A Singaporean's guide to living in Thailand

[chonburifc]

I remember my Visa runs to Vientiane I used to pass by an intersection with an arrow pointing towards Maha Sarakham. I could never imagine how the driver could remember the routes in the wee hours of the morning. Every damn road looks the same to me.

Bro, the road to Nong Khai you took is Motorway No. 2. This is the main road that passed by the big 3, Korat, Khon Kaen and Udon, and connect to two third of Issan. Dont worry, have never heard anyone getting lost on motorway no. 2 cos its straight all the way from start at Saraburi to the end at Nong Khai.
The only possibility of getting lost is after exiting from motorway 2 and entering the rural roads. This I admit lost many times.

The other road that connect to the remainjng one third of Issan is road 22, 23 and 24. These roads are much much more tricky as its not like motorway 2 that goes straight.

I am more confident of using motorway 2 than the Ubon bound roads 22-24. Lots of confusing road signs(hard to survive if cannot read Thai) and lots of border matas and soldiers road blocks.

 

[Bonut]

Bro, the road to Nong Khai you took is Motorway No. 2. This is the main road that passed by the big 3, Korat, Khon Kaen and Udon, and connect to two third of Issan. Dont worry, have never heard anyone getting lost on motorway no. 2 cos its straight all the way from start at Saraburi to the end at Nong Khai.
The only possibility of getting lost is after exiting from motorway 2 and entering the rural roads. This I admit lost many times.

The other road that connect to the remainjng one third of Issan is road 22, 23 and 24. These roads are much much more tricky as its not like motorway 2 that goes straight.

I remember it's not motorway all the way. A lot of twist and turns in rural areas. The roads were narrow and surrounded by vacant lands and bushes.

 

[Bonut]

Chonburifc, tammai tee gan ? You mai chop khon dum, chai mai? o_O

 

[yinyang]

Blast, I'll miss it -1 day

Hua Hin International Jazz Festival opens to the new shades on May 18-19, 2018
Travel log May 10, 2018 01:00

https://www.huahininterjazz.com/

This year, the annual Hua Hin International Jazz Festival 2018, which will be held under the theme ‘Open to the New Shades’, will be held on 18-19 May. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will be one of the main sponsors of the event.

Mr. Tanes Petsuwan, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, said: “This year, the Hua Hin International Jazz Festival will once again help to reiterate the positioning of Hua Hin as a music city. At the same time, this year’s event theme will highlight various aspects of TAT’s latest ‘Open to the New Shades’ marketing concept that encompasses ‘Gastronomy Tourism’, ‘Arts and Crafts’, ‘Nature’, ‘Culture’ and ‘Way of Life’, all of which are available in this royal seaside resort of Hua Hin.”

The annual Hua Hin International Jazz Festival is prominently featured on Thailand’s musical event calendar. Over the years, the event has inspired tourists and jazz lovers, both Thai and foreign visitors, to visit Hua Hin for a memorable trip that combines live jazz performances, Thai local experiences and natural beauty.

This year, the artist line up consists of international and local jazz artists as well as performers from some other musical genres. They will be performing on two stages: Beach Stage (main stage) and an Open Stage.

The highlight on the Beach Stage will be ‘The Sound of Siam’, led by Thailand’s premier saxophonist Koh Mr. Saxman; ‘Shakatak’ jazz-funk band from the UK; ‘Dimension’ jazz-fusion band from Japan; ‘John Di Martino’, a classic jazz pianist, arranger and producer from the US; ‘Nina Van Horn’ jazz-blues artist from France; Swedish guitarist father-son ‘Ulf and Eric Wakenius’; Brazilian bossa nova band ‘Veronica Nunes and Ricardo Vgt’; and Austria’s blond jazz diva ‘Simone Kopmajer’.

Meanwhile, the Open Stage will present newcomers from various genres including Funktion, Sax Pack Girl, and Sincharoen Brothers.

The Hua Hin International Jazz Festival 2018: Open to the New Shades will be held at Hua Hin Beach. The two-day event will take place daily from 17.00 – 24.00 Hrs. Entry is free.

 

[yinyang]

Reason why I don't dare take a dip on the beach in Patts

Uproar over Pattaya beach wastewater

• Bangkok Post Published: 14/05/2018 at 08:15 AM

The Pollution Control Department is preparing to inspect the wastewater being released by hotels and buildings in Pattaya after netizens cried foul over photos shared online showing visibly polluted water being released at Pattaya beach.

Pollution Control Department director-general Sunee Piyapanpong said the department will send officials to check hotels, condominiums, markets and other buildings that from this month until July to make sure the wastewater they release adheres to environmental standards, especially regarding lipids.

Those who violate pollution laws face a 2,000 baht daily fine until they clean up their act, she said.

The photos were uploaded to the local Facebook Page "Pattaya Talk" on Friday and have drawn criticism from residents of the resort town.

The photos show the filthy water pouring out of a big drain into the sea. A foul smell was also reported by the poster.

Criticism has flared over the effectiveness of Pattaya's wastewater treatment as this is not the first time such an incident has been reported.

