Sell the ship, educate the kids

Editor;

According to your article “Comprehension in Thailand, Bigotry or negative effect cost-cutting?”, Education Minister Somsak was recently quoted as saying, “The country can’t be part of the IT era if the population’s English skills are poor...” He goes on with saying that they are planning to create a corps of “model English teachers”. You continue by referring to the fact that you (Pattaya Mail) ran an editorial on the subject. It does not surprise me that you at such an early stage foresaw this problem. Is it not a little late for Minister Somsak to create this corps? If my memory serves me right, English language was introduced last year from grade one! And again if I’m correct he introduced 12 years “compulsory” schooling the year before (for those fortunately pupils who can afford it).

Minister Somsak does, however, not mention how he intends to create this corps. One should expect that the Minister of Education knew that the English Language is one of the world’s most comprehensive languages. You don’t become fluent in the language by attending a crash course! By my opinion you can only become a teacher of The Queen’s English by attending a learning institute in England and spend some time there. It goes without saying that qualified educators of the language will take both time and money.

Here I think it’s correct of me to inform the readers that I’m not English but I do have considerable education in English from among others Cambridge University. I have also worked for quite some time in English speaking countries. I know perfectly well that I will never be totally fluent in the language and my accent will probably never disappear. As a retired banker I have had many experiences. One, which is related to this, was the time long ago when I was teaching young bankers a subject called English for Bankers. In banking as in many other professions like engineering, architects and so on, you will find that they have a language of their own which you don’t learn at school. My experience in connection with this was that it would have been impossible to teach the students without also speaking their mother language! I’m therefore surprised to read announcements for English native speaking people as teacher of the language. It does not say what requirements are demanded as to their teaching experience or whether it is a requirement that they speak fluent Thai!

I recently read a very interesting article in Bangkok Post that referred to the income situation in this county. It’s estimated that nearly eight million people have an annual income of 1,166 baht per capita. These people live mostly in the Northeast. They are generally farmers with big families. Has Minister Somsak considered how many of these children will have a 12 years education? How can anybody expect that these parents can be able to pay for two - three children on this income when they have to pay for their school uniform, books and writing material and the school lunch? How many years of education does he think they are likely to get?

It’s all well and good that the Minister wants to introduce proper education in the English language to this country’s young population. However, would it not be a priority that as many as possible got twelve years of education? When will it be a human right that all children of Thailand have a constitutional right to this education and for free!? It is a disgrace that many children, particularly in the Northeast, have to do with only a roof over their head and have to sit on the ground in lack of proper desks. I certainly would like to be a fly on the wall when the government put together the country’s annual budget because then I would know how they give priority, or more likely, lack of priority to the education of this country’s future citizens. I wonder how many schools could be built for the cost of this country’s disgrace, the aircraft carrier this country never needed and probably will never use! Is there no one who would buy this ship as soon as possible and allocate the billions it would fetch to building and upgrading schools in Thailand!

Death traps called jet skis

Editor;

We have been coming to Pattaya with our husbands, John & Brian for the last six years and have noted great improvements, in particular the new paved walk way at Jomtien Beach, and when they are eventually finished, the long awaited toilets. At least that is what we are led to believe they are going to be.

But, when is something positive going to happen regarding the regulations on those death traps called jet skis. There are marker buoys placed in the sea to inform these idiots to keep out of the bathing area, but still they ignore the signs and insist on weaving in and out of the swimmers. Only a couple of days ago, one missed a swimmer by about two meters. What on earth is wrong with the people? Do they enjoy putting innocent people’s lives at risk? What are the Police doing about it? Nothing as far as we can see.

May we suggest each time this happens both the rider and the operator are fined, as they are the ones who should be responsible for telling the rider to keep out of the marked area. At least one person that we know of has been killed, how long before another meets the same fate?

Brenda and May

Pen Pals wanted - all sorts

Dear Sirs,

I have had a life long interest in Thailand and would dearly love to correspond by mail with some people there. I can have the letters translated, so that is not a problem. I am a 23 year old American girl who is interested in getting to know all about Thailand, its history, culture, and people. Letters are welcome from everyone in every walk of life, men, women, old and young. We can learn about each other and about each other’s nations!

Sandi Williams

9389 West Weaver Drive
Littleton, Colorado

PAWS for the cause

Dear Sir,

Recently I read in Pattaya Mail of the efforts to establish the Pattaya Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). This is a most worthy cause that can help both the community and the animals of the area.

As a long time resident of Thailand, I have often seen the many stray animals who wander the streets. For their well being and more importantly the safety of the community these animals must be provided a place where they may live their lives in safety. The precepts of both Christianity and Buddhism provide animals the right to a life in this world.

I urge all to join in the support this worthy effort!

George Goetzke,

Blasting the Silence

Editor;While peaceful silence amid the sounds of the waves and wind is an attribute to any resort community, visitors and residents of Pattaya are forced to suffer with loud speakers mounted on trucks that shatter the morning and afternoon calm.

As far back as I can remember, fruit and vegetable trucks in Thailand have used this method to alert customers to their arrival. This was normally done by low volume announcements and was not a threat to ones tranquillity.

Now that practice has changed. There are obviously no controls whatsoever in Pattaya, as over the last year it has been a contest to see who can create the most noise pollution. This week there is a new truck with six enormous loud speakers mounted on the top; it cruises the streets with enough volume to shake the windows of your dwelling. Often this occurs in the early morning. City Hall has to be fending complaints over this practice, yet it continues.

City Mayor, wake up and call this to the attention of the City Council and help promote a return to the more peaceful days in Pattaya.

By the way, credit is due to the instigator of the new street signs around the City. They are attractive and make getting around much easier.

Gary Hacker

South Pattaya

21st Question

Editor;

I have thought about the 20 questions raised by Mr. Ian Mac-Foggert and I would like to add question 21 for Mr. Ian Mac-Foggert: “Why do you bother coming to Pattaya?”

Regards,

Philip Collins (Frequent Visitor To Thailand)

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