The Great Escape

1. Where did you move to and when?
I moved back to the good ol’ USA back in January 2007.

2. How long did you work in Thailand?
Roughly 2 years.

3. What was your main reason for moving?
I thought Thailand was taking a turn for the worst! With the country recovering from the coup around this time, the southern violence worsening, the economy taking a plunge, and foreign teacher regulations on the rise convinced me it was time to move on. Not to mention I took some shrapnel in my arm in the September 06 bombing in Hat Yai in the hands of the insurgency!

4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
None, aside from the money. In my opinion the USA is full of materialism and consumerism and lacks culture compared to the land of smiles! I recently completed my contract with a company I work with and am now seriously considering coming back possibly to Thailand or greater SE Asia

5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
Everything. The simple things are what I miss most! For example, getting a nice Thai meal of som tom, gai, and kow niaw at a mom and pop shop. Additionally, I really miss the sense of community, friendliness of locals, the slow pace of life, the food, hanging out with locals. the list goes on and on…..

6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
Of course I would suggest Thailand to a new teacher. It is a great country despite the red tape and the incompetence and miscommunication that is experienced at some of the schools. The new regulations may pose as an annoyance but I feel this will eventually subside – This is Thailand after all! All this aside, the pros far outweigh the cons. The lifestyle in Thailand is far superior to that of any Asian country and Thais are among the most hospitable people I have met in all of Asia!

7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
Of course, there is always a place in my heart for Thailand! (seriously! – sorry for sounding sappy! –lol). I would love to settle down in Thailand and open a Guesthouse /business or even an NGO.

8. Anything else you'd like to add?
For you newbies out there, and I know there are many of you! leave your western mentality at home when you come here. Relax, and acclimatize to the culture here and don’t expect locals to adjust to you. Instead, adjust and improvise to how things are done here. More importantly, do not take everything too seriously – Enjoy it and have a laugh!

1. Where did you move to and when?
I returned home to Australia (to what is probably age-enforced retirement)

2. How long did you work in Thailand?
I worked in Thailand for nearly 2 years. I taught Music in Bangkok from May 2006 to October 2006, then I took a short music contract in Pattaya until December 2006. I was offered an extension to that contract, but I chose not to extend. I returned to Australia, in December 2006, and was offered an English (ESL) contract at the first school at which I taught in Thailand from June 2007. That contract ended in March 2008. I was again offered an extension, but I was (and still am) keen to return to my major area of music, so I came home.

3. What was your main reason for moving?
(see 2. above) and also that ludicrous “Thai Language & Culture” requirement. The idiot responsible for that particular insanity ought to be institutionalized.

4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
Not applicable (see 6. below)

5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
Cheap living, kids who mostly smile at you rather than snarl at you as Australian kids do, and of course friends - both Thai and "foreign" - that I made whilst I was there.

6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
Certainly not in Australia – especially for a male. It is a minefield with ridiculously applied “political correctness” in the education area. The proof of that is in the inordinate imbalance of males versus females in the teaching service, as well as the fact that a significant majority of teachers seek other employment after only a very few years of teaching. Most will do anything to get out of the classroom.

7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
Possibly, although I think that at 68 years of age, despite my good health, I am not likely to be “employable”, and almost certainly not at a salary commensurate with my qualifications and experience.

8. Anything else you'd like to add?
It would be nice to think that one day, the dinosaurs in the Ministry of Education would actually take a look at the rest of the world, and attempt to throw off their xenophobia. Are they too benighted to understand that if there is no fear of failure for students, then there is equally no motivation for them to succeed? This is clearly one of the most potent reasons for the inability of Thai students (except those from International Schools) to compete internationally. Someone famous once said that “comparisons are odious”, but one has only to look at Singapore to see that this is true.

Finally, with some notable exceptions in my experience, considerable numbers of Thai school administrators, and indeed many teachers, are incompetent, and their ideas and methods are rooted in the past. They are at best reluctant to embrace any ideas suggested by foreigners because “they don’t understand Thailand”.

1. Where did you move to and when?
I moved to teach in South Korea in April/07 to April/08. Currently back in Thailand thinking of where to go next for a year - China, Japan or God forbid Thailand?

2. How long did you work in Thailand?
I have taught in Thailand since 1999. One year in Phetchaburi, at an infamous private language school chain, and 6 years at the English Programme in Chumphon (actually a fairly normal school by Thai standards)

3. What was your main reason for moving?
There is never one main reason in Thailand. Let me see - Administrative incompetence, degrading salaries, an educational system lead by idiots that haven't the slightest idea what education is, an immigration department that assumes everyone is a Burmese drug smuggler, the chicken and the egg quandary rules between the work permit office and the immigration department, schools that are more into the money making aspects of an English programme than the academic side, having to do entrance level tests, then the school letting any idiot student in that has failed the entry level test just because Daddy's a policeman, every Thai teacher agreeing with your criticisms but non of the spineless buggers ever doing anything about it, having to wai people that wouldn't be hired to bag shit in any other country, having M 1 students that could do a better job of running the Ministry of Education or Immigration than any Thai minister could, etc, etc
If you have taught in Thailand for more than a week, you know bloody well why people leave this country.

