monkeycountry

If I was stereotyped by the Thais because of my race as having certain undesirable habits and then imposed to use separate facilities in tourist attractions and temples, then that would be the day I would seriously consider calling time in Thailand.

Imagine going to the bog with signs that display; women, men and farangs. Come on everyone, get real, this is insane.

Or even better, a table with my name on it :-)

Okay, I have scheduled a meeting with the Director of my current school for 3 hours time.

Basically, I would like to know as much as possible that I can mention to them to get them worried about being reported.

In a nutshell, they (1 person but her voice reigns supreme) have harassed me from my first day at the school. They tell me that my lesson plan (such as teaching about Guy Fawkes Night on 5th November) is not interesting, not popular and not relevant. They tell me that I think I am a superhero and look down on Thai people (despite having a Thai wife and Son). They hassle my students asking for information about my lessons to the extent that they come to me asking what is wrong. Also, they sent out a warning letter to me that was completely inaccurate stating they could cancel my contract with immediate effect if things did not improve. I presume all this was because they wanted to cut my 12 month contract short and not pay me for the holiday period. I pointed out the inaccuracies in warning letter and now they wont let me have a copy because I only complained to the Director now at the end of the term, and not at the time. In my defence, I was given the letter during a meeting with the Head of Department and made my feelings very clear at the time. Also, did not want to cause more of a stir midterm, I was just taking the abuse on the chin back then (with the exception of a 7,000 word complaint sent to the Head of Department about this persons behaviour).

So, in the meeting I will ask again for a copy of the warning letter and will tell them I will send it to the Ministy of Education and Labour Board with Student feedback attached to disprove it all. Also, will tell them (again) about my experience (I did send the 7,000 word complaint to them too but it was never answered - perhaps it's best to take it in person. I will tell my school I will make the British Council aware of their behaviour too.

It may seem extreme to you readers, I get that, but you must understand that this has been the most unhappiest year of my life and has just been complete hell gong to work everyday constantly watching over your back. I went them from being so happy in Isaan feeling valued by all to just being really miserable. I went from loving to teaching and feeling really motivated in that I was welcome and helping others, to just feeling like I never want to teach again (no doubt this will pass with the next good experience). So, I do want them to worry, but also if it is possible that the Labour Board do take action, that would be great and well deserved (two other teachers had the same problem last year and did not make it past the 6 month mark - so I guess I should see some achievement in that.

WHAT WOULD YOU MENTION IN THE MEETING THAT WOULD MAKE THEM WORRY AS A CONSEQUENCE OF THEIR BEHAVIOUR?

WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO TAKE ACTION IN REPORTING THE SCHOOL? (I live in "Phrae" in the North, would it require me going to Chiang Mai or Bangkok in person with all evidence (such as student feedback, an unanswered email to Head of Dept outline the harassment, and witness statements from previous teachers at the school)?

Hope someone can help.

Thanks

Sorry I did not count, but is the above your 7,000 letter complaint?

As I am sure you already know, foreign teachers are considered some of the most important and respected people in Thailand, so I would settle for nothing less than a personal meeting with the prime minister himself if I was you.

Okay, I have scheduled a meeting with the Director of my current school for 3 hours time.

Basically, I would like to know as much as possible that I can mention to them to get them worried about being reported.

In a nutshell, they (1 person but her voice reigns supreme) have harassed me from my first day at the school. They tell me that my lesson plan (such as teaching about Guy Fawkes Night on 5th November) is not interesting, not popular and not relevant. They tell me that I think I am a superhero and look down on Thai people (despite having a Thai wife and Son). They hassle my students asking for information about my lessons to the extent that they come to me asking what is wrong. Also, they sent out a warning letter to me that was completely inaccurate stating they could cancel my contract with immediate effect if things did not improve. I presume all this was because they wanted to cut my 12 month contract short and not pay me for the holiday period. I pointed out the inaccuracies in warning letter and now they wont let me have a copy because I only complained to the Director now at the end of the term, and not at the time. In my defence, I was given the letter during a meeting with the Head of Department and made my feelings very clear at the time. Also, did not want to cause more of a stir midterm, I was just taking the abuse on the chin back then (with the exception of a 7,000 word complaint sent to the Head of Department about this persons behaviour).

