Kind regards and thanks to Ralph on his reply (postbox 15th Jan), but maybe he missed my mildly sarcastic comments. Let's not fool ourselves when the government does not act as we expect. Its hardly something we can just pin on the Thai officials. However I do agree with his comments that almost everything appears to come before education, I have a Monday class I have seen for just 2 weeks out of the previous 7. Many have been cancelled, I say cancelled, because postponed would mean they were changed to another date and time. Thus the class is weeks behind.. The administrators feel that cultural events are a priority. With just a few weeks of term left, students will either get low grades or fail.

Actually, having a culture is a good thing, but to put it above everything else is short minded. You become an international laughing stock laughing stock.
Countries can't close their doors to outside influences in this day and age.

Ian

In response to Ian (The good, the bad and the ugly, ajarn postbox 10th January 2011) I believe Ian is actually believing the same government rhetoric it has spouted for a long time with no results. As with most things in Thailand, It doesn't have to work, just appear that it does.

Ian writes in part, that "the Thai government wishes to continue to make bold steps forward." They certainly are making bold steps. Although I think forward isn't exactly right. They have said that for a long time, but their actions do not support what they say. But, it DOES bring in more money, which is the bottom line in Thailand. If they are making bold steps forward as the say, who benifits from these bold steps? Certainly not the students.

Ian says that he can, "perform magic acts, create a show, and maybe even leave a class breathless." That certainly qualifies him as a good teacher in Thailand where "having fun" is far more important than education and always has been.

As I wrote in my post dated July 17, 2010, Just about anything and everything one can think of comes before education. There are 8 bans in my area, the students here have been to school a total of 17 days since November 1, 2010. On top of all the other things that come before education, not having a teacher show up for work is now also added to the list. It's actually pathetic to even think the government values education. It's too worried about keeping the westerners from poisioning the minds of Thais. As long as the students know about their culture, that's enough. Or so it seems.

The students are learning exactly as the government wants them to. They want them to stay true to their culture, learn to grow rice for a living, stay poor, and not have a voice in the government. That is NOT to say that all rice farmers are poor. The ones that can afford it go to an international school, on to college, and make a decent living. The ones that do not have the money (which is the majority) will stay on the farm or in a meager job earning minium wages all their life. BUT THEY KNOW THEIR CULTURE, which is enough. Or so it seems.

Ralph

Let's cut to the chase. You've done the resume, shown your certificates, dug out a half respectable photo - harder for some than others but still a challenge at the best of times because if we were all photogenic, we would be models not teachers. You’ve provided several references that are actually connected to teaching. Then comes the desired experience teaching Thais and the understanding of Thai culture. Then there is the insistence that we are aged between 21 and 27, drop dead sexy, and furthermore be able to sing, dance and entertain (equity certificate required) provide magic tricks ( magic circle membership needed) plus actually live in Thailand.

It’s now the time we want you to do a demo class! Any organisation that asks for a demo lesson or class should be viewed with suspicion. There is the odd exception and I mean odd, but as a rule of thumb, if you can provide all of the above, then that should be enough. Any half-decent employer will check out all that you provided and this actually gives me reassurance that they know what they want or even what they are doing. I always feel pleased when one of my references calls me and says “we had a call from such and such asking for a reference about you, and we gave it both over the telephone and in writing”

But wait. Some employers still want a demo lesson. Ok I'm an old hand. If I'm asked to give a demo I will sometimes agree to it, but demo lessons are at 2,000 baht an hour minimum time 3 hours. And money up front! The phone goes dead as the caller passes out in shock, or just figures out they've been busted. Alright I'm a bit of a sneaky old sod as well, I've agreed an odd free demo lesson from time to time and found myself at some poorly equipped office. Then in wanders a group of locals between the age of 3 and 95 and obviously of mixed ability level. Look, if you can't see a scam now, I have little sympathy for you.

