TCT Regulations And Changing Schools After Nine Years Of Teaching..

[sirchai]

Hello and Sawasdee khrap,

Trying to make it short. I taught English in LOS for nine years now, am on my second provisional and do not hold a degree in education.

My current waiver would be okay until next year in April, I'd even have a third one issued when staying at my current school. ( I'm working there for 3.5 years)

It's time for me to move on, I'm aware that many others here are dealing with similar problems regarding the provisional TL, or waiver letter.

I had sent a few e-mails to Khurusapa a few months ago, they wanted to see a degree in education. Then I wanted to enroll in a Master's in English on weekends for four years, but not even that is accredited by them.

Ive got loads of certificates, holding seminars for Thai school directors to preare them for upcoming ASEAN, various seminars for Thai English teachers, how to teach the language English most effectively, etc.

Now I found a school where I will start soon, will resign my still valid contract ( was made for three years) by the end of this month.

I know that I'll have to leave the country and apply for a Non-O, maybe a Non-O, if possible and then come back to start my new job.

It's a smaller school, where theyll first start an advanced English program this year, next year an EP. Such a chance as an experienced teacher doesn't run in too often and the school's located in the province of residence.

I know, when I come back from Laos, I'll have 90 days to sort all out, regarding my legal status by TCT, labor department, etc...

I've heard that quite a few times now that the TCT would issue provisional permits much easier than before, as no tests, or Thai culture awareness courses are provided right now.

I could tell my new school to change the job title into one that wouldn't necessarily need a TL, as the new position includes to build up the whole school set up, writing a new curriculum, that has to be approved by the MoE, etc...

I've contacted various Rajabhat universities, but none is offering a course on weekends to either upgrade my existing BA into one in education, or the opportunity to obtain a Master's in edu.

None of them are doing such a course, even if 1,000 foreigners would sign up for. Okay, that's Thailand. One doesnt have a guy with a PHD, the other one is offering Masters in English, which only helps Thais to find a better job and so on

Now I'm trying to figure out which option would be suitable in my situation, as I'll have to go to work to support my family and me. No possibility to do a full time degree.

Has anybody just recently heard of any changes at the Teachers' Council of Thailand regarding that matter?

I was even thinking to sign up for an online course, but not the lifetime experience one, even if that's true. Lol.

Any ideas that make sense would be deeply appreciated. Thanks a lot in advance. -

[sirchai]

Hello and Sawasdee khrap,

Dear mods, please remove my first post,when I posted it all sentences were put together. Thanks.

Trying to make it short. I taught English in LOS for nine years now, am on my second provisional and do not hold a degree in education.

My current waiver would be okay until next year in April, I'd even have a third one issued when staying at my current school.

( I'm working there for 3.5 years now)

It's time for me to move on, I'm aware that many others here are dealing with similar problems regarding the provisional TL, or waiver letter.

I had sent a few e-mails to Khurusapa a few months ago, they wanted to see a degree in education.

Then I wanted to enroll in a Master's in English on weekends for four years, but not even that is accredited by them.

I've got loads of certificates, holding seminars for Thai school directors to prepare them for upcoming ASEAN, various seminars for Thai English teachers, how to teach the language English most effectively.

I even have a certificate saying that I had been part of the King's rain making team..

Now I found a school where I will start soon, will resign my still valid contract ( was made for three years) by the end of this month.

I know that I'll have to leave the country and apply for a Non-O, maybe a Non-O, if possible and then come back to start my new job.

It's a smaller school, where they’ll first start an advanced English program this year, next year an EP. Such a chance as an experienced teacher doesn't run in too often and the school's located in the province of residence.

I know, when I come back from Laos, I'll have 90 days to sort all out, regarding my legal status by TCT, labor department, etc...

I've heard that quite a few times now that the TCT would issue provisional permits much easier than before, as no tests, or Thai culture awareness courses are provided right now.

I could tell my new school to change the job title into one that wouldn't necessarily need a TL, as the new position includes to build up the whole school set up, writing a new curriculum, that has to be approved by the MoE, etc...

I've contacted various Rajabhat universities, but none is offering a course on weekends to either upgrade my existing BA into one in education, or the opportunity to obtain a Master's in edu.

None of them are doing such a course, even if 1,000 foreigners would sign up for. Okay, that's Thailand. One doesn't have a guy with a PHD, the other one is offering Master’s in English, which only helps Thais to find a better job and so on……

Now I'm trying to figure out which option would be suitable in my situation, as I'll have to go to work to support my family and me.

