makavelithedon
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Posts posted by makavelithedon
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Probably won't help the Original poster having a condo, but with the sunlight here it is an absolute scandal that solar power is not presented as a bi power if not sole generator of houses/homes, as it is in much of spain, for example.
I just don't understand it considering the poor plight of so many Thai people etc and the cost of electricity.
Mak
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What I wonder in all this is what 'VETTED' entails? I cannot believe that law suits in the US will not pop up in regard invasion of privacy issues etc in the near future with these moves. When you go through the recent changed update procedure it takes forever and I just wonder what the hel_l they are scanning and obtaining?
Furthermore, have to agree with a large number of other posters especially in regard developing and third world countries like Thailand where 1 genuine copy costs around a full months average wage. It's modern corporate unchecked excess and pure unaldulterated GREED.
They surely have a big enough public image problem in most of the world as it is and it just highlights how out of touch and arrogant they have become to boot- no ok nothing new I know!
I was recently informed by the MS validation department (because mine failed like the sony owner)that on reinstall of the system say when wiping your drive etc you have to telephone anyway!!! SO, my genuine XP has become the javascript hacked version like so many- I don't want the hassle of 20 minutes in a phone queue blah blah blah with them.
Suffice to say I won't be buying another ever.
Finally:
As with the music industry and film producers, and as another poster rightly pointed out, if 1 million copies of a Hollywood blockbuster are bootlegged the film industry screams they are losing 1 million x $20 dollars etc in DVD revenue. Rubbish I for one simply wouldn't buy it no doubt along with 1000's more. Get the prices down you greedy scum.
WOW haven't had a rant like this for sometime,anyone else care to join me!!!!
MAK
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This casts my mind back a few weeks to the 'coach of overstayers' thing who were stopped and the consequent episode that panned out. What annoys me is the evident mixed message, double standards, and/or hypicrosy of all this!
Apologies if its already been said, but I find it ridiculous that if you overstay and make it to an exit port, behave correctly, and go to the 'overstay desk' its all dealt with nice and efficiently, and little johnny has overstayed tut tut tut. Now pay your money and we'll see you in a few hours for your new return stamp. On the other hand if you are stopped by anyone else whilst overstaying, your usually in big trouble.
The solution for me is to erradicate this entirely. There should be no silly little fines and slapped wrists, if you overstay, your arrested, processed, passport black-marked and shipped out. Were not talking about legitimate refugee type cases here even if Thailand supported such procedures and I really can't see American or EU or Australian governments allowing these types of arrangements to be dealt with in any way other than 'your in serious trouble pal, your going to jail, processed and deported'!
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please i need advice not people correcting my grammar and no i wasn t an english teacher,,thanks god allah buddha phra jao...ik ben niet vlaams i parla habla french spasiba arigato terima kasih....answer for the visa pleeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaassssssssssseeeeeee ti amo
I might be wrong Fred, but having just come back from KL I was led to believe and in fact was only issued with a 3 month single entry N imm B. It's is to do with a work permit or lack of it. If you cannot supply this or the receipt for application being lodged then no Mulitple B I'm afraid! I realize that home countries are usually a bit softer but it appears to be the trend of late in the Asian region.
Regards
MAK.
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Have to say in my experience working in elementary school it works pretty well with a slap on the arm or hand, and they certainly don't show any deeply disturbing signs + the latest trendy name for the latest disfunctional disorder that I noticed.
However, if it really bothers you that much I'd suggest an international school where this isn't policy or looking elsewhere to live. Not meaning to be blunt, but a foreigner going into a Thai school in any fashion and criticizing school policy will end in friendly nods and smiles and you noted as a trouble making Farang and nothing more.
Regards
Mak
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Hi all,
Does anyone know where I can downlaod/print these out from? Tried searching the boards to no avail!
Have to go in to KL Embassy on Monday and would prefer to have had them all filled in, list checked etc and no unforeseen hassle to crop up after making the trip!!!