However the more students the better because that's about five private students in my book - and they will actually learn something. So for my freebie, I'll find out names, addresses, ability, and what they really want. Thanks. That's an evening or weekend bonus for me over the next three months, and they will get a real classroom with full facilities and teaching that will build on what they know. For the more advanced students, I will advise them on university placements, visas, even where to stay, who to talk with and what university is best if they have both the ability and desire to study in the UK.

So when you have done the whole song and dance routine to get an interview and then out comes the request for a demo lesson, smile and say no - or better still ask for 3,000 baht an hour.

Ian

Ok so its nice to earn a few.....
But stop for a moment and think! Is it the answer to everything? Take it from an old hand at the game - no its not. Look at all the extras that are on offer:

Visa assistance, insurance, health care, working hours, equipment provided, holidays, social working conditions

Long list don't you think... well enter any staff room, take a deep breath, pour yourself a coffee sit down and just stop, look and listern.

Give it 10 minutes... do all the foreign staff sit alone, do all the Thai staff just keep themselves to themselves, do you actually feel welcome?

Take a class or two, do they all fall asleep knowing that they will pass? Do they act like wild unleashed rampant rabid dogs ( already enough on Bangkok streets) does attention seem to wander within seconds, no books to hand, no equipment,.... by now alarm bells should be ringing like the Titanic was going down!

Thailand has had some dreadful unqualified teachers in the past, but also they have not helped themselves. Poorly equipped schools, students not ready for study ) parents who demand and want the best but fail the basics to help their own children....!

Take a step back and learn to say... No sorry this is not for me. This will only in the long term help, students and teachers.

Lastly there are some wonderful students, but like breaking in a horse, you are going to have to break in a class as well, that is if its not already been done, and trust me some classes are a dream, some.... have not... well to start with anyway.

However trust your own judgement..... kids will try it on.. we did.. our parents did.... and so will Thai kids!... nothing changes

But enjoy. Is this not teaching?

Ian

I really enjoy teaching in Thailand. I think its a great country. Several media statements by the Thai government have said that they wish to continue to make bold steps forward, weed out the non qualified, lazy, poor, stupid and useless teachers..... Forgive me if I go out and celabrate a new vision! Look I'm a teacher who can prove references, exams, certificates, results, experence, and even be quite good looking. I can perform magic acts, create a show and maybe even leave a class breathless. So what's the grumble?.... if half the administration and even some of the classes understood the basics of education then we might just get a series of cannon fodder brain washed students to take on board the benifits of education rather than just tick boxes that say pass.

I am lucky enough to be teaching some students that are, not only bright, but show signs of free thinking and a desire to expand their boundaries. I don't and will not pass every student, and if it costs me my job, who cares? I'm not lowering my standards for anyone! We need basic acceptance on both sides.... good qualified teachers for one, but also lets get students mind set right to learn, meaning that they will have to do work on a regular basis to get a pass. What really hurts from a teachers view is I can see some very bright students, who are being held back by social ideals.

I can teach a class at 8.20am of which less than 80% have had a breakfast! Coming in to a classroom where many students want to sleep, because they either got up late ( parents responsibility) failed to eat breakfast ( parents responsibility) and just want us teachers to mold a genius!.... time to get real folks. I've spoken to many parents over the past weeks and I will continue to do so.... Give me a cabbage and I'll make you a salad.... give me a child and I will give you a bright future.

I hate it when classes get cut for some social activity. I've even offered my time free outside school hours to bring students up to speed or even advance their situation.... mostly to mild response. So yes... let's get good teachers teaching students but lets get parents to prepare their loved ones properly, lets get the schools to concentrate on real education, support your teachers.... and we all love culture, ... I love Thai culture, but don't let it hold your children back from improving, themselves and Thailand.

I have seen some students who could, given the right support and encouragement, make Thailand a great and better, and weathier place to live. Plus still keep their culture.

Ian

I hate this time of year... have done now for a long time. I've found it false, a fraud and downright lie. Whenever has the world changed just because December 31st becomes January 1st? This year all due to circumstances beyond my control I stayed in Bangkok for the festive period, normally I would escape ( for want of a better word) back to the UK, to a British winter and see family and friends. However the snow in Northern Europe and the British continued failure to be able to deal with anything that is not in the expected normal weather patten, put all my best laid plans down the drain.

