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Welshman
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Posts posted by Welshman
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Thanks for that ...
What a sad day: written proof that even in the land of Lloyd George, Aneurin Bevan and the Six Nation’s Champions, there exists BNP hypocrites.
I suggest a little trip to Yad Vashem, before you throw any more Nazi insults around, so you can get some idea of the inevitable consequences of your way of thinking.
Yup, par for the course these days - raise you head above the parapet and tell the truth and you're a fully paid up member of the BNP.
Nice one (don't forget to renew your membership of New Labour and resubscribe to The Guardian).
I gather you don’t like lap-dancing then?
Pity, really, ‘cos you get a much nicer set of people at the club than those down at the BNP.
I suppose it’s a bit like chapel compared to that lot, isn’t it?
I really wouldn't know on either count. I've never been to (nor want to) any BNP events. As for the lap-dancing clubs, well I guess I'll just have to take the word of a rather sad frequenter of these establishments.
Have fun
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...
Thanks for that ...
What a sad day: written proof that even in the land of Lloyd George, Aneurin Bevan and the Six Nation’s Champions, there exists BNP hypocrites.
I suggest a little trip to Yad Vashem, before you throw any more Nazi insults around, so you can get some idea of the inevitable consequences of your way of thinking.
Yup, par for the course these days - raise you head above the parapet and tell the truth and you're a fully paid up member of the BNP.
Nice one (don't forget to renew your membership of New Labour and resubscribe to The Guardian).
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free lap dancing lessons at the taxpayers expense !!! its madness , nothing blinkered about that reaching that conclusion and sticking with it.
even liverpool city council , in the dark dark days of hatton and the militants , wouldnt have DARED come up with that one.
I know I am incredibly stupid, naive and blinkered, but would you please explain, so that an imbecile like me can understand, what is wrong with lap dancing?
Probably nothing (except that it certainly wouldn't appeal to me) but using taxpayer's money to let someone train in something as whacky and pointless tends to get up your nose.
But there again, if the Royal Navy is happy to pay for a sailor to have a sex change operation (no, I'm not making it up) then I suppose that this kind of loopiness is to be expected.
What's whacky and pointless about it? People pay to see lap dancers and lap dancers earn money - there is no law against either lap dancing or these two financial transactions, is there?
Surely what would be whacky and pointless, is that she was being trained for something beyond her abilities and in an occupation which had no job prospects?
We have an education system that sees children leaving school unable to read, write or do basic arithmetic.
We have a health service that's in crisis. We have a near breakdown in the transport infrastructure.
Law abiding citizens are hounded by the authorities while criminals go free and get protection.
We're being hit by stealth taxes. Our manufacturing sector has lost over 1 million jobs since this government came to power yet has increased the number of public sector workers (for which you and I pay) by 1 million.
Feral thugs roam the streets making them no-go areas for ordinary people.
We're swamped with illegal immigrants and subjected to political correctness which makes us feel like foreigners in our own country.
We have a Nazi in Downing Street who wouldn't be able to tell the truth if his life depended on it. He surrounds himself with cheque book waving cronies and a thugish gestapo who'll hound to death, if necessary, anyone who dares to speak against them.
But hey, if you're one of those saddoes who gets his jollies by going to seedy bars to watch meat on a stick, or gets a woodie when some skank grinds her butt into your crotch area, then all is well with the world.
Thanks for that - you've brought a little sunshine into our blighted lives
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Welshman, if you do a quick scan of the ads on www.ajarn.com (or its equivalent at teflasia.com or whatever), you'll see that some ads request young, meaning under 40 or even under 30. However, they ask for the sky and take the swamp. They do prefer young females for the preschool classes.
Some people will say that Asians in general have such high respect for older people that they'll prefer you. Others say that is not true, and they don't want someone working beneath them who's older. I doubt both statements hold much water.
I went to a job interview yesterday, trying to act all dynamic and perky. But they want me to take the wages of a young, untrained, perky person straight off the plane, or 67% of the wage I want. I said no. Apparently they just want a young, perky face cheaply.
Maybe I'll need to forsake my usual suit and tie, get myself some beads, dreadlock my hair and buy some ripped jeans from the charity shop !
