Prospects for teaching jobs in Kantharalak?

[Dorion]

Hi All. I will be moving with wife and daughter to one of the villages near Kanthralak in September/October (I had lived there for a couple of summers) and am wondering if anyone with local teaching experience can fill me in on the job market for an English teacher. I am a 63-year-old American who recently retired from the New York City Dept. of Ed. I have a Masters in education - literacy to be exact - and taught English Language Arts/History for 13 years in Manhattan schools. I'm looking for either part time or full time work as an English teacher. Also I taught (voluntarily with no work permit) one summer in a village school. Did I need a work permit for voluntary work on just a tourist visa? No-one at the school asked about a work permit.

[BKKSnowBird]

You do need a WP to volunteer but often overlooked. Sorry don't know much about that area but you will likely not get legal work at your age.

[HeijoshinCool]

You could contact AYC in Bangkok. They will hire you as a "substitute" teacher and pay 1000 baht per day, plus certain expenses, payable every week. Or hire you on contract at 30k per month, paid once a month.

But I would not trust being paid once a month, if I were you.

63 is not a barrier at all, with your credentials.

[DILLIGAD]

I know a number of teachers fairly near to Kanthralak. If you intend to teach, insist they organise a WP & "B"visa. A thai will say that you don't need it because they have no experience of living as a farang in Thailand. From personal experience, I would suggest you forget about the idea of "part time" because the western perception is nothing like the Thai understanding of part time. You might find yourself doing the same hours with less benefits/pay. Do NOT expect educators to be above corruption.

[Issangeorge]

Forget the B Visa, it ties you to the school. Come over on a Non Immigrant O Visa, then before your 90 days are up apply for an extension based on either marriage, or retirement. With your qualifications, I would think you would get a job easy enough, and would have no problem getting a work permit. If teaching in a district town or provincial city, I would get a work permit. If at a village school, I wouldn't worry to much about it, but get one if the school will help you. Before you come get a police certificate that says you have no record, you may need it for the work permit.

[TerryLH]

"Come over on a Non Immigrant O Visa, then before your 90 days are up apply for an extension based on either marriage, or retirement."

The non O is a good idea, but only if you can extend it for marriage. Most Labor Offices won't issue WP's to those on retirement visas / extensions.

[DILLIGAD]

"Come over on a Non Immigrant O Visa, then before your 90 days are up apply for an extension based on either marriage, or retirement."

The non O is a good idea, but only if you can extend it for marriage. Most Labor Offices won't issue WP's to those on retirement visas / extensions.

Quite correct on all points. I believe when you are on a retirement extension, your passport is stamped "work is not permitted"

[96tehtarp]

Forget the B Visa, it ties you to the school. Come over on a Non Immigrant O Visa, then before your 90 days are up apply for an extension based on either marriage, or retirement. With your qualifications, I would think you would get a job easy enough, and would have no problem getting a work permit. If teaching in a district town or provincial city, I would get a work permit. If at a village school, I wouldn't worry to much about it, but get one if the school will help you. Before you come get a police certificate that says you have no record, you may need it for the work permit.

OP: Good luck with your teaching in Thailand ambitions. Please do remember you will never change a single thing here.

The visa situation has already been mentioned in this thread a couple of times. I'll try to clarify.

If you get a Non-Immigrant "B" visa with documentation provided by your employer, then get a work-permit, then get a one year extension based on employment you will be OK. That's until you quit your job. Once you quit your job you will have to leave the country immediately and everything, (visa, work permit) is cancelled.

If you get a Non-Immigrant "O" visa based on retirement you cannot apply for and be granted a work-permit.

If you get a Non-Immigrant "O" visa based on your being married to a Thai national you can apply for a work-permit and get one. If you quit your job, your visa and its extension is not cancelled and you don't need to leave the country. On this type of visa you can switch employers, and have multiple employers and work permits.

Once again, good luck with your ambitions.

