“State of Emergency” in Bangkok = Being an Expat During all of This…

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** This Live Stream happened about 1 week into the State of Emergency going into Effect
On March 26th, i.e. the morning of Wed. April 1st (Bangkok Time) **
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* Thailand’s Cases of Corona :: https://thaicovid.mikes.asia
* Johns Hopkins COVID-19 map and statistics:
https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html
* US projections: https://covid19.healthdata.org/projections
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Totally AWESOME chatting with you. Even with all the crazy-change this has happened, just in the last few weeks, I took time out to reflect on where I was at this time, last year. Short Answer: I’m the luckiest guy in the world!
Can’t wait to hear your perspective and hear how its going in your part of the world!
Live the Dream!
~mikes
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(LIVE) Day #4 of 37??? – State of Emergency, Bangkok Thailand

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** Updates on Sunday here in Bangkok Thailand **

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Looking forward to chatting with you. Even with all the crazy-change this has happened, just in the last few DAYS!, I took time out to reflect on the last few months of my life. Short Answer: I’m *still* the luckiest guy in the world!
Can’t wait to hear your perspective and hear how its going in your part of the world!
Live the Dream!
~mikes
* FACEBOOK https://fb.me/mbjls
* PERISCOPE https://www.pscp.tv/search?q=amazingmikes //
* YOUTUBE https://youtube.com/livemyassoff
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* VK.com https://vk.com/livemyassoff ## Russia
* DLive.tv https://dlive.tv/LiveMyAssOff
* TWITTER https://twitter.com/amazingmikes

MUSIC:
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Hope by ROFEU https://youtu.be/ffo924Cap68
Creative Commons Attribution license
Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/rofeu-hope
Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/W-w1hVLvIJw
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My Hospital Experience, Bangkok March 21, 2020

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Last Saturday, I woke up to the second day of a ear ache. While I was anticipating a VERY long wait at the hospital (Sukumvit Hostpital) to go in and see an Ear/Nose/Throat (ENT) specialist, I figured: better to do it now. Just 24 hours after shooting this video, all the Malls were closed in Bangkok.
Subsequently, on March 26th, the Prime Minister announced a “State of Emergency” in Thailand. However, this experience is likely to not be any different, if I were to go to this facility on March 27th or 28th.
Thailand’s private hospitals are Truly, Globally Spectacular and VERY reasonably priced – especially in comparison to the cost of medical care in the United States.
Gratefully, I have only been to a few different hospital during the last 7 years in Thailand:
mainly, Pattaya Memorial Hospital, Bumgrungrad Hospital, Bangkok to name a few.
Today, I went to Sukumvit Hospital ( http://www.sukumvithospital.com/home.php?language=en )
and my experience was like that of a 5 Star Hotel with Doctors in it. It was exceptional.
Sukumvit hospital is and easy walk from the Ekkamai BTS station.
I *highly* recommend if you need treatment – go There!

Thanks for watching. Hope you are Livin The Dream!
~mikes

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CIRCLES by tubebackr https://soundcloud.com/tubebackr
Creative Commons — Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported — CC BY-ND 3.0
Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/circles-tubebackr
Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/0SoYt1WHe-U
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? Track Info:
Title: CIRCLES by tubebackr
Genre and Mood: Dance & Electronic + Inspirational
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? Available on:
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/tubebackr/circles
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“Lockdown” Birthday in Bangkok = Gratitude Attack

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** Had a great chat with a bunch of you. THANK YOU for joining in **

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Looking forward to chatting with you. Its my birthday this week and even with all the crazy-change this has happened, just in the last few weeks, I took time out to reflect on the last 365 days of my life. Short Answer: I’m the luckiest guy in the world!
Can’t wait to hear your perspective and hear how its going in your part of the world!
Live the Dream!
~mikes
* FACEBOOK https://fb.me/mbjls
* PERISCOPE https://www.pscp.tv/search?q=amazingmikes //
* YOUTUBE https://youtube.com/livemyassoff
* TWITCH https://www.twitch.tv/amazingmikes/videos
* VK.com https://vk.com/livemyassoff ## Russia
* DLive.tv https://dlive.tv/LiveMyAssOff
* TWITTER https://twitter.com/amazingmikes

MUSIC:
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Hope by ROFEU https://youtu.be/ffo924Cap68
Creative Commons Attribution license
Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/rofeu-hope
Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/W-w1hVLvIJw
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

*Update* Bangkok – Grocery Delivery is working well here.

