Message for U.S. Citizens: Regarding Social Security Services Overseas

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has consolidated its overseas operations into several regional offices that provide a full range of SSA services for U.S. citizens residing outside of the United States. Effective October 1, 2017, individuals residing in Thailand who require social security services or have questions about SSA benefits must contact the SSA Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) located in the U.S. Embassy Manila, Philippines, rather than the U.S. Embassy, or U.S. Consulate in Thailand. Please be advised that as of October 1, 2017, the U.S. Embassy, and U.S. Consulate in Thailand can no longer accept telephone calls, emails, or walk-in consultations regarding Social Security issues. For more information or any questions about the services provided at the FBU in the U.S. Embassy Manila, Philippines and how to contact them, please visit their webpage at: http://ph.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen -services/social-security/ You can also reach them at (+ 63 2) 301-2000 ext. 9 , or FBU.manila@ssa.gov . For comprehensive information on SSA’s services abroad, please visit SSA’s webpage, “Service Around the World” https://www.ssa.gov/foreign/. If you are already receiving SSA benefits payments, there will be no change in the method of distribution of those payments.

สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon

Wax Castle Parade VIP grandstand going up

สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon

2017 Sakon Nakhon Wax Castle Festival Schedule and Parade Route

Best viewing of the parade is near one of two VIP grandstands. This is generally where paraders stop and perform.

สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon

Chilly Bar & Restaurant: This Friday, 29 september, starts 6pm

All YOU CAN EAT BUFFET BBQ, Beef, Pork, Chicken Green Curry, Fried Chicken Wings,  Papaya Salad, Spicy Salad,   French Fries, Fried Curry Powder, Rice, Fruit *** Drinks not included Also KILLER POOL from 7pm. as seen on facebook

สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon

Apples Restaurant and Bakery Pizza Sale

Our frozen par baked 10 " pizza. TAKE HOME , HEAT AND EAT. TWO FOR 250 baht Regular price 355, you save 95 baht While supplies last

สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon

If you plan on flying drones over public events, get a permission slip

Watched NCIS on USTVNOW this morning, while updating the TV Streams and Schedules page.  Have quite a bit more to add to that page. (work in progress). Sunshine and clouds occasional scattered thundershower.  I love those late afternoon - early evening showers, cools the evening down to comfortable with fan conditions.  Increased rain chance this weekend. Alcohol price increases due to tax increases have been hopscotch. Some of it is explainable. Pre existing inventory is sold at the old prices. Prices go up with new stock. Increases appear to be not uniform, they differ from one establishment to the next. I've paid 55 baht for a beer at a family store and 90 baht at a bar. Should be obvious where I hang out.

สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon

Action at the Ming Muang Grounds

Setting up early at the the Town Square. That open space across from the immigration and police compounds. Many of the vendors are already operational. Half the field is still used for sport.  The grass area is still a slightly mushy from all the recent rains.  Watch your step, possible  'dog poop.'

สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon

Tissue Box Depot

Still doing some plastering work. All of the props are temporary. Once I'm done with plastering I'll work on bridges and other support strcutures

สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon

I just don't like the tune they are playing

Bank Transfer US$ to THB Made me wonder how the EU and the GBP fared.

สกลนคร Sakon Nakhon