A coconut each morning for breakfast

Posted on 27. Oct, 2010 by arth101 in Daily events

I am presently living in the moment and I thoroughly enjoy it. One of Thailand’s main stereotype image is the endless amount of coconuts, which could be found on virtually every palm tree here in Koh Samui, Surat Thani, Thailand.

I consider myself lucky to be consuming at least one coconut a day or four times a week.
Medical science research confirms the nutritional benefits of consuming coconut in combating various health problems whilst providing a good source of protein.
Some of the benefits are summarised below:

- Helps fight parasites and common viruses (Including Hepatitis B, C & HIV) by inhibiting replication.
- Helps fight fungi and yeasts that may potentially cause Candidiasis, ring worm, athlete’s foot, thrush etc.
- Provides a quick source of energy and nutrition.
- Boosts energy and endurance, enhancing physical exertion.
- Improves insulin secretion and proper utilisation of blood glucose.
- Maintains the integrity of bone formation, working in conjunction with Calcium for homeostasis of Calcium regulation.
- Reduces inflammation.
- Enhances the immune system.
- Can serve as a form of antioxidant protecting the body from free radical.
- Supports thyroid function.
- Helps prevents obesity (although this is dependant on a lot of factors).
- Many more…

The bottom line to this story is that, the smallest things make me happy. Money cannot always buy happiness. I am thankful that the island is full of abundant fruits, providing a means of living and sustaining a healthy lifestyle.

The hot topic on Koh Samui, Thailand

Posted on 22. Oct, 2010 by arth101 in Daily events

What is becoming a hot topic on this little lovely island here is the talk of the visa strategy. One of the most common type of visa is the 2 month tourist visa which can be extended by an extra month at the cost of B1900. After which time, you must exit the country and reapply for the 2 month tourist visa at that country.
If you fly into the Kingdom of Thailand without a tourist visa, you get stamped a 30 day entry tourist visa instead of the usual 2 month visa.

You are only allowed to do this procedure 4 times in 1 year, although the rules governing this always changes. Sometimes, I feel that that they lose track of how many changes have been made.
Same goes for a working visa. If you have a valid working visa, you must exit the country every 3 months to renew that working visa. How this works and where the logic applies… I have no idea. Except one thing springs to mind when you think about it… money.

My plan is to fly to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia after the initial 3 months has elapsed and re-apply for the 60 day tourist visa at the Thai consulate/embassy. But that’s if I decide to choose Thailand as my home. My initial 3 month stay here in Thailand will put that to the test.
That is the hot talk on this island.