Thanks
Mak
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Think it depends wildly on where you live. Have to agree with the comments in regard AIS though on the whole my umlimited internet sim which costs 900 ish a month is woeful. Speed varies between 25-50 kbps but reliabilty is appalling and they have apparently spent a fortune this year on network improvements via Siemens. Obviously not enough. I'm cancelling mine at the end of the month to switch to Orange which I have tried and appears for me at least more relibiable and a far better package for the buck!
On dial-up, well I was getting just 14 kbps so this is hardly a better option, although I'd imagine location again plays a large part in everything internet in the LOS!!!!
Mak
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Any of you software experts help me with this it would be appreciated. I have an annoying Thai search engine that seems to of hacked into my settings somewhere which I can't shift. When I type a URL in the address bar it switches to this page:
http://tns.nipa.co.th/error/dnserror.html?
Then if I ignore it and re-type the page I want it then goes straight to it the second time. I have blocked it using cookies with the privacy report icon but it still has not got rid of it. I use antispyware but I am not sure how this attaches itself to my explorer to advertise itself every other time I use the address bar!!!!!
Any suggestions please really annoying.
Mak
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Hi Explorer,
Many thanks, I'm currently in Phuket and the longest I can leave it is the 12th of November, without having to do a 30 day border visit. But if the holidays go on after this I'll have too I suppose. I was going to go on the actual 12th which is the cheapest flight available via AA, It's just I can't then even lodge an application until the monday morning- with the frustration of hanging around over the weekend. By what you say it appears this will be the most likely option now though.
That's a fair old stint from KL-HY-HKT on the coach too, where do you get one from in KL? Although, the fair for just the return with AirAsia including tax is about 4000 Baht.
Thanks for the hotel advice too. Do you think it's worth a little extra to use one of the visa services that are no doubt superfluous around the hotels as in Penang, or has anyone else used one in KL?
Oh, and Penang is a no no for me just to save someone recommending the switch!
Thanks
Mak
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Nicely spotted George,
Had to laugh at this when I saw it in the local paper. Having worked in numerous hotels etc teaching (so speaking from experience) and met some geat Thai people in the process. I had to say I was glad and somewhat hopeful many of the people who used to work the 6 day 10-12 hour shift for a pittance pre-Tsunami have moved elsewhere and found something a little better.
I feel no symapthy for an industry that it is on the whole owned by individual Thai's motivated by nothing but an appalling appetite for monetary greed, who pay the absolute minimum, twist and abuse every member of staff who doesn't leave for their 4th hotel in a year, and anything else they can get away with, earn lottery type money in the high-season of which makes up for the low 10 times over and now can't get the supply of serfs they need!!!!Shame!!!!!!!
There are a few exceptions in the form of your 5* stuff that actually pay and treat there staff fairly well, but these are certainly the exception rather than the rule.
Pay peanuts get monkeys now then instead of pay peanuts abuse the skilled pre-Tsunami eh?
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I would like some help in where to stay whilst waiting for a visa application? I will go via Air-Asia. Appreciate any advice if you've done this trip for a visa. Obviously the cheapest would be the best, I just want to stay the least amount of time I have too whilst I sit and wait!!!!
Also anyone know of a cheap carrier or even if you can go by coach (I'd consider it) for a return journey? It doesn't matter what combination I input the return fair is 3 times as much due to the 2/3 day wait for the ###### visa application process and the fact AirAsia only operates an afternoon flight which will make it a non-starter for me to get in the Embassy the same day as flying to get theball rolling!!!!!
Appreciate anyones thoughts or advice.
Mak
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As a father of a seventeen year old boy, taller and bigger than I am as well as faster, in todays world , it is quite a problem for parents to control their children at that age . It is worse in Europe and most probably also in the USA.
So to control internet porn is as far as I think as a parent a very good idea . I am not able to stop my son from watching internet porn in a shop, school or anywhere else except home.
Critics complain about "Freedom and Democracy" , well, they should go where they find these ideals, Europe? USA? Where? I do not agree with a lot of decisions, the PM forced onto the Thais, but indicencies like child abuse, pornography must be avoided even if it means to reduce the "freedom and democracy" for some.
