student guide book -...

HANDBOOK

For International Staff and Students

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS CENTRE (IAC)

PRINCE OF SONGKLA UNIVERSITY

PHUKET CAMPUS

International Staff and Student Handbook

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INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS CENTRE, PSU PHUKET

Table of Contents

Welcome 3

PSU Phuket in Brief 4

Map of PSU Phuket Campus 5

Academic Calendar and Mobile Application 6

International Affairs Centre 7

Communication 8

Visa Information 9

- Student Visa 9

- Working Visa 9

- The Difference Between a Single Entry Visa and a Multiple Entry Visa 10

- Other Important Information 11

- Re-entry Permit 12

- Visa Extension 13

- 90-Day Report 13

- 90-Day Report Online 15

Group Accident Insurance 16

PSU Medical Service& PSU Fitness 19

PSU Passport and PSU Internet System 20

Obtaining a Thai Driver’s License 20

PSU Phuket Library 22

Essential Information for Staff 23

- Work Permit 23

- Payment of Thai Taxes 24

- Social Security Insurance 25

- Vacations/Sick Leave/Holidays 30

- Staff Banking and PSU ID card 30

Essential Information for Students 31

- Student Uniforms 32

- Banking and Student ID Card 32

- Graduation Requirements: Extracurricular Activities 33

Getting to Know Thailand 36

- Holidays 36

- Electrical Voltage 39

- Thai Culture 39

- Cultural Awareness 40

Phuket 40

- Phuket Climate 40

- Getting Around Phuket 41

- Local Events 42

- Important Safety Recommendations 43

Cultural Events and Activities 44

Housing 45

- On-Campus 45

- Off-Campus 45

Airport Transportation and Important Phone Numbers 49

Lost Passport and/or ID card 50

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 51


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Dear International Members,

Welcome to Prince of Songkla University (PSU), Phuket Campus.

This booklet includes essential information international staff and students at PSU Phuket

should be aware of. Use of this booklet will help international staff and students not only

adjust to life at PSU Phuket, but also toliving in Thailand. Hopefully, as a result,

international members at PSU Phuket will benefit from a pleasant and productive stay.

One booklet can surely not answer all queries. If you have any questions or concerns,

please do not hesitate to contact the International Affairs Centre – IAC. Our office is

conveniently located on the second floor (2nd) of the President’s Office Building (Building

7), just opposite the elevators.

We are here to answer your questions and make sure your transition to being atPSU Phuket

goes smoothly.

Enjoy your stay & Sawat-dee kha/khrap.


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PSUPhuket in Brief

PSU was founded in 1967 as the 1st university in southern Thailand. The name “Prince of

Songkla” was bestowed by H. M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej in honor of his late father, HRH

Prince Mahidol of Songkla.

PSU has 5 campuses spread across Southern Thailand: in Hat Yai, Pattani, Phuket, Surat

Thani and Trang. PSU, Phuket Campus was founded on the 14th November 1977.

PSU’s acronym, ม. อ. MOR-OR is taken from the original name of Prince Mahidol Adulyadej

(HRH Prince Mahidol of Songkla).

HRH Prince Mahidol of Songkla’s tenets are: “Let consideration of personal gain take

second place to the overall benefits of mankind. Good fortune, wealth and prestige come

naturally to those who are spiritually dedicated to their work.”

Phuket Campus is presently comprised of the following faculties and departments:

Phuket Community College (PCC)

Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism (FHT)

Faculty of International Studies (FIS)

Faculty of Technology and Environment (FTE)

Department of Computer Engineering (CoE)

Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Earth System Scienceand Andaman

Natural Disaster Management (ESSAND)

International College of Arts and Science Phuket (ICASP)

Confucius Institute of Phuket (CIP)

Campus Administration Office (President’s Office Building)

As of January 2017, PSU Phuket has approximately 452 total staff, 52 international staff,

3,169 total students and 117 international students.

The University color is NAVY BLUE.

The Symbolic Flower is the Jacaranda.


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Map of the PSU PHUKET CAMPUS

1 Faculty of Technology and Environment

1A Department of Computer Engineering

2 Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism

2A PSU Lodge

3 Faculty of International Studies

4 Workshop Center

5 Academic Service Center (Library)

5A International College of Arts and Science

6 Central Academic and Laboratory Facilities

7 The President’s Office Building

8 Canteen

9 Facilities and Gym/Fitness

10 Staff Residences

11 Indoor Stadium

12 Security Guard Center

13 Dormitory 1, 2 (Female Students)

14 Dormitory (Male Students)

15 Dormitory 3 (Female Students)

16 Football Field

17 Tennis Courts

18 Basketball Court

19 Under Construction (Sport’s Complex)

20 Siam Commercial Bank (PSU Phuket

Branch)

Back Gate

Front Gate


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Academic Calendar

SEMESTER 1

Semester 1 Begins 15 August

Mid Term Exams 8-16 October

PSU Academic Research Week Mid November

Last Day of Classes 2 December

Final Exams 6-18 December

Semester 1 Ends 19 December

Mid-Year Break 19 December - 9 January

SEMESTER 2

Semester 2 Begins 9 January

Mid Term Exams 4- 12 March

Last Day of Classes 28 April

Final Exams 1 - 15 May

Semester 2 Ends 16 May

SUMMER SEMESTER

Summer Semester Begins 5 June

Last Day of Classes 21 July

Final Exams 24-28 July

Summer Semester Ends 29 July

(The dates are subject to change depending on the year)

PSU Mobile Application

Recently PSU Phuket has launched its very own Mobile Application, which can be

downloaded on your smart phone through the Play Store, just search “PSU Phuket”. The

App contains useful information about PSU Phuket including news, events, faculties,

programs, facilities, maps, galleries and contact details.


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International Affairs Centre (IAC)

The International Affairs Centre (IAC) supports the university’s primary aim at making the

campus international. Its missions include:

1. Development of international programs & collaboration

2. Protocol involving international guests and conferences

3. Hospitality and support for international academics including visiting dignitaries,

faculties, students and other personnel.

4. Communications network for on-campus international members

5. Promotion of global awareness and good will

6. Personal development

International Affairs Centre Staff

Name Contact Information Responsibilities

Assistant Professor Dr.

NuwanThapthiang, Ph.D.

Tel. +66-76-27 6751

E-mail. [email protected]

Assistant to the President for

International Affairs

Ms. RuthairatKonmai (Tye)

Tel. +66-76-276014

[email protected]

[email protected]

Head,

International Affairs Centre

Ms. BenjawanRianrom (Ben) Tel. +66-76-276524


[email protected]

Visa letter requests and renewal,

immigration affairs

Mr. ChawananChupeng (Toe)

Tel. +66-76-276096


[email protected]

Office administration, IAC

webmaster, information update

Ms. PichyadaJeokwon (Pure)

Tel. +66-76-276524


[email protected]

Work permits, Thai tax

Ms. SukhumaKetsuwan (Syn)

Tel. +66-76-276097


[email protected]

International guest relations

Mr. Nitiphoom Waitira (Joe)

Tel. +66-76-276096

[email protected]

[email protected]

Accounting and finance,

international dormitory coordinator

mailto:[email protected]














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Office Phone: +66-76-276014

Office Fax: +66-76-276098

Office E-mails: [email protected], [email protected]

Office Facebook: www.facebook.com/iacpsuphuket

Office Location: International Affairs Centre (IAC)

Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus

President’s Office Building (Building 7), 2nd Floor

80 Moo 1, Vichitsongkram Road,

Kathu, Phuket 83120Thailand

Web Address: http://www.iac.phuket.psu.ac.th

Office Hours: Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

IAC is closed on weekends and public holidays.

Communication

Telephone

When a call is made from abroad, it should be dialed in the following ways:

Home or Office number: +66-76- xxxxxx

Mobile phone: +66-8x-xxxxxxx or +66-9x-xxxxxxx

Domestic calls

Home or office number: (076) xxxxxx

Mobile phone: (08x) xxxxxxx or (09x) xxxxxxx

International calls

AIS network: 005 - 81- xxxxxx (20 baht per minute, excluding tax)

Dtac network: 004 - 81- xxxxxx (19 baht per minute, excluding tax)

True network: 006 - 81- xxxxxx (6 baht per minute, excluding tax)

Other networks: 001/009/007/088 - 81 - xxxxxx (rate varies by network)

Post

Letters and packages should be sent to the following address:

[Your Name]

Attention: International Affairs Centre

Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus

80 Moo 1, Vichitsongkram Road, Kathu, Phuket 83120

THAILAND

For [Phone Number] please write the IAC Office Phone Number: +66-76-276014

http://www.iac.phuket.psu.ac.th/


http://www.facebook.com/iacpsuphuket



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Visa Information

Student Visa

All students who attend Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus are required

to hold a student visa: Type of Visa - Non-Immigrant - Category ED - No. of Entry - Single (S

or 1).

International students who are accepted to study at PSU Phuket will receive two

certified letters and other related documents from the university to present at the Royal

Thai Embassy with their Visa Application Form:

1) Acceptance Letter

2) Visa Request Letter (in Thai)

3) Verification by Vice President and Administration

Working Visa

All foreign staff employed by Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus are

required to hold a working visa: Type of Visa - Non-Immigrant - Category B - No. of Entry -

Single (S).

Prospective international staffwho areoffered employment at PSU Phuket will

receive certified letters and other related documentsfrom the university to present at the

Royal Thai Embassy with their Visa Application Form:

1) Acceptance Letter

2) Visa Request Letter (in Thai)

3) Official Employment Letter issued by HR or Employment Contract

4) Verification by Vice President and Administration

Remarks:

1. There are Single Entry (S or 1) and Multiple Entry (M) Visas, however a Single Entry

visa is recommended for both students and staff.

2. For staff whose spouse and children would like to apply for a Non-Immigrant –

Category O Visa, copies of the staff’s documents can be used toapply for the visas;

however this is subject to the consideration of the embassy. Note that IAC cannot

take care of independent’s visas; it will be the independent’s responsibility.

