stevemiddie

some of the ideas put forward here are interesting but are they likely to be listened too or implemented?

Good question

Hello.

I have just recently changed schools from Bangkok to Pattaya which means of course having to go through the whole paperwork process again.

It is definately getting harder to get the required Teachers License and WP.

Part of the application process ( in Chonburi district ) is a personal interview by the MoE guy in charge. They ask various questions about why you are here in Thailand, where did you study, graduate etc. I also had to provide all my ORIGINAL degrees and transcripts.

My school had previously verified my documents so i was not expecting any difficulties.

Fortunately, there were none. License approved.

Compare that to my last application process in Bangkok a year ago. The school gave me a load of forms to sign........took photocopies of everything, no verification check required, no police check...........and off we went to Samat Prakhan immigration. Sat there for 15 minutes while the thai admin did their stuff.........the imm guy did not even talk to me. Job done and dusted in 20 mins and away with my new License and WP etc etc.

Not so now !! Jing Jing !

Regardless of what anyone thinks stevemiddie i wish you luck in your chosen profession and enjoy your time at BEST.

Thank you.

I agree the old building could do with being modernised. Its far from ideal. The new one is pretty good and the children seem happy.

One of the problems that we face as teachers is the class of mixed abilities. Some children are slow learners, others are lightning fast. So at what level and speed do we teach?

Do we go at the pace where the slow learners will understand better? That risks falling behind schedule and the brighter children will get rapidly bored and disinterested.

Do we go at the speed of the brighter faster learners? Then we risk losing the slow learners altogether as they will not comprehend anything. Then we fail as teachers.

I would like to see another class created. One where we could say...........put all the superstars in the "DIAMOND CLASS" and go onto furthur and more advanced education for them. Test their abilities to the fullest.

The flip side? Create a class speciffically aimed at the slower learners. Not a class where they would be ridiculed by others but a class that concentrated on bringing them upto speed. That may require a more qualified teacher with experience in that field.

This is something that we discuss as foreign teachers because ultimately we are here to educate, not to just collect a paycheck.

There are many suggestions that the foreign teachers will put forward to the Thai managers. Some are listened too..........some are not. Fact is its a Thai school with Thai philosophies and no doubt cost factors always come into it.

The point i,m trying to get across is this.............as foreign teachers here at BEST, we have a pretty good bunch who are dedicated to doing the best we can for your children.

At the end of the day...............only parent power will be the most effective tool for instigating change.

Hello.

Use K Bank. Open a savings account and at the same time apply for their Web Card. Its a virtual card linked to the savings account. It contains all the stuff most cards have 16 digit number, CV number at back, expiry date etc etc etc. They email all that stuff to you then you just make a note of all the numbers.

You can then use this online for pretty much all purchases. I have used mine to open a Paypal account in Thailand and am now registered with Ebay. Purchased my flight ticket via KLM with it. No probs whatsoever.

Good luck. Steve

There are many worse schools in Thailand.

Now there's a ringing endorsement!

Its an observation........there is a difference.

Hi.

I work at BEST as a new teacher having previously taught as a Homeroom Teacher for P3 rich kids in Bangkok.

I disagree with the comments about the aircons not being switched on. ( earlier post ).

All our air-con units work fine and they are always on when we have classes. It is true they are switched off at lunch break. Common sense really.

I,m a newbie there but i have good support from some experienced QUALIFIED teachers and i know they strive to improve the students knowledge to the best of abilities.

The foreign head ..............a great help with some sound advice.

I think the school does try hard and to be honest, the standard of teaching at BEST is a little better than my last school ( girls private school for rich families ). Incidentally, that school charged 250,000 a year.

I cannot comment on the owner, i,m too new. Nor can i comment on the director, i don,t know him.

There are many worse schools in Thailand.

Tammi, you're an angel.

