lostinisaan Posted November 9, 2014 Share Posted November 9, 2014 Hello and Sawasdee khrap, Okay, now it happened twice and I thought something similar must have happened to others as well. The head of the English department at my former school once told me that it would be against Thai culture if a man and a woman would be alone in a room. Even in a classroom, once the kids went home. I knew that she was a sort of weird and didn't really think much about it. So how can you stay in a classroom, or the office and discuss some important issues you might, or might not have? Same happened to me last Friday. A high school English teacher from my school was asking me if I couldn't help her out to train one of her students for a story telling competition. When I went to the third floor to look for the student and the teacher, she acted really weird. She started to open all the wooden windows and said something I couldn't follow. “You wife tell you, man and woman don’t stay in room alone?” Gladly the student arrived and I wasn't alone with her anymore. When she showed me the completely wrong written story of Hansel and Gretel and I told her if she could send it to my e-mail account to correct it, she said: “No, I have to keep my secret.” Okay, will bring my memory drive on Monday and infect it with all your viruses of your notebook. Did anybody on this forum experience something similar, or am I soooooo handsome that they get confused? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post ClutchClark Posted November 9, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted November 9, 2014 Strange, it seems like most teachers would come to a new country to learn about and appreciate the customs and people of the new country rather than ridicule and point fun at that culture. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post lostinisaan Posted November 9, 2014 Author Popular Post Share Posted November 9, 2014 (edited) Strange, it seems like most teachers would come to a new country to learn about and appreciate the customs and people of the new country rather than ridicule and point fun at that culture. I appreciate most Thai culture, but I a sort of disagree with people who blame ghosts for anything they don't understand. My point being is that it doesn't seem to be the rule for Thai teachers. At least not at schools. My post was no intention to make fun out of Thai culture, I apologize. P.S. There's a possibility that such rules are more common in rural areas? Edited November 9, 2014 by lostinisaan 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClutchClark Posted November 9, 2014 Share Posted November 9, 2014 Strange, it seems like most teachers would come to a new country to learn about and appreciate the customs and people of the new country rather than ridicule and point fun at that culture. I appreciate most Thai culture, but I a sort of disagree with people who blame ghosts for anything they don't understand. My point being is that it doesn't seem to be the rule for Thai teachers. At least not at schools. My post was no intention to make fun out of Thai culture, I apologize. I misunderstood. Apologies. And so I hate to have another go at your posts but your comment, "who blame ghosts for anything they don't understand", as easily applied to Christianity as well ;-) I would be quite interested in your observations as a teacher about student behavior and cheating, etc. Also, I saw a young farang teacher outside a school on a recent trip to Samui and he was dressed in traditional Thai loose fitting shirt, pants and the long cloth belt around his waist. Is this typical dresscode for teachers at private or public schools? Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lostinisaan Posted November 9, 2014 Author Share Posted November 9, 2014 (edited) Strange, it seems like most teachers would come to a new country to learn about and appreciate the customs and people of the new country rather than ridicule and point fun at that culture. I appreciate most Thai culture, but I a sort of disagree with people who blame ghosts for anything they don't understand. My point being is that it doesn't seem to be the rule for Thai teachers. At least not at schools. My post was no intention to make fun out of Thai culture, I apologize. I misunderstood. Apologies. And so I hate to have another go at your posts but your comment, "who blame ghosts for anything they don't understand", as easily applied to Christianity as well ;-) I would be quite interested in your observations as a teacher about student behavior and cheating, etc. Also, I saw a young farang teacher outside a school on a recent trip to Samui and he was dressed in traditional Thai loose fitting shirt, pants and the long cloth belt around his waist. Is this typical dresscode for teachers at private or public schools? Cheers You might find it interesting that people in a nearby village killed all the black dogs, nailing a white shirt, or towel on their doors, with the dead dog's blood on it, to avoid ghosts from coming in. They even topped that by putting on Make-Up on their sons faces, to fool the ghost and had signs outside their houses that no young men would live there. Why comparing it to Christianity? Sir, I can't follow your sentence what my observations as a teacher about student behavior and cheating, etc...has to do with my post. Neither do I understand what the farang on Ko Samui and the way he was dressed has to do with my observation. You should have asked the young teacher on Samui this question. I usually wear ironed