TEFL Locations in Thailand - Jobs & Contracts
Banking, General Facts, History, Language, Medical Insurance, People & Culture, Qualifications, Sending Money Home, Things to bring, Things to do
ESL Jobs in Thailand, Teach English in Thailand
Featured Listing
TEFL Course in Thailand
International Online
TEFL and 12 months ESL jobs in Thailand. Salary USD 1500 onwards per month /
Accommodation / Visa / Work permit
www.teflcoursethailand.com
The Banking Law of Thailand has strict rules regarding the opening of new accounts in Thailand’s banks. The applicant must have a work permit at the time of opening an account. He/She must work for a company which has a certain amount of registered capitalization. Earlier a visitor simply had to present a passport, visa and the address of the hotel where the applicant is staying. The rules were modified to stop any kind of money laundering and frauds.
All the major international banks have their branches in Bangkok and other major cities. www.thailandtourismdirectory.com offers an easy reference for the contact details of the bank in Thailand.
Banks are generally open from 0930 to 1530 hrs everyday except holidays. However, you can get foreign exchange from 8:30 – 22:00 everyday. Bangkok Bank and Krung Thai Bank are open on all days between 07:00 – 21:00. The authorized money exchange counters of banks often change 24 hours a day. Major currency bills and travelers checks can be easily cashed at hotels, shopping malls, provincial banks and tourist shops. It is better to get your travelers checks changed at banks (you will need your passport). Rates of exchange are far better at banks and authorized money exchange bureaus than those at hotels and department stores. Baht (THB) is the Thai unit of currency. A Baht is divided into 100 Satang. Notes are in the denomination of 1000 (brown), 500 (purple), 100 (red), 50 (blue), 20 (green) and 10 (brown). The value of I USD hover around 32 to 34 THB.
Bank staff often speaks English so communication in main branches is seldom a problem. Some of the bank forms are available in both English and Thai.
Travelers’ checks
Rates are much better for travelers’ checks than bank notes but a 23 THB is
charged as handling fees and stamp. So it is wise to bring travelers checks of
larger denominations.
Exchange Control
Foreign nationals may freely bring in foreign bank notes or other types of
foreign exchange. On leaving Thailand also a foreign tourist may freely take out
foreign exchange to a maximum equivalent 10,000 USD or the amount declared in
writing to the Customs upon arrival. Failure to do may lead to prosecution.
Travelers visiting the neighboring countries can take out a maximum of 50,000 THB per person without authorization. Foreign tourists are also allowed to take out gold ornaments freely.
Credit Cards
Major international credit cards such as American Express, Diner, Carte Blanche
and Visa are accepted by major banks, restaurants, hotels and shops. Card
holders should take and not sign extra slips prepared by unscrupulous shoppers.
An additional 3 to 5 percent might be charged when a client pays with his credit
card.
Cash advances of up to 200 USD can be obtained from some branches of Thai Farmers Bank on visa cards. Some credit cards will get advances but only as travelers’ checks.
Remittances
Remittances from abroad are directly credited to savings account. They can
be either telegraphic remittance or SWIFT remittance. Normal postal remittance
is not out of favor. There is a nominal charge for the recipients of the
telegraphic or SWIFT remittance but the charges can be considerable for the
sender. Thai banks process the transfers within 2 days. But it is advisable that
remittances be sent only to the head offices of the banks or larger banks which
are able in handling these remittances.
If additional cost is not a constraint then the sender can fax the remittance order form to the recipient so that the bank cannot claim that they have not yet received the money. Another option is to telex the information.
The exchange rate is definitely better than the one available for cash. Remittances can also be directly credited to dollar accounts.
Bank Accounts
The banking sector in Thailand is exclusively made up of big Thai banks like
Bangkok Bank and Siam Commercial Bank. Foreign banks like Standard Chartered and
Citibank are located in the Central Business District.
As per rules, a foreigner cannot open a bank account in Thailand without a wok permit. Generally speaking, banks do allow foreigners to open savings account but checking accounts can only be opened if you have a work permit. Foreigners are free to open foreign currency accounts but are subject to Thailand’s foreign exchange rules.
Automatic Teller Machine (ATM)
As foreign tourists cannot open check accounts, access to the ATMs’ are
limited to Thais and foreign residents. These ATMs’ usually work on Delta and
Cirrus systems as well.
Safe Deposit Boxes
These are in high demand but short in supply. The rates are often higher
than in other countries. Banks generally allot safe deposit boxes to account
holders only. Some banks might ask you to keep a positive balance in the account
in order to be eligible for a safe deposit box. Safe deposit boxes can be rented
for varying lengths.