Meanwhile, there was no water coming out of the drain when reporters surveyed the site on Friday, which is behind a pumping station in South Pattaya, at the entrance of Pattaya Walking Street.

But muddy sea water containing what appeared to be black residue was visible, and most tourists have been avoiding the area.

According to a source from Pattaya City's administration, wastewater from houses and business operations is diverted to several pumping stations before being funnelled to a wastewater treatment facility in Soi Wat Nong Yai in Bang Lamung district. The treated water is then released into the sea.

The facility is capable of handling 65,000-80,000 cubic metres on a daily basis, but the fast growth of the city's economy has resulted in the release of up to 100,000 cu m of wastewater a day, the source said.

Several pumping stations and related equipment, which have been used for decades, are in a deteriorated state, the source noted.

Following heavy rain, water has to be quickly pushed out of the drainage system to ward off flooding inland while rainwater also causes the water in the system to have higher turbidity and Biochemical Oxygen Demand, which affects the purity of the wastewater, according to the source.

The source conceded the images of black water flowing into the Pattaya sea have had an impact on tourism.

Work is underway to repair the drainage system while plans have been drawn up to construct a giant tunnel to drain rainwater out into the sea directly from Central Pattaya, the source said, adding that a feasibility study of the issue is being conducted.

Last week, Pattaya City and Na Jomtien municipality agreed to allow the latter to funnel wastewater to be treated in Pattaya. The deal concerns 7,500 cu m of wastewater which would be treated in Pattaya one day in every five-year period, or until the new wastewater treatment system in Na Jomtien is finished.

 

[chonburifc]

Chonburifc, tammai tee gan ? You mai chop khon dum, chai mai? o_O

Wah, this place very near your turf. Nabez, after the junction, matas like to ambush motorsais at the car wash/plant shop. How come no matas today?

 

[chonburifc]

Reason why I don't dare take a dip on the beach in Patts

View attachment 42673

Uproar over Pattaya beach wastewater

• Bangkok Post Published: 14/05/2018 at 08:15 AM

The Pollution Control Department is preparing to inspect the wastewater being released by hotels and buildings in Pattaya after netizens cried foul over photos shared online showing visibly polluted water being released at Pattaya beach.

Pollution Control Department director-general Sunee Piyapanpong said the department will send officials to check hotels, condominiums, markets and other buildings that from this month until July to make sure the wastewater they release adheres to environmental standards, especially regarding lipids.

Those who violate pollution laws face a 2,000 baht daily fine until they clean up their act, she said.

The photos were uploaded to the local Facebook Page "Pattaya Talk" on Friday and have drawn criticism from residents of the resort town.

The photos show the filthy water pouring out of a big drain into the sea. A foul smell was also reported by the poster.

Criticism has flared over the effectiveness of Pattaya's wastewater treatment as this is not the first time such an incident has been reported.

Meanwhile, there was no water coming out of the drain when reporters surveyed the site on Friday, which is behind a pumping station in South Pattaya, at the entrance of Pattaya Walking Street.

But muddy sea water containing what appeared to be black residue was visible, and most tourists have been avoiding the area.

According to a source from Pattaya City's administration, wastewater from houses and business operations is diverted to several pumping stations before being funnelled to a wastewater treatment facility in Soi Wat Nong Yai in Bang Lamung district. The treated water is then released into the sea.

The facility is capable of handling 65,000-80,000 cubic metres on a daily basis, but the fast growth of the city's economy has resulted in the release of up to 100,000 cu m of wastewater a day, the source said.

Several pumping stations and related equipment, which have been used for decades, are in a deteriorated state, the source noted.

Following heavy rain, water has to be quickly pushed out of the drainage system to ward off flooding inland while rainwater also causes the water in the system to have higher turbidity and Biochemical Oxygen Demand, which affects the purity of the wastewater, according to the source.

The source conceded the images of black water flowing into the Pattaya sea have had an impact on tourism.

Work is underway to repair the drainage system while plans have been drawn up to construct a giant tunnel to drain rainwater out into the sea directly from Central Pattaya, the source said, adding that a feasibility study of the issue is being conducted.

Last week, Pattaya City and Na Jomtien municipality agreed to allow the latter to funnel wastewater to be treated in Pattaya. The deal concerns 7,500 cu m of wastewater which would be treated in Pattaya one day in every five-year period, or until the new wastewater treatment system in Na Jomtien is finished.

P’YY is right. Literally swimming in shitwater aka Sai Zhui.

Ok, the best nearby beaches to go:
1. Hard Sai Kaew (run by navy but open to public for a fee)
Hat Sai Kaew
Sattahip, Sattahip District, Chon Buri 20180
https://goo.gl/maps/5TYQav2DaX32

2. Hard Baan Ampher(small beach but very peaceful as not many people know how to come here)
Bann Am Por Beach
20250
https://goo.gl/maps/J5Cvptc9tQt

3. Hard Bang Saray
Reasonably good beach but recently lots of complaints on the beach vendors.
Bang Sa-Ray Beach
20250
038 436 139
https://goo.gl/maps/xGGYhW8tkiy

Will talk about other beaches like Hard Nang Rom in Chong Samaesarn, Sattahip and Famous Bang Saen Beach in Bang Saen when free.