Schauerte,
Whilst I understand and agree with your concerns on the whole, anyone who has lived here a fair time, takes an active interest in the goings on and knows the little tyrant only too well will realize that the 'porn' bit is just the excuse for quietening down even more opposing democratic views that are made against him and his crownies. As others have spotted a mile off it's the 'Inappropriate material' that causes concern.
Mak
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Many thanks for the input guys. A couple of questions in regard KL:
Do they have the authority to issue Multiple entry B Visas?
I live in a high density Foreign worker area (many applications and two staff at the labour office) and the last WP I applied for took 17 or 18 weeks to process all in all, so I want a X2 multiple visa if possible.
Anyone took a plane there and is it very far from the airport to the consulate/embassy?
Many thanks in advance
Mak.
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Sorry Ovenman,
What I was trying to say was, what is the point in this type of post:
'The 30 day permit is a guaranteed lockup and deportation if sprung' especially from PP. There are numerous examples in threads of points along the same lines which add nothing.
Whether you agree or not I hope now at least you know what I'm referring to. Looks like ChiangMaiThai beat me to it.
Mak
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After phoning Penang directly on Friday, the most up to date news for everyone who is in the same situation is that receipt for application being made of WP3 is required for consideration of a IM B visa.
The embassy staff member was adament and it appears to me some time on before this was first reported, that there is going to be no 'settling back down' it sounds like that is it from now on.
Having told my boss she just isn't interested in entertaining getting all the paperwork etc for a WP3 application at the present time (and I know it's considerable) for me as it is a part-time position.
So, I wanted to know if all of the embassies in the surrounding area stipulate this or is the likes of Singapore just requiring A sponsorship letter and company resistration and/or license without this WP3 Docket.
I am far from an expert on this and can't understand how you can now apply for a work permit without even having a B visa?
Also on a slightly serperate issue is there a genuine reason for applying for a multiple visa e.g. 4 entries if you are meant to apply for a WP? If you wish to travel home in this period does this enable you to do so even if you have an extention of stay? As last time I did this I purchased a seperate single re-entry stamp that cost 1000baht as to not void my Extention.
Any comments on one or more appreciated.
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Whilst of course all are entitled to express their views on the forum, is there really any point in some doing the traffic warden bit and digging up the chapter and verse of the legalities. E.g 'oh they shouldn't be on a 30 day tourist visa tut tut tut' Especially on such a petty generalised example as this?
I thought it would of been enough for the Thai officials to lead the way? Especially, after reading the news clipping-The Gem Association with many ditinguished Thai patrons etc (and who have written to the P.M) even acknowledges the petty nature of the action and offence even if technically they are meant to have a business visa etc etc!
Geeeeeeeeez come on.
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For those still interested in this topic, I trekked down to the labour office yesterday to get a letter stating that the school I wish to work for actually exists, and low and behold suprise, shock, they weren't having any of it!
The first rude obnoxious lady my gf spoke too for me, barely gave her the time of day, and the white suited gent (department supervisor type) she forwarded us too, said the school has the documents to show they exist (obviously the Filapino forgery story was just not grasped) and that was that not interested, no advice just go to Penang with the documents the school gives you and it will all be straight forward enough. As usual with the anti-labour office or anti-immigration I wasted my time and got nowhere.
I am having someone phone the Bangkok embassy today on my behalf to ascertain what is required exactly before I waste 15000 baht or so to Penang and I'll let you all know! I realize the criteria maybe different for normal company B visas but still, for educators it maybe of use.
Regards
Mak.
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Bluebear, I differ with you.
The emphasis on native english speakers is part of the problem. They should emphasise on qualifed teachers. Bachelor of Teaching degree, and government endorsed professional english teaching certification(teaching license of sorts)
Speaking english does not mean you can teach it, most native speakers unless qualified cannot teach grammer properly. It get really technical when you have to explain tenses, punctuation.......... plus most native speakers still speak a sub-set of english with its unique regional variations.....american english, oz english, saffa english, singlish
Whilst I don't think there are many who would disagree with your general point Brownsugar, it is another that simply doesn't address the reality of the situation. These people are and always will be unobtainable in 99% of cases. It is hard enough for many western countries to find the teachers it needs to fill vacancies without the hope of skimming any surplus who had a burning desire to subject themselves to the average government funded nightmare here!
