the realities of a westerner living in Thailand

Most tourists visiting Thailand, whether it be a backpacker, a package deal tourist , or regular visitor leave Thailand with many endearing memories, the excitement of Bangkok, the fabulous beaches and islands, the whole laid back attitude that is a world away from the life most have in the western world.

Of course Thailand has another allure, that being the warm, friendly, gorgeous and readily available Thai ladies. Although this side of Thailand is frowned upon by many, it still attracts millions of single men from all over the globe to the kingdom every year. Most of these guys would do anything to spend more time in Thailand, its heaven on earth for the 2/4 weeks they spend there every year. Most are not in the position to leave their respective countries and “move” to Thailand as job and family commitments don’t allow such a radical change in life.

Some do make the big plunge and relocate there, whether on a retirement visa, business visa, or indeed marrying a Thai lady and gaining a spouse visa. Then there is the dreaded visa run every month to Cambodia or Laos, which until late in 2006 was a popular way of being able to live in Thailand but not actively (read legally) working there. Now this loophole has been closed and a tourist entering on a 30 day visa can only spend 90 days out of every 180 days on this visa. I.E.. after using 3 / 30 day visa’s up consecutively you may not enter the country again for another 3 months.

The way around this is to get a 60 day tourist visa issued outside of Thailand, then apply for a 30 day extension in Thailand once the 60 days have expired, hence giving you 90 full days without leaving the country. Once the 90 days have gone by, then the 30 day visa runs can start, in total giving you 180 days legally before repeating the whole process again. This is a real alternative if your situation doesn’t allow you to go down the retirement visa, or business visa route.

A popular way for a single guy to get to live in Thailand is to get a job teaching English in one of the many schools there. This involves getting a teaching qualification which is a fairly simple thing to do, then go hunting for that perfect job. In reality teaching is not an attractive proposition to many as salary’s are notoriously low, leading to a poor standard of living.

If anyone of retirement age wishes to spend his/her twilight years enjoying the delights of Thailand, then it is perfectly feasible, albeit expensive. The Thai government has recently announced that anyone wishing to apply for a retirement visa must have on deposit in their bank account 800,000 baht for a minimum of 3 months prior to the application and subsequent applications. This new rule will put many retirees in possible financial difficulties, having a large portion of their retirement fund effectively unusable.

It seems at the present time the Thai government is deterring foreigners from investing in Thailand’s substantial “ex-pat” community, which injects a huge amount of revenue into the economy each year. In due course these rules will have a big impact on many businesses and the regular Thai, (who is already fairly poor to start with).

The realities of living in Thailand full time are now very complicated for the average person. If you are wealthy and do not need to work for a living Thailand is still one of the best propositions in the world, it has so much to offer. A regular joe who’s dream has been to live in Thailand and really enjoy life the way they want now find it next to impossible.

Unless the Thai government relax the rules in the near future, the “regular joe” who has provided an essential flow of cash to a large percentage of the population will be packing his/her bags and heading to one of Thailand’s neighboring countries who will be welcoming them and their money with open arms.

Political Unrest In Thailand

The situation in Thailand reminds me the old saying “be careful what you ask for you may just get it”. In September of 2006, Thailand went through a military coup. The military “asked” for the Prime Minister to step down. After the coup, the provisional government investigated the ousted Prime Minister and charged him with many things, mostly related to a misuse of his position as PM, which lead to a huge increase in his and his family’s personal wealth.

I had the fortune to be seated next to another expat on my travels from Thailand recently, he from the UK and me from the US. He lived in Thailand outside Bangkok and me living in Bangkok. We had a discussion about ousted PM Taskin. He indicated that he believed Taskin did great things for Thailand, giving more money to people living outside Bangkok. I believe ex-PM Taskin did give things and money to people living outside Bangkok. However, the amount of wealth distributed in these outlining areas is quite small compared to ENORMOUS increase in personal wealth of ex-PM Taskin and his Family.

In a capitalistic economy, wealth is distributed by competition. Basically if something is desired by the people, the person/company that can manufacturer the item better and cheaper will sell more, gaining wealth. The company produces more of these items and hires more people. These people spend their money on food and things they desire and the economy hums along. When normal competition is interfered with by governments, the distribution of wealth becomes skewed and the wealth tends to stay in the hands of the few with power. We have all heard of countries where the upper class grows unusually large and the middle class grows small and the lower class becomes huge.

Ex-PM Taskin used his political power and turned it into wealth for him and his friends. His political power came from his campaign promises to the people outside of Bangkok which led to his election. So, while he was PM he had to make it seem that the people living in these areas benefited. But did they benefit??? Well, yes and no. Yes, they benefited directly by decreased taxes or a new blanket or other some such item. However, the amount of wealth distributed to the people was very small compared the amount of ENORMOUS wealth which went to his friends and family instead of making its way by unimpeded economic forces.

Now, a little over a year later after the coup, there is still political unrest in Thailand. The new democratically elected Prime Minister has invited the Ex-PM back to the country. There are many questions arising about the ability of the current Prime Ministers ability govern, such as:

1.There is a question concerning the validity of the elections that put the current PM into office;

2.There is a question concerning his ability to remember past important events; and

3.There is a question concerning his ability to deal with Thailand’s neighboring countries and their human rights abuses.

