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Moving to Thailand

Thai Culture

Thailand, commonly known as "The Land of Smiles" is a land of traditions with warm and welcoming people. One of the most important influences on Thai culture is Buddhism with many beliefs and traditions stemming directly from Buddhist principles. Two of the most important values in Thailand are respect, especially to elders, and self-control. 

Overall, Thailand is a lovely combination of traditional influences and contemporary attitudes, especially in Bangkok. You can shop in one of the biggest malls in Asia, CentralWorld, and then across the street, visit the Erawan Shrine, which houses a statue of Phra Phrom, the Thai representation of Brahma, the Hindu god of creation.

Activity

Enjoy your weekends by exploring Bangkok and other Thai gems. In Bangkok, you'll find countless activities for both adults and children. You can enjoy activities such as baseball, climbing, or tennis at D-Stadium, visit temples, explore the Chao Phraya River, and experience various neighborhoods around the city.

Like any other city, Bangkok can be overwhelming. If you want a weekend getaway, Bangkok has numerous options for nearby 1 or 2 days trip. You can relax at a top rated Thai beach, hike in the mountains, visit elephant sanctuaries, or meditate along a calm river. 

KIS Location

KIS is located near the Thailand Cultural Center MRT station. Apart from palaces, temples, delicious food, and famous smiles, Bangkok is known for its heavy traffic. There is only one way to describe it: unpredictable. Fortunately, Bangkok has two public transport systems, the sky train (BTS) and the subway (MRT). They certainly make getting around the city much easier, especially during rush hour. KIS Campus is located in a quiet and relaxing gated community for the wellbeing of our students and teachers. 

Before Arrival to Thailand

There are many things that you have to complete before you begin your journey to the airport! This is a stressful situation at the best of times, but COVID has really impacted any teacher trying to get into a new country.

The KIS HR team is very knowledgeable on what documents are required to get teachers into Thailand, but location of your departure may also require travelers to have additional paperwork.

With so many variables, it is best to directly reach out to the HR team to get answers.

 

Upon Arrival

Settling Down

 

Do some homework before you come. Find out if your favorite items are available or not, there are plenty of people to ask at school and numerous websites to do research. You may be surprised that many things are available – but sometimes you may be out of luck.

As a school, we are well resourced, by all means bring your favorite books but there is no need to think too much about resources and teaching materials.

There are many new and exciting things to see and do. There are also many links to home should you feel a little homesick and need a “western boost”. Fast food chains, coffee shops, and recognized brands can be found everywhere.

Be aware of the heat and weather; bring clothes that are suitable not only for the weather but also for school. Of course you need your beach wear too.

The School Library has many books that you can borrow to help you get around Bangkok and to plan your weekends away and vacations too, use the service to get settled.

Remember relocating is stressful and at times frustrating; the culture is very different and takes time to understand and feel comfortable with. Give yourself time, remain open minded and flexible and above all smile you are in Thailand after all.

The following pages will provide you with information about your move and to help you settle in faster.

 

Air Quality Management Guidelines

Air pollution is a growing concern worldwide.  Research indicates that exposure to air pollution can impact health.  Studies on long-term health effects typically focus on individuals who are exposed to unhealthy air for an extended period, often many years.   However, evidence also indicates that short term exposure can create health concerns, particularly for children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems. Young children are at increased risk of these health effects because they tend to be more physically active, their lungs are still growing, and they are more likely to have asthma or acute respiratory illnesses which can be aggravated when pollution levels are high.  KIS routinely monitors particle pollution, specifically Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5). PM2.5 are fine particulates in the air, which can get into the lungs and may even enter the bloodstream.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) was designed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is used to determine air quality.  The EPA developed a series of levels (linked here)to help the public better understand the impact of air pollution and determine when air pollution reaches unhealthy levels.  KIS has developed its practices in collaboration with other international schools in China, SE Asia, and the US, based on information from the EPA, World Health Organization and UNICEF.

Based on new studies and confusion around the complexity of AQI calculations, KIS has updated our Air Quality Guidelines to be based solely on PM2.5 levels, which is usually the most dangerous airborne particulates.

KIS Air Quality Management Guidelines