The Grumpy Expat

Traditional Thai buffalo carts are turning up all the time these days. They are new ones, the old ones having been either abandoned to rot away or knocked down to make outdoor furniture. The craftsmen in old wood have found a market for brand new Buffalo carts. The only possible use that I can think of for these sturdy echoes from the past is as garden ornaments or giant plant pots. However, I would not be surprised to see one day a spanking new buffalo cart being pulled along at a stately pace by a Honda Wave.

The example pictured was on display at Jim Thompson Farm, Pak Thong Chai, Nakhon Ratchasima Province and seems to be intended to carry rice.

Just prior to arriving at the Chong Chom crossing into Cambodia is the famous Chong Chom market. I've visited the place a few times and it seems to be growing in size.

Chong Chom market is one of those places that you simply must visit when you're in the area. Somehow, the covered avenues manage to maintain a tolerable temperature despite the baking sun above and pressing crowds around. The market offers a good selection of things to buy, if you're really determined to spend your money, but not the wide selection that you might imagine from its physical size. After exploring three or four avenues, you will become aware that you're seeing the same goods over again. But that should not put you off. Cheap clothing, plants, kitchen and garden tools and, electrical items, gadgets, second hand bikes and many more things are offered at very reasonable prices with the opportunity to haggle them down further.

Penguin Western Food supplies well known brands of pies, bacon, gammon, sausage, sausage roll, Cornish pasty, beef burger, minced beef and pork, beef, pork and ham. Also available are less common items such as ox tongue, stuffing, pigs in blankets and ready meals.

Customers can buy from Penguin Pizza in Pak Thong Chai. If you prefer home or restaurant delivery, your order can be made to 088 3715267. Delivery is free within 5 kilometres of Pak Thong Chai otherwise a charge is made.

Penguin Western Food supplies for the home freezer and also orders for restaurant kitchens. Supplies in stock can be delivered usually at short notice straight from the freezer.

Continue below to view the stock and prices.

Daisy Bakery and Restaurant offers really good fresh bread and German beer at 365 M2 T. Maroeng in Korat.

Call Lalita on 081 8718048 for more information.
Email: taiholzbac@hotmail.com

Believe me, the bread is really good!

Thai food is healthy and nutritious but expats. crave English and other European food from time to time. Pattaya and Bangkok have a number of suppliers of food for the home freezer but Isaan is not so well served. However, there is one supplier and, I'm told, it's good.

Staffords is at the crossroads of the 24 and 214 roads at Prasat. It's a very convenient location for anyone who either lives in the area or is passing through. The Chong Chom market and border crossing is about 30K away so it's makes a useful stop on a return from a visa run. Just after the traffic lights heading south to Chong Chom turn right into the shop house area. Then drive behind the front buildings and turn right again.

If you aren't sure whether to buy a supply from a shop without first trying you can sample the food either at Staffords' own restaurant or in Harley's Bar and Restaurant next door.

Delivery to certain areas is also possible.

Harley's is a Thai-English run establishment. The busy evening is Friday when a free buffet is on offer and locals enjoy Isaan and Khmer singing. Other than that, it has a very British atmosphere.

For those who cannot manage without karaoke joints there are several in the area and accommodation.

Visit Staffords' website for details of the products, restaurant, directions and contact information.

Penguin Pizza has just opened its doors in Pak Thong Chai, Korat Province's famous silk town. In addition to real European style pizza, the restaurant offers a wide choice of Western and Thai food, beers and wines. I think that it will make a popular meeting place for farang in the area and a good rest stop for those passing north or south along the Korat to Pattaya road.

Look here for menu examples.

The 2010 Phuket International Blues Rock Festival 2010 will take place on 26 and 27 February. It's an evening event and the venue is Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort and Spa, Karon Beach.

Go here for more information, including how to book:

Thai Ticketmajor

Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort and Spa

KR Korat Hotel offers one of the best budget lunch spots in Nakhon Ratchasima. For THB99 you can eat as much as you like from a choice of soup, salad, ice cream and Thai dishes. The food is available from Monday to Friday, 11.00am to 2.00pm. I enjoy the food and the service, limited of course to fetching water and clearing used crockery, is spot on.

I haven't used the hotel and so cannot comment on its standards. However, it offers massage, karaoke a bar and a barber/'traditional' massage in addition to the usual hotel facilities.

KR Korat Hotel is in Asadang road in the popular old town. Restaurants and other entertainment are within easy walking and tuk tuk distance.

Go to the KR Korat Hotel website for more information, including the very reasonable room rates.

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