makavelithedon
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Posts posted by makavelithedon
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Bringing the cost of the units down has been the issue in getting them more widely used in the energy market.
Fully agree on that. However mass production seems to fix that issue.
I saw a debate on this recently and being ignorant of the fact personally before, it was quoted that approximately 95% of what is necessary to drive fuel cell cars is from fossil fuel cast offs which seems to me a back to square one scenario.
Surely until the powerstation pollution bit is rectified all of these plug-ins,hybrids, fuel cells etc etc are just misleading the masses into believing it will all be sweetness and light in the global warming garden as soon as we adopt these drive trains?
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Thanks, especially markg. Like you, I also do the recruiting and interviewing. I would guess I get about the same number of resumes per year (quite a few are only inquiries, of course) and of those probably less than 10% are B.Ed. qualified. Currently our of about 40 (farang) teachers, we have 1 with a B.Ed. and 1 without (but did attend enough courses that he got a T.L. in a Western Country). The Filipinos (about 30 or so) are much more in compliance, maybe 60%.
A lot of the recruitment that we do is directly overseas and still the number of education people applying is really, really small and that is my main concern. Education aside, I have no idea how on earth we can comply with this regulation. Salary isn't the basic criteria, because if it were, we would get the applications, but ultimately they would reject us because of salary. It seldom even reaches that point.
Historically, most, but certainly not all, of the teachers we've had were folks who had some desire to be here--wife, gf/bf, holiday filled with fun etc.
Any ideas as to how this is going to shake down? Any way of getting the folks to understand it probably won't work? Will existing teachers be grandfathered in?
My guess Scott will be you won't get the recruitment you want. Maybe a career change for you along with a lot of others will be the horizon?
As with the other recent changes it will go through and not be 'grandfathered in' either for normal EFL teachers in my view. When everything has been adopted,changed,revised and updated and the Thais look around and realise there's no one left a mass panic to revise update and back peddle will ensue but the damage will have already been done to the long-termers.
Mark G, your outlined points are absolutely how it is and point 3 tops the lot for me. Just nice to read someone who's been there, done it and bought the roti put it so astutely for a change.
Thanks
Mak
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A friend of mine visited Thailand recently and was so taken with it she would like to enrol at an English Language school here on Phuket to gain a CELTA or TESOL certificate.
Can anyone recommend something here on Phuket? Are the ECC any good? And what would be chances of my friend being able to gain employment on the island once qualifed? Thankyou.
To be blunt unless they have a desire to teach here like nothing else they've ever done it's becoming a nightmare job and is getting worse by the term. More hoops are being added as quickly as they can be thought up and unless she has a degree now it's pretty impossible and most of the jobs are very low paid.
Couple that with the fact Phuket's inflation has been running at about 15% per year for the last two+ and jobs other than language school bits and bobs are getting harder for those with no experience.
If she must still entertain it, I know a chap at TTT language school in Chalong (near the roundabout) used to run courses who was very good other than that yeh ECC will be ok. It's the 1st 2-3 years grounding after the course where it's learnt not the 4-6 weeks on the course. It just points you in the right direction.
If you look through the comments in the teacher section it won't take you long to get a gist for the job!
Mak
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Prince Songkla University in Katu offers a 1 year course of accelerated Thai. You basically eat, sleep and s...t Thai for a year. Very good course, from the feedback I got.
How long ago was it that you heard this feedback? I could well be wrong but was told some time ago by the campus staff that this course had been deleted from their programme years ago. Maybe it's been reintroduced?
Mak
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One group is arrangeing for intrest free loans to educators, farmers etc, another encourgeing consumers to buy new electrial wigets, with govt support, another says support fuel cost to certain groups and this group says this intrest adjustment will cool consumer spending, thus inflation will be kept at bay. Since food and fuel are making a huge impact on inflation, I guess besides using less fuel, it will be recommended that everyone should subsist on one meal a day.
I can't see how this country is even functioning let alone growing at 4% ish a year. Couple what you said with the political incompetence and turmoil along with the worldwide problems in many areas, they have got to be on the way to another big slide surely?
