Bazle

3 hours ago, Painter said:

Wonder how long until the sand overflows the surround?

It's beginning to look like a good litter tray! 

3 hours ago, Trip said:

Pretty fly for a white guy.

Translation, please. 

41 minutes ago, SteveBC said:

Clear pictures of the pair of twats, so hopefully somebody will recognise them.

Hopefully they did not fly home soon after the meal    !!!

They look Russian to me, so I suspect they won't want to be flying home! 

1 hour ago, Krapow said:

Why who says you're not allowed to say Orientals? 

Just never entered my head to say it. I can assure yiu if it had and i wanted to, I would've. 

I think I walked past a restaurant earlier called 'Taste of the Oriental' or something like that.

This is just one of dozens of links that come up on a Google search:

https://www.weareresonate.com/2016/07/oriental-racist-term/

44 minutes ago, Krapow said:

I've seen more what look like Thai, Korean, Japanese, Chinese etc people in Helsinki Airport than when I see in Swampy. 

Doesn't it annoy you that now you cannot just say "orientals"? 🙁

2 hours ago, Glasseye said:

The little Electrolux I recently picked up at Homepro kicks ass. 

Thanks, but could you say what model that is and how much you paid for it, please.

Did Homepro deliver it for you, or was it light enough to carry.

TIA.

Soi Lenkee will soon be known as Soi Steak House!

9 minutes ago, Painter said:

Same same, and I'm just up the soi...!

Discount for bulk orders? Who else is interested? 😄

20 minutes ago, forcebwithu said:

I'd be happy to help you with ordering from Lazada and having it delivered to my place. I could then drop it off at your place.

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/sharp-23-fp-j30ta-1-i168722992-s209115632.html

That is very kind of you - thank you. I might well take you up on the offer.

Upon my return to Pattaya, I really need to get a couple of air purifiers for my 57 sqm condo - one for the bedroom, one for the living area. So, decision time: what do I buy, and how do I buy it?

I've searched the forum and found many useful posts by @fforest and @forcebwithu, but they are a little out of date now.

It seems that I need to get something with a monitor and with inexpensive (and easily available) replacement filters. I also need to ensure the unit is not noisy.

I am put off by the logistics of buying from Lazada or Shopee, so I'd prefer to buy from a store in Pattaya. Whilst I haven't been shopping specifically for purifiers, I do recall seeing Xiomi and Dyson units for sale at Central Festival.

Any useful comments on what to buy and where to buy it from would be appreciated.

TIA.

14 minutes ago, boydeste said:

In Thailand I set the aircon to 25 or 26 depending how I feel, this is comfortable and ensures I don't get a dry throat.

My home is set to 8 whilst I am away for long periods.

Whilst home I set it to 20 or 21 depending how long it takes me to adjust and drop it to 18 at night for sleeping under the duvet or whilst out during the day.

I will add that I am usually naked whilst in the room in Thailand and fully clothed whilst at home!

Thanks. That's not far from mine. However, I think AC set at 25°C WOULD give me a dry throat! 

In London, I have my central heating set at 18.5°C for overnight and when I go out, and at 21°C for other times (except when I'm away). 

In Thailand, I have the AC set at 27°C. Some people will think that is not cool enough, but it's fine for me. Just as well as I don't think I'd get the temperature below that! 

I'd be interested to know how this compares with how other BMs set their thermostats. 

https://www.facebook.com/nbtworld

NNT- National News Bureau of Thailand 

The Ministry of Interior, through the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, reveals three strategic approaches to address issues related to forest fires, haze, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution

1. Pollution Reduction at the Source: Collaboration between districts and local administrative organizations is emphasized to prevent and reduce pollution at the source (origin). Authorities with legal responsibilities are directed to enforce laws rigorously.

2. Public Awareness Campaign: Prioritizing proactive communication to inform and raise awareness among the public regarding the prevailing situation and the causes of particulate matter. Encouraging public involvement to collectively prevent and alleviate pollution issues in the area.

3. Emergency Response to Forest Fires, Haze, or Elevated PM2.5 Levels: Implementing various precautionary measures. Prioritizing the safety of personnel involved. Establishing safe zones and dust-free rooms adequately. Providing assistance in accordance with relevant regulations and strict, transparent criteria.

