Suuai
Monthly news for Chiang Mai Thailand
November 2023
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Hmong Fashion Show
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From the editor
Suuai news took a brief pause for the past few months mainly due to a busy cool down rainy season and the low amount of scheduled events, but we’re back!
The tourist climate has taken a welcomed cheery turn for the best with an influx in Chinese travelers and travelers overall. More and more businesses seem to be popping up daily and some quickly becoming the gems of the town.
For 2023 tourist visitors to Thailand are on target to do about 25 million for the year. Comparably in 2019 was 39.9m and 2022 was 11.8m. All happy news and the traffic shows it.
The rainy season was pretty grand, turning roads into rivers with depths of up to 2-4 feet in places, but a welcomed event from the volcanic heat and temperatures over 100 degrees.
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The Hmong hill-tribe did a stunning world class fashion show in Mai Rim showing off the traditional vibrant and colorful traditional designs. The event went on for 5 days and has been going on for years and will be repeated again in 2024.
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Compare USA to Thailand Medical Costs
Seeing is believing getting to experience the Thai medical care system. Rarely any wait upon a visit to a Thai doctor and usually within 10-15 minutes you’re seeing ones doctor of choice.
Some may have a hesitation to visiting a doctor in a foreign land, but many of the Thai hospitals are credited and awarded the “Goal Seal Quality Approval” and certified by the Joint Commission International Accreditation or JCIA; A stringent award following Americas highest standards.
The costs are really hard to believe a fraction to what one would typically pay in America. Most speak fluent English and are happy to spend as much time as needed answering questions and/or concerns.
Who would of ever thought one could have an ER visit for as little as $35!
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Care Corner orphanage is one of many orphanages in the area and is about a 30 minute drive south of town. Every year the Dukes restaurant treats the orphanage to a holiday dinner usually followed with the group singing songs.
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Care Corner Orphanage
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Care Corner Orphanage does everything possible to provide a normal life for the kids to include a structured development of tidiness and self care. The kids conveniently attend school next door and on weekends they're often filled with activities and chores.
With much appreciation the 43 kids sometimes receive assistance and/or donations from outside help, and welcomes others to participate if they wish. One can contact the orphanage directly at https://www.facebook.com/CareCorner1995 and speak to the headmaster Jacinth.
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Sensational images from Chiang Mai's lighting storm during the rainy season. Photo credit to the very talented Wiradej Thongsuwan of Chiang Mai.
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Thailand Tourism video
The very talented Will Robinson (The Issan Project) made another 5 part tourism video series promoting the food scene in Thailand. I was very grateful to also play apart in the clip featuring Chiang Mai’s very famous Khao Soi noodle dish. Thank you Issan Project!
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I ordered a coffee in Chiang Mai Thailand! Ordering a coffee in Chiang Mai is not just about having a cup of coffee but it’s about the experience. Master Barista explains he’s entered in barista competitions in town but has never won. He goes on to further explains that there’s many other very talented baristas in town too. I give him an A++. Name: Around Town Coffee.
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Lanna Expo
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Ever year the Lanna Expo comes to town displaying rows of handmade sellable and wearables. Many of the various hilltribes participate in the event showing one off originals and new creative ideas. The event goes on for usually about 2 weeks giving plenty of time for everyone to see.
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One Nieman wine and jazz weekend.
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One of the many treats of Thailand finding so many foot massage shops. In the Nimman area 300b seems to be about the going rate for 1 hour. Included a sea salt scrub; good night! Chanya massage. |
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Along the north side of the moat road this lady sells ginger with ginkgo. Ginkgo is good for one’s memory, antioxidant, one’s vision, blood flow, treats migraines, treat sexual disfunction, and treats depression.
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Bangkok Chiang Mai Clinic new Thaphae gate location.
… has opened their new convenient location in town at Thaphae gate hours 8:00-8:00pm with a doctor on duty. Introduction special 699b for cholesterol, Uric acid and blood sugar test till December 31st.
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Cultural attire.
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The Owl Restaurant
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The newest restaurant just opened last Month, The Owl by Chef Roman from the Tea Leaf Lab. A German chef whose cooking comes from a long background of many Michelin restaurants in England and Germany. He tries to rotate his menu every 6 months with the idea that people don’t get tired of any past creations. Roman’s wife Kate takes care of the front area greeting guests and coordinating the Staff a glorious addition to the restaurant scene. Most memorable dishes the Duck liver butter in the shape of an orange, and the signature chocolate cream custard dessert. https://maps.app.goo.gl/GV9KpRJ3gVpvqUF59?g_st=ic
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The Ping River. … full from all the recent rain.
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Halloween was celebrated around town pictures taken from One Nimman.
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At One Nimman was a Coldplay Event contest during the rainy season.
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Karen Tribe / Ring Necks located about 30 minutes north of Chiang Mai
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The Karen tribe, also known as the Kayan, is an ethnic group that lives in the mountainous regions of Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand. One of the distinctive features of the Karen tribe is the practice of wearing brass rings around the neck, which gives the appearance of elongating the neck.
The tradition of wearing these brass rings is believed to have originated in Myanmar, and it is thought to date back over 200 years. The practice is not universal among the Karen tribe, but it is most commonly associated with the sub-group known as the Padaung.
The exact origins and purpose of the practice are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have been a way of distinguishing the Padaung from other tribes and as a form of protection from tiger attacks. The tradition also has a cultural and aesthetic significance, as the long neck is considered a symbol of beauty and elegance in Karen culture.
The practice of wearing the brass rings has become a popular tourist attraction in recent years, and some members of the Karen tribe have capitalized on this by opening up their villages to visitors. However, there has been some controversy around the issue, as some have criticized the practice as exploitative and objectifying. Nonetheless, the Karen tribe continues to preserve its unique cultural heritage and traditions, including the practice of wearing brass rings around the neck.
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The Chinese comes to town
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Going on now I Love Flowers (name) https://maps.app.goo.gl/qHLDdcHPdLimXQvd9?g_st=ic
Picture credit: Vista
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More pictures from the Hmong Fashion Show
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Chiang Mai University park and dog run.
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Starlux adds a new route from Chiang Mai to Taipei 3x week starting January 2024.
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