coconutmonkey

This all sounds very suspect. As far as I know, there is a Teacher's Council of Thailand (TCT) which has pretended to create requirements and tests and licenses for the last few years- none of which has stood much scrutiny. I seriously doubt that St. Theresa's would be the first in line for what would be a GOVERNMENT fee mill. And I wouldn't accept any statement from anyone at a lower level than the *government itself* (which has as of yet declined to make any official statement to my knowledge) of which courses are ACTUALLY qualifying- even the TCT balked at forcing themselves to be that transparent.

This *seems* to be a scam running between the involved persons at your school and perhaps someone involved in the program mentioned- probably for the purpose of creaming part of the 'apparent' fee off into their own pockets. Get a lawyer.

I have renamed the thread to avoid uninvolved parties unduly panicking. 99%++ chance this is simply corruption at your school in operation.

Thank you. I have edited to remove the school name.

Copy of email to all employees:

"Teachers who would like to continue teaching in Thailand and would like to do the St. Theresa Graduate Diploma to obtain teaching license - please come and pick up your application forms. The first course starts on Jan 16, 2010. Ms. ****** checked and double checked the list of institutions that offer such a program for licensing purposes - so far, in the whole of Thailand - only St. Theresa offers and accredited, Teacher Council approved graduate diploma. If you don't want to do this, it means that you already have a teaching license or you are choosing not to teach in Thailand anymore - as Mr. ****** e-mail indicated, teachers without such credentials will not be renewed for next academic year. This is NOT the school's requirement - it is MOE's regulation that we need to adhere. It was also found that Framingham and other online or distance education programs are not approved for teaching license. However, they are recognized as valid Master's degree programs (useful for you to move up in the salary schedule, but not useful for licensing in THAILAND). As for those who are waiting for Mission College to get the "approval" they said they are getting (for the past three or four years) - I advise you to move forward as the chances of MC getting approved are very small. This applies to Ramkhamheng University programs as well.

The first course at St. Theresa will be taught by our own Mr. ****** - "Language and Technology for Teachers" (more information in the next e-mail)

Thank you."

Hi Everyone,

Happy new year!

I'll try to make a long story short.

Currently employed at ***********School, our school principle says that ALL TEACHERS IN THAILAND are to complete a course at St.Theresa's college for a teacher's lisence (fee:100000 baht, every weekend, 16 months) if they wish to stay in Thailand.

Apparently (according to him) the teachers council (KRUESAPA) have officially recognized this course ONLY. Others such as Mission college, Ramkamhaeng, etc, are not officially recognized under the new requirements for a teachers lisence.

If teachers do not do this, they will not be permitted a teachers lisence. Our school chairman is enforcing this, stating that anyone who does not enroll in the course will NOT get a contract renewal at the end of this school year.

Furthermore, other employees of schools I have contacted (Grace, Keerapat, Thai schools, etc) say they do not know of this at all.

Adittionally, the school principle and his academic director are the two main lecturers in this course. It has been suggested that they have formulated this plan with an official of KRUESAPA to ensure greater enrollments for their course and St. Theresa, as well as 'tip off' the KRUESAPA guy. Keep in mind this is just a rumor, for now.

One teacher tried to enlighten everyone that this was not required as stated, however he was reminded of his position and how much he should therefore say (free world? help each other? Yeah, right).

While this may be genuine (or not), it seems strange that:

St. Theresa's is the only college officiallly accepted while two of our big bosses are holding the classes

Ours is the only school enforcing this at the present time; no renewal of contracts this year for those not enrolling

Outside collegues are not aware of this sudden requirement or enforcement

All teachers in Thailand HAVE TO do it at St. Theresa's ONLY: it will be a difficult weekendly endevour for those living in Hat Yai or Nong Kai.

Please shed some light on this and be aware that some posters may be those involved.

Another collegue has attempted to contact KRUESAPA, though 'the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing'.

Any civil feedback welcome and thank you in advance. Please refrain from using names directly.

I will include an email from the said school principle below.

It's difficult to decide which is worse - Swine Flu, or the vaccine (which contains a mercury based preservative).

