Jawnie

On the towel question, it's probably because they really don't want you to see them, they don't really like you, and they don't really want to be in that situation at all. Who could ever get over that?

Have you ever had a relationship with a bar girl?

Have you ever lived with a bar girl and her family?

Have you ever met a bar girls parents?

Have you spent much time in brothels in Thailand?

I would submit that you don't have a clue about what you are writing in this area.

Naive is an understatement.

Yours is the typical, defensive, psuedo-intellectual response intended to devalue an opinion you don't agree with. To me, however, what you say above is meaningless since I don't believe a person must experience everything in the world before one can have an opinion about it. If this were true, then no one could comment on politics, religion, etc., until they've been a PM or a legislator, or a monk/nun, (or dated a bar girl). This is nonsense, of course. This is why humans have the capacity for empathy and understanding.

It still remains true that many "ladies of the night" don't like it and only do it for the money, or for drugs, or whatever. Hence, some are embarrassed by it.

On the towel question, it's probably because they really don't want you to see them, they don't really like you, and they don't really want to be in that situation at all. Who could ever get over that?

If you thought Buddhism and following the Dharma was going to be an easy way to reach a "no problem place" it seems you were mistaken. Even the Buddha said his teaching were "deep" and hard to understand. So, the fact that you find some of the basics of Buddhism difficult should not surprise. Anyone telling you it is easy is mistaken or doesn't know. Yes, discussions about karma invariable include the anomalies you raise: why do the bad guys seem to get away with it, and why do bad things happen to good people. You have to study, practice, and acquire the proper view in order to understand. You can't stay the same and expect things to be different for you.

Just as the word "nirvana" can not be a noun (a place), it can not be a verb (an action or doing). The sutras are clear: "Therefore, Sariputra, in Emptiness there is no form, no feeling, no recognition, no volitions..." (Heart Sutra)

bump

Not a very smart or politically astute comment.

Hi, I am 51 years old and married to a Thai. Would love to be able to teach in Thailand and quite happy to do it properley via a tefl course. My problem is that I do not have a degree. I could 'buy' a degree from many different web advertised services such as (link to unauthorized web site removed) . These people claim that you can get an acreditted degree based on life experience without actually studying for it. ie you pays your money and they send you the degree, is this regarded as cheating? Would these degrees be acceptable to get a teaching post in Thailand? The only experience I have is informally teaching local village children in Issan, who love to practice their english with me, and I must admit I really enjoy helping them. Really want to do this part time to stop me from getting bored, don't need to worry about earning a living just pocket money i guess.. Thoughts please

A helpful thread about diploma mills can be found here. There are a few posts about their relationship to getting positions in Thailand.

You will need to think about whether you personally are okay with a degree from a diploma mill, or not, and act accordingly. A good CELTA/TESOL program will teach you how to teach English and help you with lesson planning, English teaching resources, etc. So going through that process and getting a certificate will help you personally to be a better teacher. Btw, you need to know that your age will negatively affect your job search, especially since you are over 50. That is a reality that sucks, big time, but it is reality here in Thailand, and other Asian countries such as China and India. Being in Issan and outside of major cities may lessen the impact of your age, but expect it to be an obstacle.

Also, start tutoring as a volunteer at a local immigrant or non-profit English school to get some experience.

For the above the OP will still need a Work Permit. That won't be easy unless he has sponsorship.

I meant that he should do the volunteer work in his home country if coming to Thailand immediately is not possible. A little teaching experience goes a long way regardless of where one does it. It is also "a way forward" for someone trying to take the leap into teaching.

How fat people are (in the US) and how much they eat.

How clean most places are.

How relatively uncrowded the roads and sidewalks are and the empty parking lots.

The fact that there are sidewalks at all.

How nice most drivers are.

How upset pedestrians get if you drive like your still in Asia.

How fussy Americans are about most things.

How <deleted> expensive it can be.

How few Asian women there are - pitiful.

Everybody speaks English.

As long as less than 20% of classes are conducted in English, CU can only help Thailand. This is paramount to saying that Thailand already knows everything and has all the answers - yeah, right.

Such a narrow educational focus is not necessarily good for Thailand and doesn't really help the nation. It guarantees that Thailand will lag behind the rest of the world by virtue of this misplaced self-reliance.

Thai culture is very curious in this regard. Yes, it is unique and valuable, and should be retained as much as possible. But, the government and educational community don't understand that Thai-language only students can not, and will not, ever excel outside Thailand. In a sense, they are doomed to live and stay in Thailand - with its monarchy, military government, and pay-for-votes democracy. That is not a recipe for world-class anything.

You can't expect to have an international or world class university to grow out of an education system focused on or taught in Thai language. The other countries cited - Japan, China, and Korea - each have governments whose educational policies aggressively pursue both English language study and study abroad for integrating skills and knowledge from all over the world.

There is no need to have an explicit goal of "helping the nation" as it appears nothing more than insular and xenophobic. Your Thai children, students, businesspeople, artists, etc., should be encouraged to study English and study broad. CU must open its doors to the world, not see it as something "other". Thailand is a unique country and culture with much to share. It's children and professionals will return to help the nation on their own, once they gain something new and of value to contribute. The government should not be dictating such narrow education standards.

I've been asked to an interview for a teaching position that will require an over-night stay outside of Bangkok in order to be at the morning interview. How can I expect to be treated and are there any costs which the school would customarily pay in such a situation? I doubt that there are, but I thought I'd ask. Any tips or warnings?

I've developed what appears to be a benign skin rash, but it's worrisome and not all that nice to look at. I've had it for about a year and before I came to Thailand. I'm on a tourist visa. How can I get into a doctor to get some advice and treatment for this? Your thoughts, please.