pants, a long sleeve shirt and a neck tie at my public school. Edited November 9, 2014 by lostinisaan 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClutchClark Posted November 9, 2014 Share Posted November 9, 2014 Strange, it seems like most teachers would come to a new country to learn about and appreciate the customs and people of the new country rather than ridicule and point fun at that culture. I appreciate most Thai culture, but I a sort of disagree with people who blame ghosts for anything they don't understand. My point being is that it doesn't seem to be the rule for Thai teachers. At least not at schools. My post was no intention to make fun out of Thai culture, I apologize. I misunderstood. Apologies.And so I hate to have another go at your posts but your comment, "who blame ghosts for anything they don't understand", as easily applied to Christianity as well ;-) I would be quite interested in your observations as a teacher about student behavior and cheating, etc. Also, I saw a young farang teacher outside a school on a recent trip to Samui and he was dressed in traditional Thai loose fitting shirt, pants and the long cloth belt around his waist. Is this typical dresscode for teachers at private or public schools? Cheers You might find it interesting that people in a nearby village killed all the black dogs, nailing a white shirt, or towel on their doors, with the dead dog's blood on it, to avoid ghosts from coming in. Why comparing it to Christianity? Sir, I can't follow your sentence what my observations as a teacher about student behavior and cheating, etc...has to do with my post. Neither do I understand what the farang on Ko Samui and the way he was dressed has to do with my observation. You should have asked the young teacher on Samui this question. I usually wear ironed pants, a long sleeve shirt and a neck tie at my public school. Yes, I do find it interesting about the black dog story. Thanks. I don't believe my curiosity had anything specifically to do with your post, but rather a general curiosity about your observations as a new teacher. I would have asked the young farang directly except he was a crossing guard and performing his duties--besides he had a rather strong body odor as if he hadn't showered for some days. I had thought how ironic it was that he wanted so much to dress the part but the students must have surely made jokes about his odor behind his back. Cheers and good luck in your new career. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lostinisaan Posted November 9, 2014 Author Share Posted November 9, 2014 Cheers and good luck in your new career. Thanks a lot, I'll try my best to avoid body odor from now on. Actually, i feel many moons younger now. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thrilled Posted November 9, 2014 Share Posted November 9, 2014 It's best to cover yourself.Never be in A room alone with any woman.If she decides to say you did something wrong it could go Bad for you.Cover your butt.Make sure another person is in the room with you and A female. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post apetley Posted November 9, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted November 9, 2014 I am not a teacher but I know several female Thai teachers and have met them after hours at their schools and have found myself alone with them in a classroom. None of them thought it at all against Thai culture. In fact they all spent quite alot of time detailing their duties and the work produced by their students. What is described in the OP seems weird to me from my own experience. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DogNo1 Posted November 9, 2014 Share Posted November 9, 2014 I guess that some people associate Christianity with ghosts because of the Christian concept of three gods in one (the trinity): Father, Son and Holy Ghost. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burl Ives Posted November 9, 2014 Share Posted November 9, 2014 Get Real! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I Like Thai Posted November 9, 2014 Share Posted November 9, 2014 I guess that some people associate Christianity with ghosts because of the Christian concept of three gods in one (the trinity): Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Not really. the Christian churches adopted pagan festivals and changed them into Holy days in order to in over the populace without trying to outlaw their traditional beliefs. Change them over softly softly. One of the biggest problems Farangs have in their understanding of ghosts, is that their knowledge on the subject mostly comes from Hollywood movies and other television programmes. They are so entrenched in this understanding that they are for the most part incapable of seeing that their understanding is flawed 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post ClutchClark Posted November 9, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted November 9, 2014 I guess that some people associate Christianity with ghosts because of the Christian concept of three gods in one (the trinity): Father, Son and Holy Ghost. I was referring to the OP saying: "who blame ghosts for anything they don't understand". How different is it suggesting Thai ghosts can influence events than Christians suggesting their "ghost" can influence events. I hear Christian people say all the time "Jesus saved us" and "Its a miracle we lived" and "we were protected by a guardian angel" and Christians will pray at times of crisis for their ghosts to influence the outcome