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May 17, 2017
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Your Guide to Yoga in Chiang Mai

Your Guide to Yoga in Chiang Mai https://i0.wp.com/chiangmaibuddy.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/chiang-mai-yoga.jpg.jpg?fit=1600%2C900&ssl=1 1600 900 cmbadmin cmbadmin https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a0e7ec04d65a021865830fe3e536350b?s=96&d=mm&r=g May 17, 2017 May 22, 2022

Chiang Mai has long been one of the major centers for yoga study in Southeast Asia. Nestled between towering mountain peaks and home to some of the most breathtaking Buddhist temples anywhere, it’s perhaps the perfect location to clear one’s head and indulge your asana yoga practice. Being such a vital center of yoga practice, the city attracts some of the best teachers in the world along with yogis from every corner of the globe looking to extend their knowledge and refine their practice. If you’re considering coming to Chiang Mai too you’ll find these like-minded individuals ready to welcome you into their community of adventurers.

Living the Life

Whether you’ve been practicing for 50 years or just bought your first yoga mat, Chiang Mai is where you want to be. You’ll find some of the most patient and knowledgeable teachers here specializing in many types of yoga including:

Ashtanga – Ashtanga is likely not for beginners. It’s a fairly intense form of yoga that utilizes 70 different postures, some of which call for extraordinary strength as well as exceptional endurance.
Hatha – Hatha combines various asanas with breathing techniques known as pranayama. This coordination of breath and movement when done properly serves to create a sense of complete relaxation.
Laughter – Laughter yoga is something of a Chiang Mai specialty. It’s intended to bring you into contact with your lighter side and includes prolonged periods of yogic breathing techniques and laughter.
Restorative – Restorative yoga is not so much a distinct yoga style as it is a yogic approach to rejuvenation. Several different types of yoga may be combined into a single class that emphasizes restoration of the physical self through easy going routines.
Vinyasa – With Vinyasa the emphasis is on constant movement. Fast-paced flows based off sun salutation postures help you build strength and endurance while expanding your physical vocabulary.
Yin – Yin utilizes stretching and relaxation and is considered another type of restorative practice. It’s typically slower paced and intended to help calm the mind, increase flexibility and improve posture.

Where to Practice in Chiang Mai

Once you get to Chiang Mai you may want to find a yoga studio. Thankfully there are scores of them. Many are located in beautiful old Lanna-era buildings that, when combined with the spectacular mountain scenery, make for ideal practice settings. Yogis in Chiang Mai today may actually outnumber the standard backpackers who used to have the run of the place. As a result some of the more unsavory bars of yesterday have been converted to wellness centers and organic cafes. Here’s a small sampling of local yoga studios.

Blue Garden Yoga Studio – Blue Garden is a small studio at the end of a quiet soi in the Old City. The practice space itself is open to the environment and the often cool mountain air has a way of clearing the mind and relaxing the body. Blue Garden Studio focuses on restorative practices that detoxify the body and restore balance.
Freedom Yoga Studio – Freedom Yoga Studio is much more relaxed than some of the larger studios. It’s fairly new and located in one of those old-style houses alluded to above. Freedom Yoga is not focused on any one particular style or level. Instead it offers a variety of classes for yogis of all experience levels. A good studio for newcomers.
Mahasiddha Yoga – Mahasiddha Yoga puts the focus squarely on tantra, yoga and meditation. Mahasiddha is a spiritual school that offers informative lectures and workshops which shine a light on ancient spiritual truths. Look for their free Sunday evening activities.
Namo Yoga Studio – Namo is located next to a temple in the Old City. It occupies a teak and rosewood Lanna-era home and is only a 2 minute walk from Tha Pae Gate. Like Freedom Yoga, Namo tends to be more open ended in their class offerings, not pinning themselves down to any particular form. Be aware though that during high season classes here tend to fill up fast.

Yoga Retreats, Hotels, and Free Classes

Chiang Mai has some of the most popular yoga retreats in the world. Everything from weekends of intensive study to 10 day retreats that combine yoga with Thai massage. Mahasiddha Yoga mentioned above offers a full line of workshops and retreats. Check them out at www.tantrayogathailand.com.

Yoga friendly hotels and fitness centers abound in Chiang Mai where you can sign up for classes on a short or long term basis. For those who may be a bit financially challenged free classes pop up regularly led by local experts, talented expats and visitors with something to offer. Many of these free classes take place in the great outdoors which, in Chiang Mai, is very great indeed. Look for flyers posted around town to get the 411 on free yoga activities. With so many on offer you’re sure to find something that suits your tastes and abilities.

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August 27, 2015
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How to get a Thai Bank Account on a Tourist Visa

How to get a Thai Bank Account on a Tourist Visa https://i0.wp.com/chiangmaibuddy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/How-to-get-a-Thai-Bank-Account.png?fit=538%2C218&ssl=1 538 218 cmbadmin cmbadmin https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a0e7ec04d65a021865830fe3e536350b?s=96&d=mm&r=g August 27, 2015 August 27, 2015

How to get a Thai Bank Account on a tourist visa, without a work permit.

When you are staying in Thailand for more than a few weeks, you soon come to the realization that getting access to your overseas money is costing a fortune in fees. The bad news is that most banks will require you to have a work visa. The good news is that you can get a Thai bank account pretty easily, with a tourist visa. But (more bad news) as found in many forums posts on the topic, there is no consistency. It is up to the discretion of the Bank manager and staff on any given day. Sure, anyone with a work permit and a passport can get an account at any bank, but what about the person who is here for 3-12 months that wants to save in overseas fees and have the convenience of being able to purchase items without being charged that 3% credit card fee.

The Benefits of Opening a Thai Bank Account

No ATM Withdraw Fees

I personally had a credit card (Capital One) that sold me on it’s no overseas Conversions fees. But they stung me on using an ATM. Having a Thai bank account almost everything is free but not much will cost more than 150 Baht.

No Conversion Rate Fees

You lose a good percentage when withdrawing overseas funds in Thailand. In addition using an overseas credit card will usually incur an additional 3%

You get a Thai Debit Card

Not just an ATM card but as is the practice now days, it can also be used as prepaid Visa credit card. But more importantly you do not have to carry cash around with you, all major stores, takeouts and facilities accept this payment.

Transfer Funds In and Out of Thailand

Your Thai bank account (especially if you attach it to a Thai PayPal) is the easiest way to transfer money in and out of the country. It is a little slow, taking 7-10 days to complete – but it cost 50 baht for amounts over 5000 baht.

[callout style=”royalblue” font_size=”13px”] information about Chiang Mai AND NOW YOU KNOW: It is mandated in Thai law that, credit card merchants companies processing foreign credit cards or currency – have to charge a minimum of 3.6%. This fee is in addition to the normal bank fees of accepting credit cards in a business. Usually when using your Credit Card in Thailand you are charged an additional 3% on top of your purchase. [/callout]

The Official Criteria for a Bank Account

Each Bank in Thailand officially has similar criteria for obtaining a bank account. Mostly these involve a work permit or wife or Condo ownership. What the banks are looking for here is some form of proof that you are worth going through the massive amount of paperwork in the application process. Most westerners are only here for a couple of months, and Thailand is still using a huge amount of paper in the application process. You will be signing documents for about 20 minutes as they print them out for you one at a time. The Banks Criteria are listed below.

Bangkok Bank

Requirements: Passport (with non immigrant ‘o’ yearly visa) and Driver’s License (basic savings account). Work Permit, or own a condo, they have better options of accounts

Bank of Ayudhya

Requirements For a joint bank account: Passport. Wife’s ID card & House Book used as proof of address. No non-immigration O visa and no work permit required.

Kasikorn Bank (K-Bank)

Requirements: Passport and Work Permit. Condominium ownership proof and a passport (non-immigrant ‘0’ visa), or Marriage certificate to a Thai National.

UOB Bank

Requirements: Passport and Work Permit

CitiBank

Requirements: Passport and Work Permit, or a minimum 1 yr apartment contract.

SCB

Requirements: Passport and Work Permit

Two Banks, (Bangkok Bank & Kasikorn) have a reputation for being a little more farang friendly than the others. Indeed Bangkok Bank has a special account for non Thai residence, that is a basic savings account with an ATM (Visa) card [hr]

Bangkok Bank Criteria for Non Residents obtaining Bank Account (on a tourist Visa)

Obtaining an account without: being a resident, having a work permit or a retirement visa, only requires a valid passport, and ONE of the following documents:

1). An identity card issued by a government institution or university such as: Your driver’s license, Foreign Identification Card, University Student/Professor Card

2). A letter of recommendation from Embassy, International Organization, Customer’s home bank to Bangkok Bank via the SWIFT message, a person acceptable to Bangkok Bank (such as BBL staff, customer, government officer, company executive, private firms), or home country institutions (such as pension receipt)

3). Other documents showing your name such as:Bank Statement, lease agreement, utility bill, documents showing owners of a fixed asset or Condominium Sale/Purchase Agreement

Easy Right?

All you need is a someone in the Thai Police, Army, or a Monk. But did you notice in with all those requirements was a utility bill? Having the electric or water in your name is the easy way.

[hr]

The Bangkok Bank Savings Account A savings account can be opened with a minimum deposit of 500 Bt. Interest is calculated daily and will be credited to your account every six months. Accounts which become dormant with a balance below 2,000 Bt will attract a monthly service charge. When you open a savings account, you can opt to receive a handy Be1st Visa Debit card. You can use your card to withdraw cash, pay bills, or shop online or anywhere displaying the Visa sign. The Be1st Visa Debit Smart card is the first debit card in Thailand to use the latest EMV chip technology to keep your cash secure! This card can be used at Bangkok Bank ATM’s showing the Be1st Smart identification and online or at stores showing the Visa sign. [hr]

The Unofficial Criteria for a Bank Account with a tourist visa.

Many westerners staying in Thailand are doing it with renewed tourist visa’s, and have taken the time and steps involved to obtain a one year lease agreement or drivers license. Having these documents does not guarantee (although it should) that a bank will give you a bank account.

As with many situations in Thailand, sometimes it is who you know rather than what you know, and sometimes it is how lucky you are on the day. It is up to the managers discretion as to who they will allocate accounts too. Often it is also up to the manager to sign off on a credit card cash advance. You can greatly increase your chances of hearing the words “Yes we can open an account for you” if the manager or senior staff recognize you. Another great benefit is to have a local person or business vouch for you and introduce you to the bank manager. You can try several banks and see what happens, but when you do not fully fit the requirements sometimes a little sneaky planning is in order.

Preparing your request

Go to the same branch of the bank you want to have and account with (and we suggest Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn), a couple of times over a couple of weeks and get a cash advance on your credit card in person (Not via the ATM). If you are told you can use the ATM machine you can say that you have tried, but you are not so clever and think it better to have a professional do it for you properly. This also gives you the opportunity to gauge how well the staff speak English which will be of benefit on your future visits.

When the manager or senior staff come out to look at you to make a judgement on how much help they will be today, (and you will have dressed nicely to do this because you want to show the Bank staff respect). You say “Kor Toad Na” Khrap/Ka (meaning I am sorry with the males saying ‘Khrap’ and females saying ‘Ka’ as a polite sign of respect), “I am confused and think you can do this better for me”. Thanking both the manager and the staff for you cash. Do this 2 times, and then go to the bank with your credentials in hand and request opening a bank account.

