For those of you with questions regarding Thailand, Thai culture, history, tourism,
laws, rules, food, nightlife, subcultures, dating; generally anything as long as it is relevant,
we have a panel of experts ready to respond to all your enquiries.
Email: hilary@chiangmaicitylife.com
1. Where can I watch foreign films on the cheap in Chiang Mai?
Hilary: There are quite a few different places around the city that show films other than the typical box office busts that you’ll find at major movie theatres. At Chiang Mai University, a group called FilmSPACE shows a variety of international films for free in their open air rooftop theatre on the third floor of the CMU art museum every Saturday starting at 7 p.m. Call 053 944 846 or visit www.facebook.com/filmSPACE for announcements and updates. Alliance Francaise, located near The Chedi Hotel on Charoen Prathet Road does screenings of French films with English subtitles every Friday at 8 p.m. (except holidays) for only 30 baht per person. Visit www.afthailande.org/en/cultural-activities/cinema for schedules and details. Documentary Arts Asia on Wualai Road Soi 3 shows excellent Asian Cinema selections as well as documentaries from all over the world on Mondays and Thursdays respectively at 7 p.m. Entrance fees and popcorn sales are by donation; beer and wine are available for 80 baht per glass. Visit www.doc-arts.asia/screening-schedule or call 088 138 7470 for details.
2. I’m travelling alone and I want to learn how to ride a motorbike before I rent one. Can I take lessons somewhere?
Sarah (intern): As far as I know there isn’t a place that offers actual motorbike lessons. You could hire a motorbike taxi for a day and learn that way, but what I would recommend is posting on a forum such as couchsurfing.org or thaivisa.com/forum and asking if there is anyone in the area who is willing to teach you for a day. Chances are you’ll get more than one person offering time out of their day to help you out, and you might make a new friend in the process!
3. I want to go jogging outdoors but want to avoid traffic and pedestrians as much as humanly possible. Any idea what routes are best?
Mai (Intern): The city is awful for running. The sidewalks are not even and you have to constantly stop for traffic and pedestrians. That is, if you haven’t already given up from the heat and car fumes. For a smooth and serene run, go to Huay Tung Tao Lake. There’s a running trail surrounded by grass and trees and it’s right by the reservoir if you want to take a quick dip afterwards. You can also go to the Huay Kaew Arboretum Park next to Chiang Mai University. Locals use it as a fitness park because it’s quiet and the air feels cleaner. If you like those things, then this is the place to be. Another option is the outdoor track at 700 Year Stadium, off Irrigation Canal Road. They also have a pool and exercise equipment you can use for a small fee.
4. I heard you need a university degree to work at 7-Eleven. Is this true?
Bew (intern): Well, just a Vocational Certificate as well as a High Vocational Certificate is ordinarily required. Normally a university degree is not needed to work at 7-Eleven but you do have to graduate at least Grade 9. Since the job market is tough and the Thai government now requires all employers to pay a minimum wage of 300 hundred baht (and many 7-Elevens in Chiang Mai actually offer full-time employees 310 baht per day, with welfare and uniform included), many new college graduates may be attracted to any jobs that will allow them to make money straight away. Of course, the advantage of a university degree is that you can apply for a better position, such as branch manager or higher, and make more money. However, in many branches, the degree you have will not be considered, so you must start the same as any employee would, by cleaning the floor, washing the windows, sorting stock, etc.