General Questions about Thailand - Living in Thailand - Expat - Moving to Thailand

QUESTION ABOUT LIVING IN THAILAND Thanks to those who say thanks.
HOME Questions: About Living in Thailand About Thailand From Students Thai Life:* Working in Thailand What I've learned in Thailand Students* Writing Resources for Students and Teachers Links and Link Partners Photos Color Black and White Previous Photos of the Moment About Me* Michael's Resume My Writing Instead of a Journal Building a House in Thailand EXPAT! Cultural Literacy I'm Sorry: Cross-Cultural Apologizing Places* Places in Thailand I have visited Map of Thailand Si Saket Countries Visiting Ajarn Michael Cities Visiting Ajarn Michael Favorites* People and Things Internet Favorites Shareware Other Stuff* * Pope John Paul II in Thailand	You many also want to check out General Questions or the Expat Encyclopedia. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE THAI EDUCATION SYSTEM? There has been a strong push from the government and various ministries to upgrade the quality of education, particularly in the areas of critical thinking and student centered learning. There is still a very long way to go. Government schools in Thailand, whether in Bangkok or elsewhere, still tend to stress rote learning and group think. Asking questions is not encouraged. Disagreeing with the teacher is taboo. International schools are better in some ways but in my opinion, they frequently create prigs. In addition, they are extremely expensive – usually hundreds of thousands of baht a year. I send my son to a Catholic school. While it is far from perfect, it is about as close to a happy medium as I can come. The language of instruction is Thai but they teach English. I supplement that with informal lessons in English at home SHOULD I GIVE HER MONEY? Q: I would appreciate your thoughts on something. I have become friends with a Thai lady. I have known her for about a year. She works in a restaurant and I have grown to like her a lot. She has a serious medical problem involving kidney failure. I'm sure this is true because I have seen the shunts in her arm. She has told me she gets a discount for medical services but still pays 600 B twice a week for dialysis. This is a huge burden because she only makes 1000B a week. I have heard of the 30B scheme to provide medical care to Thais but no one can tell me for certain that her only cost would be 30B per visit. I know that many individuals have a sad story and will manipulate situations to obtain money. I tend to believe people when they tell me something. Perhaps I am a bit gullible. But, I do not think she is making this up. Any words of advice? A: Questions like this are difficult. The cynical expat would immediately tell you write this person off. Since I don't know her, I can't say that. I will say, however, that cynicism is often justified and that many Thais -- even good ones -- perceive farangs as ATM machines who believe almost anything they hear. If you are sure you are getting the truth, my advice would be to try to work out something where you pay the hospital for the medical services. If your friend is turned off by this, it says something about her -- especially if you tell a white lie and say that you can, for example, write the money off your income tax as a deduction. As for the 30 baht medical plan, it appears to exist but is not something I know about. Good luck. ***** Before moving to Thailand, try booking a Thailand hotel to visit the country before you move. You can find safe, cheap hotels in Bangkok or Phuket to see if Thailand is the place for you. From hostels to five star hotels, you'll find the perfect accommodations for your budget. *** SMILING FACE OF THAI RACISM Is there racism in Thailand? There are racists in every country. In general, Thai racism is not as ugly or violent as it is in other places. I sometimes think of it as "the smiling face of Thai racism." A few examples of racism are double pricing (white and black people pay more), laws forbidding foreigners from owning property and favoritism of Thai teachers at schools and universities (no promotions, sabbaticals or study loans). Black people are more often the victim of racism than white people. For example, it is nearly impossible for a black person to get a teaching job. In addition, some Central Thai people (including Bangkok) are prone to look down on Isaan (Northeast) Thais with stereotypes of dirty, lazy and dishonest frequently being held. Finally, Thai women accompanying Western men are often thought to be prostitutes. Overall, I would say that racism in Thailand brings about injustices and frustrations, as it does in other places, but one need not fear violence anywhere in the country merely on the basis of race. However, racism is more widespread than it is in, say, the USA. *** CHRISTMAS Q: Is Christmas celebrated in Thailand? A: It is not an official holiday and for most places it is business as usual. Thai people, however, do kind of celebrate a combination New Year/Christmas. Many exchange gifts or cards and there are numerous office parties. By the way, there are three big New Year's celebrations in Thailand: Western, Thai and Chinese. Thai Muslims also celebrate the Islamic New Year. ***** AIDS IN THAILAND Q: Is AIDS as serious a problem as they say? A: That depends on who you mean by "they." Whenever I return to America, I get the sense that most people have an exaggerated view of how serious the problem is. I also get this feeling from the media. I don't like the term 'epidemic' relative to AIDS. It paints a picture of people falling down on the streets and dying. I don't know anyone in Thailand who has AIDS or who has died from AIDS. Highway deaths are a much worse problem here. I HAVE seen people dead on the street and thousands die every year. Over the last New Year period alone (four days), over 500 people died in road accidents. So, is AIDS as serious a problem as "they" say? No. Is it a serious problem? Yes. *** STUDYING BUDDHISM IN THAILAND Q: Could you suggest a source for information on Buddhism? Is there a lecture, mini-class, or knowledgeable individual that might share insights with me? On this same tract, could you suggest a mini-course or person who may want to trade Thai lessons for English lessons? I will be in Bangkok a little over two weeks. A: Wow! Absolutely excellent questions; read difficult to answer. As for Buddhism, I will avoid giving you obvious answers that can be found on the internet because I am quite sure that you can find that stuff yourself. My suggestion in this regard is to go slowly. Go to a temple. Sit there. Wait. Sit someplace else. See what happens. Go to another temple. Sit here. Sit there. "When the student is ready, the teacher will appear." As for learning Thai, I have heard for a long time that the AUA course (check internet) is one of the best. I doubt that they have a two week course. Again, avoiding obvious internet links and whatnot, I would say that the best way to start learning Thai is to 1) Hang out with people who don't speak much English; 2) Bring along your dictionary/phrase book and 3) Be willing to have people laugh with you (they aren't really laughing AT you) when you make mistakes. *** LEARNING THAI Is it difficult to learn the Thai language? Some aspects of Thai are quite difficult while others are easy. Thai grammar, for example, is very straight forward and much easier than English grammar. In terms of speaking, learning (actually being able to hear) the five tones (rising, falling, high, medium, low) is very difficult. Reading and writing Thai is a challenge too, because of the size of the Thai alphabet. Learning a bit of the language pays huge benefits for those who live here. I know some expats who have lived here for years and find it kind of sad that they have never bothered to learn a bit of the language. They are completely dependent on others for accomplishing the most basic tasks. I strongly recommend that those thinking about living here, learn the language. ******* MEDICAL INSURANCE** Q: I have a question. I read your critique of the health care system of Thailand on your web-site. Can a foreigner buy medical insurance in Thailand? Or, how can a foreigner obtain needed medical services and prescriptions in Thailand? A: Yes, health insurance is available in Thailand and I THINK it is reasonably priced but am not sure because I am covered through my job. Almost all medicine is available over the counter -- including drugs that require a prescription in the US. By almost all I mean heart, blood sugar/pressure, asthma, antibiotics, pain killers, ulcer, etc. etc -- you name it. Walk into a drugstore and buy what you want at a reasonable price, with no prescription and completely legally. UPDATE (August 2005): If you have worked legally in Thailand and paid taxes, you have been covered by what is called "Social Welfare." That is state health insurance. If you stop working, you can maintain this health insurance for about 400 baht a month. It entitles you to health care at the state hospital in the province where you live.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE THAI EDUCATION SYSTEM?