3. For more information about the visa application process please visit

www.mfa.go.th/main/en/

http://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/


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The difference between a Single Entry Visa and Multiple Entry Visa

In order to determine if you should apply for a “single entry” or a “multiple entry” visa,

you should consider the number of times you intend to travel outside Thailand within 90

days after you arrive. IAC recommends that you apply for a Single Entry Visa (S or 1).

Choose a “Single Entry Visa” if you do not have any plans to leave Thailand or if you

are not sure about your travel plans.

Choose a “Multiple Entry Visa” if you plan to leave Thailand or travel outside of

Thailand within 90 days after you arrive. This will allow you to get better value for your

money. For traveling outside Thailand, it is recommended that you search for information

about the country you would like to visit, especially immigration rules and regulations

about visas. For example in Singapore you are required to show your return ticket upon

arrival, otherwise you are not allowed to enter the country.


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Other Important Information

For those who hold a Single Entry Visa (S) the embassy will only grant a three-month (90

day) validity period for the first application. Once you are in the Kingdom of Thailand, a

visa extension can easily be done in Phuket under our campus auspice. While those who hold

a Multiple Entry Visa (M), the visa will be valid for one (1) year from the visa issue date,

however you will have to leave Thailand every 90 days. There is no visa category that will

initially allow you to stay in the Kingdom of Thailand for more than 90 days. However, you

can extend your visa before it expires at the Immigration Office in Phuket Town, but this

will automatically change your visa to a Single Entry Visa (S).

When you see a page in your passport stamped: ENTER BEFORE …DATE…, this specifies that

you must enter Thailand before the date stamped, and has nothing to do with the validity

period of your visa. It is simply a time frame in which you can travel to Thailand.

It is illegal to hold a tourist visa to work or study in Thailand (It is also illegal to work while

holding a Non-Immigrant ED (Education) visa, however internships are allowed). The period

for a tourist visa is generally only 60 days, and you can get a 30 day extension. The duration

you are allowed to stay in Thailand depends on what type of visa you are holding (some

countries have special agreements with the Thai Government in order to allow their citizens

to stay in Thailand). If you enter Thailand with a tourist visa, you must leave the country

with a university letter to apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa at a Thai Embassy or Consulate

somewhere outside of Thailand. Mostly we would recommend you go to Penang or Kuala

Lumpur in Malaysia.

Once you get a visa – check its expiry date. You cannot stay beyond the expiry date, not

even by one day, but you can depart Thailand any day before the expiry date. No

documents are needed if you leave the country before the expiry date of your visa. For PSU

staff and students, IAC will extend the validity of your visa before it expires so you are able

to stay in Thailand for a maximum of one year(based on the Rules and Regulations for Non-

Immigrant Visa Applications).

Upon entering the Kingdom of Thailand, as you go through the immigration counter, please

make sure that the immigration officer did not just give you a 30-day visa on arrival. They

typically stamp “USED” on your visa page.

Please staple the “Immigration d TM6 Form” so called “Departure Card” into your

passport, as you will need it to leave the country.


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Re-Entry Permit

If you get a Single Entry Visa and wish to travel outside Thailand at a later time,

you must apply for a “Re-Entry Permit” at the Immigration Office in Phuket Town before

leaving Thailand.

Without this permit, your visa will be cancelled and Immigration will stamp a

tourist visa in your passport on your return date and you will have to go through the Non-

B/Non-ED visa application process again. So be sure to come to IAC to pick up a form to

apply for a Re-entry Permit at the Immigration Office, or you can email IAC at

[email protected] and we can provide you with the information and form via email.

There are 2 types of re-entry permits:

A Single Re-Entry Permit: You intend to leave Thailand only one time and you do not

have plans to leave Thailand again in the near future after your return. The fee for

a single re-entry permit is 1,000 baht.

A Multiple Re-Entry Permit: You intend to leave Thailand more than one time within

3 - 6 months after your return. This permit will enable you to take as many overseas

trips as you want until your visa expires (not more than one (1) year). The fee for a

multiple re-entry permit is 3,800 baht.

For more information and to download the application forms please contact

http://www.immigration.go.th/

Single Re-entry Multiple Re-entry




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Visa Extension

Regardless of the number of times you enter the country with your visa (single or

multiple entries); at the time of your first arrival you are only permitted to stay a

maximum of 90 days. Before the 90 days has passed, your visa must be extended to cover

your study or work period. Your visa will be extended the maximum of one (1) fiscal year

for staff or cover the study period for students. Your visa, however, cannot be extended

more than 1 year at a time.The fee for the visa extension is 1,900 baht.

Please note that if you enter the country with a “Multiple Entry Visa” you MUST

leave and re-enter Thailand every 90 days. If you don’t have plans to leave the country,

your visa can be extended at the Immigration Office at Phuket Town, however your

“Multiple Entry Visa” will automatically be changed to a “Single Entry Visa”. If you have

plans to leave the country you will have to apply for a Re-Entry Permit beforehand.

You must notify the International Affairs Centre (IAC) two weeks before your expiry

date to get an extension on your visa. The extension can be done within 45 days before the

expiry date.

Note:If you overstay, there is a fine of 500 THB per day, and a maximum of 20,000 THB.

This will be stamped in your passport at the

time of your first arrival in Thailand with a

Non-B/Non-ED Visa

This stamp shows your date of entry (example:

10 Sep 2013), and the date you should either:

1. Go for your 90 day report (example: 8 Dec

2013)

2. Get a visa extension (for Single Entry Visas)

3. Leave the country (for Multiple Entry Visas)

90-Day Report

All international members atPSU Phuket, including staff and students, regardless of

their visa types, but especially those with Non-B/Non-ED Single (S) Entry Visas, are

required to report to an Immigration Office in Thailand every 90 days.

The exception is when your temporary 3-month visa, applied for and obtained from

abroad when you first entered the Kingdom of Thailand, expires. You will have to report to

the Immigration Office in Phuket Town to extend the 3-month temporary visa to a full-year

visa, based on your contract. You can ask IAC for assistance.

90-Days are counted in the following ways:

Applying for the first extension of your 3-month visa to a full year visa:

Start counting from the date your visa has been extended. The 90thday is the date

you are required to make a 90-Day Report. Fill out Form TM 47, and bring it to the


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Immigration Office. There is no charge for this extension e.g. Suppose your first temporary

3-month visa is extended on 23 September. Counting 90 days, you will have to make your

first 90-Day report on 22 December at the immigration office; however you are able to

report yourself 15 days prior to that date or within 7 days after that date. Once your first

90-Day report is done, the last part of the form: Receipt of Notification will be stapled in

your passport indicating the date of your next 90-Day report. The first visa extension date

is your first 90 Day Report, the next 90 days is counted from this date. It is important that

you note the date and report yourself to the Immigration Office.

Note: If you overstay, there is a fine of 500 THB per day, and a maximum of 2,000 THB at

the Immigration Office in Phuket Town, or a maximum of 5,000 THB at Phuket

International Airport.

Receipt of Notification

Leaving the country before the due date of your next 90-Day report:

If you leave the country before the due date of your next 90-Day report, begin

counting your 90 days from the date you re-enter the Kingdom of Thailand, as shown on

the date stamped on Form TM 6 (your Departure Card) from the Thai Immigration

Bureau, stapled into your passport.


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90-Day Report Online

Immigration has recently introduced a new system for the 90-Day Report, it can now be

done online so you do not have to visit the immigration office every 90 days. Please note

that this online 90 day report system has recently had issues and is often not

operational, if this is the case you must visit the immigration office in Phuket Town

instead to report your 90 days there.

Instead, you can visit the following website (using only an Internet Explorer web browser):

https://extranet.immigration.go.th/fn90online/online/tm47/TM47Action.doIf this link

does not work, please visit http://www.immigration.go.th/ and click on the bar on the left

hand side that says “Apply for Notification of Staying in the Kingdom Over 90 Days”.

You can review the 90 Day Report Guideline available on the IAC website for detailed

instructions.If you decide to do the 90 day report online, it must be done 8-15 days before

the due date.

When asked to enter theAddress of Resident, please fill this in as: "Apartment" at PSU

Phuket, 80 Moo 1 Vichitsongkram Road, District Kathu, Phuket Province, 83120 Thailand,

and telephone number076-276 097.

If you have problems with this please contact Ben at IAC who is in charge of visas.

While the IAC emails monthly updated notices include information on each international

member’s 90-Day report, it is important that you review the information for accuracy. If

the IAC makes a mistake, please be sure to notify the staff.

https://extranet.immigration.go.th/fn90online/online/tm47/TM47Action.do



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Group Accident Insurance

Group accident insurance is provided for all PSU full-time staff and students.

Special course students or exchange students may not be entitled to this insurance as they

may be covered by their home university or personally purchase it.

The Student Affairs Department will automatically apply for this insurance for PSU

staff and PSU full-time students after their registration in the PSU Student System.

New PSU staff can check the effective period of this insurance with International

Affairs Centre, normally it will relate to date on your official employment document.

Coverage period

First year students 11 July 2016 – 26 July 2017 at noon

Second year student and above 26 July 2016 – 26 July 2017 at noon

Staff 26 July 2016 – 26 July 2017 at noon

**Automatically renewal on yearly basis

Credited Hospitals

The coverage expenses are automatically covered by the insurance at the following

hospitals; (the maximum coverage is 25,000 baht)

1. Vachira Phuket Hospital

2. Dibuk Hospital

3. Phuket International Hospital

4. Phuket Provincial Hospital

If you go to these hospitals, your expenses are automatically covered by the

insurance. (The total maximum of 25,000 Baht for each accident)

If you go to another hospitals, whether you are admitted or not, you have to pay

charges up front. Following your hospital treatment, bring the bill, your ID card,

your passport and the “Medical Certificate” detailing your injury to the IAC who will

then coordinate with the Student Affairs Office in order to claim reimbursement

from the insurance company.

Students have to show their student ID card and staff have to show their PSU

Employment Card and white INSURANCE card that they received from IAC.