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free lap dancing lessons at the taxpayers expense !!! its madness , nothing blinkered about that reaching that conclusion and sticking with it.
even liverpool city council , in the dark dark days of hatton and the militants , wouldnt have DARED come up with that one.
I know I am incredibly stupid, naive and blinkered, but would you please explain, so that an imbecile like me can understand, what is wrong with lap dancing?
Probably nothing (except that it certainly wouldn't appeal to me) but using taxpayer's money to let someone train in something as whacky and pointless tends to get up your nose.
But there again, if the Royal Navy is happy to pay for a sailor to have a sex change operation (no, I'm not making it up) then I suppose that this kind of loopiness is to be expected.
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The school at which I work is a reputable school (in other words a school for the rich) in Chonburi. Planning on leaving to go back to England soon I can't help but get a slight twinge of guilt for leaving them with no replacement. So I thought maybe I should look for one for them. They already need a science teacher for students aged about 13-16 and when I go they will be needing an english teacher for grade 4 (pratom 4). If you are interested pm me or just reply to this post.
When are you planning on leaving. I shan't be over until August and want to do my TEFL first which means availability of around September.
Too late ?
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Am I a taffy? I thought that was twisted candy at the seashore.
Looks like we have found another UK/US translation problem.
In UK taffy is slang for a welshman, but I have just done a google on Taffy and much to my surprise it also means twisted candy in the US.
Live and learn
I believe the word Taffy or just Taff is taken from the river Taff which runs through Cardiff.
Mind you we in the Welsh speaking areas of north Wales don't consider the southerners as 'real' Welsh.
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I'm moving out there in August, taking a TEFL then looking for a post (preferably in the provinces).
My main background (20 years teaching experience) has been in ICT (though I appreciate that English is the main subject out there).
One thing that bothers me though is my age. I'm turned 60 but one of the reasons for moving out there is that I just don't want to have to retire when I'm 65 which I would have to working at the college I do.
Can anyone advise as to any problem I might encounter due to my age ?
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For my six pen'orth, I'd say go for a TEFL course. I'm doing a teacher's certificate here (in the UK) at the moment but the theory (and a lot of the practice) would, I feel, be irrelevant in what I hope to be my future environment - teaching Thai youngsters in Thailand.
Certainly those courses I've investigated being run in Thailand cover a great deal of classroom techniques including schemes of work and lesson plans. We cover those techniques in the C&G course I'm currently doing, but I think that you'll find that the techniques being taught in the TEFL institutes are more geared towards the kind of situations you'll find yourself in there.
Going by the adverts on Ajarn, coupled with info I've gleaned from people already over there some schools offer you all the material, including lesson plans, etc. Others expect you to do it all and have the documentation ready for audit at any time. These include schemes of work, which can be a little more involved that lesson plans.
TEFL courses also stress the differences in language and culture you'll encounter.
For my part, I've taught at various levels in various environments from commercial training to prisons to colleges to school kids to fee paying adults over a period of 20 years. The first thing I shall be doing on arrival in Bkk will be to get stuck in to a 6 week TEFL course - not just because I need the qualification, but because I feel I could benefit from the actual course content.
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Further to an earlier reply to a post, I thought that I might share the results of some of the research I've been doing over the past couple of years.
Most of these are EFL (or ESL for Americans) websites and most have material, lesson plans, tips and tricks etc.
These two are just English teaching websites but, if you subscribe (which is free), then you get regular updates in your email.
http://www.macmillanenglish.com/
http://www.onestopenglish.com/
EFL sites
http://www.eflweb.com/index.php
http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/
http://www.better-english.com/exerciselist.html (mainly for your students)
http://www3.telus.net/linguisticsissues/
http://www.tolearnenglish.com/
This one has loads of interactive exercises for your students
http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/index.htm
A New Zealand site, but enough resources to sink a battleship
http://english.unitecnology.ac.nz/
This is a jump-site to language learning resources sites
http://polyglot.lss.wisc.edu/lss/lang/esl.html
Exercises ? you want exercises ? Back up a truck and help yourself
Stuck for a lesson plan ?
http://www.developingteachers.com/
This one looks a bit naff when you first enter, but good stuff to be got
A pay site, but quite a bit of 'sample' stuff which looks really useful
http://www.eflworksheets.com/#Contents%20o...20free%20sheets
A good site for both students and teachers - click on the 'Teachers Lounge' link
Just about everything
This is a jump-site with far too many links for me to review - worth an explore
Hope that some or any of these are of some use
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Just checked out those ads. All are for IDP's, these MUST be accompanied by a valid national licence.
