tonititan

It should be "no scan, no fly" for the most part. These excuses sound like little children.

Exactly! The rest of us want to be safe, and if you don't feel uncomfortable with the security measures, then don't fly!

Oh boy, here we go. Takers?

True, and it IS being taught in many schools (including mine in Bangkok). Equally important, however, is that PARENTS need to monitor children's internet usage. It is the responsibility of parents to keep their children safe. Not that schools can't help as well, but the responsibility should not fall entirely on the schools.

Private (International) schools don't want to put any of their fees at risk..

Not true! My good buddy works at an international school (RIS), and they just announced that they are closed for a week!

If you asked the average businessman in the US about Kellogg or Wharton they would know them ... If you asked about Webster they would not. In Thailand (and in fact in Asia-Pacific) If you asked about Sasin or AIT they would know. In Thailand They would know Sasin, AIT, Mahidol, Thammassat, and BU. (( and would rank them in that order))

Good point. I think that in a discussion of reputation, it is important to clarify who you are talking about, and I don't think all of us have been taking the same perspective. There are reputations awarded by the community, the students attending the school, the professors at the school, and professionals in the field. Those reputations may or may not be the same. I won't argue that businessmen would know Webster as well as Wharton...that was never what I was saying, and we all know that's not true. I was taking the perspective of the community and the students/alumni who I know.

So I think your saying that if you asked the average man in the street in US, or Germany, France etc "How would you rate Mahidol or Chula or Thammasat University in Thailand then you would expect the result would very likely be "never heard of them", and therefore they have no credibility.

No, I'm not saying that Mahidol, Chula, etc. have no credibility because people in the western world have not heard of them. I'm saying exactly the opposite:

They may have a "good reputation" here in Thailand, but if you asked the average person in most western countries, I highly doubt that they will have heard of either school. Does that mean that those schools' local reputations are not accurate or valuable? No.

I was saying that for the most part (excluding the most well known schools in the world), reputation IS a local thing, and most universities' reputations are created by the local community. Just like many people in the western world would not know of Mahidol, etc., many people who are far away from STL would not know Webster because there are simply too many schools in the US. If the local community (in this case STL) places a good reputation on a school, it does not invalidate that reputation just because people living far away have not heard of the school or its reputation. I originally said that Webster had a good reputation "over there," as in the area it is located. Likewise Mahidol has a good reputation "over here."

You can continue to argue that Webster has a 'good reputation' but honestly it has no real reputation at all outside of the STL area. (That of course is better than its reputation in Thailand).

Like you said before, "reputation" is subjective. My perspective comes from someone who not only lived in STL, but also lived in other states (and even countries) where people HAD heard of Webster and had positive opinions about it. (And no, I did not attend Webster, but I had several friends who did.) You can continue to argue that Webster had no reputation outside of STL, but that is based on your perception, and perhaps on the people you have met. Obviously our experiences in the States were different.

Oh, so you didn't even graduate? Ouch! (Just kidding. ) I was never trying to argue that Webster is a high-quality institution, or that it rates highly in different rankings. I simply stated that it has a good reputation in the States. I stand by my position on that. The reputation I referred to was not only apparent in STL, or even in MO. True, Webster may not be well known worldwide and the good reputation may be more well known in the STL area than in other areas. That seems to be true of most universities though (other than the really famous ones). The OP asked about Mahidol University, and you suggested Saisn. They may have a "good reputation" here in Thailand, but if you asked the average person in most western countries, I highly doubt that they will have heard of either school. Does that mean that those schools' local reputations are not accurate or valuable? No.

Without slamming Webster too much ..... You are exaggerating saying that they "have a good reputation over there".

Really? Are you American? Have you lived anywhere near St. Louis, where the main Webster campus is located? I lived there for many years, and Webster always had an excellent reputation. Several of my friends have received their MBAs there, and all have landed excellent jobs. I can't speak for the quality of the branch in Thailand, but I am certain that Webster has a good reputation back at home.

I am an American. I attended Webster. They may have a good reputation in St Louis (truly a subjective thing). Anywhere else they are unknown and when people look them up they see tiny programs spread all over in many areas only serving military personnel etc. A 'good reputation' is meaningless if it is so localized, unless of course you are in that local area

http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandrevi...chools/rankings

Show me Webster on that list Then look at Sasin's website and show me the affiliated programs on that list

Wow, sorry you attended such a sucky university. I guess your degree isn't worth anything since your alma mater isn't well known, huh?