For Dibuk Hospital, the first time you visit the hospital you will have to pay a small

and non-refundable Medical Records Administrative fee.


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Medical Care Benefits

This group accident insurance covers medical expenses as both an out-patient and

an in-patient, cared by physicians or surgeons with medical practice license at any both

public and private hospitals/clinics.

The insurance covers actual medical expenses which may not exceed the maximum

insured amount for each accident.

This also includes the following cases:

1. In case of murder, or involuntary manslaughter or physical assaults, a copy of police

report is needed as evidence

2. As a motorcycle rider or passenger

3. Riots or strikes

4. In case of terrorism, the insurance covers the maximum amount of 12 people with

the maximum expense of 1,920,000 Baht

5. As the University's athletes for the competitions of boat racing and boxing, the

insurance only covers death, dismemberment, and total permanent disability,

and only for athletes who are officially members of boating and boxing clubs or

those officially representing the University

What to do in case of an accident

1. As an out-patient: Students/staff may receive medical treatments at any hospital

worldwide but may need to pay an advance and then submit receipts for

reimbursements to the Office of Student Affairs

2. As an in-patient: Students/staff may need to either pay an advance and get

reimbursed or contact the Office of Student Affairs immediately to avoid an

advance

Insurance coverage includes the following:

Insuring Agreement

Coverage amount (THB)

General

Accident

Special

Accident* and

Public

Accident**

Special

Accident and

Public Accident

1 Accidental death 160,000 320,000 480,000

2 Permanent disability caused

by accident 160,000 320,000 480,000


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Remarks:

* Special Accidents: Accidents incurred on the university’s premises of the insured, or

those incurred by participating in any approved activity, organized by the university.

** Public Accidents: Accidents incurred in public buildings and public transportations.

The insurance covers the following;

1 As a passenger and accident occurred in public transportation

2 As a public elevator passenger

3 As in any public building on fire

*** The total maximum of 25,000 Baht for each accident may be paid for several

medical visits. For instance, if you cut yourself and your guest medical treatment

cost 10,000 Baht, you are still entitled to another 15,000 Baht for next visit(s) for

follow up treatment(s), if needed.

3 Accidental loss of sight,

hand, finger, hearing,

speaking

160,000 320,000 480,000

4 Medical expenses for each

accident*** 25,000 - -

5 Medical evacuation by

doctor’s decision 15,000 - -

6 Accidental death incurred

overseas 180,000 - -

7 Emergency medical

evacuation or repatriation 10,000 - -

8 Medical expenses as an In-

Patient with dengue,

influenza, foot and mouth

disease, acute diarrhea, with

a medical certificate

300 THB/time

9000 THB/year - -

9 Funeral expenses for

accidental death 40,000

10 Funeral expenses for death

caused by sickness or disease

(except AIDS or other HIV

related diseases)

30,000


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Required Documents for reimbursement

1. Accident

- A reimbursement form

- Original receipts

- A doctor certificate

- A copy of passport and copy of student ID or Staff ID

2. Dismemberment, loss of sight or total permanent disability


- A police report (if available)

- A doctor certificate

3. Death

Documents of the deceased


- A death certificate

- A Student/Staff ID of the deceased

- A police report

- An autopsy report (accidental death only)

- A passport/A birth certificate/A copy of house registration certificate

Documents of the next of kin or beneficiary

- A passport

- A house registration certificate

- A marriage certificate (if applicable)

PSU Medical Service

At PSU Phuket there is a free medical center in Building 6 on the first floor. The

center is open from Monday to Friday from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm with registered nurses on

duty; however a doctor is available every Tuesday afternoon.

PSU Fitness

At PSU Phuket, in the big building to the left of the Canteen, on the 2nd floor, there

is a fitness center/gym, it is open from Monday to Friday from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm (closed

on weekends and public holidays).


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PSU Passport and PSU Internet System

When new staff arrive at PSU they will

have to fill in a Personnel Division (Registration

Unit) form. After this, within the first or

second week of work or study, staff and

students are issued a PSU Passport to login to

the on-campus internet system. When you turn

on the computer and open Internet Explorer,

the User Identification Portal page will be the

first page that pops-up on your screen. Once

you login you can begin searching the web.For

students, your student ID will be used as the

user name and your passport number will be used as the password. After you first login,

you can change your password if you wish.To the left isan example of the User Identification

Portal page for your reference:If the page is not automatically shown when you first open Internet

Explorer, please go to http://login.psu.ac.th in order to log in.

Obtaining a Thai Driver’s License

Many travelers already have an International Driver’s License when they arrive in

Thailand, allowing them to drive in Thailand and other countries listed. Once you have

been in Thailand for a period of over two years, however, you will need a Thai driver’s

license. Documents of several insurance companies state that the insured driver should

hold a valid Thai driving license to be fully covered.

If you already have an International Driver’s License and would like to obtain a Thai

license, the process will take one day at the Land Transport Office. Your new Thai License

will be valid for one year. Your next renewal will be another year unless you hold a Non-

Immigrant Visa which makes you eligible for a license that is valid for 5 years.

Please be sure to arrive at the office between 7:30am and 9am and bring original

documents along with the following:

Valid Passport with valid Non-immigrant Visa

Photo copy of the photo page of your passport, the page with the current Non-

Immigrant Visa, the page with the last entry stamp, and the TM card.

http://login.psu.ac.th/


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Valid work permit, or a certified letter of address from the applicant’s embassy,

or from the Immigration Office (document cannot be older than 30 days).

Medical certificate (date issued must not be more than 30 days old), issued by

any hospital or clinic.

If available, a copy of your original International Driver’s License, plus signed

photocopies, or a translated regular driving license from the applicant’s home

country, certified by an embassy or consulate.

Two hundred five (205) baht application fee.

Note: All documents in languages other than Thai must be translated into English or Thai

from the Embassy of the applicant’s country of origin.

One set of the documents is required per license application. When applying for

both a car and a motorcycle license, for example, an extra copy of the doctor’s certificate

and the letter of address will suffice for the second application.

If you have any further questions, please call (66) 076 214 930 and ask to speak

with someone who speaks English. Details regarding the procedure are also listed on the

website including information concerning a seminar in the morning for about an hour

followed by a 3 part exam: eye and physical reaction test, written test (in 5 languages

including Thai, Malay, Chinese, Japanese and English), and finally, a driving test in the

afternoon.Note: The written and driving tests are only required if you do not already have

a driver’s license from your home country or an international driver’s license, or if these

have expired.

Phuket Provincial Land Transport Office

42/1 Rattanakosin Song-Roy-Pee Road

Taladnua, Muang

Phuket 83000

Tel. 076-214930


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Driver’s License Extension

If you have had a Thai driver’s license for 1 year you can extend it for 5 years (the

cost is around 500 Thai Baht). To do so you must take with you the same documents as

listed on the previous page (minus the international driving license). You must also be

prepared to do the reflex tests again. If you have a 5 year driver’s license and want to

extend it for another 5 years, you must go through the same process but you must

additionally watch a 1 hour video about driving rules in Thailand.

PSUPhuket Library

The library is located on the 2nd floor in The Learning Centre Building (Building 5).

(http://www.phuket.psu.ac.th/library)

Library hours

Study Period

Monday – Friday open 8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday – Sunday open 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Note: Library is closed on public holidays.

Semester Break

Monday – Friday open 08.30 a.m. - 04.30 p.m.

Note: Library is closed during weekends and public holidays.

Library Services

1. Circulation

2. Reference

3. Reserved books

4. OPAC / OPAC service, searching service from database

5. Internet service, free Wi-Fi internet provided

6. Inter-Library Loan

http://www.phuket.psu.ac.th/library


23


PSU PHUKETLibrary Privileges

Books

(Thesis, books,

research paper, etc.)

Borrowing

Period

Cassettes

VDO

CD-ROMs

Borrowing

Period

Lecturers 15 1 month 3 7 days

Graduate Students 10 14 days 3 7 days

Staff/ Undergraduate

Students

5 7 days 3 7 days

Notes:

The library will not provide lending services during examination periodsbeginning

two weeks prior to the examination period.

Periodicals, newspapers, and reference materials are to be used only in the library.

Essential Information for Staff

Work Permit

The dates of your work permit will depend on your employment contract.

Documents needed to FIRST apply for a work permit:

Six (6) photos: 3x4 cm each: The photos must be non-smiling, not Polaroid, no bare

shoulders, no sunglasses, and no hats. Applicants should plan on wearing a plain

blouse/shirt.

Original passport with Non-B Visa

Note: You will be asked to sign copies of your passport and Non-B Visa, and also

copies for visa, social security and tax applications.

Original or copy of your highest degree earned (in English or Thai only).

Original medical certificates including your blood type (if you know your blood type

you can inform the IAC directly) and verification of examination for not being insane

or mentally sick, suffering from leprosy, tuberculosis, drug addiction, alcoholism,

elephantitus and tertiary syphilis.

Recommended hospitals to obtain your medical certificate are:

- Mission Hospital Phuket Tel. 076-237220 open on Sunday - Friday 8.00-15.00

- Phuket International Hospital Tel. 076-361888 open daily 8.00-16.00

- Bangkok Hospital Phuket Tel. 076-254245 open daily 8.00-13.00

- Vachira Phuket Hospital Tel. 076-361234 open on Monday - Friday 8.00-15.00

- Debuk Hospital Tel. 076-298298 open daily 8.00-17.00


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Note: The certificates must be dated no longer than one month before the date of

the application for your work permit. It is recommended that you see a doctor for

the medical certificates after you have obtained your Non-B Visa. A medical

certificate is required for a new work permit application as well as an renewal.

Fifty (50) Baht (revenue stamp and photocopy fee)

Note:

1. You will be asked to sign work permit documents and other relevant documents.

2. You will be asked to pick up your work permit booklet at the Phuket Provincial

Employment Office with an IAC staff member within 2-4 weeks after your work

permit application has been submitted by IAC. You must bring your original passport

with you. IAC will make notify you via email to make an appointment when your

work permit is ready to be picked up.