[DILLIGAD]

Forget the B Visa, it ties you to the school. Come over on a Non Immigrant O Visa, then before your 90 days are up apply for an extension based on either marriage, or retirement. With your qualifications, I would think you would get a job easy enough, and would have no problem getting a work permit. If teaching in a district town or provincial city, I would get a work permit. If at a village school, I wouldn't worry to much about it, but get one if the school will help you. Before you come get a police certificate that says you have no record, you may need it for the work permit.

As you can only get a "B" extension for the term of your contract, it "ties you to the school" no more than the contact.

I cannot see a problem with doing this the right way.

[BKKSnowBird]

I didn't think you can get a WP if over 60?

[Dorion]

You do need a WP to volunteer but often overlooked. Sorry don't know much about that area but you will likely not get legal work at your age.

Hmm .. thanks. Seems to conflict though with what others are saying regarding age and a work permit.

[Dorion]

You could contact AYC in Bangkok. They will hire you as a "substitute" teacher and pay 1000 baht per day, plus certain expenses, payable every week. Or hire you on contract at 30k per month, paid once a month. 63 is not a barrier at all, with your credentials.

But I would not trust being paid once a month, if I were you.

Thanks much! I hope that it's true that being 63 is not a barrier. Another poster said it would not be a barrier due to my credentials and I think he was a 68-year-old teacher so it sounds like you are correct.

[Dorion]

I know a number of teachers fairly near to Kanthralak. If you intend to teach, insist they organise a WP & "B"visa. A thai will say that you don't need it because they have no experience of living as a farang in Thailand. From personal experience, I would suggest you forget about the idea of "part time" because the western perception is nothing like the Thai understanding of part time. You might find yourself doing the same hours with less benefits/pay. Do NOT expect educators to be above corruption.

Sound advice. Thanks.

[Dorion]

Forget the B Visa, it ties you to the school. Come over on a Non Immigrant O Visa, then before your 90 days are up apply for an extension based on either marriage, or retirement. With your qualifications, I would think you would get a job easy enough, and would have no problem getting a work permit. If teaching in a district town or provincial city, I would get a work permit. If at a village school, I wouldn't worry to much about it, but get one if the school will help you. Before you come get a police certificate that says you have no record, you may need it for the work permit.

Thanks. This info comports with my own research but what is new to me from you and other posters is that the prospects for getting a teaching job at 63-64 years old are good in the Kantharalak district so long as the credentials are solid. Over the past year or so I had been focusing on Phuket and Bangkok and had nearly ruled out living in my wife's village near Kantharalak due to what I semi-concluded were low job opportunities. And thanks for reminding me about the police certificate.

Also, would you suggest using a law firm such as Siam Legal ($750 US) to go through the o-visa and marriage visa or is this a relatively easy thing to do on my own?

[DILLIGAD]

Forget the B Visa, it ties you to the school. Come over on a Non Immigrant O Visa, then before your 90 days are up apply for an extension based on either marriage, or retirement. With your qualifications, I would think you would get a job easy enough, and would have no problem getting a work permit. If teaching in a district town or provincial city, I would get a work permit. If at a village school, I wouldn't worry to much about it, but get one if the school will help you. Before you come get a police certificate that says you have no record, you may need it for the work permit.

Thanks. This info comports with my own research but what is new to me from you and other posters is that the prospects for getting a teaching job at 63-64 years old are good in the Kantharalak district so long as the credentials are solid. Over the past year or so I had been focusing on Phuket and Bangkok and had nearly ruled out living in my wife's village near Kantharalak due to what I semi-concluded were low job opportunities. And thanks for reminding me about the police certificate.

Also, would you suggest using a law firm such as Siam Legal ($750 US) to go through the o-visa and marriage visa or is this a relatively easy thing to do on my own?

A couple of thoughts here.....

1) Have you considered a compromise of living within travelling distance to family but in a bigger town with more opportunities ( Ubon/Sisaket/Surin)

2)there might be opportunities but I don't remember anyone saying "Good". Apologies if I am wrong.