Ugg. A) This article has nothing to do with vaccines. B ) People have been taking these mercury based vaccines for decades with not one single shred of evidence they are harmful.

Get a grip people.

Scubabuddha you need to stay underwater where you have been 'for decades'.

Thailand's always had bad bus crashes, come upon a few myself. The last year or two some plane crashes and now train crashes. Just seems it's hard to find a good, safe way to get around in this country. No wonder it claims so many tourists. Safety is not first in Thailand, unfortunately.

Right..... a little off topic, but makes me think about that Santika fire; Saturdays Bangkok Post had the article on the BACK page; while the one kid reunited with his japanese father on the front........

Terrible shame.... take a look at that picture. There's no justice either. Just scapegoats and posterboys

Is there no news these days?

This post was on here about 4 months ago.... how dull.

Have we not evolved any further from blaming Taksin or defending him on this forum. They ALL deserve to be in jail, not only Taksin. They ALL have acted illegally in elections, staging the coup, and misuse of power for financial gain/corruption. Not sick of this crap yet?

EOS~!

Pity Nation's archives do not stretch very far, and no chance of retrieving those old images, but here is what search came up with:

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/search/ads...gabe&page=6

From January 2002:

President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe is back in Bangkok for his second visit in three months.

Mugabe has expressed his delight with the warm reception he has received.

It is not surprising he is back considering there are not too many countries in the world that would allow such a brutal, ruthless leader to set foot within their borders.

Perhaps the Thai government has discovered an undeveloped tourist market.

Who will be next to enjoy our fair country, perhaps Saddam Hussein, Slobodan Milosevic, Osama bin Laden? For a thugfree Thailand Bangkok

>>>

And from a couple of months earlier - the days when Thaksin forged the ring of Democracy in Thailand

Unsavoury companion in a Thai tuk tuk

It disgusts me to see pictures of our prime minister riding a tuk tuk with Robert Mugabe, the president of Zimbabwe.

Next to Osama bin Laden, Mugabe is probably the most despicable person on the planet.

Is our PM unaware of the misery Mugabe has inflicted on Zimbabwe, or doesn't he care? Why is he willing to sell our country's soul to such a devil just for a little more trade?

Somwang Charthong BANGKOK

Osama Bin Who? I think you mean George Bush.

Taksin was so in it for himself.

So were the guys that outed him. Just like Taksin, total corruption. That was an illegal ousting, and the votes were illegal by Taksin.

Thats the brunt.

What all their true motives are is another story

Why do prisoners in Bang Kwang Central Prison have access to email?

Let me guess...some visitors from the outside world have access?

Yes, Ian Fleming!

Would you eat the medicine?

I don't agree with the theories entirely. I think aquiring a few certain minerals are more interest at the moment.

And, as for the prisoners, they are not an accurate sample.

Find these documentaries:

1. Money Masters (intense documentary)
   
2. Wake up call (sesationalized, but very informative after the main title... long intro)
   
3. All BRITISH should check out 77 ripple effect (in London)
   
4. and Illuminating Angels and demons (not the wussy movie or book by Dan Brown)
   

Why not just let the people vote for the candidate of choice?

O yea, the wrong guy will win again.....

Reads:

The wrong guy will steal the election with his political information control machine still in place,

and then exact an psychopathicly, ruthless revenge across the board on those who opposed him.

Oh yeah that will be national reconciliation for sure....

Both so right.

Law breaking is just part of the game by all involved. Some may be just easier to cope with than others.

Hi,

I need magnets; about 200 U-shaped magnets; like the kind off a magneto from a Model T Ford.... Also about 7 square block 7000+ guass magnets....

Any producers, or anyone have in Thailand? Can you PM me please.

I've tried Thai searches on google, though nothing avail.

Also, if I need to send from the US, how to send when the say "ground parcel only, can't fly international orders as they [magnets] interfere with aircraft systems"...

Anyone ever send this kinda thing before?

Oh the drama!

What a fun topic! I've got my bets on AussieJosh.... yes, let's use money and resources in a real way.... great work bro.

Once (in another time and place), I gave my wife a joint.... she's never smoked, doesn't even drink, and stops at half a glass of wine, about once a year! Hope you get the idea.... AND SHE SAID....