Now, the old PM has returned to Thailand and pleaded not guilty to the charges of abuse of power. I can almost feel the Thai people taking a big breadth, waiting to see what happens. I originally came to Thailand because it feels like a safe place to live and the people are polite and friendly. I can only hope it can stay that way…

Bamboo Flute Makers Of Ban Laos – The Heritage Of Generations

The bamboo flute makers of Ban Laos or Bang Sai Kai, as it’s officially known, are descendents of migrants from Laos who have settled in Bangkok since the Rattanakosin days when the capital was established more than 200 years ago.

Laos communities have lived in Thailand for centuries. Long before the days of nation states and national boundaries, there was frequent migration across the Mekong River. Most of them settled in north eastern Thailand that’s contiguous with present day Laos. It’s no coincidence that the north-eastern Thai or Issarn dialect sounds very much like Laotian.

The bamboo flute makers in Ban Laos (Laos Village) however started off as musicians when they first settled on the Thonburi side of Bangkok. Later, they took to making flutes instead, an instrument as old as music. The wisdom of this cultural heritage of two centuries has been preserved to the present day.

I asked the first group of villagers for the location of the bamboo flute maker’s house.

“Which house? Many houses here make flutes.”

Then I realized it’s a community of bamboo flutes makers, several households! This is evident from the piles of bamboo stacked by the lane leading to the homes.

A pleasant and friendly atmosphere pervades the neighborhood. Everyone knows everyone else. When I mentioned Khun Jarin, they pointed further down the lane.

“Khun Jarin isn’t here. His daughter’s in the shop.”

The significance of that remark didn’t sink in yet. When I approached another group of neighbors and asked for Khun Jarin’s home, a middle aged lady sprang to her feet and identified herself as his daughter. She invited me to her home and workshop. This is her story.

Sadly, Khun Jarin the master craftsman, passed away last year (2006) at the age of 77. As the eldest in the family, Khun Nitaya has continued the family tradition in the very house where she was born.

She spoke fondly of her neighborhood that’s more than 200 years old and glowed with pride when she mentioned that Wat Bang Sai Kai, the neighborhood temple, was built by the Laos community. Then she spoke of her main passion; the craft of the bamboo flute makers.

It all starts in Saraburi, a province 100 km north-east of Bangkok, the source of raw material for the bamboo flute makers. The bamboo comes from the foothills in the famous district where Buddha left his footprint.

Bamboo is cut and dried in the sun for 7 -14 days in the hot season and longer during the rainy or cool season. The bamboo has to be turned over continuously to ensure thorough drying until they turn from green to an even light yellow.

Next the bamboo is cut to various lengths based on the type of flute required; shorter lengths for a higher pitch and longer for a lower pitch. The eyelet at the bamboo joint is cut away.

Polishing of the bamboo tubes is carefully done with grounded bricks covered by the sheath of the young coconut fruit.

Designs on the surface are made by skillfully applying a ladle dipped in molten lead. As an illustration of how designs were made, Khun Nitaya deftly drew straight lines down the length of the bamboo along which designs are embossed.

Holes in the flute are then drilled based on precise dimensions and spacing. The flute is filled with bees’ wax and a heated rod is inserted through to melt the wax. This coats the uneven inner surface with a layer of wax which hardens on drying. A consistency of sound is ensured. On completion the holes are cleared of wax.

Flutes aren’t confined to bamboo. With the advent of mechanical drills, flutes were made from solid wood and later PVC tubes. These bamboo flutes are made to order and sold nation wide to individual musicians and shops selling musical instruments.

What about the future of the bamboo flute makers? Who is going to take over from her? All her children, nephews and nieces were trained in the skills but who will continue? The most likely person is her 16 year old son who is a professional musician. Yes, he plays the flute.

Khun Nitaya’s love for her work is clear as she showed me various flutes and sportingly played a few bars on one of them.

Lastly, she provided me with a booklet on details of the flute making process, the types of wood used, the types of flutes, the finer points in adjusting the sounds of the finished flute and the history of her community.

This document is virtually a comprehensive bamboo flute makers manual. But it’s going to take more than just a manual to acquire this centuries-old handicraft. It’s got to be in your blood.

I must record my deepest appreciation to Khun Nitaya for her admirably warm hospitality. She displayed a deep pride in her profession and willingly provided me with all the information on the craft and tradition of the bamboo flute makers of Ban Laos.

Where is the Best Place to Teach Overseas

Where is the best place to teach overseas? It is hard to decide where to go when you look at the scope of unique and exciting experiences that are available in the different regions around the world. This article is designed to give you information regarding the way your decision about where to teach overseas can affect your lifestyle while you are teaching abroad.

Leisure Activities

Choosing the best place to teach overseas may be tied up in the kinds of things you like to do outside of work. You can continue many of your favorite leisure activities while you teach overseas, or take up new ones. Many international teachers move to regions that allow them to indulge themselves in this way.

If you ski, then Europe and Korea are options you may consider. You can teach in Vienna for example and take a train to the slopes for the weekend.

Divers tend to look for international schools in Thailand or the Philippines. Thailand currently has many more international schools than the Philippines, so you are more likely to find a teaching job there.

Because most international schools are situated in urban or suburban areas, there is usually a wealth of activities you can take part in. While living in Bangkok I have attended Indian musical evenings organized by the Indian Embassy, attended numerous balls, learnt how to ride a horse and taken numerous dancing lessons in many different styles. My colleagues are more adventurous than I, they run in marathons, compete in triathlons, mountain bike, dive, play golf, and the list goes on.

To find out if you will be able to continue your hobbies in different countries you can search on the internet or check out the ‘activities’ section of the relevant Lonely Planet Guide.

Making Friends

At home you probably have many friends outside of work, this can be difficult to achieve when working at an international school, especially if you frequently move around to different schools.