While it is only required that you deposit 500 Baht to open an account, the more money you are prepared to deposit, the higher the chance of success. Do NOT forget to dress nicely for the occasion .

[callout style=”royalblue” font_size=”13px”] information about Chiang Mai AND NOW YOU KNOW: Thailand is going through revision of it’s policies and procedures (especially Immigration). There is a underlying rule of thumb to remove undesirable foreigners from the country. Class structure is still alive and kicking in Thailand, and there are tell tale signs of being low class (even if you are from the west). The typical backpacking and tourist clothing (flip flop, shorts or wearing Thai clothes) are clear indications to Thais you are low class. No bank want’s to have to deal with someone who potentially might be a problem financially[/callout]

[hr]

thumbs up Chiang Mai Buddy Advantage We have a solid business reputation with a local bank in Chiang Mai located at The Habour complex. For a one off fee of 500 Baht, you can take one of our Thai staff representatives along with you to help ‘grease the wheels’ of commerce and assist in the process.

You will need your passport and a history of living here for more than 3 months, and/or visa’s showing you have made the financial commitment to staying longer. A utility bill in your name and/or a copy of a year long condo contract is helpful.

Office Visit: Book an Appointment

Want to come into the Office and talk to us face to face? No problem at all, just book an appointment online. For initial consultations we have 15 or 30 minute time slots available.

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August 18, 2015
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Gyms and Fitness Centers in Chiang Mai

Gyms and Fitness Centers in Chiang Mai https://i0.wp.com/chiangmaibuddy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/gyms-and-fitness-in-Chiang-Mai.jpg?fit=538%2C218&ssl=1 538 218 cmbadmin cmbadmin https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a0e7ec04d65a021865830fe3e536350b?s=96&d=mm&r=g August 18, 2015 August 18, 2015

Gyms and Fitness Centers in Chiang Mai

There are a wide range of Gyms and Fitness Centers in Chiang Mai, and like in any city or country around the world, come in the basic grunt and sweat cheaper facilities to the more plush and stylish places that offer you a personal trainer while you work out. Thailand is of course famous for Muay Thai, and Chiang Mai has a few training camps, along with specialized weight loss boot camps, X-training facilities, gyms and parks with exercise circuits. Following are the major gyms in the Nimman area of Chiang Mai

Map of Gyms and Fitness in Nimmanhaemin area Chiang Mai

[ready_google_map id=’4′]

Go Gym Fitness Center

Kuang Sing (Gad estate gold), Chiang Mai, Thailand 50000.
Mon-Sun: 8:00 am – 11:59 pm

Go Gym Chiang Mai

60 Baht per Time
900 Baht per Month
2,000 Baht 3 Months
3,500 Baht for 6 Months
5,900 Baht per Year

Go Gym opened 2014 and has rapidly become the number one choice for many Thai and Farangs alike. Located just off the Super Highway, Go Gym is a massive open shed that houses a huge variety of machine, free weights, a Kickboxing ring, kick bags and has regular seminars and training events.

Go Gym boosts many competitive bodybuilders who work out here, and have a good variety of protein based snacks (and traveling motorcycle food carts outside). This is a Gym for the serious fitness buff, there is not much in the way of luxuries, just a good plain and simply work out.

Having a large shed structure Go Gym offers some interesting fitness options like hoops and silk facilities as well as the type of body pump and aerobic classes common in my fitness centers

Go Gym Chiang Mai

[hr]

Powerhouse Gym Fitness Center

Soi 6, Nimmanhemin Road in Punna Place

powerhouse Gym Chiang Mai

13,500 Baht per year (exercise allowed anytime)
9,500 Baht per year (exercise allowed from 9am to 3pm)
400 Baht per day
2,500 Baht for a 10-visit coupon
No Swimming Pool

Powerhouse Gym is the only fitness center in the country operating under this popular US brand. As such it has pricing structure similar to an overseas gym providing a ‘time of day’ you workout, tier cost of membership. The gym is nice! With English speaking personal trainers and a full range of equipment, including cardio machines and free weights as well as onsite sauna room, stretching area and lockers.

Powerhouse’s has exercises classes such as Power Kick, Power Weight, Cycling, Aerobic Dancing and Introductory Aerobics classes. The gym also provides transfer of membership, free WiFi, accident insurance, food and sells merchandise. has free WiFi, complementary accident insurance and a store selling smoothie drinks, protein powder and gym apparel. It is found on . Rates are a bit more expensive than other gyms but this is reflected in the better quality facilities:

[hr]

Strong Gym (formally Kawee Power Zone)

3th Floor Kad Suan Kaew Mall, Huay Kaew Road

Strong Gym Chiang Mai

Daily: 50 Baht
Coupon: 350 Baht (10 visits in 20 days)
1 month: 800 Baht
3 months: 1,699 Baht
6 months: 2,999 Baht
1 year: 4,999 Baht

Strong Gym is a recent makeover of Kawee Power Zone has been operating for over 6 years on the 3rd floor of Kad Suan Kaew Shopping Centre. Strong gym is a cheap and satisfactory place to work out. The machines are old and it is the sort of place you would expect to see the more hard core bodybuilder (and less ego centric fitness fanatic). The selection of exercise machines and free weights here is more than satisfactory, and includes treadmills, exercise bikes and elliptical trainers. There are also lockers and a changing room onsite. Members can can bring their own personal trainers for no extra cost, work with their own personal trainer if they wish. The Lotus Pang Suon Kaew Hotel’s swimming pool (part of Harris Gym below) is also available with an entrance fee of 100 Baht.

Strong Gym will be getting new equipment end of March early April 2015 and prices will change

Daily: 70 Baht
Coupon: 350 Baht (10 visits in 20 days)
1 month: 990 Baht
3 months: 1,990 Baht
6 months: 3,599 Baht
1 year: 5,500 Baht

[hr]

Harris Gym & Fitness Center

6th Floor Lotus Hotel, Huay Kaew

harris-fitness-center-chaing-mai

200 Baht Daily
600 Baht Weekly
1,250 Baht Monthly
3,600 Baht 3 Months
7,000 Baht 6 Months
13,000 Baht one Year (with Pool)
11,000 Baht Year (without Pool)

Harris Gym Chiang Mai Pool Harris Fitness Center is located close to Power Gym in the Lotus Hotel on the 6th floor and is a small but modern gym with new machines and weights. Better yet you have access to the full sized swimming pool (which makes a huge difference after your workout). The Staff speak English, and are available for assistance if required. Like most gyms in Chiang Mai you pay your fees and work out, there is no high pressure to join and stay longer or sign up for special promotions.

Harris has the basics, plus some nice machines and provides group exercise including Ab workouts, Kick boxing, Aerobics, Jazz Dance, Yoga and Hip Hop classes.
[hr]

Fitness Thailand

7-8th floor 29 Icon square parking building)

Fitness Thailand Chiang Mai

1,700 Baht 1 Month
4,500 Baht 3 Months
7,000 Baht 6 Months per day
9,500 Baht 1 Year
No Swimming Pool

Fitness Thailand has recently opened and contains the latest modern exercise equipment with what they claim is a world class fitness area (and they are right). Four aerobic studios with panoramic views of the City including an indoor cycling studio that has 80 different aerobic classes per week. Fitness Thailand has the latest and a huge range of exercise machines and free weights and group exercise classes including Yoga, Power Yoga, Hip hop Dance, Step Class, Body Combat, Body Pump, and Step Aerobics.

Brand new changing rooms that include dry sauna and steam room. Free lockers, and a Health and juice bar for a snack and refreshment after your work out.

[hr]

Hillside Gym Fitness Center

Inside Hillside Condo, 24/50 Huay Kaew Road

Hillside Fitness Chiang Mai

100 Baht Single Visit
1,000 Baht 1 Month
2,500 Baht 3 Months
3,500 Baht 6 Months
5,900 Baht One Year
Group Exercise 60 Baht or 500 Baht 10 Times
Swimming Pool

hillside fitness chiang mai pool Hillside Fitness center is located on the lobby floor of Hillside 4 condo and is a semi large and old gym. It has a wide range of exercise machines, free weights including squat racks, table tennis and a fantastic pool. Hillside Fitness is cheap and basic, it takes time to repair broken equipment and many of the clients are expats who are living at the complex.

Hillside has a small private exercise class where they do Yoga, and the room can be used by members. Parking in the garage available for 20 baht per motorcycle but (as with so many parking attendants) if you take the time to talk to them a few times they sometimes forget to charge you.
[hr]

Touch Gym & Fitness Center

5th Floor Maya Shopping Mall

touch fitness chiang mai

1,500 Baht Daily
6,499 1 Month
11,499 3 Months
20,499 Baht 6 Months
29,999 Baht 1 Year
No Swimming Pool

touch gym class chiang mai Touch Gym and Fitness in the Maya Mall Chiang Mai has recently opened and is based on western styled gyms (with western pricing). Touch gym has a time tier pricing system and charges 1,500 baht processing fee. and offers full membership and slightly less if you wish to go in the mornings or just 3 days a week.

Beautiful and modern equipment, with beautiful and modern people. Personal trainers are available for hire (5 times 6,750 baht). Locker rooms are like a spa with dry and wet sauna, free towels and Touch boast its suspended training system.

Touch Fitness is a modern and spa like gym fill of successful and pretty people. It has many aerobic and exercise classes and full assessments of fitness available.

[hr]

CrossFit Gym & Fitness Center

48/1 Chiang Mai-Lampang Road (Superhighway)

Crossfit Chiang Mai

2,700 Baht Month
7,500 Baht 3 Months

CrossFit is a strength and conditioning program that is rapidly gaining a huge world wide following for its intense workouts and fast results. Working with a personal trainer in a group setting allows you to progress quickly towards your goals — as an athlete or just in life.

CrossFit Chiang Mai is the first CrossFit affiliate in Thailand. They focus on nutrition, strength and conditioning as three important components of fitness. Workouts are scaled for each individual athlete’s level of strength and fitness, pre-existing injuries or other special concerns. Workouts include a mix of running, Olympic weightlifting, gymnastics, conditioning and other activities.

CrossFit Chiang Mai is partnered with the International Sustainable Development Studies Institute (ISDSI), an expedition based experiential learning program focused on culture and ecology (see www.isdsi.org for more). ISDSI students do CrossFit as a part of their semester in Thailand, and ISDSI instructors do CrossFit and help lead classes at CrossFit Chiang Mai.
[hr]

End

Why Chiang Mai is Number 1 for Digital Nomads

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August 13, 2015
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24 Reasons Chiang Mai is the Best Place for Digital Nomads

24 Reasons Chiang Mai is the Best Place for Digital Nomads https://i0.wp.com/chiangmaibuddy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Why-Chiang-Mai-is-Number-1-for-Digital-Nomads.jpg?fit=538%2C218&ssl=1 538 218 cmbadmin cmbadmin https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a0e7ec04d65a021865830fe3e536350b?s=96&d=mm&r=g August 13, 2015 August 13, 2015

Why is Chiang Mai the best place for Digital Nomads?

Being a digital nomad allows the total freedom pack your belongings get in a plane and work wherever you want. Why then are so many (possibly over 3000) digital nomads choosing to live and work for extended periods in Chiang Mai City Thailand?