"That's it?"

Yes, baby, how do you feel?

"I don't even know what you are talking about" (mind you, she coughed a bit!)

Anyway, she was just a little more chilled, laughed a bit more.... and didn't even break a thought as to any difference.

Alcohol is the nastiest, dirtiest, shittiest substance there is. Alcohol is EVIL, and that's that. I don't even touch the stuff unless I go for a beer, about once a year with mates.

My Thai students smoke weed! They're only 15-19.... and the funniest thing is that one boy, when he was about 17, began drinking, racing motorcycles... .etc. After continous reports of worry from his parents and coming to class TOTALLY hungover and out of it, he began losing direction seriously. Then about a year ago he began smoking weed, and now does so cause for 500 baht, you don't get a hangover and you can get better value for money. "What do you do now?" I asked him... "Play games with his GF and eat all her food!". (PS. I can't get munchies.... food is a turnoff)

I know I've got a biased perspective.... but I urge all people, stay away from alcohol. You don't need to smoke weed, just stay away from alcohol.

After a year, you'll be 10X the man you were beforehand.

Anyway, I wonder what would happen to the economy of Thailand if they decriminalized weed here?????

Doesn't include green...!!!!

Yes.

Also if you play with Barbie.

Meanwhile, falang gets stabbed three times and may pay overstay while he is in hospital with punctured lungs!

Another set of murders on the front page of the Thai wrath..... and a horrifying car crash, while a student is raped in her room

Those groups unnamed trade drugs and sell their female nationals for agency scams to work in brothels overseas

--Proud to say priorities are set well (Personally financially, that is)!

But...

Only gives strenght to the Govt! But, what is it covering at the moment? :D

Rather spent time with donkeys than teachers.

Until you came around!

Thailand have to be seen to be doing something about what is simply viewed here as a good money-making opportunity for all involved. So occasionally a headline-grabbing case like this will appear in the papers. Big money is going to senior police officers and politicians for this business so don't expect it to stop any time soon.

Where the real trafficking occurs in significant numbers is in the sex trade to Japan where teenage south-east Asians are kept incarcerated in brothels as they "work off" massive "incurred debts".

Forget any campaign as implied by the story as a smokescreen.

Agree without a doubt.

How would an uprising against police go here, if it were well played by very peaceful, large crowds?

Maybe someone would start violence, but maybe not by the color of his shirt!

And they were not exactly young impressionable girls either?

An excellent sell, or maybe all have something in common?

I like your comment too, Wasabi, though maybe this comment above says they were not unfamiliar with Italy as well......

Perhaps they were part of this study

http://www.startribune.com/nation/46415647...iD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU

"Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany, have now genetically engineered a strain of mice whose FOXP2 gene has been swapped for the human version. Svante Paabo, in whose laboratory the mouse was engineered, promised that when the project was completed, "We will speak to the mouse."

He did not promise that the mouse would say anything in reply, doubtless because a great many genes must have undergone evolutionary change to endow people with the faculty of language, and the new mouse was gaining only one of them. So it is perhaps surprising that possession of the human version of FOXP2 does in fact change the sounds that mice use to communicate with other mice, as well as other aspects of brain function.

That is the result reported in the current issue of Cell by Wolfgang Enard, also of the Leipzig institute, and a team of researchers who studied 300 features of the humanized mice.

FOXP2, a gene whose protein product switches on other genes, is important during the development of the embryo and plays an active part in constructing many tissues, including the lungs, stomach and brain. It's so vital that mice in which both copies of the gene are disrupted die after a few weeks.

Despite the mammalian body's dependence on having its two FOXP2 genes work just right, Enard's team found that the human version seemed to substitute perfectly for the mouse version in all the mouse's tissues except for the brain.

In the language region of the brain, the basal ganglia, the humanized mice grew nerve cells that had a more complex structure and produced less dopamine, a chemical that transmits signals from one neuron to another. Baby mice utter ultrasonic whistles when removed from their mothers. The humanized baby mice made whistles that had a lower pitch, among other differences, Enard said.

