wasabi

"...t's a stone's throw away from Thailand and only 2 1/2 hours away from Thailand. That's not a very bad deal."

Not a bad deal, at all. But your geography leaves a lot to be desired.

OP, how old are you? You don't know where you want to live. You don't know what to do. Have you discussed any of this with mom and dad? Moving out of the basement of their home will be a different experience.

I'm 32 as mentioned, and after considering teaching have decided to stick with finance which I've done for 6 years. I want to live in Thailand but feel it's economically not viable, my parents are passed away but I am confident they would encourage me to pursue my dreams. Singapore might be the most realistic way to pursue them. Singapore is not my top choice but 2.5 hours is a lot closer to my #1 choice than I am now. Thanks for your concern.

The reason I was contemplating teaching English is it seems to be the easiest job to get in Thailand and hopefully I could switch to something closer to my present career after being on the ground. Also I have a degree in English, however I usually hate mentioning that as it encourages others to pick apart every grammatical mistake in my posts! I sort of lucked into a good finance job 6 years ago which is how I ended up doing my present job working for a major endowment. I'm confident my present skills would enable me to do all sorts of work in Singapore but it may be a challenge to get a foot in the door as always. I did once ask my current employer if my job could be done remotely, they said yes but I have to be in the same time zone, which knocks SEA out of contention.

I agree with what others say about dreams having a way of changing, I occasionally think romantically about how the experience of living in Thailand would offset the low wages but I'm sure as I got older and want to retire (I'm 32) I might wish I had earned a bit more. Someone mentioned wages, if I did live in Singapore I'd just want a salary that allowed me to save as much as I can now while budgeting in an occasional trip to Thailand, so the cost of living would factor in. I go to Thailand three times a year now so that expensive would easily be lowered even if I quadrupled the frequency. I live in San Francisco, quite an expensive place so hopefully finding a comparable or lower cost of living won't be that hard. I realize Singapore is more expensive but if my wages offset that, it's ok.

I've been to Orchard, actually went with a Thai girl I was dating at the time who came to Singapore with me, but all she did was gripe about missing Som Tam and strangely I missed it and the street vendors hawking junk as well. I was only in Singapore for 3 days but I generally found the people less friendly and the farangs I came across more stuck-up. It just overall seemed less fun and carefree than Thailand, most likely the differences in affluence between the two places factor in. But if frequent trips to Thailand is a realistic option I think I could handle that. And I'm not claiming to be an expert on Singapore after only a 3 days visit, just expressing my first impression.

Captain Chaos I gather you presently live in Sing' How long have you been there and how often do you go to Thailand?

First question how much do Thi people usually pay for an English lesson?

And

How do you write in Thai

"English lessons 246 baht per lesson email Michael -------

บทเรียนภาษาอังกฤษ๒๔๖บาทละ ส่งอีเมลให้ไมเคิล ขอบคุณครับ

Personally I like to dissolve 10 mg of Valium in a red bull and go for a cosmic journey.

Like many I would like to live in Thailand full time. I've tossed around the idea of being an English teacher but it's not my first pick and I've found any other employment options are few and far between. I've tossed around the idea of working in Singapore given the strong economy and proximity to Thailand. But after having been to Singapore and feeling impressed but not yearning to live there full time I had decided to just stick with my current set up here in the USA. Just out of curiosity I did a search in Singapore for jobs I could potentially do once again. I'm a portfolio accountant with an emphasis on performance analysis and financial software administration. and again I easily found about 5 jobs I'm well qualified for. I did this about a year ago and found similar jobs, I even applied to one but did not get a response. I figured me living in the USA qualified or not, probably greatly diminished my competitiveness. My guess if I upped my effort or somehow relocated to Singapore I could get a job.

I'd be close to Thailand but Singapore is no Thailand. Would you do it?

When I first saw this feature in the iphone I wondered how it may be applied to Thai, I have a Nokia E70 which has a fold out keyboard. It doesn't have predictive texting but it works pretty well.

Even if Global warming is disproved I don't see any benefit to increasing pollution and dependence on foreign oil. Do you like sitting near a smokestack and breathing in the fumes? If not than it makes sense to support green technologies. I would place my money on going green having benefits above continuing as we are not having any negative consequences.