Since the OP has lost his UK licence these won't work.
It WILL work if he has a Thai licence already. i.e. Thai licence + IDP issued in Thailand will be valid for driving abroad, including the UK. (Admittedly, I would love to be stopped by the police in the UK while driving on a Thai licence - no penalty points for starters).
Welshman - an IDP is just a piece of paper with your photo, and a few different languages that allows you to drive for a limited period in another country. It also has a standard list of vehicle types you're allowed to drive, and in the UK, is actually issued by the AA. It's really for use by tourists, if you're immigrating to Thailand, after an initial period, you have to get a Thai licence.
You can drive legally in Thailand on an IDP for up to 3 months (ie until you go to immigration to apply for an extension of stay). In the UK, you can drive on the IDP until the IDP runs out (i.e. up to a year).
However, if you're here on a non-imm visa, with your UK licence + IDP, a doctor's certificate and a letter from the embassy confirming your address, you should be able to get issued with a Thai licence by the local testing centre. (i.e. one of 4 in Bangkok, depending on where you live, or the one in your district if you're outside Bangkok). With a foreign licence + IDP, you normally only have to do a colour blindness test. (although take someone who speaks Thai with you, as all the signs are in Thai, and you'll need to join a few different queues before getting the licence issued.)
Just a short one in case there's anyone here (in UK) thinking of doing same thing. I phoned the AA who told me to get lost that they didn't do that any more. You used to be able to get them in any post office but that has all changed too. I had to phone DVLA in Swansea who gave me a list and Luton was the nearest to me. So, unless you get a different response, don't bother with the AA
Odd, the AA website still has the details of how to apply (to them) by post and downloadable forms too:-
http://www.theaa.com/getaway/idp/motidp002.html
Didn't phone the 'other' AA did you
Er no, but I think I would have had a more coherent answer from them !
Seriously, you think that things are tit-up in Thailand. As in my original post, I went to the post office who said no, try the AA. Got their phone number off the web and phoned the number to be told by a very strident woman that 'no, we don't do that kind of thing - try DVLA') Did the same with them to be told to go to a specialised post office etc etc etc.
Ok, in another post there's a link to the RAC site and, bingo, there's a downloadable application form, instructions etc etc.
So, I'll give them a try - thanks for all the advice (much appreicated).
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Having stirred up a real hornest nest, mind if I toss another couple of hand grenades in here ?
Firstly, you say that I can own a Condo. I don't particularly like the idea of living in an apartment for the forseeable future but if need be. However I had thought that these places were only built in commercialised areas such as Bkk, Pattaya etc - what about the smaller towns in the provinces ?
Secondly, I was speaking to someone here in the UK over the weekend who is having a house built. When I asked him how he'd managed it he said that this was some kind of development company in Krabi. He said it was probably some kind of development initiative (post tsunami) to rebuild the area. He seems quite confident in the arrangement (unless someone else knows something different).
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OK, thanks for all the posts - ask a silly question I suppose !
Just that I was a bit taken aback by the prices over here. But then again, with collapsing prices in UK and so much competition cars have become rediculously cheap over here and quite a shock when you look elsewhere.
I've managed to find a couple of websites with cars for sale and figure on spending around 200,000 baht for my first motor - though it will depend on where I end up after doing my TEFL course and finding work.
Thanks for all the pointers.
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Just out of curiosity, what does it cost for just shipping a car to LOS from either UK, USA or OZ ??
I was quoted 265 british pounds for 1,000 kilos - not sure what a small car would weigh ?
