PeCeDe

18 minutes ago, sandemara said:

Happy to verify tomwct's comments. I taught for 4 years in an English Degree program at a large eastern uni. .

Most 1st-yr students required intense rehab. programs in holiday breaks to avoid  removal from their desired degree. courses.  I often wondered how students could find themselves in such a predicament so regularly. These kids are naturally bright and a pleasure to share a classroom with. 

I volunteer these days (to avoid boredom) at a local high school as an English teacher and now appreciate the problems and challenges typical students face. The HS does not provide ESL textbooks for students from Mat 1 right up to matric level (Mat 6).

Senior students (with very rare exceptions), can't read simple, basic English texts. Those who can had family relationships in which they were exposed to regular use of English language.  I learned my first day what I was up against - many could not even recite the alphabet yet, here they were preparing for tertiary studies. The last native English speaking teacher stopped working there a few years ago.

Like other areas of the education system most things (except the extra-curricular  military cadet program) suffers due to lack of funding.

Even the local  Thai staff (so hopeful and optimistic their first year at work) soon get the stuffing knocked out of any dreams they might have had about giving students a shot at improving their chances in life. Most staff seem demoralised and desperate and concentrate on reaching retirement age as easily and stress-free as possible.  

Today's kids have little hope of genuine development. The whole system endorses the unhealthy  principle that who you know is far more important than what you know.

There's no merit the kids can see in originality. curiosity for its own sake or singular academic achievement. Conformity, question nothing of your superiors, obey, get along and rely on social networks or your family's status. 

There's no fairness based on merit (a big first step to understanding, accepting and cherishing the merits and values of Rule of Law in broader society).  And people wonder at some of the distasteful aspects of the national psyche and social structure..

I might be wrong but I suspect it is a result of years of neglect - even contempt, possibly - by grossly irresponsible authorities regarding the needs of the Thai citizenry . Who can say with certainty?   I can see that most of Thailand's younger generations just  don't have a chance to compete fairly with the young of their nation's neighbours.  

Sooner or later, there'll be an accounting for the very vulnerable position Thailand will find itself in.  

Whether it's a result of sheer incompetence among decision-makers or greed, the true costs will make a mockery of the righteous grandstanding surrounding the hounding and harrassment over the former PM's rice industry policies. Their costs will seem piddly on comparison with the damage accumulated over many years to the nation

Thanks for that Sandemara, well said. Conversely and Perhaps like many English speaking transplants to Thailand, I have occasionally met Thai who speak impeccable English, and when I ask where they learned English, it's invariably, they had to for work, or they attended University / College in an English speaking country, never in a Thai School. I met one fellow who spoke naturally with a high class London accent, and was quite capable speaking with a "put on" Liverpool accent copying John Lennon, I didn't want to see him leave it was such a pleasure to talk with him.

Don't think incompetent Teaching belongs exclusively to Thailand, although it's certainly here. From my experience, excepting a very few Countries,  the overall standard of education is sliding badly. Of course there are many great Teachers who join the profession in a genuine effort to improve their kids lot and they do, but there are far too many who join to advance their position in society and to heck with the kids. In Europe, Canada and some parts of the US they join for plain old greed, in Ontario, Canada for example Teacher's can earn annually in excess of CAD $100,000, plus full medical benefits, a very comfortable lifelong pension, 12 weeks vacation annually, Teacher's Assistant when the going gets rough, avail themselves by lying of the maximum annual sick days granted, all with just a few years of experience.

Yes, of course English competency is important to any and everyone, it provides a massive leg up in all professions, which in my understanding is where the Thai want to be. Teachers need to fully understand the very high trust given to them, and work hard to earn it, including being as able in the English language as they can be.

Sorry for the diatribe, it's the OP's fault for hitting a sore point. 

1 hour ago, juice777 said:

 

 

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Don't Assume the bum gun is working before you use the toilet 

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As an addition to your very valid comment, I would add, always take a small pack of Kleenex with you.

1 hour ago, williamgeorgeallen said:

get romantically involved with a thai girl, buy property start a business. broke 2 of these rules. anyone reading this should learn from my mistakes.

The first point requires too much self control for a normal male. You may think you've learned but just wait... You'll see. 

Never talk politics with your American ex pat friends, even if you are American.

