required to apply for a visa on arrival when entering Laos  Visa On Arrival - Tourist Visa for Laos issued at ports of entry, good for 30 days

Sakon Nakhon

The nasty weather went thataway

For the convenience of readers articles which link you to facebook will now have a grey background
Don't complain if you avoided last night's storm
Even though rain is still in the forecast, today is going to be just another very hot day, feels like over 40C
Secure your motorcycle at night Faster than a taxi

April Pageviews 9,780
All time pageviews 981,215
Sakon Nakhon

Thailand Cigarette Excise Tax raised today

The most expensive Thai cigarette price is now 94 Baht.  This does not include imports. Thai article here

Sakon Nakhon

Mahachat Festival Boon Bang Phang district, Phang Khon

Three day fair 5-6-7 May Beauty contests, parade 2 pm 6 May, and other events At this time I am told there is and there is not a rocket festival as part of the event.  WIll try to confirm this in the morning (May 5) There is a 2010 article of a similar event at this blog  There may be a Bang Fai Festival, but may be cancelled due to weather.

Sakon Nakhon

Thai internet speed improving ... slowly

We are still seeing what I like to refer to as the doughnut hole effect with feels like temperatures close to 46 for the day.  Rain may reach us sometime this evening, more definitely during the early morning hours friday. Indication are that it's going to be heavy tropical rain
The traditional holiday celebrated in past years on May 5, coronation day, has been deleted from the calendar due to HRH's death Royal Ploughing ceremony, May 12, is not a public holiday, the ceremony is broadcast live on Thai TV. The ceremony is believed to be an indicator of the harvest for the coming year

Sakon Nakhon

Hotest today, no alcohol sales next wednesday

Hottest day today.  A few degrees cooler tomorrow, but not much. As the weekend approaches a bit cooler and increased chance of rain.
Today I came face to face with the person who spread false rumors about me.  I was tempted to confront him and call him an asshole.  I felt more comfortable simply turning my back at him. Just felt it was not necessary to call him an asshole, figured he knew that already
It appears USTVNow has done away with their free tv service.  I discontinued the $29 per month subscription. The only thing I watched was the evening network news. Just not worth the expense. Am investigating a number of alternatives.   True tv called asking why I discontinued their service almost a year ago.  Obviously it was cost.  I don't watch 300 or 400 channels at 2,100 baht per month. The 650 baht per month online service serves my needs.
Next Wednesday is Visakha Puja Day, a no alcohol sales day.  If you can't do without, stock up early. Of course many ma and pa shops will sell alcohol on the sly.  They need the money.

Sakon Nakhon

Soldier honored, Local Photographer makes the awards, and other happenings

Pool cleaning is on my morning schedule

I mentioned before, hot weather ahead.  Feels like could go as high as 46.  Humidity rises late afternoon. Scattered showers likely, increased chance as the weekend approaches.  UV Very high  Rain or shine umbrella advised.

Sakon Nakhon