3) I know over 60y. Olds with WP"s.

4) your local Imm Office is very helpful so why pay others.

5) you may get double pay in the provincial cities that you mentioned.

These are in no particular order but if I were you, I'd strongly consider No. 1

Best of luck and maybe see you some time in Norbert's place in Kantharalak.

[Dorion]

You could contact AYC in Bangkok. They will hire you as a "substitute" teacher and pay 1000 baht per day, plus certain expenses, payable every week. Or hire you on contract at 30k per month, paid once a month.

But I would not trust being paid once a month, if I were you.

63 is not a barrier at all, with your credentials.

Thanks so much. I contacted AYC.

[ubonjoe]

lso, would you suggest using a law firm such as Siam Legal ($750 US) to go through the o-visa and marriage visa or is this a relatively easy thing to do on my own?

You can do it yourself without a problem. That law firm is not one I would recommend.

You can get the non-o visa based upon ,marriage before leaving the states without a problem. The consulate in New York city would probably be a good choice for you.

Then apply for the extension of stay (not a marriage visa) based upon marriage at you local immigration office during the last 30 days of the 90 day entry the visa will give you. You will need 400k baht in a Thai bank in your name only for 2 months or proof of an income of 40k baht by way of an income affidavit from the US embassy.

[Dorion]

Forget the B Visa, it ties you to the school. Come over on a Non Immigrant O Visa, then before your 90 days are up apply for an extension based on either marriage, or retirement. With your qualifications, I would think you would get a job easy enough, and would have no problem getting a work permit. If teaching in a district town or provincial city, I would get a work permit. If at a village school, I wouldn't worry to much about it, but get one if the school will help you. Before you come get a police certificate that says you have no record, you may need it for the work permit.

Thanks. This info comports with my own research but what is new to me from you and other posters is that the prospects for getting a teaching job at 63-64 years old are good in the Kantharalak district so long as the credentials are solid. Over the past year or so I had been focusing on Phuket and Bangkok and had nearly ruled out living in my wife's village near Kantharalak due to what I semi-concluded were low job opportunities. And thanks for reminding me about the police certificate.

Also, would you suggest using a law firm such as Siam Legal ($750 US) to go through the o-visa and marriage visa or is this a relatively easy thing to do on my own?

A couple of thoughts here.....

1) Have you considered a compromise of living within travelling distance to family but in a bigger town with more opportunities ( Ubon/Sisaket/Surin)

2)there might be opportunities but I don't remember anyone saying "Good". Apologies if I am wrong.

3) I know over 60y. Olds with WP"s.

4) your local Imm Office is very helpful so why pay others.

5) you may get double pay in the provincial cities that you mentioned.

These are in no particular order but if I were you, I'd strongly consider No. 1

Best of luck and maybe see you some time in Norbert's place in Kantharalak.

Great advice. Thanks again. Will look you up at Norbert's Place.

[Dorion]

lso, would you suggest using a law firm such as Siam Legal ($750 US) to go through the o-visa and marriage visa or is this a relatively easy thing to do on my own?

You can do it yourself without a problem. That law firm is not one I would recommend.

You can get the non-o visa based upon ,marriage before leaving the states without a problem. The consulate in New York city would probably be a good choice for you.

Then apply for the extension of stay (not a marriage visa) based upon marriage at you local immigration office during the last 30 days of the 90 day entry the visa will give you. You will need 400k baht in a Thai bank in your name only for 2 months or proof of an income of 40k baht by way of an income affidavit from the US embassy.

Very helpful. Thanks. Isn't it 400,000 in a Thai bank or 40,000/month or a combination of both?

[Dorion]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Forget the B Visa, it ties you to the school. Come over on a Non Immigrant O Visa, then before your 90 days are up apply for an extension based on either marriage, or retirement. With your qualifications, I would think you would get a job easy enough, and would have no problem getting a work permit. If teaching in a district town or provincial city, I would get a work permit. If at a village school, I wouldn't worry to much about it, but get one if the school will help you. Before you come get a police certificate that says you have no record, you may need it for the work permit.

