Updating Site (away for 2 weeks)

📣 Blog Update 📣

I've got some exciting news to share with all of you. I've decided to bring in a professional designer to work some magic on my website. They'll be migrating it from Squarespace 7.0 to the snazzy and sleek Squarespace 7.1 platform. It's going to give my site a fresh new look and make it even better for all of you.

Here's the deal, though. During this process, I won't be able to update any content for about two weeks. I could have tried tackling this migration on my own, but I wanted to make sure everything goes smoothly. So, I'm leaving it in the hands of an expert designer who knows their stuff.

The designer will also be making some other cool tweaks and improvements to the site to give you an even more awesome online experience.

Oh, and don't worry about the haikus. I've already updated them on the blog until May 31, so you can still enjoy your daily dose of poetic goodness while I'm away.

More Tiling + Graffiti Art

I understand that sharing pictures of bathroom plumbing may not be the most exciting content, but I wanted to document the recent update that has been made to both bathrooms.

The Tiling Continues

How to Vote in Thailand

The voting for a new Prime Minister in Thailand is a complex process that involves both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The following are the steps involved in the process:

1. Voting for Members of Parliament. Voters cast their ballots for candidates to represent them in the House of Representatives. The party that wins the most seats in the House of Representatives is typically the party that forms the government.

2. Nomination of Prime Ministerial Candidates. Parties that win at least 25 seats in the House of Representatives are eligible to nominate a candidate for Prime Minister.

3. Voting for Prime Minister by Parliament. The members of the House of Representatives and the Senate vote for the Prime Minister. The candidate who receives a majority of votes is elected Prime Minister.

The two boxes on the table, held secure with zipties, are where voters place their ballots for candidate and party. Each candidate and party running are assigned a random number, and that’s how you vote — placing an X in the number of your choosing. There were a number of police officials lounging in plastic chairs at the voting center, as well as staff helping voters through the process. From arrival to leaving, the entire process took three minutes.

A Day of Decision: Inside Thailand's Election Day

In the realm of Southeast Asia, the Kingdom of Thailand often stands out for its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant metropolis. Yet, another aspect that frequently captures international attention is its dynamic and evolving political landscape. The recent election day in Thailand was no exception, serving as a vivid demonstration of the country's commitment to democracy and a testament to the spirit of its people.

The Morning Buzz

As dawn broke, the air was already humming with anticipation. Long before polling stations opened their doors, queues snaked down the streets, testament to the importance the Thai people place on their democratic right to vote. Thailand's election day is a national holiday, allowing citizens the time to cast their votes without the pressures of workday commitments.

Here are some of the candidates who are running for Thailand's prime minister in 2023:

Prayut Chan-ocha

Prayut Chan-ocha is the incumbent prime minister of Thailand. He is a retired general who led a coup in 2014 and then became prime minister in 2019. He is running for re-election in 2023.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra

Paetongtarn Shinawatra is the daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. She is a political newcomer, but she is running for prime minister in 2023 on a platform of economic reform and social justice. She just had a baby a week ago.

Jurin Laksanawisit

Jurin Laksanawisit is the leader of the Democrat Party. He is a former deputy prime minister and finance minister. He is running for prime minister in 2023 on a platform of economic growth and stability.

Anutin Charnvirakul

Anutin Charnvirakul is the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party. He is a former deputy prime minister and health minister. He is running for prime minister in 2023 on a platform of legalizing marijuana and providing welfare for farmers.

These are just a few of the candidates who are running for prime minister in Thailand in 2023. The election is expected to be close, and it is unclear who will emerge victorious.

A Diverse Electorate

An interesting aspect of Thailand's election day was the diversity of the electorate. From young, first-time voters excited about participating in their maiden election, to elderly citizens who've seen the ebb and flow of Thailand's politics over decades—everyone had a place in the polling booth. The diversity of the electorate is a reflection of the inclusive nature of Thailand's democratic process. Every Thai citizen has the right to vote, regardless of their age, gender, or social status.

The Importance of Education

Thailand has always put a premium on voter education, and this election was no different. In the weeks leading up to the election, a flurry of campaigns were launched to educate voters about the importance of their ballot, the mechanics of voting, and the responsibility that comes with it. This commitment to voter education underscores Thailand's determination to make the electoral process as inclusive, informed, and fair as possible.