I myself, have done the working online and traveling since 2002, long before Tim Ferris and the 4 Hour Work Week, gave me a job title, I could use to explain myself to others. Back in the early days, I traveled the United States in an RV, paying US$500 a month just for satellite dial-up internet connection. In 2 years of RV’ing I only ever meet one other person you could call a digital nomad. Twelve years later, after many countries and scores of cities, I found myself returning to Chiang Mai so often, I decided there was no longer any point going anywhere else. In Chiang Mai hardly an hour goes by without meeting another nomad sitting in a cafe, a coworking place, a meetup and even just walking down the street.

So what makes Chiang Mai so appealing to the Digital Nomad?

I am going to bet, this is not the first blog post you have read about Chiang Mai right? It seems that now, there is not a travel blogger worth their salt who has not been or lived here and written about this beautiful Northern Thailand city. In fact there are social groups here in Chiang Mai just for travel bloggers to get together and hang out. Chiang Mai is home to thousands of Nomads, from all categories of online business. Already Digital Nomads know that Chiang Mai is the number one city, and there are hundreds of reasons we keep coming and returning.

Chiang Mai Buddy was created and set up due to the increasing number of digital nomads who began discovering what Expats knew years ago; That Chiang Mai ROCKS! Our focus is of course to help prepare you to make coming to Chiang Mai a stress free and as inexpensive as you can. Because despite all the amazing benefits of this city, packing up and moving to a new country is a huge life decision. Having a friend already in the city helps makes the transition easier. But enough of the sales talk. lets look at why you should make the decision to put Chiang Mai at the top of your list.

[hr]

1) Chiang Mai Digital Nomad Community

Digital Nomads having a ball in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai Digital Nomads have an active and strong social network

Chiang Mai has an incredible amount of open social network groups that are constantly providing training seminars, dinners, social outings, meetups and networking opportunities. Gone are the day’s where networking in Chiang Mai required joining private membership clubs such as the Tropical MBA Podcasts ‘Dynamite Circle. ($588 per year) or the more recent Nomads List (one off $49). In fact the free and open social networking groups in Chiang Mai, Thailand have memberships that exceeds these world-wide communities several times over.

The social communities in Chiang Mai, provide information on “how to…”, “where to…” and “when to…”; along with opportunities for hiring and selling the services of each other within the local environment. Least not, the constant social events, training seminars by visiting experts and free workshops put on by locals wanting to network and promote their services. – And that is just the Nomad Groups!

Long before discovered by Digital Nomads, Chiang Mai was (and still is) a retirement haven for many Expats from around the world. They have over years built social and entertainment networks that exceed many times over the specialty digital nomad communities. Lana Cricket have used the Gymkhana sports grounds for over 50 years, ranging a wide variety of tennis, golf, cricket and other sporting and social events.

“Wait a Minute”, I hear some of the readers say, “This is about Digital Nomads, why are you telling me about the other stuff”?. Here’s the bottom line …. So many Nomads who make Chiang Mai their home, never extend their social networks outside of the digital community. BIG MISTAKE!. The stories you will hear from retired English MI6, as they argue with retired American Intelligence agents over a beer are far more interesting than Joe Nomads latest SEO budget expenditure and the results. The amount of information you will gleam at the Chiang Mai Expats club breakfast or one of their scheduled events, is an incredible wealth of information and resources. If you are going to live in Chiang Mai for an extended period of time – do not make the mistake of burying your head in the silicon sand of exclusively Nomad world..

Some of the Many Social Networks available in Chiang Mai
For more check out our Resources

I Love Chiang Mai – We all love Chiang Mai – there is a great files section with loads of information. This is a secret group, you will need a friend who is a member add you

Chiang Mai Events – it’s usually here if it is happening in Chiang Mai.

Couch surfing in Chiang Mai – Couch surfing in the international free accommodation and travel group.

Whats Happening Chang Mai – The primary focus of ‘What’s happening in Chiang Mai’ is to provide to voice to those connected to Burma and social justice issues generally. We welcome posts that are of value to the audience advertising events, and important news affecting our community.

What, Where, When Chiang Mai – A page for people, event organizers, promoters, bar owners, club owners to let everyone know what’s happening in Chiang Mai. Feel free to add people to the group, the more people on here the more we’ll know what’s happening in and around Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai – For people wanting to come to or already living or just interested in Chiang Mai

Digital Nomads in Chiang Mai – Over 3000 digital nomads make Chiang Mai their home. Most of them share ideas and events in this group

Chiang Mai Happy Hour Nomads – Looking for a new place to get together with friends? New in town and looking for a group to join n for drinks? Keep an eye on our group for our weekly meetups… We will explore new bars, return to old favorites and share our experiences along the way.

TEDx Chiang Mai – Chiang Mai’s affiliated TEDx talks

Farang Community Chiang Mai – An ask and you shall receive group for foreign nations in Chiang Mai.

Teachers of Chiang Mai – If you have questions about teaching vacancies, necessary teaching credentials, professional development ideas or just need some ideas for teaching activities post your comments here!

Teachers in Thailand: Agarn – The Ajarn school forum and Facebook page

Thailand Foreign English Teachers Network – Support group for Foreign Teachers in Thailand.
Job postings, visa issues, agents issues, Classified advertising, Group trips and more

2) Cost of Living in Chiang Mai

Front page of the Nomad List website .. says it all

One of the biggest attractions of Chiang Mai, Thailand is the cost of living. The Nomad List website, which compares the cost of living in cities around the world, rank Chiang Mai as one of the cheapest places to live. This is supported by the Digital Nomad Community forum and website, as well as International Living, a subscription based retirement community.

You can live here on an extreme budget, choosing accommodation like Siriruk Apartment for less than $100 a month. Or for $500 stay in a fully serviced Hotel like the Victoria. If you are staying here longer, you are able to lease a condo (usually 6 months minimum but can sometimes you can find one for 3 months) and save even more.

A Motorbike rental can start as low as $60 a month, but beware, this will be a low quality bike. Most likely older, 100 cc manual motorcycle. You are much better off spending $90-100 and get a newer 125cc bike large enough and with enough power for the western frame. Newer motorbikes not only pack more power and acceleration (which might save your life) they are easier on the fuel as well. Better bikes will end up alost as cheap to run as the cheaper older ones.

Food in a Thai Thai (the word to explain a typical local place) restaurant starts at 25 baht and seldom goes past 40 (US 75 cents to $1.20). Most people tend to go to the local places in more urban areas where you are looking at US$1-2 for a meal. Western food usually cost more, but still much cheaper than is typical in your home country. Although you will generally find eating out is cheaper than cooking food yourself at home.

You can live in Chiang Mai for about $500 a month. You will live very well for $1000

3) Availability of Accommodation

Chiang Mai city is growing. From almost any view in any Condo or monthly rental accommodation you will see new accommodation buildings going up. Long term condo leasing (6-12 months) is easily found, shorter term (3 months) more difficult but not impossible. Monthly accommodation is readily available in the low seasons, but during high seasons you should book ahead of time.

Chiang Mai is not just a popular destination for online entrepreneurs, it is popular with tourists from all around Asia and Thais from other parts of the country. The city is taking advantage of the increased tourist and short term visitors and building accommodation to satisfy the need. This means that rental prices are going to remain low for years to come. There are buildings that are popular with the Chinese, with Japanese, with western Expats and some even fill of digital nomads. So while accommodation is available – knowing where to live so that you are with people like you, is the biggest consideration

N.B. On many websites and blogs people will say “Accommodation is easy, just turn up and look around”. This used to be the case. Since we founded Chiang Mai Buddy, 80% of our customers have come from street walk-in’s after they found that finding accommodation was much more difficult than they read online. I strongly suggest you do not take the risk during peak season of hoping for the best. Book a place and then look around.

4) Digital Nomad Hotspot

Now the most popular location in the world, Chiang Mai is full of digital nomads. If you are starting out on your nomadic adventure, you will meet more of your future companions, friends, competitors and collaborators in Chiang Mai than anywhere else in the world. You can find people who are here for a short time and want to travel, making it the best destination to find new friends to plan your future adventures with.

For those who want to stay longer, making Chiang Mai their hub for slow travel, there are many ex nomads (or nomads on a break) who have made this city their home. In addition there are people who make their money online who do not consider themselves part of the digital nomad community.

Whatever your purpose for coming, be it short-term stay to start your career, bootstrapping, or because you have found yourself getting tired of living out of a suitcase. Chiang Mai has experienced and successful online entrepreneurial and newbies bootstrapping their dreams. And the community shares information and helps each other with an openness and willingness to share.

5) Internet and WiFi

I am not going to lie, in your accommodation if you are sharing the internet it can be slow (2-10 mbps down and .5-2 mbps up). But getting your own internet is easy and cheap. Unlimited 10 Down and one up plans start at 550 baht per month. At Chiang Mai Buddy office we have 30 Down and 10 up, 112 TV Stations and a cell phone with more data than we need for a grand total of 799 Baht (Less tan $30 a month).

Cafes and Coworking spaces offer much faster internet speeds, and with a phone plan of $10 a month or more you have access the the massive amount of Phone provider WiFi hotspots all around the city. Free WiFi is everywhere, paid internet is extremely cheap. In my early days living here I visited so many cafes and eateries (each with free WiFi) that I could walk around and almost always be connected automatically on my phone. But then I discovered how to get prepaid phone services and never had to worry about looking for free wIFi again.

6) Coworking Spaces and Cafes

In Chiang Mai you can not throw a stone without hitting 1) a Temple, 2) a 7/11 and 3) a place for the digital nomad to work from. There are now 5 or 6 major coworking spaces, several smaller ones and new places opening all the time. Every cafe offers free WiFi and has no problems with customers spending hours at a time sitting and working from within. It is good manners to make a purchase every hour or so, but you are seldom approached or requested to.

You can be assured that at almost every cafe in town (and there are 1000’s of them) your fellow Nomad will be there working away, and often eager to spend some time chatting and making new friends. You can check out the most popular coworking spaces in this article

7) Working Productivity

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When you think of how the Digital Nomad lifestyle is presented to people before they start what do you think? It’s the laptop at the beach right? Drinking coconuts! This is in reality – marketing bullshit. Unless you have incredible time management and conditioned yourself with a disciplined work effort – if you are at a beach you are much more likely to be unproductive.

In Chiang Mai there is amazing support networks and social outlets, mastermind groups and more important you are surrounded by people being productive. You are much more likely to get inspired here to work (and make money), if you are the some result of the 5 people you hang out with most – Chiang Mai is the place to find those type of people and mentors.

8) Chiang Mai Coffee

Chiang Mai Coffee Farmer explains bean flavors

Do you like Coffee? People in Chiang Mai do!. Here many of the thousands of cafes will have their own coffee farms and provide coffee that is some of the highest quality in the world. The coffee here is what is known as the top 1% by those who spend time slurping and spitting it out. The Chiang Mai region grows Coffee – It is 100% organic, grown under natural shade at high attitudes and hand picked, wet processed and dried in the sun, and packaged with single source beans.

If you compare this with the media attention grabbing Colombian coffee, which is often grown in fields, harvested with tractors and mixed with beans from other locations – Chiang Mai coffee ROCKS!

9) No Horns, Hustlers, Poverty & Ripoffs

In Chiang Mai, you are NOT constantly asked to buy things

For the beginner starting to travel around Asia, something they do not tell you in the guide books, or often mention online .. is the Bustle. In many parts of Asia (Philippines, Saigon, Cambodia, South Thailand) the poverty is overwhelming. You are confronted by beggars on the streets consistently asking for money. For the new Nomad, trying to enjoy a beer at 3 am in a nice (or not so nice) bar to be interrupted by a naked 3 year old child with their hands out, is heart breaking (and then often gets annoying).