No possibility to do a full time degree for me.

Has anybody just recently heard of any changes at the Teachers' Council of Thailand regarding that matter?

I was even thinking to sign up for an online course, but not the lifetime experience one, even if that's true. Lol.

Any ideas that make sense would be deeply appreciated. Thanks a lot in advance. -

Edited April 22, 2014 by sirchai

[Eddy B]

Nope! The Krusapa is sticking to their rules and not offering any teacher tests or culture course at the moment. A friend of mine is in the same situation and it is wrong. How can a government body set rules that people have no way to achieve? Only in Thailand can you find such a mess. This year schools will be without teachers, many Thai teachers retiring plus lack a of native English speakers..............ASEAN here we come

[Yooyung]

I would have thought that this http://www.elearning.au.edu/medtt/curriculum/course-description/ would fit the bill. I have looked into this course as have a few others on this forum. I dont see any reason why it would not meet the requirements. Its a bit pricey but considering you dont have to travel anywhere its not too bad. I am seriously looking into it. I want to wait a bit though, I still have a bit of time left on my waivers. I am hoping that sometime soon there will be an announcement about what the hell we have to do.....i am not holding my breath. I may still do this course regardless of what new plan they come up with.

Goodluck, a lot of people are in the same predicament.

[Mencken]

What I know to date is nothing has changed. Best possibility for 3rd waiver is with the school you completed 2nd with.

My hunch is they will put together a course for non Ed BA/S holders sometime before the coming of the 25 Thirthankar.

No degree is a dead end. I do not see Thailand ever producing a BAEd that will be approved by TCT unquestioned.

I'd be looking at online courses that will grant BA from fully accred school, nothing less.

My 2b

Edited April 22, 2014 by Mencken

[schondie]

As many teachers are facing the same situation with the third waiver (including myself). I'd like to just say that many schools are now changing the job titles of their teachers to sidestep the regulations of the Thai Teachers' Council.

My new school has contacted the Labour Department and they've okayed us to change job titles. I'll be employed as the EP Curriculum Manager / Writer.

Another teacher at a school in town was denied a third waiver so they gave him the title of EP Manager and he received his work permit last week without much fuss.

So I hope others in this situation are able to persuade their schools to change their job title and not worry too much.

It sounds like there's going to be backlash against the Council as many schools are already finding it extremely difficult to find new teachers and these regulations are making matters far worse.

[Scott]

I can't remove your first post, Sirchai. For technical reasons that post is the topic and removing it means there is no topic, so I have left it. I think everyone gets your drift. I will caution everyone that it is in an internet discussion forum and not a grammar/spelling exam.

I have advertised for teachers in a number of venues and I have found that the number of reasonable applicants is very, very low.

Best of luck to everyone in this position and please keep us posted about what is happening.

[Mencken]

Hello Scott -

What do you think is the reason for the low numbers?

Long hours, low pay, provs as low as 25-15k. BKK first contracts not much better.

TCT/WP hassles

Teachers washing out as last waiver expires

Many agencies have made the job unattractive and unrewarding

Onset of super dodgy contracts (no holidays, 10-11mos, no health, deductions, no wp, no visa, 20+ hrs...).

Maybe Thailand has exausted its goodwill and will need to up the ante.

This is really a job for marrieds on nonO visa any more, with addl income stream. Even with that, wp is a nightmare and TCT is throughly confused.

[sirchai]

Hello Scott -

What do you think is the reason for the low numbers?

Long hours, low pay, provs as low as 25-15k. BKK first contracts not much better.

TCT/WP hassles

Teachers washing out as last waiver expires

Many agencies have made the job unattractive and unrewarding

Onset of super dodgy contracts (no holidays, 10-11mos, no health, deductions, no wp, no visa, 20+ hrs...).

Maybe Thailand has exausted its goodwill and will need to up the ante.

This is really a job for marrieds on nonO visa any more, with addl income stream. Even with that, wp is a nightmare and TCT is throughly confused.

I'm in the strange situation that I started teaching six months too late, as I'd be already grandfathered with a TL.

A friend of mine, who's also hiring foreigners for his school, had five Cameroonians coming in uninvited yesterday, by a Thai woman who seems to make good money through them...

Unfortunately, all five of therm have a teacher's license from Khuruspa, the highest TOEIC score was 650. One had 399, but a teacher's license.