1 hour ago, BritTim said:

Exercising caution is prudent. Poipet is known to be a sometimes troublesome border point. If you want a low hassle (but more expensive) alternative, there are visa run companies from Bangkok that use other Cambodia border points.

 

Cheapest, and probably best if traveling independently, is the aforemetioned Ban Phu Nam Ron crossing.

Thanks, I readily admit to being nervous to cross the border at this time. With all the stories of people being refused admittance back into Thailand despite having valid visas but missing one seemingly minor item, (of course these stories could be lacking complete honesty)  I think this means a degree of caution is required.

Fortunately, I learned today the visa company I use for transport to and from Cambodia has changed it's crossing point and no longer goes through Poipet, so I feel more comfortable.

23 hours ago, Gary A said:

 

I bought the Ford Focus and she complained about it from the first day I bought it. That's why I was so surprised that she decided on the Ford EcoSport. I can always tell her, that is what you wanted. She had decided to keep the Focus but she recently hit a dog, cracked and broke a bunch of plastic junk on the front. That and the right CV joint is vibrating. The left front CV joint cost 24,000 baht for the repair at the Pattaya Ford dealer. (Rip off). I had very little choice where to get it repaired. I think the Loei Ford dealer is much better. Pattaya Ford took five days for the repair. Of course, no replacement car for temporary use.

Perhaps you should have sued the dog for damages, brings a whole new meaning to the acronym, Ford... Found On Road Dead  Sorry, bad humor.

You're correct "Perth" that I'm anxious, perhaps more than need be, but I've always liked things to be as certain as possible, and given the current situation, I think it's best to ask the questions.

Yes, I have carried the 20K before but never been asked to see it. Given the current climate is Poipet to be avoided?

3 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

There is the Ban Laem crossing to Cambodia.

The closest one to Bangkok is the Ban Phu Nam Ron crossing to Myanmar that is in Kanchanaburi province. No visa sticker there just a pay 500 baht for a border pass.

Thanks, wouldn't mind going to Myanmar, do you think Poipet isn't worth the risk, even though my Visa is as legal as it can be?

Just now, scubascuba3 said:

Surely you won't be targeted as unlikely to be working

Ha, that's true, I could just show the medication I have to stay alive.

Thanks "Perth" I am uncomfortable with Poipet, but for me it's easy to do and my preferred exit, in fact I don't know any other convenient entry/exit points close to Bangkok. The discomfort comes from other peoples experience, not mine. Seems to me the, "Good in, bad out" dragnet may be extending a bit too far. Perhaps I'm becoming a bit paranoid.

Hmm, all this current talk about Tourist Visas not being honoured by Thai IO's has me concerned. I'm 69 and have an METV granted in Canada on my Canadian passport, the Visa enter before date is August 23rd 2017, and to keep the METV current I've made 2 exit and enters at Poipet/Aranyaprathet so the leave to stay now coincides with the last date to enter, August 23rd. My Thai history is I've been in Thailand for just under 3 years now, on a Non Imm O, one 3 entry Visa, plus a couple of visa frees two years ago, all of those on my British passport, but I go back to either North America or Britain for at least three months per year, and my eventual aim is to settle in Canada where I have property, but not until I'm good and ready, I love it here.  One additional piece of info. is the IO on exiting Thailand last time looked pretty hard at the METV, and then proceeded to say "what do you do," I said Tourist, which I do believe I am, then in English and Thai said something else, but I was unsure what she said, my Thai isn't great.

Coming back in the IO wrote the numeral 2 next to the admittance stamp, but said nothing to me. 

My question is, do I attempt a third exit/entry from Poipet on my current METV, should I be looking for an exit/enter point other than Poipet, or do I do something else... Advice would be gratefully received.

I don't think all religions are fake, but most adherents are.

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1 hour ago, trainman34014 said:

My Father-in-Laws Brother has been a Monk for more than 60 years.  The family were dirt poor when he joined as a boy of 8 but in that 60 years things have changed dramatically and the family have Houses and Cars etc, etc.  He personally has a large 5 bedroom house in a nice area and over the years has bought several 'gardens' where people work for him and the crops are grown and sold at local markets.  He buys a new car every two years, has had several Women in his life and has had a Daughter some 30 years ago.  He drinks and smokes and is a very popular local Monk with his 'worshippers'.

