smartconsulting

• I too seek advice on teaching, spexifically in Surin ..

This is research to see what agencies are trustworthy. We will recommend our new teachers to these agencies. I want to see if I should add any others to my list by asking the forum members their opinions.

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Just a couple of added points:

1. Before you leave make sure you continue your Thai social security health coverage. Then pay out of pocket the miniscule monthly amount to ensure you are covered. Many farang fail to do this mainly because they never realized they could.

2. If you are on a Non-Imm B visa you can automtically get an additional three months by crossing a border and then immediately turning around and entering Thailand. Again, many farang fail to do this mainly because they never realized they could.

Good Luck,

Been there, sorta done that

not true because if the work permit is cancelled then the visa is now void

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Not true, visa would still be valid (provided it has not expired), permission to stay extension based on employment would be void though.

Sorry but on your last day of work you need to receive a letter and on the date the letter was dated you need to go to immigration and they will dive you an extension of stay for seven days. If you don't do this then over stay. There is no valid visa after the letter has been issued.

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Just a couple of added points:

1. Before you leave make sure you continue your Thai social security health coverage. Then pay out of pocket the miniscule monthly amount to ensure you are covered. Many farang fail to do this mainly because they never realized they could.

2. If you are on a Non-Imm B visa you can automtically get an additional three months by crossing a border and then immediately turning around and entering Thailand. Again, many farang fail to do this mainly because they never realized they could.

Good Luck,

Been there, sorta done that

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I have a problem only with the headlines. They always make things out as much worse than they really are!

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Can anyone please recommend teacher agencies with good reputations for me? If you have had a good experience working for them I want to know who they are. Please PM contact info if you have. Thanks so much!

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BTW what work do you do?

no problem I will clarify this with my agency, I think they will give me all the details. Do you think there is any problem to obtain a tourist visa after working in Thailand?

The tourist visa is the easy part. The difficult thing is to get the letter with an appropriate date to give you enough time to go to immigration and apply for your 7 day extension of stay. Then you need to do a visa run to Cambodia or Laos. Cambodia will give you 30 days now when you re enter, not 15 like before. Laos on the other hand will give you the same 30 days on re entry but you can also apply for a double entry tourist visa at the local Thai embassy in Vietenne.

As far as I know you cannot apply for a tourist visa inside Thailand but only the seven day extension of stay. If you need any more help I can ask our lawyer for you. Cheers mate!

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You have to go to immigration on your last day of work or you are on overstay.

That comment is complete false information.

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No it is not. If you do not go on that day or leave the country on that day you are on overstay and will be charged an overstay fine until you extend your extension. It is the same day you finish work. Where is your source it is misinformation not so smartconsulting.

Straight from our immigration lawyer you need to get a letter and whatever date is on that letter you take it to immigration and they will give you an new extension of stay for 7 days. So only a stupid person would arrange the letter for the same day as your last day. The letter should be dated on an agreed upon day after your last working day. Your last working day is spent in the office. If you are being paid for your last day then most if not all employers will require you in the office. In the ops case since his last day falls on Dec 31st he should get a letter dated January 3rd when immigration reopens after the holiday to avoid any overstay fines. If you are going to throw information like that on your post don't be so brief. You should have been more specific and detailed to help the op.

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You have to go to immigration on your last day of work or you are on overstay.

That comment is complete false information.

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That's interesting to know, I don't understand it yet well, I still have time cause my contract will end the 31 December and my resignation will be planned for this date.

I'm trying to get a new job, if I can't find before the end of my contract I will just take very cheap vacation anywhere in Thailand since I don't really have home in my country of origin.

Your vacation needs to be outside Thailand because your visa will be cancelled after your work permit. This should be your main concern now if you plan to come back to Thailand! There are plenty of forum topics about this.

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I have a work permit valid until 2015 and my visa as well. As said JDINASIA it would not take long for them to find a very legal way to fire me without need to pay the severance, I believe they don't want to bother themself to do this so I would better to don't push them too much.