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Makes you wonder
"The Royal State Railway of Thailand operates daily train service. Derailed information can be obtained by dialing 223-7010 and 223-7020".
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Hmm, then I'd better keep my mouth shut about my orgins !
I'm Welsh, but the chances of the Thais knowing that there's such a place as Wales are pretty remote. It could also be a problem that, strictly speaking, English is not my Native/First language - it's Welsh.
Probably best just to keep shtwm, say I'm 'British' and wave my British passport at them (fortunately, I don't have a heavy accent).
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If it's any help....
If it's secondary schools you want, then yes, you need to qualify prior to applying. I've said what I think about secondary before, that I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.
However, one way to go for your full licence is to do it through an FE college. Historically, these were formally called Technical Colleges and, as most of the lecturing staff were drawn from trades and professions, there was no need to be a trained or registered teacher.
Now that they're FE there's been a drive by the government for all FE staff to be trained and qualified. However, most FEs realise that they could never fill their positions and the staff they prefer have some kind of 'industry' experience behind them.
Most FEs, therefore, will generally advertise now for staff with a proviso in the add saying 'a teaching qualification is required or you must be willing to undertake teacher training'.
If you have a background in the areas which they teach (which is pretty wide these days) then that is one good way of getting your qualification and, more importantly, get paid at the same time !
Lecturers salaries usually start at around 21,000 these days and it should take you two years to get to the PGCE stage. This is the nationally recognised qualification and is equivalent to a university degree ( plus, you will have gained 2 years of recorded teaching experience).
It's always worth dropping in on this place (if you haven't been there already) as they update their sits vac every Monday.
It covers every sector of education and even has overseas posts.
Hope this helps
http://www.tesjobs.co.uk/rs6/homepage.asp
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I'm currently in UK but moving over there shortly so interested in sections like this.
I was over there visiting my son in January and he is very sensitive to Thai culture and protocols to his credit.
He wouldn't take me to Koh San Road (he hates the place) but his wife took me there and, from what I saw, can't blame him his reluctance.
We also travelled by train down to Chumpong for the boat to Ko Tao and the behaviour of some of the 'backpackers' even I found quite insenstive and offensive.
Unfortunately both you and the Thais had better brace yourself for worse to come.
There have been an number of articles and programmes over here recently about the problem, in particular in relation to the 'sex tourist' and the yobbish element finding their way there.
This are the kind of lager louts who would terrorise Blackpool until cheap air travel enabled them to get at the cheap booze on the Spanish Costas.
Unfortunately, they can now get as far as Thailand - for pretty much the same as it costs to get to Spain. In fact, in one article I read it said that British Airways alone was flying 5 Jumbos a week directly to Bangkok.
Unfortunately the thought of cheap booze and cheap fanny (Americans read 'pussy') available it aint gonna get any better.
Probably best for me, when I eventually arrive over, there to avoid the tourists spots altogether - after all, the reason for moving over there in the first place is to get away from these hideous ars*holes !
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There are a few of those around, just get on the phone and try. I know somwone offered an ICT teaching job upcountry with housing and 32k a month.
You just have to wotk the phone.
Thanks mate
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Do you mean just teaching things or anything?
Branstons please mate
Hard enough to get it here now (though Tesco have stocks). You were aware of the catastrophe which befell our beloved Branston Pickle factory last year ?
The whole place burned down !
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Not really, no.
If you are lucky and have a friend in upper management then you may get a role, otherwise, stick to teaching, its alot more predictable and easier by many hunderd times to get a job
Sorry if I wasn't clear - it's a teaching post I wanted but in ICT (school, college, training centre, whatever)
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For the past 20 years I've been involved in FE and adult training in the field of IT (now called ICT). As part of my current duties at this college, I have also been working on e-learning platforms and materials.
I had thought that there might be quite a demand for this in Thailand, but can find hardly any reference to it. My son, who lives and works over there, said 'forget it, and just get on with teaching English'.
I am also ECDL qualified tester and examiner (ICDL in other countries). I have been in touch with the ICDL office in Bkk who advise me that there are only two institutions in the whole of Thailand registered as ICDL centres, but both those are 'closed' centres (which means they only offer the training and qualification to staff - not members of the paying public or even part of academic programmes).
