Chiang Mai News, daily updates, local news, breaking news, opinions, blogs on Chiang Mai

CityNow!: Chiang Mai and the north of Thailand events. Many events in Chiang Mai.

Blog List

20 Reasons Why Thailand is Perfect for Western Expats

Dr Stephen M Jun 16, 2013

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Nowhere is perfect, but for the Western expat Thailand is as good as it gets.

Classroom Management

Daniel Jun 2, 2013

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Secrets to creating a harmonious, well-ordered and productive learning environment.

Lum Lum

Sun May 29, 2013

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Today I would like to recommend one of the highest quality Korean grills in Chiang Mai.

The Asian Mystique - Part 2

Dr Stephen M May 29, 2013

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The 10 pluses and minuses of falling for Thais

Death of a Room mate

Tom May 17, 2013

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Have you tried to catch a cockroach? They are deceptively nippy little bastards and have those long feelers that one just doesn’t want to damage by trapping them under a cup

FASHION THAT SPRINGS TO MIND

Marijke May 15, 2013

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Fashion Trends Spring 2013

Red Night Zone by James Newman

Tom May 11, 2013

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The heart of Newman’s literary mission - the crossing of Beat style writing and observation’s of Thailand turgid world of sex-pats - is not as obvious as it might sound

Well-cultured and Syphilis-Free :)

Daniel Apr 30, 2013

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Don't worry - this week's blog update is about teaching and not online dating despite the misleading title...

A Guide to Cross-Cultural Relationships (Part 1)

Dr Stephen M Apr 30, 2013

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Ever fallen for the Asian Mystique and gotten hurt? Sure you have.

ชีวิตนี้ขาดฟุตบอลไม่ได้

Dying Apr 25, 2013

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โอย... โอย... เสียงบ่นครวญคราญยามตื่นนอนตอนเช้าเมื่อเกิดความรู้สึกปวดเมื่อยตามร่างกายหลังจากการหักโหมเตะฟุตบอลอันหนักหน่วง ไม่ใช่เพียงแค่ปวดเมื่อยตามร่างกายเท่านั้น เมื่อเวลามาทำงานความรู้สึกที่เมื่อยล้าก็เข้ามาถาโถม เดินขึ้นบันไดแต่ละครั้งนี้แทบจะหยุดหายใจ

Five Fairly ‘Serious’ Films to Watch

Dying Apr 17, 2013

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96 die in traffic accidents during the festival, and about the same amount died on my TV screen...

Asia University Rankings Top 100

Daniel Apr 11, 2013

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The Asia University Rankings Top 100 were released late last night. So how do Thailand's universities compare with the rest of Asia?

Songkran is Coming

Bon Apr 10, 2013

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In a couple of days, the country will take a near unanimous decision to leave all common sense at home and head out and about to celebrate Songkran.

The Britogram Extra: For when breaking news stories need to be broken…

G.E. Apr 7, 2013

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The Tory ‘Bedroom Tax’ comes into force during the first weeks in April and has been variously described as “a once in a generation blunder” on the scale of the Poll Tax. www.gesimons.co.uk

The Britogram Extra: For when breaking news stories need to be broken…

G.E. Apr 7, 2013

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If you publish even as few as 140 characters to a worldwide audience, maybe it’s worth reading and re-reading them before you do. Having also first acknowledged Fran Lebowitz’s suggestion to “Think before you speak. Read before you think.” www.gesimons.co.uk

Teaching Opportunities in Chiang Mai

Daniel Apr 7, 2013

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As the new school year gets closer, now is that time of the year when schools are busy filling their final teaching vacancies. Here are a few tips for teachers looking for work.

The Most Gay Friendly Countries in Asia

Dr Stephen M Apr 7, 2013

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So where would Thailand come on your own 'Gay Friendly Index'?

Gaijin Cowgirl – Jame DiBiasio

Tom Apr 4, 2013

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The latest blood and guts novel from “quality pulp” publisher Crime Wave Press, Gaijin Cowgirl is a gripping and escalating read from the beginning until the final pages and the perfect companion with which to while away several hours on a long train journey

The Britogram: Year Raider, Part 1

G.E. Apr 1, 2013

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There was a time when the sun never set on the British Empire… but that was only because God didn’t trust the British in the dark… And as the Britogram celebrates its first anniversary, the last year proves that maybe God was right… www.gesimons.co.uk

The Worst Kind of Cockroach

Dying Mar 25, 2013

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The political roach assured us a few weeks back that there would be no smog this year, and then when the city was blanketed by it, the roaches seem to disappear into crevices and cracks in government walls.