Additionally, to prevent hazards during the Chinese New Year festivities in 2024, provinces, districts, and local administrative organizations are instructed to inspect communities with fire-prone materials, especially those involving the production and trade of floral decorations. The emphasis is on increasing vigilance in production processes to minimize potential risks to life and property.

2 hours ago, forcebwithu said:

Looks like with all their practice of tearing up roads and repaving over and over again, they've finally learned how to put down a level surface, flush with drain covers.

Shame they hadn't acquired those skills when they did Soi 15. 😠

https://thepattayanews.com/2024/02/05/chonburi-authorities-launch-campaign-to-tackle-forest-fires-haze-and-pm2-5/

Chonburi Authorities Launch Campaign to Tackle Forest Fires, Haze, and PM2.5

Following a recent spate of forest fires causing damage to over 200 rais and exceeding PM2.5 standards, Chonburi province has launched a multi-agency campaign to prevent further fires, control haze, and reduce harmful fine particulate matter.

According to reports, Chonburi’s diverse landscape, including forests, agricultural land, urban centers, and industrial estates, makes it particularly vulnerable to PM2.5 issues, especially when exacerbated by forest fires. Recognizing this, the campaign outlines collaborative efforts to minimize environmental impact and protect public health by reducing emissions from vehicles and introducing educational demonstrations.

4 hours ago, Nightcrawler said:

Just finishing a meal in Cafe Pitini.  ......

Edit, it's next door. No wonder the walls were vibrating  

Next door to Cafe Pitini is a ladyboy bar. Would you like to rethink why the walls are vibrating ? 🙂

1 hour ago, Stillearly said:

In Patts right now , hearing people coughing everywhere ... there was a table of three in the restaurant tonight , all of them coughing constantly ... 

Same as when I was there in December/early January. And I was coughing along with them.

I still reckon the (main) cause is the air pollution.

If anyone wonders about the effects of haze (air pollution), this article is a good explanation IMO:

https://www.mountelizabeth.com.sg/health-plus/article/the-effects-of-haze-on-your-health

What is the health effect of haze?

Haze particles can give rise to acute symptoms such as cough, wheezing, shortness of breath and a feeling of tiredness and weakness. The effect of haze is aggravated in people with pre-existing heart or lung disorders. However, the harmful health effects of a few minutes of haze exposure are temporary and usually do not lead to long-term health issues.

The biggest hazard of the haze is the fine particulate matter (PM) suspended in the air. Particulate matter, especially those of PM2.5 can easily be inhaled into our lungs. This refers to particles that are smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter.

Long-term exposure to the haze and particulate matter can lead to the development of medical conditions such as bronchitis and a higher incidence of lung cancer. Thus it is best to stay indoors during hazy situations when the PSI is at unhealthy levels. If you have to go outdoors for long periods, an N95 mask can help reduce your inhalation of particulate matter.

Those at highest risk of being affected by the haze should remain indoors. These are people with pre-existing heart or lung disorders as exposure to air pollution is known to worsen these conditions. Likewise, children and the elderly who have smaller lung reserves should avoid prolonged exposure to the haze.

What symptoms can the haze cause?

Exposure to the haze can lead to symptoms of bronchitis. These symptoms can be just like symptoms of asthma – wheezing, cough, chest discomfort and shortness of breath. If the symptoms are severe, you should consult a doctor immediately. If symptoms are mild, they may abate or resolve with rest (indoors) and avoidance of the haze.

Fine particles are matter foreign to the body (they are like microscopic soot particles). Inhaling the haze is like inhaling smoke – irritation of the sensitive lining within the nose and throat occurs. Symptoms tend to get more serious when the irritation occurs deeper than the nose and throat, especially when the lower air passages (trachea and bronchi) are affected.

What should people with asthma or other respiratory illnesses do during the haze period?

If your symptoms are mild and you are healthy, simply avoiding the haze by staying indoors with the windows and doors shut, and turning on an effective air purifier should be sufficient. If your symptoms are more serious or you are unsure how badly you are affected, it is best to consult with a physician.

It is not advisable to self-medicate or use inhalers that you are not familiar with. For example, Seretide is an asthma medication that contains steroids and a long-acting bronchodilator medication. It is a prescription-only medication that is not without adverse effects and it should not be tried without proper medical advice.