Why don't you try being a Chinese teacher first? Then, once your in a school, suggest that you might teach English, too. You know, get your foot in the door that way.

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Get your CELTA, TESL, or whatever asap. Coming to Bkk for that would be good. If you can't do that, do it where you are. Also, start tutoring as a volunteer at a local immigrant or non-profit English school to get some experience. You may be well educated and a smart person, but you'll need experience dealing with blank stares.

If you have a BA in Education, you won't need a TEFL or equivalent. If you have some other technical or subject matter expertise, a TEFL will help a lot and you should plan to get one if no Education BA. You're eight years out from coming to Thailand so it's way too early to say what will happen then. To teach at a university, you'll need a masters degree for sure by then. Best piece of advice would be for you to specialize in a particular subject or field, keeping an eye on teaching it later.

i have a technical diploma and full trade certificate, i would love to teach in a technical school or college , part time or as an adult instructor English in my field of expertise. would i need a teaching degree to apply to colleges? and how or where do i get info on who needs what in terms of the type of instructors they need ?

If you will notice, many ads for English teachers include this:

"We recognize all major full-timeTESOL/TEFL courses including:

Chichester College TESOL (TEFL/TESL)

Lanna TEFL Chiang Mai

SEE TEFL

TTT International TEFL/TESOL

UniTEFLThailand"

If you are in Thailand (or even if you aren't in Thailand), I'd suggest you look into taking one of these courses. It will teach you how to teach English; the schools really want to see something like this. Find a good TEFL or equivalent program, and it will really kick-start your English teaching path. It won't be cheap, or easy, but it will get you into the profession and into the network of teaching jobs. If it is a good program, it will give you good teaching skills.

This very helpful, even if it is really loooong.

I've been in Thailand four months and only touched on Thai language. I studied mandarin for several years and would still study it if I were in China. I'll be in Bkk for at least one year, so, time to get started...

I'm going to visit these schools and want to start within the next week:

Thai Solutions

Walen

Language Express

Piammitr

I might visit others and I'll let you know how it's going.

Cheers.

For a complete explanation of Tibetan Buddhism and Vajrayana philosophy and practice, get a copy of "The Words of My Perfect Teacher" by Paltrul Rinpoche. It covers the entire range of Tibetan teachings and is studied widely. Many Tibetan teachers recommend it to their western students and often western Tibetan sanghas study it as a group.

The idea of whether nirvana is "worth it" or "not worth it" is a dualistic concept and label that simply does not apply. Is your natural state "worth it"?

At the risk of being a real dummy, can anyone tell me if there is now an Ikea open in Bangkok? And, if so, where it is located so that I can go there to shop?

Internet and forum searches are inconclusive (or I'm just a dummy).

TIA

1. Clear off the sidewalks...there are way, way, way too many street vendors. Bangkokians have forgetton what an open, clear sidewalk is like.

2. Military out of government.

As you say TAWP. Holy crap!

Howwver- if this bit is true;

That ban followed an International Organisation for Migration report that said many Cambodian brides suffered abuse after moving to South Korea in marriages hastily arranged by brokers who made large profits.

I don't know this organisation, is this a genuine issue that I've been ignorant of?

The organization seems legit... http://www.iom.int/jahia/jsp/index.jsp

Cambodia's response seems to over-reach a little, though. They'll probably get lot of flack during the implementation. Pity that so many governments around the world try to control so much of citizens' lives.

Fabianfred is correct, the Hinayana path can lead an individual to completely extinguishing their karma, faults, suffering, etc.,, to personal liberation, thus escaping the wheel of rebirth or reincarnation.

Fred said nothing about the Hinayana path, he talked about the Theravada path.

Please show a bit of respect and refrain from derogatory terms.

Unfortunately Mahayana followers often like to use the derogatory name of Hinayana to Theravada followers... it is their way of making themselves feel good about their own beliefs.

In fact Theravada follows the earlier teachings and so Mahayana is the breakaway school, which twisted and changed them to encourage those people who like to worship many deities and Buddhas and so caused the meaning of Boddhisatta to be altered to their present understanding.

Unless one has progressed to Arahant, done the task, reached Nibbana, how can one say what the abilities or state of one is?

Their demeaning comments, seeking to lower the importance of Arahant merely prop their own false beliefs.

Instead of arguing which school is better....practice....practice...practice.... and you will know for yourself and not need to listen to others.

Well, I seemed to have stepped on some Theravadan toes. Theravada (Hinayana), Mahayana, and Vajrayana simply denote various levels of Buddhist philosophy and practice. This is the very first I've ever heard of Hinayana being a derogatory term; it wasn't intended as such. But, Mahayana - a "breakaway school"? Are you saying Mahayana is not a legitimate form of Buddhism? Why would you say all those derogatory things about Mahayana practice and practitioners? Seems to be a somewhat defensive reaction. Is it okay to flame those who practice other forms of Buddhism than Theravada just because most of us are located in a predominately Theravada country, or because that is the form you follow? Seems rather sectarian.....I mean, where's the love?

If you do reject Mahayana, then naturally you are going to reject the distinction drawn between the Arhat and the Bodhisattva. If that is the case, how can you allow for the Bodhisattva ideal, since you've rejected Mahayana? Moreover, if you reject Mahayana, you reject it's central theme of compassion and service to all sentient beings in favor of the personal liberation of Theravada.

First, I want to acknowledge that you've been dating her for quite a while and have some worthwhile history with this woman. But, the way I would present my advice to you is this: I would never, ever, get involved, physically or emotionally, with a bar girl.