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Saturday, April 23, 2011

The Worst Job Offer For Me This Year


Finding a job here in Thailand is not very easy, especially for those non-education graduates. If you are, it is still a problem because you need to prove that you can teach students who couldn't understand, read, write, or speak any English. It is indeed a challenge for job hunters to prove that they can. During the interview, they will ask you to do demo teaching and you are expected to communicate with your students more effectively using your methods, tools, and teaching techniques/skills.

Some of my friends in the Philippines, they thought working here is easy... They are completely WRONG! Teaching careers here are in demand but, there is a huge population of competitors/applicants from other countries. Apparently, their priority is to choose English Native Speakers for any teaching positions, especially in some International Schools. Secondly, they also take into account the educational background (which is a BS Education graduate) with Masteral is an advantage.

List according to importance when applying for a job here:

1. English Native Speakers (US, UK, Canada, Australia,etc.)
2. Educational Background
3. Work Experience as a teacher in his Country + here in Thailand
4. Teaching Skills/Tools/Methods via demo teaching
5. Physical Attributes (Presentation)
6. Age Requirement

On the other hand, other nationalities from all over the globe are applying for the same position. And I am one of them! I worked as a Guidance Counselor cum Science teacher way back in SY 2000-2001 in Antipolo City. I have the experience to hold a Home-room adviser position for 4th Grade in one of the Christian schools in Penafrancia. But, my teaching skills aren't enough to teach in the classroom for foreign pupils/students. I admit that, because I know my strengths and weaknesses, as far as my career is concerned.


Last 2009, I started job hunting here in Bangkok. I came across a language center (which I don't wanna mention) online through Thaivisa.com & Ajarn.com. This language center phones me up for a job interview. I showed up so early before our scheduled time. But, I was shocked that they were very unorganized. I was expecting to have accommodated on time. Instead, the owner kept me waiting for an hour! Then, finally, after an hour had my job interview with her. She was a little rude and had high regard for herself. I felt uncomfortable but, I composed myself not to express what I was feeling at the moment. She said that I passed the job interview and told me to start the following week. I asserted to ask about the pay rate, and she told me that it was 13,000 baht only. That includes my housing allowance, ED visa (not a working visa), and meals while at work. All in all, it's only 8,000 baht in take-home pay. Plus, I've got to work on Saturdays and the hours of work is 7:30am-6:30pm (6 days of work!🙄 Whoa!🤯)


In the same year, I was also called for a job interview for a KG teacher in Pinklao, which is about 3 hours travel from my place, then. I was interviewed by the school principal and he said that I got the job and the salary was 15,000 baht and the rent for my apartment will be 1,500 baht a month (he owned it). I hesitated to accept the job offer because it was too far from our home, and I don't need to live in an apartment because I'm living with my husband. He also told me that I don't have to work because he will provide for all my needs. So, I stopped my job hunting. Until I got pregnant LOL.


This year, I've searched again, online for a part-time job during the weekends. I found a private learning and computer school that I thought would be great to start teaching in the classroom. They phone me for a job interview with the Headteacher (a British guy), a few weeks ago. Again... I passed the job interview and he turned me over to an office staff to discuss the pay rate, the whereabouts of the students, and the schedule. I don't understand why the head teacher couldn't be able to discuss it with me, openly. Probably because the system itself is unfavorable.

So, I was about to teach two students (a couple), 35 years old, 2 hours every Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, 280 baht per hour. I was startled by the rate! I was hoping to have 20.00 baht more so I negotiated with them. The lady told me that she would have to ask the Academy about my concern and that I had to wait on their phone call if they agreed or not, but I had to start the following week that we had agreed.

One day, somebody from that learning center called me up to tell me that the Management did not agree to the negotiation. In fact, they were offering me 180 baht (too LOW!), the lowest job offer in my life! I was a little upset, but still, I composed myself, as a professional. I thought I was hearing her incorrectly, so I made some clarifications on the pay rate that on the previous meeting, I was offered 280 baht per hour and not 180 baht. Then, she repeated that it was indeed 180 baht (what? goodness, gracious!!!) and her voice was serious. I believed her because I thought it was a joke at first! LOL.

