Painting + Water Problem

So, there is a major deadline approaching on the 17th to make the condo habitable, but things are not going smoothly. We are facing several challenges in the process. Firstly, there is a frantic rush to complete the painting. Additionally, the window installation team is unable to proceed due to the continuous rainfall in Chiang Mai. Moreover, the wood-working team will have to carry out their work after I have moved in.

You might be wondering why I am moving in on the 17th. Well, that is the agreed-upon date, and staying longer in my old condo would result in additional expenses for extending my stay.

Furthermore, on the 17th, furniture, the cleaning crew, and the WiFi technicians are scheduled to arrive to set everything up. This date was already rescheduled from the original move-in date of the 12th.

In addition, there is a somewhat unclear issue that was communicated to me through a translation app. Apparently, the previous owner had shut off the water to a main pipe for several years because she wasn't living there. When the workers turned on the water yesterday to test the new shower, something burst, causing water to leak into the room below mine. Consequently, I am currently unable to use the shower in the master bathroom. It is not possible to hire an external team to fix the pipe due to the risk of potential damages and legal consequences. Therefore, I had to contact the office downstairs, and they will arrange for a plumber to assess if the pipe can be fixed. However, fixing it would require digging up some tiles in my condo and removing a piece of the ceiling in the unit below mine, which is subject to the agreement of the residents living below.

Overall, it is disappointing that these issues were not disclosed prior to purchasing the condo, but I anticipated there might be challenges. We will see how things progress over the next three days and deal with the move-in process as best as we can.

Here is a list of tasks that still need to be completed: painting, installing floor trim, installing windows, installing doors, building an office, constructing shelves, building the entertainment center, and building a closet.

Temple Stuff in Chiang Mai

Stopped by this place that had Chiang Mai beer, brewed by two locals. Really tasty, and I thought it was cool that they are doing their own thing despite the headache of the system to brew craft beer in Thailand. That’s another post for another day.

Tile is Done!

With the tile finished, painting starts. After that, windows, doors, and woodwork.

Navigating the Elite Visa Application Process in Thailand: Lessons Learned

I had always dreamed of building a life in Thailand, so naturally, I eagerly embarked on the journey of applying for the prestigious Elite Visa (permitted stay of 5-20 years depending on which type of Elite Visa you choose). This exclusive membership program promised a wealth of benefits for foreign residents like myself.

However, to my dismay, my application was rejected without a clear explanation. It left me feeling bewildered and frustrated, especially when I discovered that my past Thai visa history, particularly my multiple education visas and extensions, had played a role in hindering my acceptance into the Elite Visa program. In this post, I want to share my personal experience, shed light on the reasons behind the rejection, and explore alternative paths to making my Thai dream a reality.

The Elite Visa Rejection:

The rejection of my Elite Visa application left me with many questions. The Thai authorities did not provide a specific reason for the denial, but they hinted at my extensive history of education visas and their subsequent extensions. It became evident that this pattern was considered unfavorable for eligibility under the Elite Visa membership program. Determined to find a way forward, I sought guidance from the government office responsible for the Elite Visa, where I discovered several alternative options worth considering.

Starting a Company or Getting Employed:

One viable alternative is to establish a company or secure employment within Thailand. By obtaining a business visa, I could legally reside in the country while engaging in entrepreneurial endeavors or working for a Thai-based company. This pathway not only offers stability but also opens up opportunities for professional growth and integration into the local business community.

Marriage Visa:

Another route to consider is the marriage visa. If you have a genuine and recognized marriage to a Thai citizen, you can apply for a marriage visa, which grants long-term residency and additional benefits. This option requires fulfilling specific requirements, such as providing proof of a legitimate marriage, financial stability, and adherence to immigration regulations.

Starting Fresh with a New Passport:

After speaking with the Elite Visa official, I called a representative from a local visa agency, who suggested obtaining a new passport as a means to apply for the Elite Visa again with a "blank state." This strategy involves creating a fresh visa history devoid of any prior undesirable visas, thereby increasing the likelihood of a successful application.

The Recommendation:

While I am not barred from reapplying for the Elite Visa with my current passport, the government official advised me to wait for a period of two years before attempting another application. Continuing with education visas during this waiting period was discouraged, as it would likely result in a similar outcome upon reapplication. Instead, they encouraged me to explore the aforementioned alternative options, which offer greater prospects for long-term residency.