Documents needed to renew a work permit:

1. Original passport containing Non-B visa, departure card, and stamp of your latest

entry into Thailand.

2. Original Work Permit.

3. Original medical certificates including your blood type (if you know your blood type

you can inform the IAC directly) and verification of examination for not being insane

or mentally sick, suffering from leprosy, tuberculosis, drug addiction, alcoholism,

elephantitus and tertiary syphilis.

Recommended hospitals to obtain your medical certificate are:

- Mission Hospital Phuket Tel. 076-237220 open on Sunday - Friday 8.00-15.00

- Phuket International Hospital Tel. 076-361888 open daily 8.00-16.00

- Bangkok Hospital Phuket Tel. 076-254245 open daily 8.00-13.00

- Vachira Phuket Hospital Tel. 076-361234 open on Monday - Friday 8.00-15.00

- Debuk Hospital Tel. 076-298298 open daily 8.00-17.00

Important Note: When you have terminated your employment at PSU Phuket, your work

permit and visa will be cancelled on your last working day, and after this you must leave

Thailand within 24 hours, or get a 7 day (maximum) extension at the Immigration Office

in Phuket Town, otherwise you may be fined for overstaying.

Documents to be returned upon resignation: PSU ID Card and Original Work Permit.

Payment of Thai taxes

In Thailand, employees pay taxes at a progressive rate. As an employee at PSU

Phuket, taxes are deducted monthly based on your salary.

A university officer will prepare your tax forms for you. IAC will then submit your

forms via the Revenue Office Online System during February-March each year. It is

your responsibility to provide IAC with information regarding contributions you have


25


made during the year to accepted charities, income received from other source(s),

and deductible life insurance payments you have made. For married staff, please be

sure to inform IAC of your spouse’s name and the number of children you have. If

any of the above apply to you, please be sure to inform the IAC immediately so that

your tax form can be adjusted accordingly.

Should you owe taxes, or are able to get a refund; IAC will inform you by email.

To get a tax refund you will get documents from the Revenue Office. These include

the official letter from the Revenue Office and a Cheque. To redeem the cheque,

please bring it with your bank book to a nearby bank.

It is your responsibility to pay your taxes before the deadline, otherwise a penalty

will apply. Payment can be conveniently made at any 7-11 or ATM machine as long

as you have the tax document information from IAC. If you fail to pay before the

deadline and incur a penalty, you will have to go to the tax office in Kathu yourself

and arrange for your own transportation to get there.

Neglecting to pay your taxes will affect the renewal of your work permit.

Reminder: IAC is available to support you through this process.

Note: For more information about the Tax Policy please visit

http://www.rd.go.th/publish/6045.0.html

Social Security Insurance

After your staff Work Permit has been issued, the IAC will provide you with a Social

Security Insurance Application. Social Security Insurance will be deducted monthly from

your overall salary (5%), but will not exceed 750 Baht per month (IMPORTANT NOTE: This

Social Security Insurance DOES NOT cover accidents that occur at the WORKPLACE. In the

case of workplace accidents, you can use the Group Accident Insurance (as indicated on

pages 16 – 17).

Your Social Security benefits will be available three months after your application,

however, please keep in mind that deductions will begin approximately one month after

the application is submitted. In many cases, an employee is hired with probationary status

and can only begin the application process following official employment. Your Social

Security can be used to pay for medical treatments at the hospital specified on the Social

Security Card.

When you sign up for Social Security Insurance, you will be asked to choose a

hospital from the following: Mission Hospital (private), Vachira Hospital (government),

Patong Hospital (government) or Phuket Provincial Hospital (government). All hospitals

have English speaking doctors as well as some English speaking staff. Mission Hospital will

http://www.rd.go.th/publish/6045.0.html


26


be assigned during the time of your application; however the hospital can be changed at a

later time subject to your preference (the period that you are allowed to change hospitals

is between December - February each year). The Social Security Card is renewed annually.

Please inform IAC if you wish to change your hospital affiliation.

If you have family living with you in Thailand, they will not be covered by your

Social Security Insurance, so you may want to investigate other options available such as

private health insurance.

Benefit Topic Benefit Time Frame Benefit Details

Accident &

Illness

Effective after 3 months of

continuous deduction

Free medical treatment at chosen

hospital or chosen hospital-designated

clinic

Disability Effective after 3 months

continuous deduction

Medical treatment fee 2,000 baht per

month for out-patient and 4,000 baht per

month for in-patient

Death Effective after 1 month of

deduction

Funeral fee 40,000 baht. Death refund

depends on the amount of months you

have paid

Maternity

(Female only)

Effective after 7 months

of continuous deduction

Child delivery fee 13,000 baht/delivery,

3 months leave with 50% of salary paid

Child Support Effective after 3 months


Child support fee 400 baht/month/person

Remarks: Only available for 3 children

per person

Child’s age must be less than 6 years old

Unemployment Effective after 6 months


Fired – 50% of 180 days salary

(termination without wrongdoing) Resign

– 30% of 90 days salary (must report

unemployment status to the Social

Security Office within 30 days from the

date of resignation)

Emergency Sickness or Injury

Sickness Cash Benefits

Cash benefit will be provided for illness, to receive medical treatment by

physician’s orders. In a calendar year, if the insured persons are on sick leave and receive

wages from their employer during sick leave for 30 days according to the Labour Protection

Act of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, then they still have to take leave

according to the physician’s orders, the SSO will pay income replacement known as “cash


27


benefits” to insured persons for 50% of monthly wages, for not more than 90 days per time,

but not more than 180 days in one calendar year, except for chronic diseases for which the

insured persons will be paid cash benefits not more than 365 days. At present, the SSO

defines 6 types of chronic diseases as follows: Cancer, Chronic Renal Failure, Acquired

Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Brain injury, injuries of the spinal cord and vertebrae

which are followed by paralysis, Complications from bone fractures such as infection, delay

of healing, deformity or plate and screw operations for treatment, or other diseases or

sicknesses that require continuous medical treatment for more than 180 days. In case the

insured person is unable to work during treatment, he or she has to submit a request for

the approval of the Medical Committee.

If you receive medical services from another hospital or clinic and pay the medical

fee in advance, you are entitled to get a refund from the Social Security Office for the

following specific rates:

Admited to public hospitals or clinics

o Out-patient: refund can be made as occurred as necessary.

o In-patient: refund can be made as occurred as necessary within the duration

of 72 hours. Cost of room not exceeding 700 baht.

Admited to private hospitals or clinics

o Out-patient: not exeeding 1,000 baht.

o In-patient: Non ICU not exeeding 2,000 baht, ICU not exeeding 4,500 baht,

major operation not exeeding 8,000 - 16,000 baht.

Dental Services

Tooth extraction, filling, removal of dental plaque and removable partial denture

Regulations and Conditions:

Tooth extraction, filling, removal of dental plaque and impacted tooth extraction ca

n be reimbursed as actually incurred as necessary not exceeding 900 baht/time/cale

ndar year.

Removable partial denture expenses can be reimbursed as actually incurred as neces

sary not

exceeding 1,500 baht within a period of 5 years from the date of fitting as follows:

o 1-5 removable partial denture expenses can be reimbursed as actually

incurred as necessary not exceeding 1,300 baht.

o More than 5 removable partial denture expenses can be reimbursed as actuall

y incurred

as necessary not exceeding 1,500 baht.

The removable complete denture expense can be reimbursed as actually incurred as

necessary not

exceeding 4,400 baht within a period of 5 years from the date of fitting as follows:

o 1-5 removable complete denture expenses either upper or lower can be reimb

ursed as


28


actually incurred as necessary not exceeding 2,400 baht.

o More than 5 removable complete denture expenses both upper and lower can

be reimbursed as actually incurred as necessary not exceeding 4,400 baht.

Note: To get a refund for dental treatment you must submit the following:

Request for Dental Care Benefit (SSO 2-16)

Medical certificate

Medical Receipt

Copy of Passport

Medical Records of doctor (In case of reimbursement for acrylic dentur

e base)

A photocopy of the first page of the bankbook of the insured person sh

owing name

and account number (In case of receiving benefits through the Bank)

Submit in person to either:

Social Security Office in Phuket Town

15/4 Amphur Road, Taladyai,

Muang District, Phuket 83000

Tel. 0 7627 0418-9, 0 7622 2837, 0 7635 5325, 0 7622 3254

Fax. 0 7627 0419

Social Security Office in Kathu

16/12-13 Phra Phuket Kaew Road,

Kathu District, Phuket, 83120

Tel. Hotline: 1506, Office: 076540571-3

Maternity Benefits

The insured persons have to pay the social security fee for 20 months before the mo

nth of delivery,

then they will receive maternity benefits as follows:

No matter where the delivery occurs, the SSO will pay a lump sum at the rate of 13,

000 baht per

delivery.

The female insured person will receive cash benefits at the rate of 50% of wages for

up to 90 days.

Note: In the case where both husband and wife are insured persons, they can receiv

e a lump sum for each delivery up to 4 times. Birth certificate is needed as evidence

.

In the case where the female insured person requests for benefits, the name of the

mother in the

birth certificate has to be the name of that female insured person. In the case wher

e the male insured person requests for benefits, the name of father on the birth cer

tificate has to be the name of that male insured person. Moreover, the name of mot

her on the birth certificate has to be the name of


29


the wife as appears on the marriage certificate or the letter of certification confirmi

ng the status of de facto partners. In the case where the birth certificate was wrong

due to mis-spelling, the insured person has to bring it back to the responsible author

ity to fix it. If it happens due to name changing, the insured person has to submit do

cuments of the name changing or related evidence such as a

divorce certificate.

Child Allowance Benefits

The insured person has to pay contributions for a period of 48 months, then, he or s

he will receive

400 baht per month per child.

Conditions

An insured person shall be entitled to child allowance benefits for his or her legitima

te child at the age of not over 6 years old and not exceeding two children at a time.

If the insured person later

becomes disabled or dead, such benefits still continue to a child until the age of 6.