Discovering that humanized mice whistle differently may seem a long way from understanding how language evolved. Enard argues that putting human genes into mice is the only way of exploring the essential differences between people and chimps, our closest relatives. And because there is no good way of genetically engineering chimps the mouse is the testbed of choice, Enard said.

"The most surprising finding, and cause for great optimism, is that the gene does seem to have a great effect on pathways of neural development in mice," said Dr. Joseph Buxbaum of Mount Sinai Medical Center.

Said Gary Marcus, who studies language acquisition at New York University: "People shouldn't think of this as the one language gene but as part of broader cascade of genes. It would have been truly spectacular if they had wound up with a talking mouse."

Wow, that article is amazing. Imagine if a mouse had the brain capacity or learning capacity as a human. They'd wipe us out.....

Dangerous thought about genetic modification!

I'd say it was a simple well planned out show.

At least it may stimulate zoo visits..... but getting away from the soap operase is a challenge!

Once got locked in there with my wife about 3 years ago! We walked down some back avenues that were very quiet and very dark. Then, the security goy flipped out. There was no signal to leave the park, and it got dark very quickly.

Must have been having fun eh!

I wonder what the point will actually be.... what will the contracts stipulate, and how will they be enforced?

Yes, the first rai is 10baht. Every rai after that is........ !

Stay with her!

You haven't even taken the time to find your bearings. It's only shock. You need to sit down with her, plan out what you're going to do and how it's going to work, and prioritize what's important for both of you to make it work.... what does she want? What do you want?

You think she loves you for money????????? And you haven't even tried asking her??? Surely, it's taken you a while to figure this out? Is it money she wants, or financial security?????? You better think of that one, bro. It's NOT the same thing. Have you even tried to understand life from her point of view?

Cheers

I nearly had a big crash .. It was dark ... I was cruising along at about 90 Kmh with lights on high beam on a

road that is barely wide enough for two cars ..Suddenly my wife yelled "look out!" ..tractor-trailer with half a dozen people trundling along in the dark - no lights whatsoever! I nearly ran in to the back of them! I was so angry -

Your post is astonishing. I am surprised you haven't killed anyone yet. I suggest you check into a driving school as soon as possible and get some Thai defensive driving lessons and acclimatize yourself with local driving conditions before getting behind a wheel again.

By coincidence I have been driving around Nakorn Sawan a lot of late and notice daily accidents from what is clearly due to poor training if any of drivers as almost all looked avoidable.

WHOOAAH GUYSS!!!

There's a problem here.....

On another thread, and many more before it, so many expats post how they 'cruise along at 160km/hr or faster! I didn't see you guys lecturing them!! Those speeds in Thailand are INSANE. You kill my family in a car at that speed, and I will hunt you down and tear out your entrails.

Though the point of too fast is still valid for his speed on that road

I was cruising in the right hand lane on the EXPRESSWAY, and two trucks decided to stop right in the middle of the Expressway, midday, to take things off (plants, small trees) one truck and put onto the other.... I shit you not. They were stopped in the middle of the expressway, broad daylight, changing cargo. I can't get over it.

Anyway, initially, I thought they must have been moving; as if they would be stopped!?! So I slowed down a little, and then I saw there were plants dropped from one truck all over the road up ahead, not able to drive over... and I saw they were completely still, not moving.

I nearly hit one truck, and one guy leaning on the back of it while he was having a cigarette

Surely, he could have been signalling traffic, or something!

Roads here are a DEATHTRAP. And that's it. Don't drive at night if you don't need to, NEVER go over 110km/hr even on an expressway, and NEVER drive during Songkran.

Sure, take something if you want to buy attention

I've never taken a thing, and it's worked out perfectly.... nobody expects a thing.....

Oops, I did buy them a new washing machine, coz got tired just watching the mother bail buckets of water....., worked like a charm..... In return she gave me (wife) 2 rai of land!

I think the problem is a great misunderstanding.

People EXPECT RESPECT, coz you're a falang? It doesn't work..... who cares if you are young, old, alien or else.

I'm younger and have felt a little about what the OP was talking about, but then woke up and said "who cares". I don't need your respect, I don't even need to want it.