I recently helped out a Thai friend with a few thousand baht to obtain a certificate for traditional Thai massage. The money was paid to the Thai massage school many weeks ago which I thought was a bit strange at the time because its only since then that the various massage techniques have been learnt by this person.

Then last week I saw the certificate itself. Very nicely presented in gold writing with the words “ under the supersvision of the Ministry of Education ”and it was to confirm that the certificate holder has studied for a minimum of 180 hours ( which is not the case ). But the real surprise came yesterday when I simply remarked in my country you undertake a given course and then pass a test or exam and then you get the certificate. The response I got back “ yes I know ….but they need the money ”.

So how do we know these " relaxed " standards are not endemic throughout the Thai education system including universities ? ( I have already witnessed the Thai driving test and that involves no practical training on the open roads )

As a prospective employer it is important to be aware just how different the standards are here

At the university I teach business courses, the government pays 30% of their tuition through loans if they get above B average. And most of the student do ge the loan, oh well read between the lines [/size][/font]