teacherofwoe

When I met my wife she had very little English conversational skills. Most Thais start studying English from an early age; the education system here is appauling though. Think back to high school when you studied French, or German in some cases, and you can still remember some stuff. If you go to France, all of that stuff will resurface as was the case with my wife. Just simply hanging out with me soon produced amazing results. Most Thai adults know loads of English but don't even know it. As long as your wife gets continual correction then she'll be fine. She need to understand that the correction is an important part of the learning process and not critisism. If she's in a native speaking country even better. As long as she is prepared to imerse herself then no problems. I know of some Thai ladies who live almost as prisoners in their own homes in the U.K. because they can't even go to the supermarket.

If she wants it, and you're supportive, then it will take less than a year to have some fluency and two to three years to become really good. Professional classes are also a good idea, but can be expensive for decent teachers in the west.

The furniture you can get in supermarkets and Chotana road is the chip board covered in vaneer rubbish. Unfortunately Thailand doesn't have any trees. The place to go to buy this stuff is Ban Maa (Maa as in horse). This is where they manufature it and sell wholesale to Chotana rd etc... You need to take the superhighway heading to Lamphun, as you pass Lamphun you will see several orange sellers at the road side, pass the Cosmo petrol stn and look for the soi with a liitle roof arch thing. That will take you into Ban Maa and there are loads of shops for about five kilometres. You'll obviously need a truck (they will deliver, but it cuts into the money you'll save) and if you can take a Thai to barter for you so much the better. Go to a supermarket and make a list of prices then go to Ban Maa and you'll see how much you save. They do have varying prices for different levels of quality.

Alternatively, if you want something a little better then go to Ban Tawai. Take the Hang Dong road, as you get to hang Dong the road bottlenecks. Carry on to the traffic light and turn left. Go for about three kilometres (you'll see some expensive shops on theis road, really nice furniture) until you cone to an arch roof thing over the road and turn right. You'll know your on the right road because there's a shop on the left with loads of things made out of wagon wheels. Most of the furniture is on the right side towards the end of the main straight road. The stuff they sell here is real wood, albeit not they standard of wood that we expect back home. But it's better than the vaneer that peels off after a year or so. Again, different prices for varying quality.

I'm just about to register my daughter and get her passport. I was told by two different people at the consular that it can only be registered within 1 year, although there is nothing on the notes that come with the application form. The notes do state that the cost is B10,872 and additional copies of the entry are a further B4,248.

Now, as I read the reverse side of the notes it says that you can register your child as a British citizen at the Home Office http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk or ask for a form MN1

What it also says is that your children born overseas (i.e. in Thailand etc) gain British Nationality by decent. When they grow up and have kids of their own they won't be able to register them (your grandchildren) via the decent system if they too are born overseas. Oh no!

You can transmit British Nationality to children born overseas if you have 'other than decent' which is 1. born in U.K. 2 . naturalised in U.K. 3. (in some cases but not all) registered in the U.K.

I've had a quick look at the HO website and it's a real headache. I think every one who has had a kid should look further into this as it could affect our grandkids if we don't get it right now.

When did you get a copy of these notes?.They are to say the least somewhat outdated.I have a copy obtained just 6 days ago that clearly state the fee is 14,755 baht with additional copies costing 3835 baht.I was also told 6 days ago face to face over the counter at the British Embassy that there is no time limit on registration.I'm afraid what you have stated about the reverse side of the application is also misinformation and will cause confusion over this very important matter....and I quote from that reverse side :- "If you were born overseas to a British parent ,you aquired your British nationality "by descent" (unless your father was in the Crown service at the time of your birth). If your child is also born overseas then he/she will not automatically have a claim to British nationality but it may be possible to register him or her as a British Citizen with the Home Office.Please see the Home Office website http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk or as for form MN1 .If your intentions are to settle in the Uk you will be advised to apply in the UK".

The website you quote is only to be used if you were born overseas "by descent" ( the same as our children anotherwords) and may apply to some but not the majority of father's on this forum.What you say about your children also having children born outsde the Uk is very true for all of us but there is no mention of it on the current copy of BE notes.