Touts, Salespeople, Tuk Tuk drivers, Prostitutes, consistently and persistently harass you. In the Philippines along some of the most happening beaches, you will say no to someone trying to sell you fake sunglasses, and the next walking sales person will hear you say “No” but still approach you. This type of constant harassment gets old really fast. In Cambodia you will be offered a ride, then weed, and then a lady, and then 2 minutes later the cycle is repeated.

Horns are used in Asia, to let someone know they are 100 meters from them and approaching, that they are behind them, passing them, have past them, are in front of them, and just because they have not used the horn in the last 30 seconds. The noise pollution is incredible. Now some people find this last point “vibrant’ and actually enjoy the massive speed at which the world passes by them and the noise it makes. In Saigon, you are constantly being abused with this type of noise pollution.

This stuff does not happen in Chiang Mai

Yes a Tuk Tuk driver will slow down and ask you if you want a ride, a wave “No” of the hand and they move on. You are not followed and repeatedly asked to buy things from touts on the streets. Chiang Mai is a relaxed and layed back city that does not harass the tourists or westerners who live here. So if you need to work, if you need to focus, and you prefer an environment that is not consistently bombarding you with noise and harassment – Chiang Mai is your city.

10) Fantastic Weather

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From November to February the weather in Chiang Mai is perfect. Clear blue skies with 30°C temperatures and low humidity during the day and lower temperatures at night. Around March the temperature starts to get hotter, but Chiang Mai being located in the mountains is always a few degrees C lower than anywhere else in Thailand and most places in Asia.

The rainy season starts around May and sometimes goes until October. The rain usually happens once or twice a day for 30-60 minutes. And it is a downpour!. You will have about 30 minutes warning as the dark clouds roll in and 10 minutes before it starts the wind picks up. If you are under cover the refreshing breeze and cooler temps are a welcome visitor.

During the rainy seasons (really it should be referred to as the daily hour of rain) the surrounding area of Chiang Mai is beautiful. Day trips, and rides to see the tourists spots or just to go on an adventure, will offer some of the best photos you will ever have the privileged of taking. Worse case (because you do not want to ride in the rain) is that for 30-60 minutes you will have to stop off and sit back and relax at a cafe along your trip.

11) Worlds Best Food

Chiang Mai Street Food

Thai food is amazing, and here in Chiang Mai it is at least 1/10th of the price you would pay back home. Food stalls and markets are found all over the city where you can sample local dishes for $1 a meal.

Well known Thai favorites like pad Thai and green curry are readily available, and Chiang Mai is famous for its local specialty Khao Soi. If you decide to attend a cooking school (around $30 for a half to full day) you will discover the secret to Khao Soi (OK, OK it is a Thai red curry with Indian curry powder mixed in)

Vegetarians and Paleo are extremely well catered for (Thais often go meatless in their meals for special Buddha events). When you tire of Thai food, there are hundreds of restaurants that cater for every other taste. Indian, Mexican, Greek – you name it, Chiang Mai has an expat who has decided to open it. For more details Where to find Western Food in Chiang Mai

12) Cheap Fresh Produce

If you decide you want to cook for yourself (and most people give up on this idea after a week or two of living here because it IS cheaper to eat out) then the local markets in Chiang Mai are for you. Lower prices than the supermarkets and full of local and imported from other regions of Thailand – the local markets are a busy and popular place with the locals.

The Markets can be slightly overwhelming for the new arrival, (we offer a quick lesson on how to go and purchase produce included with the Digital Nomad Start Up Tour) – but you will soon get the hang of it.

One of the Kings projects was to help the farmers convert from growing drugs to growing food. Farmers where taught how to grow particular crops and shown how to do it well. If you are American – forget asking for organic, This is Thailand, almost all the food here is organic.

13) Relaxed, Non Sex-Tourist Atmosphere

Chiang Mai is a traditional city, populated with many migrants from the rural areas of Thailand. These people have traditional and high values, and Chiang Mai is NOT what you might expect about Thailand from watching movies. Here (unlike other parts of Thailand and Asia) you will not see the 90 year old man holding hands with his young beautiful play thing. Yes this is Thailand, and there are parts of the city you can visit if you are feeling ‘lonely’ – but for the most part the people that stay here in Thailand have higher morals and codes of behaviors from the usual tourist.

Chiang Mai is also a relaxed city. Things happen here at a slower pace, and no one is really in a hurry. The city is big enough and caters for most people and most tastes, but lacks the zoom zoom speed of other Asian cities. Some people find this slower pace is not for them

14) Fantastic People

Thailand is promoted as the land of smiles, and never more than in Chiang Mai. The people are friendly and helpful and honest! The locals here are not (unlike other parts of Asia) always looking for a way to get something from the tourist. Locals will help you in times of need, and some of the sweetest natures in the world are possessed by the women here.

Because Chiang Mai is a relaxed and non sex tourist destination, many of the local expats are pleasant to know and engage with. As well Chiang Mai has 3 major Universities so the locals are youthful and educated. One of the greatest things about being in Chiang Mai is that you do not have to always be on guard that your wallet is about to be taken advantage of.

15) Safety

Chiang Mai is rated as one of the safest cities in the world. Crime against foreigners is extremely rare, and apart from riding a motorcycle, you will never feel intimidated or afraid for your safety. You can freely and comfortably walk around either during the day or the small hours of the night and feel totally safe even if you are a single women alone.

The scams that fill the headlines in western media about Thailand and Asia just do not happen here in Chiang Mai – or at least are very very rare. The one exception to this is the Mob run Karaoke Bars along Chang Klan road. Here you can go in for an hour, have a few drinks with a few ladies and come out with a 30,000 baht bill. Many (often drunk and loud) westerners do not understand how a few drinks and a couple of ladies flirting with them can cost $1000. The answer is simple – it is a scam – just don’t go there!

16) The Temples & Culture

things to know coming to Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai has Temples! If taking photos of golden laced statues surrounded by orange and red clothed monks of all ages is your thing – you could spend months and months going to different places everyday. If you are up in the early hours you will frequently see monks collecting elms along the side of the roads, monks traveling in public transport … monks monk monks!

Thai culture is valued very highly here in Chiang Mai, with a mixture of both rural and urban important events and traditions being celebrated. Thailand and indeed Chiang Mai is relatively free from western religion, instead the vast majority of people (99%) are Buddhist and this culture is loudly and proudly displayed during the day to day activities of the people. A few weeks before I wrote this post, myself and a friend where walking at night, and he collapsed and went unconscious. Luckily we were outside of a medical clinic and the Doctor and nurses came to his aid, but the staff also immediately lite incense to appeal to the house spirit that controlled the area as well.

Asia is well known for its rich and vibrant culture, here in Chiang Mai you will be able to view massive amounts of it, each and everyday just walking around.

17) The Holidays & Festivals

The culture in Chiang Mai is vibrant and often celebrated. Festivals and Public Holidays are times when the Locals, Expats and tourists alike relax, take time off and enjoy the many colorful and exotic experiences. In particular Songkran (April 13-16) and Loy Kratong (Nov 25) are two events that draw overseas tourists and Thai’s from other regions of the country. These are two events that should be on everyone bucket list!

18) Beautiful Scenery and Landscapes

Chiang Mai Scenery

Let’s get this out of the way from the get go. Chiang Mai is located in the North of Thailand, in the Mountains. There are no beaches here. But what is here is lush forests, mountains, old villages, rice fields, elephants, gardens, lakes, caves, temples, national parks and more. There is a world outside of Chiang Mai (although it is fair to say there are many worlds contained within it as well). that are absolutely spectacular. Many Expats regularly go on motorcycle tours around the top of Thailand, taking several days. More locally in just a few short hours you can go to many locations that will fill your camera memory card within hours.

19) So Much to Do!!

Chiang Mai Elephant Tour

There is more to life than just working, and in Chiang Mai there’s plenty to do in your downtime. You may have seen the Elephant Painting on Youtube – here in Chiang Mai you can go and see it for real. You could visit one of the many Wats (temples); learn to cook Thai food, or how to give a massage. Perhaps learn a new language or get qualified to Teach English and get a Visa and make money to live here long term.

Paintball, Salsa, Rock climbing, Trekking, Sports, all the usual things you would enjoy doing at home – PLUS the additional things you can only experience in Thailand. Get blessed by a Monk, attend a retreat, learn how to train Elephants, relax with a $5 massage. The choices are endless.

20) Cheap Medical Treatments

Here you can have breast implants for around US$1400, get braces for your teeth for half this amount. Dental treatment, Operations, Plastic Surgery – everything here is at almost a 1/3rd what you would pay in a socialist country with subsidized health care, and a fraction of what the typical American would would pay.

Health checks for $3, eye tests, medication the list goes on and on. Thailand is a medical holiday country and these savings and benefits extend to local services provided by the medical health professionals here in Chiang Mai

21) Transport is Cheap

You can hire a motorbike for 3000 baht a month (sometimes less and sometimes more) – but if you want to use public transport it is easily affordable. Chiang Mai is supposed to have a public bus system but you will never see it. The reality is the Red Truck and Tuk Tuk mafia own this town. Taxi’s are not allowed to drive around looking for customers, and there are no Motorcycle Taxi’s. But! You can jump on the Red Trucks and travel for just 20 baht, a Tuk Tuk will cost you between 60-100 for a 5 kilometer trip (depending on the time of day and how well you haggle).

Hiring Cars for day trips is around 800-1200 baht. If you need to do a Visa run, or want to visit another city (or country) the Bus, Train, Tour Vans and Flights are incredibly cheap.

22) Visa’s are Easy to Get

Starting late 2014, the government has started to tighten up the relaxed way they did the visa system here in Thailand. Gone are the days where you could come in for 30 days and do visa runs to the boarder and extend your stay for ever. Gone are the days where you would get an ED Visa and not actually attend your class. Now you must have a proper Visa – but they are easy to get.

Most nationalities get a 30-day visa exemption when they arrive by plane, but if you want to stay long-term it’s best to get a 60-day tourist visa available from many neighboring countries—the nearest is Vientiane in Laos. A double-entry 60-day tourist visa will allow you to stay for six months by getting a 30-day extension at the immigration office, and then doing a border run after three months to renew.

Many people choose to use Chiang Mai as a base, and then visit other countries for a period of time, knowing they can always get another Visa in the countries they are in return to Chiang Mai.

If fact you can get a work permit through Chiang Mai Buddy for 30,000 baht. Click here to find out how

23) Everything you will need is here

Chiang Mai is small enough to easily learn your way around and become familiar with the city, and big enough to have something for everyone. There are may reasons that Chiang Mai is the Number one spot for Nomads – they can get and do anything they need to be successful.

Computer repairs, Internet, working spaces, recreational activities, women, friends, seminars, nature tours. This list is too long to even attempt to begin to describe.

24) Chiang Mai Buddy

Chiang Mai is the first (and only as far as we are aware) city that has a Concierge Service specific for digital nomads. We make coming and staying in Chiang Mai an easy and stress free experience. We find you the best accommodation at the same price as if you walked in off the street, knew how to negotiate and paid cash. We pick you up and take you to your new home, motorcycle ready and waiting for you and then show you the hotspots for working, shopping and playing.

