richard10365

I've been studying ASEAN in my business classes at Payap University and wondering what will happen in 2015 when the elimination of tariffs occurs in 2015. Specifically with new cars because tariff rates for cars is about 100%. Which, to me, means the price of new cars will drop 50% in accordance to the ASEAN policy.

If this is true, people who at present who cannot afford a car, can buy a car and people who want new or better cars can  upgrade. Perhaps the price of a new car is not the issue but rather what this will do to traffic. Tens of thousands of new cars will crowd the highways and soi's of Thailand.

Traffic in Chiang Mai is crazy now because of the flood. What will traffic be like if a large group of motorcycle drivers upgrade to cars. Is the flood induced highway madness that we see in Chiang Mai indicative of the future of commuter life in Thailand?

What do you think?

I moved to Thailand 8 years ago and brought some U.S. Savings Bonds (Series EE)with me. I would like to cash them here but not sure if that is possible. Does anyone know?
Thanks!

I got the following message from the U.S. Department of Education this evening.


"The Foreign Schools School Participation Team is pleased to inform you that,the Secretary of Education (Secretary) has determined that Payap University (Institution) satisfies the definition of an eligible institution under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA). Payap University will be listed in the next edition of the Directory of Postsecondary Institutions published by the U.S. Department of Education (Department)."

While Payap can't issue U.S. federal education loans (way too complicated) American studying at Payap, if they are filing a federal tax return (parents can claim their dependents studying at Payap) can now claim education expenses while studying at  Payap on their federal tax returns. This also includes claiming programs like the American Opportunity Credit or the Lifetime Learning Credit.

Also, American's with existing student loans can defer payment on them while they study at Payap.

My apologies as this only applies to Americans studying now or in the future at Payap. However, it might help with Educational expenses for some Americans here in Thailand.

Secondary and Post-secondary Accreditation

The Thailand Ministry of Education has announced a new regulation for all international programs in Thailand. Students who graduated from a foreign high school or university have to request their diplomas and transcripts be evaluated (please see details below) by the Thailand Department of Education. This is to ensure that your foreign high school or university meets the prerequisites to study in a university in Thailand.  

All students need to start Secondary or Post-secondary Accreditation during the admission process.  The universities registration will request the accreditation issued by the Thailand Ministry of Education from you.  Students who are currently in foreign country can request accreditation when you arrive in Thailand. The process takes about a month; however, you will be allowed to enroll prior to the accreditation being completed.

Accreditation can be done at the following offices in Thailand:
Bangkok
Bureau of Education Testing, Ministry of Education
Radchadumnern Road, Dusit, Bangkok 10300
Tel. (02) 281-6206 ext. 103
Location on Google Maps: Click hereor paste the following address into your web browser
http://goo.gl/maps/Qxsz

Chiang Mai
City Hall of Chiang Mai
Administration 1 Building
4th floor, room 04
Chotana Road, AumphurMuang, Chiang Mai
Tel.(053) 112-333 ext. 401,404
Fax. (053) 112-555
Location on Google Maps: Click here or paste the following address into your web browser
http://goo.gl/maps/VcWL

All applicants need to bring to the accreditation offices:
1. Two 2 inch Photographs.
2. A Photocopy of your ID card (for Thai citizens)/ Passport data pages (for non-Thai citizens).
3. One original transcript and two photocopies¹.
4. Your original high school or graduation certificate or diploma and two photocopies¹.
5. A 500 bath money order (Pay to: Director of The Bureau of Education Testing).  This can be obtained from any post office.

1: If numbers 3 and 4 are not in English applicants must provide:

• 2 photocopies of the translated document(s) stamped by an accredited institute of translation.
  
• A recommendation letter from the Embassy for the approved school

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If some form of financial aid was available for you or your dependents to study in an international program for a bachelors, masters or PhD degree in Thailand, would this influence your decision to study or send your dependents to study in a Thai university?

The poll tool on ThaiVisa only let me ask 3 questions. Please comment pro or con why financial aid is a good or a bad idea for foreigners in Thailand. If anyone has any ideas specific to Thailand that can help people from other countries study in Thailand, please add them as well.

I would also be interested in information that is specific to certain countries. For example, military veterans from the USA have education benefits that lets them study in VA approved programs in universities outside of the United States. Are there other similar programs from other countries that might fund an education here in Thailand?

I would like this to be a constructive discussion. I do already understand how many people feel about the Thai educational system. International programs are a bit different in Thailand and no doubt they too have room for improvement, however, I do believe they are better than many Thai programs.

Thank you everyone for your help.