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At a guess I'd say Karon was 1st although the northern end is at present a building site for yet another hotel which wouldn't have had a chance of planning permission anywhere else, but the now laughably named LOS.
The rest of the beach still looks nice. Surin is also fairly decent although again a lot of construction work near by continues. I am trying to paint a positive picture but the fact is most of it now appears like Benidorm 25 years ago and many projects for rebuilding or new buildings are well under way now were into low season.
Sorry, maybe a few long tail boat trips to close islands would better suit and they are relatively inexpensive for a whole day of relaxation without so much of the manic mayheml that appears the norm at present on Phuket!
I was talking to a friend today and he suggested the Sands resort in Karon at about 750 baht per night in low season.
Hope some of it is help.
Mak
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Don't forget that he was in charge of PPP's economic platform for several months (albeit during election campaign). He was even touted as a possible Finance Minister.
I haven't forgotten. He was offered the job and turned it down (showing he does have some smarts). He would not be my first choice, but he is an economist and neither the FM or CM have any economics background. Some is better than none.
Posts were too close to eachother, I meant Minkwan, not Olarn.
Which position is Olarn going to take? Finance or Commerce? If latter, can he work around Surapong? That alternative medicine doctor's ego is ginormous, I won't be surprised if he starts by lecturing Olarn on how to forget everything he knows an adapt new methods to keep up with the global age or some crap.
PPP has no hope with intellectual midgets in charge, even if they get professionals like Olarn to work for them.
Even if they get professionals in they wont be able to do anything without the support of big factions. One reason for delaying the reshuffle is that the factions of PPP may rip themselves apart over seat grabbing if it is not all nicely sorted first. Even then, well we heard one of the ministers under Newin complaining he couldnt do his job because of Newins direct interference in decision making.
It is not a really good time to have such things going on, but hey it'll probably result in some good stories....
As most of this inflationary pressure appears energy cost driven as with just about everywhere else what will happen if they raise rates? I expect again as with everywhere else Thais will simply max out the creditcard at the pumps rather than get out of their cars!
Furthermore (not being an economist) can someone with solid experience in this area tell me why if consumer spending nose dives as oil prices remain high why have and are we seeing such inflationary pressure still evident in most market economies?
Many thanks
Mak
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I understand your reasoning on the 1st point on a wasted night but normal modes of travel to beach resorts e.g. Taxis or TUK TUKs will probably negate your savings on the hotel. It will probably cost you around 500 baht to Patong if you are going on a 1000 baht town room. Furthermore there are very little night destinations in the town itself and nothing dance or R&B ish compared to Patong. All in all I would suggest it a non-starter.
In regard the beaches-Patong gets the tourist volumes and eco-co-friendly is about 50 years away in reality so is suffering, although now it's quieter you may get some reprieve. Also those beaches nearish to Patong such as Kata have definetly declined in cleanliness. I have recently started to visit the beach again for the first time in a couple of years and was shocked at the amount of plastic and litter on the shore line and floating in the sea.
Not an expert but if you want Idillic your probably better of the northern end of the island again though trips to Patong will be hefty other than taking the bus!
As for taking trips beach to beach and back from a resort this can get crazy. A two way trip can cost you easily 1000-2000 baht with a taxi or Tuk Tuk if your hopping here and there. The other option is renting a motorcycle at around 200 baht a day but unless your a regualr rider in your own country it isn't something many would recommend if you value your life much.
There are still cheap ways to stay here but they aren't as easy as they were if you plan on the beach bit every day.
Mak
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Hi all,
Could someone please tell me if it is possible to stop being notified of news stories etc on the boards as there are just too many being sent me via e-mail. I have looked at my profile etc and just can't find where to turn it off!
Many thanks
Mak
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Many thanks for the reply. I'll hang on, I prefer the sound of the HSDPA system although even something wireless at 500k would do me (it's more the reliability of connection I want) for studying.
Mak
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Hi all,
I am going to continue educational study soon via online learning through my laptop from Thailand, and hope someone can give me advice on the CAT data card. I have not been in to look at what's on offer and can't find it on there website so would appreciate if you could tell me a little about it.