Once you are here, our online service means that you can call or send a text to have us make doctors or dental appointments, arrange for bank accounts, find child care, arrange for internet and TV – and everything and anything you could ask for. How cool is that?

Find out what we can Do for You

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August 12, 2015
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Finding Western Food in Chiang Mai

Finding Western Food in Chiang Mai https://i0.wp.com/chiangmaibuddy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Western-food-in-Thailand.jpg?fit=538%2C218&ssl=1 538 218 cmbadmin cmbadmin https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a0e7ec04d65a021865830fe3e536350b?s=96&d=mm&r=g August 12, 2015 August 12, 2015

Finding and Eating Western Food in Chiang Mai

It does not take very long living in Thailand before you will discover that western food is 3 to 5 times more expensive than eating at the local Thai restaurants. There are many reasons for this, most notably the luxury tax system, where goods that are deemed by the government to be luxurious, are taxed. Sadly many western based food items like milk, cheese, canned and frozen foreign foods are considered a luxury. Additionally the demand for many products that Thai’s generally do not eat (baked goods, breads, beef, cakes) is small. Many of these items are produced at a local level or imported and tend to cost more.

At the moment this is the reality, and if you are unable to adapt your diet to eat the same as the people in the country – bottom line it is going to cost you more to eat. Worse (for me anyhow) is I sometimes get a hankering for a meat sandwich or a self cooked ‘taste of home’ meal and shopping for this one meal could otherwise feed me at local food joints for 4 or 5 days.

But what can you do? I have a digestive system and taste preference profile that was built up over years living in my own country. Sometimes I just got to eat a western meal.

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Fast Food & Delivery Services in Chiang Mai

Luckily for the immediate satisfaction there are many of the old familiar and favorite (at least American) fast food chains across Chiang Mai. These will deliver (usually for free but a tip is customary). Food Panda is a worldwide delivery service that will take your order online, pick up and deliver usually within an hour for 150 baht.

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Delivers all over Chiang Mai,
Tel: 1150
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Tel: 1711
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Deliver all around Chiang Mai
Tel: 1112
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Food Panda Delivery Service
Delivers from many outlets for 150 baht
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Western Restaurants & Bars in Chiang Mai

Luckily for Westerners living in Chiang Mai, others have come before you and often have come from a food and beverage background. Many of the bars that specialize in western customers also provide some good quality food. Below is a selection of the more popular places.[hr]

The Dukes in Chiang Mai

49/4-5 Chiang Mai-Lamphun Rd.
Ping River Branch: 053 249 231

Map Location

The Dukes Website.

In 2005 David Anichowski opened the Duke’s the first American restaurant by the Ping River in Chiang Mai.David. Anichowski loves to eat great food and have a good time with family and friends, The Dukes slogan is “No claims…No Games…Just Great food” A lot of hard work has provided Great food, Great service and Great prices to the customer of the Duke’s

The Duke’s specially imports it’s beef from Australia and selects products from other local producers in Chiang Mai and Bangkok and now has three locations

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The Pub in Chiang Mai

The Pub, 189 Huay Kaew Road,
+66 (0)53 211 550

Map Location

The Pub Website

Voted one of the best bars in the world by Newsweek, the pub is a rustic old English bar frequented by many of the Expat community living in Chiang Mai. The pub serves a variety of beers and food that remind you of living back home in England. Baked Beans, Curries, Sausages and mash potatoes and my personal favorite the Spare Ribs.

Since the first landlord, Mike Tinker, there has been a succession of international Mine Hosts, from South Africa to Argentina and currently from UK in the shape of Grahame Quinn and his wife Tong both have been running The Pub since 2004 during which time it has gone from strength to strength

In 1969 the building which is now The Pub was initially intended to be a library, but ended up as a popular watering hole for the local tobacco dealers, many of South African origin. Although not quite the first expat bar in Chiang Mai, Gymkhana Club has that distinction, it is certainly the first pub, hence the name, ‘The Pub’. As there was only one it didn’t need any other name.

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The UN Irish in Chiang Mai

24-24/1 Ratwithi Road
+66 (0) 53 214 554

Map Location

The UN Irish Website

The U.N. Irish Pub and Restaurant is not your stereotypical Irish Pub. While it’s got Guinness on tap, and its a great place to go for St. Patricks Day, there is little in the way of tacky theming. It’s run by an Aussie and is a great place to hang out, in particular if you’re a sports fan. Wander in any time and there will be a plethora of sports on the t.v. from football to formula 1, and from cricket to rugby. Yes I said cricket – where better to follow the ashes or the cricket world cup? Oh, and I guess I should mention the Aussie rules game too. There are three rooms for matches, two upstairs and one downstairs, which means if the game you want to see isn’t on when you walk in, you’ll likely find it on upstairs!

The U.N. Irish Pub also boasts a quiz night every Thursday, so its a great place for Trivia buffs too. While there is no pool table, there is a dart board upstairs, as well as a small beer garden. The low seats on the balcony overlooking the road provides a great spot for people watching.

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The Sausage King in Chiang Mai

332 Soi 13 Moo 2, Nong Chom,A.Sansai,Sansainoi
+66 53 127 585

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The Sausage King Website.

The Sausage King is located a little north and has a sit down restaurant in addition to selling its home made products nationwide. Sausage King Chiang Mai offers local products hand selected and made to a strict high quality, fashioned towards items that westerners prefer. Pies, cuts of meats, microwave meals, burgers it is all there at the Sausage King

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3 Little Pigs in Chiang Mai

242 Manee Napparat Rd. Chiang Mai
0808516082

Map Location

3 Little Pigs Website.

At 3 Little Pigs you’ll find best of Southern Comfort Cooking in Chiang Mai Thailand and probably all of Asia. If not the first best than maybe the second best. Surely no worse than the third best … They hope Depends on who is cooking.

We be talking large portions of working folks foods. The website offers you their menu, shows you where to find the pork and if you really want to know more about them

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The River Market in Chiang Mai

Next to the “Iron bridge” at the end of Loi Kroh Road

Map Location

The River Market Website.

A favorite hangout of the Chiang Mai Expats Club. The River market is centrally located on the River Ping and overlooking the Iron Bridge. The Thai-Burmese Colonial inspired building was built with 95% recycled wood and using old traditional construction techniques. The high ceiling adds light and the roof structure was designed for the air to circulate and keep the building cool even on the hottest days.

The modern Thai kitchens showcase the food and the talented chefs that prepare it. Everything is cooked fresh using the best ingredients available. To make it a prefect meal we offer a selection of great wines, beers and cocktails chosen to compliment our food.

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Frozen Western Food in Chiang Mai

Many of the restaurants and bars in Chiang Mai that serve western food, (like many consumers around the world) use frozen food. While there are no companies that specialize in solely western food, one company I have that supplies local food outlets does have a range of items they will sell to the consumer. You can order directly from the rep Fon who will arrange delivery.

Fon’s Contact details

Ph: 090 316 2036
Email: jpowercm@gmail.com
Line: chompunuto807
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Chiang Mai Smoke House

52 Moo 5 Soi 6, 50210 Sanphanet Sansai Chiangmai
0861864713 Thai or English 0900519028 English Only

Delivery across Chiang Mai

The Chiang Mai Smoke House Website.

Finest Gourmet custom smoked meats in Thailand is the mission of the Chiang Mai Smoke House. Healthiest Smoked meats using only the finest GMP & HAACP certified products with NO MSG and Low Sodium. Call for delivery details

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July 29, 2015
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Thai Massage Chiang Mai (in your Home)

Thai Massage Chiang Mai (in your Home) cmbadmin cmbadmin https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a0e7ec04d65a021865830fe3e536350b?s=96&d=mm&r=g July 29, 2015 July 29, 2015

Thai Massage Chiang Mai: Get a Outcall Spa Quality Traditional Thai Massage in your Home

Chiang Mai Thai Massage Callout Service

Now you can get a Spa quality Thai Massage in your own home with the Spa Thai Massage Callout Service from Chiang Mai Buddy. Khun Orr, is a highly qualified and experienced masseuse in multiply Spa, Relaxation and Treatment Massage methods. Get the convenience of a quality Thai massage in your own home in the central Chiang Mai area.

Get a Spa Quality Thai Massage in your own home!
Invigorating … Relaxing … Healing … Beautifying

What is a Thai Massage?

Traditional Thai massage does not use no oils or lotions. The person receiving the massage remains clothed during a treatment, which lasts between one and two hours. There is constant body contact between the giver and receiver, but rather than rubbing on muscles, the body is compressed, pulled, stretched and rocked.

The person getting the massage usually wears loose, comfortable clothing and lies on a mat or firm mattress on the floor. While it is common now in Tourist areas of Thailand to have shop fronts with many customers at a time, the true ancient style of the massage requires that the massage be performed solo with just the giver and receiver. The receiver will be positioned in a variety of yoga type positions during the massage, and deep static and rhythmic pressure is applied using many parts of the body.

The massage follows designated patterns of flow and movement, following lines (“sen”) in the body. The massage therapist will position the body of the person into beneficial poses and positions using their legs and feet. In other positions, hands fix the body, while the feet do the massaging. A Thai massage session typically includes rhythmic pressing and stretching of the entire body. This may include pulling fingers, toes, ears, cracking knuckles, walking on the recipient’s back, and moving the recipient’s body into many different positions. There is a standard procedure and rhythm to the massage, which the giver will adjust to fit the receiver.

Thai massage focuses on 10 energy points in the body, known as sen, though there are over 70,000 recorded sen in all. It separates itself from other types of massage in that their is a spiritual aspect involved, and a properly trained masseuse will conduct a short prayer before commencing in order to focus their energy on the task. Aspects of yoga are incorporated in the massage, bending and twisting the torso to ‘reset’ the muscular-skeletal position. The procedure is a slow and patient one, with most attention given to areas that are most muscular, such as the thighs. There aren’t many brutal movements in this form.

The most active tool in a masseuse’s arsenal is the thumb, however; as with the fingers, there is indirect pressure applied and the ball of the digit is used rather than the tip. A correctly trained Thai massage practitioner will avoid sensitive areas such as the knees. If you have ailments or chronic problems sensitive to body pressure, you are advised to receive your massage from a professional spa, where the masseuse will usually quiz you beforehand so as to avoid anything painful and harmful. It’s also not advised to go for a massage directly after eating. (Acknowledgement: Some sentences taken from onestopchiangmai.com)

Meet the Therapist’s

Khun Orr: Qualified and Experienced Massage Expert

Khun Orr, is a Spa Massage veteran, qualified and skilled in a wide range of relaxation, traditional Thai and therapeutic massage techniques. She provides years of expertise and a strong and powerful massage in the comfort of your own home. No need to go to a spa and wait – you arrange the time and she will come to you.

This is a quality Thai Massage, not a 200 baht tourist experience from a pretty little thing you would find along a market street with no training, strength or skill. A genuine Thai Massage from a gifted therapist available as a call out service in your own home of office.

Thai Massage Call Out Nana Khun Nana, is a Spa Massage specializing in Traditional Thai Massage. Also well trained and qualified, Nana has been providing Thai Massage in it’s various forms for over 5 years. In addition her comprehension of English enables you to communicate with her and get treatments especially designed for your immediate needs.

No need to go to a spa and wait – you arrange the time and she will come to you.