So, in the meeting I will ask again for a copy of the warning letter and will tell them I will send it to the Ministy of Education and Labour Board with Student feedback attached to disprove it all. Also, will tell them (again) about my experience (I did send the 7,000 word complaint to them too but it was never answered - perhaps it's best to take it in person. I will tell my school I will make the British Council aware of their behaviour too.

It may seem extreme to you readers, I get that, but you must understand that this has been the most unhappiest year of my life and has just been complete hell gong to work everyday constantly watching over your back. I went them from being so happy in Isaan feeling valued by all to just being really miserable. I went from loving to teaching and feeling really motivated in that I was welcome and helping others, to just feeling like I never want to teach again (no doubt this will pass with the next good experience). So, I do want them to worry, but also if it is possible that the Labour Board do take action, that would be great and well deserved (two other teachers had the same problem last year and did not make it past the 6 month mark - so I guess I should see some achievement in that.

WHAT WOULD YOU MENTION IN THE MEETING THAT WOULD MAKE THEM WORRY AS A CONSEQUENCE OF THEIR BEHAVIOUR?

WHAT STEPS WOULD YOU TAKE TO TAKE ACTION IN REPORTING THE SCHOOL? (I live in "Phrae" in the North, would it require me going to Chiang Mai or Bangkok in person with all evidence (such as student feedback, an unanswered email to Head of Dept outline the harassment, and witness statements from previous teachers at the school)?

Hope someone can help.

Thanks

Sorry I did not count, but is the above your 7,000 letter complaint?

Have you seen the bars in Hua Hin they are all empty and have been for years. Walk away now before the amount mounts up.

How many of her friends are on the pay roll that he now has to fund ?

I take it he hasn't registered his bar as a company yet or will ?

Walk away now. Sorry run away now.

If I'm right what has he actually bought ?

From the brief call we had I know hes put down a 200k baht deposit and got some contract to say she cant sell the bar. He did say it was in her name so I have no idea what paperwork has been signed etc. I have no clue about how the process works

If they have "bought" the bar the usual way, neither Lek nor Bob owns the bar. The bar belongs to the owner of the land it sits on.

Lek and Bob has most likely paid the old tenant for some furniture/inventory and the right to the lease, but will be paying rent each month to the landowner.

In other words, there is not much for anyone to sell, but if Lek was to sell the furniture/inventory and lease to someone else, and Bob does indeed have a contract saying she can't sell, all he can do is sue her in court after the sale has taken place, he cannot prevent the actual sale. Suing her will be a waste of time for everyone as the tenant she sold to will get to keep whatever he bought no matter who wins in court. The contract is between Lek and Bob, and has nothing to do with whoever she sold it to.

The potential court case will take 5-10 years, and no matter who wins, Bob will never see any money.

So in short. Bob has given Lek 200k as a gift, and thats the end of it. Any other money he spends on this will also be a gift to Lek. Nothing wrong with that btw as long as Bob is happy with that.

If Thai authorities knew the details of how Pegas operate, they would likely not even be allowed to operate in Thailand.

The name of the general manager is Denis Martin. I take this as an indication (perhaps mistakenly) that the hotel is foreign owned. If that is the case I suspect (perhaps mistakenly) that the local thais would see them as an easy/soft target and do not fear the repercussions that would result from behaving in such a way towards a locally owned establishment. One that perhaps had "protection" or was "connected".

If so it is just another example of them all joining in to give the "farang" a kicking. Good old fashioned xenophobia, not moslem fundamentalism.This is all conjecture on my part. No doubt one of the local (Phuket) TV contributors can refute or confirm my suspicions.