4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
In Korea, they do know what education is, and they don't expect you to be the world's authority on the English language either. They do discipline children, as their parents aren't sending bribe money to the director to keep them in school, students are eager to learn English as they can see that it is useful to have. I had primary students and was able to have a conversation with grade three students, because they have shut up in class and listened and have actually learned something.

Being in a school that actually has supplies that aren't ordered as you need them. A supply room stocked with such extraordinary things such as staples, paper, pens, markers, notebooks, you know, school supplies. Printers, computers and photocopiers that all work. And students that work!

That was just from the school side, now what about getting looked after? - mainly a salary that was real, free apartment, flights, pension plan, medical and other BENEFITS!! A one stop immigration work permit office that took 5 minutes and that's it, you are done for a year and at a far cheaper cost than Thailand. A tax rate that is less than Thailand's (tax-free if you are not Canadian)a cost of living that beats Thailand (remember you don't pay rent), electricity was cheaper than Thailand, clothing is less than Thailand, foreign food was a lot less than Thailand. Did I mention not only cheaper but you are making 3 to 4 times a Thai salary.
The over-all attitude of the Education systems are: it is an honour to have you here, or the Thai it is an honour to be here BS.
In short there aren't any advantages in Thai schools, except more holidays, but considering what they pay you, you should have 2/3rds of the year off.

5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
I am back in Thailand, because I live here, married to a Thai and most likely will die here, but work here? - maybe never again.
When I was in Korea I didn't miss anything about Thailand, except maybe the beach in the winter months, but I was back in Thailand 4 times during the year. Why? because I could afford to do it. A return flight is less than half a month's salary. Try flying anywhere on a Thai monthly wage.

6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
Thailand doesn't deserve to have anyone work here with their attitude but some, and I must stress some of the Thai students do. The advice would have to be Korea hands down. There is no reason whatsoever to work in Thailand really. If you are going to get your hands-on working experience you may as well get paid for it. And have the opportunity to learn how to teach, instead of just strategies of how not to kill your lazy ass Thai students or their corrupt director.
Work in Korea or elsewhere and make enough money to come and enjoy Thailand, which everyone can as long as you don't work in a school here. If it isn't money you are after, then go to some poorer country in Africa. They might appreciate you more anyway.

7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
I plan on living in Thailand for the rest of my life, (unless immigration reads this and then I'll be deported)
I do enjoy Thailand, its people, weather, and I understand the culture. Will I ever teach here again? Most likely. There are enough good Thai students that are worth saving I know. I have had a lot of very good students. Will I ever have any respect for Thai education? - most likely never, because it won't change in my lifetime. It's like if you hate fast food, you can't say that you'll never eat at McDonald's. You'd prefer not to, but if you're hungry, you're hungry.

8. Anything else you'd like to add?
No. I've said enough.

1. Where did you move to and when?
Moved to China in August, 2007 for a position at a University.

2. How long did you work in Thailand?
Worked in Thailand for 4 years. Both at a private school and government schools.

3. What was your main reason for moving?
There is no one, singular reason, but instead a combination of reasons. Teaching in a private school sucks the life out of a person. Teaching in a government school also sucks the life, motivation and desire to teach out of a person as well. Money is virtually non-existent, given all the time that one does not work, and hence does not get paid. At the end, government schools were hiring non-native English speakers at a fraction of what they were paying native speakers, and were putting too many demands on all of the teachers, such as remaining on campus during all school hours, even if one had only two classes a day. The biggest dissatisfaction came from the Thai education system in general, and the expectations that were being put on foreign teachers. The expectations were unreasonable, and could not be met, especially in classes of 50 to 55 students, most of whom had no desire to be in an English class.

4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
Initially, fewer hours - 10.5 per week - and more money and benefits. (Medical, significant travel allowances, housing, etc.) Of course, with fewer hours, the possibility for extreme boredom is prevalent, but can be combated. The teaching conditions are better both in the classroom and the expectations of the University. Here, foreigners are certainly making more than the native teachers, but there is very little resentment. Many of the native teachers will regularly attend foreigner's classes trying to improve their own level of English.

5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
Hard to say what I miss about life in Thailand. The weather is probably the main thing. I am very adaptable, to a degree, and China is similar to Thailand in many respects.

6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
I would advise a new teacher to work in Thailand first for a few reasons. Initially, and assuming that the new cultural course requirements are worth the paper it is written on, that would be a benefit for anyone wishing to teach in Asia. A second reason would be the new teacher can get some experience and hone his/her skills before moving on elsewhere in Asia. The expectations on teachers for actual teaching abilities and skills are much lower in Thailand than in other Asian countries. On a personal note, and purely selfish, the more incompetent teachers that a country starts to entertain, the stricter the regulations are going to become for everyone. This is what Thailand is experiencing now. More of my views on teaching in Asia can be found on my blog: www.oldcodger.org/blog/?p=20

7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
For a visit, most likely. Have many friends there yet. To live there - probably not. The government is too unstable now, and the requirements for visas are onerous and ridiculous, in my opinion. Here in China, I can have a residency visa in just a few years, without any financial requirements. Given my advanced age, that is going to work out quite well.

