Cultural respect and being professional
Postbox letter from Dr John Smith
I was always encouraged to accept other peoples values and to respect their customs and religion as well as many other things. What I find difficult is the fact that no matter how much I accept and try to adapt to Thai ways of thinking it always comes back to the fact that Westerner are not appreciated for the skills we bring to Thailand and Thai attitude changes like the wind changes direction.
Enough of the silly rules
Postbox letter from Dr John Smith
I believe that every child should be afforded the same educational standards regardless but how is that possible when the ministry of education will not help visiting teachers (as I hate the word foreigner) from other native speaking countries who are here to try and help their children attain a higher level of self consciousness and awareness to better themselves and to educate the next generation for Thailand.
The Thai education system
Postbox letter from Dr John Smith
Education Minister Phongthep Thepkanjana admits that the Thai education system is unsatisfactory and behind other countries in the ASEAN region. To tackle the problem, the ministry has drawn up some measures to restructure the system.
Zero toleration for problems
Postbox letter from Doug
In theory, problems do not exist in the Thai educational system. In reality, this theory creates many real problems
How a foreigner can buy real estate in Thailand
Yes indeed, foreigners can certainly invest in the Thai property market
Foreigners have been buying real estate in Thailand regularly for the last three decades and more and more invest in Thai real estate each year. This would not be possible if foreigners were being consistently ‘cheated' out of their money by the laws of the land.
Is now the time to buy Bangkok real estate?
Why not convert those rental payments into a property investment?
Bangkok could now be a good place for you to invest in property. The main reasons for this are two-fold: Bangkok's two major public transport systems are at last being developed with more professionalism and enthusiasm than ever before, and we are drawing closer to 2015 each and every day!
Getting ready for 2015
What will be the effects of the new ASEAN community on foreign teachers?
English is clearly the key to success and opportunity in the new ASEAN community. It is not only the official language; it is also the ‘world' language which is used across the globe for nearly all international dialogue and trade. English will be used at all levels of Thai society from 2015.
Thailand's ill-timed implementation of the 'provisional permit'
Postbox letter from Ajarn Jim
When a foreign teacher's current 'waiver' letter expires, then that teacher must meet the requirements for the new 'provisional permit' if the teacher doesn't possess a teaching license.
Keeping foreign teachers
Postbox letter from Paul
How will Thailand prevent their slide towards last place in the ASEAN economic community when they can't keep foreign teachers? The Government in Bangkok make the request, but many educators can't seem to accept the help that they are given.
Thailand so far behind
Postbox letter from Mr. Russell
I have very recently moved to Vietnam after four years spent teaching in Thailand. The level of English here in Vietnam as their second language is way ahead of Thailand. Thailand hasn't left first base yet.
