AJmatt

A fuc_k-buddy, yes. So much is true. But you still have to shell out the baht..

So true! From what I have experienced it's a lot of wedge too!!!

New phones, new clothes, new shoes it's easier to visit a goldfish bowl!!

The requirement for a TL is currently only for teachers employed by government schools.

I notice a lack of any mention of the Culture Course in these most recent exchanges with the Teachers Council representative/defender. Has it been abolished or simply no longer a part of these discussions? We must assume you can get the "waiver" or the "temporary" without the culture scam.

I don't know what the exact requirements for getting a temporary teacher’s license are, everyone I know who has a temporary or a teacher’s license has done the culture course.

The other teachers and I had it paid for by our School. We went to Suan Dusit Rajaphat University Bangkok and studied for 2 weekends all expenses paid. But we are some of the luckier ones.

I will attempt to find out the exact requirements to get a temporary license…

I think you should destinguish between a teachers license and a degree in education. The problem with the teachers license is that it is only recognised in Thailand, where a real degree in education would be recognised in most countries.

You are right abot the purpose of this forum and I found it usefull information. We have to go by the official requirements and if some offices ignore these, great. But the practise is that not every office ignore the requirement of a teacher license and one should be aware of this.

I do understand the differece between the diploma being offered in English and a degree in education. Hence my decision to enroll on a Master degree in Education Administration course, the diploma has been a tool used for Thai people for around 40 years as a means to getting qualified as a teacher after graduating from University in their chosen field.

If foreigners don’t want to take this course as it won’t be recognized abroad then that is their call. But if this teacher’s license palaver goes ahead 100%, then upon receipt of the temporary license people will have two years to some how meet the requirements. Now if 60.000 baht and weekends over a year are too much for some people then use the two years to do a Masters.

Everybody's situation is different but for me with a wife and child I will do all I can to meet the requirements that are placed in front of me.

I always find it useful to remember that we choose to live in this country…

So good luck to all regarding this precarious situation we find ourselves in….

and thanks Mario2008

As for the number of teachers with a teacher’s license it’s one out of 12, and yes that’s the orange one from the TCT. As for the rest of us we are awaiting Bangkok to issue the temporary paper or letter to say we have applied for a temporary license, should be ready in the next week.

As I expected, only 1. The number of actual licenses being issued by the TCT is miniscule.

The licensing regulation was created for 2 reasons: 1) as retaliation for a UK immigration law requiring SEA immigrants to pass a culture/language test; and, 2) to enrich a few bureaucrats and a handful of language schools (1 from the U.S.) by requiring foreign teachers to pay for overpriced culture and education courses.

BTW - Why should any immigration office follow the requirements buried in that order from the PR spokesman for immigration when the TCT's own regulations, made pursuant to a law passed by the Parliament, don't take effect until May 1, 2009? Could it be that someone was financially enriched by inserting that additional requirement into the order? The urgency of the implementation of the requirement suggests a last gasp push by the language centers to squeeze that last bit of money out of the scam, before the MOE shuts it all down.

Now, the answer we all want: Why are you being a shill for this obvious scam?

Still I find it strange that you continue to say that Mataput Immigration doesn’t ask for anything to do with teacher’s license, when on the phone they say they have been asking since November

Don't you think the person in charge of getting extensions from immigration at the largest school in the Rayong province would be a more reliable source than a cold call to the immigration office made from the boondocks of Thailand?

Obvious scam!

That’s really funny how people think getting a degree in education is a scam.

Maybe the diploma of education is a scam, but do bear in mind that it already existed for many many many years in Thai for Thai people to become a teacher. The fact that it is being offered in English some might say is a scam, some might say it is so people can obtain a teacher’s license.

However we look at it most of you are just speculating, we should be dealing with the facts, and the fact is currently many immigration offices are asking for teacher’s license.

