COUNTRY SPECIFIC DOCUMENT: THAILAND WHAT TO DO NOW Use this as a guide to keep you on track with your preparations for Training and your departure overseas. ACTION LOCATION COMPLETED Email from Desk Officer Checklist in email read the Country Specific Document and Generic Document contained online and confirm you have read and understood every document by inserting YES in the READ column next to each document in the EMAIL CHECKLIST and email it back to your Desk Officer. Please be aware that this is confirmation of your acceptance of your place overseas therefore it is essential that we receive this confirmation. Visa/Work Permit if action is needed early to get a visa or work permit this is contained within the Visa Instructions below. Volunteers have had flights delayed because they have been disorganised with visa documents. Please communicate with your Desk Officer if you have any problems with the visa process. Doctor s Letter read the Doctor s Letter Request in the GENERIC DOCUMENT pdf and contact your GP s surgery to arrange this, we must receive this as soon as possible and at the latest by 21st June 2014. Please be aware that some GP s now charge for this service. Basic Disclosure apply for this as soon as possible. See Basic Disclosure Instructions in the GENERIC DOCUMENT pdf. InterHealth Information follow the instructions on the InterHealth Information sheet in the GENERIC DOCUMENT pdf and start organising any additional vaccinations from your GP or Travel Centre. The InterHealth website relevant to your country will give you information on malaria tablets. Travel advice we advise you to access current, country-specific travel advice by subscribing to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) free email alert service or by following the FCO on social media via Twitter or Facebook. Passport Details - if you have not sent your passport details to Project Trust, please do so as soon as possible and at the latest by 1 st June 2014. Many Desk Officers will need them to obtain the relevant visa/work permit and they are essential for booking flights. Training Course Joining Instructions follow the instructions contained in the Joining Instructions below, make sure you know exactly when to arrive on Coll. Even if you have already made us aware on Selection, please make us aware of your dietary requirements by emailing your Desk Officer by 1 st June 2014. Fundraising please remember that your fundraising needs to be completed by the end of July. The fundraising team will have discussions during Training with those that are struggling. Country Specific Document Generic Document Generic document Generic Document Internet Country Specific Document
Volunteer Handbook (sent to you after Selection) - read your volunteer handbook, re-read, and be sure to show it to your parents. Bring it with you to the Training course. Preparation Research your host country in the library or on the internet, read relevant magazines and newspapers, there is a suggested resource list below. Learn how to cook, clean, and hand-wash and iron your clothing. Get stuck in around the house over the summer. Knowledge of First Aid is also very important. Country Specific Document
THAI VISA INFORMATION Before leaving the UK you will be applying for a Non Immigrant Visa, which is valid for 90 days. Once in Thailand, your project will help you obtain a visa for the rest of the year. In approximately a month s time I will send you through a guide to applying for your visa. In the meantime you should make sure that you obtain the following: 4 passport photos. Sign each passport photo on the reverse. Your passport. It must be valid until at least March 2016. (Passports have to be valid for at least 6 months after the date of exit from Thailand.) A Postal Order for 125 made out to the "Royal Thai Consulate" (Cheques and cash are not acceptable), obtainable from a post office. A letter from your school on headed paper, to say that you are travelling abroad for a year to become a volunteer teacher in Thailand having completed your secondary school education There is an example below. Two special delivery envelopes; Special delivery envelopes are obtained from the post office. One envelope to send your application off in and the other will be used to return your passport to you once the visa has been issued. Please put the address you want your passport returned to on the envelope you enclose. A Disclosure Check (please read the uploaded instructions on how to apply for one of these. These can take a long time to get so make sure that you apply for one of these straight away! If you have questions about the above then don t hesitate to get in touch with me.
Example of the letter needed from your school Friday, 02 May 2014 Dear Sir, I am writing to confirm that Joe Bloggs has completed his secondary education at Lancaster High School. He is going to Thailand to volunteer as an English teacher for one year with Project Trust. When he returns he will take up a place at Durham University to study Bio-Chemistry/ He will be considering Further Education when he returns. Yours sincerely, Mr J. Williams Headmaster of Lancaster High School.