8. Anything else you'd like to add?
I could probably add quite a few things, but that might offend quite a few of your readers. So, I will save you the unpleasant task of having to censor my comments.

1. Where did you move to and when?
I moved from Nakon Sawan to Bulgaria, Varna. This was in Sept 2002.

2. How long did you work in Thailand?
I worked in Thailand for about a year. I worked in 2 different schools. One in Rayong and one in Nakon Sawan.

3. What was your main reason for moving?
The main reason was to get a better job with more prospects. I applied for the British Council and was offered Bulgaria! I would have loved to have found a well paid, enjoyable job in Thailand, but didn't want to live in a busy city, especially Bangkok.

4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
One of the differences is that I blend in more so I don't have everyone staring at me all the time. Also, it's much closer to home, so trips back are not such a mission. Also, learning to read and write in Thai was very difficult for me. I have found Bulgarian easier to learn as many of the words come from Latin.

5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
I miss the people. Thai people are so friendly and always smiling. I also miss the food. I adore Thai food and often try to cook it myself...still it's not the same.

6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
Difficult question. Both Thailand and Bulgaria have a lot to offer. I think that Thailand has more to offer culturally, especially as its so different to European culture. However, Bulgaria is developing fast and it's good to come and see it before it completely changes.

7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
Yes! I love Thailand. I have been back several times for holidays and will come again in March 2007. I'd love to set up an English Academy in Thailand and this is a future ambition of mine.

8. Anything else you'd like to add?
Teaching started off as just something fun to do and a way to stay in Thailand. I only planned to do it for a year then go back to London. However, I realised that I wanted to stay in teaching and by making it a career, I could work wherever I wanted and with experience also earn a decent salary. My own school, English Academy Varna, is also doing very well at the moment which is very satisfying.

1. Where did you move to and when?
From Bankhae Bangkok- Youngin City South Korea

2. How long did you work in Thailand?
about a year and a half

3. What was your main reason for moving?
It was definitely for the money. I love Thailand but the pay is really low compared to Korea

4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
Money Money Money, my salary here in Korea is over 100,000 baht and the extra work I can do such as private tutoring will get me an average of 1,400 to 2,000 baht an hour.

5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
The fun , the cheap taxis, the nightlife, the soi dogs and the bad television acting

6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
I think that Korea is a wonderful place to save up money. The transportation system is good and they will pay for your apartment but the people here seem too serious. They aren't rude by any means but It's definitely not the land of smiles.

7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
Yes definitely, I love Thailand and my wife is Thai so I'll be back as soon as I have saved enough money to buy a house or something.

8. Anything else you'd like to add?
Thailand is great but being broke in Thailand sucks. so go make money and then come back

1. Where did you move to and when?
I moved to Korea on the 1st of October last year.

2. How long did you work in Thailand?
I just worked there for a year. However, it was my third trip to Thailand; I went to Thailand on an Australian Bicentennial scholarship to be an exchange student for a year when I was 16, and again for a three month holiday when I was 21. Both these times I lived in Kantralak, in Sisaket; last year, I made the big move to Ubon.

3. What was your main reason for moving?
My motivations to move to Korea were threefold. Firstly, I had a Korean girlfriend to whose arms I wished to return – a relationship that, upon my return to Korea, fell through in very short course (sheesh). Secondly, I wanted to perfect my Korean language skills. Thirdly, I wanted to save some money.

4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
The advantages are more money and faster internet.

5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
I miss life in the country – I was born and lived in the country when I was a kid, and Sisaket/Ubon are just like my home. Now, of course, I'm in the super-metropolis of Seoul. Life was also a lot easier for me in Thailand because I speak Thai and Thai Isaan – I'm trying to address that issue by studying Korean as hard as I can. I miss the hot weather, especially when it's winter in Korea. Finally, I miss how multicultural, caring, sharing, life-loving and attentive to their lessons my students were in Thailand.

6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
It would certainly be far easier to learn how to teach English, and to engage for the first time with another culture, in Thailand. But I wouldn't like to put anyone off Korea either, here is excellent too. I reckon that when I can speak Korean as well as I can Thai, I will like Korea just as much.

7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
I'm a man with no plans. I still, however, have the other half of a return ticket to Thailand that I bought when I came here to Korea; I have to use that before October. And I constantly pine for my life in Thailand; also, if I didn’t go back there, all those years and all that effort I spent learning the language would go to waste.

8. Anything else you'd like to add?
If you're going to teach in either of the places I do, don't be lazy and cranky. That's how so many farang/wheregooks shoot themselves in the foot. Learn the language of the place you're in; it's not hard, and it makes life enormously better. Being an ESL teacher, as long as you don't you blow it and make the students run amok, rips.

