Alk

Thanks Joe. there is an "honorary" Thai consulate a mile or two away from me here in Cebu City...I might check that out as well.

Thanks to all for your replies. They are about what I expected.

She was teacher of the year in her school with 130 faculty members, and could teach rings around me or almost anyone else I know, but i understand how racism works.

Any Filipina with a 4-year degree who is fluent in English can have her pick of dozens of call center jobs paying 17,000-22,000p in the Philippines. She will make more with bonuses and as she gets experience. That equates to about 15,000B, so there may not be a benefit of her working in Thailand as opposed to in her home country once visa costs and travel expenses are added to the equation.

It still might be a good idea if she can find a 20,000B teaching position, and if it keeps her busy and will prevent me from having to send money home to help out her family.

I'm currently living in the Philippines. Can I get a 60 day tourist visa (allowing one 30-day extension) from the Thai Embassy/consulate here in the Philippines, or do I have to go back to the USA to get one?

Are there any options without going back to the USA to have an extended stay in Thailand?

I've been very spoiled by Philippines VISA rules. They are not overly cheap, but they are easy to comply with. No problem living here for a long period of time.

I'm not planning on going too far out of the city (less than 5km), but I know some of the newer areas are of course outside of the old city walls... I would like to investigate one or more of those while I am there.

My fiance and I are moving to Thailand (Phuket/Chiang Mai) early next year. I will not force her to work, but she probably will want to.

She has a 4-year Bachelor's degree in English, and is just completing 2 very successful years of teaching at an ESL school in the Philippines. She did have to pass regular tests, but she did not need TEFL certification.

My questions are first, does she need the TEFL certification to teach in Thailand? Second, I heard in the past that Filipinos are paid less than other English speakers..is that true, and if so how much lower would her salary be? Third, what are the prospects of an attractive, energetic, and highly organized Filipina gaining employment in Thailand?

Thanks in advance for your replies.

Definitely a good idea to come and inspect first. Be prepared for some major changes! Thae Pae gate to Maya - allow 30 or 40 minutes after 4pm.

I think you'll find that almost all of SE Asia drives on the correct side of the road - i.e. the left! (apart from the former French colonies).

Motor bike??? Good luck!

I'm in the Philippines now, which means I'm currently driving on the wrong side of the road.

Last time I drove extensively on the left side of the road was a 10 day car tour of England. At the end of my trip, and two significant accidents later, I managed to coax what was left of my car to the Heathrow rental dealershp...at 5AM before they opened, so I would not incur their anger (the car was fully insured).

Thanks for your suggestions.

I will spend two weeks in Chiang Mai in January. I have not been to the city in 27 years, and will be looking to see what part of the city I will be most comfortable in. I'm am recently retired, and will be traveling with my Filipina fiance. I will want to divide my time between being close to the old city for one week, and then outside the walls for the second week seeing if I would be more comfortable living in a location like that.

I would love suggestions for a hotel in each location (1500-2000B per night), and if anyone has any advice as to what they would consider an ideal place to live for someone such as myself, I would be appreciative.

I've not decided whether I want a house or condo. I will rent for at least the first year.

I'm still trying to decide whether to get a car, motorcycle or just use public transportation. I've rented cars several times in Southern parts of Thailand over the years, but I'm a little bit concerned about potential driving mishaps since Thai's drive on the "wrong side of the road" to us Americans.

Thanks in advance for your help.