Without slamming Webster too much ..... You are exaggerating saying that they "have a good reputation over there".

Really? Are you American? Have you lived anywhere near St. Louis, where the main Webster campus is located? I lived there for many years, and Webster always had an excellent reputation. Several of my friends have received their MBAs there, and all have landed excellent jobs. I can't speak for the quality of the branch in Thailand, but I am certain that Webster has a good reputation back at home.

Roadhouse in BKK

Not enough workers? Here's a thought....don't hire 15 people to hover around me while I'm trying to pick out towels at the store and there would be many more workers available!

I don't know the answer to many of your questions, but I do know that Webster University (which is an American university...and has a good reputation over there) offers an MBA. The main Webster campus is near Hua-Hin/Cha-Am, but I believe that the campus for MBAs is in Bangkok.

I completely understand. I much prefer individual screens. I've never flown that exact route, but on my long-haul Thai Airways flights, economy class did NOT have individual screens. However, premium economy (which I flew) had excellent on-demand individual screens...one of the many reasons why the upgrade to premium is completely worth it!

Actually, contrary to your thread title, it seems that Thai Airways LOVES kids! Same price, 1/5 of the weight of an adult (so less fuel). They'd probably be thrilled to have a plane full of 2 year olds!

Yeah, that's been around awhile. I've tried it. It DID make my feet softer, but I couldn't tolerate it long enough to get all the skin. It tickles like crazy! And, it just kinda freaks me out thinking about fish biting my feet. It's actually banned in some US states because it's unsanitary and can spread disease if not properly cleaned and regulated....and I highly doubt it is in Thailand. The novelty was good and I'm glad I did it once, but overall, it wasn't as effective or enjoyable as an old fashioned pedicure.

It means nothing. Your shirt must to be in your pants, you have to have a yellow shirt every Monday, traditional suit every Wednesday, you can not leave the place of work before end of shift(even you have no classes), to be at the gate in the morning and afternoon, you can not smoke(even you hide yourself from children sight), that is what is for you but when Thais do-don't compare yourself with what you saw THEY do. The answer(s) will be

1.That one is not good teacher, or even worse

2.We are paying you.

Have you ever worked in a school in any country?!? These practices seem pretty standard, and nothing to complain about. I have always had to dress professionally (according to the standards of that school, city, and country), be visible before/after school to help provide supervision, stay for the entire school day even if I'm finished teaching, and refrain from smoking or drinking on campus.

However, my satisfaction was a dinner with the PARENTS of that girl. They made it for me, in their house. Her father is working for a big Dannish company here and he wanted see me. That was good enough for me.

That's more recognition than many teachers get. It's part of being a teacher in almost any country.

Anyway, I was happy because that girl was HUNGRY of knowledge. She was so passionate about that play, performance so it was my pure happiness to help to her in developing her talent both English and plays.

We all know that it's a joy to teach a student who is motivated, hungry for knowledge, and has strong aptitude for learning. However, I think it's important to remember that a big part of being a good teacher is not just helping those elite few who already excel, but also finding a way to motivate and teach the other students - the ones who may not look like they want to learn, those who struggle, those who are "difficult" to teach.

How much we are respected here, as teachers?

It sounds like you don't have a lot of respect for the Thai teachers:

You will hear that they blame us they have so low salaries.

They(majority of Thai teachers) will compare your and their salary, they will cry on your shoulder about their Government don't respect them as well. They will tell you a story about how many years they prepared to be a teachers but you just jumped here and get so "high" salary. Yes, high in compare to average salaries in Thailand but ot enough for our way of life we had in our countries.

Of course, they will not mention true that around 40% of English teachers(Thais) are incompetent about listening and speaking skill. so, THAT is rerason they hold to grammar as way to hide their incompetence about teaching English.

Some of them will not say to you good morning, even. When I asked why is that so, it was said to me that is because Thais are shy to speak English-in fear they might make mistake(also custom here). That doesn't hold water for me as ALL Thais CAN say just hello- if they don't know to speak English. In my opinion, it was INTOLERANCE, ignoring.

I don't know how anyone can expect to get respect from others when the feeling is not mutual. Maybe you can try being more respectful of the Thai teachers, their educational credentials, and their experience instead of of pointing out their ignorance and intolerance. That might help.