I have no idea who owns the particular hotel, but many, if not most, major Thai owned hotels, have foreign managers.

Noise complaints, and other complaints, are made all the time in Thailand, but I have not heard of hundreds of Thais forming a lynch mop in other similar cases. I am quite sure this is yet another case of muslims going berserk when Islam is questioned.

Bloody hell, now you've jacked the protest up into a lynch mob, where did that come from?

What do you think it means when an angry mob says it will "take matters into it's own hands"?

What usually happens when you have an enraged mob of offended muslims anywhere in the world? If they just wanted to talk, could one of them not just have called the hotel?

Are there any ladyboys in Pattaya who are not criminals (thieves)?

Hopefully one day they will be banned from tourist areas altogether.

What nonsense.

Nearly all the Thais who go to Pattaya are generally criminals or willing to do almost anything for money.

Don't say it is only the ladyboys.

Did I say that?

What's inside the quotes means that you did. I assume you were saying all ladyboys be banned from tourist areas but maybe I misunderstood.

No, you understood that part correct.

However, I did not say that crime/theft was limited to ladyboys. Just because almost all ladyboys are criminals, does not mean others cannot be criminals too.

Are there any ladyboys in Pattaya who are not criminals (thieves)?

Hopefully one day they will be banned from tourist areas altogether.

What nonsense.

Nearly all the Thais who go to Pattaya are generally criminals or willing to do almost anything for money.

Don't say it is only the ladyboys.

Did I say that?

Is that all you have 2 confirmed incidents which are 6 and 7 years old and another one where no one was arrested? So how about taking it a little further and reporting on how many baht bus incidents there have been in last 6 years and break that down between numbers of men, women and ladyboys? Then break that out into percentages so we can get accurate figures vs what you want the answer to be? Let the facts speak for themselves.

I think the ball(s) in your hands

The name of the general manager is Denis Martin. I take this as an indication (perhaps mistakenly) that the hotel is foreign owned. If that is the case I suspect (perhaps mistakenly) that the local thais would see them as an easy/soft target and do not fear the repercussions that would result from behaving in such a way towards a locally owned establishment. One that perhaps had "protection" or was "connected".

If so it is just another example of them all joining in to give the "farang" a kicking. Good old fashioned xenophobia, not moslem fundamentalism.This is all conjecture on my part. No doubt one of the local (Phuket) TV contributors can refute or confirm my suspicions.

I have no idea who owns the particular hotel, but many, if not most, major Thai owned hotels, have foreign managers.

Noise complaints, and other complaints, are made all the time in Thailand, but I have not heard of hundreds of Thais forming a lynch mop in other similar cases. I am quite sure this is yet another case of muslims going berserk when Islam is questioned.

Actually the pickpocket on baht bus scam is usually done by ladyboys as well.

But yes, the other scammers you mentioned, except for the pingpong show?, are criminal lowlife too, and should be kicked out of town and/or imprisoned together with the ladyboys. Not all thieves are ladyboys, but allmost all ladyboys are thieves.

Hey you are wrong as usual. The baht bus is not ladyboys but they are "ladies" and your statement all ladyboys are thieves well it sure shows what kind of crap that comes out of your disrespectful mouth. Grow up and learn some manners.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/285041-ladyboy-baht-bus-thieves/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/701444-pattaya-lady-boy-picks-hong-kong-tourist-pockets-on-baht-bus/

http://www.pattaya-live.com/index.php/topic/14209-pattaya-finnish-tourist-detains-ladyboy-baht-bus-thief/

Muslims once again showing their true colors, ready to lynch anyone who oppose them (even if they are not sure).

So what if someone sent a complaint about noise. Assuming the mosque is indeed calling to prayer, it is indeed a justified complaint. All muslims know when it is time for prayer, so there is no need to bother all the non muslims with their annoying noise pollution.