Obviously, as I intend to move in the next few months I shall have to heed my son (and what I see on Ajarn) and concentrate on English, but it does miff me somewhat that I shall have to throw 20 years of experience out of the window.
Does anyone know whether there is any sign of this area growing, or of any institutions which are involved.
Maybe I am flogging a dead horse ?
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Just checked out those ads. All are for IDP's, these MUST be accompanied by a valid national licence.
Since the OP has lost his UK licence these won't work.
It WILL work if he has a Thai licence already. i.e. Thai licence + IDP issued in Thailand will be valid for driving abroad, including the UK. (Admittedly, I would love to be stopped by the police in the UK while driving on a Thai licence - no penalty points for starters).
Welshman - an IDP is just a piece of paper with your photo, and a few different languages that allows you to drive for a limited period in another country. It also has a standard list of vehicle types you're allowed to drive, and in the UK, is actually issued by the AA. It's really for use by tourists, if you're immigrating to Thailand, after an initial period, you have to get a Thai licence.
You can drive legally in Thailand on an IDP for up to 3 months (ie until you go to immigration to apply for an extension of stay). In the UK, you can drive on the IDP until the IDP runs out (i.e. up to a year).
However, if you're here on a non-imm visa, with your UK licence + IDP, a doctor's certificate and a letter from the embassy confirming your address, you should be able to get issued with a Thai licence by the local testing centre. (i.e. one of 4 in Bangkok, depending on where you live, or the one in your district if you're outside Bangkok). With a foreign licence + IDP, you normally only have to do a colour blindness test. (although take someone who speaks Thai with you, as all the signs are in Thai, and you'll need to join a few different queues before getting the licence issued.)
Just a short one in case there's anyone here (in UK) thinking of doing same thing. I phoned the AA who told me to get lost that they didn't do that any more. You used to be able to get them in any post office but that has all changed too. I had to phone DVLA in Swansea who gave me a list and Luton was the nearest to me. So, unless you get a different response, don't bother with the AA
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Making the permanent move to Thailand in a couple of months. I will be moving out to the sticks and I was thinking of things I could bring that will benefit me in my first teaching post. Any suggestions? So far I have:
Oh I have my TEFL certification - so the following books would be for refernce and further education of myself.
Couple of dictionaries
A grammar book - any suggestions?
A phonetics book - any suggestions?
Couple of games of scrabble
Yes, just checked out our library here (I'm in the UK at present and will be doing the same as you in a couple of months) and there's tons of books.
However, I've been boning up on some TEFL books which I got from a Bkk based TEFL institute and there's repeated reference to a series called Headway. I've checked here and there's a very wide range of them from basic through to advanced with books for both tutor and student. The authors are John and Liz Soars and you should find them in a good bookshop (like Waterstones) or even on Amazon.
A URL you might like to put in your back pocket for now is this one
http://www.macmillanenglish.com/
You can subscribe which means that you'll get regular emails with updates etc. They have a branch in Bkk too. The site itself has plenty of ideas and suggestions and you could find it useful - especially in the 'sticks' where your nearest academic bookshop is probably hundreds (or thousands) of miles away.
It's always useful too to Google for TEFL sites. Part of my work here is researching material for Key Skills for the electronic learning platforms we have and I was staggered by the number of EFL (or ESL in America) sites there are with tons of lesson plans, schemes of work, material and ideas (where others have done all the donkey work for you).
Hope this helps.
See you there !
Uk Election Results
in ASEAN NOW Community Pub
Posted
Jock, I may disagree with most of what you say but you have the right to say it and have done so in a civilised and intelligent manner.
Where this Merton guy seems to have lost the plot is to take something which was said in a light hearted way and turn it into something ugly and bigoted.
This is the kind of bloke you just dread meeting in a pub who'll pick an argument and then, when he's on the back foot, come back at you and accuse you of sympathising with (or even being a member of) some odious organisation.
Anyway, this 'debate' is now closed as far as I'm concerned. It really has got rather silly and I don't think that Merton needs any more help from me in making a total pri*k of himself.