Postbag: Concern for future

Postbag

Published: 3 Dec 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

I read the news that most Thai workers are unaware of the Asean Economic Community (AEC) and I worry desperately about being able to get a job in Thailand in the next three years.

I am studying at Chiang Mai University's Faculty of Humanities, a career path which is not included in the eight occupational groups that will be liberalised under the AEC.

My speaking skill in English is intermediate and I guarantee there are plenty of other graduates at this level as well.

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OldThaiHand
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Discussion 12 : 04 Dec 2012 at 11.2712
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christiani

I agree with you.

As more Thais become aware of the AEC and its implications, they'll start demanding that the government adopt protectionist policies to ensure that they continue be employed instead of losing out to better educated and skilled, English-speaking workers from other ASEAN countries.
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OldThaiHand
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Discussion 11 : 03 Dec 2012 at 21.4911
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Korawan

You are at least attending a good university and therefore are probably better prepared than most.

The vast majority of Thai universities are sub-standard at best and actually far worse than that. There are probably no more than 10-15 good universities in Thailand. So, the issue is not just one of English language acquisition, but of getting an adequate education and developing the skills necessary to compete.

I wish that the Ministry of Education, university administrators and Thai academics shared your concern. But, unfortunately they're too entrenched and smug to see what's coming.
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christianl
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Discussion 10 : 03 Dec 2012 at 21.3510
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What Korawan wants, clearly, is protectionism, less economic integration with, and no competition from the other countries in ASEAN..He feels sorry for himself and other people at his university. How on earth this position can elicit favourable responses from most commentators here is beyond me. So his protectionistic and slightly pathetic tirade is "showing concern" eh? Is it because he expressed himself reasonably well in english that people here feel they need to view his post in a positive light? When it really is little more than protectionistic whining and self pity?
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donduck
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Discussion 9 : 03 Dec 2012 at 21.099
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How ironic that meldrew ALSO did not see something written plainly in this exact newspaper, exactly like Mr Wilcox. What the Wilcox letter said was "why do the majority who claim to be peaceful not condemn the actions of these extremists?" And the answer to Mr Wilcox' question is simple: They do, frequently and publicly. Meldrew is only entitled to his opinion, not his own facts.
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mr.meldrew
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Discussion 8 : 03 Dec 2012 at 21.018
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Hmm. Seems Postbag won’t write any comments that make criticize towards Muslims. Let’s try once more to get comment posted; donduck writes; Mr Wilcox falsely claims Muslims do not "condemn actions of the extremists". But I do not see that written in his letter. Mr Wilcox wrote 'The first thing the OIC should do is condemn those perpetrating horrendous crimes in the South'. That is not the same as donducks claim. So donduck's statement is in fact false.
And he is correct when he goes on to write we don’t see enough outrage from the peaceful Muslims against those that murder in the name of Islam.
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uberbraun
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Discussion 7 : 03 Dec 2012 at 20.297
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Khun Korawan I must congratulate you on your concern for, not only your own future, but also for the future of your country.
Now if only Thai politicians had the same concerns, then maybe Thailand would begin to move forward.
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bangmodken
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Discussion 6 : 03 Dec 2012 at 17.366
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D1 : Well said and spot on. When Mr. Wilcox says "political terrorists CLAIMING to be Islamic" he unintentionally invalidates his whole arguement against muslims.
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bangmodken
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Discussion 5 : 03 Dec 2012 at 16.405
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Khun Korawan : Take Franklins good advise and let me add my own,don't be shy to engage in conversations with foreigners even if you're not fluent. Spread the word to your friends and fellow students not to fear us. We,the foreigners,will recieve you with open arms and do our best to help in any way we can. We might learn a thing or two as well.
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onlyme
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Discussion 4 : 03 Dec 2012 at 16.334
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Khun Korawan, please feel very proud of yourself, not only for pointing out the need for improved English, but mostly for writing so eloquently. Your command of the written language is superior to a great many of the posters on this site. This is not intended to slight anyone who obviously is writing in English as a second language, but rather to compliment Khun Korawan and show the measuring stick being used.
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dao
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Discussion 3 : 03 Dec 2012 at 12.523
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UPS&DOWNIE shows a very good way of exposing short comings in our society .I believe if there was a place where corruption could be exposed and people didnt have to fear for their lives corruption could be dealt with instead of being able to spread like cancer .
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Postbag: Concern for future | Bangkok Post: opinion