Renewal of Work Permit, No TCT Permission?

[BruceMangosteen]

I have it on good authority, applications without a specific letter aka "waiver" or TL from the TCT itself will result in the WP renewal being denied/pending. I'm not sure if this is in all areas of the country but was advised "it's the law" by a teacher in this situation. A letter from the school Director wasn't enough, no matter what said letter said. No TCT waiver(meaning of course no TL either), no extension. I would anticipate a lot of schools around the country are going to find themselves without teachers legally "employed" at the start of next term. The above outlined example relates to a Government school.

What does this mean?

What should the long term teacher do or say?

In a related story, another farang I know who was legally employed (at a business) with a Work Permit and paid taxes etc. found to his shock he was entitled to a Social Security lump sum payment after only six years of service. Anyone heard of this? (she did resign and was under the age of 60)

[SlyAnimal]

I don't know much about your social security question, however in regards to the TCT letter, this has been a requirement for a while, just some DoL offices have been a bit lax in enforcing it.

[sirchai]

I have it on good authority, applications without a specific letter aka "waiver" or TL from the TCT itself will result in the WP renewal being denied/pending. I'm not sure if this is in all areas of the country but was advised "it's the law" by a teacher in this situation. A letter from the school Director wasn't enough, no matter what said letter said. No TCT waiver(meaning of course no TL either), no extension. I would anticipate a lot of schools around the country are going to find themselves without teachers legally "employed" at the start of next term. The above outlined example relates to a Government school.

The TCT “waiver” letter, or “provisional” teacher’s license will be issued twice. That gives everybody four years of teaching.

Whatever a director will send to TCT. He/she can’t change the existing law. But those who’re teaching already can do an online course, or attend at a university on weekends to gain a BA, or Master’s in education.

It’s also possible to go for the tests in Bangkok.

What does this mean?

What should the long term teacher do or say?

In a related story, another farang I know who was legally employed (at a business) with a Work Permit and paid taxes etc. found to his shock he was entitled to a Social Security lump sum payment after only six years of service. Anyone heard of this? (she did resign and was under the age of 60)

**** Edited by SlyAnimal ****

Please be aware that it’s your right to get the money back you paid in. A visit will show how much money he/she paid in, when it’s available to receive, etc..

It has nothing to do with who ended the employment. Good luck.-

[BruceMangosteen]

**** Edited by SlyAnimal ****

Back on point, the "money paid in" is exactly what? Most schools deduct 750baht from the teachers wage monthly, match that with another 750baht, and make the "social" payment. Are you saying some of this isn't for health care and foreigners are entitled so some of it back upon termination of employment?

[aidenai]

The TCT requirements were enforced for Immigration in 2008 (see Police Order 777/2551). For Labour, the rules became enforced in 2010 ( see WP.1 and WP.5 documentation).

[sirchai]

**** Edited by SlyAnimal ****

You, or he/she should go to the local social security office and they'll show you the amount that was paid in. There's a law stating that you have to be 55, or so to have access to the money.

I wasn't there for many years, so please just tell her/him that he/she should go and visit the social security department. Guten Tag.-

[SlyAnimal]

Some posts have been edited, along with replies (Normally I'd remove all, however you've both also contributed useful information in your posts)

Racism and insults have no place on these forums.

Please stay on topic, as this is a genuine question from the OP (And I'm also quite interested in the answers myself re: social security, as I don't currently know much about this topic).

[sirchai]

I'm trying to recall what they'd said a few years ago. Well, you're entitled to receive 500 baht for each child/month, they pay 500 baht a year for any dentist expenses, plus a part of your salary, if you lose your job. I think it goes up to one year to receive around 12 K.

When I was there with my wife, they printed all out and told me that I'd be entitled to take the money out, completely, also the cash that came from schools.