Child allowance shall be terminated with the following cases;

when a child reaches the age of 6

a child is dead

a child is adopted by another person

the insured person ceases to be insured

Old Age Benefits

Qualifying conditions for old-age lump sum

the insured person paid contributions for a period of less than 180 m

onths

the insured person is unemployed

being 55 years old or being disabled or dead

Old-age lump sum benefits

In case of paying contributions less than 12 months, the insured person will receive

an old-age lump sum equal to the amount of the part of old-age benefits they paid

for. If the contributions are paid

for more than 12 months, the insured person will receive an old-age lump sum at th

e amount of the contributions that the insured person and employer paid for old-ag

e benefits, including the interest according to the SSO announcement.

Qualifying conditions for old-age pension

The insured person has to pay contributions for a period of not less tha

n 180 months whether the contributions are consecutively paid or not.

Being 55 years old


30


The insured person is unemployed

Old Age Pension Benefits

- In case of paying contributions not less than 180 months, the insured person

will receive a

monthly old-age pension. The pension amount is at the rate of 20 % of the av

erage wage of

the last 60 months before the insured person became unemployed.

- In case of paying contributions more than 180 months, the pension rate will b

e increased at the rate of 1.5% per year of contributions over 180 months.

- If the insured person dies within 60 months after receiving the old-age pensio

n, an old-age

lump sum will be paid to the survivor at the amount of 10 times of the last m

onthly old age pension.

For more details please visit http://www.sso.go.th/wpr/eng/benefit.html

Vacations/Sick leave/Holidays

For PSU Phuket employees, the university allows 10 days annual vacation with full

pay per year starting after the first six months of employment.

During the first six months, the employee may take unpaid leave with the approval

of the employee’s supervisor. Supervisors must also approve paid days off. The employee

should request a “Leave Form” from the supervisor or administration offices.

If an employee is planning on traveling overseas during leave, a request should be

made with the university administration. Permission can be obtained using the same form

but may take longer, so it is advised to allow plenty of time prior to your travel date to

submit the form.

Employment contracts allow for a maximum of 15 paid sick days leave per year.

Should the employee miss more than five consecutive working days, a certificate from an

officially accepted physician must be submitted to the supervisor upon returning to work.

With regard to holidays, the university follows the Thai government schedule of

holidays including those that fall on a school day. It is important to note that instructors

may choose to reschedule lectures for the time lost due to holidays.

Staff Banking

When you relocate to Phuket as a PSU Phuket employee, you will need to open a

bank account. The recommended option is:

Krung Thai Bank (KTB) PCL

Central Festival Phuket

Mueang Phuket, Phuket 83000

http://www.sso.go.th/wpr/eng/benefit.html


31


084 075 8604

IAC will provide a letter issued by the Vice President that verifies your employment, which

you can present with your passport upon applying for a bank account.

PSU Phuket makes direct salary deposits to KTB. The closest full service branch is located

on the 2nd floor of the Central Festival Shopping Center. After you have opened a savings

account, the cost is around 230 Baht to obtain an ATM card. At the time you open an

account you will be asked to sign some documents and create a 4 digit pass code to use

with your ATM card. The entire process, from start to finish will take about 30 minutes.

Once you have your bank account, please bring a copy of the first page of your bank book

with your bank account number on it to IAC.

Once you receive your Work Permit, you can take it to the branch and show a bank official

so you can receive interest on your account. Prior to receiving your work permit, or should

you fail to bring your work permit to the bank, you will not receive interest. Be sure to

make a copy of the information page of your bankbook to share with the Finance Office so

they can arrange to make a direct deposit.

PSU ID card

New staff members will need to fill in a form upon arrival at PSU to apply for their

PSU Staff ID Card. You will need to know your blood type for this as well, and clearly state

your working position.

After the application, you will receive your ID card within 1 month. This Card is

extremely useful for your stay in Thailand, as you can use it as your passport to travel

domestically by airplane. It is also a useful form of identification when dealing with

government officials, police, hospitals, etc.

Essential Information for Students

Student Uniform

Uniform Etiquette

1. Always wear your uniform on campus

2. Be sure to wear proper shoes to classes/offices on campus

3. Shirts should be tucked into trousers and skirts

4. Uniforms should be modest: females should avoid wearing tight body shirts and skirts

that are either too short or too long

Note: Slippers are not acceptable footwear


32


Females

1. Shirt: short-sleeved

2. University badges:

one pinned to the left collar.

The other on the right chest side

3. Skirt: black

4. Belt: regulated university belt

5. Socks: white, long or short

6. Shoes: black or white closed shoes

Males

1. Shirt: long-sleeved

2. Necktie

3. University badge: pinned to necktie

4. Long trousers: black

5. Belt: regulated university belt

6. Socks: black

7. Shoes: black

Banking and Student ID Card

When you enroll at PSU Phuket, you will need to open a bank account to pay your

tuition. A branch of SCB is conveniently located just outside the back gate of the PSU

Phuket campus for your convenience.

The Siam Commercial Bank PCL:

Prince of Songkla University/Phuket Sub Branch

80 M.1 Wichitsongkram Road Kathu, Phuket 83120

www.scbeasy.com

In order to open an account at SCB you will need a passport and your local contact

information.

After opening a savings account, you must pay around 300 Baht for the ATM card.

You will be asked to sign some documents and create a 4 digit pass code to use with

your ATM card.

http://www.scbeasy.com/


33


The entire process, from start to finish, takes about 30 minutes. After one month

you will receive an ATM card in the mail which you will also use as your PSU Student

ID and your PSU Phuket Library Card.

If you lose your card, you will have to pay 100 baht for it to be replaced.

Special circumstances regarding banking:

If you do not need to open a bank account to pay your tuition, you will still have

to get a PSU Student ID Card.

For a Temporary PSU Phuket Student ID Card, go to the Registration Section,

1st floor, Administration Building (Bldg. 7). Bring your passport and ID sized student

photos.

The Temporary Card can be issued immediately, and there is no charge.

Once you have your Temporary PSU Phuket Student ID Card, you will need

to apply for your Permanent PSU Student ID Card. Visit the International

Affairs Centre (IAC) on the 2nd floor of the Administration Building (Bldg. 7),

and pick up an application.

Bring the completed application to Siam Commercial Bank (SCB), with a

student photo and passport. You will then be issued your permanent PSU

Phuket Student ID Card.

There is no charge to have your Permanent ID made; however, if you lose it,

you will have to pay 100 baht for it to be replaced.

Graduation Requirements: Extracurricular Activities

As undergraduates, all students are required to complete at least 17 extracurricular

activities with a minimum of 100 unit hours, according to thecurriculum prescribed by the

University.

Objective:

PSU undergraduate students are expected to develop social consciousness and pride

as members of the PSU community; to improve Thai life skills, morals and ethics, and

overall, reinforce their role as Children of the Father, the Prince of Songkla, founder of

PSU.


34


Two components of the requirement:

Activities:Students are required to complete no less than 7 activities and 40 unit

hoursof activities which support their personal development, preparation for readiness to

be a student, promotion of public consciousness, morals, ethics, discipline,personality,

leadership and guidance in life planning after graduation. Theseactivities are compulsory.

Electives: In addition, students are required to complete no less than 10 activities

and 60 unit hours of activities of their choice. Students are required to participate in at

least 2 activities in each of the 5 categories below.

a) Development of Consciousness: Activities that reinforce social consciousness,

morals, ethics and discipline.

b) Development of Social, Academic, and Professional Skills: Activities focusing

on skill development for living and working globally.

c) Development of PSU Pride: Activities that reinforce pride in being part of the

PSU community.

d) Development of Intercultural Understanding and the Realization of

Democracy: Activities focusing on understanding of plurality in religion, race,

nationality, language and culture, merging different cultures, and promoting

democracy.

e) Development of Health & Wellness: Activities involving physical exercise,

recreation, and the development of concentration and mental abilities.

Measurements:

Experience Value Measurement: An extracurricular activity project may consist of

one or more activities, and is determined per project per activity, depending on the nature

of the activity.

Unit Hour Measurement is measured by the hours a student actually joins an

activity, according to the agenda, and not including traveling time, rest periods and meals.

Note: Students who serve in a leadership capacity or serve on committees for a period of

one year receive additional points.

Transfer students:

Transfer students, either transferring from another university or from one Faculty

to another may request Experience Equivalent Value Measurement and Units

Measurement from their new Faculty. It is important that transfer students make an

appointment with an administrator to discuss this.


35


Accessing activity/unit hours:

1. Visit the website: http://student.psu.ac.th/ts234/

2. Enter your student code and select Phuket campus

3. Click “Transcript” or “By Type” to find the report on Extracurricular Activities

Resignation Process and Temporary Leave

If a student decides to resign or take a break from their studies, they must contact

their faculty advisor and the academic office to fill in the paperwork.

http://student.psu.ac.th/ts234/


36


Getting to Know Thailand

Working Hours for Thai Officials

Official working hours: 08.30am – 16.30pm

Financial working hours: 08.30am – 15.30pm

Holidays

January

2nd Saturday of January - Thai Children’s Day: In Thailand, children are

considered the most valuable resources and future of the nation. On this special

government holiday, the government assists with celebrations throughout the country to

make children aware of the responsibility they have to right action and duty, in order to

help assure the nations prosperity. On this day, parents take children under 14 years old to

enjoy traditional activities and events like taking a trip to the zoo or special festivities.

The government also invites children to ride all public transportation for free on this one

day of the year.

End of January or beginning of February - Chinese New Year: While not an

official public holiday, Chinese New Year is celebrated wherever there are people of

Chinese ancestry. In Thailand it is celebrated on the first day of the Chinese Lunar month

that marks the beginning of spring, the growing season. Chinese New Year is the most

important holiday of the year for Chinese people and is intended as a special occasion for

individuals to offer thanks and pay tribute to their ancestors. Celebrations can last for days

ending with firecrackers. Chinese people usually wear red on this day because they believe

it will bring blessing. It is a custom to give envelopes of paper money as gifts within one’s

family. Phuket has a large Chinese population, so festivities here are usually on a grand

scale with dragon processions and lion dances.