They can hardly communicate in English, nor write one proper sentence, but.............. ..

Same goes for so many Filipinos at several schools. I'd be okay until next year in April and would even receive a this\rd provisional, when I'm staying at my school.

I had sent quite a few e-mails to Khuruspa, all of them were so badly written that I had to read between the lines. But still don't know the exact meaning.

And that's an address of the English website. I know of many guys who're on a dodgy life experience degree and they do have a TL.

Do you really have to be a liar, document forger, etc..to continue working here? -

Edited April 23, 2014 by sirchai

[Scott]

I don't want to hijack this thread with a discussion of the number of applicants, but I think some comments are worth noting.

First, I think the political situation had a big impact on people coming to Thailand. There are usually a few new arrivals that fall in love with the country and decide to stay. Invariably, they will apply for teaching jobs. That pool of applicants basically dried up with the ongoing political crisis. Even though much of this only affected BKK, Thailand is BKK-centric and most people fly into BKK.

Second, a lot of the people who were able to get a visa and work permit in the past, simply can't. A huge pool of applicants have simply given up the struggle. I think quite a few have moved on to greener pastures. Those threats of red stamps in passports and crackdowns play on peoples nerves. A lot of people left. I know a few who have stayed but it is because they really don't have anything to go back to and they are really too old to start over, even in their home country.

Finally, the economy in most western countries is improving, so the attraction of working in a developing country for a low salary is not as attractive as it was.

Even the number of Filipino applicants is quite a bit lower than usual. The number of applicants from Africa is increasing (including White South Africans). The number of Eastern Europeans is a little higher.

Another factor might be that at times, the Thais are absolutely impossible to work for. When the number of applicants is low and we want to retain reasonably good teachers, they will have nothing to do with any attempt at making for a more pleasant work place.

[sirchai]

I don't want to hijack this thread with a discussion of the number of applicants, but I think some comments are worth noting.

First, I think the political situation had a big impact on people coming to Thailand. There are usually a few new arrivals that fall in love with the country and decide to stay. Invariably, they will apply for teaching jobs. That pool of applicants basically dried up with the ongoing political crisis. Even though much of this only affected BKK, Thailand is BKK-centric and most people fly into BKK.

Second, a lot of the people who were able to get a visa and work permit in the past, simply can't. A huge pool of applicants have simply given up the struggle. I think quite a few have moved on to greener pastures. Those threats of red stamps in passports and crackdowns play on peoples nerves. A lot of people left. I know a few who have stayed but it is because they really don't have anything to go back to and they are really too old to start over, even in their home country.

Finally, the economy in most western countries is improving, so the attraction of working in a developing country for a low salary is not as attractive as it was.

Even the number of Filipino applicants is quite a bit lower than usual. The number of applicants from Africa is increasing (including White South Africans). The number of Eastern Europeans is a little higher.

Another factor might be that at times, the Thais are absolutely impossible to work for. When the number of applicants is low and we want to retain reasonably good teachers, they will have nothing to do with any attempt at making for a more pleasant work place.

Some good points, Scott. I personally don't believe that the shortage of "qualified" teachers is low because of the current political situation.

What's strange to me is that many really experienced guys, who can just walk into a classroom and give good lessons without any preparation, are all in a sudden no more allowed to do so.

I remember when I'd started in 2005. Anybody who could speak some English was hired on the spot, no problems with work permit, nothing.

The newer regulation that applicants must have a degree in any field does make sense to me, as it shows that they went through a higher education.

I'd interviewed a few hundred of job seekers by now and it;s indeed hard to find a decent teacher right now. I know quite a few teaching positions, including my own.

I had to interview Indians, where I couldn't understand what they're trying to say. Cameroonians, who all graduated at the same university, signed by a professor with a German sounding name. And I mean all of them are holding the same fishy degrees.

Okay, to make a long story short. It seems to me that their new regulations are rubbish, who wants to get taught by people who can hardly speak, read, write in English. The fact that they're holding a Teacher's license doesn't make them to better teachers.

Now it's not about Thai racism, it's about completely wrong requirements for foreign teachers in Thailand.

For those who've got a family life's getting more complicated from year to year.Instead of making it easier for those who'd already shown their successful teaching ability should be a teacher's license granted. Plus a Thai passport to make all that nasty visa and work permit hassle gone.