 

Enough said, the smart ones get rich while keeping their flock happy to keep giving more.

Here ya go... 

2 hours ago, joeyg said:

I have pretty much lost faith in all "organized religions" However I still think the philosophies are very nice. The guidelines set out and Buddhism are how I try to live my life. I'm not very good at it but I keep on trying.

Good comment, my sentiments too. Must admit to having come here in part to get away from the Western religious culture of, "do as I say, not what I do" corruption, I was once heavily involved then later in life felt poisoned by western religions,  I find it desperately disappointing to have found the same sort of behaviour here. Obviously by no means everyone here is guilty but the constant repetition acts like a dripping tap. I am coming to the realization that If I live by my own concepts of right and wrong gleaned from the best that religions and philosophies /Buddhism have to give, that is the best I can do, and it'll have to serve as my final testament. As you say JoeyG, I ain't perfect.

Drunk and disorderly, smoking around gasoline in a gas station, stealing a Cops ID and phone, plus knocking another Cop unconscious, but Mommy says bail is too much 'cos they're poor. Perhaps Mommy the bail is unaffordable for a reason. Seems to me paying for their legal defense is fine,  but allowing them out of custody right now and given their alleged behaviour, probably means they won't show for court, and I sure as hell don't want them in my neck of the woods.

3 hours ago, Wake Up said:

As a retired lawyer I am not giving you legal advice and no lawyer client relationship exists beteeen us. 

I cannot tell you how many good people came to me to clear up something in their past because they had a guilty conscience. Afterwards and against my advice 90 percent of them wished they had left it alone and realized their guilt was not helpful or needed. My suggestion is talk to a counselor for a few sessions. If guilt is controlling your desire to "clean up" your perceived "mess" then get rid of the guilt and move on and let secrets die with you.  Forget the bigamy BS as that simply adds to your guilt unnecessarily. You are a good person. We all make mistakes. Let your mistakes stay dead and don't disturb them. Peace to you --whatever you choose to do. 

Well said "Wake up" as mentioned, the past is gone,  more than likely you won't be successful trying to regularize things without enormous  heartache to yourself and innocent others. Remember that worrying over what is gone can destroy your today, and ruin your future days. Not easy to do but for the sake of others try to forget and move on. Go have a holiday or something with those you love. If it really bothers you, as it seems it does, go see your Doctor, perhaps he can recommend someone you can securely hash it out with.

I would take a look in the mirror to see who the grumpy one is.



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Canadians, particularly those from Ontario may not like future legislation from their governing bodies, but as of July 1st 2018 they won't care, an evil plot to be sure.

How about a "Rusty Toe Nail." or Tom'sToe Collins, or perhaps even a Bloody Mary with Toe Mato Juice... Urghh maybe not. I'll stick to Chang.

42 minutes ago, Morch said:

 

Neither Russia or Iran are on "Assad's side". They are each on their own side, Assad is relevant to the extent that he's useful. Turkey represent Western interests? Even with the "somewhat" caveat, that's a curious statement. And if there's one thing that can be said about Erdogan, is that he's can flip flop when needed. Enough to recall that not long ago, Assad was his BFF, and Russia an archenemy.

 

There is so much "he said yes, so we'll say no," it's no wonder the Syrian war continues. Trying to find logic when there is none to be had, apart from greed, is futile. Same only much worse is likely about to happen in N/S Korea. I just feel sorry for all the displaced people.

Why even try coming up with excuses. it wasn't his fault he was drunk and saw nothing, not even the road.

Lucky no one was killed. I quit driving a motorcycle two months ago because of maniacs like him, which is a shame because it's by far the best way to see Thailand (if you survive)

1 hour ago, WorriedNoodle said:

Most towns in Thailand now offer 50mbps broadband from 590THB/month. Get that then sign up for IPTV services that are free or minimal charge. No need to use cable or satellite. I haven't watched Thai TV for about 10 years now.

Hi "worried" I'm interested in what option you used for the free or minimal charge choice on IPTV.

Anyone that's attended a law school, knows the "whether to execute," for or against, upside down and backwards, and there's never a clear winner. But, many of these people have committed such grave crimes against humanity that it's my belief not even God would turn a forgiving eye. Having come of age in the 60's, I never thought I would see the day I would support execution, but these people have lowered themselves to the very depths of human shame. Let it be on my conscience.