March

Day of the third Lunar Month: MakhaBucha – This Buddhist holiday commemorates

the day 1250 disciples ordained by the Buddha returned to honor him. The Buddha gave

them the following principles: “To cease from evil, To do what is good, and To cleanse

one’s mind.” Forty-four years later, on the same day, the Buddha decided to leave his

body and die. Many Buddhists on this day go to temples to make merit. Many also

participate in processions in the evening.

April

6: Chakri Memorial Day: Chakri Memorial Day is a public holiday that celebrates

the founding of the Chakri Dynasty in 1782. King BhumibolAdulyadej, King Rama IX of the

Chakri Dynasty, the current reigning King of Thailand, is the 9th ruler in this dynasty. On

this day people do merit and the royal family leads special traditional activities.


37


13-15: Songkran: This holiday is Thai New Year and takes place at the end of the

hottest and driest season. It is celebrated throughout the country with parades, family

gatherings and water. Traditionally, young Thais pour scented water gently over the hands

of their elders as a sign of respect. This custom has evolved over the years to a general

splashing of the whole population with some of the larger cities reduced to outdoor

showers and water fights. It is also the weekend in Thailand with the most reported

highway fatalities due to excessive consumption of alcohol.

May

1: Thai National Labor Day - This public holiday acknowledges and celebrates the

contribution of Thai labor workers to the country. However, government offices are open.

5: Coronation Day - This public holiday in Thailand is set aside to observe the

coronation of King Rama IX on the 5th of May1946.

Royal Ploughing Ceremony Day – This holiday is an ancient rite observed in

Thailand and Cambodia to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing ceremony. It

takes place during the sixth Thai lunar month, but the actual date of the ceremony is not

fixed exactly. It has to be announced by the astrologers at the Bureau of the Royal

Household. Once it has been announced, the Cabinet will approve a public holiday for that

date. This public holiday is also sometimes referred to as Thai Farmer’s Day.

31: VisakhaBucha Day - This public holiday marks three important incidents in the

life of Lord Buddha: birth, the date when he reached enlightenment, and when he passed

away. On this date, Buddhists throughout the world gather together to worship, recollect

the wisdom, purity and compassion of Buddha.

June

Wai Kru Day (Teacher Homage Day) - This day, while not a public holiday, is a day

set aside to honor teachers. PSU Phuket usually cancels classes in the morning to hold the

traditional Wai Kru ceremony. Students create elaborate flower arrangements and offer

them to the university lecturers and administrators as a sign of respect. They do this by

kneeling and kowtowing to the university representatives after first showing respect to the

Buddha. They also bring small garlands of flowers to the lecturers and when kneeling in

front of the university representative they ask for words of wisdom or blessing. (This is not

Teacher’s Day, Teacher’s Day is on January 16th each year).

July

Day before full moon: AsarnhaBucha Day - This Buddhist holiday, also a public

holiday throughout Thailand, commemorates the first sermon of the Buddha to his five

disciples. Of the five, one asked to become a monk. This day is marked with candlelit

processions. It deals with Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, the three Gems or Jewels of

Buddhism.


38


Day after AsarnhaBucha Day: Buddhist Lent Day - This is a government holiday

marking the beginning of the 3 month Buddhist rain retreat when traditionally monks stay

in the forest during the duration of the rainy season. Monks living in town are not allowed

to sleep outside their temple during this period. Devotees buy big candles to offer to the

temples.

August

12: Queen’s Birthday/Mother’s Day - Thais revere the Royal Family and the

celebration of the Queen’s Birthday, the mother of all mothers.This is a national holiday

set aside for Thais to celebrate and express their respect and love for her and for their

own mothers. In conjunction with this special day, public buildings are closed as well as

many businesses. Part of celebrating involves decorating homes and offices, which

traditionally begins several weeks prior to the holiday. People take to the streets and often

go to malls and restaurants to celebrate. Festivities are most apparent in cities where

people come out to walk in the evening and light fire crackers. Prior to the holiday,

students in schools are reminded to celebrate and honor their own mothers.

October

23: Chulalongkorn Memorial Day - This day celebrates the reign of King

Chulalongkorn the Great (1868-1910), considered the father of modern Thailand, and

marks the day of his death. In Thailand it is customarily believed that the King has

miraculous powers and can bestow good luck and prosperity on worshippers.

November

Day of the full moon: Loy Krathong - While not a national holiday, Loy Krathong or

“Festival of Lights,” is considered one of the best preserved of all traditional Thai holidays

and is celebrated on the day of the full moon in November. People create a krathong, a

small ornately decorated boat usually made of banana leaves and other natural materials

which can float. The krathongincludes some flowers and a small candle and is placed in a

body of water at night time in ponds, rivers, the sea, and sometimes even swimming pools

where groups of people are gathered. The tradition includes sending the krathongafloat

and asking for atonement of wrong doings in the past year, and good luck in the coming

year.

December

5: Birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol/Father’s Day - King Bhumibol, the

longest reigning King of Thailand, was born on this day in 1927. He is recognized as a

symbol of the nation, its heart and soul. This holiday is also known as Father’s Day in

Thailand.

10: Constitution Day – This holiday is held annually to commemorate the advent of

the regime of Constitutional Monarchy in Thailand.


39


Electrical Voltage

Electrical voltage in Thailand is 220 volts so if you have any 110 volt appliances, be sure to

use a voltage converter. If you live on campus, you will need an Ethernet cable to

connect your laptop with the Ethernet socket in your room.

Thai Culture Although Phuket is a major tourist destination creating a typical “beach culture” of sorts,

the fact remains that Phuket is in Thailand and Thai culture is fundamentally a

conservative one.

Thailand is a Kingdom. Thais revere the royal family, most especially the King,

King BhumibolAdulyadej. HM has reigned over Thailand through some very tumultuous

times for over 60 years. It is not acceptable to criticize the King or any other member of

the royal family. You should never disparage the royal family – even if you think you are

just being amusing.

Thailand is a Buddhist nation. Buddhist monks, seen everywhere in their saffron

robes, are highly respected. Women should be careful to remain a comfortable distance

away from monks as they are forbidden contact with women. Visitors to Buddhist

monasteries must take their shoes off before entering a temple.

Teachers are also highly respected. A professor/lecturer is specially addressed in

Thai: “Ajarn.” It is, therefore, important for the university lecturer to maintain a certain

decorum deserving of this respect.

To cause a Thai to “lose face” is a serious breach of social etiquette. “Saving

face” means allowing a Thai person to find a way out of an uncomfortable situation

without a negative result to their sense of self. With some efforts and practice you will

find ways to help your colleague or student correct a mistake without causing them to lose

face over the mistake.

The “wai” is the traditional manner in which Thais greet each other. This is a

gesture where the palms of the hands are pressed together, prayer-like. Thais will give

the wai as a sign of respect as well as a greeting/farewell gesture to their seniors.


40


Cultural Awareness

Do not touch a Thai person’s head because it is considered the most important part

of the body.

Try to maintain your head at the same level as others. If other people are seated

on the floor, you should avoid standing over them for a prolonged period of time.

Do not stick your feet out in front of you. Do not point with your feet or put them

up on a table in front of where you are sitting.

It is considered impolite to point your finger directly at someone.

When eating with Thais, several dishes are usually ordered. Take a bit of each dish

at a time. Do not pile the food on your plate. Thais generally eat with a spoon and

a fork with the spoon in their right hand. Chopsticks are used for noodle dishes. To

be hygienic, it is recommended that people use shared spoons for shared dishes.

Phuket

Phuket is Thailand’s largest

island. It is located off the west coast of

Thailand in the Andaman Sea. The island

is connected to mainland Thailand by

two bridges. Phuket formerly derived its

wealth from tin and rubber, and has

enjoyed a rich and colorful history. The

island was once one of the major trading

routes between India and China, and was

frequently mentioned in foreign ship logs

of Portuguese, French, Dutch and English

traders. The region now derives much of

its income from tourism.

Climate

Phuket has a tropical climate,

more specifically a tropical monsoon

climate, with a dry season from

November to April and a rainy season

from May to October. Average

temperatures are quite consistent year-

round.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andaman_Sea

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tin

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubber

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourism_in_Thailand

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropical_monsoon_climate

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropical_monsoon_climate


41


Getting Around

Car Rental Service: There are numerous car rental services in Phuket. Cars or jeeps

can be rented at the airport, in Phuket Town, and at most of the more popular beaches. Be

aware that only Commercial First Class Insurance provides full coverage on rental cars, as

opposed to limited personal or third party only insurance. Most international car rental

agencies will offer this insurance, some only for those with a valid international driver’s

license, while local companies may or may not. You may wish to request a copy of the car

rental service insurance policy and ensure that it states "For Commercial Use.” Regardless,

inspect rental vehicles prior to rental and drive with caution, particularly as traffic in

Thailand can be quite confusing, especially the habit of Thai motorcycleridersthatride on

the wrong side of the road.

Motorbike Rental: For around 150 to 300 baht per day you can hire your own 100-

150cc motorbike, which will typically require you to leave your passport as a deposit. Be

sure to inspect bikes prior to rental and ride with extreme caution as rental motorbikes are

not normally insured and accidents are frequent. Helmets are required by Thai law.

PSU Shuttle Bus: The PSU Phuket Shuttle Bus Express has been operating for over a

year providing convenient free transportation from on campus to Central, Big C and Tesco.

The shuttle bus picks up passengers in front of the Canteen at 5 pm on weekdays. A return

trip will pick-up passengers again at approximately 8:30 pm from the place they were

dropped off. On weekends the pick-ups are 10 am and 5 pm with returns at 12:30 pm and

8:30 pm. Both students and staff utilize this service, especially those who otherwise have

no transportation or are seeking to reduce their carbon footprints. Note: The shuttle bus is

not in service during holidays and may be cancelled on occasion due to unforeseen

circumstances. IAC will keep you informed. For details please contact [email protected].

Motorcycle Taxis: This service costs approximately 60 baht / person / trip to travel

via motorcycle taxi around Phuket Town.