One key ingredient to making friends with local people can be how much effort you are willing to put into overcoming the language barrier. Learning the local language will also help smooth your life in your host country.

To avoid this issue you can choose to work at an international school in a country where the majority of the population speaks English! In many countries in Western Europe, for example, a large proportion of the population speaks English fluently, so the language barrier is practically nonexistent.

To make friends who are expatriates but not teachers you can join groups like the Hash House Harriers (who organize group runs) and national groups like the New Zealand Society.

Domestic Help

Teachers with children that are looking to teach in a country with a lower cost of living than at home will discover that the lower cost of living also carries across into the cost of child care too, particularly in-home child care.

When you teach abroad you can choose to live and work in a country where you will be able to afford a nanny. Many international teachers with children employ nannies, especially in South East Asia where the cost of living is very low, and as a consequence, local salaries are low too.

Even teachers without children can enjoy the benefits of domestic help in countries where domestic helpers are relatively cheap to employ. Nearly all of my colleagues have maids or cleaners who come in and take care of everything from cleaning the apartment to doing the food shopping and collecting dry cleaning.

Finally

There are many different factors to consider when you are deciding where the best place to teach overseas is for you. But the main thing to keep in mind is that while you may have a wish list of where you want to go and what you want to be able to do once you get there – it may not work out the way you planned.

For example, there may be no teaching vacancies in your specialty in the country of your choice in the year in which you are applying. Or, there may be schools very interested in employing you but not in the region you were hoping for.

The key to being happy and fulfilled when you are teaching abroad is flexibility and a commitment to making it work for you. It is not going to be just like home, you will face challenges, and that is the best part of teaching overseas, no matter where you decide to go!

How to Live longer and Stay Healthier Thanks to an Asian Spa.

The word ‘spa’ comes from the name of a small town in Belgium, and the ‘spa’ industry has been a phenomenon that has grown at ever increasing speed over the last decade. Now every major hotel worth its salt has a spa and leisure complex in place and operating as part of the facilities on offer in order to tempt a discriminating guest to cross the threshold. Many of these spas are truly luxurious pampering palaces offering myriad means of massage, beauty treatments, steam rooms, luxurious baths and much more.

Asia has taken to the spa concept and plays host to some of the finest and most sumptuous in the world. These can be found in India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Thailand, the Philippines, China and Japan. The Banyan Tree in Phuket is listed by Britain’s Guardian Newspaper as being amongst the best fifty on the entire planet.

In Thailand the notion of spa is a blend of ancient tradition comprising massage and meditation and herbal baths and steam rooms. Before the arrival of allopathic medicine from the West the Temple was the centre of learning. The monks fulfilled the dual role of doctors and apothecaries. Wat Pho in Bangkok retains the distinction of being the leading centre for massage in the Thai Kingdom. The therapists trained by this temple are experts in their field and quite rightly enjoy the honorary title of doctor.

There is however, in Thailand a different type of spa that came into existence in the early 1990s. Destinations such as Koh Samui attracted a younger and more health conscious tourist. To cater for the backpackers a couple of spas have come into existence that have focussed on detoxification and fasting programmes. These are not luxurious resorts attached to branded hotel chains but offer comfortable beachside bungalow type accommodation and embrace a philosophy that advocates good health and longevity. Today people flock from all over the globe to stunning locations such as the Health Oasis Resort in Koh Samui in order to be part of this remarkable health conscious philosophy. What’s more the same visitors return year after year to clean up and recharge batteries in order to better face the stressful lifestyle imposed by work and career in the big cities of Europe, America, Australia and Asia.

What then is this secret that lures the visitor to stunning tropical location? It is a five point programme that embraces firstly cleansing. This means getting rid of all those toxins accumulated by a western lifestyle and is achieved by cleaning the colon by means of enemas or colonics. Secondly we cleanse the body by breathing properly. That means it is necessary to inhale deeply, hold the breath and then release it for a specific number of times during the day. Where better to do this than in the clean air of Koh Samui? Thirdly comes a diet formulated according to blood group. This concept is based on the findings of Dr. Peter D’Adamo who is the author of the book “ Eat Right for your Type”. Fourthly comes the importance of exercise. A gentle regime of walking or more strenuous yoga is a must on a daily basis and the fifth and final step in this journey is meditation. All spiritual disciplines advocate spending a certain amount of time in quiet contemplation.

Many of us know about these techniques but need a gentle shove in order to incorporate them into daily life. Thus a nine-day de-tox at a Spa like the Health Oasis Resort will teach you how to achieve healthy living and lifestyle; afterwards all you have to do is to take the new knowledge back home and incorporate it into your daily life.

A Comparative Study of Educational Adjustment of Disadvantaged Adolescents in Thailand and India (case Study in Northern)

NEED AND CONTEXT

It has been observed that due to growing globalization commercialization and coy modification of essential requirements of life the young people in the age group of 10 to18 in the south East Asian countries. It especially in the countries like India and Thailand are facing worst problems of negligence and lack of awareness. Because of poverty and ignorance, children are becoming more prone to physical and psychological disorders “children growing up in chronic poverty. There are more likely than other children to experience physical impairments (e.g., low birth weight or “stunting”), cognitive delays and lower IQ, diminished school achievement and higher dropout rates, heightened risk of delinquency, and a greater likelihood of unintended teenage childbearing. The literature on adolescent development is both voluminous and troubling” quoted by (Amato & Booth, 1997 & J. Brian Brown, & Daniel T. Lichter, 2005). Moreover, many of them physically stunted, suffer psychologically from undue family pressures and abuses and are neglected at home, hence, “parenting factors have consistently been related to problematic adolescent behavior too” reported by (Frick, Christian, & Wootton, 1999; Rose, Glaser, Calhoun, & Bates, 2004).