There has been a strong push from the government and various ministries to upgrade the quality of education, particularly in the areas of critical thinking and student centered learning. There is still a very long way to go.

Government schools in Thailand, whether in Bangkok or elsewhere, still tend to stress rote learning and group think. Asking questions is not encouraged. Disagreeing with the teacher is taboo.

International schools are better in some ways but in my opinion, they frequently create prigs. In addition, they are extremely expensive – usually hundreds of thousands of baht a year.

I send my son to a Catholic school. While it is far from perfect, it is about as close to a happy medium as I can come. The language of instruction is Thai but they teach English. I supplement that with informal lessons in English at home

SHOULD I GIVE HER MONEY?

Q: I would appreciate your thoughts on something. I have become friends with a Thai lady. I have known her for about a year. She works in a restaurant and I have grown to like her a lot. She has a serious medical problem involving kidney failure. I'm sure this is true because I have seen the shunts in her arm.

She has told me she gets a discount for medical services but still pays 600 B twice a week for dialysis. This is a huge burden because she only makes 1000B a week.

I have heard of the 30B scheme to provide medical care to Thais but no one can tell me for certain that her only cost would be 30B per visit. I know that many individuals have a sad story and will manipulate situations to obtain money. I tend to believe people when they tell me something. Perhaps I am a bit gullible. But, I do not think she is making this up.

Any words of advice?

A: Questions like this are difficult. The cynical expat would immediately tell you write this person off. Since I don't know her, I can't say that. I will say, however, that cynicism is often justified and that many Thais -- even good ones -- perceive farangs as ATM machines who believe almost anything they hear.

If you are sure you are getting the truth, my advice would be to try to work out something where you pay the hospital for the medical services. If your friend is turned off by this, it says something about her -- especially if you tell a white lie and say that you can, for example, write the money off your income tax as a deduction.

As for the 30 baht medical plan, it appears to exist but is not something I know about.

Good luck.

