Corruption, this is one of those subjects do we just put our heads in sand or do we do something about. Currently my local Government school board gives raises in salary to those teaches willing to pay 100,000. Currently those teachers who are eligible for a raise submit a lesson plan for review and if it passes they get a set raise amount between 10,000 to 15,000 baht. 5 teachers at our school submitted their lesson plans for review and we told if they wanted their plans reviewed quickly to give the board 100,000 baht. Three teachers gave the 100,000 baht each and the next day their raises and education plans were approved. Two teachers refused to give the board 100,000 baht each and one month later their raises were denied and education plans not approved. They were told to resubmit again next school year but if they pay the fee maybe sooner. My wife submitted hers last week for a 3500 baht raise with 4 other teachers and the school board requested 30,000 baht to expedite the review of her plan and raise. Not going to pay, I think this is totally wrong and my wife agrees it is corruption but she says there is nothing anyone can do. I can not tell you how angry this makes me feel, any advice? 

With all the spy technology out there, your wife should get it on camera and video when the demands are made. then sue the government official and the government. until some thais are willing to stand up to the corrupters, things will continue. most likely though your wife will not do this... not many thais are willing to go against the tide, that is my experience.

You are correct my wife is not willing to do anything, I do not understand her thinking but her thinking is more nothing can be done.

Something probably can be done.  Speaking to a lawyer might be a good first step.  The question is, though, whether doing whatever has to be done is worth it in the long run.

Unfortunately its a mind set and way of life. in Thailand.

This is the sort of thing that will take generations to change. File it under not in your lifetime.

To see it on a larger scale check out India.

I never considered "tea money" as corruption. Back home, I used to pay tremendous amounts of taxes without knowing where they gone.

Now, after more than 15 years in South-East Asia, I always bend to the "local rules"... and I never regretted any kind of "donation"

Something probably can be done.  Speaking to a lawyer might be a good first step.  The question is, though, whether doing whatever has to be done is worth it in the long run.

Agree completely.

Tough situation gosompoi. Obviously unfair and frustrating to you and your wife. I wish you all the best in whatever you decide to do, or not do.

Edited December 19, 200916 yr by way2muchcoffee

I never considered "tea money" as corruption. Back home, I used to pay tremendous amounts of taxes without knowing where they gone.

Now, after more than 15 years in South-East Asia, I always bend to the "local rules"... and I never regretted any kind of "donation"

Which is great if you have the money to exploit corruption. In the mean time, everyone else, such as the low-salaried teacher who wants to submit an education plan that will benefit her students but is being asked for 100,000 baht and cannot pay has to suffer.

Then there might come a time when someone richer than you exploits the corruption in a way that screws you over, would you still be wearing your shades then?

I remember a newspaper article about a government corruption hot line being set up for just this type of situation (and similar). Not sure if it has been implemented but worth a look. It is a tough call for those who have never been in such a situation, other than with a moral or accepting attitude. The pay increases involved would seem to be a monthly increase, thus a 1 year+_ pay increase is the tea money payment proposed. This equates to a huge amount of the education budget nation wide. If as seems to be normal in Thailand these amounts roll uphill, where do you take a complaint? It would seem the only route would be above the Education Ministry, with them copied in on the formal complaint, along with the individuals and school involved. If a lawyer is involved, he/she should also know the avenue to have the local police copied in and even possibility a local newspaper, thus making the students parents aware of what is happening. It sounds like at least some of the teachers are willing to buck the system, just how far, is unknown. The initial battles against corruption thru out the world seem to have been started by the payees and those it affects most. I disagree with the concept that corrupt practices cannot change in Thailand, I foresee they will not, unless those affected make waves, and bring attention to their plight.