Thus, as they tend to develop low self-esteem from poor families, broken families, and single-headed households, as a result by (Bianchi, 1999; Lichter, 1997), “that, a large share of young adults grew up in single-parent families, with step-parents, or with other co-residential adults”. Moreover, they live in slums and squatter communities, sub-human conditions. Some of there are susceptible to crime syndicates and gang conflicts, substance/drug abuse, and gambling, that is should given the importance of educational adjustment is widely considered an important goal, these experiences have often been linked to problematic adolescent development and a variety of negative adult outcomes”, (Duncan & Brooks-Gunn, 1999 and Guo & Harris, 2000).

Hence, a large number of young adolescents are showing the symptoms of physical and psychological deviation. Such adolescents who profess difficulties in educational and cultural adjustment are at a disadvantaged status and experience school adjustment problems. The individual experiences an upsurge of psychological changes, emotional upheavals and behavioral deviations. It has been reported, Levels of academic achievement during adolescence and educational attainment later in life are strong predictors of a variety of indicators of well-being in adulthood. Including, but not limited to, indicators of economic functioning such as socioeconomic status and income and for instance, adolescents who achieve academically are more likely to graduate from high school and to attend college. Further, academic and cognitive achievement, as indicated by test scores, is predictive of adult wages. Higher educated people are found to be healthier and report to have higher levels of socio-emotional well-being, family-level outcomes, such as marital disruption, and outcomes of children, such as academic and cognitive skills, are predicted by the level of education completed by individuals, (Blau and Kahn, 2000; Zakia Redd, Jennifer Brooks, Ayelish M. McGarvey, 2001).

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The study was conducted with the objective of investigating the extent of educational adjustment and problems associated with achievement of disadvantaged adolescents in India and Thailand. The purpose of the study was to identify the educational needs of disadvantaged students in the age group of 13 to 16. A specially designed package of activities was used to discover the impact of intervention on educational adjustment of the selected sample of disadvantaged students professing difficulties in school related activities.

METHODOLOGY

Sampling

The sample of the study consisted of 125 (68 boys and 57 girls) disadvantaged students from India and 125 (70 boys and 55 girls) from (Northernhenni of Teresa, Winag Pa Pow, Chiang Rai province and Yong People Develop, Doi Sa Kuat, Chiang Mai province.

The sample populations were drawn based on achievement scores on knowledge test. The selected students were subjected to an experimental design consisted of an intervention programme followed by guidance. The facilitators were selected and received training in identifying adjustment problems and arrange suitable programmes.

Design:

Questionnaires were administrated to the sample population to collect data on educational adjustment problems test. There were two groups of learner: both the groups were given Pre-Test as well as Post-Test, where experimental group were given intervention programme and control group was not be given any intervention programme. The intervention programme were conducted in two states: ten administrators conducted face-to-face interviews with disadvantaged adolescent in India and three administrators in Thailand by post in control group were as followed second state:

In India: A group of facilitators were called to develop rapport with the Indian disadvantaged adolescents from there house at Chennai Himmat Slum area in Jammu, (Jammu & Kashmir State, India). In addition, collect necessary data on educational adjustment by administering the selected tools meeting at the same time for data collected were an adjustment of the questionnaires in each of groups by Hindi (mother tongue of the respondent).

In Thailand: The questionnaires in Thai (mother tongue of the respondent) were administered to the Thai disadvantaged adolescents of two orphanages from Teresa Anusorn Foundation (Ban Teresa), and the investigator collected from Yong People Develop, and later the questionnaires.

Experimental group by intervention / Treatment Programme

Experts: all the facilitators who were willing to participate in the study were invited for receiving community sensitization, booklet distribution, and CD training;

Experimental group: 200 disadvantaged students who scored below averae scores in the knowledge test studies had got least scores were given one day training programme on intervention or treatment as follows: in the morning: the orientation and participants programme concentrated on basic issues such as: general framework of adolescent growth, and consisted of discussions and demonstrations. The training programme ncluded the activities so as to develop the psychological and social maturity and in-censoring self direction. The individual experiences an upsurge of psychological changes, emotional upheavals and behavioral conditions. The revised questionnaires were administered to the experimental group as to find out the effect of interventio

Analysis

The completed questionnaires were collated and entered into the computer. The data was entered and analyzed using SPSS. After verification and reduction of data, descriptive frequencies were completed. This was followed by uni-variate and multi-variety procedures to assess the impact of the interventions and to identify other predictors of change in the psychological and social maturity and in-censoring self direction. The individual experiences an upsurge of psychological changes, emotional upheavals and behavioral conduction. Analysis was stratified by sex shown how responded to the variables of psychological changes, differ boys, girls, age, and education. Descriptive statistics was used to profile the study population. The psychological changes were then used to explore the demographic variables associated with education adjustment. Following statistical techniques were applied in the present project: Paired Samples “T”-test and “F”-test.

FINDINGS

The profiles of the 250 Northern Indian and Thai respondent questionnaires are analyzed to find out the relationship between demographic characteristics of the sample population. It was found that Thai boys (56%) have scored more than Indian boys (54.40%) and Indian girls (45.60%) more than Thai girls (44%) have. In the same age group of 15 years old, and the same of Standard: 9 (India) and Thai from the secondary school (Grades 3), is shown in Table 1.

