Jack Earnest is correct to raise concerns over the process by which teachers are vetted prior to teaching in the Kingdom; however, it is unfair to say his experience would necessarily be replicated in a quality international school.
A fully accredited international school will have an outstanding child protection policy.
It will identify a recruiting code of practice, which takes account of checking with referees, particularly the current head, the validity of a candidate’s CV and his ability to teach, among a number of other professional attributes.
Specific questions are asked at interview about any police record or child protection issue.
To verify the candidates’ answers to these questions, a police record check from the country in which they last worked is undertaken.
The candidate will also be asked whether they are medically fit to perform their duties as a teacher.
Confirmation will be sought on any education qualifications cited, and finally the candidate will undergo a medical check.
I also read about the dreadful situation that has developed in Jakarta, where accusations of abuse of children by cleaners, teaching assistants and teachers have been made.
Even the very best processes cannot necessarily prevent child abuse. However, any complacency during the recruiting process could lead to a disastrous outcome.
It is the responsibility of each school to ensure its recruiting policy is robust enough to reduce these risks to an absolute minimum.
Martin Kneath
Brown got US justice
As an American, I find your cartoon in Monday's publication depicting someone’s view of our system of justice in the USA regarding the Michael Brown case to be patently offensive. One can only assume the cartoonist was ignorant of the facts.
On the day he was killed, Michael Brown showed himself to be nothing but a thug, bully, and a common thief.
He was captured by a surveillance camera (as seen on CNN) stealing cigars from a convenience store, and then threatening and intimidating the shopkeeper.
After that, he and his friend became a public nuisance by walking down the middle of a highway and disturbing the flow of traffic.
After being ordered off the street by a police officer, he initiated a confrontation with the police officer in his car, fighting for the officer’s gun.
The officer had every right to feel that his life was in danger and do what he had to do. This is the Michael Brown to whom his mother referred as “a gentle giant”.
Oh yes! By the way, the autopsy of his body showed traces of marijuana.
And of course all the blacks in and around Ferguson (most of them no doubt unemployed and on welfare) used this as an excuse to riot, create mayhem, and destroy millions of dollars worth of property in their own community.
And what better opportunity than this to do a bit of looting, get free TVs, laptops, mobile phones, and all the booze they could carry out of the liquor store they broke into.
RL Holt
Chiang Mai
Retirement plan
I’ve decided that my children can either become politicians, police or monks. It’s the only way I will be able to live my final years in luxury.
Fantia
Hua Hin
Thank you, Patipat
Whenever I see the beautiful photographs in the Bangkok Post, the most recent being those of the Royal Guard on Tuesday, I note the photographer more often than not is Patipat Janthong.
I hope Khun Patipat is aware of the delight he brings with his skill and wonderful eye for an amazing picture.
Long may it continue.
Martin R
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