That's why for now I'm trying to get some guarantee without pissing them off.

I will try to ask for a resignation letter stating that I will receive the 3 months severances. Would be perfect.

I've tried to videotape the meeting but the program I used on my tablet was limited to 30 secondes record if you don't buy it, I bought it but it's little late now. I will try for all the next conversation but this meeting was crucial.

Thanks to all for your concern about my story and sorry for the language as you certainly guessed I'm not a native English speaker.

Don't forget when you resign you will only have 7 days to switch your visa since that will cancel out your work permit. If I was you I would not rush them so much until you sort out your next visa. By new employer or tourist visa run before hand.

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I hope the OP has a proper work permit and visa or he does not have a leg to stand on!

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Thanks for all your answer.

I got a first contract of 6 months then renewed for one year, so I'm working here since almost 1 years and half.

It's a very delicate situation, I haven't sign anything yet, they didn't send anything, I'm waiting the letter stating I will receive the 3 months severance.

Bringing them to the court would be very risky, I would lost a lot of money to feed the lawyer and I need this money to survive until to get a new job, I would much prefer a friendly agreement. The other bad side of pissing them off is the bad reference they would give to the new companies asking for my record following my application.

Now if I don't want to sign they could as well keep me and make my life a hell until I decide to leave and this time without offering any arrangement.

I can't ask them to pay me the severance before to resign, they would have no guarantee that I would really resign, I could keep the money and decide to stay there.

At this point I just want get the hell out of there without making too many ennemies but I also don't want to be completely screwed.

Just tell them to hand you the money and you will sign at the same time and walk out. Such a ridiculous situation!

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STOPPAGE TIME

A nation skating on super-thin ice

Tulsathit Taptim

BANGKOK: -- If finding balance were easy, more tightrope walkers would roam the earth. This truth is so simple it's quickly forgotten. Balance is even trickier in politics, and yet more so in Thailand. Now, do you want to hear the good news? Such uneasy equilibrium might already be here.

Thaksin Shinawatra, no matter how he tries, is still being kept out of a country where his youngest sister is prime minister and his political party controls the House of Representatives. We can thank the rule of law for the first bit and democracy for the latter. That makes Thailand a special place. Name any other country where a "criminal fugitive" is a close relative of the national leader and has virtually the entire ruling party devoted to him.

The rule of law is supposed to be an inseparable element of a healthy democracy. Here, the two things have been at each other's throats and we have to make do with the knowledge that one side has not killed the other yet. It's inconvenient. It keeps political tension high all the time. It makes "peace" seem so remote. But don't you dare tilt the balance.

We Thais have been cursing our luck, but we can also try to look at the bright side. In another world, a political party that enjoyed the support of the people could have been crushed and sent into decades of wilderness, a la Myanmar's National League for Democracy. In yet another world, a corrupt democracy may be wreaking havoc, with those who control the parliamentary majority making rules and laws as they see fit.

To be precise, though, the rule of law did not stop the Pheu Thai Party's controversial amnesty bill. That was done by a national outrage triggered by signs that the rule of law was being ignored. "Democracy" overstepped its bounds, thus threatening the sensitive balance. The rule of law called for help and, within days, the awkward but crucial state of affairs was restored.

We know that "absolute power corrupts absolutely", but we have never been taught how many ways absolute power can come about. Moreover, issuing a blanket amnesty law, based on an election promise to "bring peace and justice", sounds like the right thing to do. It doesn't seem like democracy was abusing its absolute power. But when tens of thousands of people took to streets, with perhaps millions sharing their anger at home, what was proclaimed as "right" was unlikely to be so.

You can believe the government's claims that it's an attempt to destroy democracy, or you might consider the possibility that our unhealthy democracy could unknowingly be putting itself in danger yet again. You can assume that "absolute power corrupts absolutely" is something coined to promote democracy, or you might suspect that it's not only dictatorships that wield absolute power.