I replied, "I am so sorry that I can't accept your job offer of 180 baht per hour on weekends because right now, I am earning 500 baht per hour for each student and I don't need to travel far because their houses are few walks from my home. Some of my students are learning English online.

The lady said, "But because you are not a native speaker and have no work experience in class here in Thailand, no education diploma (this was the exact message I got from her). Sorry about that....

I responded, "I don't have to be a native speaker to teach two students a basic conversation. My friends aren't native speakers, and they aren't education graduates either. But, they've earned their experience working here in Thailand because they were considered despite that. Yes, I don't have a teaching experience in the classroom and I have no education certificate... But, I can teach. Besides, you're only giving me 2 students so that means it is more of private teaching or tutorial. If I am an education graduate... will you give me a work permit in that given situation? I don't think so. I am rejecting your job offer, I'm sorry.

Charged to experience it again. I am not that desperate to grab any jobs that offer such pay rates. I may have to think about the traveling expenses and the distance. It matters a lot! If you need to travel, you will spend money and if it's far from your home, you will still spend time. Not smart enough to just accept without thinking many times of the pros and cons. That was the worst job offer that I had in my life here in Thailand! I hope it'll be the last (fingers crossed🙄).

It is very essential to know what you want in looking for a job. If you aren't assertive of your priorities and needs here... You will end up working stressful and not realizing your worth as a person. Sure they have the right to offer you a low pay rate but, it is up to you to accept it or not. They're doing that, hoping you would accept it anyhow and so the school/company will have a great deal having you as a teacher working full load or too many unrelated tasks given to you without paying you more about your efforts. This is Thailand, if you aren't that smart, sensible, prepared, resourceful, and skillful enough then, this is not your world. You've gotta learn to compete with other foreign people like you here (in a healthy, professional way).






borrowed images from google

Friday, April 01, 2011

Home Alone (Day 11): Busy As A Bee


I had a long day yesterday and I did what I have planned to do except for going to the gym and paying for the car amortization. I had too many activities from the morning, till night. Time indeed flies so fast and the days are shorter than nights.

I woke up at 8 and had breakfast at 9. I had a shower and went out to withdraw some money to pay for the electric bill and deposit money to my hubby's other ATM so he could spend on something that we need. I withdrew money from his other ATM that he left so I could be able to settle his car payment, and electric bill and send him some money from his salary this month. However, for whatever reason, I couldn't be able to get some more money higher than 15,000 baht. So, I paid the electric bill and send him the 10k and the car's monthly amortization tomorrow.

The weather was sunny and I loved it, unlike the other day when I got so lazy and tied up in bed, so bored.

Below herewith was the plan:

1. Withdraw money from SCB ATM and have these things settled
- car payment - NOT DONE
- electric bill
- sanitation fee
- deposit money for hubby's ATM account
- birthday gift
- miscellaneous


2. Gym Work-out
- NOT DONE

3. Visit my Thai friend to help me pick up our car from Toyota Ram Inthra because it was repaired (had a minor scratch).

4. Check out Apartments for rent
- how much is the monthly rent? how long is the contract?
- is it with air conditioning and furniture?
- how much is the deposit and advance payment?

5. Tutorial at 6:00-7:00pm

6. Shopping for my birthday gift for my friend's son who will just turn one this month.


Something came up which was unplanned. My Thai friend told me that his hubby would have to pick up our common friend at the Suvarnabhumi airport this afternoon, the guy came from England. I waited for more than an hour at my friend's house for her husband to come from school (he's a teacher, like my hubby) as we were going together. Since Toyota Ram Inthra is just along the way to our common friend's house, they might as well drop our friend at his house and then we go to pick up my hubby's car at Toyota.