How much is the service (monthly) and what brand and model of card is it they sell? I used to use a slower service but the new CMDA and HSPDA cards I haven't kept up with so haven't a clue what they are, mean and/or what I will need. Is their service the same as a normal European 3g or different? And what type of card is required as I would prefer to get one sent me at about 30% of the cost they'll want in CAT if past experiences continue.
Any comments that will get me up to date will be appreciated!!!!
Mak
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Hi all,
Wondered if some of you could tell me the difference in regard a few monetary policy words used in Thailand compared to western banks in general use.
I was trying to find what the basic bank of Thailand base rate is and couldn't believe how difficult it was on google to get anything that looked remotely like it. The US, UK and Australian rates came up in about a miilisecond of searching, but all I could find in regards the Thai bank was the 'one day repurchase rate @ 3.25%. Is this the same thing? If so why is it calculated as daily and not as a simple 'central bank base rate'?
Having casually noticed the rates displayed for a normal Thai for savings and mortgages yesterday whilst in the bank why do you think rates for savings at just over 2% and mortgages at a scandalous 7%?
Furthermore, although I'm used to terms such as 'underlying inflation' the Thai bank uses 'core' and 'headline' rates with huge disparity between the two.
Your explanations on the differences would be appreciated.
Mak
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Thanks for the good advice guys. I think I'll take the 1 litre and forget the rest I just don't want the potential hassle from these people.
Mak
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Hi all,
Does anyone know what the taxation rate is on alcohol if I walk through the declared red lane at customs ? I was thinking of grabbing a few bottles of my favourite exotics in Gulf state duty free on my way back which is loads cheaper than here. Just thought if it was only going to cost me 100-200 baht etc I'd grab 3 or 4 bottles. Or is it the usual whatever rate they can think up stuff?
I don't fancy getting stopped going through 'nothing to declare' and end up like those guys a while back being thrown to the wolves over a few personal cigarettes they brought on holiday because they didn't like the brands in Thailand!
Thanks
Mak
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It sure will keep depreciating. It's the UK's turn to go in the dumps while the USD rallies. It was painful but I'm glad our turn is over.
The Baht's strength against a number of currencies must be killing exports, I don't see how this basket case economy with all the global problems and it's currency strength is going to continue without a serious on the rocks episode pretty soon.
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Could someone please explain why the baht is so strong at the moment?
Does it look like it will carry on getting stronger or start to weaken later in the year?
I await your thoughts!
The Baht is not strong, the US Dollar is weak, that's why you are seeing the exchange rates as they are. Some observers suggest the Baht will weaken later this year, some do not - up to you.
Only currency in the world stuff again!
The baht is strong against a number of currencies not just the US dollar.
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We got our licences the same day we applied. Good for two years. Temporary, I think, we we were told means we'll have to do the class/test within that time frame.
By the replies and after reading my OP I was a touch ambiguous. The seminar is for ALL farang not just me and my colleague. ALL farang at all Gov schools etc!
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School holiday just upon us and I have been told today that in all probability there will be a 'Farang' seminar/conference this May for all of us to attend. 2 Thai teachers from my school have to travel to Bangkok this week to deliver the applications for this teacher licence by hand, wait 2-3 days for it to be processed and then return (you can imagine they are pleased)!
One of the teachers has been told we will then have to attend this seminar anything up to 4 days in early May, if you don't then the new licence will be cancelled! Cost is 8000 baht per person plus you have to find all associated costs of travel and stay, which will amount to half my salary I'd imagine. Logistics, benefits anyone?
You could say this is hear say, but if not this year it is definetly coming. Another hoop, a ton of money in expenses and little thought that has obviously gone into it and the headaches it is going to give 1000's of schools who want a teacher after this date? What will happen to them?
It's not definite as I said, but I wouldn't put it past them doing it this year!
Ahh just as I'm about 2 take a holiday, presented with this tosh................
Sorry all, just thought I'd mention it.
Mak
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Hi all,
Apologies if this has already cropped up before, but I wondered if after a number of trouble free years with continual Imm b extentions and then a return home upon expiry of the last extention of stay is it possible to apply straight away for a maximum tourist visa or do you first have to wait 3 months or 90 days (whatever it is now) before being allowed to return if granted?