of events. I was merely pointing out that before the OP sound condescending towards these people he wants to build a relationship with, he review his own culture's superstitions or belief systems. Cheers 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcisco Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 (edited) Ghosts and aliens totally debunked by the blanket camera phone coverage worldwide for the last few years.... So far nothing Edited November 10, 2014 by jcisco 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saan Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 Strange, it seems like most teachers would come to a new country to learn about and appreciate the customs and people of the new country rather than ridicule and point fun at that culture. I appreciate most Thai culture, but I a sort of disagree with people who blame ghosts for anything they don't understand. My point being is that it doesn't seem to be the rule for Thai teachers. At least not at schools. My post was no intention to make fun out of Thai culture, I apologize. P.S. There's a possibility that such rules are more common in rural areas? I hope you are not teaching English. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SOTIRIOS Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 ...all part of the hypocrisy... 'd*mned if you do.....and ...d*mned if you don't...'.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post doublephil Posted November 10, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted November 10, 2014 Traditional Thai culture is very conservative - and still widely persists everywhere and especially in rural areas - though perhaps not often encountered or recognized by many foreigners. It is generally not acceptable for an un-married man and woman to be alone together in a place where they could be "seen" by others - who would then gossip about it and spread rumours - and smear the woman's reputation. It would be even worse if it was an un-married man alone with a married woman - which could have even more serious consequences - including an un-welcome visit from the woman's husband !!! We should be aware of the culture that we have chosen to live in - and learn to be in harmony with it - even if something is different from our own culture 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steven100 Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 Just read your post ........ And your a teacher ? ........ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colabamumbai Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 Never had a problem. Have their phone numbers and they are married. Outside of school business I would never call them. Many have called me after hours. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gopis108 Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 Of course the teacher is correct.One should not be alone in a room with any female-even wife or sister.Foreigners do not understand this rule of course because they have never ever thought of avoiding sexual thoughts or stopping altogether the actual act of sex.Short to say basically foreigners model is to have as much sex as he can wnenever and wherever he can. Vedic culture is the opposite-one should limit iones sex life to basically having sex only for producing children.Even Cathilics propose the same rule but few follow.So that is the origin of this rule.One cannot make spiritual advancemet if he or she cannot control the tongue(vegetarian)or the genital.Spirituallif is the opposite of material life.In the spiritual world there is zero sex life as we know it-there is no lust.So obviously if one wants to live there in peace eternally then we have to come up to the standard although most people who populate this hell we are presently in have little desire to get out or even try.Cheers.Read Bhagavada Gita as it is or view youtube channel "excan1" for more info. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnnie99 Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 Strange, it seems like most teachers would come to a new country to learn about and appreciate the customs and people of the new country rather than ridicule and point fun at that culture. I appreciate most Thai culture, but I a sort of disagree with people who blame ghosts for anything they don't understand. My point being is that it doesn't seem to be the rule for Thai teachers. At least not at schools. My post was no intention to make fun out of Thai culture, I apologize. P.S. There's a possibility that such rules are more common in rural areas? "I appreciate most Thai culture, but I a sort of disagree with people who blame ghosts for anything they don't understand." Best line I've read here for ages. And no, Christians don't blame ghosts. If the ill-educated think that's the case, a few of your unoccupied moments consulting Google would help you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
