chas

Thanks indeed - great photos.

A blonde walks into a bar. The barman says "Is this a joke?"

Thanks - I enjoyed the pictures.

Thanks for that Shilo.

Thanks for that; I'm along the river in Nong Khai for a while , so I might take a look.

Lovely, funny man. We lived for a while on the same floor in Center Condo. Sad story.

Here you go NKPed:-

Some 4 years ago I lived in Pattaya. Over a week or so I found it difficult to breath/walk any distance. Trying to save money I saw a Doc at a clinic on Pattaya Tai; he said 'chest infection', take these antibiotics and "w"itamins. No better. Saw Dr Olivier on Soi Day/Night. Same diagnosis - stronger antibiotics. No better. Went to BPH, Lung Center. Blood test, x-ray. Had to travel in a wheelchair as I couldn't keep up with the nurse, going to get my x-ray. By the time I got back to see the doc, he had an x-ray of my lungs/heart on the computer on his desk. The answer? Liquid on my lungs caused by a heart problem not pumping properly. He stuck a needle twice from my back through to my lungs and got rid of the liquid. Straight up to the Heart Center.Sorry, American spelling...coffee and a Hobnob biscuit. Then saw Dr Suthep Keeratijarenongwong. Cardiologist. He by now had my x-ray. Had a listen, nurse did an echocardiogram. Doc said yes, heart problem; as Papillon says angiogram would tell if i needed stents, by-pass or new valves. My BUPA would not cover this. He gave me pills which reduced symptoms and risk while I sorted a return to the UK. I went for monthly checks until I left. And kept taking the pills. I think what pills is for a Doc to prescribe, not advice on here. I was very happy with the treatment and advice. Back in the UK, angiogram, then triple by-pass operation - now fit as a butcher's dog. Still taking pills. But had to become a UK resident again. Well done giving up smoking. I gave up over ten years ago, but - as maybe with you Shilo - my problems were/are compounded with COPD - pulmonary disease which sneaks up on you, even as a non-smoking convert, Whew! So get yourself to a hospital and get a diagnosis. One tip on medications - don't buy them from BPH; get a mocy from the hospital to Fascinos pharmacy on Pattaya Nua (discount cards available!) - much cheaper on the prescription drugs than the hospital pharmacy. Hope it all goes well. There's the Trip Report I never did!

Just to add to the best wishes.Always enjoyed Mick's posts. If you really stop smoking you'll avoid the COPD that it caused me! So keep it up

Best wishes. Get well soon.

It may be unrelated but:- I keep having advert web pages just appear - which I delete. Nothing apparently via Pattaya Talk. When I try to access Secrets website chrome just tells me it cannot connect to the site. Has anyone else had this problem? This for three days. I've tried an Advanced System Care scan, Supra anti spyware scan and have Windows Essentials up to date and working. Anyone else who cannot open Secrets? Thanks in advance

ajarn.com Lots of information there.

What sounds like the same species of snake (or the same one ) followed me out of the Friendship car park a while ago. Thank god my Missus wasn't there or she'd have grabbed it and eaten it. I think she always overcooks them them.

New Year's Eve will be the best display. Fireworks not just from Bali Hai - but also right round the bay. My best spot to see this was from the roof of Center Condo, off Pattaya Tai. Lift to 16 floor. To avoid flyers/jumpers, don't park too near.

I married a Thai lady in February 2009 when I was retired to Thailand. I applied for what was called Additional Pension. After weeks and weeks I got the £57 a week for her. The delay - "not us, we have to get a National Insurance number for her..." That was fine but I had to come back to the UK and re-establish my residency to get free NHS treatment. When I did this the DWP said that since we are separated they would not pay the £57. They also e-mailed the Hospital to say I was not a Resident. Initially the Hospital billed me. But they cancelled the bill when I pointed out they had not discussed payment with me before my appointments as their regulations said they should have. Their last letter said I should let them know when I return to Thailand so I could claim the extra money. I should have known to keep my trap shut