Situation of Grace International School

[baywatch82]

From their website :

"After being on the same property for 15 years, legal action was levied against the school to vacate and turn over the property that was once part of a former sports club. This came as a shock as GIS truly believed the property was rightfully and legally ours. Though we were hopeful, in December 2015 the Supreme Court rejected our appeal which resulted in our loss of ownership of the buildings and property."

For more info :

http://www.gisthailand.org/

[slapout]

Not wanting it to rain on your parade, but past "PPP", seems appearant on the part of the Grace management on future facilities and fund raising.

You say you have rented facilities for a 2 years time. Get your sponsers and present contributors to raise the money you want to contine your attempts, to make the world a better place," in your mind" at least.

I can see many more worthwhile problems in the CM area, than the education of 500_+ missionary dependents, where 3 million dollars could be put to better use.

[KhonKaenKowboy]

My statements should not be considered "Christian Bashing." Obama, his cronies, and the MMS do enough of that. What I will say to them is no different than what I would say to any other "charity" group looking for 3 million USD to build a "free" school. First off, it is often mind-boggling to see how non-business like people in the education sector are. In this case, someone let their entire facility slip through their fingers and now wants 3 million Dollars? That was their biggest asset (or they thought it was). How could they not have done their diligence and fiduciary responsibilities to ensure they had rock solid contracts/leases? Apparently the moo baan that owns it, did theirs. Next, why is it that so many of the NGO/missionaries and others here on someone else's Dime have to live Western lifestyles, likely better than how they would be living in the States. And of course, there was no hard work needed at the decaying/bankrupt/underachieving school systems in their hometowns. 3 million? A Cafeteria. Why do they need a cafeteria? or a library? Libraries are as out of style as rotary dial phones, so are librarians....there is a new thing called the Internet. 550 students=25 classrooms...at 60 SM each....1500 sm at 10,000 thb psm=15 million THB....or...how about bamboo construction? 2000 thb psm..total cost 3 million THB.........it's about time these folks prove they can live in environments similar to those they support. Would also enjoy seeing the test scores/SATs/stats on college attendance....Oh, and their list of the wonderful things they do for the community....medical services comes in at number 7, while Bible translations is in the top three (could be done from abroad), and then the all important "Church planting"....gotta get those donations rolling in.

Edited May 11, 2016 by KhonKaenKowboy

[elektrified]

I guess you have never been to the CMU Library which is not "out of style" and employs a large staff of librarians - who are very busy. My friend works there and does quite well.

[elektrified]

I guess you have never been to the CMU Library which is not "out of style" and employs a large staff of librarians - who are very busy. My friend works there and does quite well.

[KhonKaenKowboy]

They've got a big budget at CMU, and as in most educational facilities, the senior people, making the most, are the last to go during a financial crunch. A university with 30000 students is different than a K-12 with 550, too. A school librarian in Fairfax VA with 15 years service makes 250,000 thb per month. See what your HiSo friend says about that.

Edited May 11, 2016 by KhonKaenKowboy

[Bill97]

My statements should not be considered "Christian Bashing." Obama, his cronies, and the MMS do enough of that. What I will say to them is no different than what I would say to any other "charity" group looking for 3 million USD to build a "free" school. First off, it is often mind-boggling to see how non-business like people in the education sector are. In this case, someone let their entire facility slip through their fingers and now wants 3 million Dollars? That was their biggest asset (or they thought it was). How could they not have done their diligence and fiduciary responsibilities to ensure they had rock solid contracts/leases? Apparently the moo baan that owns it, did theirs. Next, why is it that so many of the NGO/missionaries and others here on someone else's Dime have to live Western lifestyles, likely better than how they would be living in the States. And of course, there was no hard work needed at the decaying/bankrupt/underachieving school systems in their hometowns. 3 million? A Cafeteria. Why do they need a cafeteria? or a library? Libraries are as out of style as rotary dial phones, so are librarians....there is a new thing called the Internet. 550 students=25 classrooms...at 60 SM each....1500 sm at 10,000 thb psm=15 million THB....or...how about bamboo construction? 2000 thb psm..total cost 3 million THB.........it's about time these folks prove they can live in environments similar to those they support. Would also enjoy seeing the test scores/SATs/stats on college attendance....Oh, and their list of the wonderful things they do for the community....medical services comes in at number 7, while Bible translations is in the top three (could be done from abroad), and then the all important "Church planting"....gotta get those donations rolling in.[/quote)

The boss of Grace said words to the effect that they were doing what God told them to do at the time they were in court. So it was not his fault nor anyone else's either

[slapout]

Until the boss can show a photo of those recieving instructions, the individual giving them and the expected 'finger pointing', I will be skeptical. Blame the Burmese like the local groups do.