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Types of Thai Massage Available

Traditional Thai Massage

Time: 1 hour
Cost: 350 Baht

The Traditional Thai Massage uses hands and the masseuses’ own body to apply force, stretches and pressure on more than 100 parts of the body.

While the stretching and pressure can cause a little discomfort at first when applied to tense muscles, afterwards you feel amazingly relaxed, with the body tissues increased flexibility your blood circulation and over all energy levels increase.

Traditional Thai Foot Massage

Time: 1 hour
Cost: 350 Baht

The Traditional Thai Foot Massage uses Reflexology and works the internal organs of the body through manipulation of pressure points on the soles of the feet.

A combination of a vigorous foot massage and the use of wooden pins to apply pressure into the acupressure points located in the feet. The Thai Foot Massage does remarkable things for tired and sore feet, increasing stimulation of the body (some say producing a detoxing effect) but leaves you feeling relaxed and feeling healthy.

Head Back & Shoulders Thai Massage

Time: 1 hour
Cost: 400 Baht

The Thai Head Back and Shoulders is a vigorous massage around the back and Shoulders designed to loosen tense muscles and make them submit into relaxation. Followed by a soothing face and head massage.

This massage requires much more physical energy and work from the therapist and is guaranteed to leave you feeling like a relaxed mellow blob of your former self.

[hr]

cmbadmin
May 27, 2015
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Are my Prescription Drugs Legal in Thailand?

Are my Prescription Drugs Legal in Thailand? cmbadmin cmbadmin https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a0e7ec04d65a021865830fe3e536350b?s=96&d=mm&r=g May 27, 2015 May 27, 2015

Can I buy my Prescription Medication in Thailand?

Have you ever stopped to consider whether the drugs prescribed by your doctor legally back home are legal in countries that you work remotely in?

For those who require medications prescribed by their doctor to function. People who decide to settle down for any period of time in Thailand are rarely aware that treating conditions such as extreme pain, extreme anxiety or panic attacks will require a little bit of advance planning and a basic understanding of Thai drug laws. The question is soon asked “Are my Prescription Drugs Legal in Thailand?”

Not every drug that is legal with a prescription in your home country is legal in Thailand, and you will need to carry a prescription with you at all times –especially on a visa/border run.

I provide this information as “hear-say” and editorial. This book does not contain legal advice, or health advice, and I am not responsible for any consequences that may occur as a result of reading this book.

Your certificate/medical prescription must indicate:

The name and address of the patient
The identified medical condition
The name of the medications and the reason that those medications were prescribed for the patient’s treatment
The posology and total amount of medications prescribed
The name, address, and license number of the prescribing physician

Background

Drug/narcotic classifications vary from one country to another which can get a little confusing. Let’s look at Thailand’s narcotic categories;

Narcotic Categories in Thailand

I. Heroin, amphetamines (ecstasy), methamphetamines (“yabba” and “Ice”)

II. Morphine, codeine, methadone, opium and medicinal opium, ketamine, cocaine

III. Medicinal drugs which legally contain Category II ingredients

IV. Chemicals used to make Category I and II narcotics, like anhydride and acetyl chloride

V. Marijuana, the Kratom plant, hallucinogenic mushroom

Drugs classified as narcotics that are available with a prescription in most Westernized countries are generally prohibited in Thailand; meaning that Thailand’s Category II drugs can only be legally carried by a foreigner with a prescription
The reason for this is because they have a high potential for abuse and are generally dispensed with a number of restrictions, even in countries where they are legal
These drugs may be considered highly addictive, highly sedative, have appeal for recreational use, fuel the black market, and can potentially be used to cause others harm
For example; benzodiazepines (ben-zo-dee-az-eh-peen) sold under brand names such as Xanax or Valium became illegal in Thailand back in 2013 due to their widespread use as a date rape drug

Current Situation

It is possible to acquire your prescribed medications in Thailand, however traditional legal methods may prove difficult.

Pharmacies are not legally allowed to sell any of these drugs to any person from any country, regardless of your prescription or doctor’s note (How do they know it’s legitimate? For your privacy your medical records are not shared with other countries)
Hospitals are the only place where you can acquire prescription drugs that are otherwise illegal in Thailand, however they are only permitted to sell you 10 pills at one time
If you are carrying any prohibited drug in Thailand without a prescription you could be taken to jail, bribed/extorted by police, or worse
Public online forums are monitored for discussions surrounding the illegal acquirement of these drugs in Thailand
Popular destinations for young tourists such as the Full Moon Party are heavily watched by uniformed and undercover Thai police looking for drug use and transactions
Travelers with a handful of medications which are prohibited in Thailand are required to carry a permit issued by Thailand’s own Food and Drug Administration and are legally permitted to carry a 30 day prescribed usage (I have never met anyone who has bothered with this permit as this permit is for the heavier prescription drugs)
Travelers carrying medications containing Thailand’s Category II narcotics are required to declare the medications they are carrying into/out of Thailand; again, these drugs include Morphine, codeine, methadone, opium and medicinal opium, ketamine, cocaine
The most common drug prosecutions in Thailand involve street methamphetamines (like “ice” or “yabba” and marijuana
Penalties generally range from 1 to 10 years for possession of illegal methamphetamines and drug traffickers of this sort may face the death penalty, however there is no death penalty involving marijuana

Solutions

Stock up on medications before you arrive, and after arrival only carry a short supply on your person at any given time.

I have been told by some older expats here in Thailand that they are able to receive their prescriptions shipped from their home countries as long as the medications are all in the pharmacy packaging, sealed, and are clearly labeled with the prescription information I listed earlier.

Some notes on acquiring medications in Thailand:

Do not buy drugs on the street, ever
Expect to pay at least 30 baht per pill for common prescribed medications
There is a Thai version of Xanax called “Interdrug”; yet shoddy drug manufacturing could translate into irregular doses and cause harm or be far too weak to help you
Stick with blister packs of generic or name brand drugs you are familiar with
You must carry a prescription for your medications and not carry more than a 30 day supply when you go on a visa/border run

I strongly suggest that you do not take recreational drugs in Thailand, however if you choose to take any drug whether it be manufactured or grown; do not do so unless you’ve settled in and you’re comfortable with your surroundings.

I say this because there are places that openly consume recreational drugs, but it does not mean you’re safe. All recreational drugs including magic mushrooms and marijuana are illegal in Thailand. The dirtier the drug, the harder the consequence.
[hr]

If you are at a full moon party, do not purchase methamphetamines or any other street drugs from locals. Recent events, attention, and scrutiny from the international community have forced Thailand to increase its undercover operations.

If you have any desire to come to Thailand to get messed up, I suggest that after watching The Beach for the 12th time, watch Broke Down Palace, too.

The information in this book is based on suggestions and experiences by a whole lot of people. Do not break the law, breaking the law is bad. Anything suggested in this book that seems like it’s breaking the law is intended to be understood as fiction.

cmbadmin
April 23, 2015
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Hiring a Maid, Cleaner or Housekeeper

Hiring a Maid, Cleaner or Housekeeper https://chiangmaibuddy.com/wp-content/themes/crocal/images/empty/thumbnail.jpg 150 150 cmbadmin cmbadmin https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a0e7ec04d65a021865830fe3e536350b?s=96&d=mm&r=g April 23, 2015 April 23, 2015

How to Hire a Maid, Cleaner or House keeper in Chiang Mai

One of the most common problems new arrivals have when they live in Chiang Mai, is the question of how to hire a Maid, Cleaner or Housekeeper. Looking at westerner based forums on the topic, does not offer much in the way of useful information, with the most common sage wisdom being “Get a Maid who is referred by another Expat”. This of course is not much help when you are new and have limited contacts.

Hiring a Maid, Cleaner or Housekeeper in Chiang Mai can be a complex problem, because there are so many options. Let’s start by defining what combination of options there are, so that you can get a better idea of what you are looking for.

[hr]

In a Nutshell

Full Time or Part Time
Live In or Live Out
English Speaking Required
Specialty (farang) cooking
Cook-Housekeeper or Cleaner
Know the legal required Holidays
Where to Find your Maid
Condo Cleaner vs Housekeeper

thumbs up Chiang Mai Buddy Advantage
We have found it difficult to find our customers a reliable English Speaking Cleaning Service in Chiang Mai for Move In/Out Cleaning Services or Regular Cleaning of condos. So we helped a very smart local Thai person who speaks fantastic English, start her own Cleaning Business. She is not only smart – she is incredibly hard working and holds herself up to standards that we farang expect. This standard of professionalism far exceeds what we have become used to in hiring Thai cleaning staff. Click for more

Live In vs Live Out:
Do you want a employee that you provide a free lodgings and food for? Or do you want someone who will come to your place, work and go home. Generally if you provide a room at your home and provide food, you can reduce the monthly salary by 2000-3000 baht per month.

Full time vs Part time
Having a maid full time means that usually you will be employing them for 6 days a week from approximately 7am-7pm plus or minus a couple of hours. The longer you hire a Cleaner or Maid the more economical the salary becomes from your prospective.

Maid vs House Keeper vs Cleaner
The term maid and house keeper are used interchangeably. In times gone by, the term Maid was for the female and a Male serving in the same role was called a Butler. Now days (and in particular here in Chiang Mai) when you refer to a housekeeper or maid you are talking about a cook-housekeeper.

Cook-Housekeeper: This type of employee is usually engaged in full time work and does the domestic chores around the house. Cooking, Cleaning, Laundry, Child Minding, Shopping, gardening and a variety of tasks that was the role of the traditional wife in days long gone.

Cleaner: A cleaner is more likely to be a part time employee and will engage in cleaning duties which may sometimes include doing your dishes. A cleaner will generally not do laundry or ironing or other domestic chores of a housekeeper. They are there to clean – not be your maid.

Things to know when hiring a Maid

Hiring staff in a new country with a new culture is complicated. Farangs previous expectations of western work ethic, a lack of understanding of the culture, the sexpat who is looking for a girlfriend but employs a maid – are among some of the several issues that creates confusion in information about employing a maid. Lets examine some of the things you are likely to face

1) How Much to Pay a Maid?

Maid Cleaning Service chiang mai Some long time residents of Chiang Mai will give you their ‘expertise’ of how to get the best value for money. They will offer such titbit gems like, “You can pay a Bernese maid 100 baht a day, a Thai maybe 150-200”; then warn that you have to be careful they are often lazy (on their phones) or will steal from you.

I am hoping that most readers of this article will appreciate that a person who has a property large enough that they require a maid, yet make the conscience decision to pay someone $3-6 for a days work – is not someone who advice should be taken seriously.

Pricing is often a difficult choice. Generally you can take the following as a guideline

1) Non English speaking Maid live In 8,000-10,000 baht a month
2) Non English speaking Maid live Out 10,000-12,000 baht a month
3) English speaking Maid live In 10,000-12,000 baht a month
4) English speaking Maid live Out 12,000+ baht a month

If your maid speaks English, and has extra skills such as cooking western or specialty foods, ability to pay bills and balance budgets then you will pay more for these skills.

Entitlements

All domestic employees in Thailand are entitled to one day off per week, and no fewer than 13 public holidays per year, as well as sick leave.Another important thing to be aware of is that Thais typically get a 13 month payment as a bonus at the end of each year. Maids and Housekeepers must get overtime for extra hours and working on entitled days off and holidays.

2) Thai Maids are Lazy!

