Activist urges foreign workers to learn Thai

2 hours ago, bannork said:

I disagree about Thais,or indeed foreigners, finding it difficult to read and write Thai.

Once you know the tonal rules it's much more logical than English with fewer exceptions.

English pronunciation based on spelling has so many exceptions - though, through, rough, bough, etc.

Ok.. but than I have to ask you why soo many students and people have difficulties in writing and reading Thai. I worked in several schools in several levels and it is everywhere in every level..I had 1 year Thai lessons and when I asked my teacher why to use some characters for example there are a lot "s". the answer I got because it is so, you have to do like this. But if I know why It would be easier, but with answers like that I kept on making mistakes, as I did not understand when to use which "s"

9 hours ago, Karma80 said:

As someone here on a Non-B with a decent income - If you expect me to make a lifelong commitment to learn Thai, then I expect a reasonable and clear pathway to permanent residence and citizenship rather than what it is now.

Until then, you're going to get me speaking survival Thai for what I need and nothing more.

Well said.

Thailand gives me nothing, so I basically give Thailand nothing back in return.

The retirement visa / extension is nothing more than a 1 year tourist visa, which can be revoked at anytime, or the goal post to meet the criteria changed at anytime. This visa should not be viewed as anything remotely close to PR or citizenship, which gives one a "right" to reside in Thailand.

Edited 35 minutes ago35 min by KhunHeineken

14 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

Ok.. but than I have to ask you why soo many students and people have difficulties in writing and reading Thai. I worked in several schools in several levels and it is everywhere in every level..I had 1 year Thai lessons and when I asked my teacher why to use some characters for example there are a lot "s". the answer I got because it is so, you have to do like this. But if I know why It would be easier, but with answers like that I kept on making mistakes, as I did not understand when to use which "s"

I never bothered to learn how to read and write Thai. But I can have relatively fluent conversations as long as they do not become too difficult. This has brought so many

nice relationships in my life which otherwise would be impossible. In addition to that I like to travel alone far from the usual tourist areas and I can assure you that it makes

everything easy. And you can believe me that in rural areas you can also have nice friendships to women who are very interested to meet foreigners but fear the language

barrier.

9 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Absolutely. I'm a "non-immigrant" and have been for 21 years. Make it easier to get permanent residence, and I'll study Thai!

Same Same.

Foreigners are barely tolerated here. If they were accepted, many would put in more of an effort, including myself. Many would bring in more money as well, because they would have a right to reside here.

Give nothing, you get nothing in return.

8 hours ago, VocalNeal said:

There is a clear pathway. And part of it is a commitment to learn Thai. But it involves having a job and therefore more importantly paying taxes.

Many expat retirees bring more money into Thailand in their first year of retirement here than many younger foreigners who work here will earn whilst clocking up their 5 years.

Straight away, money for a property, furnishings, car, possibly marriage etc. Millions of baht.

For the Thai government, their only crime is not working. That's it, nothing more.

Once again, for me, Thailand gives me nothing, I give nothing back.