A significant difference between boys and girls in control group was reported after pretest in Indian adolescents. There was no significant difference in the pre and post-test scores of Indian and Thai in educational adjustment. Commonality in educational adjustment of both Indian and Thai groups was reported. Implications of the study for the awareness programmes were suggested, are shown in Table 2-9.

DISCUSSION

In many Northern states of India and Thailand, the educational adjustment and problems associated with achievement of Indian and Thai disadvantaged adolescents. There were neglect and need to improved the adjustment with understand by themselves, family, friends, and other people in there community and social, that, were suggested as; (1) both of them need become a good boys and girls, can thinks and can doing and can solve there problems in there future well-being of them. (2) There need to develop and include the adjustments education programme in the schools curriculums to improve them become a friendly relations to other people around of them. (3) Need to adjustment of developed, good attitude by themselves and other to being a good life in the future.

TABLE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I thank to Dr. Y. N. Sridhar, Guide of Research for me. I would like too many helpful and thank the following students, Mr. Kasame Sakonllapap, Mr. Santi Jongkongka, Mr. Prasarn Ruansang and people for their supported. I thankfulness to Father Carlo Luzzi, Mother Elisa Cavana, Father Niphot Thiengwiharn and my family, for contributing to this study by providing funding.

REFERENCE

1. Amato P., & Booth. A generation at risk: Growing up in an era of family upheaval, (dissertation). Cambridge Harvard Univ.; Press. 1997.

2. Blau F. & Kahn L. Do cognitive test scores explain U.S. wage inequality?, (dissertation) NBER Working Paper No: 8210. Cambridge Harvard Univ.; National Bureau of Economic Research. 2000.

3. Bianchi S. M. Feminization and Juvenilization of poverty: trends, relative risks, causes, and consequences, (dissertation). Department of Sociology, Univ.; Maryland, Annual Review of Sociology, Vol.35, p: 307-333. 1999.

4. Children’s Forum. Street Children, the Indian Child: A profile 2002. Available from: URL: http://www.indianngos.com/issue/child/

government/streetchild/childprofile.htm

5. Duncan G. J. & Brooks-Gunn J. Consequences of Growing Up Poor. 1999 New York: Russell Sage Foundation, September, ISBN-10: 0871541440.

6. Education in Thailand. Number of Disadvantaged Students in OBEC Schools by Type and Gender: Academic Years 2002- 2003. Office of the National Education Commission Education in Thailand, Bangkok: Amarin Printing and Publishing, Ministry of Education. 2004 National ISBN 974-241-733-4, p.20-34.

7. Dilok Sritong. The disadvantaged children in Jammu. 30 March 2007. (Not copyright).

8. Father Carlo Luzzi. The Hill Tribes Disadvantaged in Northern, Thailand. 9 October 2007. (Not copyright).

9. Father Komkrit Anamnat. The disadvantaged students in Nuchanat Ansorn School. Available from: URL: http://www.nuchanat.com/nuchanat.com/ documents/ management%20structure.htm

10. Father Niphot Thiengwiharn. Yong People Development. Doi Sa Kuat, Chaing Mai, Thailand. 10 December 2006. (Not copyright).

11. Foundation for the Better Life of Children (FBLC). Available from: URL: http://www.citizenbase.org/crtools/helement.html

12. Frick, P. J., Christian, R. E. & Wootton, J. M. Age trends in association between parenting practices and conduct problems: Behavior Modification. 1999 Vol.23, No.1, p: 106-128.

13. Guo, G., & Harris, K.M. The mechanisms mediating the effects of poverty on children’s intellectual development: Demography, 37, Population Association of America. 2000 November, p: 431-447.

14. International Labour Organization (ILO) ILO Convention No. 182 Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention. 1999. Available from: URL: http:// www. ilo.org/

public/english/standards/ipec/ratification/convention/text.htm

15. J. Brian Brown & Daniel T. Lichter, Childhood Disadvantage Adolescent Development and Pro-Social Behavior in Early Adulthood. 2005. Advances in Life course research. (Copyright).

16. Kasame Sakonllapap. Yong People in Bangkok, Thailand. 9 November 2006. (Not copyright).

17. Lichter D. T. Poverty and inequality among children, (dissertation). Department of Sociology, Pennsylvania State Univ.; 601 Oswald Tower, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, Annual Review of Sociology, Vol.23, 1997 August, p:121-145.

18. Maha Chakri Sirindhon, H.R.H. Princess. Education of the Disadvantaged: a lecture, the 15th Annual Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Day, (Prasarnmit branch), Bangkok, Thailand, Srinakarinwirot Univ.; 2001 November 12, p: 7-29

19. Mother Elisa Cavana. The Hill Tribes Disadvantaged in Northern, Thailand from Teresa Anusorn Foundation (Ban Teresa), Winag Pa Pow, Chaing Rai. 20-30 October 2006. (Not copyright).

20. Prasarn Ruansang. The disadvantaged children in Channai Himmat, Slum area (Jammu), Jammu & Kashmir State, India. 19 February 2007. (Not copyright).

21. Rose C. C., Glaser, B.A. Calhoun, G.B. & Bates J. M. Assessing the parents of juvenile offenders: A preliminary validation study of the juvenile offender parent questionnaire: Child and Family Behavior Therapy. 2004. Vol.26, January, p: 25-43.

22. UNICEF House. Working Children’s Report. 3 UN Plaza, New York, NY 10017. 2004 ISBN: 92-806-3817-3, p: 2. (Copyright).