My flight was due to leave on the 21st, but already flights for the proceeding two day had been cancelled and the chances of mine arriving at LHR ( Hearthrow, London) were slightly less on witnessing the alledged second coming of Jesus, so I took it upon myself to contact both the airline and travel agent well in advance. My proposal was simple, why not postpone my travel to a more suitable time? Simple don't you think?.... Well no....I thought better to suffer and submit to a Bangkok Christmas and New Year, than to be left in limbo, or at some netrual airport without a clue when a flight might complete my travel plans.

The airline ( no names) were amazed that I could understand there was a problem and were doing their best to understand, but still wanted to channel me down the cancellation route! The travel agent offered an email contact and a single phone number to call ( at some hellish call rate) and obviously could , would and were not capable of answering for at least 5 hours and I'd expect close to £200 quid later a simple message of " We are experencing a larger than expected demand and please try later".... aka Island Volcano syndrome, which has still yet to be resolved!

In short I sent both agent and airline an email 2 days before my due travel date. The airline responded within a few hours, wanting all the normal details and then adding they will nedd to talk to my travel agent of booking for terms and conditions. The travel agents.... well I got a reply from them 2 days after I was due to fly!... this is a world wide organisation!!!

Thus I was here in Thailand over the festive period for the first time. I am very synical of the full on in your face sell me any thing festive from the end of October onwards as its now become in many countries. I must be a founder member of keep Christmas in December, but still out here it is a little bit less in your face than it would be in the West, but lets not let a selling opportunity be missed by an economy that is looking to hike up its flogging of anything in its drive to enter the next level in the league of nations.

I quite enjoyed the experience, much less ads on tv, radio, mail, email and any other form of flogging media, it was much more low key ( to my delight) though there were a few bold sales persons willing to sell me their idea of Christmas at many a shopping mail, which were simple and easy to laugh off.

I purchased a little tree ( with lights) and few decorations, with lights for the outside and a smattering of other Christmas jingle jangle, all very much to my Thai partner who realy seemed to enjoy the glitz of the period. Even my suggestion of midnight mass on the 24th was accepted with a smile, and to be fair she loved the whole package, an exchange of gifts, carols, music, dinner the package.... Bloody hell us farangs have culture as well!!!!

So Christmas came and went, then on to New Year, which was going to be at my partners home ground, so to speak. The x hours drive, with everyone to do a Thai get together, ok I was settled to do this and had no problem with it. Then 2 days before, the phone rings and can I fit in some emergency work?... I discussd this with my partner, we talked about the whole thing, but surprising or maybe not, the salary offered for me to work was considered far more important than a family get together..... let me take a step back.... I know money talks at times, but I have become disapointed in many Thai's love of the money issue above everything else, sadly I fear they will get burnt on the love of money trip, just like us westerners have done in the past. So with it agreed that I will work, the girlfriend , now wishes to go to her temple for a few days worship.......... I consider myself a supportive partner,and fully accepted her wishes, to even help support the trip and see her of at Victory Monument on Friday am.

She departs Friday am with some of her family, and I now set my plans for the weekend. Bangkok is quiet... actually very quiet, I like it!! In short I spend time with old friends, we see the weekend and New Year in in a social and relaxed manner, I travel all over Bangkok with ease and a breeze, enjoy a very social Dec 31st and after letting off a bit of steam ( with all the correct respect), I make it back home at 5am New Years day, a little worse for wear, but still in charge of all my faculties.

My pet hate was everyone wishing me a happy new near, hours before the clock made it to midnight... sorry I'm old school, the new years starts the moment Big Ben gives us it first chime. Then its tribute to those lost to us and those whom are away elsewhere, doing there own thing. I am fed up to the back teeth of being greeted by Happy New Year by anyone and everyone who really has no idea on what its all about!