I thought the idea of a forum was to inform each other of changes in laws and regulations, and upon informing fellow teachers of the challenges being faced, all which occurs is a barrage of abuse and suspicion as to why I am talking about teacher’s licenses and courses.

The rules may very well change and the whole teaching profession and teacher’s license malarkey maybe thrown out of the window but until that happens, the idea of my original post was to inform people that many immigration offices are asking for teacher’s license as a requirement to extend visa.

In the school I work in one teacher extended his visa in Nan immigration with a teacher's license just 2 weeks ago. Nine teachers are going to extend within the next two weeks and we have been specifically told to bring teacher's license or temporary or they will be refused an extension. This is 100% accurate information.

AJmatt: you don't extend your visa, but rather you get an extension to stay in the Kingdom based upon the continuation of your employment. Please tell us how many of your teachers have actually been issued teacher licenses (the new orange ones) by the TCT, and how many have used waivers and lettters of partial compliance to get their WP/extensions of stay granted.

In the last 4 months, my school has renewed 9 work permits, and obtained 5 new work permits for English teachers. None of these teachers has a B.Ed. or higher, none of them has taken the culture course, none of them has taken the TCT test battery or post-graduate education course. Not once has there been any mention of a teacher's license at immigration or labor as any kind of requirement for teachers getting a WP issued or an extension of stay granted. Our school will be renewing 5 more work permits at the end of this month.

The exact status of the licensing requirement will hopefully be known by the end of April when the new MOE regulations are published. It should be noted that the teacher licensing regulations promulgated by the TCT were to go into effect on May 1, 2009. The timing of the new MOE regulations appears to be timed so as to prevent the TCT licensing requirement from going into effect. The PAD-led government and the MOE is well-aware of the near impossibility of obtaining teacher's licenses under the new regulations.

Unless your provincial government offices or your school is requiring licensing before May 1, it does not appear that attempting to comply with the old regulations would be a wise investment of time, money and effort. As they say, "up to you".

“Extend” and “Extension”

Root words

Prefix and suffix

We are both talking about the same thing it is unnecessary to be pedantic if you really want to be precise we are extending our visa on the basis of employment at a school. We are still technically attached to our original non b visa that lasted 3 months.

You don’t need to follow the regulations regarding teacher’s license to get a work permit

You do need to follow it to get an extension of visa…….

As for the number of teachers with a teacher’s license it’s one out of 12, and yes that’s the orange one from the TCT. As for the rest of us we are awaiting Bangkok to issue the temporary paper or letter to say we have applied for a temporary license, should be ready in the next week.

Still I find it strange that you continue to say that Mataput Immigration doesn’t ask for anything to do with teacher’s license, when on the phone they say they have been asking since November

Has anyone personal experience of being refused an extension this year because they lack a TL or TCT waiver?

It may be happening but I've only read anecdotal evidence on here of people being refused or people stating that they received their extension because they have a TL. Very few farangs actually know/understand/are told what happens during this process. There are other Thailand TEFL websites and I haven't read anything on any of them yet of personal experiences of extension refusals. The links are good but last year, and the year before, similar links existed!

In the school I work in one teacher extended his visa in Nan immigration with a teacher’s license just 2 weeks ago. Nine teachers are going to extend within the next two weeks and we have been specifically told to bring teacher’s license or temporary or they will be refused an extension. This is 100% accurate information.

And, as we've frequently advised on this thread, the TCT stuff is basically BS, and according to more recent news sources seems to be on its way out.

I don't mind having these links placed in this thread, but no multiple reposts of them for the purpose of quoting or requoting lengthy sections. Quote what you like and refer back to the original link.

But for now it's not BS as it seems that nearly all immigration offices have started to refuse visa extensions if you don't have a TL. I know of people all over Thailand that have been refused extensions in the last few weeks because they did not have a TL. Some are now trying to get this TL but many are leaving Thailand. How long before the TCT realise their requirements will result in a mass exodus of perfectly capable native English speaking teachers who have had enough of their nonsense?