A country that spends the most money for their educational system- we all know where the most cash is going to- combined with their loss of face attitude, the no fail joke and the kid beating problem.

I could write for hours what's wrong with this system, but all I'd like to point out is that nobody and i mean nobody at the Ministry of Education, nor at the TCT knows what problems the system is facing.

It goes on now for a few months that my salary's gone around the 25th each month. Everything has gotten so expensive, the Thai teachers have their three "evaluation periods" with an included pay raise. They usually push them to a higher position before they retire to have a better pension.

We foreigners pay in a good amount of money, but I've never heard of a foreigner who received a pension when 60. Which again shows how much we're being liked here.

They do know that they need us to teach languages, but they're acting like we're only here because we couldn't find employment back home So many, Thai teachers, but also Filipinos were asking me why I wouldn't like to make "big" money in Germany.

For many of them a dream country, for me now a nightmare. I think I'm too used to Thai life to go back, honestly speaking..

Then ASEAN knocking on the door doesn't make it better.-

Edited April 23, 2014 by sirchai

[Mencken]

Thanks Scott, I wasn't being snarky. It would be a huge contribution if you could update us on this "teacher shortage".

Sirchai, bro - you can come to bkk, I will buy you a beer and you can cry on my shoulder. There simply is no answer for you. Wait and work at it. Maybe try Bangkok, more jobs, more oppty maybe some school will get lucky and get a waiver pushed thru for you. My hunch is that is limited at best upcountry.

Sirchai's situation is both ironic and emblematic of the situation here. In other words, totally screwed up.

[sirchai]

Thanks Scott, I wasn't being snarky. It would be a huge contribution if you could update us on this "teacher shortage".

Sirchai, bro - you can come to bkk, I will buy you a beer and you can cry on my shoulder. There simply is no answer for you. Wait and work at it. Maybe try Bangkok, more jobs, more oppty maybe some school will get lucky and get a waiver pushed thru for you. My hunch is that is limited at best upcountry.

Sirchai's situation is both ironic and emblematic of the situation here. In other words, totally screwed up.

Thanks for the beer offer. Honestly, I'm always happy when I come back to Isaan from Bangkok. I couldn't live and work there. No way.

I had a chat my my still director and he offered me a higher salary. That doesn't make my decision easier now. They're also planning to set up an EP in the near future and need people like me to be successful.

What really bugs me is that they'll even issue a third waiver, if I'd stay here. But I can't get a waiver for the new school, as the second waiver is already"used."???

Okay, where the heck does that leave me? I'll have to borrow some cash to actually make a visa run, then 90 days to sort all out.

My five current foreign colleagues are so strange, as they speak their language all day long. Seems that they do that on purpose. Sure, a brother, sister, cousin, or so would replace me within a Nanosecond.

The kids they had for a year didn't learn anything how to speak in English. The Thai head and they communicate in finest baby English, she doesn't even know when they make huge mistakes.

But they're all good in licking the right asses. "Ajarn, Ajarn Ajarn..you look so beautiful, bla bla all day long to the head teacher. The only time they speak English.

But my chat with the director today showed me that he'd like to change many things. Only experienced native English speaking teachers, but then a starting salary of 25K????

I don't think that any of my Thai colleagues even have an idea how hard it is to post an add, then to stay in touch with so many people to finally interview them.

Thailand's school days. "Raise our flag, high sky high, embrace the pride in our heart, Asean we're bonded as one, looking out to the world...blabla"-

Edited April 23, 2014 by sirchai

[sirchai]

I've met quite a few teachers the last days and all are facing the same problems. A close relative passed away last night and I decided to stay where I am.

We'll be busy to help doing all the ceremonial preparations for the next three to four days.It's like a message to me to stay and continue working without TCT problems for the next three years.

No visa run, no change of school. Heading to the village now. My friend Hui isn't suffering anymore.

[Scott]

Sorry to hear about your relative. Your have my condolences.

I don't know that your decision to stay is the best decision, but it is the safest and the most practical. Gambling with your future when you have a family can get pretty risky.

[sirchai]

Sorry to hear about your relative. Your have my condolences.

I don't know that your decision to stay is the best decision, but it is the safest and the most practical. Gambling with your future when you have a family can get pretty risky.

Thanks a lot for your condolences. "Hui"s released now, as he had to suffer a lot.

I'd sign my new contract by tomorrow, but just found out that I'd applied there about 18 months ago, as I was still on my old passport.