Immunization
The list cited below comprehensively cover ailments which are more likely to
occur in Thailand. The diseases get transmitted through the common mediums like
food, water, insects, animals, unsafe and unhygienic habits as well as
unprotected sex. Therefore precaution and necessary immunization always keep you
at a safer position while you work in Thailand.
• General food and water related
• Sunburn, skin cancers
• Dehydration
• Heat rash, fungus, bacteria
• Alcohol related
• Illegal drugs
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C to G
• Mosquito-related
• Rabies
• Other ailments and bites (non-STD)
• Respiratory, eye, cuts, tetanus, typhoid, tuberculosis, worms, snakes, sea...
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
• Gonorrhea
• Chlamydia
• Non-specific urethritus (NSU)
• Genital warts
• Molluscum ("the clam")
• Trichomoniasis ("trich")
• Chancroid
• Herpes
• Syphilis
• HIV and AIDS
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis A
• Getting drugged
Food in Thailand is simply wonderful and eating out is a must –do while in Thailand. There are many intestinal parasites, bacteria and viruses which get transmitted through food, water and cooking utensils. The most dangerous one is the Hepatitis A. You are strongly advised to learn about hepatitis A, B and the other variants and get a vaccination to run least chance of any ailment. You can start your vaccination program in your home country and continue it here in Thailand. Make sure to bring your vaccination documentation with you when you come.
The most common health ailment that afflicts expatriates and tourists in Thailand is a sexually transmitted disease - gonorrhea, Chlamydia, non-specific urethritus (NSU), genital warts mollusca ("the clam") herpes syphilis and last but not the least is HIV. In Thailand, the primary means of transmission of HIV is by heterosexual sex, overwhelmingly HIV subtype E.
Most travelers and expat residents, including those who have no immunizations at all but take reasonable precautions, don't get any serious problems in Thailand. It's recommended that you get immunization against hepatitis A, and older people should seriously consider additional vaccinations as well. You aren't required to take any immunizations before traveling to Thailand, unless you come from areas with yellow fever, in which you're required to show vaccination. There is no risk of yellow fever in Thailand.
History
Thailand, previously known as Siam until 1939, was founded way back in 13th
century. Though there are many opinions regarding the origin of the Thais, their
pre-historic settlement can be associated with the archaeological site of Ban
Chiang. The excavation carried there points to the theory that the Thais
originated in Thailand itself and later on scattered to various parts of Asia,
including China.
The Mon Civilization, called Dvaravati with its Indian cultural traits, had a great influence on the central and western areas of Thailand from 9th to 11th century. The Khmer cultural impact pervaded all forms of language, art and religion from 11th to 12th century. In the Khmer empire at Sukhothai stone sculptures and architectures were constructed and this eased the entry of Sanskrit into the vocabulary.
The northern state of Lanna coexisted with Sukhothai. In 1259 the first king Mengrai ascended the throne and extended the borders of the kingdom from Laos to Lamphum. He also laid the foundation of the capital of Chiang Mai.
Siam was ruled by the Khmers during the 11th and 12th century. The 1st independent Sukhothai kingdom was established when the Khmers were overthrown by the two rebellious chieftains. The Sukhothai period, starting from 1938, is considered to be the golden age of the Thai culture, economy, art, foreign affairs and trade. The modern alphabet was conceived during the reign of King RamKhamhaeng.
In 1350 King U-Thong founded the capital of Ayutthaya at the confluence of three rivers. Because of its geographical and economic boundaries the Thai kings of Ayutthaya expanded their territories. From 16th century onwards, the Kingdom saw settlers from Portugal, Spain, Netherlands and Britain. Time and again the control over the kingdom of Ayutthaya oscillated between the Burmese and the Thai rulers and the capital shifted to Thornburi in the process.
The capital of Thailand was shifted from Thornburi to Bangkok when King Rama I was coronated in 1782. This dynasty not only extended the coverage of Thailand but also patronized literature, encouraged foreign relations and trade, empowered women and children, opened new waterways and roadways and also opened the country’s first printing press.
This period was known as the ‘Ratanakosin’. The initial steps towards Europeanization and modernization of Thailand took place during this period. The country’s name was officially changed from ‘Siam’ to ‘Thailand’ under the governance of Rama IX. Constitutional monarchy replaced absolute monarchy in 1932.
Since 1932, the army has taken over the government in no less than 17 occasions. During the Cold War, this was a minor consideration-democratic governments were rare in the region and Thailand’s chief strategic ally, US, was more concerned with the country’s role of thwarting encroaching communism from anywhere in Southeast Asia. Thailand was a major player in the regional ant-communist bloc, Association of Southeast Asian Nation or ASEAN. Thailand has always proposed the reformation of ASEAN as a regional trading bloc. This was part of a realignment of Thai policy engineered by the government of Chatichai Choonhaven, who led the country from his election in 1988 until his overthrow in a military coup in February 1991. This coup-17th and the last since 1932- headed by army Chief General Suchinda Kraprayoon and ended with a return to democratic civilian government in March 1992.