By the way my notes also correspond to the imformation on the British Embassy website...you will find that yours...whenever and from whoever they were obtained do not.

I got my application form and notes attached two weeks ago from Chiang Mai consular. They may well be out of date; I really don't know. Where did you get yours?

My main concern is to to protect the future of my daughter. Some feel that the fees of registration outweigh the benefits. I do not. I will be registering my child with the embassy as well as Home Office. What I am still in the dark about is the "desent" clause which could affect my grandchildren if my daughter chooses to have children in Thailand for example. Surely there is a way for my daughter to become a British citizen "other than desent" like myself. Anyone got facts on this?

If my daughter (Thai & British) has a child in the U.K. to preserve the British aspect, what is the situation with the Thai government? Would my grandchildren loose their claim to a Thai heritage? More info is needed I think. Are there any grandparents out there who have had any experience???

talking, listening to the radio (bbc4), watching tv or videos are more important than scholl, where there is more gramma, writing and reading.

Just a well you are not teaching anybody English....."scholl" and "gramma"....but then again LondonThai !!...cockney...cant speak English any way....LOL.... ....think you should watch a bit more bbc 4, TV and video...

Erm... I think you mean "Just AS well", don't you?

I'm just about to register my daughter and get her passport. I was told by two different people at the consular that it can only be registered within 1 year, although there is nothing on the notes that come with the application form. The notes do state that the cost is B10,872 and additional copies of the entry are a further B4,248.

Now, as I read the reverse side of the notes it says that you can register your child as a British citizen at the Home Office http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk or ask for a form MN1

What it also says is that your children born overseas (i.e. in Thailand etc) gain British Nationality by decent. When they grow up and have kids of their own they won't be able to register them (your grandchildren) via the decent system if they too are born overseas. Oh no!

You can transmit British Nationality to children born overseas if you have 'other than decent' which is 1. born in U.K. 2 . naturalised in U.K. 3. (in some cases but not all) registered in the U.K.

I've had a quick look at the HO website and it's a real headache. I think every one who has had a kid should look further into this as it could affect our grandkids if we don't get it right now.

I'm married to a Thai lady and we've just had our first baby. I've been teaching for the past few years but i'm now looking for a new teaching gig as my contract hasn't been renewed due to buffalo directors at the school (another story), so what do I do if I don't get another teaching gig ("work permit job")? I can't get a marriage visa without K40 per month. I'm well under 50 too, so what are my options other than do three months of border runs and then naff off back for three months?????????????????????????

Any sensible ideas would be most appreciated as the school job situation in Chaing Mai sucks at the moment.

What about rule 7.17? If you're over 50 you can't get an "O" to support a child. Has this rule been changed?

When I last renewed my education visa they put a note in my passport saying that I had to report back within 90 days (23rd March). Inconveniently, my visa has to be extended on the 25th March. Is it possible for me to report back earlier than this, say next week?

The 90 Day report has a window of 7 days beore and after. So yes you can go early.

I was told this at Chiang Mai Immigration. The next time I went a few days late and no problem. However, that was about a year ago, since then i've been on time and on one visit a guy was fined for being five days late. Maybe it was because he marched in , plonked his passport on the desk and didn't wai or greet, he simpley muttered "90 days". Perhaps attitude has something to do with it.

If you don't want to risk getting fined then go on time or early. Simple as that. You can confirm with your immigration office on your next vistit, but what they say today doesn't mean it will be the same in 90 days.

I have got about £30/£40k equity in my house that I can have if I sell my house. Im 30 so not old enough to retire yet!!! I just want to get out of England and be able to live in Thailand.

Do you know what would be a sound investment if a guesthouse is out of the question?

What is the crack with having a lease on a beer bar???

