Thai culture course?

Well, this has really turned into a sore issue. The biggest issue is the cost of 8000 Baht and who should pay for it. Not to mention the cost of taking a final test of 1000 Baht, plus travel expenses. This could easily mount up to a 15,000 Baht outlay of money. Where I live I was told the course will be offered at a local school. So, for me no travel expenses but, still 8000 Baht for the course plus the fee for the final test. Kinda ridiculous in my humble opinion to expect teachers to pay for this when their salaries are so small to begin with.

Here is the break down of the course and what will be taught.
- Thai Society 4 hours
- Thai Language and Thai Culture 6 hours
- Thai Manners 2 hours
- Thai Art and Thai Music 2 hours
- Professional Ethics 6 hours
20 hours

And the cost of the said course and testing are as follows:
1. Ranging from 6,000 – 10,000 baht depending on the Institution enrolled in is the License course fee with Free Accommodation ( when you are really paying for it!)
2. Registration Fee for license at 500 baht.
3. Translation fees for documents like diploma, TEFL certificate, etc. amounting to 1,000 baht (approximately and may vary among different translators).
4. Testing Fee by Teacher’s Counsil of Thailand amounting to 1000 baht for
onsite testing and additional 30 baht for money transfer. Please see the Teacher’s Council website for full details.

As you can see this is very costly for us teachers. I have been in Thailand for almost 6 years now and the salaries have not changed. Still the same small starting pay of 30,000 Baht per month. Now with the potential cost of working here amounting to a hefty 15,000 Baht you should consider all options before coming here to work. There is also a draft proposal of raising work permit fees from 3,000 to 20,000 Baht. It is a never ending cycle of bullshit and hassle to want to live and work here.

My problems rise a bit further in the fact I am married and would like to stay here. But, I will not pay for this course and the extortionist tactics of a monopolistic government. This government does not recognize my marriage nor the impact of having to leave the country in 7 days if I quite my job or my employer fires me. I am saddened by the big forums here that cater to foreign workers for their lack of involvement. I guess sponsor money is important and more important than the fleecing of teachers.

I have made my stand against the continued unfair practices against foreigners. Refuse to take the course or leave this place. Those are my options and I have chosen not to pay for this course. So, I guess I will move on to greener and better paying pastures.