The Spirit of Democracy

Perhaps the most striking aspect of Thailand's election day was the palpable spirit of democracy. Regardless of their political leanings, citizens came together in a shared commitment to the democratic process. There was a sense of camaraderie in the polling queues, a mutual respect born of participating in a process bigger than any one individual.

The Evening's Close

As the sun set, and the polling stations closed their doors, there was a sense of quiet satisfaction. The votes were cast, and the people had spoken. The results might tip in any direction, but the true victory lies in the successful execution of the democratic process itself.

Conclusion

Thailand's election day is more than just a political event; it's a celebration of democratic ideals, a testament to the country's resilience and commitment to progress. It paints a picture of a nation where every voice matters, where diversity is embraced, and where the democratic process is respected and cherished. Regardless of the outcome, the essence of the day is about participation, the expression of will, and the collective shaping of Thailand's future. After all, democracy is not just about the destination; it's also about the journey.

The Tile Keeps Coming

Feels like progress is slow — mainly because I’m going to the new condo after work every day to see how things are going — but they’re moving right along.

FLOOR TILE!

Granted, the first picture is not of floor tile, but it's every bit as exciting. The picture on the left was taken yesterday, showing the process of putting up concrete blocks to create a seamless balcony. The picture on the right depicts the same balcony wall, now cemented over.

The second picture showcases the second bedroom, where workers are currently laying a thin concrete foundation to level the floor. Previously, it had laminated flooring with only concrete underneath. Since we're planning to lay tile over tile, we needed to raise it slightly. A similar process will be carried out in the master bedroom at a later stage.

Moving on to the last picture, we're finally laying the floor tile. This marks a significant step, as once it's finished, the workers can proceed with installing new windows, building an entertainment center, tiling the bathrooms, and, finally, painting.

Ziplining + Koi Fish

Went ziplining with my mom and some friends with King Kong Smile Zipline and it was an incredible experience.

Also saw some Koi fish at a construction store, which wasn’t the first place I expected to see them, but nonetheless, there they were.

The Walls Are Up!

Now that the new walls are finally done (well, except for the painting part), it's time to move on to the fun stuff inside. Tomorrow, I'm hitting the store with the designer to pick out the tile for the shower walls and the rest of the bathroom. Once we've got that sorted, the workers can kick off their tile-laying extravaganza on Monday. Can't wait to see it all come together!

Exploring the Majestic Mae Sa Elephant Sanctuary

Welcome to Mae Sa Elephant Sanctuary, a haven for both elephants and eco-tourists alike. Nestled amidst the lush landscapes of northern Thailand, this sanctuary offers a unique and ethical experience, allowing visitors to connect with these gentle giants while promoting their welfare and conservation. In this blog post, we will delve into the wonders of Mae Sa Elephant Sanctuary, its mission, and the unforgettable encounters awaiting you.

Mae Sa Elephant Sanctuary stands as a beacon of hope for elephants that have endured exploitation and mistreatment. With a strong commitment to their well-being, the sanctuary provides a safe and natural environment for these magnificent creatures to thrive. Here, you won't find elephant rides or performances, as the focus is solely on observing and interacting with the elephants in a respectful manner.

The sanctuary prioritizes responsible tourism practices, aiming to educate visitors about the challenges faced by elephants in captivity and the importance of their conservation in the wild.

At Mae Sa Elephant Sanctuary, you'll have the opportunity to participate in activities that foster a deep connection with the elephants. One such experience is feeding these gentle giants. Watch as they happily munch on their favorite treats, such as bananas and sugarcane, while learning about their dietary needs and preferences.

The sanctuary's commitment to elephant welfare extends beyond the visitor experience. Mae Sa Elephant Sanctuary actively collaborates with local communities, promoting sustainable livelihoods that do not rely on the exploitation of elephants. By supporting the sanctuary, you contribute to the rescue and rehabilitation of elephants, the protection of their natural habitats, and the education of future generations.