[Berkshire]

I'd heard that this dispute had been going on for quite some time. Surprised that they just got the final word now.

[mamborobert]

I am not sure that the Boss of GIS should be asking for funds now without updated instructions from God.

If God instructed him in the arrangements for the beginning of the school and the school is now kaput best take reference from the Book of Job, "the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord".

Maybe God wants less missionaries in CM and SE Asia generally. He (or she for the Femen crowd) would not be Robinson Cruse on that view. (if selfishly for nothing else much easier to get a seat at Dukes some nights).

[heybruce]

If I might interrupt the gleeful missionary bashing, does anyone know why GIS is losing its present location? Did they knowingly squat on someone else's property? Were they sold false title by a crook? Is a developer with court connections stealing the land out from under them?

The link does not give background information.

[KhonKaenKowboy]

Was it Yogi Berra, who said "Every missionary should have a Jew for an accountant."

[prestburypark]

Can't stand christians, feed em to the lions, pronto. Great entertainment.

[mamborobert]

If I might interrupt the gleeful missionary bashing, does anyone know why GIS is losing its present location? Did they knowingly squat on someone else's property? Were they sold false title by a crook? Is a developer with court connections stealing the land out from under them?

The link does not give background information.

There is a lot of background information available on the internet particularly for Thai readers.

Whilst people have often been critical of Thai courts and appeals systems used by wrong doers to evade punishment it is worth noting that this issue has been going on for many years and GIS have been dragging it out through appeal courts...while at the same time hedging bets with another property from 2013 (ie the recent call, out for funds is not new by any means).

The lower court originally handed down their decision against GIS in 2009!!!!!!!

The appellate court in Bangkok handed down its decision almost 3 years ago in July 2013. Amongst other things that order determined that GIS pay 4.9 million baht damages...AND interest at 7.5% from 2008 AND to be determined legal fees AND make good provisions on the property...so we are probably well north of $200 000 USD by now........I cannot see a copy of the Dec 2015 Supreme court decision which may have added to this given decisions at this level are usually on questions of law rather than individual facts.

Whilst this (Appelate )was not the final decision (given GIS appealed again to Supreme) it would be interesting to find out how much donations/money went towards a prolonged appeal process as opposed to building a new school from 2013. It could well be one of those situations where abusing the court processes at the expense of the lawful community owners costs less than the school was making by staying open, obtaining fees and donations, and keeping the staff in well paid employment.

Have not seen the GIS apology to the neighborhood association who have been unable to use THEIR facility for 8 years. Maybe when hell freezes over.

PS

Last newseltter on GIS website from the school in relation to the court case is posted below. Noting last sentence that SOON after decision handed down on 18 December an update would be provided......do not hold your breath as no additional newsletter on site so far..

http://8.34.214.246/wp-content/uploads//downloads/2015/11/Sawasdee-November-2015-Court-Case.pdf

Edited May 12, 2016 by mamborobert

[Bill97]

If I might interrupt the gleeful missionary bashing, does anyone know why GIS is losing its present location? Did they knowingly squat on someone else's property? Were they sold false title by a crook? Is a developer with court connections stealing the land out from under them?

The link does not give background information.

There is a lot of background information available on the internet particularly for Thai readers.

Whilst people have often been critical of Thai courts and appeals systems usedby wrong doers to evade punishment it is worth noting that this issue has been going on for many years and GIS have been dragging it out through appeal courts...while at the same time hedging best with another property from 2013 (ie the recent call, out for funds is not new by any means).

The lower court originally handed down their decision against GIS in 2009!!!!!!!

The appellate court in Bangkok handed down its decision almost 3 years ago in July 2013. Amongst other things that order determined that GIS pay 4.9 million baht damages...AND interest at 7.5% from 2008 AND to be determined legal fees AND make good provisions on the property...so we are probably well north of $200 000 USD by now........I cannot see a copy of the Dec 2015 Supreme court decision which may have added to this given decisions at this level are usually on questions of law rather than individual facts.

Whilst this was not the final decision (given GIS appealed again) it would be interesting to find out how much donations/money went towards a prolonged appeal process as opposed to building a new school from 2013. It could well be one of those situations where abusing the court processes at the expense of the lawful community owners costs less than the school was making by staying open, obtaining fees and donations, and keeping the staff in well paid employment.