Dude, as I said before, you can lease any property you like, but to trade or make money legally you need to register a business. You can't own a business yourself as you aren't Thai. Without a Thai wife you CAN trust you are setting yourself up as one of hundreds who lose loads of money here each year. I've meet Thais who befriend westeners all the time with the hope that they'll set up a company making them a minority shareholder. There are loads of them just waiting for you to arrive so they can scam you. Who are you going to trust? Another thing to consider is that you'd also need at least seven Thais working in your bar before you'd qualify for a work permit. You won't be able to work in your bar without one, and as soon as your back is turned the Thai staff will be dipping their hands in the till.

Do you have a university degree? If so, then you can take a short TEFL course, get a teaching job and qualify for a one year B visa and work permit. If not, then come on tourist visas every six months. If your still determined to piss your money away then my wife will be only too happy to hold shares in your business.

Advice: DON'T!!!!!!!

Sounds like good advice really.

You don't have enough money to get this sorted, and you risk losing everything.

disturbing new news...

Canadian man remains in Thai hospital with liver and heart damage

The mother of an Ontario man shot in the back in Thailand says her son remains in the intensive care unit of a hospital in Chiang Mai, recovering from extensive damage to his liver and heart.

"He can't get out of bed and he still can't eat any food," said Johanna Griffioen from her home in Kitchener, Ontario. The important thing is he is recovering."

Erik Griffioen, 49, has been in intensive care in the McCormick hospital in Chiang Mai, north of Bangkok, since he was shot early in the morning of Feb. 13.

He and his wife, Elizabeth Ling, from Dundas, Ont., were in an open taxi truck on their way to take part in an elephant tour when Griffioen slumped over in his seat. Rushed to hospital, he underwent seven hours of surgery to remove the bullet.

Johanna Griffioen said she talked with her son from his bed on Sunday and he "sounded much brighter." She said he will require more time in the intensive care unit, but she could not say how much longer. She added that the injuries were severe because there was damage to part of his aorta and the bullet lodged in his liver. *that's not good*

"It was touch and go," she said. Ling, who is an anesthesiologist, has remained at her husband's bedside.

The family is hoping Griffioen will be taken back to Canada within the next month by air ambulance. "The ideal situation would be for him to be taken by air ambulance so he could visit a hospital in Hamilton," his mother said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs could not be reached Monday to determine whether Canadian authorities are playing a role in helping bring Griffioen back to Canada.

Meantime, Thai police have said he was likely the accidental victim of a hunter.

So, what was the person hunting in Chiang Mai.....falang?

To enter into business the first thing you need is Thai partners that you trust with your investment. You can only hold 49% of the company, the remaining 51% must be held by six or seven (can't remember) Thais who could easily gang up and then sieze control having 51%. Bye bye to your B2 million. Believe me, it's happened to so many, especially in places like Pattaya etc. Be careful!!!

Thanks for your info. Do you know if its the same if I was to take out a lease on a guesthouse say for 4yrs?

You can lease any property you like for upto 30 years with a renewal clause. But if you planning on making any money from the property then you need to register a business with 7 Thais who control 51%.

If you can trust at least one of them then you can give that person 45% and between the two of you the bulk of the business is in your control. But do you know any one you can totally trust?

I'm having a tough time deciding what course of action to take. I am in the U.S. now, and will be traveling to Thailand on April 1. I want to stay more than the 90 days allowed for under the Tourist visa, but I don't quite qualify for a Non-Immigrant visa. My pension is about 60,000 baht/month, but I don't yet quite have the extra cash to deposit the additional funds required (about 80,000) to meet the 800,000 baht total. I intend to teach English part-time. Is this feasible: Enter Thailand on the Tourist Visa, and find a language business willing to help me get a work work permit, then go to the Immigration office in BKK and pay for a visa change? Wishful thinking for sure, but I would welcome comments or suggestions. My ultimate goal is to end up with a Retirement Visa sometime. The big thing now is to somehow avoid having to leave Thailand in 90 days.

If you do find a school that will get you a B visa and work permit, you'll have to go out the country to get the visa (any country with a Thai embassy e.g Laos Malaysia). Then on your return you'll get a work permit which will extend the B visa from three months to one year. This extension is done at your local immigration office. My experience is that it is quite difficult to find a school who will employ part timers. Many language centres do, but tend not to help with work permits.