Mae Sa Elephant Sanctuary offers an extraordinary opportunity to witness the majesty of elephants while actively participating in their conservation. With a strong focus on ethical practices, responsible tourism, and education, this sanctuary sets a shining example for wildlife sanctuaries around the world. By visiting Mae Sa Elephant Sanctuary, you become part of a collective effort to ensure the well-being and preservation of these magnificent creatures for generations to come.

More Condo Work — Master Bedroom / Bathroom

Additional walls are being erected, and the original cubed-glass wall is no longer part of the plan. After the walls are raised, they will be coated with cement, and the shower wall tiling will be removed while the toilet will be taken out. With the completion of the walls, the installation of floor tiling can begin.

Doi Suthep with Mom

My mom is visiting Chiang Mai for a week, so we decided to do some touristy stuff and go to the biggest temple in the city — Doi Suthep. It is a popular tourist attraction and pilgrimage site due to the stunning views it offers and the historic Buddhist temple located at its peak.

The temple, named Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, is one of the most important religious sites in Thailand and is a symbol of Chiang Mai. It was built in the 14th century and is said to house a relic of the Buddha, a shoulder bone. The temple complex features a golden pagoda, several shrines, and beautiful murals and sculptures depicting scenes from Buddhist mythology.

To reach the temple, visitors must climb a steep staircase of 309 steps, flanked by two magnificent dragon statues. Alternatively, a cable car can be taken up the mountain for a small fee. Along the way, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Chiang Mai city and its surroundings.

Wat Lok Molee in Chiangmai

Wat Lok Molee is a Buddhist temple located in Chiang Mai, Thailand. It is an ancient temple believed to have been built during the 14th century, and it is one of the most historically significant temples in the region.

The temple is known for its impressive architecture, including a chedi (stupa) and an ordination hall (ubosot) with intricate carvings and decorations. The temple also has a large prayer hall and several smaller buildings on the temple grounds.

One of the unique features of Wat Lok Molee is the large stone slab at the entrance of the temple, which is believed to be one of the oldest examples of the Lanna script, an ancient writing system used in Northern Thailand.

Wat Lok Molee is also home to several important relics, including a bronze Buddha image and a large Buddha footprint. The temple is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and it is often included in tours of Chiang Mai's ancient temples.

Master Bath

Demo began in the master bathroom, and upon inspecting it, I noticed that the newly constructed wall, in addition to the cubed glass partition, did not allow for much clearance. So I spoke with the designer and devised a new strategy. On Monday, we’ll remove the cubed glass partition and replace it with a glass divider, complete with a glass door to divide the toilet. Although it is an unusual design to have the shower in the front and the toilet in the back, we can’t redirect the water pipes, so this is the most viable option.

And the Work Begins

The delivery of tiles and cement marked the start of the master bathroom renovation project, which commenced with the demolition of the existing wall. Since a new wall will be erected and the door will be relocated, the old wall had to be removed. Demolition is super noisy, so the building management only permits renovation works to take place between 10 am and 4 pm, and no construction is allowed on weekends. Architect said everything should be done in around 45 days, so will keep posting updates here until then.

The condo building I currently live in is being painted, and despite seeing the guys on the outside as I leave for the gym each morning, I was a little taken aback seeing him dangling outside of my condo while working inside.

Condo Renovations — To Do List

Spoke with architect/designer and we came up with a basic list of renovations that need to happen. It’s not exhaustive of all the small things, but these are the major changes happening:

• Re-tiling for floors with dark gray tiles

• Re-tiling for walls in the shower and bathroom

• Painting

• Rebuilding balcony walls

• Rebuild kitchen counter to fit washing machine

• Wooden lattice for corner office

• Fix lighting

• Build entertainment center

• Install floating shelves for corner bookshelf

• Sliding door for walk-in closet

• Build three new walls in master bath

• All new windows

• All new doors

The master bathroom requires a complete redesign, and I have also requested the construction of a walk-in closet. Tiling is the first task on the agenda and is expected to commence sometime this week.

I Bought a Condo

I’ve purchased a condo in Chiangmai, spanning 115 square meters and featuring two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, an office area (which requires the construction of a wall), a kitchen, and two balconies. I won’t say what floor it’s on, but the views are awesome. Interestingly, the condo was originally three separate units that the previous owner combined into one. However, the downside is that I now have three separate title deeds, and unfortunately, they can’t be merged into one. It's a minor annoyance.