I can't speak for all international schools, but my accepts students for preschool starting at age 3. I believe that they have to turn 3 by September (or October??) of the school year, which begins in August.

Hopefully someone who has been in your situation will be able to give you some firsthand advice. But, these are the kinds of questions I'd want to be asking if it was my child:

1. Do I get to choose any school I'd like? (Make sure they don't want to choose a lesser school on your behalf just b/c it's cheaper.)

2. Do you pay a flat education stipend or will you cover the actual cost?

3. Which education costs are covered (tuition, but registration fees, uniforms, bus, etc.)?

4. Do you pay the school directly or reimburse me for my costs?

I have no idea how these things work in Thailand, but 3 years seems like a REALLY long contract! What happens if the business flops after 3 months?

I don't know the answer to most of your questions, but you could also consider taking the train (I think you have to connect to a bus once you get to Surat Thani, though). The buses aren't always the most comfortable or safe. Yes, the train definitely has its issues, but I would much rather spend a long time on a train, especially if it's an overnight sleeper. Those are quite comfortable for the price.

As for the price of bus/train vs. plane, I think it really depends on the time of year and the deal you get on your flight. If you're going during a busy time and can't get a good deal on your flight, the bus/train is probably cheaper. My late December flight to Phuket was about 3000 baht. Other times of the year, the prices might be equal. It's possible that the flight might even be cheaper! Last June (low season) I flew roundtrip from BKK to Phuket for 700 baht, including all taxes. The bus/train would have cost more than that (at least for a comfortable trip).

I disagree about Phi Phi not being a good day trip. I have been to the Phi Phi Islands 3 times in the last year. One time I stayed there for 3 nights, and the other 2 times I just took day trips. We found the day trips to be just as, if not more enjoyable! Ok, yes, you don't have as much time or flexibility. But, you get to see a lot and it's very low-stress. You might find a cheap place at Phi Phi Don, but then you have to add in the cost of all the longtail trips you want to take to Phi Phi Ley and the other islands/beaches. Those boat trips are not cheap, especially if you can't find people to share.

Someone else mentioned the ferry and how you won't have much time - forget that! OP, I think you were referring to the speedboat day trips, right? Most of them pick you up from your hotel at about 7 or 7:30 a.m. and bring you back at 4:30 or 5:00. I just did one of these trips last month and looked at countless brochures at lots of different stalls and at my hotel. They all had pretty much the same itinerary and included a stop or two at Phi Phi Ley, lunch at Phi Phi Don, and a stop at another island (e.g., Khai Island). The prices didn't seem to vary too much except for the supposed "VIP" trip that looked identical to me. I think that last month I paid about 2300 baht/person. That included the boat, lunch, insurance (I think), snorkeling equipment, water/soda/snacks on the boat, and sea-sickness meds if you needed them. You don't really need to spend any other money during the day unless you want to shop or buy extra drinks. The day trip I did a year ago was about 2500 but also included elephant riding at the end of the day. I think we got a small discount, but yes, you can definitely try to negotiate down. I just hate haggling so I didn't try too hard.

I completely agree. I no longer buy any produce or fresh meat from Carrefour. Everytime I bought meat (after carefully checking the expiration date), I opened it up at home the same day and it smelled rotten. The fruits and veggies looked ok in the store, but they always turned brown within a day. I had to throw away so much food from Carrefour. Now it's Carrefour to stock up on basics, and Tops/local markets for fresh products!

But they have already admitted guilt by offering 25K

Is that on top of the 24k deposit? If so, your parents are only out 21k. I completely understand wanting to make them pay on principle, and I would be angry at them too, but it hardly seems worth it for only 21k.

Where did those numbers come from? The 70k in damage - was that appraised by someone else or estimated by your parents? And the tenants' 120k in personal property - where did you get that number?

If your daughter is only going to be 3 when you arrive in Bangkok, I really think it's a personal preference. Schooling seems to be starting younger and younger these days, but I don't think she will be "behind" if she does not start school at age 3...assuming that she will continue to be in a stimulating environment at home. However, there are many preschools that do begin by the age of 3 if you decide you want her in school. It seems that most expat children who attend international schools begin by the age of 4. I work at an international school, and at least 90% of our expat kids have started by the age of 3 or 4. If you do want your daughter in school at the age of 3 or 4, don't feel bad for your company...that is very "normal" for expats.

And if I'm correct, most Thai kids start school at the age of 3 anyway, right? Anyone know?