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A few friends asked me “how do you eat with all the restaurants and malls closed in Thailand?” Well, even before this using GrabFood or FoodPanda (our Uber Eats) for food delivery was/is Very Common. For the most part, unless its a huge order all deliveries come on a motorbike and have rarely taken more than 30 minutes to arrive once ordered.
Now, I’m using very similar delivery techniques for my groceries and am in the habit of of using Grab for that as well. Additionally, a fairly new delivery service: Happy Fresh has emerged a very popular new startup with infinitely more work than they can handle, as you might guess.
This eliminates the need for me to go out. So, just wanted to do a quick update on how *many* people here in Bangkok are surviving… Its really Not much of a hardship. This too shall pass. Its more a big disappointment that i simply cannot go outdoors and get some exercise – I LOVE walking around this city – Bangkok is amazing!

Until tomorrow!
~mikes

4 Months in Thailand today – Why Thailand, Now!?? (part 6) Safe Environment, Only Child Park

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I shot a quick video in the same park, on the same bench that I did 4 months ago when I first landed in Bangkok and “started my new life” in Thailand.
In that time, well, shoot, in just the last 4 weeks, things have changed. Life is *different*… The world has changed!!! Talk about an understatement, eh?
The Corona Virus/COVID-19 headlines simply don’t stop.
I needed to head out of the house to go see a doctor as it was day 2 of some ear pain and that’s about as long as I go before having an ENT physician have a look inside.
Short answer: I have no ear infection and my insurance I have covered it all – direct billing.
I’m pausing to really focus on what I ‘have’ not what I don’t. I might be dilusional but I think I’m clear headed enough to be able to KNOW that I am blessed to have everything I *need* and still things that I want.
So, at 4 months in the kingdom, I still really like Thailand. I am treated well, feel safe and truly hope that wherever YOU are you’re safe and happy.
Live the Dream!
~mikes

**Travel Update** US State Dept, “Do Not Travel”

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Travel Advisory – Global Level 4 Health Advisory – Do Not Travel (March 20, 2020)
Inbox

The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period. U.S. citizens who live abroad should avoid all international travel. Many countries are experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks and implementing travel restrictions and mandatory quarantines, closing borders, and prohibiting non-citizens from entry with little advance notice. Airlines have cancelled many international flights and several cruise operators have suspended operations or cancelled trips. If you choose to travel internationally, your travel plans may be severely disrupted, and you may be forced to remain outside of the United States for an indefinite timeframe.

On March 14, the Department of State authorized the departure of U.S. personnel and family members from any diplomatic or consular post in the world who have determined they are at higher risk of a poor outcome if exposed to COVID-19 or who have requested departure based on a commensurate justification. These departures may limit the ability of U.S. Embassies and consulates to provide services to U.S. citizens.

For the latest information regarding COVID-19, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC)website.

You are encouraged to visit http://travel.state.gov to view individual Travel Advisories for the most urgent threats to safety and security. Please also visit the website of the relevant U.S. embassy or consulate to see information on entry restrictions, foreign quarantine policies, and urgent health information provided by local governments.

Travelers are urged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. The Department uses these Alerts to convey information about terrorist threats, security incidents, planned demonstrations, natural disasters, etc. In an emergency, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate or call the following numbers: 1(888) 407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1 (202) 501-4444 from other countries or jurisdictions.

