New To Thailand. Help Pls

[mr-chris]

Hi all

I'm now in Malaysia and a registered teacher of ESL. I have DETE Certs and TESOL Certs with distinctions.

If I apply for a job teaching in Thailand, will the Malaysian recognition i.e. Teaching License carry any weight when I apply.

I will be leaving my school behind in an attempt to better myself as a teacher in BKK. I have 5 years direct teaching experience and am considered a career teacher. (Not a tourist). I am in my late 40's.

[kenkannif]

Do you have a degree of any kind then?

[mr-chris]

Do you have a degree of any kind then?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have a copy of my Bachelors from Uni London but it is plastic sealed.

[mr-chris]

Having said that, the Malay autorities checked it out (fully) and were pleased.

Would I be better off setting up my own school again and if so, would it have to be registered as a 'Limited Company' or is there a lesser registration I could use?

Edited November 9, 2005 by mr-chris

[Ijustwannateach]

If you've got enough money to set up a company with enough capitalisation to get a work permit, and you know enough Thais that you trust not to take all the money and run, then go for it- although I think it's a bit expensive to do so just to be able to work here as an English teacher.

I think you need to do some research on this site, because things might not work quite the same way here as you are used to. Read all the "Questions About Qual." above, especially the set of links to useful threads at the end, which includes some of the paperwork and red tape issues. Then you might have a better handle on what kinds of questions to ask.

"Steven"

[mr-chris]

Any idea on how much I'll need to bring with me?

[Ijustwannateach]

If it's a company you want with work-permit granting ability, I believe it's in the millions of baht which need to be tied up in capitalisation. Schools are even more complicated- but I'm not so sure about all the details- check the general visa section for people who know more about this.

[kenkannif]

^ Different for a school in regards to capital I think and staff ratio to get a WP.

Your skin colour though (sad but true) will make it harder for you to find work, but a lot more schools are starting to appreciate well qualified non-native teachers.

[mr-chris]

Hey! I'm a thorough-bred white brit. What's wrong with that?

[kenkannif]

Sorry I read it as you're a Malaysian (as opposed to coming from Malaysia...but not being one)....my apologies.

You'll be fine mate. Come over and check everything out.

[mr-chris]

You'll be fine mate. Come over and check everything out.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If I come on a tourist visa and decide to 'go with it', will I be able to upgrade the visa later in BKK or will I have to return to "H,ell" to get a nonimgb visa?

H,ell being my pet name for Msia,

[kenkannif]

It can in theory be converted (if it's a proper tourist Visa) to a Non-imm B, although your employer might not know this and might ask you to go and get a Non-imm B....but even then you don't have to go to Malaysia, Singapore is cool.

[kenkannif]

And while I'm not a massive fan of the swear filter, please don't try (succeed actually) to circumvent it by adding a comma....it's there for a reason mate!

Thanks!

[mr-chris]

point taken about language. I didn't think that was too hard but kept it broken to disguise it should a Thai look in.

Here, it is just one of those words one can't use. (But I do, ha ha ha haaaa!)

[Ijustwannateach]

You mad thing, you!

[mijan24]

Have you been to Thailand before?

[kenkannif]

From a different thread:

Here's a story for you.

I lived in BKK back in 95-96. I learned of a guy who learned to speak Thai so fluently, he was often mistaken for a Thai when calling people on the phone or from behind.

So yes he has mate

[mr-chris]

Yes I have as above points out. Why?

[mijan24]

Yes I have as above points out. Why?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No reason just naturally inquisitive did not mean anything by it except to gauge the level of advice you may or may-not need.

You post "New to Thailand" seemed to indicate never having been here before.

Yet - I lived in BKK back in 95-96. I learned of a guy who learned to speak Thai so fluently, he was often mistaken for a Thai when calling people on the phone or from behind.

With this in mind some of your questions re visas and wages are also clouding the scene for me at least.

No malice just inquisitive - for example you stated you have had " 5 years direct teaching experience and are considered a career teacher. (Not a tourist).

It may assist for TV members to help if you provided a few details about yourself apart from the 5 years direct teaching experience. Being in your late 40's you must have other fields of experience too.

I'll throw the ball back to you!

[mr-chris]

Do a search for me after visiting my profile. I've not always been a teacher but I'm sure you'll find what is available via any of the major search engines, how should I put this, INTeRESTING!

I'm nearing my 50's and (Okay, 48!) and interested in either working in BKK or setting up my own business.

I was partly responsible for (Opps Manager) 'Drgaon Express Courier' of Bangkok back in 1996.

I have been involved with a Thai lady and we had a wonderful son, now 12 years old and still in BKK having been born in the UK. Another reason to return.

I am currently the owner of <edited out...KK>in Malaysia. Work? Not me. I just do the other thing, I think it is called "play"!

Back to you.

PS. I've been away from BKK for over 10 years. Bkk then and Bkk now must be two different places ... !

Edited November 10, 2005 by kenkannif

[kenkannif]

^ Are you sure you want to put all that info on here as it pretty much tells everyone who you are?

I can edit it out for you if you like?

[mr-chris]

okay, as you like sir!

[mijan24]

Do a search for me after visiting my profile. I've not always been a teacher but I'm sure you'll find what is available via any of the major search engines, how should I put this, INTeRESTING!

PS. I've been away from BKK for over 10 years. Bkk then and Bkk now must be two different places ... !

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

mr-chris just the info Been here before but that was 10 years ago paints enough of a picture, for up-todate info to be provided.

I like your play with words - and would add your style in responding is very refreshing - not arcing up just sensible dialogue.

Regards

Mijan24

[mr-chris]

Thanks Peeun.

I guess it comes as part and parcell of my 'other' job.

'JOB' JUST OFF the BOTTOM of the barrel.

Wishing you a wonderful day. Come back anytime for this applies to 'any' day.

Chris

Edited November 12, 2005 by mr-chris