23. UNICEP. A child-rights approach on international migration and child trafficking: A UNICEP perspective. 2004. Available from: URL: http://www.un/org/esa/

population/meetings/ thirdcoord2004/P06_UNICEF.pdf -

24. UNESCO. Education and Training strategies for Disadvantaged group in Thailand. 2001. December, International Institute for Educational Planning, p: 55-70. (Copyright).

25. Santi Jongkongka. The disadvantaged children in Jammu. 29 March 2007. (Not copyright).

26. Teacher Chantana Rangsome. Street Children at Khon Khen, Thailand. 5 December 2006. (Not copyright).

27. Zakia Redd, Jennifer Brooks, Ayelish M. McGarvey. Background for Community Level Work on Educational Adjustment in Adolescence: Reviewing the Literature on Contributing Factors. Trends Child. 2001 December, p: 5.

28. Y. N. Sridhar. The disadvantaged children in India. 29 July 2007. (Not copyright).

The Democracy Monument, an Epic Depiction of the 1932 Thai Coup

 

Anusawari Prachathipatai, popularly known as The Democracy Monument, is situated in the center of Bangkok, capital of Thailand. It is located in the middle of the Sanam Luang, the earlier imperial cremation ground facing Wat Phra Kaew, and the temple of the Golden Mount (Wat Phu Kao Thong). The designer of the monument was Mew Aphaiwong, while the Italian sculptor, Corrado Feroci a.k.a Silpa Bhirasi, crafted the sculptures all around the base of the monument.

 

At the time when the monument was being built, a lot of local protests came in the way, because a 60-day eviction notice was given to the local residents and the Chinese shopkeepers. Other issues involved cutting down numerous trees whose canopies served as cooling posts during the times when Bangkok did not know the advantages of air conditioning.

 

The showpiece of the monument has been beautifully sculpted and it represents the constitution of Thailand in 1932. It is situated above the two golden offering bowls and is secured by the presence of representations (wing-like edifice) of the Thai armed forces – army, navy, air force and police. These forces played an important part in the 1932 coup.

 

These wing-like structures are 24 meters tall and depict the fact that the coup happened on 24 June in 1932. Originally 75 small canons were a part of the outer ring of the monument. At the base of the monument two fountains that have been sculpted as nagas (or snakes in the Hindu mythology) are present.

 

The relief sculptures at the base of the monument images the armed forces as the defenders of democracy and protectors of the Thai people. The coup of 1932 was carried out by the United Thai Armed Forces so that the foundations of the new democratic era may be laid.

 

There is a panel “Soldiers Fighting for Democracy” that illustrates the gallant and the united armed forces fighting a battle for democracy. Yet another panel “Personification of the People” depicts a soldier who is safeguarding the Thai people when they are going around on their day-to-day activities. A solitary figure of a mother and child also finds place in one of the panels. The panel “Personification of Balance and Good Life” shows the communal philosophy of the military organization.

 

Bangkok is a widely varied, eclectic city and you’ll find so many things to do and places to see in this multifaceted and lively center. Your Bangkok hotel might be able to arrange an itinerary based around your schedule while in the city, so don’t hesitate to ask them, because it’ll save you a lot f time and hassle.

What Women Know About Breast Cancer Treatment Options

Women in the US have around a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer at some stage in their lives, and a three percent chance of dying from it. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women the world over, and is second only to heart disease in total numbers of deaths caused.

Treatment of breast cancer is an extremely important issue – yet many women do not know their treatment options for breast cancer. What do most women know about treating breast cancer, and what can cancer hospitals do to help women make better informed choices?

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide, the leading cancer in women, and the second leading cause of death in women worldwide. It has an incidence rate more than twice that of cervical cancer and colorectal cancer, and three times as high as lung cancer in women. It follows that breast cancer is one of the most researched and publicized conditions – however, many groups in our society know little about their treatment options for breast cancer.

Recent research has revealed that nearly half of women being treated for breast cancer did not know that their odds of survival were just as good whether they underwent a complete mastectomy, or breast conserving surgery. One of the greatest impacts of breast cancer on its survivors is on their mental health and self-image. The loss of a breast can have a huge impact on how a woman feels about herself, which in turn affects her general health and the attention she pays to her body.

The study was carried out by The University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center. It discovered that many women do not understand the differences between treatment options for breast cancer, and minority women are even less likely to be aware of the impact their decisions will have on their prognosis. This was found to be true even though surgeons communicated the differences to their patients in all cases – the information simply didn’t seem to be integrated into the decision making process.

One factor that the researchers note is that information about breast cancer treatment must be communicated in a culturally appropriate and sensitive way. With medical tourism and overseas treatment now creating a large part of the cancer-treatment demographic, this clear communication is more important than ever.

Hospitals which focus on medical tourism, like Bangkok Hospital in Thailand, as well as Bumrungrad in Thailand, understand the importance of cultural sensitivity when communicating with patients. Bangkok Hospital, for example, takes a range of steps to make sure that overseas patients feel as ‘at-home’ as possible while in the hospital, with different dietary options, doctors that speak several languages, as well as translators for all the languages not spoken by the doctors themselves, and signage and information provided in several languages.

In many cases, patients may find that doctors in Thai hospitals for breast cancer like Bangkok Hospital and Bumrungrad have their treatment options more clearly communicated to them than they would in the West. Both of these cancer treatment hospitals in Thailand have specialized breast care clinics, focusing on early detection and diagnosis, as well as treatment of breast cancer in Thailand.

Given the more international, diverse focus of Thailand’s breast cancer hospitals, treatment as a medical tourist may make more sense, and provide better outcomes for women with breast cancer.