I cannot stand it any longer

Dr Stephen M Mar 25, 2013

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My remaining sangfroid is wilting fast - time to surrender

When cultural sensitivity doesn’t work

James Mar 22, 2013

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Violence is everyone's business

The Britogram:Extra - For when breaking news stories need to be broken…

G.E. Mar 16, 2013

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Walla, Walla Cat’s Meat! Eat brown bread. Have you ever seen a donkey drop down dead? www.gesimons.co.uk

Its Friday ya’ll!

James Mar 15, 2013

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SXSW is dedicated to showcasing relatively unknown artist and talent around the world looking for an opportunity to catch their “big break"

Ho Chi Minh 0 - McDonalds 1

Dr Stephen M Mar 9, 2013

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Modern Vietnam? Ho Chi Minh must be spinning in his grave

Thailand, so amazing, they used the word twice!

Tom Mar 8, 2013

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I can imagine the phone conversation between the Thai and Indonesian tourist authorities ending in a coin toss for superlatives. Indonesia got ‘Wonderful’. Result! Cambodia is ‘The Kingdom of Wonder’, which I think is fair enough, and ‘Malaysia – Truly Asia’ has a nice ring to it. ‘Vietnam – Timeless charm’ is a bit fusty, and ‘Mystical Myanmar’ is lazy alliteration, and wrong, because the country is called Burma.

A monthly breaking telegram of broken British news…

G.E. Mar 6, 2013

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February saw David Beckham evade his £160,000 weekly wages but was it really all about avoiding 75% French income tax rates? Julian Assange continued to lock himself in a building in London to avoid being locked in a building in Sweden. The Tories were likened to the bust HMV chain. And Audrey Hepburn was brought back from the dead to hawk chocolate. www.gesimons.co.uk

Sex and Identity: The Last Political Frontier

Dr Stephen M Mar 4, 2013

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From BDSM to Barak Obama, the world is changing - time to catch up.

Bangkok Express by James Newman

Tom Feb 25, 2013

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With Bangkok Express, British writer James Newman takes a plunge into Thailand's seedy underworld and re-emerges caked in dirt. Lucky him.

The Imposter - My film of the month...by far

Dying Feb 20, 2013

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A strange thing occurred when watching this film, well, after I watched it.

Wagaya Yakiniku

Sun Feb 18, 2013

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Every single ingredient served is of high quality, from the beef to the very fresh seafood; it is a happy circle. The more they sell, the fresher the food, the fresher the food, the more they sell – nice cycle if you can get it!

What is the point of Valentine's Day?

Dr Stephen M Feb 10, 2013

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Get the hard truth about 21stC sex, love and romance

10 Rules for Living in the Asian Mystique

Dr Stephen M Feb 7, 2013

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First blog for CMCN and already you're getting my 10 rules for living as an expat in Thailand. Can't be bad.

Ghost Money by Andrew Nette

Tom Feb 6, 2013

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Australian writer Nette brings us a gritty private eye novel set in a peace time Cambodia beset by the murderous ghosts of its tragic recent past.

The Britogram:Extra - For when breaking news stories need to be broken…

G.E. Feb 4, 2013

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Need to report a crime in London? You may soon find you have to do it in a post office or supermarket… www.gesimons.co.uk

If you like Trainspotting, you’ll love Skagboys

Dying Jan 30, 2013

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If you liked Sickboy’s cruel charm, or Begbie’s rationalizing of severe violence, or Renton’s selfish intellectualism, Spud’s kindness and inveterate weakness, all wrapped up in Welsh’s perennial themes, then you’ll like Skagboys

The day the music died

Bon Jan 25, 2013

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The social injustice suffered by Thailand’s stateless minorities still encourages drug use, prostitution, crime and even murder in Chiang Mai.

The Britogram - A monthly breaking telegram of broken British news…

G.E. Jan 24, 2013

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2013… A new year begins and could be another very lucrative one for David Milliband. Those who view the Royal Family as vampires, receive more ammunition to back their view. Cherie Blair is honoured with a C.B.E, Ha! Ha! Ha! Yet David Bowie reminds us that humanity can still soar. www.gesimons.co.uk

The Britogram:Extra - For when breaking news stories need to be broken…

G.E. Jan 18, 2013

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Former Conservative Party leadership challenger, John Redwood, gambles away his last shred of credibility

Chiang Mai Gay review 2012

Bon Jan 7, 2013

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More and more we see younger visitors and gay couples coming to Chiang Mai looking for a vibrant tourist destination and having zero interest in going to places where prostitutes hang out.