If you decide to travel abroad or are already outside the United States:

Consider returning to your country of residence immediately using whatever commercial means are available.
Have a travel plan that does not rely on the U.S. Government for assistance.
Review and follow the CDC’s guidelines for the prevention of coronavirus.
Check with your airline, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
Visit travel.state.gov to view individual Travel Advisories for the most urgent threats to safety and security.
Visit our Embassy webpages on COVID-19 for information on conditions in each country or jurisdiction.
Visit the Department of Homeland Security’swebsite on the latest travel restrictions to the United States
Visit Keeping workplaces, homes, schools, or commercial establishments safe.

Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Bangkok
+66 2 205 4049
+66 2 205 4000 (after hours)
[email protected]
American Citizens Services

U.S. Consulate General Chiang Mai (serving Americans in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Kamphaengphet, Lampang, Lamphun, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Petchabun, Phayao, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phrae, Sukhothai, Tak, and Uttaradit provinces.)
+66 053 107 700
+66 2 205 4000 (after hours)
[email protected]

State Department – Consular Affairs
+1 888 407 4747 or +1 202 501 4444

(LIVE) My Ass Off – Fri.Mar 20,2020 @ 8am Bangkok Time * Expat life In Thailand during all this…

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Thanks so much for all of you who joined in this Friday Morning at 8:00am (Bangkok Time) // Thurs, Mar 19 @ 9pm EST // 6pm PST // 01:00 GMT — I believe I’ve gotten all the kinks out of my Live Streaming and with any luck, we will be able to chat, during my Friday Morning @ 8:00am (Bangkok Time)
Looking forward to it! Live the Dream!
~mikes

my Speed Boat in Bangkok!!! at the Klong Lat Mayom WEEKEND Floating Market

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Sure, there are plenty of “Floating Market” videos on YouTube BUT how many of them spend the majority of the time showing you the cool, FAST long-tail boat ride you get to take thru the klongs of Bangkok. This was the highlight of our weekend.

Like many people who visit or live in “the big Mango”, at some point you will ABSOLUTELY end up at a Floating Market. About 1/2 of them have nothing that’s really “floating” but will maybe have a river next to a bunch of little shops selling food and clothing – standard.
BUT the Klong Lat Mayom Floating market, a.k.a. “Klong Floating Market”, is pretty easy to get to a number of ways. What we found the easiest was to take BTS to MRT and then take MRT all the way to its last stop heading west: Lak Song
This puts you right in front of The Mall Bangkea ( https://dude.ly/mallbangkae )
not to be confused with The Mall Bangkapi – another cool mall that you can easily (relative term, I know) get to via the Klong (river) Boat Taxis. That’s for another video though.
Once you get off at Lak Song, you can easily get a GrabCar or Taxi to the floating market, from this location, simple say, “Floating Market, use meter, chai mae?” Basically that’s “Take me to the Floating Market and use the Meter, ok?” In this part of Bangkok there is really on the Mayom Floating market so for about 100 Baht, you’ll get there.
When leaving later in your day, there WILL be a line of cars/taxis next to a very small parking lot where everyone is waiting to get a ride. Easiest thing to do is simply ask drivers, “MRT?” and they will take you to the closest MRT station. We went on a Sunday. *Its only open on the weekends* so expect crowds. The hours are 7am to 5pm. We recommend getting there before 9am and enjoy it before 11:30am/lunch time. The tour groups show up in force by about 10:30am so my noon, its packed.
The food there is Plentiful and Excellent!!!

So, on this day, Gracie and I hopped on the BTS from our condo, got off at ASOK and transferred to MRT, heading toward Lak Song.
*NOTE* the MRT is being extended so there are some times of the day when you will not be able to transfer from one stop to the other. SO, just double check that Google Maps is not sending you to stops as if it were a weekDAY.

Here’s some info on the Klong Lat Mayom Floating Market:
https://www.hotels.com/go/thailand/khlong-lat-mayom

Thanks for watching!
Live the Dream!
~mikes