But the flood last year destroyed not just my furniture, most documents are gone.Glad that I had my degree and all other important stuff in a folder at school

But I'll visit them soon, as I'd like to know how much I paid in so far, plus how I'll continue once I stop teaching.As far as I remember you can.ask for the whole amount , but you have to be 55 years old. Will keep you up to date. -

[Tywais]

**** Edited by SlyAnimal ****

Back on point, the "money paid in" is exactly what? Most schools deduct 750baht from the teachers wage monthly, match that with another 750baht, and make the "social" payment. Are you saying some of this isn't for health care and foreigners are entitled so some of it back upon termination of employment?

Equal portions are paid into SS by the employee, employer and the government. The following is what the contributions go to. In the case of the OP, a lump sum is not available due to not having 180 months of paying into the system and not reaching the age of 55. At 60, a lump sum is possible.

Section 54. An insured person or a person under section 73 shall be entitled to receive the following benefits from the Fund:

(1) injury or sickness benefits;

(2) maternity benefits;

(3) invalidity benefits;

(4) death benefits;

(5) child benefits;

(6) old-age benefits;

(7) unemployment benefits except for an insured person under section 39.

Full social security act .pdf

[sirchai]

**** Edited by SlyAnimal ****

Back on point, the "money paid in" is exactly what? Most schools deduct 750baht from the teachers wage monthly, match that with another 750baht, and make the "social" payment. Are you saying some of this isn't for health care and foreigners are entitled so some of it back upon termination of employment?

Equal portions are paid into SS by the employee, employer and the government. The following is what the contributions go to. In the case of the OP, a lump sum is not available due to not having 180 months of paying into the system and not reaching the age of 55. At 60, a lump sum is possible.

Section 54. An insured person or a person under section 73 shall be entitled to receive the following benefits from the Fund:

(1) injury or sickness benefits;

(2) maternity benefits;

(3) invalidity benefits;

(4) death benefits;

(5) child benefits;

(6) old-age benefits;

(7) unemployment benefits except for an insured person under section 39.

Full social security act .pdf

Thanks a lot for this excellent file.I was always trying to get my wife, eventually our son into this insurance to enable them to go to the hospital in Ubon I had chosen. Is there a chance to get at least my wife in?

Fact is that a Thai teacher married to a foreigner can easily bring her husband into the system and he can enjoy free healthcare.

People at my school told me that this wouldn't work for foreigners, but when reading this, it should be possible. Or am I wrong now.

Please see section 58. Would I be not entitled to bring my wife in then it could be a reason to seek a court order. Can anyone shed some light on this, please?

Are there foreigners married to Thais where the Thai wives are insured through them? Thanks for any input.

Section 58. In case the benefits under this Act are medical services, an insured person or his or her spouse shall receive such services from the hospitals or other places rendering medical services as prescribed under section 59.

[puchooay]

It has nothing to do with being a foreigner.

There are two types of teachers in Thailand. Those that are employed by the government and those employed by schools directly.

Those that are employed by the government are in different schemes. The government scheme allows for family members to be covered too.

[sirchai]

It has nothing to do with being a foreigner.

There are two types of teachers in Thailand. Those that are employed by the government and those employed by schools directly.

Those that are employed by the government are in different schemes. The government scheme allows for family members to be covered too.

There're two types of teachers, who pay into the same social security. But the ones who are directly employed by schools all have a non existing 14 digit social security number.

I found that out when a friend of mine tried to get some information about my status online, typed in my number, bur I don't really exist.

A phone call didn't make it easier, as the insurance office told the guy that there'd also be my passport number, which isn't true.

This number is pretty similar to an American social security one, where you get all the information is readable about you. Sorry, not for us.

So all foreigners who're hired directly pay in an insurance they are not entitled to use properly? Why can't foreigners have their Thai spouses under the same coat as their Thai colleagues?

[Mario2008]

Puchooay is pointing out that there are different healthcare schemes.

The one for government employees, including teachers at government schools, includes the spouse, children (while under the gage of 20) and the parents of the government employee.

The health care scheme under the social security program I don't know.

And than there is the so called 30 baht health care scheme.

[Issangeorge]

I was on social security for 11 months, my contract wasn't renewed so I went to the SS office to see if I could continue to pay on my own. Unfortunately you have to have been enrolled for 12 months to do this, but they did refund what I had paid. I suggest that anyone who qualifies to continue the insurance and plans on staying in Thailand does this, it is the cheapest medical insurance you will find.