What I'm trying to say is that they didn't get back to me when I'd actually applied for this position. Just curious why they phoned me at least 18 months later.

Something smells fishy here.

Better to swim in a pool with crocodiles, where you know that none has any teeth, then jumping into a lake full of Piranhas.

At least I've got the director of my current school on my side, a house on campus and I know where I am now. pay raise was promised by him and he usually keeps his word

If they change the regulations, it won't be a problem to find employment near my place of residence. Time will tell. And now time's on my side.

Thanks a lot for all advice, life's sometimes a sort of difficult and to hear others' opinions does help a lot. Cheers-

[mizzi39]

I have been teaching in the same EP for the past 7 years and I am now on my unofficial 4th waiver (official second) granted last month, since the TC only had me in their data base as having one. I am not sure if they even had a data base up to a few years ago.

I took the culture course during my first year of teaching and all 4 of the idiotic tests the following year, having passed one. I never even bothered retaking the three i didn't pass.Total waste of time IMO. I am good for another year (2 years if i decide to stay with my current school) though which is always a relief. Having a wife here and a 5 year old son, April is always stressful for me as I assume it is with many teachers here in the LOS., with WP and visa extension renewals.

My colleague was initially refused his third waiver, since he switched to our program midway through his first. The assistant director of our program had to go to the TC and petition on his behalf. he was finally granted his third waiver with the condition that he "improves" himself by signing up for a Master's in edu. I think Khurusapa frowns on teacher's who change schools without meeting their "requirements"

It is my understanding that .Khurusapa was set up to increase and monitor standards in Govt. schools. Instead they have been nothing but detrimental to the schools that they were designed to help. Totally disorganized with no standard of their own. The whole council should be shut down IMO. I mean, think of this logic. How can a organization like the TC, grant 2-3 waivers that are good for a period of 4-6 years and then suddenly tell a teacher that they are no longer "qualified" to teach in their system. It defies logic.

Thailand better start looking at more than increasing their so called "standards" if they want to retain foreign teachers With ASEAN just around the corner , not to mention other Asian countries that offer twice the salary plus attractive packages, I can't see teachers wanted to stay here (including myself) working in a substandard system. Time to wake up!

Edited April 29, 2014 by mizzi39

[sirchai]

I have been teaching in the same EP for the past 7 years and I am now on my unofficial 4th waiver (official second) granted last month, since the TC only had me in their data base as having one. I am not sure if they even had a data base up to a few years ago.

I took the culture course during my first year of teaching and all 4 of the idiotic tests the following year, having passed one. I never even bothered retaking the three i didn't pass.Total waste of time IMO. I am good for another year (2 years if i decide to stay with my current school) though which is always a relief. Having a wife here and a 5 year old son, April is always stressful for me as I assume it is with many teachers here in the LOS., with WP and visa extension renewals.

My colleague was initially refused his third waiver, since he switched to our program midway through his first. The assistant director of our program had to go to the TC and petition on his behalf. he was finally granted his third waiver with the condition that he "improves" himself by signing up for a Master's in edu. I think Khurusapa frowns on teacher's who change schools without meeting their "requirements"

It is my understanding that .Khurusapa was set up to increase and monitor standards in Govt. schools. Instead they have been nothing but detrimental to the schools that they were designed to help. Totally disorganized with no standard of their own. The whole council should be shut down IMO. I mean, think of this logic. How can a organization like the TC, grant 2-3 waivers that are good for a period of 4-6 years and then suddenly tell a teacher that they are no longer "qualified" to teach in their system. It defies logic.

Thailand better start looking at more than increasing their so called "standards" if they want to retain foreign teachers With ASEAN just around the corner , not to mention other Asian countries that offer twice the salary plus attractive packages, I can't see teachers wanted to stay here (including myself) working in a substandard system. Time to wake up!

I've been teaching here for nine years. Held seminars for directors, Thai English teachers, the usual AEAN and English camps scenarios and gained so many certificates, that's unbelievable.

The Thai culture test was done by me twice and I do know the differences of Somtham Laos and Thai style.

I think they started their “database” around three years ago. Here’s the link, where you can check on your status.

http://www.ksp.or.th/service/license_search.php

Fill in your full name in capital letters in the fourth row, then click the box in the third, you’ll see your status.

Yep, it’s a sort of questionable, when a guy who worked here for so many years, all in a sudden doesn’t qualify teaching anymore.