I do accept though that a teacher who is Asian can do an excellent job, but again those who fit the bill are very limited, and even if their background knowledge of the language is solid, if there spoken communication is near uncomprehensible it's a failure to any attempt at implementing Asian objectives. Usually 'competent' global business communication.
A few more observations I have thought about in no particular order in what is IMO an excellent thread on the whole:
A more interesting analysis and/or question might be why with similar structures are other Asian countries doing or appear to be doing better? Or does the recent report (listing Thailand as one from bottom I believe) show very slight differences in ability which has been blown out of all context.
I know if you look at teaching forums in regard Korea the stories are the same, Japan's English ability is appalling (different circumstances granted) they don't need it! And that is the mindset of the general population. It is soley a brand/status thing there period.
Taiwan is a very small comparison and has numerous problems in this area also, however, there does appear a significantly higher number of professionally run language schools there, along with an unsaciable appettite for education.
Leaving Cambodia (below Thailand) and Vietnam who if the truth is known above the west's propoganda probably have a decent system due to the communist mindset and importance placed on education.
In Thailand education by the masses and rulers of the masses simply isn't looked upon as important. As said by other experienced and excellent posters, how the best teacher of langauge in the world is going to make a competent speaker from a child with 1 hour a week is anyones guess?
The problem is also compounded by the fact there are enough good schools for the elite, my gf's friends (some 25-30 that I have spoken to) who have all gone through the Elite's educational treadmill here, speak competent English. It's not out of the park but it's certainly good enough to communicate to an upper intermediate level, and that meets the criteria for communicating with the rest of the business world. Plus gain the status the parents crave for their kids and themselves.
I still feel, whilst there are no doubt those who abuse trust, show no understanding of the culture and in many cases which I have witnessed first hand, a plain lack of respect and out right ignorance. The overall number is minute to a population of 60 million and the teachers here. The insistance by many non-teachers to critisize the western minority giving one hour a week to classes of 45+ kids acting this weeks scenes in Gaza, is frankly laughable.
Most teachers I know do there best but there is only so much you can do with the cards your dealt! Poor facilities, structures and access to help etc etc, And certainly no medal of honour or V.C awaiting, just a wave of unrelenting, unjust and on the whole unfounded criticism it would appear?
Mak
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I am interested in teaching in Thailand, my background is actually I.T and I have experience in teaching this subject. My English skills are pretty good (grammer could do with some work ) and I believe with the right training I could become a reasonable English teacher.
Does anyone know how easy it is to teach over here if you don't have a degree but have TEFL for example?? Most of the positions I have seen advertised say Degree required.
I have met a few Thai English teachers and to be honest have struggled to understand what they are saying to me (they are speaking English, apparently), so this doesn't bode well for their students.
I have also talked to a few people form the UK who plan to teach English in Thailand, however, their English is quite poor with limited Vocab and grammer etc so I can see why the gov would want to crack down on "Backpack" teachers.
As to teaching English using fake qualifications, I can imagine this would be a bit of a nightmare, you turn up for your first class and think right what do I do now? Lesson structure is very important if you want to get the most of the time you have with the students.
Hi John,
If you wish to pm me I'll be as honest as I can. Anything you wish to know just ask away.
Mak
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It amazes me how many people comment on this topic in general who don't and never have taught yet they know all the answers.
Firstly, the general consesus is yeh put the wages up to 70,000 baht and all the teachers from every native country of English will come here. Rubbish. There maybe a little improvement in numbers but there are a lot of higher developed nations around Asia and the middle East that already pay good salaries and still cannot get anywhere near the teachers they need, simply because there aren't enough in the world with the set criteria. Period.
Hong Kong went down this route a few years ago and pay very high salaries (even considering the increased overall standard of living expenses) and have relaxed the standards because they CANNOT find anywhere near the numbers of teachers with this that and the other. I know for a fact there are a huge number of positions now they haven't filled.