They are hot! Its the tourist's fault anyway. All you judgmental ladyboy haters let me ask you a question. But for a "market" in Pattaya, do you think there wouldnt be so many of the "scum" as you like to call them? Or could it be that because they are all sooooo bad that they are featured on the "news" "everytime" something is stolen. You guys make me sick.

Am I the only person who has no idea what this guy is saying or asking?

She is no longer the PM so she shouldn't need a bodyguard . Besides , she is still very popular and would win an election tomorrow if they had one.

No, it's Prayuth who needs the bodyguard. He's the one most people loath so it's understandable that he needs all the protection he can get.

On the other hand , Yingluk is in real danger of getting mobbed by her admirers whereas apart from the press most Thais wouldn't cross the road to extinguish Prayuth if he were on fire.

Is all that "most Thais" based on some sort of fact or poll? Or just your opinion? If the latter, may I suggest you change it to "I" just to clarify who you speak for

I hope we also hear a report about those who issued the deeds unlawfully being arrested and put into jail.

good one

How about the 50+ million Thais whose fingerprints they do not have on record?

Absolutely not...

Im leaving on the 23rd of this month, and im not looking back.

The only thing i will miss here is...my gf for 5 years...i love her so much...

but this country has not been what i remembered it to be back in 1989.

I'll still take care of my gf....but this place can kiss my a**

Racist, watching and wanting your every move...piss off.

I'll move on to much better places, where they respect and consider firiegners who help contribute to their economy.

The Philippines and Vietnam, are now on my list.

1989 is a long time ago. Doesn't it annoy you that you waited this long before leaving? Imagine if you had left say 5 or 10 years ago, or whenever you first discovered all the problems with Thailand? Or is your visa running out on the 23rd?

Aside from cost is there a reason no-one seems to build anything upcountry that could be considered modern?

I see all these boring spanish style villas, but nothing built with steel and glass.

I have seen some great villas around the coasts and in Bangkok, so I know it can be done.

Lack of skilled builders. They know how to build very basic houses, but they know nothing about steel and glass. Generally "the coast" and bangkok is wealthier, so some people can afford expensive houses, which in turn attracts skilled builders, who can build those houses.

It is for the same reason there are no luxury car repair shops or dealers upcountry. There is no demand.

I think 2 million is a lot for a 2br house to build. I think you can build a very nice 1 story 2br house for anywhere between 600-800k. This is with fully equipped kitchen, top end bathroom etc.

Keep in mind "top end" has different meaning to different people

Lasted seven years, came back last fall.

Cost of living is cheaper here,

Huh????

.

Please don't edit my posts. Forum rules require you quote them in their entirety.

You know, this particular misperception is an ongoing argument on TV. And it is usually made by people with mediocre job histories, and/or a miserable existence in their homeland, making retiring to Asia and "enjoying" forty baht meals out, 150 baht massages, and 1000 baht "girlfriends," a good deal.

All the foods I like are available here at no up charge. In Thailand they carry a 300% up charge---even before Villa or Foodland grab their own take.

On Friday, I bought a very nice Chilean Malbec, on sale, for $4.19. That's 125 baht. IN LOS, the same wine was close to 700 baht. I bought an excellent cheese on special, thick smoked bacon for a dollar a pound, and a steelhead trout filet for $4 (fresh, not farmed). That's far less than what I paid at Villa.

My gym does not require a membership, and so has no pesky salesman. It has a flat rate of $15 per month. I, like all members, have a key, making it available 24/7.

When I use UPS or FedEx here, they are reliable and reasonable. Nothing gets stolen, or nailed for extra fees.

When I pay a serviceman here to do work on my vehicle, or my lawnmower, or my plumbing or electric, it is almost always done expeditiously, safely and right, the first time. This, as opposed to going through a series of workers who not only don't get it right, but often make a problem worse.

