Starbucks will be closing it’s doors in Ubon Ratchathani for the final time at close of business Sunday May 31, 2009.  After servicing the community for nearly two years at the Nevada Entertainment Complex it’s tenure has come to an end.  I visited the store yesterday and had, perhaps my last cup of coffee there. The only other patrons were two fellow Americans.

No reason was given other than declining business. Who knows the reason why? It is in a great location. Many complain of the high price of coffee there but people go there for the environment, atmosphere and fragrance as much as for the coffee. It might be that the majority of patrons at Nevada Entertainment Complex are teens and young adults and not so interested in an exotic cup of coffee in a quiet comfortable shop. It could be because Black Canyon Coffee was right next door and a java could be had for half the Starbucks price.

Whatever the reason if you do enjoy Starbucks you have until Sunday to say goodbye.

New Expat Business in Town

I just discovered there is a new Internet and game center that just opened in Ubon Ratchathani on Suriyat Road. It is owned and operated by an British expat and his wife. The name of the establishment is Click. So if you are in need of Internet service why not click on over and welcome Jimmy and his wife to town. The shop is on Suriyat Road 2 blocks East of Chayangkul Road on the  right hand side.

Ubon Ratchathani Spice Lady

Do you sometimes do your own cooking here in Ubon but get a bit frustrated trying to find oregano, bay leaves, thyme, vanilla sticks, cinamon sticks, backing soda or whole wheat flour?

I enjoy trying to imitate Jamie Oliver sometimes but he don’t normally use the basic Thai herbs and spices. In the past I had to stock up when I was in Bangkok then would find myself hoarding to make them last longer. But now I know I can use what I need and can replenish easily when stocks are getting low.

The shop proprietor is a nice lady who speaks enough English to know if she has what you need or not. Also she owns a large shop in Bangkok so if it’s not on her shelf she can order for you and have it here in a day or two.

The shop is small and piled to the ceiling with cooking and baking accessories plus many of the ingredients you need to cook up and Italian or other European or western dish.

It is located on Ubon Ket Street on the left hand side about 10 meters north of Prommathep Rd. Ubon Ket Street is one block east of Upparat Road. Prommathep Rd is one way heading in the direction of Upparat Road. If driving you would have to turn off Upparat Rd onto Phrommarat Rd down to Rajabut rd, turn right then right on Prommathep. Also the 8 line goes by Ubon Ket Street either on Phrommarat or Prommathep depending on where you catch it.

Ubon Ratchathani Apple Tree is Blooming

Do you own a Mac computer or other Apple products and wondered if you could get them serviced in Ubon? Do you desire the latest apps and add-ons? You are in luck.

Down on Prommathep Road you will find M&C Computer. They are a licensed and authorized Apple reseller and technical service point.

I spoke with Mr Kitti, Managing Director, today at his shop. He has scheduled a series of presentations at Rueang Rangsi, a home electronics shop  on Chayangkul Road about 500 meters south of Tesco Lotus.

The presentations are mainly to educate the Ubon community about Apple products and will be conducted in Thai only. They will be held Monday to Friday 18:00 and Saturday and Sunday at 15:00 and 18:00. Mr Kitti told me if you go and have questions he will be happy to talk with you after the presentations.

Or you can visit him at the shop, M&C Computer at 170 Prommathep Rd or call at (045)262-529 or (045)262-555.

Ubon Ratchathani Has A Thai Tutor

If you go around Ubon you will see many places advertising that they teach English. That is great for the locals but you are a farang.  You might have learned some Thai from a book or a friend but you really want to  increase your skills and understanding. What can you do?

I have a friend who has a business teaching Thai and English. Most of her clients who study Englsh are students at the local high schools or university. They are all going back to school next week so my friend has several opening on weekdays.

She has been tutoring farangs in the subtleties of the Thai language for more than 5 years. But her students usually come and go for one reason or another. I have taken a few lessons with her out of curiousity and also because though I have learned Thai it was all from books and I thought maybe I needed a push to get to the next level.  It was time well spent by me.

Khroo Ooh (pronounced short u sound) has a shop at 100 Ratchabut Rd in downtown Ubon city about 2 blocks south of  the Suzuki shop on Khuan Thani Rd. You can give her a call at (086)246-0754.

That’s the way it is, Tuesday, May 26 in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand

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