Songtaew and Tuk-Tuk:

Songtaews (or “Pho thong” in the local language) are operated along Ranong

Road in Phuket Town to various destinations including most beaches. The cost

ranges from 30 baht to 50 baht / person / trip. Normally the service is

provided from 7:00 am until 5:00 pm daily.

Tuk-Tuks can be chartered for travel between the beaches and Phuket Town

or between different beaches; however, rates are negotiable and will cost at

least 300 baht from campus to Patong Beach, 350 baht to Karon and Kata

Beaches, and 400 baht to NaiHarn and Kamala Beaches.

Taxi Meter: Visitors can call 076 232157-8 to get a metered taxi that will take them

anywhere in Phuket. The metered fare will include a 100 baht surcharge.

Boat to islands near Phuket:

Boats to nearby islands can be found at the following ports:



42


Rawai Beach: An old local port, it is from here that long-tail boats depart for

nearby islands such as Koh He, KohRachaYai, Koh Mai Thon, Koh Lon, etc. The

chartered price depends on the distance.

AoChalong: The largest port of Phuket servicing all kinds of boats, including

cruisers of tour companies that organize package tours to other islands.

AoMakham: Located near Phanwa Cape, this port is only for cruisers and

container ships.

Boat Lagoon Port (AoSapam): This port is for traveling boats of tour

companies.

Local Events

Chalong Temple Fair: This is an annual fair at Chalong Temple (Wat Chalong),

Phuket’s largest temple. It is held every year around Chinese New Year. It features fair

rides, stalls with clothes, handicrafts, furniture, flowers, fruit, toys, snacks, games and

plenty of food, as well as live music at night, a great cultural experience.

Thao ThepKrasattri and Thao Si Sunthon Fair: This event is held on March

13thevery year to commemorate the two great heroines who rallied the Thalang people to

resist Burmese invaders.

Vegetarian Festival: This event is held on the first day of the 9th lunar month at

the end of September or early October. Phuket islanders of Chinese ancestry commit

themselves to a 9-day vegetarian diet, a form of purification believed to help make the

forthcoming year “trouble-free.” The festival is marked by several ascetic displays,

including fire-walking and ascending sharp-bladed ladders.

Phuket King’s Cup Regatta: This event is held in December. The Kata Beach Resort

hosts international yachtsmen, largely from neighboring countries who compete in the Kata

Beach area for royal trophies.

Laguna Phuket Triathlon: This event is held each December. The triathlon includes

a 1,800 meter (5,900 feet) swim, a 55 kilometer (34 mile) bike race and a 12 kilometer

(7.5 mile) run as well as a 6 kilometer (3.7 mile) fun run. It attracts many athletes from all

over the world.

Phuket Travel Fair: This fair starts on November 1st and is usually called the

Patong Carnival from the place where the celebration originates. Colorful parades, sports

events, and a beauty competition for foreign tourists are major activities.

Chao Le (Sea Gypsy) Boat Floating Festival: This event falls during the middle of

the sixth and eleventh lunar month each year. The sea gypsy villages at Rawai and Sapam

hold their ceremonies on the 13th, Ko Si-re celebrates on the 14th, and Laem La (east of the

bridge on Phuket’s northern tip) on the 15th. Ceremonies, which center on setting adrift

small boats similar to the Thai festival of LoiKrathong, are held at night and their purpose

is to drive away evil and bring good luck.


43


Important Safety Recommendations

IAC would like to remind you of some key safety recommendations during your stay in

Phuket.Please be responsible and use caution and common sense at all times.

Tourist scams are quite common in Phuket. The following are a few important

recommendations that we would appreciate you follow:

Recommendations:

1. Always wear your helmet when riding your motorcycle, and have with you your

driver’s license and a photocopy of your passport.

2. Padlock your rented motorcycle.

3. Never leave your passport as a deposit when hiring transport but by all means leave

a photocopy. Thai law implicitly states that you must have your passport with you.

4. When renting accommodations, always make sure that you legally sign a rental

contract with the Juristic Management or the owner and retain one original

copy. Also always keep proper receipts of payment, issued by either of the above

for future reference if needed.

5. Swimming flags and warning signs on the beaches are to be taken seriously, when

the signs say no swimming, follow the rules.

6. When taking a taxi, insist that the driver turn on the taxi meter, or else you may be

overcharged.

7. When taking a tuk-tuk, always agree on the fare before you get on.

8. Make sure you memorize and take note of the expiry date of the arrivalstamp in

your passport. If you overstay, it will cost you 500 baht per day that you overstay.

9. When using an ATM to withdraw money, always make sure to cover the numbers with

your hand when typing your pin code. Also, remember that in Thailand money comes

out first and then your card, so please don’t forget your card in the machine.

10. When drinking at bars, make sure you buy your own drinks and that all bottles are

opened in front of you. You must be extremely vigilant when out at bars

or discotheques at night, and always avoid getting into arguments.

11. Please respect Thai culture and traditions.

12. When visiting temples and sacred locations, always wear t-shirts with sleeves and

shorts/pants below the knees.

13. The Tourist Police phone number is 1155


44


Cultural Events and Activities

PSU and IAC will organize various fun and interesting cultural events and activities

throughout the year for international staff and students. The following are some of the

previous events and activities:

From Top (Left to Right) to Bottom: International Student

Orientation, Chalong Temple Trip, Kathu Chinese Shrine

Parade, IAC Excursion to Bang-Pat Dairy Hut Farm,

Activities with Locals, Trip to Nai Yang Beach,

International Staff and Student Orientation, CSR Activities

with Students from Japan, PhromThep Cape Trip, and IAC

Get Together.


45


Housing

On-Campus

Staff: There are apartments available on campus for PSU Staff. The apartment units

have 2 bedrooms with air conditioning, kitchen, living room, bathroom, and

balconies, fully furnished, with a cost of 5,000 THB per month (excluding electricity

and water). For more information please contact your faculty.

Students: There are 23 rooms for international students on campus at PSU Phuket.

Female students can stay in the Female Dormitory (15 rooms) while male students

can stay in the Male Dormitory (8 rooms). Each room is for a maximum of 2

students, fully furnished. The rental rate is 5,000 baht per month per room

(excluding electricity and

water), if the room is shared

between two people, it is 2,500

baht per month per person.

Electricity and water are

calculated separately at a

monthly basis. The dormitories

include study areas, washing

machines, a laundry service and

coffee shop. For more

information please contact IAC.

Off-Campus

There are various accommodation options for both staff and students. Some

accommodations nearby PSU Phuket campus include but are not limited to the following:

Name: The Scene

Location: Kathu Phuket

Property type: Condominium

Room type: 1 bedroom for 2 people

Price: 10,000 THB per month*

Furniture: Fully furnished with kitchen tools

Facilities:

Free Wifi, Cable TV, Fitness, Swimming Pool, Car Park

Security: 24 hr Security Guard, CCTV, Finger Scanner

To PSU Phuket: 3-5 minutes by Motorcycle/Car or 5-10 minutes walk

*PSU Contract Rate, please make sure you refer to this rate when contacting the Juristic

Management

Contact: Tel: 084-846-93-93, 081-787-13-28 Email: [email protected]


46


Name: Baan Maksong


Property type: Hotel


Price: 1,000 - 1,500 THB per night with Breakfast, depending on the time of year*

Facilities: Free Wifi, Cable TV, Fitness, Swimming Pool, Car Park

Security: 24 hr Security Guard, CCTV, Key Card, Finger Scanner

To PSU Phuket: 3-5 minutes by Motorcycle/Car or 5 minutes walk

*PSU Contract Rate, please make sure you refer to this rate when contacting the

Reservation Office

Contact: 96/1 Moo 7, Wichitsongkram Road, Kathu, Phuket 83120, Thailand.

Tel: +66 76 319018-9

Fax: +66 76 319017

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.baanmaksong.com

Name: Baan Nueng

Location: Erawadee- KetHo, Kathu Phuket

Property type: Apartment

Room type: Studio 1 bedroom for 2 people

Price: 5,000 – 6,500 THB per month

Furniture: Fully Furnished

Facilities: Internet, Cable TV

Security: CCTV, Key Card


Contact: 11/11 Moo 1, Vichitsongkram Road, Kathu, Phuket 83120

Tel: +66 76 209 111 Fax: +66 76 249 924

Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Website: http://baannuenggroups.com/kathu/


47


Name: Baan Suan Place

Location: Vichit, Muang Phuket

Property type: Apartment




Facilities: Internet, Cable TV, Car park, Swimming Pool

Security: Security guard 24 hrs. CCTV, Key Card

To PSU Phuket: 5-10 minutes by Motorcycle/Car

Contact: 38/3 Moo 5, Bangyai Rd., Vichit, Muang, Phuket 83000

Tel: 076 249312-14

Fax: 076 249305


Website: http://www.baansuanplace.com/

Name: D Condo, D Condo

Creek or D Condo Mine,

Kathu. Provided by Sansiri

Property

Location: Kathu, Phuket


Room type: Studio, 1 bedroom

30-35 sqm for 2 people, 2

bedrooms 60 sqm for 4 people

Price: 10,000 – 35,000 THB

per month


Facilities: Fitness, Swimming pool, Car park

Security: Security Guard 24 hrs, Key Card entry, CCTV

To PSU Phuket: 5-10 minutes by Motorcycle/Car

Contact: Plus Property Company Limited-Phuket Branch

69/17 Visitsongkram Rd., Kathu, Kathu, Phuket 83120

Mobile: +66(0) 8 4973 1965 Ms. SiriratBoonpitak

Tel: 076 384 567 - 9

Fax: 076 384 570


Website: http://www.sansiri.com/condominium/dcondo_kathu/en/



http://www.sansiri.com/condominium/dcondo_kathu/en/


48


Name: Patara Buree Mansion


Property type: Mansion

Room type: Studio 1 bedroom for 2 people



Facilities: Internet, Cable TV, Car park

Security: Security guard 24 hrs, CCTV, Finger

scanner


Contact: 94/83 Moo 7, Vichitsongkram Road, Kathu Phuket 83120

Tel: 0 76 319 090, 0 81970667


Website: http://www.pataraburee.com/

Name: Ratchaporn Condominium



Room type: Studio 1 bedroom 35 – 45 sqm for 2 people



Facilities: Swimming Pool, Fitness, Car park

Security: Security Guard 24 hrs, CCTV


Contact: MEGA Property

200/70 Moo.6 Visitsongkram Rd., Kathu, Kathu, Phuket 83120

Mobile: +66(0) 9 459 39159 Ms. KanraweeMisonou

Tel: 076 319 018


Website: www.ratchaporn-place.com

Note: You can also visit http://www.plus.co.th/en/index.aspxto search for accommodation in

Phuket.