Those with a couple of years experience teaching here and care about what they do, quickly realize that just because someone was a teacher 'back home' it doesn't make them qualified to necessarily be successful in teaching a language the kids don't understand here. It IS totally totally different than communicating with a bunch of 6 year olds where they all understand every word you say. So that leaves those teachers who are TEFL degree qualified seeing you all want the professionals, proper highly qualified teachers etc etc. Well, spread those around Asia and you could count the number available for Thailand on two hands!
As for the original point that seems to have been lost, it is a fair where Parents are paying huge sums in many cases that they get what they are paying for. But who's fault is that? The teachers who takes the job? NO. The school.
I know now of a case at an expensive Billingual school where a friend didn't even have an interview, they just asked where he was from and gave him the job. Luckily, he is an experienced guy, here long term, half decent and actually cares about the kids. But how about all those who don't? There parents should have there opinions heard and people who are short-listed should at the very least be experienced in a similar environment and have taken the 6 week 120 hour class based TEFL training. At present even this appears beyond most schools to stipulate even this.
On the flip-side I know guys now trying there best at schools where the teachers don't want them, the kids see it as a playtime excursion every week and run riot, where the school couldn't care less as long as they turn up, and they go home every week demoralized and nursing two flat tyres that the kids have seen to yet again. But hey, it's still the 'not qualified at home' teachers fault right?
Trying to be positive I think the following measures should be introduced to improve standards- bearing in mind the realisms of the situation, if English is that much of a central educational objective to Thais:
The criteria stipulating degrees should not be a necessity. It rules far too many people out who are needed. And tell me again what value an enginering BA has to effective teaching of a 7 year old?
Remember the 10,000 extra teachers they wanted here? Are they going to get them currently? Please..................... The current stipulation is an abject failure. What is need is pragmatic training and viewpoint to dealing with this.
Its's far from everything but will certainly equip people with genuine aspirations here to make a positive impact.
A person who has studied and passed at a merit or above (or whatever equivalent) to the age of 18 will qualify.
The government -who licence (via the ministry of education) the TEFL training schools should work with all to implement a full-time 3 month training programme which includes 6 weeks of child based learning practices (something at present which involves about 4 hours )of the 120 hour course. Most of the jobs here are teaching children and this is almost totally overlooked in the current training programmes which is scandalous.
Having to keep yourself here for 3 months, and pay the fees which will be at least double the current ones, will weed out nearly all the online certified 'travellers' that are just doing it whilst saving up enough for the next country hop.
Those schools who do not wish to conform should have their certificate revoked. This will also weed out many of the schools running these courses for nothing more than pure profit and exploitation of all.
Pass rate should be 70% and include 25 hours of Government school teaching practice for all candidates. A fail would mean a re-sit which would be free- joining the next intake. If your serious you'll make sure you work hard at it. At present you barely have to turn up to get a pass.
Even those teachers at home should have to take a reduced length course covering TEFL principles. The difference being that they can do so within the first year of teaching here (as stipulated in HK).
A minimum salary of 40.000 baht plus healthcare and free workpermit should be included as basic law of employment. As others have said, this is a decent wage for those who don't think it should have a 20 night a month drinking allowance included.
Even basics- like every student should have relevant text book and student work book which coincides with government standards is overlooked at many schools. And need to be introduced into statute here if its to be followed!!
I have seen the bad schools and one of the few good ones- where kids leave actually highly competent in the language. Funny enough not one Foreign teacher there has an MA, TEFL degree or is a 'back home' teacher! The difference is they have a decent structure where all the kids are taught through a fun book series, activities and songs, a motivated competent class room assistant is provided and consults every day with the teacher-who has 1 year minimum experience before joining the school. And pay is an average 5000 baht above the norm.
The kids get a minimum 3 hours with the foreign native speaker a week (classes are still 40+) along with 4 hours with the Thai teacher. It works, they are successful and they achieive what everyone wants.