1. Where did you move to and when?
I moved to Hamilton, New Zealand (Hamilton is about an hour and a half south of Auckland), in March 2003.

2. How long did you work in Thailand?
I worked in Thailand for more than 11 and a half years.

3. What was your main reason for moving?
Mostly for family reasons. My family (wife and two daughters) had been involved in an horrific coach accident in the south of Thailand in May 2002, in which my youngest daughter had almost lost a leg. I guess it was the reaction of some of the local people that sealed it for me. Insurance companies didn’t want to know, the bus company blamed the driver (who had, of course, fled the scene), the police grinned a lot and gave me the coach driver’s address, should I want to settle the matter myself, and at the end of it all I just felt that I never wanted to put my family through such a thing again. Additionally, my girls were leaving home before 6am to get to school and as I wasn’t getting home until late most evenings, I hardly saw them during the week. So, definitely a move for family (and lifestyle) reasons.

4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
Where do I begin? First of all there is excellent education for my daughters at very low cost. I have a good working environment with generally competent people and very few shysters. People are prepared to listen, and there is little of the back-stabbing and petty jealousies that are so common in Thai educational establishments. All staff are expected to work a 37-hour working week, Monday to Friday. Any over time can be taken off in lieu. I get a reasonable salary (although I can’t save as much as I did in Thailand). Employers have good leave provisions and offer generous training assistance. As far as teaching goes, we get a great mix of students from different countries around the world. They are generally well-motivated, as most are preparing for university. And, of course, we enjoy outstanding sport (I spent all day yesterday at a sun-soaked Seddon Park watching the Black Caps stuff the Aussies!)

5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
Mainly my friends/work mates. I was lucky enough to work with some top teachers during my time in Thailand, and I guess these still make up most of the people I would still call good friends. And maybe quiz night at the Bull’s Head!

6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
For a new teacher, I would most definitely advise to seek work in Thailand. It is a great place to learn, and I think the learning curve is probably a lot steeper over there, especially in Bangkok. There are some very good teachers working in Bangkok, and ‘newbies’ can learn a lot from them. I know I certainly learnt loads from other more experienced teachers when I started out in 1991. If you can find a school that pays a half decent salary, Thailand can be a great place for new teachers.

7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
I’d like to say “Yes”, but I don’t think I could come back and work, at least not until my daughters had finished uni over here. We still own a house in Prakhanong, so I guess that gives me a good excuse to pop over there, but I have resisted the temptation for the last 4 years. If I was to return, I think lifestyle would be a real issue, though.

8. Anything else you'd like to add?
Enjoy Thailand as much as you can. Make mistakes, but learn from them. Remember that there are lots of other great places out there, and if you are a serious and capable teacher, then don’t be afraid to turn your back on Bangkok and find just as much fun somewhere else.

1. Where did you move to and when?
Saudi Arabia in August 2005.

2. How long did you work in Thailand?
Nearly three years. I worked at a Catholic school, a Rajabhat and a mini English programme.

3. What was your main reason for moving?
Crap money, lousy conditions and generally hacked off with Thailand and Thais – and I’m married to one. I reckon when the mere sound of the language begins to wind you up then it’s time to move on.

4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
Money, free accommodation, long holidays, better students and not being a performing monkey.

5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
Nothing

6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
A new teacher wouldn’t get where I am.

7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
I’d rather stick pins in my eyes.

8. Anything else you'd like to add?
Not a lot to say really. I loved Thailand when I arrived, grew to despise it and got out.

1. Where did you move to and when?
I moved to Mexico City, Mexico. April 2006

2. How long did you work in Thailand?
I was in Thailand from July 2003 to April 2006, so 2 1/2 years.

3. What was your main reason for moving?
At the time I weighed 109 kilos. The heat and humidity were KILLING me! I now weigh 82 kilos and am much more comfortable with the weather here in Mexico City. Every day it's between 23 and 30 degrees, very nice.

4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
Better weather, a school system and students that actually are interested in learning and not just putting on the appearance of learning, more competent management, the money is about the same though I do have national healthcare that covers my medication and I also have private health insurance, THE WEATHER... I was just tired of being hot and sweaty ALL the time plus having to wear a shirt and tie every day in 34 degrees was just an unreasonable expectation.

5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
The cheaper cost of living, the night life, trips to the islands ( though I can go to Cancun or Acapulco here in Mexico, nothing beats Samui or Phuket )

6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
Yes, it's a good place to start out. Take a TEFL course in Thailand, this helps you ease into living there as you have a built in support system in the school and other students.

7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
Yes, but this time I will weigh between 65 and 75 kilos, much more reasonable for my 171cm height, and I won't work FOR Thai people, I have no problem working with Thai people but having one as a boss is enough to make a person crazy. "Be like the bamboo and flex with the wind" I was told while there, but there's only so far a bamboo stalk can bend before it breaks and ends up taking hostages! I am getting training and certification to teach in my current schools IB Program so I'll be looking to get a job in an IB international school in BKK in another year or two.

