Does Anyone Have Any Thai Connections?

[susanstar]

I am writing on behalf of a dear friend who teaches at a private International Univ. somewhat south of Bangkok. A long time ajarn ( 8 years!!!), she and her mates are now being hounded by a new admin and they are certain that the decision has been made somewhere up the line to force all farang ajarns there to move on and to then replace them with cheaper Thai teachers. The owner is only interested in the bottom line, but things like breaking contracts, petty harassment about time, confusion about classes, deceit, lying, changing student plans, one-sided changing of contracts etc etc have recently made it a dismal place to be. (I can hear the chorus now. . "Just tell her to move on. End of story!")

But it is NOT so easy when she has family, friends, a house. . .ROOTS if you will. . . . in that area and memories of a once happy place to work.

Question: does anyone have connections of any sort in the CHE ( which ought to be checking on a few things there I would think) the Thai government in general? the royals perhaps? someone who is highly respected in Thai educational circles? I would appreciate an IM on any possible leads to someone who might take an interest in the rapid decline of working conditions for my friend.

[stevemiddie]

Has your friend signed a contract of employment? If so she is still protected under Thai labour laws. Not an easy path to pursue in terms of redress if she is forced to leave but some teachers have been successful of late.

How long is her contract for? Most schools offer a 1 year but many Internationals offer 2 year contracts ( particularly if the teacher has been recruited from overseas. )

The school will be in a position ( at some point ) to simply refuse to renew the contract in any event therfore your friend would have to move on anyway.

I understand and sympathise with your friends predicament but to build a life in Thailand on the basis of always working at the same establishment in Thailand ( as a foreigner?) is quite simply..............naieve.

[jdinasia]

Now who of us that has any connections that are well placed ever use them? My guess is next to never. Who would use them for a random stranger? My guess would be '0'.

Companies tend to replace staff when new management takes over etc ..... if this is a decent school AND a decent teacher then the students will be the ones to help her

[DragonQuest]

Ya i agree on that, if the students and parents want the teacher and she has proven herself worthy and has established her roots well with other teachers and staff, then by all means use what you can. goodluck

[Loaded]

It's a Thai ball and they can stick it up their jumper and walk home anytime they want. Rubbing the tears away and shouting it's not fair won't make much difference.

Certainly don't think a puyai is going to become involved in a conflict to help some farang who knows someone who posted on a discussion board.

Try the Ministry of Labour and their court. There are rules and if they have been broken this court is very effective at obtaining fairness. IMO.

[susanstar]

Thanks for the replies. Been here long enough to know some of these answers already but hoping for a bit of luck perhaps.

Certainly not expecting anyone to go to bat for her! But knowing how Thailand often works, an email or a phone call to the right person can have a marvelous effect. Even just finding out the proceedures involved, the right person to contact in CHE etc, someone who knows the owner and knows how to reach him ( he ignores any and all attempts at communication and only looks at the bottom line) that kind of thing would be useful.

I notice in reading this and another forums that the expat teaching community seems very divided on the issue of just how much one can rely on Thai labour laws in a contract dispute.

Because it is a residential school, parents are not around. Students are very supportive but scared. Mostly Thai and not into "political action".

[Neeranam]

She's been in Thailand for 8 years and doesn't know anyone?

[Clipped]

get a lawyer if your friend is working legally...if there is a breach of contract.

my friend was working at an inter school and they tried to do the same thing, but violated the contract, now shes getting paid what she has coming to her eventhough she doesnt have to step a foot in the classroom....eg; summer reimbursement.