It seems that I do resign my job and go through the new visa hassle, TCT birdshit requirements, as I’ll be able to sleep in my own bed, not having two households anymore.

Almost all foreigners I’ve recently met are facing the same problems, including me. No money, a visa run, or extension waiting, many schools don’t reimburse you and 5 K is an amount that hits a family pretty hard.

I only drive a car, as I had some savings when I came to Thailand, don’t see too many foreign teachers with a car though.

Mt wife’s wish to build a house moved to an imaginary far away dream.

You’ve already pointed it out, the TCT should completely shut down and rebuild. Nothing makes sense, I’d sent a few e-mails, there’s not even somebody working for the foreign department able to write in easy English.

It’s not just incompetence at schools, it’s already at the top. So you’ll have to start at the top, but then look at Thaksin’s sister, they’re all loved by teachers and I know why. Financial reasons only.

The fact that I’d be already “grandfathered” with a TL makes me laugh and cry at the same time. I’d started exactly six months too late to fall under that radar.

I got some friends who’re also seeking English teachers, they’re facing the same problems. No qualified people around, as those who are will and do make decent money.

I always feel stupid when posting a job offering 25 K, but asking for a degree, teaching experience, etc.. but that’s also a reason to quit my 27.5 K/a month making bs job.

Have to blame my own stupidity, as I’d quit my job to work for an agency. Would I have stayed at my first school, I’d be on 38 K+ by now, Enough for me, even to save a few baht for some new buffaloes.But if you resign here, they'll never forgive you.

Just to let them find somebody who’s able to do what I’m doing, beside teaching. More and more agencies get their feet into school doors, with their “experienced native English speakers” from Cameroon, or Kirghistan.

And that’s how I see the outcome of the changes the Khuruspa had made. I don’t even mention the not having Thai citizenship, or equal rights to Thai teachers, as most of us work for government schools.No, we foreigners are different, we don't need skin whitener.

Thailand’s school days never seem to change. Oh, I forgot to send my 90 day report for Aliens in to Immigration,, but don’t have any money left..

Are tourist police volunteers allowed to buy guns? Just asking....

Glad that TVF has a good frequented“how to overstay your visa forum”.

Cheers.-

Edited April 29, 2014 by sirchai

[mizzi39]

I have been teaching in the same EP for the past 7 years and I am now on my unofficial 4th waiver (official second) granted last month, since the TC only had me in their data base as having one. I am not sure if they even had a data base up to a few years ago.

I took the culture course during my first year of teaching and all 4 of the idiotic tests the following year, having passed one. I never even bothered retaking the three i didn't pass.Total waste of time IMO. I am good for another year (2 years if i decide to stay with my current school) though which is always a relief. Having a wife here and a 5 year old son, April is always stressful for me as I assume it is with many teachers here in the LOS., with WP and visa extension renewals.

My colleague was initially refused his third waiver, since he switched to our program midway through his first. The assistant director of our program had to go to the TC and petition on his behalf. he was finally granted his third waiver with the condition that he "improves" himself by signing up for a Master's in edu. I think Khurusapa frowns on teacher's who change schools without meeting their "requirements"

It is my understanding that .Khurusapa was set up to increase and monitor standards in Govt. schools. Instead they have been nothing but detrimental to the schools that they were designed to help. Totally disorganized with no standard of their own. The whole council should be shut down IMO. I mean, think of this logic. How can a organization like the TC, grant 2-3 waivers that are good for a period of 4-6 years and then suddenly tell a teacher that they are no longer "qualified" to teach in their system. It defies logic.

Thailand better start looking at more than increasing their so called "standards" if they want to retain foreign teachers With ASEAN just around the corner , not to mention other Asian countries that offer twice the salary plus attractive packages, I can't see teachers wanted to stay here (including myself) working in a substandard system. Time to wake up!

I've been teaching here for nine years. Held seminars for directors, Thai English teachers, the usual AEAN and English camps scenarios and gained so many certificates, that's unbelievable.

The Thai culture test was done by me twice and I do know the differences of Somtham Laos and Thai style.

I think they started their “database” around three years ago. Here’s the link, where you can check on your status.

http://www.ksp.or.th/service/license_search.php

Fill in your full name in capital letters in the fourth row, then click the box in the third, you’ll see your status.

Yep, it’s a sort of questionable, when a guy who worked here for so many years, all in a sudden doesn’t qualify teaching anymore.