8. Anything else you'd like to add?
Thailand is a great place to visit, a good place to live (if you can stand the weather) but a terrible place to work if you have to work for Thai people. While there, be flexible but don't lose yourself in the process. I finally got to the point where I told my boss that I wouldn't change a students grade so they could pass ( everyone passes by the way ). I would give him the grade that he had earned and if she wanted to change the grade later on she could do that, just don't tell me about it. This was in regard to a scholarship football player who had only attended 3 classes ALL term! The boy couldn't even pronounce his own name correctly in English, yet I was supposed to test him until he passed, ridiculous! Good luck to all.

1. Where did you move to and when?
I moved to Pachuca, Mexico, just outside of Mexico City, 6 months ago (August 2006).

2. How long did you work in Thailand?
Nearly 4 years.

3. What was your main reason for moving?
Bureaucratic and intransigent educational system and arcane and frustrating immigration policies

4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
Significantly more trust of foreign teachers than I ever found in Thailand. More open to new ideas. More personal responsibility. Better quality and more committed foreign teachers. Better trained and more innovative native teachers

5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
The celebrity of being a foreign teacher. The low cost of living. The wonderful, inherently friendly, and largely non-controversial nature of Thai students and people.

6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
I think a qualified teacher would find Mexico more professionally satisfying, but Thailand is certainly more of an adventure. It depends on what they are seeking from the experience.

7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
It depends on whether the system ever becomes more inclusive of foreign teachers and accepting of Western ideas.

8. Anything else you'd like to add?
I find the disservice that Thailand is doing to its youth, with the educational system it has, really sad, and really hope that sometime in the near future they begin to make lasting reform that is not responsive to fads and trends, but is more conducive to progress and learning.

1. Where did you move to and when?
I went back home to the UK, screaming and kicking I hasten to add, way back in September 1997

2. How long did you work in Thailand?
About 3 and a half years in total. Although I can't really call it work as much as voluntary entertainment. Most days I would slip on the invisible clown's outfit and amuse the class, any class, with lame jokes, funny faces, and stories that were so full of egotistical exaggerations that even the lies weren't true! All this for loose change which barely paid for a pie and a pint down at the Ole Ship Inn!

3. What was your main reason for moving?
Near death! Thailand is full of thrills and frolics for the better balanced members of society, but for a chronic alcoholic and borderline pharmaceutical drug addict, it's a free ride to hell.

4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
I don't really work any more. I ended up with a bit of a job allergy! Plus I've been back here (Thailand) for a few years now. There were no real advantages of working in the UK for those few years that I went back. I was employed as a slave in one of those modern day sweat shops. What do they call them now? Oh yeah, Call Centers!

5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
Nothing cus I'm back! But when I was at home, I dearly missed the grub, the heat, the humidity, the pollution, the heckling, the hassling, the scamming, the Soi dogs, the pretty gals in dingy bars, and all the shattered people on the broken footpaths along the Sukhumvit road. Why? Because all this matches my insides, that’s why, and this makes me as happy as a pig in muck!

6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
If they are young and just want to chill out or use Thailand as a training ground, then come here without further ado. If money is your thing, then sod off to where the cash is. You won't strike it rich over here in the teaching game, but you will get by so long as you don't have too many expensive habits or vulnerabilities.
If you're a near down-and-out coffin dodger, then you'd best find one of God's waiting rooms a little closer to home, wherever that is, or you may well end up as a physical, mental, and spiritual wreck before you can say 'Nana Plaza'. If you're over 55 and want to launch a Teaching career, go somewhere, how can I put it……………less suicidal!

7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
See 4 above.

8. Anything else you'd like to add?
No.

1. Where did you move to and when?
I moved to Singapore last October 3, 2006.

2. How long did you work in Thailand?
I worked in Thailand for nearly two years from November 2004 – September 2006.

3. What was your main reason for moving?
I worked before as a customer service associate for an outsourcing company in the Philippines, since I know of my expertise in this field and with my Dad having cancer, I had to find a high-paying job so I went back to it and found one.

4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
The advantages of working in Singapore in terms of Customer Service, not so much. It's only the pay that's higher and the city is organized.

5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
Life in Thailand is simple, fun, not so stiff, the country is big, people are more friendly, my teaching job, my Thai co-teachers and friends and the food plus Hua Hin.

6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
Yes, why not?

7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
I want to return to Thailand, soon if I only can.

8. Anything else you'd like to add?
I need to earn a living, build my career, meet with new friends and help my family.

1. Where did you move to and when?
I moved to Jakarta, Indonesia. Last July.

2. How long did you work in Thailand?
I worked at the one international school in Bangkok for 5 years

3. What was your main reason for moving?
Job opportunity, also somebody had quipped to me that I would never be able to leave Thailand, it sort of felt a little bit true, I was getting bored in my job so made the plunge to go elsewhere.