Have not seen the GIS apology to the neighborhood association who have been unable to use THEIR facility for 8 years. Maybe when hell freezes over.[/quote)

They are awaiting instructions from God before apologizing but perhaps that is not possible if he/she told them to buy it in the first place. He/she can't have made a mistake, that would destroy the blind faith,

[slapout]

If I might interrupt the gleeful missionary bashing, does anyone know why GIS is losing its present location? Did they knowingly squat on someone else's property? Were they sold false title by a crook? Is a developer with court connections stealing the land out from under them?

The link does not give background information.

The full story has been discussed on TV several times. One of the problems seemed to be GIS acted as if their position was absolutly correct and claimed ownership to what they did not buy or subsquently owned. They denied access to others who were entitled to same. No one is stealing from GIS, seemed they were trying to do a little themselves.

Probably more about incompentent people being given authority to make a deal and then to tell the public, supporters / employers, etc what they wanted to hear instead of the real facts and conditions. Time to ask the back home folk to fork over more money as their intial cost for faclities is gone and they have some money to find or make other plans.

Edited May 12, 2016 by slapout

[northernjohn]

If I might interrupt the gleeful missionary bashing, does anyone know why GIS is losing its present location? Did they knowingly squat on someone else's property? Were they sold false title by a crook? Is a developer with court connections stealing the land out from under them?

The link does not give background information.

The full story has been discussed on TV several times. One of the problems seemed to be GIS acted as if their position was absolutly correct and claimed ownership to what they did not buy or subsquently owned. They denied access to others who were entitled to same. No one is stealing from GIS, seemed they were trying to do a little themselves.

Probably more about incompentent people being given authority to make a deal and then to tell the public, supporters / employers, etc what they wanted to hear instead of the real facts and conditions. Time to ask the back home folk to fork over more money as their intial cost for faclities is gone and they have some money to find or make other plans.

Exactly they need more money go to the people who sent them here in the first place.

[Genericnic]

My statements should not be considered "Christian Bashing." Obama, his cronies, and the MMS do enough of that. What I will say to them is no different than what I would say to any other "charity" group looking for 3 million USD to build a "free" school. First off, it is often mind-boggling to see how non-business like people in the education sector are. In this case, someone let their entire facility slip through their fingers and now wants 3 million Dollars? That was their biggest asset (or they thought it was). How could they not have done their diligence and fiduciary responsibilities to ensure they had rock solid contracts/leases? Apparently the moo baan that owns it, did theirs. Next, why is it that so many of the NGO/missionaries and others here on someone else's Dime have to live Western lifestyles, likely better than how they would be living in the States. And of course, there was no hard work needed at the decaying/bankrupt/underachieving school systems in their hometowns. 3 million? A Cafeteria. Why do they need a cafeteria? or a library? Libraries are as out of style as rotary dial phones, so are librarians....there is a new thing called the Internet. 550 students=25 classrooms...at 60 SM each....1500 sm at 10,000 thb psm=15 million THB....or...how about bamboo construction? 2000 thb psm..total cost 3 million THB.........it's about time these folks prove they can live in environments similar to those they support. Would also enjoy seeing the test scores/SATs/stats on college attendance....Oh, and their list of the wonderful things they do for the community....medical services comes in at number 7, while Bible translations is in the top three (could be done from abroad), and then the all important "Church planting"....gotta get those donations rolling in.[/quote)

The boss of Grace said words to the effect that they were doing what God told them to do at the time they were in court. So it was not his fault nor anyone else's either

The "just following orders" defense died at the end of WW II.

David

[MyFrenU]

USD $3,000,000 buys a Hell of a lot of clip-on ties!

[MyFrenU]

Who knew that Christian threats of eternal damnation,fire and brimstone wouldn't work against a Buddhist authority?

[Dante99]

My statements should not be considered "Christian Bashing." Obama, his cronies, and the MMS do enough of that. What I will say to them is no different than what I would say to any other "charity" group looking for 3 million USD to build a "free" school. First off, it is often mind-boggling to see how non-business like people in the education sector are. In this case, someone let their entire facility slip through their fingers and now wants 3 million Dollars? That was their biggest asset (or they thought it was). How could they not have done their diligence and fiduciary responsibilities to ensure they had rock solid contracts/leases? Apparently the moo baan that owns it, did theirs. Next, why is it that so many of the NGO/missionaries and others here on someone else's Dime have to live Western lifestyles, likely better than how they would be living in the States. And of course, there was no hard work needed at the decaying/bankrupt/underachieving school systems in their hometowns. 3 million? A Cafeteria. Why do they need a cafeteria? or a library? Libraries are as out of style as rotary dial phones, so are librarians....there is a new thing called the Internet. 550 students=25 classrooms...at 60 SM each....1500 sm at 10,000 thb psm=15 million THB....or...how about bamboo construction? 2000 thb psm..total cost 3 million THB.........it's about time these folks prove they can live in environments similar to those they support. Would also enjoy seeing the test scores/SATs/stats on college attendance....Oh, and their list of the wonderful things they do for the community....medical services comes in at number 7, while Bible translations is in the top three (could be done from abroad), and then the all important "Church planting"....gotta get those donations rolling in.[/quote)