 

[chonburifc]

Btw, that black shirt with horizontal yellow strip guy (not involved in the fight one) name is Raj, a burmese keling. Same cuntry as leongsam. Quite a nice chap and not the sio par type. Used to sell shisha (arab pipes) at Rompho market. Think now moved to walking street liaoz.

 

[yinyang]

...Literally swimming in shitwater aka Sai Zhui.
2. Hard Baan Ampher(small beach but very peaceful as not many people know how to come here)
Bann Am Por Beach
20250
https://goo.gl/maps/J5Cvptc9tQt
3. Hard Bang Saray
Reasonably good beach but recently lots of complaints on the beach vendors.
Bang Sa-Ray Beach
20250
038 436 139
https://goo.gl/maps/xGGYhW8tkiy

We spied a small pier seafood restaurant at Ampher last time, told ourselves to try it next time. Got to try looksee the beach.
On Bang Sare beach, didn't notice the pesky vendors.

 

[Bonut]

Wah, this place very near your turf. Nabez, after the junction, matas like to ambush motorsais at the car wash/plant shop. How come no matas today?

Don't say like that, I'm only a part-time small fly in Thailand. Don't even dare to ride motorbike along the main road, only zip around the sois - as I don't like wearing helmet - let alone claim turf

I will be patrolling the area again from tomorrow Hope it's not raining cats and dogs in Pattaya.

 

[chonburifc]

We spied a small pier seafood restaurant at Ampher last time, told ourselves to try it next time. Got to try looksee the beach.
On Bang Sare beach, didn't notice the pesky vendors.

Happen only recently. Seems to target those locals who dont order food or order nit noi from the vendors. Many Khon Thais and farangs complain the vendors only keen to serve ah tiongs from tour buses and bo hiu khon Thais.

The ah tiongs visitors seems to be from nearby ah tiong tour bus hotels.

 

[chonburifc]

Don't say like that, I'm only a part-time small fly in Thailand. Don't even dare to ride motorbike along the main road, only zip around the sois - as I don't like wearing helmet - let alone claim turf

I will be patrolling the area again from tomorrow Hope it's not raining cats and dogs in Pattaya.

Alamak, why you around, weather become sahara desert? When you not around, heavy rain and flood everywhere.

Taken moments ago at big c pattaya south.

friend come see new motorsai. Friend cannot keep money in pocket for too long. Die die also want to change bike.

Anyway, big road block (both directions) at pattaya klang now (outside powerbuy).

Heng arh, not riding today.

 

[chonburifc]

Forgot to write how to escape from road block at pattaya klang from sukumvit.

If turn left into pattaya klang from sukumvit,means too late. Dont bother to u turn. The matas can kick your bike down as now means rider is “poo torng haa” aka suspect.

Sometimes the opposite direction motorsai riders will hint you by pointing at their head/helmet which means mata in front. Some will flash their lights a few times.

At sukumvit road. Can go straight and turn into Homepro. Go to back of homepro and come out from the back exit into Soi Yume. Turn left to go Big C Pattaya Klang or turn right to go Pattaya North. Work most of the time. If still kenna, means mata also reading the facebook road blocks warning group. Then really bobian liaoz.

Edit: cannot turn left into index living mall. Cos index living mall connect to welcome town exit. Mata waiting there.

 

[chonburifc]

Paiseh paiseh. Big change in Weather forecast.

Latest update :14:31 local time at Jomtien/Pattaya is now not raining cats and dogs.
Now is raining lion and elephant!!! Very very heavy. Think visitors have to be prepared. Nabez weather forecast say 9-13. Now 15 already still big rain. Somemore rain lion and elephant.

 

[Froggy]

Paiseh paiseh. Big change in Weather forecast.

Latest update :14:31 local time at Jomtien/Pattaya is now not raining cats and dogs.
Now is raining lion and elephant!!! Very very heavy. Think visitors have to be prepared. Nabez weather forecast say 9-13. Now 15 already still big rain. Somemore rain lion and elephant.

Here the storm also coming

 

[Bonut]

Paiseh paiseh. Big change in Weather forecast.

Latest update :14:31 local time at Jomtien/Pattaya is now not raining cats and dogs.
Now is raining lion and elephant!!! Very very heavy. Think visitors have to be prepared. Nabez weather forecast say 9-13. Now 15 already still big rain. Somemore rain lion and elephant.

On the way now. Immigration auto gate for Sinkies want to gkeng, turn the notice directing sinkies to auto gate around and try to mislead sinkies to join the long foreigner queue. limpeh san san showed them my red passport and insisted on using the auto gate. The China tour group see until lao Hao Sui.

 

[Bonut]

Here the storm also coming

View attachment 42693

nice prosthetics.

 

[yinyang]

 

[Bonut]

I arrived at 8 pm, not a single drop of rain water.

 

[chonburifc]

Official weather forecast from TMD is today have rain in Pattaya.