There are four main Thai languages spoken in Thailand - Central Thai, Southern Thai, Northeastern Thai (the same language is used in Laos) and Northern Thai, but the language referred to as Standard Thai is close to Central Thai. Learning Thai as a "farang" is not really easy, but the Thai people really appreciate if you make an effort. If you want to learn basic words and sentences buy a Thai language course which is available in every book shop selling English language books.
Thai is a very complicated language to learn with a unique alphabet to make it even more difficult. To master a few words is not difficult however and will be greatly appreciated by the locals.
The Central Thai or the Siamese or the Standard Thai is the main language spoken by approximately 25 million people. This is the main language. But there are derivatives like the Khorat Thai that is spoken by about 400,000 people in Nakhon Ratchasima. Along with the Standard Thai there are many important dialects that are spoken and some of them are- Isan is known as the North Eastern Thai and it is the language of the Isan region. It bears a close resemblance to the Lao language though it is written in the Thai alphabet.
Health insurance with adequate coverage is a must have while you are in Thailand. BUPA/Blue Cross in Bangkok is one of the leading insurance providers which deal in health coverage for foreigners.
The company doles out attractive packages for schools and colleges concerned but the institution must have adequate number of prospective clients willing to take up the health cover.
BUPA offers a range of packages named after the gemstones – Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald and Diamond. The difference is in the amount of money given in the areas of room and board, surgical fees, general expenses, doctor’s visits, OPD and emergency accident. It is always advisable to migrate to a higher package even it means spending some from your own pocket.
HEALTH is an insurance provider that was started by a group of ex-Blue Cross executives. Their premiums are cheaper than that of BUPA. However, it is seen that most of the Thai people use insurance covers from American Insurance Association (AIA). But the company specializes only in bundles products where health 600,000 baht. Any coverage in between should be adequate to take care of the medical expenses. insurance, life insurance, savings plans are all rolled into one.
The medical insurance companies offer coverage which range from 15,000 baht
Medical care is very good in Bangkok especially in private hospitals where payment is mandatory. Generally speaking, public hospitals are not up to the same standard and the westerners might look to avoid them. Health cards helps in cashless hospitalization where a patient, at the time of check out, just flashes his card and need not make any payment. But obviously the hospital checks the insurance cover before proceeding with the medical treatment.
The country has a population of about 60 million with about three-fourths of the population being ethnic Thais. There are many minorities to be found in Thailand with the largest of these being Chinese. Other races to be found include Vietnamese, Cambodian, Malays and hill tribes. About 80% of all Thais are connected in some way with agriculture, which (in varying degrees) influences and is influenced by the religious ceremonies and festivals that help make Thailand such a distinctive country. There is a great deal of influence from India, China and the rest of Southeast Asia that can be seen in the Thai culture. Thailand as a whole is dominated by a range of Thai speaking ethnic groups. All of them have made an impact on the culture of the country, with Central Thailand has seen the most impact. The Central Thai dialect became common throughout the whole of the country, in tandem with the various localised languages evident in various parts of Thailand. Buddhism is the predominant religion and has evolved over time to include many regional beliefs originating from animism as well as ancestor worship. As with any Asian culture, Thais respect their ancestors and have a strong sense of hospitality and generosity. Seniority is an important concept in Thai culture and elders have by tradition ruled in family decisions or ceremonies. Thai cuisine blends 5 fundamental tastes: sweet, spicy, sour, bitter and salty. Some common ingredients used in Thai cuisine include garlic, chillies, lime juice, lemon grass, and fish sauce. English is widely spoken in Thailand and there is a wide range of English newspapers and magazines in circulation.
Thais have a different social custom from the West where greetings are concerned. One of the most distinctive Thai customs is the gesture of bowing sawadee, instead of shaking hands. The wai is the common form of greeting and adheres to strict rules of protocol. Raising both hands, palms joined with the fingers pointing upwards as if in prayer, lightly touching the body somewhere between the chest and the forehead, is the standard form. The Thais regard the wai as both a sign of respect as well as a greeting. Respect and courtesy are demonstrated by the height at which the hands are held and how low the head comes down to meet the thumbs of both hands. The wai may be made while sitting, walking, or standing. The person who is junior in age or status is the first one to offer the wai. The senior person returns the wai, generally with their hands raised to somewhere around their chest. If a junior person is standing and wants to wai a senior person who is seated, the junior person will stoop or bow their head while making the wai. If there is a great social distance between two people, the wai will not be returned. The family is of paramount importance to the Thais. The Thais also place great emphasis and value on outward forms of courtesy such as politeness, respect, genial demeanour and self-control in order to maintain harmonious relations. Many of their rules of etiquette are by-products of the Buddhist religion. The Thai society is non-confrontational as a whole. To be openly angry with someone might attract the wrath of the spirits, which in turn could cause violence and tragedy. Loss of face is a disgrace to a Thai so they try to avoid confrontations and look for compromises in difficult situations. If two parties disagree, one will need to have an outlet to retreat without losing face.