Now that the rule of law has been yanked from the jaws of peril, what about democracy? What about a government elected by the people which is being besieged by all kinds of trouble, some of which is "undemocratic"? If tens of thousands converging on Bangkok's main streets symbolise the "right" conscience, what about the millions that voted the sponsors of the amnesty bill in to power?

Tricky, isn't it? But it can be very simple, too. Democracy is not just a show of majority force. And as with other powers, democratic power comes with great responsibility. The ballot box is only one part of a system that is supposed to be open, fair and respectful to minority opinions. If an elected government is democracy's baby, it's supposed to be brought up to be a good person.

The inconvenient balance can tolerate a wayward government. Such an administration may be ridiculed or protested vehemently against, but it will be allowed to live and die through democratic means. The Pheu Thai government's best hope is to be deemed a wayward, not malicious, product of democracy, and given a chance to rise or fall on to its own democratic merits. Just as the demise of the rule of law would be bad for the whole Thailand, Pheu Thai's brutal death would also tip the delicate balance.

Do you see how we are becoming a nation of great political jugglers, sending democracy up with the right hand and catching the rule of law with the left? It's not always entertaining, though. The fun will only continue if nothing falls and breaks. Of course, it's not convenient, but keeping them all in the air is probably the best we can do at the moment.

-- The Nation 2013-11-20

Big-time-exaggeration!

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?/topic/682453-Big-time-exaggeration!

This one is the most exaggerated I have read!

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Red Shirts ready to mobilise supporters into city streets

By English News

BANGKOK, Nov 20 – Red Shirt supporters will expand their rally in Bangkok, originally scheduled to end tonight, if the Constitution Court’s ruling today fails to appease them.

Thida Thavornseth, chairwoman of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), said the rally at Rajamangala Stadium is to monitor the court’s judgement on a charter amendment concerning electoral procedures and composition of the Senate.

A bill, calling for the election of all members of the Senate, with no appointed members as at present, was passed by Parliament, prompting the opposition Democrat Party to lodge a petition with the Constitution Court claiming that Parliament's action breaches Section 68 of the charter.

Mrs Thida said the Constitution review was approved by the national legislative body and the judicial branch should not intervene and block the action.

The three pillars of democracy – administrative, legislative and judicial branches – should not interfere with each other, said Mrs Thida.

She said Thailand will be in chaos if the Constitution Court dissolves the ruling Pheu Thai Party and revokes the political rights of 312 MPs and senators.

“We may mobilise the suporters (now at Rajamangala Stadium) instead of calling it off Wednesday night. Core leaders will hold a meeting if the court’s ruling is not in our favour. However, we will not pressure, threaten or assault the judges,” said Mrs Thida.

“The demonstrators will listen to only three core leaders - myself, Nattawut Saikua and Jatuporn Prompan. We assure that our fight will be peaceful.”

The UDD leaders went on stage to address to the demonstrators at Rajamangala Stadium last night without the usual video-linked speech by ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2013-11-20

The headlines are so misleading and always stir up a lot of unneeded panic. Mobilize is always used to describe troop movement in regards to the army. We are talking about 2000 max protestors here. So ridiculous! Oh a d don't forget, their red shirts so they are now called a mob,

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Not approriate. Even in your country, you have no right to comment on politcs if you do not vote.

And...especially in any foreign country - YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO COMMENT AND IT IS COMPLETELY INAPPRORIATE.

When you thing that the politics is any better in your country or any of the other things you may think are better in your country - then go back to your country.

We like it here because it is not our home country - for all the reasons we compliment and don't complain about.

we only have three choices in life:

1. accept it

2, deny it

3. change it - and this one ain't up to you in Thia politics.

Please remember you are only a guest in this country. Even in my home if the guests complain too much I will show them the door.

Thank you for the advice and warning.

Since Thailand is purported to be a democracy, I believe there still exists a quaint custom called "freedom of speech", (at least for the moment) .

Just because I do not vote there is no reason I can't discuss politics with my wife, friends both Thai & farang and TVF members. The whole of TVF is devoted to discussion and invariably the discussion will turn to subjects we have no control over but can comment on.