How to Thailand Holiday Packages Tips

 

Thailand, island nation located in the south east of Asia .Thailand is a country rich in culture and natural beauty. It has been hallowed with liberal natural parks, productive plains, isolated jungles, beaches washed by turquoise waters and humid islands bathed in endless sunshine. The country has more visible historical indication of its past cultures than any other country in Southeast Asian. Its history is very composite, involving the incursion of many different peoples, the rule of different kings, the concern of various kingdoms and the interaction of dissimilar cultures. Thailand is known for its prominent hospitality, sacred temple, and breathtaking natural beauty. Thailand offers something for all type of travelers. Thailand’s restrictions stretch to adjacent regions of Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Malaysia, the Gulf of Thailand and the Indian Ocean. You plan to visit Thailand between July and November; the weather can be awkwardly for you. Around July and November, it will be rainy season in Thailand. The weather is at its best from February to March. It is perfect time to go to the beaches. Places of tourist significance in Thailand include Phuket, Koh Samui, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Koh Chang and Koh Samet while provinces like Krabi, Koh Libong, Koh Hai provides great photographic memoirs of Thailand as a tour destination.

Buddhism is the main religion in Thailand with the King of Thailand respected as the supreme emperor and also the supporter of all religions embraced by the people. Thailand truly is an amazing place, with so much to offer tourists. The regular and most popular destinations of Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Samui, Chiang Mai etc are only a small part of the country, and there are so many more undiscovered charms to be found. Thus, Thailand has spiritual forbearance wicker into its social structure and respects people of all races. This multiculturalism makes Thailand a hot much loved as a tour destination for the global traveler with add-on visits to nearby cities like Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Butterworth and other major southern Thai towns being part of an avid tourist’s list. You visit Surin islands, again stopping at a couple of top lunge sites.

The sea is mediator and there is less sickness. We again see some truly amazing fish while diving in the clear steamy water. But the most fantastic moment comes when a small husk of dolphins swim alongside our boat. How are barely credible to see this while traveling to and from tropical paradises. There tends to be more boats that have come from Phuket for the diving around the Simolan Islands. The largest groups of non-Thai people are the Chinese who have traditionally played an extremely important role in the economy. Many have assimilated into majority Thai society, and do not live in Bangkok’s Chinatown on Yaowarat Road. After the end of the Vietnam War, many Vietnamese refugees settled in Thailand, mainly in the northeastern region. Muay Thai, after they retired from the army, these soldiers often became Buddhist monks and stayed at the temples. Most of the Thai people’s lives are closely tied to Buddhism and temples; they often send their sons to be educated with the monks. ”Muay” is also one of the subjects taught in the temples.

Medical Tourism 101, A Complete Guide

Why does it seem like Starbucks has a store on every corner where you live? Because the company knows most of us won’t go even one block out of our way to get a cup o’ cappuccino. Why then, are tens of thousands of people choosing to travel half-way around the world for surgical procedures? It’s called “medical tourism,” and you might find yourself considering it soon as well.

What is medical tourism?

Rapidly becoming a multi-billion dollar industry, medical tourism is the catch-all phrase describing travel to other countries primarily for medical or dental care. Along with elective plastic surgery procedures like face-lifts and implants, medical tourists also travel for highly specialized operations like heart surgery, cancer treatment and hip replacement. Some medical tours include pre-operation sightseeing, luxury accommodations and extensive post-op care.

Why would I consider it?

Your reasons for choosing to travel for medical care depend on where you live. In the US, medical costs are skyrocketing, and many elective procedures aren’t covered by insurance. Procedures abroad may be a fourth or even a tenth of what they might be at home.

In countries with nationalized health such as Canada or Great Britain, the waiting times for treatment may simply be too long, and the cost to see a physician in private practice too high.

You may also become a medical tourist if you’d like to combine an exotic vacation with a tummy tuck or, on a more serious note, if you’re seeking alternative treatments for cancer or other diseases.

How much money can I save?

The short answer is, potentially lots. For example, a heart valve replacement that would normally cost $200,000 in the US would be $10,000 in India – including round-trip airfare, and a quick vacation package. Looking for a face-lift? This will raise your eyebrows instantly: the price tag is $15,000 in the US, but only $2,600 in Bolivia (And lest you think the Bolivians are amateurs at this, more than 70% of middle and upper-class women in Bolivian have had at least one cosmetic procedure).

According to a CBS News: 60 Minutes report, one patient who received coronary artery bypass surgery in Thailand said the operation cost him $12,000, as opposed to the $100,000 he estimated the operation would have cost him at home in the US.

How do I choose a country for my procedure?

It depends on what type of procedure you’re seeking. Some destinations specialize in medical procedures while others are best known for cosmetic surgery. If the procedure you’re seeking is elective and non-critical, you may be most interested in a country with beautiful antiquities or beaches.

Countries actively promoting medical tourism for medical procedures include India, Singapore, Thailand, Cuba, Hong Kong, Hungary, Israel, Jordan, Lithuania, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

For plastic surgery, the hotspots are Argentina, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Mexico and Turkey. South Africa specializes not just in medical tourism, but “medical safaris” – lions, elephants AND a nose job. However, the country with the most expertise in plastic surgery may be Brazil, as more plastic and cosmetic surgery procedures are performed in this country annually than in the whole of the European Union.

India, Thailand and Singapore have been most aggressive in building their medical tourism business to date:

INDIA
The sub-continent is so committed to generating revenue from medical tourists, the country’s National Health Policy actually declares that treatment of foreign patients is legally an “export” and deemed “eligible for all fiscal incentives extended to export earnings.” It’s estimated that medical tourism to India is growing by 30% a year.