Your right it’s not BS and I don’t understand why some people on this forum seem to think it is.

Teacher’s licenses are being implemented for Thais and foreigners. It has been something on the books for many years now, and is now coming to a critical point for a lot of foreigners as they are refusing extensions of visas without the temporary or actual teacher’s license.

It is a policy designed to improve teaching quality in this country. People are expected to study for 5 years instead of only 4. Four years of study in your chosen field then one year studying education.

What is wrong with implementing a policy which aims to improve the standard of education delivered in State schools?

Why do so many people have a problem with it?

I am a soon to be father and I dam well would prefer my child to study with someone who has a degree in the field they are teaching, and some kind of knowledge of education.

How the person gains this knowledge, through a diploma in education, or a Masters is their personal choice. But when push comes to shove people should have the knowledge and be qualified.

It’s about time people stopped being so critical and finally started to contribute to the future of this nation we have chosen to live in…

Hi board members.My name is jim.

I recently brought my staffie bitch with me from England.

I am looking some one who has imported a dog staffie from the uk

Or does anyone know of any breeders in thailand .As i am hitting a brick wall trying to find a breeder here.

There are plenty of american staffie but i am looking for a english one.

My bitch is the short stocky type

If anyone can help me it would be great

thanks jim

Try this number if you have someone who can speak Thai or of course if you can!!

1

Jen kennel Staffordshire Bull Terrier ราชบุรี 081-6460848

http://www.thaidogcenter.com/kennel/kennelscenter.asp

The site is in Thai but the search bar lists the dogs in English!

Fantastic I have been in contact with a lot of the farms listed!

http://www.onec.go.th/english_ver/mayure/index_im.htm

Interesting reading

http://www.unescobkk.org/fileadmin/user_up...rs/Thailand.pdf

Some interesting contact details for the Teacher Education Authority and just general information that some folk might find interesting!!

I am the EP Coordinator at the largest school in the Rayong province. Our school obtained 2 new WPs and 3 renewals today for teachers who have in no way complied with the alleged TCT teacher licensing requirements. Rayong immigration specifically stated that a teacher's license, temporary or otherwise, is not a requirement for obtaining a new WP/extension to stay, or a renewal, for a foreign teacher.

Thats funny because my E.P boss just got off the phone with Mabtaput Immigration and they stated they have been asking since November for Teacher's License!!

But this is Thailand after all!!

Link to an English translation of the new requirements for a visa extension as from Nov 25th 2008

http://www.norcham.com/attach_file/newsfile_215_200.pdf

Thanks for the Link great stuff!

2.6 In the case of a teacher, professor, or expert in a state educational institution: Each permission shall be granted for no more than one year. 1. Application form 2. Copy of applicant’s passport 3. Copy of work permit 4. Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay issued by the educational institution, specifying the applicant’s title, monthly salary rate, and term of employment 5. Copy of a teaching license or a certificate of license issued by the Teacher’s Council of Thailand or a copy of a letter of waiver issued by the Teacher’s Council of Thailand or a copy of an acknowledgment of waiver request issued by the Teacher’s Council of Thailand (except for teachers, instructors, or experts of higher education)

2.7 In the case of a teacher, professor, or expert in a private educational institution: Each permission shall be granted for no more than one year. - For education in school system such as general education, English program schools, vocational schools that follow the Ministry of Education’s curriculum, and international schools: 1. Application form 2. Copy of applicant’s passport 3. Copy of work permit 4. Copy of evidence of permission to establish said educational institution issued by the relevant government agency 5. Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay issued by the educational institution, specifying the applicant’s title, monthly salary rate, and term of employment, together with a copy of a letter of teacher appointment in the format required by the Private Education Commission 6. Copy of a teaching license or a copy of a certificate of license issued by the Teacher’s Council of Thailand or a copy of a letter of waiver issued by the Teacher’s Council of Thailand or a copy of an acknowledgment of waiver request issued by the Teacher’s Council of Thailand