While this does suck and I don't think its justified for a gang to attack 3 people, I also don't think this indicative of an emerging trend . I think the 3 Brits must have done something to seriously piss off the Thai gang. The average person doesn't need to fear such incidents.

This is kind of off topic, but I wish I could improve my Thai handwriting. I've seen a few farangs with awesome Thai handwriting.

No one answered your question about the marriage visa. You need to have a certain amount in the bank, but I forgot the amount. After that you just have to renew every year.

Yes it's returned but for the USA this time.

I believe the exact phrasing he used is คนชั้นล่าง for "low class," and both คนไม่มีการศึกษา and คนไร้การศึกษา for "uneducated"--although I wonder--is the latter worse? Is it more like "ignorant"? Or are they basically interchangeable?

Here's a larger quote from one account:

ล่าสุดวันนี้ (6 ก.ค.) นายกัณฑ์เอนก ปัจฉิมสวัสดิ์ บิดาของนายกัณฑ์พิทักษ์ กล่าวในรายการเรื่องเล่าเช้านี้ ถึงกรณีที่กระเป๋ารถเมล์ออกมาตำหนิบุตรชายว่า เขาโกหก เขาโกหกเพราะเขาเป็นพวกเดียวกัน เขาเป็นคนไม่มีการศึกษา คนไม่มีการศึกษาเกลียดคนรวยอยู่แล้ว เกลียดตำรวจอยู่แล้ว คนไร้การศึกษาก็เป็นอย่างนี้แหละ มองอะไรด้านเดียว ผมไม่อยากพูดอะไรที่รุนแรง แต่คนชั้นล่างก็เป็นแบบนี้แหละ อคติกับคนรวย เกลียดคนรวย

My translation:

"Most recently (6 July), Mr. Kan-anek Pachimsawas, on the program "Rueang Lao Chao Ni," said of the bus fare collector who has spoken out against his son, "She's lying. She's lying because she's from the same class [as the deceased]. She's uneducated. Uneducated people always hate rich people, they always hate the police. This is how uneducated people are. They look at everything one-sided. I don't want to say anything too strong, but this is how low class people are--they're prejudiced against rich people."

Anyone want to hold a vigil for the plight of the rich man? Sheesh. Using "uneducated" as a euphemism for "poor"! It's actually more insulting that way. The poorest farmer in the country has got to have more ปัญญา than your kid, even if they don't have the education, pal.

[David beat me to it--oops!]

His reply is deeply ironic. Claiming the poor are one-sided as he pejoratively stereotypes them as if they are all the same person. By the way what is the meaning of อยู่แล้ว does it imply always?

คนไม่มีการศึกษาเกลียดคนรวยอยู่แล้ว เกลียดตำรวจอยู่แล้ว

I am worried for my Thai friends and the stability of the nation that this is the beginning of an emerging trend. With the rising baht, political instability and neighboring regions offering easier foreign investment and a more educated work force I think it could be 1997 all over again but this time more squarely focused on Thailand. Even my Thai co worker who has great nationalistic pride thinks Thailand has made some serious missteps in economic policy. Granted they've been dealt some serious challenges but the missteps have added insult to injury.

Thai girls already seem to possess a tele hypnotic ability over farangs without any electronic device

ผ่านมา It could mean you passed it already?

I agree that the embassy is his best bet. It may be true that the police were looking for him, but it may not be true that some sort of warrant has been issued for his arrest. Probably someone pissed at him ratted him out to the police. I bet if he went to the airport to leave all that would be on the record for him would be the overstay fine. However going to the embassy is the safest bet.

We´d like to support one of my wifes nieces and sponsor her English lessons. The problem is that she´s working fulltime at Pantip Plaza from 8.30 am till 6.00 sometimes 7.00 pm. She has one day off at Thursdays.

What would be the options for her to learn English, she´s 18 y old and is staying in the Sathorn area. She only has basic Thai education and her English is next to nill. The support for her should not exceed 5000 Baht a month.

How can we help this smart girl ?

It seems you have to find a way for her to have time to study, no language is going to just pop in your head without serious effort. Allowing her to work less hours seems to be the only way and that may take more than 5000 baht a month though not much more.

Is in here too but lost in the News clippings.