To enter into business the first thing you need is Thai partners that you trust with your investment. You can only hold 49% of the company, the remaining 51% must be held by six or seven (can't remember) Thais who could easily gang up and then sieze control having 51%. Bye bye to your B2 million. Believe me, it's happened to so many, especially in places like Pattaya etc. Be careful!!!

That will work. Or she could be selling noodles from a push cart. All that is required is the tax receipt proof of a 40k monthly combined family income.

Lopburi, since you mention "selling noodles from a push cart" she probably wouldn't be filing Por Ngor Dor 1 papers every month.

It is my understanding that the tax evidence is the Por Ngor Dor 90/91 form which would mean that the income would have to have been 40k every month for the past tax-year (Jan.-Dec.2550)

Is this correct or am I mistaken?

opalhort

This is a point I would like to know as I want a marriage visa too, but my wife has only had a business for a couple of months. Does this mean I couldn't get a visa until she files her tax forms next year?

Your U.K. licence is not enough. If you got an international licence before you left U.K. you'd be legal. If you have a non immigrant visa, pop into your local immigration and get the form (can't remember the name, just tell them it's for a driving licence) and take it to the driving licence centre. You'll need photos for the form and the fee which is not too much. Do you want a licence for a car or bike or both? They made me get two forms for the two licences. Once I got to the licence centre they told me that I didn't need the forms as I had a work permit. So I'd wasted a bit of money on two forms. They will give you an eye test to see if your colour blind, takes 20 seconds. Get photo copies of your U.K. licence (both parts unless you still have a really old one with out the pink card) and passport and be prepared to sit and wait. They'll give you your licences for one year. Now, here's the trick: Go back there on the day of expiry of the one year licence, then you can renew for a five year licence. If you go back the day before or the day after expiry you'll only get another one year licence. Once you've got your licence you flash it where ever Thais pay less than foreigners for entry e.g. the zoo. You'll pay the Thai price. It pays for itself very quickly.

Just had a motorcycle accident at an intersection. Thai girl turning right doesn't look and drives into my path. I call my Thai friend to deal with the translation. My point is that the damage to my bike is minor so don't worry about it. Nobody was injured. I get the phone back and i'm told that she wants me to pay for her bike. Forget it. My friend calls the police. A snake head arrives and starts inspecting her bike. A policeman arrives and talks with the girl and snake head. SH jabbers on while pointing to her bike, the oly word I understand him say is "farang", I give the phone to the policeman, I get it back. Wait for another policeman. He arrives. SH has left by now. More talking. Phone again. Go tot the police station. Arrive at station. Police are taking statement from girls. I'm just hanging around in the lobby, considering just leaving as they didn't take my registration number. Decide to stay, call my school, they send a teacher who can speak English. Finaly get into the interview room, girl has drawn picture etc and told the police I was on the wrong side of the road. I told them what actually happened, Thai teacher translates. Policeman looks out the window. Thai teacher now feels uncomfortable, tries to convince me to pay. Manage to get out of the station before any decision is made. My wife phones the policeman to find out why I don't get a fair hearing, he puts the phone down on her.

Next day more teachers get involved and go to the police station. The police are going to investigate, whatever that means. Will find out more today.

Anyone else had similar? How did it turn out?

I didn't know that "woe" was on the curriculum.

Or is "woe" a Thai word?

Sorry, I'm a bit thick.

pip pip

I'm describing myself as "teacher of woe" not to indicate what I teach but to describe my predicament.woe(n.)Deep distress or misery, as from grief; wretchedness. woe(n.)Misfortune; calamity: economic and political woes.woe(interj.)Used to express sorrow or dismay.

"Oh, woe is me!"

I am amazed by the words that are used in this thread.......I really don't wonder who the racist(s) is (are) !

Get a grip guys !!

So am I. I dont see any evidence of racism from the police or anybody else.

Insurance sorts these incidents. If you dont have insurance then a good result seeing as it is a legal requirement.

examples of racism in 20th Century USA: White guy commits a crime, black guy is found guilty.