- For education of non-school system 1. Application form 2. Copy of applicant’s passport 3. Copy of work permit 4. Copy of evidence of permission to establish said educational institution issued by the relevant government agency 5. Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay issued by the educational institution, specifying the applicant’s title, monthly salary rate, and term of employment 6. Copy of a letter of teacher appointment in the format required by the Private Education Commission - For institutes of higher education 1. Application form 2. Copy of applicant’s passport 3. Copy of work permit 4. Copy of evidence that permission has been granted to establish said educational institution issued by the relevant government agency 5. Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay issued by the dean of the educational institution specifying the applicant’s title, monthly salary rate, and term of employment

2.8 In the case of enrollment in a state educational institution: Each permission shall be granted for a period of study certified by the educational institution, which shall not exceed one year. 1. Application form 2. Copy of applicant’s passport 3. Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay, issued by the educational institution, which shows detailed information about the applicant’s years of education, level of curriculum, and educational achievement

2.9 In the case of enrollment in a private educational institution: Each permission shall be granted for a period certified by the educational institution, which shall not exceed one year. 1. Application form 2. Copy of applicant’s passport 3. Copy of evidence of permission to establish the educational institution issued by the relevant government agency 4. Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay, issued by the educational institution, which shows detailed information about the applicant’s years of education, level of curriculum, and educational achievement 5. Confirmation letter issued by a government agency at the departmental level or by the Provincial Governor in charge of that particular institution (except in the case of enrollment in an international school or in the case of higher education)

It has been confirmed by various phone calls that all immigration offices are asking for teacher's license or temporary teacher's license when processing extensions of non-B visa's based upon teaching.

It's about time that people started taking this license thing a bit more serious, as after a little research I have discovered no license no visa.

What about extensions of non-O visa based on marriage of a farang teacher who got work permit for teaching but does not have the teacher's license ?

I am not sure. I am thinking about changing my Non B visa to a Non O visa as this will be more secure for my wife and son.

I think the visa will still be issued to you as you are extending visa due to marriage. Get your lady to ring immigration in another province to the one you are going to be using and ask if it will be required.

Good luck!

Matt, your understanding of the Thai law about licenses and visas may well apply in your part of Bumfcuk, Thailand. And your fine, well educated Thai wife probably has a great smile and wears impressive suits on Friday. But we do not buy that TCT shit, and neither do 99% of the posters on other Thai teachers' websites. We have spent the last several years being jerked around by jerks.

I understand that many people don't buy into this TCT */*!’ But until it affects folk personally then I guess people will spout off about it. I have a son being born in one months time, my visa isn’t due for renewal until October, but with 9 teachers in my school renewing this month, and next, and they are being asked for licenses’ I have to take it seriously!!!!

Anyway I have enrolled at a University to study my Masters in Education Administration on Saturdays and Sundays for the next two years. This will entitle me to a teacher’s license and an administration license and of course a Master degree. My wife is presenting her thesis for this course on April the 4th, the baby s due on April the 13th so hopefully my boy will stay in long enough for my wife to finish her degree. Even if all this TCT malarkey! Goes away I will still get a degree in Education which will hopefully brighten my future pay packets etc…

Anyway I hope that all this TCT */*!’ is cleared up soon.

Fine I will just crawl back under my rock!

It has been confirmed by various phone calls that all immigration offices are asking for teacher's license or temporary teacher’s license when processing extensions of non-B visa’s based upon teaching.

It’s about time that people started taking this license thing a bit more serious, as after a little research I have discovered no license no visa.

I am the EP Coordinator at the largest school in the Rayong province. Our school obtained 2 new WPs and 3 renewals today for teachers who have in no way complied with the alleged TCT teacher licensing requirements. Rayong immigration specifically stated that a teacher's license, temporary or otherwise, is not a requirement for obtaining a new WP/extension to stay, or a renewal, for a foreign teacher.