4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
It’s all sort of six to one half a dozen to the other. I’m on a lot less pay, but have a lot more responsibility in the school that I’m working in. I’m certainly enjoying the challenge.

5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
People, food, availability of food, Bangkok is far easier to get around than Jakarta, has a far more 1st world cosmopolitan feel about the place, availability of goods and ease of getting things done.

6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
The biggest factor has to be weigh up each job possibility or offer on its own merits, it’s no good having a crappy job in a good place.

7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
Holidays? Have been back 2 or 3 times already. Working? No firm plans, however, it is a strong possibility in the future, just depends on if the right job comes up at the right time or not, however, with a Thai wife, Thailand will never be far away.

8. Anything else you'd like to add?
No.

1. Where did you move to and when?
Vietnam. Better money, I'd never been and always wanted to go, and the location was right on the beach. Sounded perfect.

2. How long did you work in Thailand?
One year.

3. What was your main reason for moving?
I was a little fed up with Thailand and wanted to move on. Also wasn't getting any interest in having me stay from the administration at my school. They didn't have a high teacher retention rate.

4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
I'm not in VN currently. The advantages of working in Vietnam were, for me, that the pay was higher and the students significantly sharper. Ineptness and crookedness in administrative positions there was on par with Thailand, though.

5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
The Vietnamese are in general a lot less pleasant than the Thais. Coming from Thailand Vietnam can be a tough transition: it's significantly less-developed, more chaotic, and harsher in many ways. I had a friend come in from Thailand to work in VN who loathed the place for a solid six months and constantly bemoaned the wonderful paradise he'd given up. My initial feelings about Vietnam were more ambiguous. I never hated the place but it took me awhile to be quite sure I liked it (whereas I loved Thailand from Day One). I never met anyone who moved from Thailand to Vietnam who made an initial favorable comparison of the latter.

6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
Thailand over Vietnam for a first-timer in a heartbeat.

7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
Here now. Just on vacation. Teaching here again is unlikely, if not 100% off the table.

8. Anything else you'd like to add?
If a new teacher wants to live in a remarkably laid-back and nice place for a year or so, I've never been anywhere that beats Thailand. If one is looking for something a little more... "challenging," Vietnam is worth a go. My feeling about Thailand is that there are a wonderful array of superficial pleasures but there isn't terribly much depth. Vietnam takes a lot of getting used to, but the rewards, I think, are of a more lasting variety. Thailand isn't a place that prizes education, and the "mai ben rai" attitude that I initially found so refreshing became grating by the end of my year here. Vietnam is much more serious, much less immediately genial, but if you're willing to give it time and patience it has a lot going for it. It certainly ain't everyone's cuppa tea.

1. Where did you move to and when?
Nepal and then Oman a few years later. I left Thailand in May 1997.

2. How long did you work in Thailand?
I worked there for over 6 years.

3. What was your main reason for moving?
I needed a change. I did well in Thailand, working as a teacher, a senior teacher, an area head teacher and a manager within a chain of language schools. However, I needed to move on, and I have, from CTEFLA to Dip TESOL to MA TESOL, and I’ve almost finished a PhD. In the last 6 and a half years I’ve worked in teacher education. A few months after I left, I remember cycling to work in Kathmandu on frosty wintry mornings, with the city still half asleep (classes started at 7am), the sky sometimes clear and blue, and white mountains visible, and think ‘Wow, I’m glad I made this move!’ And then in Nepal, there was such cultural richness and diversity. No matter how much you’re in love with a place, and I have very fond memories of Thailand, of Krabi and Chiang Mai, Phitsanulok and Isaan, a change every now and then is good for the soul.

4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
Direct comparisons aren’t easy. 10 years ago, Thailand was still the best place for me to live, although I was thinking then about leaving (as I did a few months later). I believe that there is a time and place for everywhere you’d like to be. I’ve always sought out countries noted for the friendliness of their people, and chose Oman carefully, but Thailand was also kind to me and so was Nepal. At present, I have a very rewarding job, in in-service teacher education, teaching a couple of days a week and visiting schools to help teachers relate theory to practice. I would be happy to do this in other countries too. I had a rewarding job in Thailand, too, but that was earlier in my career, and I worked long hours.

The pay and benefits are better now. My salary is substantially higher, I live in a villa (rather than a flat), and have a company car (rather than take the microbus or a taxi to work). I finish work at 2.30 everyday, so there’s more time for the family (and the PhD). I can take my 4 year-old son swimming every afternoon.

5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
I miss all sorts of things; the hustle and bustle, the camaraderie of the teachers’ room, the traffic jams, Loy Krathong & Songkran, Buddhas, temples, lotus pools, Wat Arun, the ferry up to Nonthaburi, the VIP buses down South, the songthiew ride to Ao Nang, particularly the point when Chicken Island comes into view, Kheng Nua, durian, Kheng Kwian Gai, soulless shopping malls, Baskin Robbins, the cinema, ten pin bowling, being covered in sweat by the time I got to work.