Inspiring looks for a Fab New Year

Marijke Jan 4, 2013

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Get noticed in Leatherette

The Britogram end of year annual: The best, or is it the worst, of the year and a new December stocking filler…

G.E. Dec 24, 2012

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2012 comes to a close and ends the first year of The Britogram. So here’s a chance to remind yourself of the year that was...

The Golf Blog: Hit List

John Dec 22, 2012

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I've lost count of the times when my second putt is twice as long as the first and even on occasion is a chip shot back onto the putting surface

Khua Gai Nimman (fried chicken Nimman)

Sun Dec 21, 2012

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The other day, just before lunch, I asked my wife to go out with me to this restaurant I had heard so much about. By the time we got there it was after one and they had closed.

Why I hate Thaivisa

Dying Dec 11, 2012

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The admin mostly consists of lonely alcoholic men from the far reaches of the world that have never had much control over anything but the spiders whose legs they extracted, the small dogs they tortured, and for a few months until finances were sorted, their procured online Thai brides.

A monthly telegram of British news: Digested, deciphered & delivered

G.E. Dec 2, 2012

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November saw conspiracy theorist extraordinaire David Icke bask in a sold out Wembley Arena. Writing out of your arse was proven to be a really great earner. And a glimpse of the new Posh & Brooks‘ grubby little ‘Carry On Chipping Norton’ text messages were made public…

Pickles: Amazing Corn Beef!

Sun Nov 28, 2012

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The menu was truly appetising with hot juicy corned beef, Romanian pastrami, hot brisket of beef tongue, and all sorts of barbecues like ribs (the farang on the table next to me had this and it looked soooooooo good! – next time!), beef short ribs, beef brisket, pulled pork, pork chop, spaghettis and even pizzas

A trip to Chiang Mai Immigration can be fun

Tom Nov 22, 2012

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In fact, a visit to Immigration can be an extremely positive experience, there are actually loads of things to do to pass the time, and if you are lucky you will come away with stories your grandchildren will listen to in awe.

Halloween: an orgy of sex, violence, and coming out of the closet...for the night

Dying Oct 30, 2012

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Although I will say that it’s less than queer for men of all shapes and sizes to love dressing up as women. I’ve done it myself and ashamedly walked around all night with an erection breaking the seams of my friend’s knickers feeling, fiendishly narcissistic, yet wondering if I hadn’t found ‘the one’.

Halloween - Scary parties

Bon Oct 24, 2012

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It seems somewhat incongruous for gay people to be celebrating a Christian festival for the dead, which has Pagan and Celtic origins, in a Buhddist country with strong animist traditions.

A monthly telegram of British news: Digested, deciphered & delivered

G.E. Oct 22, 2012

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October saw Tory chief whip Andrew Mitchell unable to keep his genuine opinions about the great unwashed to himself. John Terry retired from international football and the only way to stop Boris seems to be to shoot him between the eyes…

Fall for the coolest wardrobe trends

Marijke Oct 18, 2012

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Trends to fall for

Film review – Looper

Dying Oct 15, 2012

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We can look forward to Hollywood sending us, ‘There’s a Ghost in a Scantily Clad Teenager’s Room for no Particular reason Part 7’ and perhaps ‘Product Placement – Robots in Disguise’, while the Thai film industry will no doubt be immovable in its penchant for producing ‘Ladyboy Slips on a Banana Again’

A monthly telegram of British news: Digested, deciphered & delivered

G.E. Sep 28, 2012

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In September, the Royal Family’s PR agency certainly hit an award-winning run of form, Mars Incorporated wrote to a fish & chip shop in Scotland and best of all, Deputy PM Nick Clegg’s sickly and contrived apology over tuition fee policy got the response it deserved.

The Golf Blog: The Rowdy Cup

John Sep 26, 2012

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This weekend, when the two teams meat at the Medinah Country Club in America's sporting capital, Chicago, the Europeans are arguably the stronger team on paper and include all four of the last number one golfers, the current world matchplay champion and also the only Chicagoan on either team in Luke Donald. However, the American team boasts the current US Open and Masters champions, a certain resurgent Mr. Woods

5

Jesada Sep 12, 2012

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There are now six but the moniker says 5. Yes, today we discuss the iPhone 5

Music Has Never Been This Bad

Dying Sep 12, 2012

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I’m sure the chemists that construct these poisonous verses know exactly what we want: tits, pussy, bling, muscles, cars, longer hair, bigger dicks, smaller noses and whiter teeth... Just as Bernays figured that Uncle Freud’s theories could be worth some cash in the right hands, MTV producers know that young men can’t resist mammary glands, their feeding troughs of life, and bulimic lasses are willing to sacrifice their life to look like someone who has been stapled together on a surgical bed.

