The dreaded VDLR test and syphillis clearance comments

[Rhys]

Once again work permit offices require this on the medical clearance... generally, most western teachers are required to show this slip..

Well as part of the physical this is proof that the teacher is A-1 ready to go and teach... infact the rationale for this specific test is part of the urban legend of a Thai official returning an injustice placed upon s/he while studying abroad.

Some have no problem infact some will say, want my sperm as well, want my eggs, have at it... 30k job is certainly justified..

However, it is even amusing as the Educational officials, and Work permit officials, become instant medical officials, and with instant retrieval of fact... Why do I need this specific test? We hear the most amazing responses.....555

I submit to the physical no problem, I like to see my BP and labs for LDL and HDL.. OK the VDLR... well if I must and because it is required...

And then somehow, students seem to learn how to write a proper western signature as a special lesson.

[masuk]

To work in Papua New Guinea, one must have a HIV-AIDs test.

Also seems slightly ridiculous, as visitor and tourists don't need one, apart from the fact that PNG is rife with AIDS.

In the case of Thailand, I take it the same applies: want to work, you must be tested. Tourist? no problems.

[zeichen]

"To work in Papua New Guinea, one must have a HIV-AIDs test."

China, Korea as well.

I do wonder why Thailand only has the VDRL for stage 3 syphilis. Chlamydia, and Gonnorhea are definitely more common.

I think a standard blood test is a good idea. Hepatitis, HIV seem like natural things to test for.

I can't recall a time in 15+ years of teaching where I ever saw a teacher with blood exposed to his/her students, but as a parent, I would feel more comfortable knowing that none of her teachers had contagious life threatening diseases.

[Suradit69]

Working as a teacher at university in the UAE they always checked you to make sure you didn't have any nasty conditions before a new contract.

Actually the same thing happened in Chicago in the US.

Not sure if the screening ever is taken seriously, but I suppose if the cull a few people with TB or rampant gonorrhea it's worthwhile, Nothing to do with your teaching skills, or lack thereof, but understandable that you would want to not expose students to someone who is infectious.

Edited May 17, 2015 by Suradit69

[eeeya]

Not teaching job but Oil and Gas work in thailand requires annual physical. 6 hours at an international hospital. Blood, urine, stool, full eye and hearing specialist examination...then over to the dentist section for another inspection..then its off to the cardiologist for an EKG...

finally meet up with the GP, fresh out of med school who will pick holes in your lifestyle no matter what condition your in.

im sure ive forgotten more because I just switched off after the first hour..

massive cash grab.

[Rhys]

Not teaching job but Oil and Gas work in thailand requires annual physical. 6 hours at an international hospital. Blood, urine, stool, full eye and hearing specialist examination...then over to the dentist section for another inspection..then its off to the cardiologist for an EKG...

finally meet up with the GP, fresh out of med school who will pick holes in your lifestyle no matter what condition your in.

im sure ive forgotten more because I just switched off after the first hour..

massive cash grab.

EEYA,

You guys are more important and have a more dangerous position...and you are quite an investment to your company... NOT like a language teacher...55555

The syphillis test focuses on the possibility of a neurological complication... going cukocoo in class rather than spreading to the students.

If you were a diver.. I believe you have even a more comprehensive physical..... The newly minted MD are a blast... some can speak English with a degree of authority and intelligence..

What no reproductive specialist to exam your bits and pieces..5555

Cheers mate always down stream aye..

[aidenai]

Where's 'lostinisaan'? A thread posted yesterday, 13:15. Where's his 'expertise'?

Edited May 17, 2015 by aidenai

[alex88]

People talking about testing for hiv. Plenty of hiv positive teachers in the west..... It's impossible for students to catch it unless they have sex or a blood transfusion, even if the teacher cut himself/herself and the student had contact with the blood it still wouldn't lead to infection. Hiv is very difficult to catch and needs instant direct contact into the bloodstream.

[EmptyHead]

"To work in Papua New Guinea, one must have a HIV-AIDs test."

China, Korea as well.

I do wonder why Thailand only has the VDRL for stage 3 syphilis. Chlamydia, and Gonnorhea are definitely more common.

I think a standard blood test is a good idea. Hepatitis, HIV seem like natural things to test for.

I can't recall a time in 15+ years of teaching where I ever saw a teacher with blood exposed to his/her students, but as a parent, I would feel more comfortable knowing that none of her teachers had contagious life threatening diseases.

The reason why one has to test for stage 3 Syphilis is to make sure one does not have the mental age of a child, which can accompany stage 3 Syphilis.

Apparently, it would be difficult to teach in such a state. Though, I think that is debatable and I would like to question the mental age of many teachers, anyway.

I certainly wasn't thinking straight when I played the death metal version of the Walt Disney's Frozen theme tune to my Prathom 4 class today. Though, it did help me elicit meaning of the target language, I think some of them are scarred for life.

[lostinisaan]

Where's 'lostinisaan'? A thread posted yesterday, 13:15. Where's his 'expertise'?

Oh, thanks for the reminder. I do have a "special medical certificate" issued by a doc from a local clinic that I do not sniff on girl's Panties.

I don't drink alcohol, hicks, don't do drugs,only recreational, 100% healthy, can hardly walk with my artificial knee joint, no gonorrhea, it only hurts when I pee, a functioning liver, but my urine is always orange to red, no syphilis, only a rash over my body and palms.

I prefer sex without condoms, but why would I pay money for some stupid Aids tests?

With that money i can get a cheap ride at the train station.///.. Yep, life's that easy.

Khun Aldenai, I truly hope that you've got your bacterial vaginosis under control now. Best wishes from lower northeast, get well soon. Cheers.

Edited June 11, 2015 by lostinisaan

[brewsterbudgen]

There is no HIV test for work extensions.

[aidenai]

Khun Aldenai, I truly hope that you've got your bacterial vaginosis under control now. Best wishes from lower northeast, get well soon. Cheers.

Antibiotics will help me, LII. Unfortunately, you're not able to say the same. No medicines will help you other than leaving The Kingdom.

Even though you know all educational service area, immigration, labour, tax and social security officials in your province and all places that belong to your province (your words in several other threads), it's getting time for you to getting to know yourself.

[Jimbo]

qatar also requires it

[Rhys]

Jumping the hoops....all because some THAI MP, was blacklisted from the US for Mother Herb transportation back in the day...

[bangmai]

TB tests were very mandatory in the US for teaching jobs. If you couldn't produce your immunization record, they would often let you teach, but tell you that you would be pulled in case of an outbreak of what you hadn't proven immunization.

[Rhys]

And just think... these standards.. have some merit but really are biased.... Oh yes, protect the students...and all that.. What.. a Thai teacher is free of all that western teacher must jump over...medically?