Thanks
Mak
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Not sure if it answers your question as it is just based on buying experience. The big 2 which appear Yamaha and Honda and Suzuki if you like too have a RRP that appears the same in all dealerships I've come across. You can't haggle with them on price. They may throw in a few pretty trivial extras but that's about it. However they seem pretty fare on prices.
On big bikes I'm not sure you can even buy them here other than imports (grey) maybe Bangkok or car/bike crossover brands like BMW selling in their car showrooms.
There are huge import duties paid on imports of cars and bikes to so say protect their auto industry. All well and good as long as the average Thai is getting the benefits on this stuff in the home market built here, but surpise surprise it doesn't look like they do. Cars appear about the same as European market prices here although the car companies are getting the advantages in production of Thai wages etc. Nice to see the government looking out for the population yet again!
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I'm afraid this and all Thai banks epitomise a country with no outside retail banking competition and stinking of another Thai cartel club. Everday I see customers queued out the door and then some with this bank and most others. Their pathetic 2 teller branch model is a joke and their waste of paper and form filling excesses borders on a disgrace.
They couldn't give a toss! No choice except the next muppet bank down the road either for Thais or expats!.
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Wow,
6.5% of a fairly decent polled 1000 have been dishonest. Epidemic stuff then. Isn't it time a few who for some reason keep churning this small time b@llshi@ up moved on?
Mak
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What would worry me about their failure to answer this 10 year quiz question correctly, would be that I hazard a pretty good guess all the students on the game show (if it's the one I think) would be from international schools. They wouldn't have pooled the local government schools for that. It just wouldn't do!
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This is surprising. I remember when all the new regualtions first started to come through and the clamping down on visa hops to the border (that so many back packer type teachers had been doing) were also highlighted, that a hefty wage rise and short supply was only around the corner. Admittedly this hasn't happened!
Actually I've seen an ECC advertise 1/2 their 2 unit office for rent in the last few weeks so they must also be feeling the squeeze! When that happens it must be a sorry state. Can't see it's only Filipinos that are the cause. Some of the government school programmes stipulate native speakers only and are self-funded through parents paying for one scheme or another!
Don't know if this is a nationwide issue, may be interesting to keep an eye on though!
Anybody Have Valid Information About Teaching License Courses?
in Teaching in Thailand Forum
Posted · Edited by makavelithedon
Apologies if this isn't what was asked about however, I'll share it anyway.
I recently did the 20 hour course with over approximately 100 other teachers. It took 4 days out of my life I had a 6+ hour bus journey there and back and for me personally was 97+% a waste of time. If you intend to stay and teach it is I am pretty sure mandatory.
Before I attended I thought it would be exactly what it turned out. However, I could see the long termers who just wanted to keep there heads down count down the days and go home a mile off. But, there were also a number of long termers with entrenched ignorance and agendas of their own. It was funny when discussing Thai culture came up. There were positive claps and approval that it should be respected and followed UNTIL it clashed with their own ideas and views on how Thailand should be, then that was tossed aside and petty point scoring via the community microphone began.
In regard the trainers they were all excellent professors (Thai) who apologised a number of times that we had to be there and empathised, but as per usual at these things then taught totally irrelevant material. I was also told that wherever this scheme originated it had started out for newbies and then some brightspark sat around the debating table suggested ALL non Thai teachers should attend. From the feedback maybe this will change in the future who knows?
There was also a makeshift question sheet distributed of native speakers who have already taken the extensive teaching test from what they all could recall. It looked like something an ivory tower professor had knocked up and all those non Thai teachers who had taken it had failed costing the Uni 4000 baht per person!
From what I saw of the teachers who attended, something is certainly needed for the wet behind the ear newbies but this just wasn't it IMO and a more pragmatic syllabus say for do's and don'ts in school and the local community would be a far better use of time and hopefully guide away from momentus cultural clangers with Thais.
Anyhow, it appears as said by Scott and others before, that unless there is a climb down on this test the schools will certainly be looking different in the not too distant future personel wise!
Mak