Travel Warning Repeated

As Mentioned in this blog July 5

British Tourists caught in Bkk airport extortion

Jonathan Head, reporter for BBC News, Bangkok, warns tourists to be aware of continuous airport scams.

Read his Article at BBC News

The Danish Embassy has similarly alerted Danes of the scam.

Gossip and More

Sakon Nakhon gossip

'Toon army' is closed (permanently?).

The young Thai Lady Pla has opened her own place.


She previously worked as hostess at Colin's restaurant until it closed.
Then she moved on to work as barmaid, first at Toon Army and then at The Branch.
Her own place is located across the street from MACRO.

Sakon Nakhon FC lost 0 -1 in Sunday's encounter with Roiet FC.

Solar Eclipse July 22, 2009, 7 am to 9.30 am

further details at NASA

Houston... we have a problem.

How soon can you send a plumber?

The most expensive, Russian built toilet, in the space station is out of service after only one year of operation. Space.com

Chronic Phase

Without a doubt I have Herpes Zoster. WiKiPEDiA . Patient UK

There is no need to go to a major hospital and get tests such as a biopsy.

The main problem has been communications with the doctors throughout treatment.

During the first three hospital visits I was told I have herpes.

What I knew of herpes is that it is a sexually transmitted disease.

The first week, the pain was severe enough that I went to the hospital three times. I received a total of 14 bags of medication.

Some of this medicine was for Alzheimer's treatment ?

I told the doctor that I had an ulcer and was taking medication for that.

I made that statement so he would not prescribe detrimental medications.

Instead I received over the counter ulcer medication.

There are various types of Herpes. I didn't know that !!

About a month into this ordeal, a friend wrote me of his own medical problem he had recently. He told me of the painful shingles and attached a web picture.

His only lasted a week or so. He took antiviral medications from the start.

After that I spent hours researching the virus on the internet.

I got anti viral medications from the drug store and took them for a week.

But it was too late.

As I found out from the most recent doctors visit,

anti viral medicine is only effective if taken during the onset of the infection.

I was never given this type of medication from doctors

This medication is available at drug stores.

Another major problem has been identifying the medications.

At the hospital medication is labeled in English.

I can go on the internet and find out about the medications.

Restrictions, effects, etc..

In a few cases I was given combinations of medicine, which according to the precautions, should not be taken simultaneously.I was not informed.

Medicines from doctors offices are not identified by name.

In most cases they just show how many times to be taken.

Almost all medications I have received may have been under prescribed.

Quite often I was given 5 or 10 mg.

Where instructions were available, I discovered the dosage should be 100 mg or more. Think this has a lot to do with body size and weight and severity.
During the most recent doctor's visit I was given 50 mg tramadol, with instructions to take them once a day.
Recommended dosage at medicinenet is every 4 to six hours.

Injections to relive pain had similar effects.

Of four injections, over the last three months, two had absolutely no effect on pain.

Another injection had an effect as if I had two beers. Slightly tipsy, but still in pain.

During my third hospital visit I strongly requested, and the doctor agreed.

I was given a morphine type shot.

It relieved the pain and I actually did not feel 'tipsy.'

On the subject of morphine. I received six morphine pills.

Only one of the pills had any effect. The others did not.

The instructions required the medicine to be stored at no higher than 25 degrees.

I suspect the medications where not properly shipped or stored.

For whatever reason, these pills did not help in the slightest.

Opinion:

Three apparent problems in the Thai medical system as I see it.

1. Doctors do not make any money from visits.

Their income is derived from the sale of medications.

During all my medical visits, I noticed other patients receiving large quantities of medications.

I never received less than four different types of medications.

2. Thai doctors seem afraid of prescribing narcotic type medications for pain.

Codeine type medicines, with which I survived for the previous 22 years, are no longer available in this part of Thailand (from appearances).

The few narcotic type medicines I received, were prescribed in minimal (useless to me) amounts. Not knowing the names, descriptions, and limitations, I did not dare to take more.

3. Thai doctors and druggists operate independently.

During my first doctors visit I should have been advised about the anti viral medication and sent to a druggist.

Doctors tend to only prescribe medications they have in stock

Herpes Zoster effects everyone a bit different.

The initial pain is predominant in all cases.

If treated properly from the start, if the person's immune system is strong, or other variables, the whole ordeal may be over in a matter of a week or two.

Two points against me.

I now have a chronic condition. This may last six months or even a year.