A monthly telegram of British news: Digested, deciphered & delivered

G.E. Sep 4, 2012

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August saw the start of the London 2012 Paralympics and a golden opportunity for the comedian Frankie Boyle to do his job. Elsewhere, George Galloway seems to have lost two of his nine lives, Archbishop Tutu refused to share a stage with Tony Blair and Ringo Starr proved that percussion pays!

The Golf Blog: Love and hate.

John Sep 2, 2012

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The recipe I seem to follow every time I play consists of the following: large amounts of mediocrity, a handful of expletives, a dash of what could be if I practiced more often, half a dozen inconsistencies and some new mystery ingredient that I haven't sampled before.

Oh Dear...

Dying Aug 29, 2012

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a despotic, greedy bunch of capitalist business-backed thugs in their fancy dress outfits, their nice-guy masks, horn-rimmed glasses and stately ties, with whom we have entrusted our well-being, and who protecting their own interests, create a stultifying sense of fear and then arm us at great cost to the tax payer so we might fight the enemy they have designed

Return of the Coffee Boys

Bon Aug 26, 2012

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After a few days enjoying Bangkok’s hedonistic gay scene and big city fun, sitting bare footed on a wooden floor in a dimly lit room and sipping beer with young guys who doubled as substitutes for cushions was a surreal experience that seemed to belong to another world; certainly to another era.

A monthly telegram of British news: Post-Olympic Special

G.E. Aug 26, 2012

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In the absence of assisting America with a damn good illegal war, the docile masses of Britain had the Olympic games to sate their disgruntlement for a few weeks in July…

Tengoku de Cuisine

Sun Aug 22, 2012

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Tengoku de Cuisine – my restaurant, in case you haven’t picked up on that yet! – has been open for three years now and has been chosen for inclusion in Thailand Tatler’s Thailand’s Best Restaurant for all three years

Foodies of the World Disunited...in Chiang Mai

Dying Aug 19, 2012

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These men, mostly American and British, many of whom are members of the informal triple bypass complainers club (various pubs in Chiang Mai host their cantankerous meetings), could write speeches about bacon, odes to stringy pork, words steeped in chipped mugs of tea and dragged through visceral layers of yolk, mucky fat and ketchup.

Buses: What the fuck?

Tom Aug 16, 2012

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I asked the guy sitting next to me on the VIP bus (Very Irritating Percussion) why the music was always played at such an ear-drum perforating decibel when nobody is high, or dancing, or really up for a party on the ride to another country’s border. He answered that it was just the way things are. Fuck me, Chris de Burgh is still touring, that’s the way it is, but that doesn’t make it right. Does it?

The greatest TV dramas ever made

Dying Aug 5, 2012

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They were Emmerdale with more tits and violence, but ultimately addictive, mass marketed, everyone is beautiful, TV made to tantalise those receptors in your brain that also respond to opium and hand jobs.

วันๆ ทำอะไรบ้างนะ

Wannakorn Jul 30, 2012

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“วันๆ ทำอะไรบ้างวะ” เป็นคำถามที่เรียกได้ว่าผมได้รับบ่อยที่สุดตั้งแต่เริ่มเข้าสู่วัยทำงานจากเพื่อนหลายๆ คนของผมที่มักจะเห็นผมออนไลน์ Facbook อยู่เป็นประจำหรือเรียกได้ว่า 24 ชั่วโมงเลยก็เป็นได้ เพราะผมมักจะเปิดคอมทิ้งไว้เพื่อดาวโหลดหนังที่ชื่นชอบข้ามคืนอยู่เป็นประจำ (หลังๆมานี้เริ่มปิดละ)

I hate the Olympics...but have an idea for a better event

Dying Jul 30, 2012

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Maybe even Peter Sutcliffe could join the hammer event as he was always second to none with that tool. Gold for England, nailed on! Remember, Bundy is dead.

Hia Song 3 Generation Yen Ta Fo

Sun Jul 18, 2012

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Hia Song has been selling yen ta fo noodles for over 70 years; we are now in its third generation.