India boasts 5 hospitals accredited by US-based Joint Commission International, and a global reputation for superior hip resurfacing and heart surgery. It may be somewhat anecdotal, one Indian hospital, Escorts Heart Institute and Research Centers located in Delhi and Faridabad, claims to perform nearly 15,000 heart operations every year with a post-surgery mortality rate of only 0.8 percent – less than half of most major hospitals in the United States. Most medical treatment costs start at about a tenth of the price of comparable treatment in the US. However, for US travelers, extremely long travel times can be a deterrent.

SINGAPORE
As Asia’s leading medical hub, Singapore has a reputation for excellent quality, safety and trustworthiness, along with advanced research and technology. In 2006, Singapore hosted the first international Medical Travel Conference with participants from 21 countries coming together to discuss the issues and challenges facing the medical travel industry. Nine hospitals in this small country are accredited by JCI.

THAILAND
With its beautiful terrain, intoxicating culture and stunning beaches, Thailand has been a popular destination for American medical tourists. English is widely spoken, and a high number of physicians are trained in the West. Bangkok’s Bumrundgrad hospital alone has more than 200 surgeons who are board-certified in the United States. Hospitals in the country offer services specifically for the international med-tourist. For example, the International Medical Centre in Bangkok offers services in 26 languages, recognizes cultural and religious dietary restrictions and has a special wing for Japanese patients. Although Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok claims JCI accreditation, it’s not currently listed on the JCI website.

What’s the downside?

If you do travel abroad for medical care, you may have to pay cash for it. Government and basic medical insurance, and sometimes extended medical insurance, often does not pay for the medical procedure. Of course if it’s an elective procedure (as most cosmetic procedures are), you’re on your own anyway.

Should complications arise, you may not be covered by insurance, or be able to seek adequate compensation through malpractice lawsuits. Most of the countries offering medical tourism have weak malpractice laws, so you’ll have little recourse to local courts or medical boards if something goes wrong. Of course, that’s part of the reason why the costs abroad are so low – physicians don’t have to pay exorbitant malpractice insurance premiums.

Little follow-up care may be provided, and travel or vacation activities soon after surgery can increase the risk of complications. For example, your post-op scars may darken or become more noticeable if you get a sunburn on the beach after your surgery. Long flights home can be uncomfortable at best, and downright dangerous for thrombosis or breathing-related problems. Treating side-effects and any post-operative care will become your responsibility once you get home.

Are there other health risks?

Exotic destinations are also home to exotic infectious diseases for which Westerners often have no immunity – particularly in a weakened, post-op state. Gastrointestinal diseases can slow the recovery process and more serious diseases such as malaria, influenza, or TB, can be life-threatening. Having said that, because these diseases are more common in other countries, doctors are more likely to recognize the symptoms early and get you appropriate treatment.

How do I check out a hospital’s credentials?

Although it may seem daunting to research surgical treatment thousands of miles away, it’s absolutely necessary for your peace of mind and quality assurance.

The Joint Commission is a US-based non-profit organization formed in 1951 with a mission to maintain and elevate the standards of healthcare delivery through evaluation and accreditation of healthcare organizations. These standards define the performance expectations, structures, or processes that must be in place and cover nearly every aspect of care from admissions and data collection, to daily patent assessments. Since 1999, JCI has also been accrediting hospitals internationally and to date has awarded 81 accreditations. JCI lists accredited hospitals by country.

How do I plan a trip?

So far the Roaming Gnome doesn’t offer suggestions for medical tourism, but there are plenty of websites that can assist you with your plans. Google “medical tourism” and you’ll find about 15 million entries. Some companies are foreign-based, with offices and representatives in the US or Canada, while others are US or Canadian companies working with representatives abroad. Not all companies organize travel to all destinations – you’ll need to do a bit of research to find the best fit.

In any case, once you find a company to help you plan your trip, the process could go something like this:

1. Fill out an application with your details and medical needs.
2. Talk with a US-based case manager to select the hospital, doctor(s) and get a cost estimate.
3. Pay a deposit – avoid companies that want to charge you 100% upfront.
4. Have a phone conference with your chosen doctor and on-site case manager.
5. Fly to your destination for your procedure, where you’ll be met by your on-site case manager.
6. Meet with your physician for a pre-op consultation.
7. Have your surgery and recover sufficiently for your post-op vacation or return journey (for some procedures, it may be more practical to have the “tourist” part of your trip first.

How does insurance figure in?

For the most part in the US, health insurance companies will not cover non-elective procedures overseas – and certainly not elective. In other words, you would be responsible for 100% of your own medical costs.

In the future however, employers may offer overseas medical treatment as an option to their covered employees, according to Dr. Arnold Milstein, of Mercer Human Resource Consulting, who has been retained by five Fortune 500 companies to determine whether outsourcing healthcare can be a viable option.

It’s also possible to obtain medical insurance while traveling, but it will only cover you in the event of an emergency occurring on that trip. Whether or not you would be covered during an emergency that occurs as a consequence of other medical treatment you were receiving is another question. I would suspect the answer is no.

So should I do it?

If you’re seeking a relatively common elective cosmetic procedure, certainly shopping abroad should figure into your decision process. If you have no or limited medical coverage, and need some serious treatment, traveling abroad may be the only option you can afford. In any case, make certain you’ve spoken in depth with your home physician, fully understand the medical risk, and thoroughly research the physician and facility you intend to visit.

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