Sent from my i-mobile IQ X using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[lostinisaan]

I paid in for three years, then worked for an agency, but continued paying in the minimum which is about 300 baht only, with full coverage.

Noe I payed in another 3.5 years and will continue doing so. If I'd decide to quit working, I'd always continue to pay in.

You're right, there's no cheaper version of full coverage insurance.

[sirchai]

I paid in for three years, then worked for an agency, but continued paying in the minimum which is about 300 baht only, with full coverage.

Noe I payed in another 3.5 years and will continue doing so. If I'd decide to quit working, I'd always continue to pay in.

You're right, there's no cheaper version of full coverage insurance.

Even worth to pay in when leaving the country for six months.Had them pay for a hospital bill that was more than I ever payed in, as the motorcycle insurance only covers 12 K.

[lostinisaan]

I paid in for three years, then worked for an agency, but continued paying in the minimum which is about 300 baht only, with full coverage.

Noe I payed in another 3.5 years and will continue doing so. If I'd decide to quit working, I'd always continue to pay in.

You're right, there's no cheaper version of full coverage insurance.

Even worth to pay in when leaving the country for six months.Had them pay for a hospital bill that was more than I ever payed in, as the motorcycle insurance only covers 12 K.

My school "takes Care Of My Dead Body" is in my contract. Got it twice though.The other death is covered by the Social Security. Harrrrr-

[attrayant]

The TCT “waiver” letter, or “provisional” teacher’s license will be issued twice. That gives everybody four years of teaching.

I'd like to bring this back to the front burner. So what happens at the four year mark if a teacher hasn't gotten an education degree? Is that the end of his teaching career in Thailand?

It really makes no sense - a teacher gets loads of experience and becomes a highly seasoned professional, then gets the boot after four years so the school can hire a new foreigner who is wet behind the ears and must get a waiver since he most likely also does not have an education degree.

So either way the TCT is going to be issuing a waiver. The question is: should the experiences teacher get it or the newbie?

[Eddy B]

The TCT. Krusapa system is flawed as it was designed in TIT. The Krusapa are still inforcing the teacher licence and all the other bench marks that people need to reach but there is no where to do this for over 6 months. The Thai culture courses have been suspended, the tests have been suspended............. I know of many people that have lived here for about six years or more, and now have roots here are feeling the pinch just because Krusapa have not thought this through. Maybe when all this political BS has finally been resolved some of the bigwigs down in BKK at TCT will pull their heads out of their backsides and realise that Thailand is way, way behind the other ASEAN countries not only regarding English language but all subjects and that their system is counter-productive for schools and students. I am sure others will jump down my throat about how they attended tests and others were to lazy but if you have not completed all of the three tests your times will be up also shortly. Keep that in mind! Cheers and a Happy and safe Songkran to all!!

[kwestroc]

What if you were granted a provisional teacher's license last year and are working at the same school this year and need your work permit extended? Does TCT need to be involved at all? My provisional license should still be valid for this year right, if I just got last year?

[Eddy B]

You get two years per waiver as long as you are at the same school. If you change schools you have to re-apply with the Krusapa. If you take a culture test you can get two more years or start taking the tests set by Krusapa. As I mentioned before everything has been suspended test wise but not what immigration/ Labour office want. This year or next the <deleted> will hit the fan, as no one unless they are full licenced or are doing a M of Education right now will not qualifiy under the rules set by some complete fat-head in BKK. This is my honest look at this situation, maybe someone has a different set of glasses then me.

[kwestroc]

You get two years per waiver as long as you are at the same school. If you change schools you have to re-apply with the Krusapa. If you take a culture test you can get two more years or start taking the tests set by Krusapa. As I mentioned before everything has been suspended test wise but not what immigration/ Labour office want. This year or next the <deleted> will hit the fan, as no one unless they are full licenced or are doing a M of Education right now will not qualifiy under the rules set by some complete fat-head in BKK. This is my honest look at this situation, maybe someone has a different set of glasses then me.

Thanks Eddy!