So we had a U-turn and when we were there the Toyota asked me to pay 1,000 baht for excess at first, I wouldn't able to understand why the car insurance won't cover the expenses. In my mind, I just said, "what is the use of car insurance, if they won't insure the car when you need it or in a case like this..." For whatever stupid reason that is, which they couldn't be able to explain clearly to their customers, that really sounds too stupid to me. Why the left are you ripping me off for???!! My Thai friend just said it is just the way it is here in Thailand, that even Thais couldn't and wouldn't explain it clearly. They only said that the company changed the policy (as if, it is too easy to change such a policy without even considering/acknowledging the customers' welfare/rights. I was disappointed, but it was okay because our car was returned back home now, I missed it for 10 days🙄


I came home at 10pm, I was too exhausted. I had a cold shower to awaken myself somehow and because I felt so dusty and yucky from going out the whole day (almost, I'm counting my fingers now, lmao). I couldn't be able to sleep well if I haven't showered. Probably, I can hardly sleep, but if I did.. the whole night will be a nightmare because I'd just scratch myself because I stunk, 😂ewwww!


I love to end the night (oh! it's almost morning..) by saying... I had a long day, as busy as a bee, but I was happy. It's now 2:30 am. Good night/morning, bloggers and readers!!!😅

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

How do I get a VAT refund ?


When I bought my HP mini notebook here in Bangkok last December 2010 at Pantip Plaza, I didn't have any idea about claiming a VAT refund here in Bangkok. Lately, I have found out the process and the things that I needed to know through my experience living here in Thailand, as a tourist. I had done several research online, too. As this would help me a lot in the future when we've decided to buy some stuff.

Once you get here in Thailand, most probably you would hear sales agent/s or see this sign below.



Goods purchased in Thailand are VAT-inclusive. However, foreign visitors (with a few exceptions) have the benefit to receive a 7% VAT refund on luxury goods purchased from shops that participate in the 'VAT Refund for Tourists' scheme. When you see a 'VAT Refund for Tourists' sign, you can receive a 7% refund of the VAT levied on goods at the shop. However, certain conditions apply, and you won't be able to claim your refund until you depart Thailand from an international airport.

Most countries allow tourists to claim back the VAT that is paid on goods that are bought in their country as long as those goods are to be enjoyed or used outside of that country. Thailand is no different, in fact as a shopping paradise in Asia they are very much used to refunding the VAT. So this means, "only tourists who have a visa.

I remembered when we bought a Sony digital camera as a present to my eldest kid at Power Buy in Fashion Island, Ram Inthra. They knew already that I was gonna claim my VAT refund and they initiated to process with a smile. That was a good customer service experience for me! Since they honestly admitted that they couldn't provide a VAT refund form (probably because they aren't accredited), they said that they'll just give the 300 baht in cold cash to me on that day. That was really~ WOW! Who could honestly do the same?

Each country though has its own rules and regulations, as to what can, and can't, be claimed back and how it should be done. Based on my research, you will be informed on how to enjoy shopping and claim your VAT refund.


What goods can you NOT claim for VAT refunds?

*Firearms, explosives, or any such similar item
*Prohibited items
*Gemstones


Who can claim VAT refunds?

*A non-Thai or foreigner visitor/tourist who has been in Thailand less than 180 days in a calendar year

*A non-Thai visitor who is not a crew member of an airline.

*A non-Thai visitor who departs Thailand by air from an International airport.


How do you claim a VAT refund?

1. A VAT refund will only apply if the goods purchased are taken out of Thailand within 60 days of purchase and you have to get the VAT refund form on the same day of purchase. Otherwise, it will be invalid or you are not eligible to claim a refund

2. The goods must be purchased from any participating shops that display a "VAT Refund For Tourists" sign. This is very important because you've gotta find out if the shop is accredited or not. I was once a victim of this, they were claiming that they could give you a VAT refund but you have to get the form at the FALSE airport terminal! Some shops are only concerned about selling their items and not giving VAT refunds to foreign customers. If they are accredited or listed as the one legitimate on giving VAT refund, they MUST have the "yellow form" and they would be the one filling it up for you. All you got to do is give essential info and sign it. DO NOT LEAVE THE STORE WITHOUT IT (yellow form for VAT refund).

