From: <acsbkk@state.gov>
Date: Fri, Dec 14, 2018 at 3:03 PM
Subject: Message for U.S. Citizens: Notarial Day
The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok is pleased to offer a full-day of notarial services.
Date: December 20, 2018.
Time: 0730-1400
Place: US Embassy Bangkok 95 Wireless Road, Bangkok
There will be approximately 400 notarial appointments available. All services will be provided by appointment only. Please visit us here to make an appointment.
Fees for notary services are $50.00 USD or 1700 Thai Bahtper notarial stamp.
To expedite your service, please bring exact change or consider paying by credit card to facilitate the movement of people through their appointments.
Please arrive with your passport, a copy of your passport and documents filled-out completely, correctly, and NOT signed. Documents can be accessed through these links: Notary– including Income Affidavits
Times change, nothing stays the same. That's very obvious with the Sakon Nakhon Chinese celebration in December. The yearly tradition continues with less fanfare. Don't get me wrong, it was great fun today, things have changed. Missing from today's celebrations were clapsticks, face painting, cobras, ankle wraps, high pole acts, just to name a few.
Weeks before the event, neighborhood kids would spend their free times training with clapsticks.
There were a few painful learning moments.
Participants arrived the evening before and spent the night at the shrine for makeup and a sleepover
The high pole dragon fight hasn't been part of the celebration for a number of years
The human totem pole also has gone the way of history
Banners which were carried by two persons were this year pushed on racks. Eight banners pushed by four people per rack
Totally missing this year was the fancy attire
Seems to me there were a few extra yellow lions in past years
New this year was a truck platform with a musical group and kids playing flutes
Christmas is a christian holiday, not generally celebrated by Buddhists. There are some local enclaves where Christianity is practiced. Don't expect too many Christmas presents from Thais, even though they are quite willing to accept Christmas presents. Over the years it's been my experience that Thais exchange gifts on New Years day. It's a good idea to have a few gifts at hand for any visitors on New Year Day.
Wednesday daytime 29, night time 16, temperatures and feels like are identical similar temperatures till the new year. New Year daytime 26 nighttime 13