Remarks: Please be reminded that when renting accommodations, always make sure that

you legally sign a rental contract with the Juristic Management or the owner and retain

one original copy. Also always keep proper receipts of payment, issued by either of the

above for future reference if needed.


http://www.pataraburee.com/

http://www.ratchaporn-place.com/

http://www.plus.co.th/en/index.aspx


49


Airport Transportation

By Taxi

Taxi is the most convenient way of getting to/from campus to/from the airport as there is

no direct airport bus connection. Traveling by taxi is also the most expensive. A one way

trip is approximately 600-800 baht depending on the time of day. There is a taxi counter

service at the Arrival Hall of Phuket International Airport.

By Bus

While it is complicated to travel from the airport to the university by bus, it is the

cheapest option. There are two possible route options.

Option 1: At the airport, you can take the airport bus to Phuket Town. Ask the bus driver

to stop in front of Surakul Football Stadium. Then walk across the road to catch a Phuket

Town – Patong Bus. The bus will stop at the main road in front of the university and you

will have to walk around 500 - 800 meters up the hill in order to reach the Main Gate. You

can ask the bus driver to stop at Mor Or once you get on the bus. If you would like to get

to the Airport from Kathu, you can go to either Big C or Central Festival Phuket to catch

the bus.

For more details, please contact Airport Bus tel. 0864706675 or visit their website at

http://www.airportbusphuket.com. It is best to call and check the schedule with the

company before planning your trip.

Option 2: There is another airport bus that travels a different route, going from the airport

through Thalang, Kathu, Kata, Karon and ending in Patong. For more details, please

contact tel. 076-328-291, 084-065-2122 or visit their website at

http://www.phuketairportbusexpress.com.

Important Phone Numbers

Phuket International Hospital (also known as Sirirot Hospital) 076-249-400

Vachira Hospital (Social Security Hospital) 076-213-782

Mission Hospital (Social Security Hospital) 076-211-172-3

Phuket Bangkok Hospital 076-245-421-9

Ambulance Emergency call 1669

Police station Emergency call 191

Fire Department 199

Security Guards at the Campus Gates 076-276380

http://www.airportbusphuket.com/

http://www.phuketairportbusexpress.com/


50


Lost Passport

Steps:

1. Inform IAC

2. Report your lost passport to a nearby Police Station

a. Obtain Police Report Document

3. Report to your Embassy

a. Obtain Certificate of New Passport

4. Visit IAC with your new passport and the Police Report and Embassy Certificate to

process the documents to transfer your visa to your new passport at Phuket

Immigration.

Lost Student ID card

Steps:

1. Report to a nearby Police Station


2. Bring Police Report, Student Photos and 100 Baht fee to the PSU Phuket Registration

Office to get a temporary Student ID Card

3. Contact the Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) PSU Phuket branch (Tel. 076249944)

a. Bring your Bank Book

Lost Staff ID card

Steps:

1. Report to a nearby Police Station


2. Contact IAC

a. Bring Police Report


51


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Visa, Work Permit, and Enrollment

VISA

What type of visa do I need for PSU?

Answer:

To Work: Non-Immigrant B Visa

To Study: Non-Immigrant ED Visa

Guest Lecturer: Non-Immigrant O Visa

Visitor: Tourist Visa or Visa upon Arrival (30 days) – depending on Country of Passport

*NOTE: For Non-Immigrant B and ED Visas, you must apply for a SINGLE ENTRY visa.

Where can I get my visa?

Answer:

At any Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in any country OUTSIDE of Thailand

How can I get my visa (What do I need?)

Answer:

After PSU has approved you to STUDY or WORK or VISIT PSU, the IAC will provide the

following:

- Letter to the Royal Thai Embassy from the Vice President of PSU Phuket (in Thai)

- Letter of approval to work, study or visit PSU Phuket

- Copy of Contract to Work at PSU

- Other required documents

You must provide photocopies of your passport

Please check the website of the Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate in the country you plan to

apply for the visa, because each Embassy/Consulate has slightly different requirements.

You can also visit our website: www.iac.phuket.psu.ac.th/

Do I need to pay for my visa? And how much does it cost?

Answer:

Yes, for a Non-Immigrant B and ED (Single Entry) the price is approximately 2,200-3,000

Thai Baht (depending on the Country in which you apply).

The first visa that you obtain you must pay for by yourself.

Once you have a visa and you need to EXTEND your visa, if you are a STUDENT you must

pay by yourself, but if you are WORKING at PSU Phuket, the respective faculty/department

will pay for your visa extension for you.



52


When do I need to extend my visa?

Answer:

Students: On or before the date that your visa expires

Staff: At the end of each fiscal year (before the date that your visa expires)

*NOTE: You can extend your visa from 45 days before it expires. When you get your first

visa, you are allowed to stay in Thailand for an initial period of a maximum 90 days,

before the end of the 90 days, IAC will prepare the necessary documents to get a visa

extension, and an IAC staff member will accompany you to the Immigration Office in

Phuket Town to extend your visa.

Is there any other important information that I need to know?

Answer:

If you want to leave Thailand (i.e. for a holiday), you must first go to the Immigration

Office in Phuket Town to apply for a Re-Entry Permit, since your visa is a Single Entry Visa.

If you leave Thailand WITHOUT a Re-Entry Permit, when you return to Thailand your visa

will be cancelled and you will have to apply for a new visa again.

Every 90 days you MUST report yourself to the Immigration Office in Phuket Town,

otherwise you will have to pay a fine.

WORK PERMIT

Who needs to apply for a work permit?

Answer:

Anyone who has a Non-Immigrant B Visa (i.e. is working at PSU Phuket as a staff member,

lecturer, teacher, etc.)

IAC will apply for the work permit for you (the faculty/department that employs you will

pay for your work permit).

*NOTE: You will have to sign various documents and get a Medical Certificate. An IAC staff

member will accompany you to pick up your Work Permit when it is ready at the Phuket

Labor Office in Phuket Town.

Should I get a Medical Certificate for every work permit application and renewal? What

are the diseases that must be verified in the certificate?

Answer:

Yes, you must obtain a medical certificate for every work permit application and renewal.

The examination must verify that you are not insane or mentally sick, suffering from

Leprosy, Tuberculosis, Drug addiction, Alcoholism, Elephantitus and Tertiary Syphilis.

You can get a Medical Certificate for your work permit at any hospital in Phuket, but we

recommend Mission Hospital.


53


How long will my visa and/or work permit last?

Answer:

The Non-Immigrant B Visa which you received initially will be for 90 days and then IAC will

extend your visa at the Phuket Immigration Office until the end of your employment

contract (and in accordance to the fiscal year).

Work permit applications and renewals will follow the period identified in your

employment contract.

Do I have to carry my work permit booklet with me at all times?

Answer:

Yes, you must carry your work permit booklet with you at all times and be ready to show it

to the Police and/or Labor Officers at any time.

When do I have to apply for my tax number and tax ID card?

Answer:

You must apply for your tax number and tax ID card after you receive your work permit.

You may be asked to sign the application at the IAC office after you have received your

work permit.

When will the annual personnel tax income be applied?

Answer:

Tax income will be applied via the Revenue Office’s online system. IAC will take

responsibility for the application. The application period is from the end of February until

April.

What should I do during the tax application period?

Answer:

You must provide information and documents that are required for the personnel tax

application (for example if you have a spouse, children and insurance).

Moreover, you must check your e-mail frequently as the IAC office will keep you updated

and informed. The IAC will inform you of any tax information, requirements, and if you

have a tax refund or tax payment.

When must I apply for Social Security?

Answer:

You must apply for your Social Security after you have received your work permit.

The IAC Office will ask you to sign the application form and select a hospital (Mission

Hospital and Vachira Hospital in Phuket are the recommended options).


54


When will the Social Security be effective?

Answer:

After your Social Security application, not more than 5% of your monthly salary will be

deducted at the end of each month for your Social Security (not more than 750 Thai Baht).

Your Social Security will become effective 3 months after your application and having paid

on a monthly basis. You will get your SSC Card from the Personnel Section. You can go to

the hospital that is identified on the SSC Card, where payment will be claimed by the

Social Security.

For more information regarding Social Security please visit http://www.sso.go.th

ENROLLMENT

When can I apply to study at PSU Phuket?

Answer:

The application period usually starts around 6 months before the start of the first

semester, and ends around2 months before the start of the first semester.

What extra fees do I have to pay on top of tuition?

Answer:

If you are enrolled in a program in the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism (FHT) or the

Faculty of International Studies (FIS),you are required to pay an administration fee of

40,000 Thai Baht in addition to your tuition fees during your first year.This administration

fee can be paid in 3 parts, for the first semester you must pay 25,000 Thai Baht, and the

second andthird semester 7,500 Thai Baht each.

When can I register for my courses?

Answer:

Online registration usually takes place starting around a week before the first day of each

semester.

http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sso.go.th%2F&h=ZAQFOnnZ2&s=1


55


Closing Remarks:

We at IAC hope that this handbook has provided some clear information for you and will

help guide you through your time here at PSU and in Thailand. If you have any further

queries, or would just like to have a chat, feel free to contact us or drop by the IAC office

at any time.

We hope you enjoy your stay at PSU, Phuket, Thailand.

Kind Regards from the IAC Team

Last edit January 2017