My security guards are proper security guards

Tom Jul 16, 2012

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Nong Sam is obviously just out of whatever crack division he trained with as he is a lot younger than the other two veterans. He’s all about camouflage and deception. He can play a security guard who has fallen asleep listening to football commentary on the radio to a tee.

Super Heroes are Dead...well, Batman Lives, possibly

Dying Jul 12, 2012

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If shit’s not being blown up by uber-moral Yanks, if the U-S-of-A aint saving the world from some literal or metaphorical (who knows who masterminds these monstrous plots?) evil, then the box office doesn’t buzz. I’m not surprised the ‘Spider Vs Scorpion FIGHT’ on YouTube has gotten 18,000,000 views.

A monthly telegram of British news: Digested, deciphered & delivered

G.E. Jul 9, 2012

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In June it was hard to work out whether football, the royal family or buying Union Jack branded tat was the most popular pass time. Mine's a souvenir crown on me 'ed son!

The phoney party season

Bon Jul 8, 2012

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Despite this being slow season in Chiang Mai, indeed the last few weeks has felt like very slow season, the number of parties and special events seem to be increasing.

Jae Nong Hot Dishes

Sun Jul 5, 2012

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Any Chiang Mai resident over the age of 40 will know this restaurant since it has been around for over 30 years.

Why I Think Doreamon Should be a Politician

Dying Jul 4, 2012

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I don’t want know about financial and social collapse, depletion of natural resources, inequality, the stirrups of hierarchy. Christ, why would I want that story when I can just as easily watch Doraemon Becomes a Real Doctor?

Special Event coming up in August

Marijke Jul 2, 2012

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Join the Annual "Wild Charity" Gala Event

The Golf Blog: Chocolate Teapots?

John Jul 1, 2012

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Every time he came to putt, I noticed that his caddy handed him a shiny golden golf ball instead of the usual white one he had used for the rest of the hole

Apple unleashes Thai iTunes Store

Jesada Jun 27, 2012

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Thai Apple fanboys and fangirls have to make due with an app store and possibly dodgy internet sites selling iTunes redemption codes for foreign stores as their source of content for their idevices, until now...

Learning Thai

Tom Jun 26, 2012

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So I learned the alphabet and can remember driving to Pai with my girlfriend for the weekend. Being able to translate ‘Pai’ on a road sign was as exhilarating as my first attempt at Thai class had been frustrating.

It's Just a Shot Away

Dying Jun 26, 2012

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Those words, “They think it’s all over...it is now!” as England scored the goal that won them the World Cup in ’66 used to send tingles down my spine. It doesn’t do anything for me now.

What's in a Name?

J.C.Shaw Jun 19, 2012

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When I obtained Thai nationality, I was adopted by my wife’s father so that I could use the family surname, which had been given by the King

The Best Dog Costume

Dying Jun 12, 2012

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“We had to put her down, it was for her own good.” I cried and thought, “Mum, you’re a selfish bitch, let Peppi be the judge of that.”

Commies Rule

J.C.Shaw Jun 12, 2012

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Father-in-law was horrified that we should even consider going to such a dangerous, communist infested place.

ข้ามได้ยัง???

Wannakorn Jun 12, 2012

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อยากจะบอกว่าใจเย็นๆ ครับ ถึงช้าถึงเร็วก็ถึงที่หมายเหมือนกันหมดนั่นแหละ “น้ำใจ” คงหาไม่ได้ง่ายในสังคมแล้วล่ะครับ ทางเดียวที่จะให้รู้สึกซะบ้างคือ... ลองมาเป็นคนข้ามถนนแล้วติดอยู่กลางถนนสัก 2 นาที.... จะรู้ว่า โลกนี้ช่างโหดร้ายเหลือเกิน...

Gay, Lonely and Wet in Chiang Mai.

Bon Jun 8, 2012

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Northern Thailand’s weather is following it’s predictable seasonal norms. Yes, rainy season has arrived. So it’s wet and you’re gay and lonely in Chiang Mai, what are you going to do?

Apple and Google taking it to the mat

Jesada Jun 7, 2012

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No punches are being pulled as Apple and Google up the smartphone war up a notch with their latest round of mapping application announcements.

Elizabeth My Dear

Dying Jun 6, 2012

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The event brought out the English Defense League, a team of professional haters who have a mythical man who killed dragons as their leader and demigod. Men whose forefathers grinded out a life in poverty for a great empire whose riches they never had but were inexplicably proud of having.

Capitalism at Chiang Mai University

J.C.Shaw Jun 5, 2012

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As an ajarn pisaet with a BA I was entitled to 80 baht an hour.