Ian

Our classrooms can be regarded as a factory where students from various backgrounds come and take the essence of the spoon fed experience. This is where facts, information and theoretical knowledge have been passed on from generation unto generation of students to cultivate learning skills and knowledge necessary for their further studies at universities or colleges.

If I was to introduce myself, I would say that I am the silver spoon that facilitates the flow of knowledge to students who crave learning and creativity at the different educational stages of their lives. Over the years, I have seen the transition in the curriculum taught to students. For instance, it is becoming more of the trend in teaching that more visuals, music, and colorful worksheets are used in the classrooms to enhance the teaching and learning experience. When I was in high school, the teaching styles that I was exposed to were great at that point in time, but I was not as fortunate in terms of experiencing the new teaching strategies available nowadays. Computers were just being introduced into schools, so I did not benefit from the new advancement in learning.

I am sure, in the next generation, better ways of passing on knowledge will be designed and adopted. And even though the main concepts in knowledge may remain the same, the styles of presenting them would evolve. Teaching through animation has become a huge success these days. Today, teachers are enjoying the teaching profession because of the advancement of computer technology and the Internet. And like a buffet, teachers today can pick and choose teaching techniques and information that can enhance their teaching. Teachers can utilize many teaching tools, and for students of each level, appropriate educational worksheets to facilitate their learning.

It does not matter where a student comes from; education has become a necessity practically for everyone. There are many Bilingual, International, Public, Private Schools and Language Centers in Thailand in which the educational goals are equivalent. Parents enroll their children in Bilingual Schools so that their kids can learn to be fluent both in English and Thai. Many English Teaching programs have been introduced to many Bilingual Schools, and the number of native speaking teachers in these schools has also jumped significantly over the years. Whereas International schools are relegated the responsibility of teaching the English language to children, parents have to supplement, either by themselves or by private tutorial, the teaching of Thai so that children do not to lose their Thai connections. In the teaching of writing, reading, speaking and listening of English, there is a need to strike a balance. Thus, parents must consider carefully where to enroll their children. As a child grows, the parents should also discuss subjects, courses and interests with him or her. The various Thai-language programs taught at international schools are by themselves lacking.

Language centers have adequate resources and reliable teachers to assist in developing lesson plans, newsletters, worksheets and activities for students to gain up-to-date facts. The spoon feeding technique has not completely disappeared as some students are still too used to this outdated teaching technique. This could occur when teachers give in too easily when they see their students struggle in their studies. One way to curtail spoon-feeding teaching is for teachers to put students into groups and have other students help their classmates to increase their learning efficiency. In this way students can always seek help from their teachers when necessary. Sometimes, it is the students who give up too easily and are not motivated enough with certain subjects, so they prefer the traditional way of the teacher giving them all the answers. Despite the spoon feeding technique remaining in many schools and centers, teachers do adopt new approaches, such as role playing or the use of visuals to accommodate a more dynamic learning environment.

Having taught for over five years, I would say that teaching has become “edutainment” where students are learning to recognize the requirements of top local and international universities. I love the books that are used to teach English. I often encouraged my students to at least become friends with them. Studying for IGCSE’s, IB, or the SATs, IELTS and IBT-TOEFL will need strong dedication from students. Most importantly, the students’ interests need to be nurtured. In short they must learn to like the subjects they are studying in. As a result, students would have the motivation to pursue studying in the subjects successfully. Teaching and learning have a love – hate relationship which has important implications on the outcome since it is natural for students to feel disheartened with courses they find difficult.

Stress and despair faced by students have become common problems. But the rapport between teachers and students can ease the problems and help them accomplish their goals in their studies. New types of lesson plans, such as, Brainology, and teaching software, such as Yenka.com, Seussville.com, Journeyed.com, etc., are available, and all propagate creative lesson plans, worksheets and useful information. We can utilize them in our learning.
In conclusion, I have no regrets in my profession as a teacher. To me “Teaching and learning has been a wonderful spoon feeding journey of knowledge for decades, and I expect it will certainly go on, as knowledge will be passed on incessantly. Bangkok City has been a great place to teach and the Thai society is open and provides new development to foster the inquisitive Thai minds in achieving educational standards that are on par with the world.”