Many people ready and willing to give their advice in forums will often point out that Thai people are lazy. In many cases Thai people will also say the same thing. So lets get a bit of perspective here.

Thai Mindset
You are employing someone almost always from a rural and farming background, probably with an extremely limited amount of formal education. And you are employing someone whose language has a limited use of past, present and future tense. The Thai mindset does not only not hold the same importance to a system of ‘time management’ we have in the west – more often than not, there is no conscious perception of the concept.

If your expectations are that your Thai Maid should have the same set of values and work ethic, as where you are from – you will constantly be disappointed. It is you who is in a different country, with a different culture and set of values. It is your responsibility to adapt to the country you are living in.

Cellphones/Family
For Thai people family is extremely important. You maybe employing a younger person who has left children in the rural areas with their grandparents, or an older person who is valued and revered by their extended family. Thai people will want and desire to stay in contact with their family (and friends). Not having an understanding of this and (again) expecting the Thai people to behave and believe the same way you do – is setting yourself up for more disappointment.

3) Where to Find your Maids

You should first be aware of why you are wanting your Maid or Housekeeper. For many Expats, the inability to speak Thai Language can make difficult tasks of the simplest of intentions. Having an English speaking Maid that can act as interpreter for both communication and understanding Thai culture will greatly increase the quality of life experience here. For many people they want the comforts of home – which means cooking in the style you grew up with. Obtaining these things in addition to someone who just cleans up after you will require more pay and more effort to find and interview.

The best way to find such a person is through word-of-mouth referrals, from others in the Expat community who know of a maid looking for work or extra hours, your landlord, the internet or using a domestic help agency. Unfortunately the English speaking services that have Maids looking for work are scarce in Chiang Mai (If you own one or know of any, please add the details in a comment)

Website Agencies
greataupair.com

4) Interviewing your Maid or Housekeeper

You should of course interview your potential Maid, making it clear they understand what their duties will be. Be aware of …

Do you require cooking (if so, what kinds of cuisine?)
Childcare
Bill Payments
Laundry
Cleaning
Interpreter
Grocery Shopping
Live in or Live Out
Regular Working Hours
Overtime Rates
Food Allowance
Annual Bonus Payment date

[hr]

cmbadmin
March 2, 2015
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How BAD is Chiang Mai Air Pollution Really?

How BAD is Chiang Mai Air Pollution Really? https://chiangmaibuddy.com/wp-content/themes/crocal/images/empty/thumbnail.jpg 150 150 cmbadmin cmbadmin https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a0e7ec04d65a021865830fe3e536350b?s=96&d=mm&r=g March 2, 2015 March 2, 2015

Overview

Local farmers throughout northern Thailand as well as those in neighbouring Laos and Myanmar continue to practice traditional ‘slash and burn’ typically between late February and early April each year.

Post-harvest rice and maize (corn) fields in particular are set ablaze round-the-clock in order to clear the land of plant remains and, at the same time, fertilise the soil in preparation for the replanting of crops ahead of the rainy season. Unfortunately, the resultant smoke, haze, dust and debris creates not only widespread and chronic air pollution in and around Chiang Mai but also imparts a lingering campfire-like smell and, in places, a covering layer of fine ash.

The adverse effects are accentuated by Chiang Mai’s prevailing wind patterns and physical topography (being located in a natural basin surrounded by mountains with an overlying inversion layer), and contributed to by the incineration of domestic and commercial waste as well as by forest fires started either deliberately to encourage the growth of the highly prized wild ‘hed thob’ mushroom or to clear the land for cultivation, or secondarily, through fires triggered by wind-borne smouldering embers.

Seasonal crop burning has long been a perennial –and emotionally charged- issue in Chiang Mai, and although the scale, intensity and duration of the phenomenon vary somewhat from year to year, at best the effects are unpleasant and at worst, positively dangerous. Indeed the ambient Air Quality Index (AQI)—as measured primarily by the quantity of respirable particulate matter between 2.5 and 10 micrometres/microns in diameter (designated as ‘PM10’) per cubic metre of air—in Chiang Mai is so poor on some days that it far exceeds the level considered safe to breathe in.

Health Implications

While the Thai government deems a PM10 value of 120μg/m3 or less as having no detrimental health implications, the United Nation’s World Health Organisation (WHO) advocates ambient (outdoor) PM10 levels in any 24 hour period should be no more than 50μg/m3. In 2015, for example, between the 9th March and 22nd March inclusive, Thailand’s Pollution Control Department (PCD) reported the daily average PM10 ranged from 100μg/m3 to 292μg/m3 at Chiang Mai City Hall and from 117μg/m3 to 299μg/m3 at Chiang Mai’s second air quality monitoring station at Yupparaj Wittayalai School (in the ‘Old City’).

Predictably, the outcome is a pronounced upsurge in the numbers of people (children, the elderly, the immunologically or physiologically vulnerable and outdoor workers in particular) admitted to local hospitals/clinics suffering from eye, nose and sinus irritations, sore throat, coughing fits, breathing difficulties, bronchial infections, skin disorders, chest pains and heart complaints.

Besides the tens of thousands of individuals treated for respiratory-related conditions at this time of year, the dense smog that often shrouds the city severely reduces the visibility (down to as little as 200m) often blocking out the sun, obscuring views of nearby Doi Suthep mountain (shown below before and during the crop burning season), now and again preventing inbound flights from landing at Chiang Mai Airport and, at times, bestowing an almost post-apocalyptic feel to the city.

Air quality difference

Reactionary Initiatives

Reactionary initiatives by local authorities to combat the smog involve the implementation of fire bans (and the attendant imposition of hefty financial penalties on those caught in violation), extinguishment of forest fires, distribution of face masks as well as the deployment of aircraft over Chiang Mai with the purpose of seeding clouds in order to artificially induce rain or to disperse large quantities of water into the air in an effort to dampen the smoke.

Though well meaning, said measures are generally ineffective and afford no sustainable, long-term solution. Combined with high daytime temperatures and a distinct scarcity of rainfall between the end of February and the beginning of April, there is sadly little respite from the pollution and smog borne of the crop burning season. Quite understandably at this time of year, there’s an exodus of foreigners and locals who flee Chiang Mai heading especially to the south of Thailand seeking clearer skies, cleaner air and cooler temperatures.

Counter Strategies

The only other option of course is to sit out the ‘smoky season’ and there are many strategies that can be adopted to mitigate the risks to your health and generally make your life more bearable for the duration:

Limit the amount of time you spend out of doors. When inside your home, keep doors and windows tightly closed and plug any gaps open to the exterior; use a fan (portable or ceiling) to circulate the air inside your home.
If your budget allows, a separate air purifier unit (ideally with a HEPA filter and one which doesn’t generate ozone) to trap the most hazardous—and in fact the most abundant—particulate matter, of less than 2.5 micrometres/microns in diameter (PM2.5).
Do be aware that some air-conditioners ventilate by drawing in air (clean or otherwise) from outdoors and may be equipped with a filter capable of retaining little more than household dust; it is, though, possible to buy rolls of reusable air-conditioner filter material (such as ‘Filtrete’ from 3M and costing around 300 baht for a sheet measuring 15”x48”) locally from hypermarkets, Makro and DIY superstores like HomePro and baan&BEYOND, and which can easily be fitted between the air intake and the existing filter inside a wall-mounted air-conditioning unit.
Dry freshly-laundered clothes indoors.
Arrange home delivery of bottled water, groceries and other essential provisions.
Pay water, electricity and internet bills, and refill mobile phone credit online, and purchase consumer products from Thai B2C e-commerce stores such as Lazada Thailand, Central Online Shopping, Weloveshopping (for those who read Thai), and TARAD to be shipped to your home.
During or immediately following any rain, open windows to refresh the air inside your home (but do use insect screens at the same time).
Check Chiang Mai’s real-time and forecasted air quality readings here to help assess whether or not to go outdoors.
Having ventured out, avoid intense and/or prolonged physical exertions (such as strenuous exercise), avoid areas of heavy traffic and keep as much distance between yourself and the road (to lessen the likelihood of inhaling poisonous vehicle exhaust emissions as well as smog), confine activities to the evening (when outside conditions are relatively more favourable), and keep to restaurants, fitness venues, work spaces and shops which are fully enclosed.
For additional protection against airborne contaminants when outdoors, breathe through your nose (rather than your mouth), minimise how much of your skin is exposed to the air, don snug-fitting (and preferably wrap-around) sunglasses and, the best safeguard of all, wear a construction grade face mask/respirator.

Facemark & Respirator Protection

The cheap surgical style cloth masks so often worn by Thais should be avoided (as should simply covering your nose and mouth with a bandana/kerchief or similar article) since they’re all but ineffective as a barrier against the harmful particles carried in the air. Instead, opt for a facemask/respirator which is certified to screen against the smallest and most damaging airborne impurities, and, ideally, one with a layer of activated charcoal to additionally absorb the smell of smoke; the efficiency rating of the filter attached to such facemasks/respirators is defined by a couple of major standards:

Rating	Filter Efficiency
N95 (non-oil resistant)	95% of particulate matter larger than 0.3 micrometres/microns in diameter
N99 (non-oil resistant)	99% of particulate matter larger than 0.3 micrometres/microns in diameter
N100 (non-oil resistant)	100% of particulate matter larger than 0.3 micrometres/microns in diameter
P95 (oil proof)	95% of particulate matter larger than 0.3 micrometres/microns in diameter
P99 (oil proof)	99% of particulate matter larger than 0.3 micrometres/microns in diameter
P100 (oil proof)	100% of particulate matter larger than 0.3 micrometres/microns in diameter
R95 (oil resistant)	95% of particulate matter larger than 0.3 micrometres/microns in diameter
R99 (oil resistant)	99% of particulate matter larger than 0.3 micrometres/microns in diameter
R100 (oil resistant)	100% of particulate matter larger than 0.3 micrometres/microns in diameter
P1	80% of particulate matter larger than 1.0 micrometres/microns in diameter
P2	94% of particulate matter larger than 0.3 micrometres/microns in diameter
P3	99.95% of particulate matter larger than 0.3 micrometres/microns in diameter

Although a number of different brands of facemask/respirator are represented locally, by far the most popular for everyday use during Chiang Mai’s crop burning season are the sundry disposable 3M particulate respirators, in particular the N95- and P2- graded models; available throughout the city at some local ‘mom and pop’ stores as well as from hypermarkets, Makro, DIY superstores (such as ‘HomePro’ and ‘baan&BEYOND’), the 3M distributor (Delta Electric) on Wua Lai Road and even some pharmacies from around 120 baht upwards.

It’s important to know that such facemasks/respirators are designed for use by an adult in good health (since, when worn, relatively more effort is required to breathe) and that they should be comfortable to wear but very close-fitting to ensure entry of unfiltered air is duly minimised.

All that said, asthmatics and those sensitive, allergic or otherwise greatly susceptible to airborne contaminants should certainly think twice about being in Chiang Mai between approximately the last week of February and the first week of April.

Other Atmospheric Pollutants

The other major source of atmospheric pollutants in Chiang Mai but posing a health risk year-round is exhaust emissions belched out by poorly maintained and unregulated diesel engines, most notably those of songthaew and tuk tuk. Foul- smelling and highly toxic, discharges are more noticeable (either as a pedestrian or in a vehicle open to the elements) during rush hours and in stationary traffic, and magnified in hot, dry weather. Although the volume of traffic in Chiang Mai–even at peak hours and along major highways—isn’t in the same league as that of Bangkok, for example, it’s nevertheless sensible to take one or more of the precautions outlined above to guard against breathing in lungs-full of noxious waste exhaust gases when outdoors.

