Window Tint

I recently had window tint installed on the windows in my living room. The tint helps reduce glare and heat, and it also provides UV protection for sunny days in Chiangmai.

Currently, my condo is quite messy. I've given up on cleaning it for now because the furniture installation involves drilling into the concrete and cutting to size, which would make cleaning futile. Instead, I've decided to leave Chiangmai for a while. I plan to travel to Pattaya for a few days and then take a two-hour taxi ride to Bangkok. In Bangkok, I'll spend a few days shopping, dining at rooftop restaurants (something Chiangmai lacks), and making plans for the rest of the year.

Hopefully, a week or two after I return, my condo will be completed. On August 16, I'll head to Buriram to obtain a new visa. After that, depending on the poll results, I’ll set off for a big trip in October. I'm aiming to align it with China's National Day to take advantage of a week off since my jobs are based in China, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

Speaking of jobs, I'm also considering making a career change in 2024. Although I generally enjoy my current jobs, I'm looking for something better. It's challenging to convey to anyone reading this since I'm the one working at each job, but they all feel somewhat limited. KrASIA is facing financial issues, Conductive is a Web3 startup struggling to launch any product and constantly pivoting, which means redoing all the marketing materials—an annoying process. On the other hand, China.org.cn is just monotonous, with the same tasks every day. I plan to fulfill my contracts and finish out the year with these jobs and then take some time to find a job that aligns not only with my skills but also with my interests, if that's even possible. I'll see how things progress—it's difficult to consider leaving my jobs since I've been spending a lot of money renovating the condo and paying for repairs to fix the mistakes made during the initial renovations. Hopefully, these will be one-time fixes, and I can start saving again.

It’s Time to Vote

I don’t believe I've run a poll on Squarespace before, but it's time to give it a whirl. I promised myself that once the condo renovations are completed and I've received my new Thai visa at the end of August, my reward will be a trip to a new country, one I've never explored before. There are three options in the vicinity that have piqued my interest, and each promises a unique and fascinating adventure. However, I'm having a hard time making a decision. So, I've decided to turn it over to you. Please help me choose my next travel destination.

Driving Range

The game of golf holds a treasure trove of memories for me. Each time I pick up a club, I am transported to my childhood, when my grandfather introduced me to this elegant sport. I can still picture his weathered hands gripping the club, his soft-spoken instructions, and the gentle arc of his swing.

Today, my grandpa's physical presence may have faded, but his spirit continues to live on. Every time I pick up a club, I feel him by my side, guiding me, just like he did all those years ago. Golf is not just a game for me; it’s a bridge to my past, a comforting memory of a time spent under the tutelage of my grandpa, and an ongoing homage to the man who introduced me to this wonderful sport.

Redoing Toilet

The toilet in the master bathroom was smelly after flushing it, so I sought the help of a new crew to examine the issue. They removed the toilet, assessed the situation, and concluded, "No good" in Thai. With the aid of Google Translate, they explained that the previous worker had simply placed the toilet hole directly on the tile, sealing it with a brittle grout-like material. As a result, gasses from the drain were escaping.

To rectify the issue, they inserted a rubber type of gasket halfway into the hole in the floor, which they then fitted through the bottom of the toilet. They added a rubber seal around the toilet, sealed everything with cement, and then applied black silicone as a finishing touch. At least that's what I deduced from observing their work (fun fact: I'm not a certified plumber).

While it was frustrating to pay for corrections to the mistakes made by a worker I had already compensated, I'm relieved to have things done as they should be.

Happy 4th of July!

Basically, the subcontractors my contractor hired did a poor job, so now I have to find my own tradespeople and pay them to fix all the mistakes. This includes patching up improperly done drywall, custom fitting new doors (which my original contractor claimed was impossible), and redoing the bathroom drains. Additionally, I have hired someone to make custom curtains. The ones in the office are already hung up, but the ones for the bedroom are too long, so she will return tomorrow to make the necessary adjustments.

On that note, happy 4th of July! When you type "America" in the Line app, here are the suggested emojis.

Renovations Are Not Fun

When you hire a contractor, you can do all the research you want, but in the end, you have limited control over the people they choose to do the actual work. So far, my contractor has been okay, but the subcontractors they brought in for tasks like tiling, glasswork, painting, and trim have been quite unprofessional. Their work has been sloppy, and I've had to hire other handymen and tradesmen to fix their mistakes. Looking back, if I had the chance, I would skip hiring a contractor altogether and find individual tradesmen for each specific job. Right now, I'm eagerly waiting for the arrival and installation of the custom built-in furniture next week, which will mark the end of my contractor's involvement. After that, I'll start searching for professionals to design and install custom doors, as well as a new countertop.

This experience has taught me a lot, but just the thought of going through it again gives me a headache. If I do decide to buy another condo in the future, I'll definitely consider the amount of work required, or just buy a new place that doesn’t require any sort of renovation.

Bathroom / Closet Sliding Door

Yesterday, I resorted to a rather unconventional cleaning method, using a knife and paint remover to tackle the tile floor. However, after two hours of exhausting work and sore hands, I decided to throw in the towel. I took a much-needed shower and decided to call a professional cleaning company. This morning, a single individual from the company arrived, but they will need to return tomorrow to complete the task.

Additionally, an air conditioning cleaning company is scheduled to come tomorrow to clean and potentially repair the four air conditioners in the condo. Furthermore, fixed glass panels for both bathrooms are expected to arrive either tomorrow or Friday, while the installation of custom furniture is slated for sometime next week.

Bars On Balcony

This Past Weekend

The condo is a giant mess, so this weekend I needed to get outside, away from all the dust, debris, and noise. So the likely solution was to go to the driving range for three hours.