Bhavna Khemlani

Well that's another weekend over, prep work done for next week and its only 9pm Sunday night which gives me another hour or two before I think about those staires and a very nice cosy bed.

Time to think about life, well we all chew the fat don't we?.... I find it a great time to bounce those ideals and those thoughts on life, this time at home chilling, yes chilling in Thailand, well excuse the pun. Thailand is chilled in so many ways excluding what we all know as per the temperature. Oh I still need aircon, even in November and December, but what a lovely thought eh?

I went for a swim this morning before breakfast, and then dried off soaking up some winter sun before ice cold milk, corn flakes then tea. A little conversation with some local friends, then it was time to get ready to support the girlfriend and her visit to her temple. Did I have to go?... well no, but is that not the point of a relationship supporting ones significant other? Look I'm no saint and you would be hard pressed to get me in church back in "Old Blighty" at this time of year... actually any time of year. However it was important to her and she wanted me there with her.

I can't say it was the most fun filled day of my life, and the thought of a numb bum. dead legs, then hours of chanting is hardly what I would call a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon, actually a rabid class of hyper active 14 years old had some appeal! However I did the honoured thing for about 2 hours before my legs said to me I had to walk before I lost the will to live, so I just spent the following couple of hours walking, watching, laughing to myself then waiting some more. During these hours I mulled the idea of what would I have done at home?

Well... my septic Isle is rather cold, wind swept with a touch of white rain, sorry I mean snow, so I guess I'd have been wrapped up warm in some pigeon box called home looking at more school work, or even getting on with the household chores, we all remember those don't we? watching tv, or as its called today the re-run of x- factor or some other soap...... Then again I could have ventured out and taken lunch at some resturant which has staff from some eastern European nation that has no idea of my culture or what my stomach calls a roast dinner, then if I am luck to have a native speaker, its amazing that they are not surly or can even be bothered to look at me inbetween text messages on their mobile phones.

I know why I am in Thailand and its not for the money. Before anyone gets on their high horse, this place can be a real bind as well, but as a rule while I'm trying to be overcharged, at least its done with a genuine smile, the food is in most cases at least up to the mark, its not cost me the world, its not cold wet or even snowing, I don't have to face the stupidity that comes with driving in the UK and being seen as a cash cow for everyone. Sure I'm looked at as a walking ATM, but this one does not open on Sundays or even most days of the week. I can proudly say I still have moths in my wallet and they are in no chance of being made homeless either. So after the long afternoon. being blasted at 6,000,000 watts, amps or decibels in fact the lack of noise polution control, I really needed some place to give the ears a rest. Hard to find in Bangkok eh?... no not really, even Bangkok has its oasis of peace.

However all in all, we can get stitched up, ripped off, stung, fleeced, taken for a ride anywhere, Thailand is no different you have to be on your guard at all times, but then I travel back to the UK often, more for personal reasons and an 80 year old mother, but I have to say.... we moan here!.... You should see it back there, the place is fast becoming a toilet and not one you can park you butt on without charge. Its a mess and its getting worse, it fills me with sadness at its plight a once great nation on the downward slide. Today even though I've had better days, its been warm, dry and I can still have a beer for £1 in social surroundings.

Ian

In response to Ell Tee’s letter “Why so bitter?” Ajarn Postbox (October 29, 2010)
I believe the writer is confusing what he perceives is bitterness and culture shock, with the frustrations of teaching Thai students. I also have taught in several countries including my home country, America and in my opinion, Thais are by far the most difficult to teach. The difference between other countries and Thailand is yes, partly the culture, but there are many more factors that also play a role in the obvious frustrations. In my opinion, the worst culprit has to be the MOE and their policies.