6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
Thailand, definitely, but preferably work in a large school with a buzzing teachers’ room. I learned so much in the first couple of years from the people around me.

7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
On holiday, yes, and maybe a presentation at Thai TESOL.

8. Anything else you'd like to add?
Just to say ‘thanks’. I like the website, and, though I’m very happy where I am, enjoy browsing it occasionally. Going to Thailand was one of the best decisions I ever made in my life.

1. Where did you move to and when?
Sancheong City, South Korea. March 31, 2006.

2. How long did you work in Thailand?
A little over a year in both Bangkok and Suratthani.

3. What was your main reason for moving?
Weary of putting off the uni debt-collecting shysters back home. Thai wages just wouldn't cut it.

4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
Money. Gaining a renewed appreciation for Thailand - for even some of the things that drove me mad when I lived there.

5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
The beauty and exoticness of the land, the fun-loving and laid-back nature of the people, the fantastic food, the cost of living, the students that caused my face to actually hurt at the end of the day from excessive smiling - I shit you not, my mates, the Thai whisky, the weather, the spontaneity and unpredictable daily adventures.

6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
I would drag my naked body through broken glass and follow it up with an acid bath before recommending my worst enemy seek work in rural South Korea. I've aged five years in one from being in such close quarters to intensely anal, controlling, and close-minded people. Cities are less intense but would only even suggest it for short-term money-hoarding gigs.

7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
Well....that's a tough one.

8. Anything else you'd like to add?
17 days remaining. Thailand, here i come.

1. Where did you move to and when?
Saudi Arabia. I moved to Thailand in October 2002. At first I taught at a state college in Minburi for one 1 term and then moved on to a large state school just outside Bangkok.

2. How long did you work in Thailand?
One year.

3. What was your main reason for moving?
I left because working in the Thai state system proved to be nothing short of a 'nightmare', complete chaos (no books) and in the latter of the two schools a lot of back-stabbing .

4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
I went to Saudi Arabia for the money. People only come here for that reason.

5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
I miss many things about Thailand. In particular I miss seeing women walking around. I also miss Tiger beer, the food, Koh Samet and other islands.

6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
I would advise people to work in Thailand and Saudi Arabia. However, both the positive and negative aspects will have to be made clear to any prospective teacher.

7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
I love Thailand and spend many holidays there.

8. Anything else you'd like to add?
Don't take the teaching too seriously in Thailand, especially if you work in the state system. And, if you work in Bangkok make sure you escape at the weekend and see the beautiful places that Thailand has to offer.

1. Where did you move to and when?
I returned to the UK in November 2005.

2. How long did you work in Thailand?
I was actually working from early 2003 right until the time i left, so about 2 and a half years.

3. What was your main reason for moving?
Like some of the other people on here, i really loved working in Thailand and it was a hard decision to leave, but i came to realise that the job i was doing would eventually bore me to death, and i didn't want to reach that point. Now i am pursuing other lines of work and i can still remember Thailand in the fondest of lights.

4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
Since i am not really doing a comparable job, it is difficult to compare, but i would say simply the levels of professionalism are often low in Thailand and the prospects for future progression are also limited. In terms of life style / friendships / fun Thailand is the best.

5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
The life style / friendships / fun. The entertaining students. Also talking to happy go lucky thai people and travelling around in buses to different beautiful beaches and mountains etc etc.

6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
I always advise new teachers to go to Thailand, it's all i know and i have only good things to say about it. From what i hear of some other TEFL places you will have a much more memorable time in Thailand.

7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
Definitely, but it is somewhat pie in the sky in terms of the actual logistics at the moment.

8. Anything else you'd like to add?
Don't develop a distaste for Thailand / Thai culture / Thai people, it's a complete waste of a truly great country.

1. Where did you move to and when?
I went from Thailand to Vietnam, and I should add I'm glad I did.

2. How long did you work in Thailand?
I spent about 5 miserable years working at supposedly the best uni in Thailand, but nothing could be further from the truth. 8 teachers left in one semester. The uni thinks they can rely on their name to hire English teachers, but they can't. As a result, they have advertised for teachers for over one year without filling vacancies. The international affairs dept. doesn't know how to recruit teachers. I walked off a few other jobs and I have walked out of interviews because of the unprofessionalism displayed by potential Thai employers. (Talking on the their cell phones during the interview, etc.)

3. What was your main reason for moving?
My main reason for leaving was the overall disappointment with the culture. This culture is about superficiality, nothing more. Even though the culture has some beautiful aspects to it, it's an overall disappointment. I've seen foreigners treated very badly without any recourse. Vietnam is much more stable, the people are much friendlier than Thais and the students try harder. If Thailand doesn't clean up it's image, Vietnam will pass them by. Also, I was tired of students coming to me crying, feeling that they were stupid because their grades were manipulated by the Thai staff to fit the mold and image of the university. Foreign teachers are kept out of the grading process for that reason. I once sat in a meeting where a Thai teacher tried to justify that in a six-section class why section 1 should have the highest scores and section 6 should have the lowest scores. The reason was because section 1 is number one.