The Bank of Thailand has further relaxed the capital-control requirement, even as the baht further appreciated to a new 10-year high above the Bt34/US dollar level due to continued inflows to the stock market. The central bank yesterday decided to allow non-residents with non-speculative transactions in Thailand to conduct hedging or sell-buy swaps. The relaxation of the 30-per-cent reserve requirement covers their baht-denominated transactions with local financial institutions. The BOT expects the move will end the recent volatility and narrow the difference in the baht levels between the onshore and offshore markets.

Regards

Nation Link

/edit add quote//

I think in the short term it will increase volatility because they keep flip flopping. However long term relaxing these controls should be good for the country to facilitate trade. I know many big investors were spooked by the excessive controls.

I have just arrived in LOS and was hoping it to be for good. Before I came I was told that the real estate business is great here for farangs. After meeting with a few Hua Hin agents I have come to realize that it's not what I was told it would be.

From what a few farangs told me is that most FOB retired men start up some kind of beer bar. These bars usually have some pretty Thai girls that do special favors, if you know what I mean. So I was hoping maybe some of you might know what steps it takes to run a beer bar? Keep in mind I'm in what some would call the golden years of my life, and only looking to start a small joint. If anyone could fill me in on the laws or any info that would be of much help to me.

Allen

Educated and informed farangs start, and fail, in these ventures. Being fob your success rate is 0 to none. I cannot give you specifics about the trade but I'm sure you'll hear plenty soon enough

The only rule is don't invest anything in Thailand you can't afford to walk away from at a total loss. The rest is pure gamble.

Wow this is a good idea. I'll buy some books from you next time I'm in Thailand. Every little bit counts right?

<snip>

I have a BA in English but I wasn't the best student.

<snip>

such a degree would increase my pay and job oppurtunities

<snip>

Sorry, couldn't resist.

ok good catch, but I hope I get some other replies.

John Mark Karr arrested for domestic violence

Last updated: 7/7/2007 8:35:10 AM

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. - 9NEWS has confirmed through NBC News that John Mark Karr has been arrested and is being charged with two counts of domestic violence.

Georgia Police Spokesman Lt. Keith Zgonc tells NBC News that Karr was arrested as a result of an argument involving himself, his girlfriend and his father.

9news.com

no smoke without fire .........................

**However it was later found Mr. Karr in fact had no girlfriend nor father but rather was arguing with his other delusional selves.

I originally posted this on Ajarn.com but thought some here might be able to offer feedback.

Does anyone know much about this? I see a graduate diploma and Master's. I think I'd prefer the Master's. But I don't really know enough about each to make an educated decision. Pun not intended

Diploma

http://www.tu.ac.th/org/litu/doc_english/dipte_e.htm

Master's

http://www.tu.ac.th/org/litu/doc_english/mate_e.htm

In the admission section of the Master's there is a requirement I can't find more detail about. I have tried to email them without reply.

"3. Applicants must meet the requirements in "Number 8: Admission" of Thammasat University's Graduate School under the 1985 Master of Arts Programs Section."

I have a BA in English but I wasn't the best student. My GPA is in the low 2 range. I'm hoping this doesn't bar me from entrance. I do happen to know two visiting professors of Thammasat (Farang who are visiting at Thammasat) who study Thai at the same Thai temple as myself, so I could get a letter of recommendation from one or both if this would help my chances.

Also it says this degree has courses only offered on weekends. Under the Academic system heading, While this could allow me to work while I got my degree if I got a TEFL cert. I would rather study intensively and get the degree faster. However that's not a show stopper for me, I just wonder if other Uni's offer a faster track.

I am very interested in getting more education however I don't want to invest my time and money into a degree that wouldn't be a solid investment. Does anyone know if a Master's from Thammasat would be worth the time and money careerwise? From what I can tell the total cost for foriegners is only 170,500 Baht, quite a bargain. If that is indeed the cost than the only question that remains is it a worthwhile use of time?

I've heard the arguments that Thai degrees are not worth the paper they are printed on, but if such a degree would increase my pay and job oppurtunities proportionately to the time and money invested to obtain it in Thailand that's good enough for me.

Thanks in advance for any information on this.

Does this work with Windows Vista? I have found many applications that worked with XP don't work with Vista.

Why are you leaving Thailand?