Windows Have Arrived

Windows are installed. Old countertops are being taken out to be replaced with new ones. Cutting out a section of the counter near the sink to make room for the washing machine. Progress is slow but it’s coming along.

Journeying Through Life’s ‘Admin,’ Dreaming of New Horizons

You know that feeling when you're in the middle of a whirlwind, spinning, not knowing when it'll end? I've been there, right smack in the middle. It's been a whirlwind of obligations, paperwork, and endless to-do lists. Sometimes, it's been so intense that I've had to remind myself to pause, take a deep breath, and remember that there's more to life than crossing off items on a list.

In the past few months, my life has revolved around two major things: buying a condo and renewing my visa. Buying a condo seemed simple at first, but boy, was I in for a surprise! It wasn't just about finding the right place and signing a contract. There was a mountain of paperwork, endless renovations, and countless hours spent coordinating with contractors. Just when I thought I was nearing the end, another beast reared its head — the visa renewal.

If you've ever been through the visa renewal process, you know what I'm talking about. It's like a game of chess where you're constantly figuring out your next move. Filling out forms, gathering documents, meeting with officials, endless waiting, and keeping your fingers crossed. It demands your time, energy, and heaps of patience.

While caught up in all this, I had a realization. I missed traveling. I missed exploring new places, soaking up different cultures, and hearing the stories that each corner of the world has to tell. I missed the excitement of landing in a new city, tasting unfamiliar food, and connecting with people who view the world differently. These enriching experiences have been on pause, and I've been itching to hit the 'play' button.

So here's my silver lining. All this condo and visa stuff has made me realize how much I love and miss traveling. So, I've made a promise to myself: once all this is sorted, I'm going to visit at least one new country this year. I'm ready to break free from the mundane routine and feel the rush of stepping into the unknown.

I'm also planning to be more involved locally. I've been guilty of not fully exploring the vibrant events that are just an hour's flight away in Bangkok. Whether it's art shows, food festivals, concerts, or local festivities, Bangkok is buzzing with activities. So, once I have this condo and visa chapter closed, I plan to immerse myself in the city's happenings.

This whole condo and visa journey has been a crazy roller coaster. But like every wild ride, there's relief and exhilaration at the end. I'm excited about what's to come — fresh adventures, new experiences, and memorable moments.

To all of you also caught up in life's red tape, remember, the whirlwind does stop eventually. When it does, grab the chance to do something that brings you joy. It's these experiences that truly add a dash of spice to our lives.

Balcony Door

The glass balcony door was added yesterday. I’m unsure when the remaining glass windows will be installed. The black object sticking out from the wall near the outlet is the old copper piping/tubing for the living room air conditioning unit. This needs to be rerouted through the kitchen to ensure that the glass balcony door remains flush with the wall. Additionally, we’re in the process of installing the doors, replacing the door handles, and cementing the floor trim to the wall. Long ways to go…

“Moved In” — Sort Of

Moving in on Saturday turned out to be a lot smoother than I had anticipated. I had multiple furniture companies deliver and set up my new pieces, and 3BB came over to install WiFi, ensuring that I would have internet access right away.

Currently, the furniture is placed in the middle of the condo while the workers wrap up the remaining renovation tasks. It's exciting to see everything coming together. However, there are a few things I still need to take care of. One of them is getting blinds for the windows.

Another safety concern is the balcony. I'm planning to replace the nets that are currently there to deter birds with metal framing that has a more intricate design. This upgrade will not only discourage birds but also prevent accidental falls. It will be a loud couple of weeks, but I’m happy to be here to see things happen in real-time rather than driving over every day after I finish work to see the day’s progress.

The Storm Before The Calm Before The Storm

I arrived at the condo yesterday around 3 pm and was met with a disheartening sight—a colossal mess. However, to my surprise, by 4 pm, the workers had cleared everything out.

Yesterday, the TV stand was delivered, and after my feeble attempt at mopping the dust off the main bedroom floor was futile, I had the workers assemble it.

Unfortunately, the condo is still far from complete. There are pending tasks such as painting, installing trim, finalizing the window installation, adjusting the doors to fit the new tiles, and placing various wooden fixtures, including shelves in the kitchen, main shelves, office area, entertainment center, and walk-in closet. Additionally, a new frame and front door have been ordered and will be installed upon their arrival.

The contractor mistakenly ordered a sink that was too large, resulting in an unfortunate hole being cut in the granite. As a solution, they have ordered a new sink and will need to install fresh granite once it arrives.

While the decision to move out of my current place and save money seems beneficial, I anticipate it will be noisy for the next few weeks due to the ongoing construction.

Here's the plan for today:

• 8 am: Head to the gym.

• 10 am: The cleaning crew is scheduled to arrive at the new condo.

• 12 pm: The moving team will come to the old condo to pack up all the belongings.

• 12 pm: The first order, including a bed frame, mattress, two side tables, a desk, dining room table with four chairs, and a table with two chairs for the balcony, is expected to arrive at the new condo.

• 1 pm: The WiFi technicians will visit to install the new router.

• 1 pm: The electronics order, consisting of a refrigerator and a microwave, will be delivered.

• The remainder of the day will be dedicated to arranging everything in the new condo to the best of my ability while still leaving room for workers to finish up over the next few weeks.

Some Windows

Photos in order — (top left) Window in master bedroom, (top right) trim in master bedroom, (bottom left) kitchen windows removed and cutting a new hole for sink because washing machine will be squeezed in there, (bottom middle) sliding window door in 2nd bedroom, (bottom right) more trim in master bedroom.

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.