Thanks. This info comports with my own research but what is new to me from you and other posters is that the prospects for getting a teaching job at 63-64 years old are good in the Kantharalak district so long as the credentials are solid. Over the past year or so I had been focusing on Phuket and Bangkok and had nearly ruled out living in my wife's village near Kantharalak due to what I semi-concluded were low job opportunities. And thanks for reminding me about the police certificate.
Also, would you suggest using a law firm such as Siam Legal ($750 US) to go through the o-visa and marriage visa or is this a relatively easy thing to do on my own?

A couple of thoughts here.....
1) Have you considered a compromise of living within travelling distance to family but in a bigger town with more opportunities ( Ubon/Sisaket/Surin)
2)there might be opportunities but I don't remember anyone saying "Good". Apologies if I am wrong.
3) I know over 60y. Olds with WP"s.
4) your local Imm Office is very helpful so why pay others.
5) you may get double pay in the provincial cities that you mentioned.

These are in no particular order but if I were you, I'd strongly consider No. 1
Best of luck and maybe see you some time in Norbert's place in Kantharalak.

Thanks to all for your help!

[DILLIGAD]

lso, would you suggest using a law firm such as Siam Legal ($750 US) to go through the o-visa and marriage visa or is this a relatively easy thing to do on my own?

You can do it yourself without a problem. That law firm is not one I would recommend.

You can get the non-o visa based upon ,marriage before leaving the states without a problem. The consulate in New York city would probably be a good choice for you.

Then apply for the extension of stay (not a marriage visa) based upon marriage at you local immigration office during the last 30 days of the 90 day entry the visa will give you. You will need 400k baht in a Thai bank in your name only for 2 months or proof of an income of 40k baht by way of an income affidavit from the US embassy.

Very helpful. Thanks. Isn't it 400,000 in a Thai bank or 40,000/month or a combination of both?

No! The combination option is only for a retirement extension, not Marriage.

[ubonjoe]

lso, would you suggest using a law firm such as Siam Legal ($750 US) to go through the o-visa and marriage visa or is this a relatively easy thing to do on my own?

You can do it yourself without a problem. That law firm is not one I would recommend.

You can get the non-o visa based upon ,marriage before leaving the states without a problem. The consulate in New York city would probably be a good choice for you.

Then apply for the extension of stay (not a marriage visa) based upon marriage at you local immigration office during the last 30 days of the 90 day entry the visa will give you. You will need 400k baht in a Thai bank in your name only for 2 months or proof of an income of 40k baht by way of an income affidavit from the US embassy.

Very helpful. Thanks. Isn't it 400,000 in a Thai bank or 40,000/month or a combination of both?

There is no combination for an extension based upon marriage. I know exactly which website where you found that incorrect information.

A combination is only allowed for an extension based upon retirement.

[Dorion]

lso, would you suggest using a law firm such as Siam Legal ($750 US) to go through the o-visa and marriage visa or is this a relatively easy thing to do on my own?

You can do it yourself without a problem. That law firm is not one I would recommend.

You can get the non-o visa based upon ,marriage before leaving the states without a problem. The consulate in New York city would probably be a good choice for you.

Then apply for the extension of stay (not a marriage visa) based upon marriage at you local immigration office during the last 30 days of the 90 day entry the visa will give you. You will need 400k baht in a Thai bank in your name only for 2 months or proof of an income of 40k baht by way of an income affidavit from the US embassy.

Very helpful. Thanks. Isn't it 400,000 in a Thai bank or 40,000/month or a combination of both?

No! The combination option is only for a retirement extension, not Marriage.

Thanks for that important clarification!

