mcgriffith

The issue about import licenses is really aimed at retailers. Having large quantities shipped to you immediately means "retailer" in the minds of the customs folk. That's one point.

Another is that if the customs people have any difficulty atr all in knowing what the stuff is so that they know what duty rate to apply (and having to look it up by chemical name in a book qualifies as difficulty for these folk) they will seek to solve the problem by getting it off of their desks and onto someone elses, and the FDA is a real favorite for that purpose since it serves as something of a black hole. Months pass before anything emerges from them, if ever. .

Lastly as others have said, courier services like DHL and Fed Ex maximize problems. You';d think it's be the opposite, but in LOS it is not. Furthermore, shipment by courier adds to the impression that you are  receiving it for commercial purposes.

In short: small quantities, sent by regular air mail, is the answer. If you can contrive to have it be hand addressed and not from a commercial vendor (i,.e if you have an obliging friend or relative), even better.

Filled in 'off course', if the woof-woofs let me.

Always enjoyed meeting some familiar and new faces of Thaivisa.

I would appreciate it if some remembrance time can be given to some great people who passed away in the last few years. Thinking of people like Buckwheat, p1p, Blinky Bill, Dustoff ...

mcgriffith, on 2012-05-01 20:48:12, said:

I am now ready to make the call.    Hot season is OVER!  YEAH!

Wow. What a shock Blinky Bill dead?
I never thought that would happen to Ian. He was always around, a rock, someone with advise & knowledge. First hand experience. Someone you could rely on.
Ian was a big guy alright & had a heart to match. He always left an impression & if you ever needed anything Ian would help if he could. More than once he "politely" told me to pull my head in, but over 27 years he was always a good mate you could rely on.
Ian had one of the first high powered bikes (ZZR1100) in Chiang Mai, as was befitting such a dynamic character; & I think maybe he holds the record for Lampang - Chiang Mai; & that was a night ride with the Snail, after a gentle ride down to the Lampang Riverside for a few quite ales & a chat "for something to do on a hot night. He dumped that ZZR numerous times, but never semed to get hurt. He was a tough man, a survivor & one you always thought would be around forever, to help out & give you advice. That he has actually died stuns me. He will be sadly missed.
My condolences go to his family in Indonesia, plus in Chiang Mai ex wife Bee & daughter Patty.
RIP mate. You were a very special big hearted guy.

Mekong Bob, on 2012-04-28 21:19:34, said:

Well first of all you picked some of the most expensive pharmacies in town to do your survey. In fact, I wouldn't shop at any of them. Many of the most popular drugs are available in generic form and manufactured here in Thailand. Some are made by top quality labs/factories and others are made by not so reputable ones. That is one thing I really like about Dr. Morgan is that she knows which are good ones and she won't offer low-grade generics or drugs, vaccines, etc. manufactured for example in India. Having said that, some are, like anywhere else in the world, expensive. Very few health insurance plans will reimburse you for outpatient medications. Many Thais spend a great deal of money each month on their medicine.

To the best of my knowledge it is illegal to order drugs from outside the country and have them shipped to Thailand via one of the carriers you mentioned. I'm sure someone will correct me if I am wrong.

Best to price shop at some of the smaller pharmacies or buy from a wholesale supplier rather than the names mentioned above. If you buy wholesale you do have to buy in large quantities however.

mcgriffith, on 2012-04-27 23:04:08, said:

not sure about Ian's surname. I remember him telling me McCullough, his facebook page says McDougall as you verify McGriffith,  and the article in The Australian says Douglas, but what's in a name?  It doesn't really matter now, just that CM has lost one of its more colourful sons.

If you read the OP, you will see he is asking about "those not married to Thai citizens as well", not just those that are married.

OK, I'm not going to touch the male/female stuff, but I'm glad it brought out some debate.

The Grandview was great. She had been there before a long time ago and loved it, especially the crepes. The food was good, not expensive, and we both left with a smile. She ate more than I did. Then we went to Doi Suthep Temple which she thoroughly enjoyed. We were then going to go to the movies, but we were still soaking wet and she was worried about freezing in the theaters so we came home. We then gave each other "mutual" presents.   After that we napped and she then did my laundry. She seemed content as always.

She has an appointment for hair, manicure and pedicure later this week. She said she had a wonderful time, and all's well.

Plus we got splashed a lot which added to the fun day. We thought we would be safe in a songtaow going up to Doi Suthep, but the water throwers have excellent aim at getting their entire buckets of water through that 1 foot wide window opening. Got wetter inside a songtaow than on the motorbike.

I told her about some of the funnier posts on here (going to Big C's food court, chicken on a stick), and she thought they were hilarious.

mcgriffith, on 2012-04-15 19:52:15, said:

Don't blame me, blame Windows! (I wish I could find an easy work-around...)

/ Priceless

Maybe this is the answer you are looking for:

1. The Grandview Hotel has a daily buffet, 159 Baht, mix of Thai and Western. Food is very good. Thais love it there. Overall very good value and dependable (although we had what could only be described as a bizarre experience there last week). I'm sure it was a one off as I've been there perhaps 25 times over the years and always had a good experience. 11:30-14:30. Best to get there around 12:30 or so.

2. The Siripanna Hotel has an International buffet advertised for 189 Baht. I haven't tried it but have tried other promotions there and the food was excellent. Mix of Thai and Western and very beautiful atmosphere.

2. Shangri La has always had an excellent buffet and on Sundays they used to include a barbeque and swimming in their beautiful pool along with the price. Food is first-class, mix of Thai, Western and Japanese, large dessert selection, and beautiful grounds. Don't recall the price, maybe 399-599???

orang37, on 2012-04-13 15:14:50, said:

Was fortunate enough this year to have my first 2012 songkran soaking come from three young Thai kids that very gently poured water on my shoulder and wished me a happy new year  

Given his past; Blinky has been known to be in the 'Dock' (on the right side of the law I might add) previously but I am not sure if he admits to chasing tail or having been called a 'Dog', though he has been seen in the 'Mad Dog'. Is blinky in kennel quarantine as he has not made any comment yet on having his name taken in vain

Our Tokay understand they live outdoors or under the eaves of the house.  The smaller geckos are allowed indoors as long as they stay out of the way.  I find a small hand towel a good aid in grabbing the little fellows who get out of line.  They still drop their tails but are otherwise unhurt when I throw them out the window or out in the garden.  Coming from Hawaii I have always lived with geckos.

Our decorative garden lizards are no bother at all.

Of course. Whoever started a rumor that you can't buy aspirin anymore anyway???

eyecatcher, on 2012-04-11 14:26:59, said:

Both Prince and Billy aren't 'for sale'. They are 'for adoption' to loving and caring forever homes.