I sent a a friend to Navy Hosp in Sattahip about 3 years ago she had to get her piles cut out. In and out in 4 days total cost 27,000B they got a quote from BPH and were told 255,000B. Cheers Tony

Navy Hospital, Sattahip Excellent

4th,d !!

JUNK ! I had a look at them and in the end went for a 12 year old Honda 600cc for the same money as a new Platinum 250.

No comparison.

Save your money mate and walk away from them

I,m sorry Simon but none of this adds up.

You say you have a company in Thailand? Business? Why have you not got a company WP?

B Visa for years? No wonder the Thais say you cannot have another. The B Visa is supposed to enable you to seek work, business etc? Investments? Sure...............but you are investing and do not own a company? Or a part of a company?

You OWN a hotel? Pay no taxes? Sorry.............you get what you deserve.

Hi.

I was at Ban Laem yesterday to renew my visa. ( Sunday 3rd )

If you have a "normal" visa such as a multi B, O visa etc you do not need to show onward journey ticket.

Yes it is true.....200 baht at the window on the Cambodian side ( opposite the ciggie sellers ) and this is for the 30 day visa holders.

You also now need 2 photos ( everyone ) of yourself.

I only had 1 and got stung for an extra 150 baht but the immigration officer stated that the new rule applys as from yesterday and they will not ( allegedly ) accept tea money. No pictures ..........no entreeeee Thailand.

I actually spoke to that American who has the Platinum shop in Pattaya.

Stated that the engine was made by Honda and had a Honda warranty.

Errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr i was out of there like a shot!!

Hi. Yes the bikes are made in China and the engines are copies of the honda xl engine. I have also been informed by a Thai that used to import them ( now he sells Honda,s ) that the Platinums actually have plastic cogs in the gearing?

This true?

Hi. Same probs here with TOT. I live in Pattaya Tai and use my PC for work.

I am so frustrated at these regular disconnections that i am considering changing provider to TT&T

I will be more than hippy to rite for you because i am English teacher from Liverpool so am very educ...... something. I have real degree from Garston University is famous because many people have been there with government schemes for cars etc. Degree even have " This is real degree " printed on bottom and is real print.

I can do this for 500 baht an hour or for free, whichever you think is best.

I am good with grammmmmar and most things thai. I can speak Thai ( sawasdee khrab, Many women in Nana say my Thai is very very very good )

My students are not so good with english talking and spilling but boy they all know how to sing " You,ll never walk alone "

I will bge happy to give my experiences to you and to many readers you have soon shortly.

I am No 1 teacher in Laos ............................. sorry, thailand ...................................... <deleted> am i?? gotta stop drinking.

Job Offers In Thailaland Is Used False, Or am I wrong ?

It is quite common that people's usage of English is incorrect and often confusing.

I,ll put my bit in.

I live on suk 16 400m away from the Queen Sirikit Exhibition Centre MRT so Si Lom and Suk etc only 2 stops away. Easy 2 bed condo, 105sq meter..........7th floor and the views of bangkok from here looks like the Manhattan skyline. Full security, great management, 7-11 nearby

23,000 baht a month.

I drive a 9 month old Honda Jazz ( perfect for BKK ) and travel regularly about 500km a week 600 baht a week Insurance......fully covered for 13,000 baht a year Car was 475,000 baht cash. Can,t see the point in buying a Beemer or Merc here...........not at these prices.

Traffic stress is what you make of it. If you accept that thais will cheerfully cut you up and don,t batter an eyelid.............it applies back also. No accidents yet

UBC here at the condo............. 40 channel package 6000 baht one off payment

Food? we eat thai. Its good and its cheap.

Electric....we only use aircon at night in the bedroom and fans during the day 1200-1400 baht a month

Water 280 baht a month

Cell phones ( 2 ) about 1000-1400 a month. Shop around for good sim deals.

Entertainment? we eat at the Londoner now and then, watch soccer in the Irish bars, the odd night in town with my friends about 25,000 a month.