The boss of Grace said words to the effect that they were doing what God told them to do at the time they were in court. So it was not his fault nor anyone else's either

The "just following orders" defense died at the end of WW II.

David

No need for defense if you are doing god's work.

[Genericnic]

My statements should not be considered "Christian Bashing." Obama, his cronies, and the MMS do enough of that. What I will say to them is no different than what I would say to any other "charity" group looking for 3 million USD to build a "free" school. First off, it is often mind-boggling to see how non-business like people in the education sector are. In this case, someone let their entire facility slip through their fingers and now wants 3 million Dollars? That was their biggest asset (or they thought it was). How could they not have done their diligence and fiduciary responsibilities to ensure they had rock solid contracts/leases? Apparently the moo baan that owns it, did theirs. Next, why is it that so many of the NGO/missionaries and others here on someone else's Dime have to live Western lifestyles, likely better than how they would be living in the States. And of course, there was no hard work needed at the decaying/bankrupt/underachieving school systems in their hometowns. 3 million? A Cafeteria. Why do they need a cafeteria? or a library? Libraries are as out of style as rotary dial phones, so are librarians....there is a new thing called the Internet. 550 students=25 classrooms...at 60 SM each....1500 sm at 10,000 thb psm=15 million THB....or...how about bamboo construction? 2000 thb psm..total cost 3 million THB.........it's about time these folks prove they can live in environments similar to those they support. Would also enjoy seeing the test scores/SATs/stats on college attendance....Oh, and their list of the wonderful things they do for the community....medical services comes in at number 7, while Bible translations is in the top three (could be done from abroad), and then the all important "Church planting"....gotta get those donations rolling in.[/quote)

The boss of Grace said words to the effect that they were doing what God told them to do at the time they were in court. So it was not his fault nor anyone else's either

The "just following orders" defense died at the end of WW II.

David

No need for defense if you are doing god's work.

Depends on which god.

David

[Fookhaht]

Can't stand christians, feed em to the lions, pronto. Great entertainment.

Well at least you didn't bash Muslims, Buddhists or gays--which would probably earn you a ban.

[baywatch82]

GIS will use facilities of SBS (Satit Bilingual School) next school year, and they will invest a lot of money to improve SBS's facilities.
They are in the process on packing and moving to there.

[Dante99]

GIS will use facilities of SBS (Satit Bilingual School) next school year, and they will invest a lot of money to improve SBS's facilities.

They are in the process on packing and moving to there.

What is going to happen/has happened to Satit Bilingual School? Closed? Will share facilities? Moved?

[baywatch82]

GIS will use facilities of SBS (Satit Bilingual School) next school year, and they will invest a lot of money to improve SBS's facilities.

They are in the process on packing and moving to there.

What is going to happen/has happened to Satit Bilingual School? Closed? Will share facilities? Moved?

Apparently, they will share facilities, and GIS will invest money to improve existing facilities such as classrooms, gymnasium, outdoor courts etc.

[Dante99]

GIS will use facilities of SBS (Satit Bilingual School) next school year, and they will invest a lot of money to improve SBS's facilities.

They are in the process on packing and moving to there.

What is going to happen/has happened to Satit Bilingual School? Closed? Will share facilities? Moved?

Apparently, they will share facilities, and GIS will invest money to improve existing facilities such as classrooms, gymnasium, outdoor courts etc.

Interesting. How long do you think it will take for the Christian Soldiers to drive out the heathen?

[Fookhaht]

GIS will use facilities of SBS (Satit Bilingual School) next school year, and they will invest a lot of money to improve SBS's facilities.

They are in the process on packing and moving to there.

What is going to happen/has happened to Satit Bilingual School? Closed? Will share facilities? Moved?

Apparently, they will share facilities, and GIS will invest money to improve existing facilities such as classrooms, gymnasium, outdoor courts etc.

Interesting. How long do you think it will take for the Christian Soldiers to drive out the heathen?

Interesting. How long do you think it will take religion bashers on TV to have their fill and move on with life? Edited May 18, 2016 by Fookhaht