The Golf Blog: Practice Makes Perfect?

John May 30, 2012

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As a teenager, rare trips to the driving range involved belting ball after ball as far as I could

Throwing Babies from Trains

J.C.Shaw May 29, 2012

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‘If you do not stop crying I will give you to that farang.’

Three Books that Make the World a Better Place

Dying May 29, 2012

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For me it’s Orwell’s best book, though a book that will always remain in the shadows of Animal Farm and 1984.

Ban Suan Café

Sun May 28, 2012

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So, now that we have finally arrived, the little cafe is very romantic, simple, stylish and charming with a little stream running through the restaurant for those with smelly feet (555)

Welcome to my first Fashion blog;-)

Marijke May 28, 2012

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Summer Fashion Fever is in the air!

Gay Parties - The memory

Bon May 25, 2012

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Lady Gaga? Who’s she? In Chiang Mai we already know how to party and one night in particular will be hard to erase from memory.

A long overdue apology to Mr Slowhand Clapton

Tom May 25, 2012

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Did you know that when it is holiday season in Thailand altruistic law enforcers come all the way up from Bangkok and take time out of their hectic sightseeing schedules to pop their uniforms back on and crack down on helmetless fools with 400 baht in their pockets?

Lock Up Your Daughters...and Sons for that Matter

Dying May 24, 2012

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Actually, you just did the most hackneyed, clichéd, animalistic, predictable, boring, primal thing a human can do. You should have kept it quiet really...try painting a masterpiece

A monthly telegram of British news: Digested, deciphered & delivered

G.E. May 22, 2012

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The Leveson Inquiry is an ongoing series of trials and hearings for men and women who are accused of the heinous crime of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts during the 17th Century. …no hang on, that’s the Salem Witch Trials.

Cool as F**k

Dying May 18, 2012

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Yes, it was cool as fuck, it was the right time to be young, to be deviant, to be uncaring, loving, nihilistic and never ever bored.

My not so private IDAHO

Bon May 18, 2012

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My Own private Idaho was Gus Van Sant’s 1991 ground-breaking gay themed film starring the late River Phoenix as a sexually confused hustler. My not so private IDAHO is my thoughts and ramblings inspired by yesterday’s International Day Against Homophobia IDAHO

Scary Languages

J.C.Shaw May 16, 2012

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The day came when I had to present myself for a language test with the Bangkok Police Director. My wife’s father insisted that I be escorted by his ADC wearing full dress uniform.

Cash Machines – What am I missing?

Tom May 15, 2012

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Can someone please pop a comment at the bottom of this page, if they have nothing better to do, and let me know what people get up to when they are standing in front of the screen typing in what appears to be the same amount of code needed to program an intercontinental ballistic missile?

“Go Back to Sleep America, Go Back to Sleep” Bill Hicks

Dying May 15, 2012

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And we all know now that no amount of voting will make any fucking difference to how things are mob-run in the world

Apple Rumor Round Up

Jesada May 15, 2012

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Now that the Samsung Galaxy S3 has been announced and HTC have let loose their One series Android devices up, all eyes are again on Apple and their refreshed 2012 lineup.

Catching 'The Bug'

John May 13, 2012

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A couple of days later, at a painfully early eight o'clock in the morning, we met up at Hang Dong Golf Club. After paying the green fee, renting clubs, buying balls and stocking up on Gatorade and bananas

The Pink Twilight Years

Bon May 12, 2012

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Chiang Mai has been voted one of the world’s best cities to retire and is a popular choice for gay people to spend those pink twilight years. Northern Thailand’s natural beauty, friendly people, great climate, low cost of living, good transport links and low cost healthcare are all factors, but the ability to openly live a gay lifestyle and interact freely with like-minded people is often the biggest attraction.

The Oriental Shop (cake shop), Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi

Sun May 8, 2012

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That is why a discount of 35% is offered as a promotion every single night...you don’t get much cheaper than this for such quality!

The Beautiful People

Tom May 8, 2012

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Even those who live and work for the minimum wage in this city, who really should have figured out the benefits of going to their jobs in a pair of underpants by now

Open and Shut

Bon May 5, 2012

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One noticeable thing about Thailand is the rate at which small businesses come and go, especially bars and restaurants. Chiang Mai is no exception and the gay scene has seen quite a few changes over the last few months .

Nurse Noi

J.C.Shaw May 4, 2012

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Two of the best I saw this summer

Dying May 4, 2012

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Download after download I became more disappointed. But thankfully they were a few diamonds in the rough.