Nomad Guides Cover

The above content is an excerpt from NomadGuides Chiang Mai (Copyright February 2016 Michael John Hughes. All Rights Reserved Worldwide) – the most comprehensive local information resource ever assembled for living in Chiang Mai. To learn more about NomadGuides and to purchase your copy of this 400 page masterwork click here.

cmbadmin
July 22, 2014
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How to get a Phone Plan in Thailand

How to get a Phone Plan in Thailand cmbadmin cmbadmin https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a0e7ec04d65a021865830fe3e536350b?s=96&d=mm&r=g July 22, 2014 July 22, 2014

How to get a phone plan and SIM card in Thailand and save money

One of the more complicated issues for a person coming to stay in Thailand is the incredible range and variety of phone packages and plans. None of the major companies provide brochures explaining these in English, and while there is an ‘English’ option on the phone company websites, they tend to use images which are written in Thai. Not very helpful for the non Thai speaking resident of Thailand trying to shop for the best phone plan.

Visiting one of the thousands of phone provider stores around any city also tends to be a fruitless endeavor. First there are the famous Thai waiting lines, only to find that the English speaking person available, does not have sufficient language skills to understand or explain even basic questions. The following article on How to get a Thai SIM Card (and Phone plan) should help you understand your various options.

How to get a Phone SIM Card in Thailand

It is very easy to get a SIM card for your cell phone in Thailand. More than likely they are offered to you at the airport, but can get them at any 7/11, shopping mall and many phone stores will have them available. Really all you need to do before you arrive in Thailand is make sure that your phone is unlocked (able to work outside of the network you are currently using) and operates on the GSM network.

You may also need to make sure you know the PIN number that the phone may ask for if you put a new SIM card in it. To find out if your phone needs a pass-code … swap a friends SIM card from another network into your phone. Your phone will request the pass-code if it needs one.

Phone plans in Thailand are amazingly cheap compared to other countries. You can easily get a months worth of internet data and talk time for around US$15.

[notify_box font_size=”13px” style=”red”]SMS (text messages) are not free in Thailand and they are seldom included in the main phone plans. Plans come with either a talk based option (phone calls), a Net based option (data) or a combination package. In Thailand a text message will cost 1-3 baht. You can however prepay for a certain amount of SMS texts – but most Thai people use online based texting services[/notify_box]

[hr]

Choosing the best SIM Card in Thailand

Short Time Stay (One – Two weeks)

If you are coming to Thailand for a short period of say a few weeks, your best bet is to get the tourist sims which you will usually find at the airport. These cell phone sims are either free (requiring a top up) or 199 baht (one week) and 299 baht (two weeks) of varying combinations of talk or net time. They can be topped up at any 7/11 or phone company store.

traval sim card thailand

Every Phone SIM card in Thailand will have a talk, data or combo plan. For the tourist the data plan is the best option as it will allow you to use the internet and post photos and updates. Make sure you read the packet or ask for the type of card you want.

Each of the major phone companies offer a tourist SIM card, the price is more or less the same, but the amount of data (before it slows) and talk time are different. They change all the time with every new promotion (making it difficult to list the differences) – but in reality they are more or less the same.

Some of the Free Tourist SIM cards are limited to Edge data speed. If you want to have faster data speeds other SIM card options will be better for you

[hr]

Short Time Stay (One – Three Months)

If you are coming to Thailand for a longer period of time, you will want to hold off getting a travel SIM card that are handed out at the airport. Instead you should look for a Prepaid Phone SIM card. They come in 3 basic forms, and can be topped up at any stage with either a certain amount of money, or better (and cheaper) by selecting a prepaid top-up plan

1) The Prepay Talk Plan SIM
Offered by all three major phone companies the talk plans have a greater focus on making phone calls. They have a limited amount (if any) of internet data included. You will pay extra for Data and SMS

2) The Prepay Data Plan SIM
Offered by all three major phone companies, the data (or Net Plan) has a greater focus on the amount of data you can have, and have access to WiFi hotspots. You will pay extra to make calls and send SMS

3) The Prepay Smart Plan SIM
Offered by all three major phone companies, the smart phone plan can be specific to a phone brand or for general phones, and provides a more even distribution of talk time and data. SMS will cost extra.

[hr]

Longer Stay (3 Months – Years)

If you are coming to Thailand for a longer period of time, then you may want to look at the Post pay (Contract) plans. They again come in 3 basic forms, and have better value offering more talk time and data than the visitor SIM’s. You will require your passport in order to purchase a phone contract, and the minimum amount of time is 3 months.

The contract phone plans also come in the same variety of SIM card options and related plans. Signing a contract with the Phone company is a process that will over the long term save you money, but a daunting challenge for the new arrival to Thailand. Chiang Mai Buddy does offer assistance for this service if you are in Thailand. You can hire a Thai speaking person to go with you and help with the contracts.

[hr]

Choosing the best phone plan in Thailand

Understanding the complexity of Thai phone plans is a challenge

After you have purchased your SIM card (either a talk, data or smart combination package) you can then purchase a monthly bulk prepaid subscription. To do this you must have a balance of credit on your phone that will allow you to purchase the various plans. Each plan is purchased by texting a phone number when required or arranging for the plan to be purchased on a recurring basis each month.

Once you have your primary plan, the additional services (SMS, Talk or Data) will cost you additional amounts. For example if you purchase a talk plan, you will have a certain amount of talking minutes, but will be charged when you use the internet or send a text message. If you have a data plan you will have your data and be charged additional when you send a text message or make a phone call. This is why the Smart phone or combination plans are the best option. You will get less talk time and data that the specialty plans – but save from the additional charges.

N.B. I will mention this a few times because it is the reason most people end up paying more for there phone than they need to. You can only purchase the specialty package that matches your SIM card. Talk = Talk plan, Data = Data plan and Smart = Smart plan. However some companies will change your SIM card type for just 30 baht.

Some of the providers have plans that charge data by the minute and others by the download. If you leave your data connection on (and who does not now days) your credit is drained quickly if they charge by the minute.

[hr]

Comparison of the Phone Plans available in Thailand

Lets look and compare the three major phone company brands and what they offer for each category. The packages are constantly being updated so accuracy is not guaranteed but generally things will be remain the same.

It is important to note that some plans feature unlimited data at a topped off volume amount. So once you have reached that volume (500Meg, 1Gig, 3Gigs etc) the speed declines. We will first compare the smart phone plans which offer a combination of talking minutes and internet data. This is your best option.

The Net and Smart packages usually include unlimited WiFi connections at the various hotspots around the city.

Smart Packages (Combination Plans)

AIS, TrueMove Dtac Phone Smart Package Comparison

thailand smart phone plan comparison

Note: The Thai on the far right meas unlimited WiFi connection (provided around the city) although it is slow and unreliable

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Net Packages (Internet Plans)

TrueMove Phone Net Package
true move net phone rates

The excess of True Move Net Plan
The call rates 1.25 baht / minute after plan minutes used
SMS rates 2 baht / Text MMS rates 5 baht /

TrueMove 4G Net Package

Currently TrueMove is the only carrier providing 4G high speed internet for phones that are 4G capable.

truemove 4g phone plan

Here is a speed test sent in from a reader. Awesome speeds, and probably in reality faster as the server pings (Yangon) is a slower server. Pinging Bangkok or American servers will show higher speeds.

truemove 4g speed

AIS Net Phone Plan Package

AIS net phone rates

The excess of AIS Net Plan
The call rates 1.25 baht / minute after plan minutes used
SMS rates 3 baht / Text MMS rates 5 baht /

Dtac Net Package

The excess of Dtec Smart Plan
The call rates .99 baht / minute after plan minutes used
SMS rates 2 baht / Text MMS rates 5 baht /

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Talk Packages (phone calls)

The talk packages offer phone call minutes only. Using Data, or SMS will cost you additional.

AIS Talk Plan AIS Talk Phone Plan

The excess of packages AIS Talk.
The call rates 1.5 baht / minute
SMS rates 3 baht / Text
MMS rates 6 baht /
The WiFi service 1 baht / minute
Rates 3G + / EDGE / GPRS. 1.5 baht min

TrueMove Talk Plan

truemove italk package

The excess of packages iTalk.
The call rates 1.25 baht / minute
SMS rates 2 baht / Text
MMS rates 5 baht /
The WiFi service 1 baht / minute
Rates 3G + / EDGE / GPRS. 2 Baht

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How to Use the various phone plans

Topping Up

Putting credit on your phones SIM card is called Topping up. You can top up your phone almost anywhere, the various phone stores, 7/11 shops, and many small independent shops will send you credit. In Thailand your SIM card balance can be used to make movie purchases, buy coffee and a variety of other products and services. You can also transfer credits to other phones and people.

topping up SIM card Scratch Card and 7/11 Receipts
The most common way to top up your phone is to purchase a certain amount of credits. Phone stores will give you a scratch card, where as 7/11 will provide you with a printed receipt.

You then make a phone call or send a text including the code and you have topped up your balance. Easy as that!

Credit Transfer
Many small individually owned business will do a credit transfer. You ask for which ever phone provider you have and tell them how much money you want to purchase. These smaller places will usually charge about 5 baht for the service. They then transfer credit from their phones to your own SIM card and you are ready to go.

Getting your Phone Plan Activated (Subscribing)

Once you have credit on your SIM card you can then activate your monthly phone plan. Again remember you can only activate the phone plan for your specific SIM card type (Talk for Talk SIM, Net for Net SIM and Smart for Smart SIM). Each plan has a number that you use to Subscribe to the service, and so long as you have enough credit on your SIM you will receive a text letting you know your plan has started.

Most people only ever put 100-300 baht credit on their phones and never subscribe to a service. This way they pay more for each call, text or minute they are using the net.

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Final Thoughts

In addition to the various phone plans you can also purchase an incredible variety of additional services. This includes talking minutes, Data packages and cheaper SMS texts (on some providers). This is the work around to the SIM card type = Phone plan available.

So if you have a talk SIM you can purchase a data package, and a Net SIM will allow a Talk Plan. BUT they are more expensive that your plan suited for your SIM card type. However when we use the term ‘expensive’ in Thailand it is relative only to Thailand prices. All of the phone service charges, for all the services (except SMS text messaging) is likely to be half to a third what you are paying in your home country.

Promotional Texts

From your Phone Provider:
You will be sent from time to time promotional text messages by your phone company. They will be written in Thai – but well worth copying and pasting into your Google translate App. The phone companies are constantly bringing out promotions and special deals – which can save you bundles of baht

From Advertising Partners:
These are just a pain in the ass. When you get your SIM card at a phone provider ask immediately to Op-out of the sponsors messages. Otherwise a quick call to the Customer Service and a few taps and 24hrs later they stop. The following numbers will reach the Help Desk who speak very good English.

AIS *1175
Dtac *1678 Go here for additional self call codes
TrueMove *9399 Go here for additional self call codes

Thai people do not use SMS texting, they use online programs like Skype and more popular here LINE. If you are staying or living in Thailand and you do not have LINE – your ability to interact with other people is going to be severely limited. You can learn more about Line here

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