[Issangeorge]

Ok, everybody seems to think that you cannot get a work permit, while on an extension of stay due to retirement and that you cannot get a work permit if over 60. First I know many people who have got work permits aged over 60, me being one of them. Two I am on a one year extension due to retirement and no where on my passport is it stamped I am not permitted to work. Three, I have had five work permits while being on an extension of stay due to retirement. Three issued in Kalasin province, one issued in Mukdahan province, and one issued in Roi-et province, so I am living proof that you can get a work permit while on an extension of stay due to retirement. All work permits were issued with no hassle at all.

[DILLIGAD]

I was refused in Sisaket, IssanGeorge but good luck to you.

A recent TV thread on the subject

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?/topic/808503-WP-possible-with-retirement-visa%3F

[BKKSnowBird]

I stand by my original post. Getting legal work over 60 is going to be a problem.

The OP is very qualified but will make the same as a backpacker if he does find a paying gig.

If he wants to volunteer like before, no problem but still illegal with no WP.

[BKKSnowBird]

OP. You can NOT collect social security if you work over 45 hours a month.

[SantiSuk]

I live in the Amphur. You would certainly be an attractive proposition. You would frighten the $hit out of the powers that be in the local schools having actual real live teaching experience and being a native English speaker (I presume)!

My 5 year old goes to the Catholic school Mariupatham and my 17 year old to the large state high school Kantharalak Whittaya. Class teachers form both of those schools have asked me in the past whether I would consider teaching English at their schools (I am not a qualified teacher, though I have a degree and actually did a lot of formal training in my career - not that this would help much in an unruly classroom of kids; I don't need the money or the commitment but I don't rule it out for all time).

Both schools are short as far as I know. Whittaya used to have a load of people teaching English, many of whom would pitch up at Pizza4U ('Norbert's place') at 5pm. I was told that there were at one time 35 teachers in Kantharalak teaching English (including many Philipnos). Seemed a ridiculaous number for a realtivel small Amphur town of 10,000 ish. We don't see anything like that many now - I think the money ran dry or the admin is knicking the funding or something

There is also a school (Damlong or some such) that I hear does a decentish job of teaching a small English programme (teaching in English for part of the day or some such). It's nothing like an International School but is spoken of quite well by an Aussie resort owner I met in Pizza4U and by a friend in a neighbouring village, albeit in the context of an expectation of rubbish generally. I think they had an experienced qualified teacher from the US, but have never come across him. Can put you in touch with the latter if of interest and the 'boys in the bar' will probably know which resort I talk of and where to find the Aussie guy (he's a few weeks on few weeks off guy with a business in the Philippines I recall).

Dave (retired guy from Seattle - again not a qualified teacher but had some job training experience I think), who frequents Pizza4U stopped teaching there a year or two back. You might ask him about the scene but I don't know the circs of his leaving and he's been struggling with a leg injury, so put your skeptical filter on just in case he gives it both barrels!

Good excuse to spend some time chatting up the local falang in Pizza4U. Many are Dads or grandads who would have a view. Norbert has a kid at school as well. My 17 year old (unoficially adopted from within extended family) won't even talk to me in English after 5 years together - such is the apparent confidence/quality that Wittaya imbues its kids with in English language!

Kantharalak needs you - don't waste your life travelling 120k or 160k a day (sorry Dilli ).

See, I resisted making a joke about whether Americans speak the English language all the way until the end!

I only go in the bar for a couple of hours every week or so, but please feel free to PM me and meet up there for a chat if you need any more orientation or a tour guide to the 'boys in the bar' !!

[SantiSuk]

I was refused in Sisaket, IssanGeorge but good luck to you.

A recent TV thread on the subject

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?/topic/808503-WP-possible-with-retirement-visa%3F

Nothing stamped on my retirement extensions from Sisaket immi, Dilligad but I have a vague recollection that I signed some kind of declaration that I recognised I was not entitled to work.

Just another of those annoying things that is at the whim of the local provincial office or officer I suspect.

[DILLIGAD]

I didn't mention travelling Santi, I suggested living in a larger city a reasonable distance from (or to) the family