Joining Instructions for Training Course 6: Saturday 19 th July - Wednesday 23 rd July 2014 Attendance - All volunteers going to Thailand, Senegal, Japan and Sri Lanka Aims Your Training Course is designed to give you sufficient information and the necessary briefing to obtain the maximum benefit from your year overseas whilst being of use to your host. Please remember that attendance and participation at Training is a compulsory learning unit of the Foundation Year in Global Volunteering and Citizenship. Travel Arrangements You will need to make your own travel arrangements to Oban on Friday 18 th July. If you are driving up and would be interested in sharing petrol costs with another volunteer we can try to put you in contact with others in your area. Oban Accommodation You will also need to arrange accommodation in Oban for the night before the ferry. We suggest you do this as soon as possible as Oban gets very busy in the summer. You might like to stay at the Backpackers Plus (01631 567189) where Project Trust volunteers receive a discount, or at the Oban Youth Hostel (01631 562025). You could try the Oban Tourist Information Centre (01631 563122) if there is nothing available at the previous numbers. Don t forget to set your alarm for an early start and also remember that as a group your presence and enthusiasm can be a little intimidating - please be considerate to others. Oban to Coll The ferry leaves Oban at 0700 and you must make sure you are at the booking office no later than 30 minutes before departure to collect your ferry ticket and fill in a boarding card. To collect your ticket you must print out this letter and show it along with some form of ID at the check-in desk. You won t be allowed to embark without your ticket and boarding card. This is the only ferry that will get you to Training, so do not miss it! Please make sure you have breakfast on the ferry as we will be beginning Training sessions as soon as you arrive. Do not get off at the wrong island! Staff will be at the pier on Coll to collect you. Requirements on Coll You will be staying at the Hebridean Centre and bedding will be provided. All training sessions will take place indoors, however, during your free time, you may want to go walking or even swimming in the sea and there may be a football match arranged one evening. Please note that swimming in the sea is unsupervised and you are not permitted to do so during adverse weather conditions or after drinking alcohol. Please bring: Essential A towel Smart clothes for the formal reception and ceilidh on the last evening
Notebook, pens and all literature you have received about Training Wet weather clothing Optional Swimsuit Football boots or trainers Musical instruments, games etc for the evenings Project Trust has a no smoking policy and smoking is prohibited in all Project Trust buildings and vehicles. There is a bar which sells refreshments and Project Trust T-shirts in the evening, so bring plenty of cash as we have no facility to cash cheques. Departure The boat leaves Coll on Wednesday at 1020 and will arrive in Oban at 1300 Make sure you arrive fresh for the course as it will be an intense few days. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
Suggested Reading/Film List for Thailand 2014/2015 The following is a mixture of fact and fiction on a range of different topics. It s certainly not essential to purchase and read/watch all of these, but if you have time around revision and exams to learn about Thailand it will make Training all the more interesting. Remember, if you do purchase anything, please help Project Trust out by buying through the link at the bottom of the Project Trust homepage or following this link here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/homepage.html/202-3297722- 2843826?ie=UTF8&tag=projecttrust-21&link_code=hom A good guide book is useful: Lonely Planet or Rough Guide Thailand or South East Asia on a Shoestring if you plan to travel! A Thai phrase book I recommend the Lonely Planet one as it s small and quite easy to follow General books on Thailand: Robert and Nanthapa Cooper Thailand Culture Shock Lawrence Whiting Looking for Mr Rin (especially for the volunteers in Phana but also anyone interested in Isaan and Thai families during the 20 th century) Pira Sudham People of Esarn (about the Isaan region there are a number of different ways to spell it) Phra Peter Pannapadipo Phra Farang: An English Monk in Thailand (especially useful for those in Nakhon Sawan) Phra Peter Pannapadipo Little Angels: The Real Life Stories of Thai Novice Monks Pierre Boulle The Bridge over the River Kwai Karen Connelly Touch the Dragon Link to English language Thai newspaper: http://www.bangkokpost.com/ Brief information on Thai culture: http://www.globeaware.org/thai-culture Information on Thai Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette: http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/thailand-country-profile.html Thailand profile on the BBC website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15581957
Thailand Clothing and Equipment List Climate: There are three seasons in Thailand The rainy season from July to November, the cool season from November to February and the hot season from March to June. So generally, it is hot and humid but can get cool enough to need a sweater, especially in the North. Appearance: Thai people are well presented at all times. The way you dress is extremely important in Thailand and will determine the way you are treated by local people, i.e. if you dress like a tourist then you will get treated as such. To be accepted and respected in Thailand you must try to dress the way your colleagues do. You are making the transition from being a student to a teacher who sets the example. All clothes must be respectable and conventional. This list is intended as a guide only. Clothing Table and Notes Thailand - Female ITEM REMARKS 4 Skirts Fitted (but not tight) knee length smart skirts are popular. No shorter than knee length. 1 Dress Good for smart occasions. 6 Blouses Short or long sleeves, smart for work. Non-synthetic material if possible cotton will keep you cooler. Should cover your shoulders. 4 T-shirts Not sleeveless. Thai females rarely show their shoulders. 3 Trousers or Jeans For time off. Three-quarter legged trousers are good as they are cooler. Most Thai people tend to wear jeans in their free time. 1 Jumper Or cardigan as it can get chilly (more if in the North) and for travelling on aircon transport. 1 / 2 Shorts For holidays only 2-3 Shoes Smart for school (easy to slip on or off) not high heel. A few pairs of pumps are ideal, although they do wear out quickly. 1 Sandals/flip flops Sturdy. You can buy flip flops in Thailand for out of school wear 1 Trainers For sport 1 Swim suit Not bikini for around your project, although ok for travelling.