It seems that I do resign my job and go through the new visa hassle, TCT birdshit requirements, as I’ll be able to sleep in my own bed, not having two households anymore.

Almost all foreigners I’ve recently met are facing the same problems, including me. No money, a visa run, or extension waiting, many schools don’t reimburse you and 5 K is an amount that hits a family pretty hard.

I only drive a car, as I had some savings when I came to Thailand, don’t see too many foreign teachers with a car though.

Mt wife’s wish to build a house moved to an imaginary far away dream.

You’ve already pointed it out, the TCT should completely shut down and rebuild. Nothing makes sense, I’d sent a few e-mails, there’s not even somebody working for the foreign department able to write in easy English.

It’s not just incompetence at schools, it’s already at the top. So you’ll have to start at the top, but then look at Thaksin’s sister, they’re all loved by teachers and I know why. Financial reasons only.

The fact that I’d be already “grandfathered” with a TL makes me laugh and cry at the same time. I’d started exactly six months too late to fall under that radar.

I got some friends who’re also seeking English teachers, they’re facing the same problems. No qualified people around, as those who are will and do make decent money.

I always feel stupid when posting a job offering 25 K, but asking for a degree, teaching experience, etc.. but that’s also a reason to quit my 27.5 K/a month making bs job.

Have to blame my own stupidity, as I’d quit my job to work for an agency. Would I have stayed at my first school, I’d be on 38 K+ by now, Enough for me, even to save a few baht for some new buffaloes.But if you resign here, they'll never forgive you.

Just to let them find somebody who’s able to do what I’m doing, beside teaching. More and more agencies get their feet into school doors, with their “experienced native English speakers” from Cameroon, or Kirghistan.

And that’s how I see the outcome of the changes the Khuruspa had made. I don’t even mention the not having Thai citizenship, or equal rights to Thai teachers, as most of us work for government schools.No, we foreigners are different, we don't need skin whitener.

Thailand’s school days never seem to change. Oh, I forgot to send my 90 day report for Aliens in to Immigration,, but don’t have any money left..

Are tourist police volunteers allowed to buy guns? Just asking....

Glad that TVF has a good frequented“how to overstay your visa forum”.

Cheers.-

Cheers sirchai, yes i already checked my status with the TC last year, so i was already aware that I had "one" previous waiver. Anyone that works in a Govt.school is in the same boat unless they have a degree in edu., license from back in their home country or were fortunate enough to be grandfathered.

I really enjoy my job and that is why i have not bothered changing programs over these last 7 years. My pay is "acceptable". I have received a 2,000b per month per year increase since year two. My wife, son (who has dual citizenship) and myself have a placid family life, so I am not interested in relocating every few years like some.

What is getting tiring for me is jumping through hoops to stay legal here. I am certainly not interested in moving back to my home country, but I have often thought of taking my skills to a more lucrative Asian or middle eastern country, even if it means commuting from Thailand, because to actually save here on what Thailand pays is next to impossible. I am fortunate to have a little nest egg from home, but I try not to touch that as it's for my sons future. I am still 20 years from retirement age so not working is not an option.

It's not your fault that you are posting jobs for 25,000b or so a month. I personally couldn't live on that with a family of three, but a single person could make do. I don't mean to sound negative but i will say it as i see it. This country is just banking on a native white face and that's all so if they can get "Miss, or Mr. Native speaker" fresh off the boat and pay as little as they have to so be it. The trend nowadays as I am sure you are already aware is to hire from any of the hundreds of agencies out there regardless of ethics, where everyone gets a piece of the pie. It's just unfortunate the naive, newbie teacher usually ends up with the smallest piece.

There is a thread on this forum titled "Surely you must worry about it...." I can honestly say, no I never do! I never lose sleep over my teaching job. As much as I love teaching and the program I have been involved with for the past seven years, i realized a long time ago that teaching in this country aside from a few prestigious international schools is far from what one would consider a 'profession". Professions have standards.Most jobs in the LOS are just simple means to ends.

There are so many countries in this part of the world that pay generous for ESL teachers including benefits such as insurance and proper housing/allowance, so if one gets sick of the run around here, there are options else where. The only drawback would be being away from your family for a while until you could figure out a game plan to maximize your time together. Not uncommon at all.

I read an article 2 weeks ago about the "Top 10 countries to make bank as an ESL teachers" Not surprising Thailand didn't make the list, but hey they can sure talk a good game.