recycler Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 Originally Thai culture is rather up-tight when it comes to a man and a woman in the same room. This is related to the national sport here that is having intercourse with a many woman as possible. You have seen an example of a woman keeping up the appearance of being decent. Given the amount of 24 hour hotels doing good business all over the country many woman are also involved in the game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClutchClark Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 Strange, it seems like most teachers would come to a new country to learn about and appreciate the customs and people of the new country rather than ridicule and point fun at that culture. I appreciate most Thai culture, but I a sort of disagree with people who blame ghosts for anything they don't understand. My point being is that it doesn't seem to be the rule for Thai teachers. At least not at schools. My post was no intention to make fun out of Thai culture, I apologize. P.S. There's a possibility that such rules are more common in rural areas? "I appreciate most Thai culture, but I a sort of disagree with people who blame ghosts for anything they don't understand." Best line I've read here for ages. And no, Christians don't blame ghosts. If the ill-educated think that's the case, a few of your unoccupied moments consulting Google would help you. Actually well-educated. Pray for gods help recently? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClutchClark Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 Never had a problem. Have their phone numbers and they are married. Outside of school business I would never call them. Many have called me after hours. Possibly there is something in your appearance or age that gives everyone the feeling you are not a threat? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnnie99 Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 Biggest risk is an unplanned wedding, I'd've thought ... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
recom273 Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 We had the best crew of university intern teachers I have come across last year, we would often eat lunch together in and out of school. The interns used their time to understand western culture and constantly question me on all subjects. We were leaving for lunch one day and a teacher approached the girl who was sharing my bike, and told her it was inappropriate to be seen out of school with me, even though there were 6 of us together. She explained we were friends, I was married and we were all going for lunch like we do every day - the old teacher offered to drive her in her car. The girl pretty much told her to mind her own business and the girl was quite upset that someone should try and tell her how to behave when she had done nothing wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClutchClark Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 We had the best crew of university intern teachers I have come across last year, we would often eat lunch together in and out of school. The interns used their time to understand western culture and constantly question me on all subjects. We were leaving for lunch one day and a teacher approached the girl who was sharing my bike, and told her it was inappropriate to be seen out of school with me, even though there were 6 of us together. She explained we were friends, I was married and we were all going for lunch like we do every day - the old teacher offered to drive her in her car. The girl pretty much told her to mind her own business and the girl was quite upset that someone should try and tell her how to behave when she had done nothing wrong. A smart girl will not place herself in a position where impropriety could be misconstrued. Ask any successful businesswoman in the US who wants to make it clear she got where she got from brains and not by having sex with the boss. If your position is in anyway a superior or authority figure to this girl then you were 100% out-of-line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
recom273 Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 We had the best crew of university intern teachers I have come across last year, we would often eat lunch together in and out of school. The interns used their time to understand western culture and constantly question me on all subjects. We were leaving for lunch one day and a teacher approached the girl who was sharing my bike, and told her it was inappropriate to be seen out of school with me, even though there were 6 of us together. She explained we were friends, I was married and we were all going for lunch like we do every day - the old teacher offered to drive her in her car. The girl pretty much told her to mind her own business and the girl was quite upset that someone should try and tell her how to behave when she had done nothing wrong. A smart girl will not place herself in a position where impropriety could be misconstrued.Ask any successful businesswoman in the US who wants to make it clear she got where she got from brains and not by having sex with the boss. If your position is in anyway a superior or authority figure to this girl then you were 100% out-of-line. We were colleagues .. In a big group going out for lunch. Sorry but in the UK this is quite acceptable behavoir. To put it into perspective, Another intern was sleeping with another western teacher at school. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Puwa Posted November 10, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted November 10, 2014 This whole thread is like a bad acid trip. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueSkyCowboy Posted November 10, 2014 Share Posted November 10, 2014 It's best to cover yourself.Never be in A room alone with any woman.If she decides to say you did something wrong it could go Bad for you.Cover your butt.Make sure another person is in the room with you and A female. Sure, a single female and her married sister LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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