The MOE states they want students to learn English, but the facts do not support their rhetoric. As I wrote in my letter “unteaching what Thai teachers have taught” dated July 17, 2010, just about anything and everything you can think of comes before education. Therefore, we get no support from the MOE or the schools because it obviously isn’t important that the students learn for the reasons I stated in my letter, but they try to make it appear as if they are. We get no support from the parents either because the majority do not speak English, so they can’t help their children learn. At times, we’re not even supplied with books and yet, we’re expected to teach the student’s English. The MOE mandates a curriculum that is based on an English speaking countries curriculum for native speakers that is impossible to meet. But of course they expect improved test scores and satisfactory results.

They supply a minimal amount of funds for the program and the families are expected to pay the rest. The money that the families have to contribute, many need to spend on food. But, they give it so their child can get into an English Program. At least THEY understand the importance of learning English. The schools English Program and English Club are merely a farce because it is taught by teachers that can’t speak English correctly themselves. Or if they do attempt to speak English, much of the time it is incoherent or “pigeon” English. The school will buy a few books for the English Program and the rest of what they need, they will copy (to save money), and hire native speaker(s) to indicate to the parents their children are being taught by a native speaker(s) so they will give more money. But, in reality many times the native speaker doesn’t have to even participate in the English Club and teaches only a few of the students. The Thai “English” teachers teach the rest and over see the English Club. Yes, many of the ones that can’t even speak English. As with most things in Thailand, it doesn’t have to work, it just has to look like it does.

The ones that benefit from the English program are the directors of the respective schools. The money the school generates for the English Program is astronomical. Do the math at any school. They have discovered a profitable “cash cow” and sell it vigorously.

The MOE has teachers teaching English that can’t speak a coherent sentence and some can’t even speak at all, yet they give them awards and raises for doing a good job. Even the ones that I personally have seen stand in the hall and talk on their mobile phones for the whole 50 minute class, multiple times. That is; if they even come to class on time. Which is rare at every government school I have worked at.

The native speaker at a government school typically has a class of 40 to 60 students. They are there because the parents want them to be. So, 20 minutes of the class is spent taking mobile phones, stopping fights, etc. Once the students are calmed down and the attendance is called, the teacher has about 30 minutes of actual teaching time. One day a week for 30 minutes. Unless, the teacher before you kept the students overtime to clean his/her room (another priority before education) and then they may not show up at all.

How can anyone in their right mind expect a student to learn? There is no discipline policy. Students aren’t made to be accountable for skipping class or being tardy, and a no fail policy. But, there IS a hair and dress policy. Which in my opinion is utter bull----. Without these policies, there is no incentive for the students to do anything. And if they skip, no one will check to find out why they missed a class and they will still pass. The students are well aware of this.

When a student inevitably fails the semester final exam and/or has poor grades, the foreign teacher is instructed to dumb down the exam and let the student retake it so he/she will get a passing grade or retake it several times if necessary. If the teacher refuses to give the exam until the student passes, the foreigner teacher is deemed incompetent and terminated. The student’s homeroom teacher will adjust the student’s scores to get a passing grade. So, the homeroom teacher and the program director will appear to be doing a good job; on paper anyway. Because their career depends on it.

At the end of the semester, the program director will get upset because test scores are low. They get upset because her bonus and advancing in their career depends on good scores. Certainly not because they care about the students learning English. The foreign teachers are blamed, called lazy, inefficient, or a backpacker.

The MOE blames us foreign teachers for their mistakes. In reality, the policies that are in place are their fault. But of course they would never admit their policies need to be rewritten or they are wrong. That would show them losing face and we all know, that is not their “culture”.

It is my belief that most teachers come here with the illusion and will of teaching students that want to learn and honestly try to do a good job. But, after a while the crusty, thick skinned teachers (myself included) that has taught here for a number of years, learns we can’t change the policies or make the students learn that do not want to learn. So, we teach the few that want to learn and the others of course we try, but inevitably we will fail. They will pass and finish school and most likely do as many of their parents have done and scratch out a living the best they can with the knowledge of a 3rd grader after finishing high school. That’s not bitterness or culture shock. That’s the facts.