I don,t think you will have any problems on 800k a year. But as you can see, rentals vary greatly.

I,m 5 mins away from Suk road centre and pay 50% of the rentals they do. if not more?

Good luck on your future by the way.

Go to the Kasikorn bank or Bangkok bank, 50 meters from the Emporium dept store with yr passport, and a deposit.

Ask for an Intl DEBIT card and open a SAVINGS a/c.

If you have any problems, ask for a supervisor. No work permit is required.... you are in a farang area, so you shouldn't have any problems.

The Bangkok Bank at Emporium will not under any circumstances allow a foreigner to open an account with just a passport and a deposit. They have a sign stating so in clear view at the new acconts desk. Last time I was there, there was a farang tourist in there trying to open an account and asked to talk to the manager and they still flatly refused even though he wanted to initially deposit several tens of thousands of USD. For a tourist to open an account there, the easiest thing to do is to go to your embassy and get a certified copy of your passport or else a recommendation from your current bank if that is acceptable to them. Most banks in Thailand, including almost all Bangkok Bank branches, are much stricter than before and will not alllow you to open an account with just a passport. These are new requirements as of the first part of this year. I've seen several reports of several banks in Pattaya that have relaxed rules, but I think you'll have a hard time opening an account in BKK without further documentation.

Well i should not be surprised at the changes in policy at BKK Bank as it seems to depend who you deal with.

In response to the above.......i can only say that i opened a savings account on Monday 2nd October 2006 and used only my passport, proof of address ( rental agreement ), 1000 baht cash deposit and paid 300 baht for my International Debit Card ( Be1st) THey gave me my card after about 30 mins, i keyed in my PIN number i wanted on that machine they use and hey presto! Account now up and running. I don,t know the girls name ( never thought to ask or look ) but it was desk number 16.

Did not see any sign about farangs etc but was not looking so they may/may not be there.

I did ask about a checking account also but she stated that can only happen when i have my work permit also.

So.........certainly the BKK Bank ( silom road ) is still allowing farangs to open savings accounts with very little difficulty. Hope that helps.

Ok. I know i,m new....................i,ve searched the forum using key words such as " change of owner " "change of ownership " " registering car " etc but cannot find any info thats relevant.

Situation is................car is currently in Thai wifes name..............want to change to mine. WE have just located to Bangkok from Khon Kaen but the car has bangkok plates so thats ok.

Where in BKK do we go to do this? Also.....what docs do i need? Letter from Embassy for address..........passport. I have a Non Im visa so thats ok. Anything else i need guys?

Thanks in anticipation

Steve

Shameless bump

Thank you so much. Soi Bearing is about a 5 minute drive away. Cheers

welcome

Ok. I know i,m new....................i,ve searched the forum using key words such as " change of owner " "change of ownership " " registering car " etc but cannot find any info thats relevant.

Situation is................car is currently in Thai wifes name..............want to change to mine. WE have just located to Bangkok from Khon Kaen but the car has bangkok plates so thats ok.

Where in BKK do we go to do this? Also.....what docs do i need? Letter from Embassy for address..........passport. I have a Non Im visa so thats ok. Anything else i need guys?

Thanks in anticipation

Steve

Does anyone know where I can get the seat on my car repaired. It is a 1996 Jeep and the leather has split (undoubtedly because of my fat bottom). I need someone to repair a split approx 10cm in length before it gets longer.

Thank you

Leisurely

Sukhumvit 107 ( aka Soi bearing ) just off the Bangna Trad. Go to St.Josephs Girls School ( everyone on the soi knows it ) and about 1/2 km away on the same side of the road is a place called Coffee Conner . They sell coffee ( surprisingly ) but in the same place is a leather car seat manufacturer. They made the leather seats for my Jazz and i aslo got a rip in one. They fixed it for me and did a great job. Not sure how much they will charge as they did mine for free.

It won,t be much though...............kitting out my whole car and door cards only cost 8000 baht in the first place.