People can criticize the police, immigration, transportation and the government etc. Criticism can be constructive and useful. Sometimes it gets very negative.

BTW you aren't the first of many 'newbies' to say "If you don't like it here go back to where you came from".

I love it here and will continue to praise and criticize where due.

Praising and criticizing is not the problem but when you have foreigners right in there protesting with some of the Thais and throwing insults around on Thai visa then it gets a little stupid don't ya think?

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Just spray the house down with bug spray and exit for the day. Stop opening your windows and use your AC

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Not approriate. Even in your country, you have no right to comment on politcs if you do not vote.

And...especially in any foreign country - YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO COMMENT AND IT IS COMPLETELY INAPPRORIATE.

When you thing that the politics is any better in your country or any of the other things you may think are better in your country - then go back to your country.

We like it here because it is not our home country - for all the reasons we compliment and don't complain about.

we only have three choices in life:

1. accept it

2, deny it

3. change it - and this one ain't up to you in Thia politics.

Please remember you are only a guest in this country. Even in my home if the guests complain too much I will show them the door.

Well said!

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Where I live I know a few people who stayed glued to the tv stations that broadcast 24/7 red or yellow shirt rantings, but they are in the minority from what I can tell. I rarely hear of anyone heading into Bangkok to attend a rally. For a city the size of Bangkok any rally of less than a hundred thousand people is hardly worth reporting on imo. If everyone was so outraged by the goings on in government then I'd expect to see hundreds of thousands at these rallies, not the ten or twenty thousand most seem to struggle to attract.What I always find curious is how most outraged posters on Thai Visa don't seem to be Thai so they can't vote to change things anyway. I doubt few Thais care what opinions foreigners have of their politics. Some might listen politely but nothing a foreigner says is going to alter their opinion one iota.

Some very good points, thank you. I would also like to hear some mature arguments supporting the other side. Are there any?

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wrong

Would you care to elaborate please?

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6 mil people in Bangkok? I would start counting again since the last time you did must be a few decenia back..

6.3 million is the registered population of Thais living here. It does not include migrant workers, tourists, expats on holidays, and even long term expats here on a long term visa.

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Big time exaggeration!

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?/topic/682453-Big-time-exaggeration%21/page__view__findpost__p__7051060

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I would like the forums opinion on this. There are about 6 million people in Bangkok registered as part of the population.

If I was to guess that number would increase even more if we were to include all the workers from Northern Thailand and the migrant workers who work here for 3 months at a time and then go back home with their earnings.

All the news and reporting I read on this forum which in most cases is copied from the Nation and other sources always talks about the government being overthrown, Yingluck no confidence vote, chaos in Bangkok, mobs, travel warnings and the list goes on and on and on! To this date I have not seen any of this happen. I have talked to many people at my job, friends, and strangers when eating out or travelling around Bangkok and talking to our clients. Most Thais could care a rats ass about all the political crap going on.

All they want to do is live their lives and earn money to support their families. The majority of the protestors I have been told are rich Thais which have a lot of money to lose or gain depending on what side they support or students who have been recruited by these Thais to help protest. The number of people in Bangkok who actually care about all this is only a small percentage of the real population.

I will go out on a limb and state that most if the reporting we have seen in the English news is pure speculation and I feel it is useless because it only scares people and hurts the local economy. So unless there is iron clad proof which is actually seeing the tanks rolling up to parliament then all people and agencies concerned should stop posting and commenting on this utter dribble! Am I right or wrong?

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I guess I am the only one lol

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I would like the forums opinion on this. There are about 6 million people in Bangkok registered as part of the population.

If I was to guess that number would increase even more if we were to include all the workers from Northern Thailand and the migrant workers who work here for 3 months at a time and then go back home with their earnings.

All the news and reporting I read on this forum which in most cases is copied from the Nation and other sources always talks about the government being overthrown, Yingluck no confidence vote, chaos in Bangkok, mobs, travel warnings and the list goes on and on and on! To this date I have not seen any of this happen. I have talked to many people at my job, friends, and strangers when eating out or travelling around Bangkok and talking to our clients. Most Thais could care a rats ass about all the political crap going on.