3. On any one day, the goods purchased from an individual participating shop must not be less than 2,000 Baht including VAT per day, and the total amount claiming for refund must not be less than 5,000 Baht, including VAT


4. When you purchase the goods, ask the sales assistant to complete a VAT refund form, known as the P.P.10, and attach the original tax invoices to that form. Each P.P.10 must show a value of 2,000 Baht or more.

5. You will need to know the method or refund you would prefer, and input that into the P.P.10 form.

6. You will need to show your passport to the sales assistant when you purchase the goods, to allow her to fill in the above-mentioned form.

7. When you are requesting a refund, the goods must be inspected by customs officers before check-in. Show these customs officers the P.P.10 and tax invoices.


TIP: When buying anything, make sure you have your PASSPORT with you :)


How will the refund be paid?

*If the refund does not exceed 10,000 Baht then you can have the refund made by cash (Thai Baht), draft, or credit to your credit card.

*If the refund total does exceed 10,000 Baht then, refunds will be made by either draft or a credit to your credit card.


Don't forget that the tax refund process is the final stage of your journey in Thailand - you will have gone through passport control on your return leg before you arrive at the appropriate counter. You can only make claims on the day you leave the country.

If your claim is for less than 30,000 Baht, you can receive a payment as a cheque or Bank Draft, or the amount can be paid into a credit card account. If your claim is for over 30,000 Baht, you can only receive payment by Bank Draft or payment into a credit card account.


Are there any fees?

*If you request a cash refund a fee of 100 Baht will apply.

*For a draft refund a 100 Baht fee plus, the draft issuing fee at the rate charged by banks and postage fees.

*For credit card refunds, a 100 Baht fee plus a money transfer fee at the rates charged by banks


Refund Conditions: VAT Refunds will not be granted in the following cases:

•You carry a diplomatic passport and reside in Thailand.

•You are an airline crew member departing Thailand on duty.

•Your stay in Thailand exceeds 180 days in a calendar year.

•Goods were not taken out of Thailand within 60 days after the date of purchase.

•You didn't depart Thailand from an international airport.

•Name or passport number not on original tax invoice attached to the VAT Refund Application form

•Value of goods purchased is less than 2,000 baht per day per store.

•VAT Refund Application for Tourist form was not prepared on the date of purchase.

•Total value of goods claimed for refund is less than 5,000 baht.

•Original tax invoices were not attached to the VAT Refund for Tourist form.

•You did not carry the goods out of Thailand on the day of your departure.

•Goods were not purchased from participating shops in the VAT Refund for Tourists scheme.

• quantity of goods shown in the VAT Refund Application for Tourist form is less than that shown in the original tax invoice.

•Goods were taken out of Thailand without being inspected by Customs or Revenue officers.

•Luxury goods were taken out of Thailand without being checked by the Revenue officers.

•Tax invoices attached to the VAT Refund Application for Tourists were issued from a different store than mentioned on the form.

• If you claimed that you are a tourist, but then you listed a home/hotel address in Thailand on the VAT refund form. Take note: Put your home address where you are from (permanent residence in your home country not abroad)

Happy shopping!!!



sources:
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/VATRefundsforTouristsinThailand.shtml
http://www.yourpattaya.com/shopping.htm
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/ShoppinginBangkok.shtml
http://www.discoverythailand.com/VAT_Refund_for_Tourists.asp
http://www.rd.go.th/vrt/howwill.html
http://www.bangkok.com/shopping-vat-refund.htm#ixzz1GgMrYEaz

Charged To Experience


Yesterday, I went to Pantip Plaza to have my new HP notebook's battery replaced because it wasn't charging at all. If my notebook is not covered by the warranty, then it will be too expensive to buy a new one. They said it would cost me around 5,000 baht just for that thing. It was like half the price of my notebook when I bought it.

Going to Pantip Plaza from Ramkamhaeng 150 will take you two hours because of the traffic jam. It was ridiculous indeed as I stayed for only 10 short minutes to talk with them regarding my two concerns. However, the travel time was 4 long hours, back and forth. My two main reasons were: 1.) to complain about the VAT refund for tourists, which I wasn't able to claim because of their *BS* tricks. and 2.) to ask for a battery replacement.