A monthly telegram of British news: Digested, deciphered & delivered

G.E. Apr 30, 2012

Blog

In his new monthly ‘Britogram’ column, Simon Baker takes a look at some of the social, cultural and sporting stories that have shaken or stirred Great Britain.

On lifts

Tom Apr 30, 2012

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My problem is I feel like a rapist/murderer in a lift. I am neither of these things, and far too lazy to even comprehend how anyone can ever summon up the effort needed to be one.

เสียงปัจจุบัน กับกลุ่มฟื้นบ้านย่านเวียง ตอน 2

Apr 27, 2012

Blog

ท่ามกลางโลกที่กำลังเปลี่ยนแปลงไปมากมาย ยังมีกลุ่มคนที่ทำงานอยู่เบื้องหลัง ภายใต้การอนุรักษ์ พลิกฟื้น วิถีชีวิตของชุมชนคนล้านนา พวกเขาใช้ชื่อว่า ฟื้นบ้านย่านเวียง...

Gay Boyz À Go-Go

Bon Apr 27, 2012

Blog

Chiang Mai’s four male Go-Go bars are best described with the cliché “same same but different”. Many gay visitors to Thailand will likely have pre-conceptions set by the decadent go-go bar scene of Bangkok or Pattaya , yet everything they read about Chiang Mai informs them of an ancient city of culture, temples, natural beauty and a laid back, peaceful lifestyle. So when it comes to the commercial gay scene what will they find here?

Brother Jan

J.C.Shaw Apr 26, 2012

Blog

When, a few years later, Jan invested in a Japanese tractor, he sold the buffalo and gave us the wooden plough which he had used since childhood.

Three Films with the Word ‘Field’ in the Title

Dying Apr 24, 2012

Blog

สุขา – ใครๆ ก็สุขได้

Wannakorn Apr 20, 2012

Blog

เหตุการณ์ครั้งหนึ่งที่เกิดขึ้นขณะที่ผมไปเที่ยวตลาดหน้ามอ พอดีเกิดอารมณ์ “อยากทิ้งระเบิด” สักหน่อย “ ค่าเข้าห้องน้ำ 3 บาทเจ้าน้อง ถ้าอาบน้ำ 10 บาทเจ้า” ป้าวัยกลางคนนั่งเฝ้าโต๊ะเก่าๆ ผุๆ สีน้ำตาล บนเก้าอี้พลาสติกสีเขียว พร้อมกับวิทยุเปิดเพลงแนวลูกทุ่งอยู่บนโต๊ะบอกผมด้วยคำเมืองที่นุ่มๆ

Android vs iOS

Jesada Apr 20, 2012

Blog

My take on timeless argument of what is better, Android or iOS, is that like a choice of car, food, color, hairstyle, or anything for that matter, it's just that. A personal choice.

G & M German Sausage in Sankampaeng/Doi Saket

Sun Apr 20, 2012

Blog

Their sausages were so good that people began to drive all the way out to their factory to buy sausages and while they waited, they would be given samples to try.

The Santitham Renaissance

Bon Apr 20, 2012

Blog

Santitham was once known as a run-down red light district. Now it seems hardly a week passes without the demolition crew tearing down another piece of Chiang Mai’s forlorn heritage to replace it with modern concrete and glass. With two new gay orientated guest houses opened recently and new coffee shops, contemporary restaurants, bars and cafés springing up, Santitham is undergoing a renaissance.

What’s in a name?

J.C.Shaw Apr 17, 2012

Blog

Surnames in Thailand only became mandatory in 1913. Before that time officials and nobles often had four or five surnames in the course of their life depending on the positions they held. Ordinary people (prai) used the nickname they were given at birth, as indeed they still do.

A spare hour in Chiang Mai

Tom Apr 16, 2012

Blog

5 Films You’ve Probably Never Seen That You Should See

Dying Apr 14, 2012

Blog

Occasionally I’ll be doing things like this so you might get more joy out of your DVD shop – or your downloads

Gone or Forgotten?

Bon Apr 13, 2012

Blog

The Gay Community, whatever that is, has become so complacent its nastiest skeleton has been pushed way back in the closet. Let’s shout about gay rights, gays in the military, gay marriage, gay adoption, gays in politics and gays in pink dresses but one subject has become distinctly un-cool and un-mentionable.

Daeng the Cook

J.C.Shaw Apr 10, 2012

Blog

When I was promoted to be regional manager, my head office in Texas can not have realised how isolated Chiang Mai was. Unlike today, with all these new fangled electronic communication devices, someone in Texas took the time to buy a bottle of Quink ink and bring out from the back of the bottom drawer their old Shaeffer pen to send me a letter.