This morning was spent at the land office, where I transferred the title deed to my name and paid the seller. What surprised me was how easy it was to transfer a significant amount of money through a Thai bank app. It only took two seconds to transfer over $100,000. Say what you want about the country, but moving money is way easier here than in the States.

After completing the transaction, I spent the afternoon clearing out all the old furniture and belongings left by the previous owner. I then did a walkthrough with an architect and designer to discuss my renovation plans.

The walkthrough was an enlightening experience. We discussed my vision for the space and what needs to be done to achieve it (the list is long). They’ll get back to me by the end of the weekend — so hopefully my budget allows for what I’m hoping to be done.

I'm looking forward to the renovation process and seeing my condo transform into a space to call my own. It's an exciting new chapter in my life, and I can't wait to see what the future holds, especially knowing that rent will no longer be something I need to think about.

Songkran 2023

Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year festival, is a time of celebration, renewal, and purification. It's a time to make merit, visit family and friends, and, of course, engage in lots of water fights. The festival usually takes place in mid-April, which is also the hottest time of the year in Thailand. So, throwing water on one another is a fun and refreshing way to cool off and have some fun.

During the water fights, people throw water balloons, shoot water guns, or pour water from buckets on anyone and everyone they see. It's a joyful and lighthearted occasion that brings people together. Some people even add giant blocks of ice to the huge garbage cans of water on the street, making the water extremely cold, which is quite a surprise when doused from behind.

Despite the pollution and cold water, Songkran remains a fun and beloved festival in Thailand. It's a time to let loose and have fun with family and friends, and to wash away the old and welcome in the new.

Busy Busy Ahead of Songkran

The Songkran festival, also known as the Thai New Year, is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in Thailand. It takes place annually from April 13 to April 15, although in some areas, such as Chiang Mai, the festivities can continue for several days.

Chiang Mai is known for having one of the most vibrant and exciting Songkran celebrations in all of Thailand. The city comes alive with water fights, parades, and cultural performances that attract both locals and tourists alike.

As the festival approaches, the streets of Chiang Mai are filled with vendors selling water guns, water balloons, and other festive items to help people celebrate. The air is filled with the sound of laughter and music as people of all ages take part in the festivities.

Amidst the excitement of the Songkran festival, I’m busy with my own plans. I'm getting ready to purchase a condo in Chiang Mai and am working closely with an architect to plan the renovations that will start on April 21.

As the Songkran festival unfolds outside, I’m busy coordinating everything that needs to happen, including meeting the seller to make the final payment, signing papers, registering at the Thai Land Office, and figuring out what needs to be renovated.

The Never-Ending Tax Tale: Expats and the Annoyance of US Taxes

Ah, tax season! That magical time of year when we all gather 'round our calculators and wonder how in the world we ended up owing so much money. For American expats, this annual ritual is even more frustrating. It's like going back for seconds at a buffet you never wanted to attend in the first place. Even if you haven't set foot on US soil in over a decade, Uncle Sam still wants a piece of your income.

Navigating the US tax code is like trying to find your way out of a labyrinth with a blindfold on – it's no walk in the park, even for those living stateside. For expats, it's more like being trapped in an Escher painting. There are a plethora of forms to complete, such as the FBAR (Frustratingly Baffling Annual Report) and Form 8938 (Statement of Specified Financial Assets, AKA "Why Can't I Just Keep My Money?"). Keeping track of these requirements and staying compliant can be a time-consuming and stressful endeavor, particularly when you consider the hefty penalties that can be incurred for failing to meet them. It's like playing a high-stakes game of tax whack-a-mole.

The US tax system's treatment of expats is an issue that deserves more attention and understanding. The financial, logistical, and emotional burdens faced by American expats can be overwhelming and isolating. While there are some provisions in place to ease the strain, they often fall short of providing true relief. As more people choose to live and work abroad, it is crucial to consider the impact that these policies have on the lives of expats and to push for changes that will make the process fairer and more manageable. And remember, as an expat, when life gives you tax forms, it's best to laugh, because tears won't help you complete them any faster.