1 Tracksuit/sportswear For sport 5 Bras /15 Pants Dark are better; not white 5 Socks Lightweight Night wear Natural fibres are cooler Comments: Avoid low plunging, gaping, and tight or transparent clothes. Clothes that are even remotely see-through should not be worn without a top underneath, as this may cause offence. It is also considered particularly offensive to wear any tops that show even a glimmer of the midriff or cleavage. It can be difficult to get larger sizes in shoes and underwear. Underwear is likely to be made of synthetic fabric too. Thais remove their shoes before entering most homes and many other buildings, so slipon shoes are essential. Getting clothes made up is both inexpensive and quick; but make sure you take enough to get you started. Casual clothes such as jeans and T-shirts are very cheap and easy to buy. Thais are generally quite trendy! Clothes are very widely available and cheap in Thailand so don t worry too much about what you pack. Kit List: Tampons (they are available but expensive in Thailand). Boots and Tesco do exist in Thailand and can be found in most big cities so you will be able to restock on toiletries, although they are more expensive than in the UK. Lots of British deodorant, as Thai deodorants are very weak. Camera Guide book First Aid Kit Clothing Table and Notes Thailand - Male ITEM REMARK 6 Shirts For work, long or short-sleeved (Cotton shirts are cooler) however most men will wear normal shirts 3 Trousers Lightweight, respectable trousers for teaching 2 Ties Adaptable to more than just one shirt 1 Jacket For important functions ( light weight ) 5 T-shirts Polo shirts with a collar are good to protect the back of your neck 1 Sweater May need more if you are in the North where its cooler 2 Jeans Or casual trousers. Most Thai teenagers wear jeans in their free time 2 Shorts One pair for sports, NOT high cut 1-2 Shoes Smart for teaching in; slip-ons best 1 Sandals/flip flops Sturdy (you can buy flip flops in Thailand, these are worn by everyone outside of work)
1 Trainers Good for trekking and casual wear 10 Pants Cotton, wear out quickly, not white 10 Socks Lightweight cotton 1 Swim trunks Some places don t permit swimming shorts Nightwear Comments: It is possible to get most things there but it can be difficult to get bigger sizes. This is certainly the case for footwear, so bring them from home. Slip-on shoes are best as Thais take their shoes off before entering homes and many other buildings. Having clothes tailor-made there is both inexpensive and quick; but take enough clothes to get you started. Fitted, smart clothes are the order of the day; short-sleeved shirts and chinos are ideal. Make a real effort to bring out smart looking clothes for school it will make a big difference not just to first impressions but also to how locals view you long-term. Casual clothes such as jeans and t-shirts are very cheap and easy to buy. Kit list: Guide books First aid kit Camera Lots of UK deodorant, as Thai deodorant is very weak. GENERAL POINTS ABOUT CLOTHING MALE AND FEMALE White clothes get easily and permanently stained and should be avoided. Brightly coloured and patterned clothes look nicer in hot climates. Strong, hard wearing material is recommended, as hand washing is hard on clothes. Synthetic materials are not suitable for hot climates. As much as possible should be cotton or cotton/polyester mix - the latter means your clothes won t look so creased. Thais take care in their appearance. Clothes for work must be clean, respectable and ironed. Revealing or semi-transparent clothes are not suitable. ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT The following items should be regarded as essential: Large rucksack (between 65-75 litres): This is much more appropriate than a suitcase. Smaller rucksack (approx 15 litres): for day trips/general use Money belt (or similar): this should fit under your clothes as a safety precaution The following items may be useful: A basic sewing kit
Torch Sleeping bag and/or liner: mainly needed when travelling, a sleeping liner will probably be adequate. For decorating your room: Blue- tack, posters and postcards of where you come from are really useful, as are photos of family and home. As well as decorating your room, these are useful for teaching and for explaining to people about life at home. For entertainment: travel games, books and playing cards For teaching: general texts on your subjects for teachers, an English grammar book and dictionary, books of instruction on games, arts and crafts, scouting and guiding (if you are keen) and music. Basic stationary supplies will be useful to get you started however stationary is easy to find in Thailand. IMPORTANT NOTE: Airline baggage allowances may be as little as 20 kilos only. Confirmation of this will be given to you on your training course. PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THINGS CAN STILL CHANGE OVERSEAS AND WITH PROJECTS THEREFORE THERE IS STILL A POSSIBILITY THAT YOU MAY NOT END UP GOING TO THE COUNTRY WHERE YOU WERE INITIALLY PLACED. IF THIS IS THE CASE WE WILL TELEPHONE YOU AS SOON AS POSSIBLE