I don't know all the answers, successes or failures but this problem needs looking at pragmatically with the realisms of the modrn world and the limitations in available people. Not with pie in the sky answers born from ignorance-positive or not. I.e. just check everyone isn't a backpacker, double the wages, has a degree and all will miraculoulsy be honkeydorey.
Sadly what I expect will happen is the 'Farang teachers' will get all the blame (this has obviously been coming ever since the report recently listing Thailand's English failings) requirements will be raised (in non-relevant areas) and the schools will go on as before with the same results.
Mak
Oh and 1000 apologies for the pedantic, I haven't used spell check. This is a forum for conveying positive ideas not slips on the keyboard.
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Just returned from Penang last night hoping to get a Non-B but the agency I used said the Thai embassy is adamant about the requirements of company registration, tax records, sponsor letter, etc, etc.
I did however obtain a double entry tourist visa so I can start the process here.
Hope that helps!
Thanks for the info,
I am going to put it off until I have more clarity as to what is required. I have gone down the e-mail route but don't expect a reply. I know there are a lot of different situations collectively represented here and it's not only me that's very annoyed about this hence the near 6 pages on this thread!!!
My boss who is a real decent Thai lady is sick to the back teeth with this rubbish, so it's not just us foreigners ever complaining. I also wonder when this filters through if there will start to be an unwillingness to employ people who haven't already aquired this visa, the paperwork seems endless to me and I know from experience on many consultations with her how many hours of her day are taken up dealing with WP red tape and irrelevant rubbish. It's twice as much as the visa work!!!!!!!!
Anyway rant over, if I get a reply which is helpful I'll post it for others in the same boat.
Regards
Mak
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Hi all,
I would appreciate a few pertinent replies to this one if you would, maybe a little more complex than the basic first off visa!!
I had a non B visa multiple entry last year. As a teacher I then got a 9 month extention of stay & WP which I had to return & which expired the end of June. I then went home and stupidly didn't get a new one sorted then. So I have travelled around Thailand as a Tourist etc but now have found a lot less stressful position so need a new Imm.B issued. So yes I have had all of the work stuff before but not with continuation or currently!!!!
Does this mean as they look at my passport the same sort of scrutiny in Penang? I was going to turn up this coming Monday morning with a letter from my new school and my photos and basically all the easy stuff. After reading this thread I'm now uneasy that this is not going to be enough, and will try and get a copy of the school's proof of registration/license or whatever tomorrow, but if I need tax stuff and the kitchen sink as listed for 'normal businesses then I'll leave it for now.
This really does piss me off along no doubt with many others, the hassle in getting all this first time especially at the local anti-immigration office was bad enough
Anyway any advice would be appreciated. On a last point is there any reason as long as I pay for it, while I cannot get a 4 entry visa incase the job turns sour- at least it means finding another won't have to entail yet another trip to the now infamous Penang.
Regards
MAK
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This will be interesting... the current laws on employing foreigners can make it quite a bind for many places to organise proper documentation. Freeing this process up will encourage more legit teachers ( rather than the sex tourists that give the Thais such good reason not to like us )
There are very good reasons for teachers to work in Thailand, for example it is one of the few countries where you can teach in a high school without a teaching degree. So it is a very useful way to dip your toe in the water before spending a fortune on a teaching degree.
Whilst the standard of this thread (as others have pointed out) is clearly excellent I could see where Yourko was coming from duncanm with some of your comments.
I taught in your average 45 per class Government school for nearly 18 months and have lived here for 3. I get sick and tired of all so called non-professional teachers being grouped in a backbacker or sex tourist label. I know plenty of Tefl or excuse me Celta qualified teachers (and there is little difference regardless of what has been written to the contrary) who work ###### hard here, have never been near a brothel or lived out of a backpack and through trial and error, and continuing to read relevant BA'ed degree type literature are training themselves into teachers as good as many of those whiter than white angels who are fortunate enough to have graduated as a 'proper teacher' in there native land. Oh and shock horror also visit bars and chop and change jobs and countries when they feel like it.
