Showing 41 - 46 of 46
Unfit to be our leader
News, Postbag, Published on 15/11/2015
» France’s streets have been bloodied by the massacre of more than 100 Parisians, but junta chief Prayut Chan-o-cha is already using the attack to justify his repression of the Thai people.
The TEFL challenge
News, Postbag, Published on 14/11/2015
» The initiative to train Thai teachers in TEFL teaching to reduce the reliance on foreign teachers sounds promising, but the Ministry of Education is missing the point. English language tuition here is driven by the commercial sector, with parents paying enormous levies for their children to learn from native speakers, preferably Westerners. In other words, they expect a "white face" for their hard-earned baht. It’s superficial, and explains why there’s widespread discrimination against qualified Philippine teachers who work for lower wages, en masse, and solve the problem. But the TCT now expects them to have a Master's in Education before licensing them. In May, there was a crisis-like TEFL teacher shortage, which caused the industry to become flooded with gap-year students qualified with cheap "online" TEFL certificates. Those trained properly with a 120-hour practicum-driven course generally do a better job than locals, and teach using modern and effective methods. Thai teachers clearly have their work cut out for them if they are to compete.
Hypocrisy reigns
News, Postbag, Published on 04/11/2015
» The junta giving officials investigating Yingluck Shinawatra’s rice-pledging plan immunity from future lawsuits is a massive goal. The military is putting Yingluck on trial to hold her accountable for her acts — but for the junta to then excuse itself and its underlings from accountability for their own acts is hypocrisy of the worst kind.
Smart move, Yingluck
News, Postbag, Published on 27/10/2015
» Former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra deserves to be commended for warning the red shirts not to come out in a show of support for her on Nov 1.
A dangerous path
News, Postbag, Published on 19/10/2015
» We swing from freedom without accountability to the other extreme of fascism, all in the name of “Thai-style democracy”. I suggest we walk the middle way of freedom with accountability.
EIA song and dance
News, Postbag, Published on 14/07/2015
» The environmental impact assessment (EIA) process for a high-profile mega-block in the centre of Bangkok has been under way for some time. The first public meeting was marred by walk-outs and loud public dismay because there was no provision for English-speakers. The BMA was unrepresented though outrageous statements were made "on its behalf" and later documented.