White folks allowed, blacks not. Etc

examples of racism in Thailand today: you are guilty because of your race. No ifs or buts. The decision was made before the incedent.

One price for Thais, another for foreigners. Etc

I'm sorry if you can't see it.

Anyway, went back to the station with another Thai teacher. She was much better that the first. She really argued for over an hour. The policeman was threatening me with court and asked me to help the girl. I ended up paying half the bill, due to my Thai friend. So, damed if you do, damed if you don't. I'll never stop after an accident again (hope i never have one).

One other point, compulsory insurance doesn't cover third party vehicles, only third party injuries. Hospital bills, not mechanic bills. You need private insurance for that, got it on my car, will look into getting it on the wife's bike. Still won't stop though.

Mate, I don't wish to rattle your cage too much but how long have you been an expat?

1. You're living in somebody elses country. It's not yours. You're a visitor.

2. If you try to apply "your" rules and conditions you'll just end up with ulcers.

3. Relax, go with the flow, and look at all the positives of being allowed to be here as a guest.

4. You have absolutely no right to "insist" on anything. You are a guest.

5. I dare say others will shoot me down but the art of surviving and enjoying the expat life IMO is to "go with the flow".

6. Rattling a bit harder now Why do teachers think they're special? Could be a new topic?

pip pip

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes and no. Item six on your list I don't agree with. Don't know why you think ajarns are special. Understand i'm a guest, different rules, always go with the flow, don't insist on anything and know i have zero rights here. My Thai wife and her family are still in shock over the policeman's attitude. My policy is bend with the breeze or break. I knew as soon as the accident happened that I would get the blame. Why did I stop then? Because I'm a compasionate human being. I wanted to make sure no one was hurt. If it had been my fault I would have taken the girl and her bike to the shop to be fixed. No need for police.

Although we're guest and rules are different, we should be entitled to some basic human rights like inoccent until proven guilty, a fair trial, etc. If we don't have these and it's not because of racism, then what would you say the reason is?

On a positive note, i'm getting private insurance for the bike which I already have on my car. If I cause an accident then i'll stop and let the insurance co deal with it. If someone hits me then i'm not stopping. They can pay for thier own repairs. I'll claim off my insurance for a hit and run to get my repairs paid for.

I am amazed by the words that are used in this thread.......I really don't wonder who the racist(s) is (are) !

Get a grip guys !!

So am I. I dont see any evidence of racism from the police or anybody else.

Insurance sorts these incidents. If you dont have insurance then a good result seeing as it is a legal requirement.

examples of racism in 20th Century USA: White guy commits a crime, black guy is found guilty.

White folks allowed, blacks not. Etc

examples of racism in Thailand today: you are guilty because of your race. No ifs or buts. The decision was made before the incedent.

One price for Thais, another for foreigners. Etc

I'm sorry if you can't see it.

Anyway, went back to the station with another Thai teacher. She was much better that the first. She really argued for over an hour. The policeman was threatening me with court and asked me to help the girl. I ended up paying half the bill, due to my Thai friend. So, damed if you do, damed if you don't. I'll never stop after an accident again (hope i never have one).

One other point, compulsory insurance doesn't cover third party vehicles, only third party injuries. Hospital bills, not mechanic bills. You need private insurance for that, got it on my car, will look into getting it on the wife's bike. Still won't stop though.

I don't believe the policeman was after tea money. My Thai college went to the bike repair shop with the girl and got a quote for the repairs, and it seems that if I capitulate then that's the end of it. As far as I can tell, he's just a racist pig who had no intension of seeing justice done. I'm hoping that the other cops that know some of my school directors will be a bit more professional. The problem is that aren't any whitnesses, only those she has probably arranged over the last couple of days. Otherwise it's her word against mine. Bummer.