Thats funny because my E.P boss just got off the phone with Mabtaput Immigration and they stated they have been asking since November for Teacher's License!!

But this is Thailand after all!!

I work at the largest school in the Rayong province and am the EP Coordinator for the school. We employ 25 foreign teachers. We had two new teachers issued work permits today, along with extensions to stay, for our government school. We also had three teachers renew their WPs and get extensions of stay. None of our teachers have teacher's licenses, temporary or otherwise, or have complied with any of the alleged requirements for obtaining a license.

Rayong immigration has emphatically stated that a teacher's license is not a requirement for issuance of a WP or extension of stay for a foreign teacher.

LOL

Well it seems that Rayong are slow to jump on the band wagon as everybody going to Nan and Tak are now being asked for Teacher's license!

So it seems the best thing to do is move to Rayong and ask "zaphodbeeblebrox" fo a job!

I can see the immigration police, etc., requiring the temporary license (for which basically you need to finish the 20 hour Thai culture course, right?).

To get the temporary teacher’s license seems to be different for everyone involved. But if you don’t have what they are asking for you will not get a teacher’s license you will get a temporary one. This will then give you a two year period to fulfill the criteria for a teacher’s license.

As for the culture course and everything else required to qualify for an actual teacher’s license you need to look at this document:

Notification of the Teachers Council of Thailand Board Re: Rules and Procedures for Testing and Evaluation of Knowledge of Foreigners in Applying for License to practice the Teaching Profession B.E. 2549 (2006)

www.pathum2.net/grp4/pvcht(E).pdf

Good luck to all involved as it now appears, to get an extension of visa as a teacher they will be asking for the teacher’s license or temporary license.

Matt

I work in a large Government High School English Programme with 12 foreign staff. We have been following the requirements of the TCT and have completed 2 of the 3 clauses for acquiring a teacher’s license. Many teachers are due to renew their visa and one of the requirements for a visa renewal is a teacher’s license, this is being asked for at the immigration office.

Only one of the 12 teachers in my school has a teacher’s license the rest of us are waiting for our boss to finish the paperwork and get our temporary license.

So it now appears all visa renewals/one year extensions at your local immigration office for a teacher’s visa will now only be granted with a teacher’s license or a temporary teachers license,

This was in Nan, and in Tak, as we used to use Tak but now we use Nan as the law just changed regarding local jurisdiction, but that’s another story altogether.

Good luck to all…

Matt

Hi, jhingay2,

These are the latest rumours, and very old rumours, but let's not lose our bloomers. Chances are these impossibilities will never happen, surely not soon. If you check, there is a similar thread here already.

I work in a large Government High School English Programme with 12 foreign staff. We have been following the requirements of the TCT and have completed 2 of the 3 clauses for acquiring a teacher’s license. Many teachers are due to renew their visa and one of the requirements for a visa renewal is a teacher’s license, this is being asked for at the immigration office.

Only one of the 12 teachers in my school has a teacher’s license the rest of us are waiting for our boss to finish the paperwork and get our temporary license.

So it now appears all visa renewals/one year extensions at your local immigration office for a teacher’s visa will now only be granted with a teacher’s license or a temporary teachers license.

Good luck to all…

Matt

I crossed in to Burma today at Mae sod/sot got a 30 day stamp no problems even walked around for 30 mins in burma

Not much to seein Mai sod/sot.... Mae Sai is the best Burma crossing....

But people are right in saying it can close at any moment no-one really knows

Good luck

Any news from laos? any teachers just done the run?

Really would like to know for sure what are the requirements!

Any embassy any news would be appreciated!

Thanks again

I have never seen one, better plan to go somewhere else.

But they do have a Thai consulate right?

So no reason why they shouldn't give a visa right?

Try and keep us posted.

You have been warned.

Thanks guys if I guy I will post my experience...

I'm considering going back to Laos once I get my Criminal record check back from England...

Has anyone used one to get a non Imm B teachers visa yet?