Muddying the Waters: A Temporary Plan

In the meantime, I find myself contemplating a temporary solution to extend my stay in Thailand. Though not recommended by the government office responsible for the Elite Visa, I am considering acquiring additional education visas as a means to buy myself a few more years in the country. However, I am fully aware that this is not a long-term strategy and should not be relied upon indefinitely. Acquiring more education visas may extend my stay and provide an opportunity to explore other avenues that align with the Elite Visa requirements in the future.

Looking ahead, my ultimate goal remains obtaining the Elite Visa, which offers a host of benefits and aligns with my long-term aspirations in Thailand. When the time comes and pursuing more education visas is no longer a feasible option, I intend to explore the possibility of obtaining a new passport. This would provide me with a fresh start, enabling me to reapply for the Elite Visa without the burden of an unfavorable visa history.

Installing Hardware

The toilets have been installed, and the shower is partially installed. New light switches and electrical outlets are currently being installed. New kitchen sink has been purchased, and that will be installed once workers demo part of the counter to make room for the washing machine. The tile installation is almost complete. Once the tile is in and grouted, the remaining items will be addressed. This includes clearing out the area, installing windows and doors, and proceeding with the construction of shelves, walls, and an entertainment center.

The plan is to move in on the 17th with help from a moving crew, which also means being there for the delivery of bed frame, mattress, microwave, refrigerator, dining room table + chairs, desk, and shelves. I also need to hire a cleaning crew for Friday, the 16th, and have my internet provider move WiFi from the old condo to the new one. Gonna be a busy day, but looking forward to officially moving in.

Website Updates

Over the past 2 weeks, I worked with a guy named Ervinas from SquareCamp Web Design to migrate my Squarespace site from 7.0 to 7.1, as well as add some new plugins to basically make it look cooler and improve functionality. Here’s what was added:

• New tab plugin

• New “Mega Menu” for “Travels” section

• Plugin to allow more than 30 items in a Summary Block (so I can have an endless scroll on Book Reviews page)

• Removed old “Home” page — www.degenh.com now directly leads to “Blog”

• Improved sidebar

• The entire site now runs on Squarespace version 7.1 — which means there is no longer a “theme” template and I have more customizability throughout the site.

• Removed the page with all the countries as flags

Overall, I’m super happy with the work Ervinas did, and would highly recommend him to anyone looking to spruce up their Squarespace site. While I will continue to make adjustments to my site in the coming weeks, I’m happy to have it back up and running.

I Got Pulled Over… Again

Ok to be fair, I don't have a motorbike license, and that's entirely my fault. However, it's quite common for the police in Chiang Mai to conduct these traffic stops with the primary intention of collecting fines. Interestingly enough, they seem to target only motorbike riders. Last Sunday morning, an officer stopped me and inquired about my license. I told him it was at home. His response was rather straightforward, "Alright, you'll receive a ticket. Normally, it's 1,000 baht, but I'll charge you 500 baht. Do you have cash?"

I promptly replied, "No."

He continued, "Do you have a card? There's an ATM over there."

Once again, I responded, "No."

At this point, he suggested, "Can you scan a QR code for a bank transfer?"

To which I confidently replied, "Certainly."

I proceeded to scan the provided code, paid the 500 baht fine, and was on my way — just another routine traffic stop. However, I was a bit annoyed that during my previous traffic stop, I only had to pay 200 baht…

More Renovations

The tiling is ALMOST done. Once that is finished, painters will do their thing, electrician will get everything sorted, then the building team will come in and do windows, doors, office area, and build shelves, closet, and an entertainment center. In the meantime, I’ve already bought a bed frame, mattress, fridge, washing machine, microwave, tv stand for bedroom, which will all be delivered on June 17 — official move-in day.

Chiang Mai Pride Parade

I went out for dinner the other day, and low and behold, Chiang Mai’s Pride Parade was taking place. There were hundreds of people, all smiling, waving, and supporting their own “group” within the parade. For example, there were a bunch of people promoting equality in the workplace, others were there to support trans rights, and others were just happy to be a part of the community. Cool to see, but there was one truck only blasting Cher hits, so I didn’t stick around to watch the whole thing.

We’re Back!

Here are some more pictures of condo renovations.

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.