Downsides of a foreign teachers union in Thailand

While the notion of a teachers union in Thailand might seem like a no-brainer, let's consider why it might not be the best move:

Firstly there's the possibility of a cultural clash. Thailand's got its own vibe, and adding a foreign teachers union into the mix could stir up some serious cultural turbulence. Setting up and running a union means wading through a swamp of paperwork and bureaucracy. In a foreign land like Thailand, where rules might seem like they're written in invisible ink, it could turn into a real headache.

A union could create rifts between foreign teachers and locals or school administrators. Nobody wants to see a friendly game of tug-of-war turn into an all-out war. Trying to fix things might just break them further. Demands and disputes could end up doing more harm than good, leaving teachers in a sticky situation.

Foreign teachers come from all corners of the globe with different needs and wants. Trying to cram everyone into the same group might leave some feeling left out in the cold. Thai laws might not play nice with the idea of a foreign-led union. Trying to dance around legal hurdles could lead to a game of legal limbo that nobody wants to play.

Maybe there's a better way. Instead of going down the traditional union route, maybe it's time to think outside the box and explore other options like advocacy groups or informal networks. Bottom line? Before jumping on the union bandwagon, it's worth taking a step back and considering whether it's the right move for everyone involved. Sometimes the best intentions can lead down a bumpy road, and it's better to tread carefully than to rush in blindly.

Winston


Read more letters

Send your letter to Ajarn.com



Featured Jobs

English Conversation Teachers

฿35,000+ / month

Thailand


NES Kindergarten Homeroom Teacher

฿50,000+ / month

Bangkok


Primary Math & Science Teacher

฿45,000+ / month

Bangkok


Secondary ESL Teacher

฿50,000+ / month

Bangkok


Elementary Teacher

฿50,000+ / month

Nonthaburi


Full-time Native English Teacher

฿45,000+ / month

Bangkok


Featured Teachers

  • Aike


    Myanmarese, 40 years old. Currently living in Thailand

  • Jewad


    Ethiopian, 24 years old. Currently living in Ethiopia

  • Svetlana


    Russian, 33 years old. Currently living in Thailand

  • Nona


    Filipino, 22 years old. Currently living in Philippines

  • Kristine


    Filipino, 26 years old. Currently living in Philippines

  • Thiri


    Myanmarese, 30 years old. Currently living in Thailand

The Hot Spot


Will I find work in Thailand?

Will I find work in Thailand?

It's one of the most common questions we get e-mailed to us. So find out exactly where you stand.


Air your views

Air your views

Got something to say on the topic of teaching, working or living in Thailand? The Ajarn Postbox is the place. Send us your letters!


Contributions welcome

Contributions welcome

If you like visiting ajarn.com and reading the content, why not get involved yourself and keep us up to date?


Need Thailand insurance?

Need Thailand insurance?

Have a question about health or travel insurance in Thailand? Ricky Batten from Pacific Prime is Ajarn's resident expert.


Teacher mistakes

Teacher mistakes

What are the most common mistakes that teachers make when they are about to embark on a teaching career in Thailand? We've got them all covered.


The dreaded demo

The dreaded demo

Many schools ask for demo lessons before they hire. What should you the teacher be aware of?


The Region Guides

The Region Guides

Fancy working in Thailand but not in Bangkok? Our region guides are written by teachers who actually live and work in the provinces.


The cost of living

The cost of living

How much money does a teacher need to earn in order to survive in Thailand? We analyze the facts.