Should I exercise outdoors during the haze period?

Exercising outdoors when the PSI is in the unhealthy range (ie. 100 or more) is counter-productive. The higher the PSI, the more harmful it is to inhale the polluted air when exercising. Note that when you are exercising, you have to breathe harder and the air exchange that takes place in the lungs is several times more than when you are at rest. Therefore, you are inhaling several times more of the air pollution.

Breathing more pollutants into the lungs is in a way negating the beneficial effects of exercise. The most harmful pollutants – the PM2.5 particles can be taken very deep into the lungs and it is difficult for the respiratory system to expel or break down these pollutants. In addition, particles of PM1 are known to bypass the lungs and travel straight into the blood circulation where they can be carried to other organs (such as the brain) with harmful effects.

How long can a healthy person tolerate the haze without harm?

Every individual is different in size, age and health so it is not possible to say how long a person can tolerate the haze. When the haze level is in the unhealthy range (PSI higher than 100), it is prudent for everyone to avoid outdoor activities.

Can the haze do long-term harm to our health?

Usually the harmful effects of a few minutes of haze exposure are temporary and do not lead to long-term health issues.

However, in studies performed in the US and Europe, there was found to be a definite relationship between air pollution and cardiovascular and lung cancer death. The smaller PM2.5 were particularly deadly, with 36% increase in lung cancer rate for every increase of 10 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic metre.

Clearly then – clean air, just like good health, is invaluable. I think that it's best to avoid air pollution especially when the PSI is very unhealthy. In short, there is no 'safe' level of air pollution. The lower it is, the better for your long-term health.

5 minutes ago, Butch said:

Would you be happy to live in Pattaya or somewhere in Thailand of your choosing with a similar or better quality of lifestyle that you have in the UK given the choice over remaining in the UK?.

No.

I have homes in both locations, and have chosen (up to now) to spend two-thirds of my time in London.

With the pollution situation in Pattaya as it is now, the chances are that I will spend much less time there than hitherto.

20 minutes ago, Butch said:

come on Baz mate, that's because the Air quality is poor on some days, not all, and are not necessarily countrywide, thus you could pick and choose an area with clean air, whereas the endemic issues facing the UK blight all big cities and nearly all major towns, and also some smaller communities where migration (Asylum seekers) have skewed the local demographic. These issues also are now permanent and not seasonal like Air quality can be.

Given a choice of staying in for a few days or even a week due to bad air quality, or living in the UK and in some cases people being prisoners in their own homes due to crime or even lack of infrastructure such as public transport, I know what I'd choose.

A small price to pay, (along with health insurance) for more freedoms, a better climate, cheaper prices, better food and the numerous other benefits that come from not being in the UK.

I don't agree with you. 

I was in Patts for 5 weeks recently, and the pollution was evident EVERY day. As far as I can see, the pollution is hitting most of the country, although, as Lemondropkid says, the far southwest seems to be missing the worst of it. Unfortunately, it isn't a "few days or even a week" matter. It is going to last for many months in the year.

I imagine most BMs here have the resources not to have to live in a high-crime area in the UK.

5 minutes ago, Butch said:

Easily remedied by staying indoors with a half decent Air purifier.

Then what is the point of being in Thailand? 

21 minutes ago, Phantom51red said:

.....,if it wasn't for silly (some) apps and scaremongering no one would care or even know.

Take a look at the pictures of Pattaya posted just on this forum and it's hard not to know about the air pollution, assuming you don't have defective vision.

1 hour ago, Horizondave said:

It is because of all of the reasons above that I wish I was living again in Thailand.  Only reason to be in UK is for my daughter's education, but even that is starting to concern me and the wife, not sure the curriculum is everything I thought it was going to be.

Add to that the debacle that is NHS dentistry; only today my wife has received a letter telling her that her dental care is changing. It seems the dentist who last treated her is going private and contacting all her previous patients. Can't believe she is being told she is off the NHS list but trying to get through to them to find out what it is all about is almost impossible.

If only the lotto ticket would come up, I would be out of here. In Thailand, I felt comfortable, I felt it was my home. In the UK, I feel more of an outsider and I can't see it getting any better.

I empathise with what you say, but consider the air pollution situation before jumping back to Thailand. It could trump all the plus points.