Diet has a definite effect on the severity. It varies from one individual to another.

I recently had scallops for dinner. Within hours I was in unbelievable pain for two days.

I've been advised not to eat poultry. In the past I ate eggs, without any worsening effects.

Last night Joey piked some Aloe, mixed it with turmeric.

It was a messy application, but I had no pain at all. Major Surprise.

Will repeat an application again today and use plastic wrap, so I can keep it on for periods of time.

My main focus has to be improving my immune system. It includes stopping smoking. That is another lengthy dissertation to come.

T.i.T. Bits

Thailand international arrivals luggage check.

Recent arrivals have confirmed that their luggage is electronically screened and subject to random search during the inbound customs screening. Dropping off your "Nothing to declare" certificate, and not being searched is up to the discretion of customs officials.

Customs Information for Travelers at the Customs Department of the Kingdom of Thailand.

Isaan Rain High Season

Cloudy and the occasional rain storm. Most of our weather is approaching from the east, as is typical this time of year. A heavy storm stretching from Hong Kong to the Philippines, may dissipate somewhat after making land.

One local weather phenomenon I have seen with some consistency is the fact that the area is completely surrounded, with clear or slight clouds directly overhead. Almost like the eye of a storm.

Flu Season

I've been avoiding going to the doctors office.

If you want to get sick, go where sick people congregate.

The sign said open at 1800. It was outdated (T.i.T.)

The doctor is having dinner and will arrive at 18:45.
Most patients where aware of the new hours.

No one else arrived until then.

When patients did arrive, it was a bit comical.

Two people wore surgical masks.
A few people pulled their shirts over their faces, as if they were coming in to rob the place.
My condition has been confirmed as being chronic. I can expect to live with this pain for six months to a year (or more).

Then of course this chronic condition was worsened by my attending a recent funeral according to Thai voodoo.

During my career I lived with chronic whiplash and back injuries for 22 years.

It hasn't been all that pleasant.

The makings of a new Polish joke

14 year old pregnant from sperm contaminated swimming pool.

Facts About Swine flu

USA TODAY has a very informative article answering some basic questions about Swine Flu.

Surgical masks do not protect you from the virus. Respirators protect you.
Keep your distance from people coughing or sneezing.
Those little airborne particles settle on surfaces.
If you touch suspect surfaces, wash your hands frequently! It's your best defense.

You can get the virus from handling infected pork, but not after it's been cooked.
Wash your hands frequently.

Antiviral medications are recommended if you catch the disease.
Such medication is given to uninfected persons whose family members are infected as a defense.

I'm taking antiviral medication for another purpose at the moment.
It may be some protection
Read the article at USA TODAY

Also read: Game shops known transmission centers

Remodeling at home

The lava rock pathway was never comfortable to walk on barefoot.
Ants would use it as their pathway, or even nest.
It was replaced with cement. Doesn't look as nice, but it's more practical.

The best way to see Thailand is if you are visiting Thai friends.

They know what to avoid and keep you out of trouble.

In the matter of medications,

I suggest that you make out a list of your medications.
Give this list to your Thai friend. Have your Thai friend take that list to the local druggist.

The druggist can verify what's available and legal locally.
He can also suggest alternate medications, which you should discuss with your regular doctor. This of course is part of pre trip planning.

Special interest: Visit to the local fire department.

The fire department moved to a new location a little over a year ago.
They do have modern equipment, but also tend still depend on ancient equipment when needed.

These pictures where taken in 2003

Weather Advisory

The Thai Meteorological Department issued a weather alert in effect until July 16, warning of torrential rains, heavy and very heavy, in mostly the north and north-east.

Phallic Brouhaha

Monks in Khon Kaen are upset that a local aids foundation is selling Phallic aids Candles. ThaiChimes

Used to be (just ten years ago), phallic shrines were common place in Thailand.

A phallic shrine on beach road in Pattaya, displaying a red, four foot phallus disappeared a some years ago.

Wearing phallic replicas by Thai males is still quite common, as a means of enhancing fertility. You don't see them, since they are worn around the waist.

Then of course just a few months ago, some tourism official suggested selling phallic amulets to tourists, as a means to create income.

Something that may be hard to explain to customs agents when returning home.

Ask a Thai for directions to Bangkok's Tuptim temple.
Many will deny it's existence, while others will become quite "Thai embarrassed."
They go there to pray for fertility when they want to have children

Thai culture and religion vetoed by modern day moral values.