To understand the frustrations or as the writer perceives as “bitterness and culture shock”, he should leave a country that supports and values education and come to teach here. Only then will he fully understand and realize the reality and frustrations of teaching in Amazing Thailand.

Ralph Sasser

Well, its the weekend....
For a change I'm sitting at my pc back in old blighty!.... A few issues, bills, family illness and stress related matters to deal with, so am I happy here? Well no I'm not.... sorry to all those who have the rose tinted glasses about home, its an absolute mess back here, and by the time this is posted on the site, I should be back at home.... yes home in Bangkok with someone who cares and a job where people who actually understand me as well as care.

For those of you who have not ventured back to the place of your roots, can I just say don't bother, you are far better off where you are. The Grand Old Lady (UK) is in a real sorry state. The country that many of us left years ago is something of the distant past. You and I live in an emerging nation, not one that is in freefall, sorry if that hurts a few feelings, but trust me, the UK is no place to think about as a safe, easy, cosy place to live.

I'm lucky..... hold on let me rephrase that.... I thought I was... I came back here for several reasons, the main one being an 80 year old mother and two daughters, the rest is just absolute stupidity. Let's be honest Thailand has its issues and we have all been stung or caught by one or both, however its is at least there in your face obvious and you know whats going on.

What I really hate about the UK of the 21st century, is that yes you are shafted, from time to time ( that's life yes? like it or not) lets just say here we understand the rules of maybe paying a little extra as a farang from time to time, but its open and there to discuss! In the UK your are shafted from every direction and below I will list a few:
Telephone.... line rental make a call or not - you pay
Council tax.... you pay if you are there or not.
Water..... your pay if your are there or not
Insurance..... good one... sub sections, Life, car, health, accident, property, travel, goods or personal items I could go on.
Telephone sales, postal scams, and the whole view by every so call business, we are not walking ATM's but credit card, cash, and asset items to be raided at every chance.

How about our lovely cars?...... Ah, sore point. the British motorist has been raped for money for years. So if we start with petrol £1.26 a ltr, car tax, mot, insurance, servicing when you need it, yess we know the honour of the local british garage... Ok now I hear you all laughing. I think I'm better off in Thailand by close to £8k, but that's just by not driving at all.

I'm depressed by the lowering of standards.... social ones that is. I can walk in my local district in Bangkok and enjoy a night out, maybe the odd taxi or motorbike could come alarmingly close, or the pack of dogs sniffing out something, but I can sit in a bar, restaurant or a place to eat without having to face the low life of town or city situations where some drunken underclass wants to beat my brains out because I looked at them or even asked that that showing of their privates in public is not quite a good ideal when contemplating a supper, and that's just the women.

We all have our views on Thai police, but you know the score. The UK ones are not to be trusted. Sure they don't want money off you, but they do enjoy the position they have of being somewhere inbetween the underclass, outclass, outlaws and real world.... When I'm being shafted ( I'm old school) I like to know that i'm being turned over with politeness and a smile...

The UK has a national debt of over £25k per person ( man, woman, child, and those yet born), Sure Thailand has its issues, but in general the social graces here are streets ahead, they treat their senior people much better than the UK, the family unit is closer, there is actually community where people respect, understand and look after each other.

No I do not have rose tinted glasses...... but I have seen both sides... I can earn so much more in the UK, but its not just about money.... quality of life is far more important. I don't doubt it can be tough here in Thailand and we are facing the same issues that immigrants face in UK and Europe, but trust me, its better to be part of the future, molding its people, and building a life, than it is to be in a nation that has deep social, economic, trust and truth issues, which is on freefall, because its still supporting the banks which have ravaged society for everything they can get.

In truth I weep for my homeland, its riddled like a cancer... the same sort which took my father 3 years ago and the health service paid lip service to him and did very little to make his last months comfortable. I've seen such idleness and wastefulness, and damn right corrupt bleeding of society, and some say Thailand has issues. I'm more than happy to live my life here..... for all its issues, there is a sense of understanding, acceptance, and social respect that died long ago in many western nations.

Ian