The first Queen Elizabeth

Tom Apr 9, 2012

Blog

The first Queen Elizabeth, at the apex of her reign, announced superbly that she was married to England. I’m going to announce, slightly less flamboyantly, that I’m going out with Thailand. And what a girlfriend to have. At once exciting, gorgeous and endlessly stimul

Fear and Loathing in Chiang Mai

Apr 9, 2012

Blog

I got an email. This always excites me. So I opened it. ‘Need a blog done, will you?’ it read. ‘Yes. Err, what?’ was my reply, and apparently, it was the correct way to reply as I am now doing a blog. Blogs are brilliant because they are the thoughts of ranters, philosophers, angry people, bored souls and those who could benefit from a bit of trepanning, all on one handy page available to anyone with a computer device. Now, I don’t know how this is going to turn out, but not being one who likes to buck the system, it will probably end up with an element of all the above. I want the blog to grow organically, not sure what that means, but it seems like the right thing to say. And I like the word organic. Its one that CEOs of companies always use to describe their latest business model just before everything goes tits up. I’ve been told I need to do an introduction though, so I’ve copied what I usually put on dating sites: I’m Tom. I’m 26 years old. I own a large real estate portfolio, and a small disappointment. I like long walks in any country, and a glass of red wine by the mantelpiece. Soft furnishings confuse me, but I like to write poems about them anyway, when I’m not losing my mind to dubstep. I have a Golden Lab called Ernst and I read a book. Right, let’s give this thing a go, as JR Oppenheimer once said.

One of the best reads of the year

Dying Apr 8, 2012

Blog

A Week in December by Sebastian Faulks (2009)

Gay Scene – where to get a drink

Bon Apr 6, 2012

Blog

Drinking is a popular pastime for many gay people and the ex-pat community and visitors to Chiang Mai seem no exception to that concept. So where do gays go to drink? This post suggests a few of the most popular places across town that are good for a drink in a pleasant environment where the music volume is moderate allowing conversation and socialising to flourish.

Instagram Comes to Android

Jesada Apr 4, 2012

Blog

Android toting, photo taking hipsters can now rejoice because Instagram is available in the Google Play Store as of today!

Chez Marco Aroy on Loy Kroh

Sun Apr 3, 2012

Blog

Outside of Bangkok, there is nowhere else in Thailand that offers great value for high quality international cuisine like Chiang Mai. I dare to claim this because I have visited all the major destinations in Thailand many many times and in each place my personal passion is in discovering great places to eat. I love food from all over the world and all my friends who know me, know that if they are about to visit anywhere, all they have to do is call me and I will tell them exactly where to eat and even what to eat once they get there. This is why I enjoy writing about food...

Quick Review: The Samsung Galaxy Note

Jesada Apr 2, 2012

Blog

A quick look at the phablet that's taking the world by storm. Having already sold five million units world wide, is Samsung creating a new class of mobile device?

Intro

Bon Apr 2, 2012

Blog

It was back in 2007 when I was first approached by a friend to help make a website for a new gay bar and restaurant in Chiang Mai. My initial solution was a couple of basic pages about the place, some photos and the inevitable unfathomable location map; all of which, to me, seemed a little boring. For fun and to enhance the site with extra content, I added a couple of pages listing some of the other gay venues in Chiang Mai. It was thus that my new hobby of writing websites and blogs about gay Chiang Mai was born.

The film you must see in 2012

Dying Apr 2, 2012

Blog

Dying Animal takes his nom de plume from a poem by William Butler Yeats: ‘Sailing to Byzantium’…”Consume my heart away; sick with desire, and fastened to a dying animal.” I will be reviewing films and books that can all be rented, bought, read, and watched in Chiang Mai. Occasionally films on the big screen in the malls we have here will be reviewed, as will films that you can rent on DVD. I’ll review books that you can purchase in either one of Chiang Mai’s second hand book shops, or new at one of the malls.

เสียงในอดีต...ฟื้นบ้านย่านเวียง

Mar 29, 2012

Blog

เที่ยวซอกมุมเล็กๆที่กาดประตูเชียงใหม่ วิถีชีวิต ที่ยังหลงเหลือ เสน่ห์ที่ไม่เคยจางหาย...ของบ้านเรา

Chiang Mai city life on the go! Feel the pulse of Chiang Mai city right here under your finger tips.

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