I have witnessed 'proper teachers' with MA's and the rest teaching at Patom level that shouldn't be let near a child of any age and also the same for a teacher with just a tefl certificate. That is not to say I am a great teacher but I certainly had the respect of the Thai teachers of my school who had seen numerous amounts of us come through over the years- mostly 1-2 months and quit! To me that meant a lot, oh and I wasn't hated, regardless of the wage disparity.
As for your comments in regard sex tourists and it being a contributory factor to Thai's 'hating us' it is frankly borne of ignorance probably due to you being a relative newbie.
Thai's keep these establishments open not foreigners. The number of foreigners in Thailand is miniscual and the 'bar type' establishment is pretty much accepted in the society here; to suggest that this is a reason for hating us is frankly laughable.
That is not to say it sits easily with me either as it doesn't, but please- assessing TEFL teacher's abilities is a lot more complex than a black and white view of whether they have or have not, visit or don't visit bar girls or live out of a back pack; and education is elitist enough without alienating people who have had the opportunity (along with yourself) to achieve hopefully the same thing without Willy Wonker's golden ticket........................
Mak
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Hmmmm, I wonder how much of this to believe. Only last week I enquired about the availability of a property in a newly built complex I've seen under construction just as a barometer to whats happening on the island. It's nowhere near finished. I was informed that every unit is already sold they range from 7-14 million baht and are only apartments and IMO offer little scope for appreciation in the short or medium term!!!!
This would be in stark contrast to those quoting the island as finished???? I realize that this isn't your 2 week hotel and all punter, but still it cuts across that being spouted by the governor.
Mak
So Phuket is the only the place in Thailand with "unfinished" property developments ? This has absolutely nothing to do with Phukets most recent events, if you take a look at other tourist areas its no different, if anything its worse !
All these people in charge such as the Governor dont have a clue, its simple as that ! Its short term negative panic and nothing else. Although Thais are very resilient when faced with such disasters they are a very negative breed and will always assume the worse, someone so much as slips off there motorbike the 1st thing they say is "Hes dead" !
Its not about hoping for recovery or wishful thinking, its plain & simple logic ! Logic says everything will be back to normal and the smart Thai business's know this.
As for the nature lovers out there theres no need to worry, there will always be somewhere else for you to go should Phuket become another Singapore !
I'm not disagreeing with a lot of what you say, It's just I for one was a little surprised that so many people are still showing such interest in holiday homes (not all are residents) if the place is finished. This is plainly obvious as 'something to do with recent events' e.g tsunami!
Furthermore, it's not that they are unfinshed due to builders being unable (apologies for any ambiguity) it again merley shows that there is not a problem in shifting the units before the final coat of paint has been brushed on with an island apparently suffering such an image and everything else problem post tsunami!!!
As for hotel rates, they were as another poster rightly said lowered after the tsunami and perhaps a large percentage of potential tourists are still after a bargain that they feel is not NOW being offered and will go elsewhere?
Who can blame them, with such a numerous amount of choices available today who wants to take the risk now????
Mak
Phuket Bypass Opens
in Phuket
Posted · Edited by makavelithedon
Never understood what was wrong with just widening the existing road a little without the ridiculous lengths that they went to with shifting millions of tons of rock and whatever else they overcame in this. What a complete and utter waste of resources. HUGE backhander involved with this project no doubt.
Look forward to the next one with delight, as the island atmosphere diminishes more and more to accomodate airport taxis and mini buses driving at 150 kmph! I dread to think of what this place will look like in another 5 years with the current government mentality in all things construction. Bangkok leaps to mind.
I try and see the funny side with the usual sales pitch to tourists thinking of making it their 2 week holiday retreat- idyllic tropical island!
Maybe I'm being a bit harsh, but it really is becoming more of a joke by the week this continued pitch by the Thai Tourism board or whatever their called. There are no doubt many who find it a great vacation but I have spoken to many (families) who just cannot believe the ecological destruction and disregard for what many tourists are looking for and thought they'd bought!
Apologies for going off topic but weren't maky takers so don't think it mattered too much!
Mak.