Just had a motorcycle accident at an intersection. Thai girl turning right doesn't look and drives into my path. I call my Thai friend to deal with the translation. My point is that the damage to my bike is minor so don't worry about it. Nobody was injured. I get the phone back and i'm told that she wants me to pay for her bike. Forget it. My friend calls the police. A snake head arrives and starts inspecting her bike. A policeman arrives and talks with the girl and snake head. SH jabbers on while pointing to her bike, the oly word I understand him say is "farang", I give the phone to the policeman, I get it back. Wait for another policeman. He arrives. SH has left by now. More talking. Phone again. Go tot the police station. Arrive at station. Police are taking statement from girls. I'm just hanging around in the lobby, considering just leaving as they didn't take my registration number. Decide to stay, call my school, they send a teacher who can speak English. Finaly get into the interview room, girl has drawn picture etc and told the police I was on the wrong side of the road. I told them what actually happened, Thai teacher translates. Policeman looks out the window. Thai teacher now feels uncomfortable, tries to convince me to pay. Manage to get out of the station before any decision is made. My wife phones the policeman to find out why I don't get a fair hearing, he puts the phone down on her.

Next day more teachers get involved and go to the police station. The police are going to investigate, whatever that means. Will find out more today.

Anyone else had similar? How did it turn out?

On the point that they simply don't want us here, including the wealthy, I agree. I've recently been looking into getting a marriage visa and discovered that 400K in the bank is no longer acceptable for the visa. Only 40k per month income verified by your embassy will suffice. Doh! I was going to get mum and dad to send me 400k and pick it up when they come over for their annual visit. I guess they've cottoned on to that little loop hole.

With regards to working here: I've just read something disturbing on ajarn.com. It could be a load of rubbish, but someone is saying that their school has been informed by MOE that people can only teach in the field of their degree. Therefore, if you've been teaching English, science, P.E. or math with an engineering degree for example, you're teaching job here might be in jeopardy if this gets off the ground. Everyone with a TEFL certificate will find it a worthless piece of paper in this country. I'm praying that it's disinformation.

They really don't think things through here. How many people with a degree in TEFL are prepared to work for peanuts when they can earn a fortune in Japan, Korea, Kuwait................

The 400k bank deposit should be accepted for those who have used it previously - but not for new applicants.

Have never heard of any "over ten years but speak Thai" provision. Please elaborate.

It would be up to what your Embassy approves as income - they sign off on the letter of income.

I got a photocopied document from Immigration (in Thai) showing three examples of how to qualify for a marriage visa. The first is to have 400k, which we later found out has been discontinued. The second is to have income of 40k. The last is to have resided in Thailand for over ten years and to be fluent in Thai. When my wife phoned immigration they confirmed that this is still current. I'll scan the document and attach it to this thread soon.

My wife phonedImmigration in Chiang Mai yesterday and they told her that 400K in the bank has finished. They only view 40K per month income to qualify. On the other hand, if you've been here for over ten years and can speak Thai you don't need any monies to qualify. Bummer as i've only been here for six and a half years and my Thai is terrible. She didn't ascertain where the income has to come from. If I were to own property in my home country and rent it, would this qualify? I'll get her to call them again next week. Crazy that money in the bank doesn't qualify you. So if I win the U.K. lottery and transfer B150 million to my Thai account, I wouldn't get a marriage visa unless I could show an extra B40k per month. Ha!

What's the attraction other than debortuary?

Would that be when you shag your way to the mortuary?

Possibly. Sorry about that: I'm some what dyslexic. The correct spelling is debuchery. Before I get loads off comments, yes, I shouldn't be teaching if i'm dyslexic.

Don't you mean debauchery?

and he's a <deleted>' teacher?

We don't need no edjacation, we don't need no fought cantrol.....................

Are you dyslexic too?

All of my life I’ve encountered small people, who are all too quick to judge, mock and criticize dyslexic people. Education doesn’t come into it. It’s a medical condition: An ailment, not a lack of smarts as I happen to have a Master’s Degree. To get where I am today I’ve had to work twice as hard as most people.

Oh, you think that because I’m dyslexic I can’t be a teacher, don’t you? Didn’t you consider that I might not be teaching English or any other subject that would involve the students reading my writing? Half of the people using this forum are dyslexic; you just need to read a few posts to see that.