*******

Before moving to Thailand, try booking a Thailand hotel to visit the country before you move. You can find safe, cheap hotels in Bangkok or Phuket to see if Thailand is the place for you. From hostels to five star hotels, you'll find the perfect accommodations for your budget.

*******

SMILING FACE OF THAI RACISM

Is there racism in Thailand?

There are racists in every country. In general, Thai racism is not as ugly or violent as it is in other places. I sometimes think of it as "the smiling face of Thai racism."

A few examples of racism are double pricing (white and black people pay more), laws forbidding foreigners from owning property and favoritism of Thai teachers at schools and universities (no promotions, sabbaticals or study loans).

Black people are more often the victim of racism than white people. For example, it is nearly impossible for a black person to get a teaching job.

In addition, some Central Thai people (including Bangkok) are prone to look down on Isaan (Northeast) Thais with stereotypes of dirty, lazy and dishonest frequently being held.

Finally, Thai women accompanying Western men are often thought to be prostitutes.

Overall, I would say that racism in Thailand brings about injustices and frustrations, as it does in other places, but one need not fear violence anywhere in the country merely on the basis of race. However, racism is more widespread than it is in, say, the USA.

*******

CHRISTMAS

Q: Is Christmas celebrated in Thailand?

A: It is not an official holiday and for most places it is business as usual. Thai people, however, do kind of celebrate a combination New Year/Christmas. Many exchange gifts or cards and there are numerous office parties.

By the way, there are three big New Year's celebrations in Thailand: Western, Thai and Chinese. Thai Muslims also celebrate the Islamic New Year.

*********

AIDS IN THAILAND

Q: Is AIDS as serious a problem as they say?

A: That depends on who you mean by "they." Whenever I return to America, I get the sense that most people have an exaggerated view of how serious the problem is. I also get this feeling from the media.

I don't like the term 'epidemic' relative to AIDS. It paints a picture of people falling down on the streets and dying.

I don't know anyone in Thailand who has AIDS or who has died from AIDS. Highway deaths are a much worse problem here. I HAVE seen people dead on the street and thousands die every year. Over the last New Year period alone (four days), over 500 people died in road accidents.

So, is AIDS as serious a problem as "they" say? No. Is it a serious problem? Yes.

*******

STUDYING BUDDHISM IN THAILAND

Q: Could you suggest a source for information on Buddhism? Is there a lecture, mini-class, or knowledgeable individual that might share insights with me?

On this same tract, could you suggest a mini-course or person who may want to trade Thai lessons for English lessons? I will be in Bangkok a little over two weeks.

A: Wow! Absolutely excellent questions; read difficult to answer.

As for Buddhism, I will avoid giving you obvious answers that can be found on the internet because I am quite sure that you can find that stuff yourself. My suggestion in this regard is to go slowly. Go to a temple. Sit there. Wait. Sit someplace else. See what happens. Go to another temple. Sit here. Sit there. "When the student is ready, the teacher will appear."

As for learning Thai, I have heard for a long time that the AUA course (check internet) is one of the best. I doubt that they have a two week course. Again, avoiding obvious internet links and whatnot, I would say that the best way to start learning Thai is to 1) Hang out with people who don't speak much English; 2) Bring along your dictionary/phrase book and 3) Be willing to have people laugh with you (they aren't really laughing AT you) when you make mistakes.

*******

LEARNING THAI

Is it difficult to learn the Thai language?

Some aspects of Thai are quite difficult while others are easy. Thai grammar, for example, is very straight forward and much easier than English grammar. In terms of speaking, learning (actually being able to hear) the five tones (rising, falling, high, medium, low) is very difficult. Reading and writing Thai is a challenge too, because of the size of the Thai alphabet.

Learning a bit of the language pays huge benefits for those who live here. I know some expats who have lived here for years and find it kind of sad that they have never bothered to learn a bit of the language. They are completely dependent on others for accomplishing the most basic tasks.

I strongly recommend that those thinking about living here, learn the language.

***********

MEDICAL INSURANCE

Q: I have a question. I read your critique of the health care system of Thailand on your web-site. Can a foreigner buy medical insurance in Thailand? Or, how can a foreigner obtain needed medical services and prescriptions in Thailand?

A: Yes, health insurance is available in Thailand and I THINK it is reasonably priced but am not sure because I am covered through my job.

Almost all medicine is available over the counter -- including drugs that require a prescription in the US. By almost all I mean heart, blood sugar/pressure, asthma, antibiotics, pain killers, ulcer, etc. etc -- you name it. Walk into a drugstore and buy what you want at a reasonable price, with no prescription and completely legally.

UPDATE (August 2005): If you have worked legally in Thailand and paid taxes, you have been covered by what is called "Social Welfare." That is state health insurance. If you stop working, you can maintain this health insurance for about 400 baht a month. It entitles you to health care at the state hospital in the province where you live.