First, when I went to the 3rd floor of the CSC Electronics store. I brought my passport and the official receipt with me so they could validate my identity and the notebook that I bought from their store last December 22, 2010. I asserted that my notebook was under warranty and they told me to go to the 4th floor (the store's service center).

While I was on the 4th floor, I also complained that I haven't got my VAT refund for a tourist last time that I went to the Philippines because they (the store) didn't give me a yellow form when I asked and they said that I should get it at the airport. Duh~! I told them that I went to the airport and explained to them the same but they were saying that the store was not listed as "accredited" to distribute the yellow form.

The staff/technician who speaks English asked me if I know the person who told me that, of course, I didn't know her personally but I remember her face. He said, he would try his best to help. He left for 3 minutes and then when he came back he told me that I wouldn't be able to get my refund because the receipt was addressed in Thailand where I am staying and it was almost 3 months when I bought it, so there's no other possible way that I could get it refunded. I thanked him for his effort in explaining it to me. But then, again... it's a charge to experience.

Moreover, he accompanied me to the 3rd floor of HP's Authorized Service Center and he turned me over to the staff in charge. In fairness, they were so accommodating and friendly. They found out that my battery was not charging. Since it is still under warranty (less than three months old), they will provide the replacement at their expense. My HP notebook is under one year warranty and it is really a good help. But, I wish for the best.

They said that they will get my notebook because they need to replace the battery. But, I told them how can I use my notebook if they'll get it from me. They smiled and said, "Oh okay~ so you're using your notebook every day! No problem, we will just take off the battery so you could still be able to use your notebook while waiting for the replacement".

Finally, they told me that I will call them or they will call me after 3 working days, to know if they have the new battery for me. I gave them my mobile number, passport details, email address, and home address. They asked me to sign the incident report before I left. They gave me a copy of it, which I will show when I claim the replacement.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Important Tips During A Family Interview @ The US Embassy Applying for Newborn Passport


This image is not mine, photo credit from www.rd.com/Google images

My hubby said that personal appearance is very, very important for applying for a US passport/Citizenship. We weren't aware of the questions that they might ask. I was a little nervous because it was my first time being interviewed at the US Embassy in my whole life. But I pretended to be calm so that everything will be okay (somehow).

When we were called, my hubby handed the forms along with our passports. The one in charge told us to go to the "privacy room" where nobody could see or hear what we were discussing.

The Family interview has two parts:

1. Questions about the validity of the documents, the officer in charge scanned our documents if they were completely and correctly filled out. It also mentioned about the process of getting the Certificate of Live Birth Abroad, Social Security Number, and Passport.

2. Questions about personal like:

*When, where, and how did you meet? (This question is included probably because of child trafficking and mail-order bride, the US government would like to make sure that I am not selling my baby for illegal adoption or probably things beyond my imagination.)

*Tell me something about your relationship. (I already gathered some pictures of us together as a couple, like the first time we met and our love letters from email and registered mail when my hub was still writing me. Good thing, I am a very sentimental person. I gathered all his letters and pictures as proof that we have a relationship.)

The following questions were too personal.

*Are you married? If not, then why not? Are you planning to get married? Do you have previous marriages? 

*How long have you been together? How many years have you been together, before you got pregnant? When and in which country did you get pregnant? 

*How many children do you have?

*Do you have plans on going home to the US, just in case? Are you going to bring your newborn? When and where? Are you going to take your wife, too?

*Do you wish to apply for your wife's visa, in the future. if ever? What is her educational attainment?

*Do you work? What is your job in Thailand?

I hope these questions help you with your family interview. These are some of the questions that they might ask you when you apply for a newborn US passport. They would even check the pictures of the newborn and the parents. If the baby does not look like his/her mom and/or dad, they might ask for DNA through a saliva sample.

For more information about US Visas and Passports please visit - https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html/

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