Thailand is rightly proud of its rich heritage of arts and culture, and has made it readily available to the country's many visitors. By and large, the Thai culture is deeply rooted in historical and religious traditions of the Thai people, and it has a profound influence on the way of kingdom's life. Thais are very fond of the arts, which bear heavy influence from the Buddhist religion. In fact, they are rightly proud of their Traditional Thai music for instance, is a blending of musical elements from a number of cultures, such as Chinese, Khmer, and Indian. This applies not only to the instruments but also to the melodies. Therefore Thai music can be said to be derivative. Notwithstanding that fact, Thai music has developed into a distinct form, which is regarded as belonging to the 'high' musical cultures of Southeast Asia.
In Thailand a TEFL certificate is now necessary even if you already have a
degree. A TEFL certificate gives you the confidence to teach a group of people,
provides an insight into the teaching methodology which will surely make you a
teacher. Thus the basic qualification of being a teacher in Thailand would be an
undergraduate degree and a TEFL/TESL/TESOL certificate.
There are various organizations which issue certificates that vary widely in
acceptance. In countries that are widely influenced by the British system of
education UCLES CELTA and Trinity CertTESOL are more common forms of
certification. Some universities issue TEFL certificates as part of their
curriculum. In United Sates a pre-service MA TESOL is more recognized though
shorter certifications do exist.
There are no general restrictions on receiving money in Thailand but there are certain legislations and rules for sending money or walking out of the country with money. Many new regulations were put into place in 1997 to get over the economic collapse and the currency speculation which caused the Thai baht to fluctuate and become unstable.
Western Union is the fastest and expensive mode of sending money worldwide. One just needs to visit the outlets with passports to pick up the money. The outlets are located in Central Departmental Stores in Bangkok.
Wiring money from your overseas account to your Thai bank account usually takes 3 days. But it can take more than 7 days also depending on the bank and the system they use. This turns out to be more expensive.
A cheaper option to send money over is the international banker’s checks or international money order. The preferred bank for this should be Siam City Bank. Please make sure to send your check by international courier only. DHL is definitely preferably.
It is suggested that you should not use the money order service as the concept is not very common and reliable. Presently you can walk out of the country with 50,000 THB. In order to convert these into cash without documentation one needs to bring plane ticket and passport.
Thailand is definitely a place to bring only the clothes on your back, and good hiking boots. If you're on a long trip, Thailand is a great place to stock up on difficult-to-find items, such as pharmaceuticals, dental floss, etc. In Thailand be very careful about illegal drugs, and keep all your prescriptions for legit pharmaceuticals with you. DO NOT move them from their original bottles, same with herbs you might be taking. Lots of foreigners are sitting in jail in Thailand (you can visit them if you want). DON'T bring drugs to Thailand. It's a capital crime and this is outlined by way of a greeting into the country. Decapitation is a rotten way to end your holiday.
Thailand is a tropical country where any kind of jacket is rarely required. However, dressing in shorts all the time is not a good idea either. In addition to the dangers of too much sun and mosquitoes, you also need to keep in mind that most temples and palaces require visitors to wear long pants.
Natural fabrics such as cotton are good for this climate. Having laundry done at hotels in Thailand is generally inexpensive, so you can assume that you can have items cleaned if needed. Aside from sensible clothing, you'll probably want to bring a camera. If you're still using film, all types of film can be purchased just about anywhere in Thailand. One-hour processing is also readily available throughout the kingdom. We’d also suggest you bring an inexpensive rain poncho. The lightweight plastic kind takes up almost no room in your camera bag or backpack, but can really come in handy if you get stuck in the rain.
Thailand has a diverse culture with a charming lifestyle and beautiful natural settings which would attract even the jaded of travellers. One will not find oneself bored in Thailand because there is an abundance of activities to do in Thailand. Of course, there are the regular sightseeing options in Thailand besides rich opportunities to indulge in shopping. There are also lots of nightlife activities for the nocturnals out there with a wide range of bars and clubs around the country. For the adventurous, there are the pristine and clear beaches for water sports and also lush golf courses for golf enthusiasts. Below are only some of the things that visitors to Thailand can do.