In LOS, I never had my '65 Honda motorbike running correctly, because the mechanics were incompetent or dishonest. Or both. This increases a tradesman's "bargain" rates considerably, making them no longer a bargain.

One time when I went to pick up my bike after some work, I noticed the original Honda seat was replaced by junk, and my seat was on the bike of the mechanic's buddy. When I pointed this out, they did this: . When I insisted they put it back on my bike, they became confrontational. I had to pay a cop to get my seat back. I don't think I have never had that experience at a Honda bike shop in the USA.

I bought a new gas BBQ last week at Home Depot. Regular cost was $99. On sale for $69. What's a gas BBQ in Thailand? I know the answer: about 10,000 baht for junk. The price goes up from there. The dumbbells I bought in LOS? One there cost as much as six here.

If I buy something at most stores here, there is a no-questions-asked return policy. I have returned to the local Smith's Supermarket, a number of items I found unsatisfactory. Always a smile when handing back my money. As such, I am a loyal customer. In November after returning to the States, I was checking out some groceries, and the bill was fifty-some dollars. I jokingly asked the checker if he had any coupons. He reached in his apron pocket, and swiped one across the scanner, and my bill dropped to $32. This is now a regular occurrence.

Gas where I live is almost half the price it is in Thailand. It is lower in other states.

In Thailand used vehicles carry a ridiculous price. Last week, I bought a '66 Chevy Bel Air. It had sat in an old lady's garage for years, and has 38,000 original miles. I paid $3700 for it. Now I have my eye on a '65, fully restored Chev pickup. $7000. Far less than a used pickup in average condition in Thailand. Both are investments that will never lose me money.

The Asian market I shop in Salt Lake City, actually has lower prices than back at Rhek Thum's "fresh market." And they are the same brands.

Here the tennis courts are free, and in good condition.

Here, cops don't stop me when I'm driving legally, unlike Thailand where they attempt to extort money. And here, Avis doesn't even think of extorting me for a pre-existing scratch, when I return a rental to the airport, just because I speak English.

My dentist here does not try to drill out non-existent cavities, nor pull a cracked tooth that can be repaired (if you have good training), nor spends a mere 15 minutes "cleaning" my teeth. Here it takes a solid hour,and is done right, so I only have to go twice a year rather than every couple of months.

This summer I'm out to buy a piece of land and build a vacation home. It's mine when I'm done, though my wife's name will also be on it. And where we are building, land is cheaper per acre than the rubber tree land where I lived in Rhek Thum. Don't believe me? Do your due diligence and research it, and you'll find my claim holds water.

Most of the nutritional products I take that keep me free of those expensive American doctor bills, are not available in Thailand. The few that are, are substantially lower in price here than in LOS. After feeling like crap the past few years, I am once again healthy and have my vitality back. That has great economic value.

The firearms I buy to go hunting and target shooting are at the very least, 1/3 the price they are in Thailand. The books I read are cheaper when new at the store, and a once-read paperback bought at a garage sale is 10 baht.

The tools I will use to build my house, Makita, Ryobi, and Milwaukee, are much less expensive here in the States. And if they break, the warranty work is done locally and in days. Usually they just hand over a new tool. The building material selection is far more diverse here, enabling both short-term and long-term savings.

Are there exceptions? Are there things cheaper in LOS?

Sure. Instant water heaters, air conditioners, unhygienic meals out, short-time"girlfriends," and massages. There are others, such as contact lenses, but as a whole do not measure up to a genuine savings.

Many items may be cheaper, but are built so cheaply they have a crap service life. Water pumps, clothing, and electrical items are a good example. Speaking of clothing, I bought new Levis last month. On sale, plus a coupon, $22 a pair. Good luck with that in LOS.

Want to retire to a warm climate that has reasonable prices? Try Port Charlotte, Florida. Check out the land and housing prices, and all the free services and discounts for seniors. Thailand does not even come close.

I hear you do not even have to pay for food in the US, you can get food stamps for free, and many do