All they want to do is live their lives and earn money to support their families. The majority of the protestors I have been told are rich Thais which have a lot of money to lose or gain depending on what side they support or students who have been recruited by these Thais to help protest. The number of people in Bangkok who actually care about all this is only a small percentage of the real population.

I will go out on a limb and state that most if the reporting we have seen in the English news is pure speculation and I feel it is useless because it only scares people and hurts the local economy. So unless there is iron clad proof which is actually seeing the tanks rolling up to parliament then all people and agencies concerned should stop posting and commenting on this utter dribble! Am I right or wrong?

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Oh my goodness thank you so much!

Very good idea with "nuu" I have never heard of dichan because I have never made a formal speech. Thank you for teaching me.

Khun Lara I am finding it vary hard to head the pronunciations. I'm so sorry I know you have help so much already... is there any chance you can put the spaces in there for me syllable?

Your welcome, ^^ I also attached the voice recording I made for you in case you are not certain about how to pronounce some words.

And hope this version is much easier to read! haha

And thankyou to my friends and family for coming a very long way to be with us.

Dichan kor kop-pra- khoon krop-krua lae mit-sa-hai took tan tii hai kiat dern tang ma ruam ngan-mong-kol-som-rot kong rao

To my family and friends who live in Thailand (insert family and friends names), thank you for coming down to Koh Samui to witness and celebrate this special occasion with me.

Krap sa-wad-dii khaek-phoo- mii- kiat krop-krua lae mit- sa- hai took tan tii pam-nak yuu nai mueng thai (insert family and friends names)

dichan kor kop-pra- khoon took tan pen yang-ying tii hai-kiat ma ruam yin-dii lae pen sak-kii- pa-yan nai ngan-mongkol-somrot kong dichan

All of you have shown me an incredible amount of kindness and love.

Dichan sap-sung- jai nai kwam rak lae kwam met-ta tii took tan mop hai dichan sa-mer-ma

I hope that you have enjoyed today and the fun day trip (pbai teaw) we shared together.

dichan wang pen yang ying wa kan-dern-tang-tong- tiaw lae kan mii o-kat dai chai we-la dii-dii ruam kan wan nii kong sang kwam sa-nook sa-nan plert-plern lae kwam-pra-tap-jai kae took tan pen yang dii

I wish you all happiness and health.

dichan kor uay-porn hai took tan mii kwam-sook lae mii pa-la-na-mai som-boon kaeng-raeng

**(I add this line to make it sounds smoother in Thai)

Lastly, I would like to mention about someone who is very important to my life who is my Aunty.

Soot-taii-nii dichan kor klaw tung book kon tii sam-kan mak nai chii-wit kong dichan nan-kue koon-pa (Insert Aunty's name)

(Insert Aunty's name) you looked after me like I was your own daughter for those 2 years while my mother build a life in Australia. I am so happy (insert Uncle's name) is there to keep you out of trouble now and I wish you both happiness forever.

Ta-lort-ra-ya-we-la song pii tii khoon mae kong nuu pai sang-chii-wit nai pra-tet-australia khoon-pa (Insert Aunty's name) pen puu ka-ru-na liang-duu nuu sa-muen look-saw kong khoon-pa-eng

I will never forget your strength and patience.

Kwam-kem-kaeng lae ot-ton kong khoon-pa maii keoy lop-luen pai chak jai kong nuu loey

I am so happy (insert Uncle's name) is there to keep you out of trouble now and I wish you both happiness forever.

**nuu sook jai mak tii khoon-pa mii khoon-loong koy yuu kiang kang lae chuay hai khoon-pa pan pon up-pa-sak tang-tang naii chii-wit ma dai nuu kor uay-porn haii khoon-pa kap khoon-loong mii kwam sook ta-lort-pai (ka)

Ironic to have a Thai person asking for Thai language help on an English forum. I love it!

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