4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
The advantages are many. The overall atmosphere is better. The pay is better and they actually care about the input from foreign teachers and they have gone as far to say they want to be criticized so that they can make improvements. This is not a superficial society.

5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
The only thing I miss about Thailand is that the facilities are a little bit better. I didn't thrive on the nightlife, so that never mattered to me. I would never teach in Thailand again. I would never work for a Thai in a teaching capacity. Everything goes in one ear and out the other. They have a major inferiority complex which interferes with their professional judgement.

6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
As a starting point, Thailand is a good place for teacher training and for a first time job. However, it's not the best place to teach. If your heart is truly set on teaching, Thailand is not the place to be. You will like it at first, then you see the way things really are after a while, then you get frustrated, then you find another job and see that it is the same there, then you know it's time to get out.

7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
In April 2007, for the last time, only as a tourist. I do have some close Thai and foreign friends. My foreign friends are lucky that they are retired and don't have to work. Even they say if they had to work in Thailand, they would leave.

8. Anything else you'd like to add?
I would recommend that if you teach in Thailand that you keep to yourself in the workplace. Thais will look for ammunition to use against you. Foreigners will do the same in the hopes that they can get ahead by collaborating with the Thais. It's a shame to see foreigners reduce themselves to acting like Thais, but they need job security I guess because they can't do anything else in their lives. I've heard so much juvenile, immature gossip by Thai women in their 40's and 50's who supposedly have PhDs. They believe that they will get promoted or get a title, but in the end, the Thais don't care about them either. The Thai government says that Thai government schools have to employ so many foreigners. Believe me when I say that if it the Thai staff could have their way, they wouldn't have any foreigners working at their schools. This should give some idea of what they really think of foreign teachers.

1. Where did you move to and when?
Hong Kong after a post-Thailand, very-regrettable two-year stint in Canada

2. How long did you work in Thailand?
5 years

3. What was your main reason for moving?
Money, starting a family

4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
All public (and for that matter private) services available in English, world-class infrastructure, excellent pay, western food reasonably priced, a wide variety of interesting expats and worldly locals.

5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
Definitely the food- Chinese can never compare with it! As well, the warmth of Thai people.

6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
Having taught in an even dozen countries spanning North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, I think it is important to try at least a few countries before settling down- if anything else, this is a career choice that allows for a lot of travel and adventure, so take advantage of that.

7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
I'd like to spend part of the year there once semi-retired.

8. Anything else you'd like to add?
Yes- I find people who've not got a lot of good to say about Thailand to be generally unhappy people no matter where they are. Sure it has its problems, but what country doesn't?

1. Where did you move to and when?
Back to England a few years ago.

2. How long did you work in Thailand?
I worked there for 2 years, on the outskirts of Pattaya

3. What was your main reason for moving?
Money money money - not being paid on time, running low on savings. I could not carry on with the life style I had become accustomed to. Changing immigration rules also meant a lack of stability.

4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
Back in the UK, I have an excellent salary which is paid on time. There are no daft immigration rules and I bought a house in MY name!!!! No rabies from biting dogs either.

5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
The weather, the good food and the good night life. I also miss the smiling people and the laid back way of life.

6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
Yes but dont get hooked on the drug, do your time and get out.

7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
Having a Thai wife, we go back twice a year for holidays, if a stable, well paying job come along I would certainly consider it.

8. Anything else you'd like to add?
Thailand is a wonderful country to explore, but keep your head down and stay out of trouble. Make sure you have enough cash to live the life you want there or else it's like being in Disneyland and not being able to offered the rides.

1. Where did you move to and when?
I moved to China about three months ago. I moved after trying to get the non-immigrant B and work permit. I had to pay so much money and the run-around was such a hassle. I just got tired.

2. How long did you work in Thailand?
Four years. I worked for three schools. Came in to southern Thailand for one semester then moved to Bangkok for one school year. Then I had a one year contract in Issan and when I was still trying to get a visa at the end of the first term – That was it.

3. What was your main reason for moving?
The government visa problems and the lack of help I was getting from the school.

4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
Well, the salary is 45,000 baht (equivalent) and I get a very nice one bedroom apartment in a luxury apartment building. I also had my visa and flight (RT) paid for on arrival. I only work three days a week and I have 5 sections on those three days and the school provides a grader to help grade papers and record the score. The place is so much better than Thailand I am only sorry I didn’t come years ago.

5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
The food, the people the warm weather.

6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
I would say go to Thailand only if you have no other choice. The salary stinks the benefits stink and the Thai government obviously doesn’t want us there.

7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
Oh I get midterm here off – one month and then 7 weeks (all paid btw) and I’ll come for a holiday.

8. Anything else you'd like to add?
I would love to get all the foreign teachers to do a walkout for a day just to show the Thai government that it has to either pay for real teachers (around 2500 – 3000 USD) a month or lighten up on us. What does the government think we are doing in Thailand, anyway? We are not here for the money and the job takes real work. If they start making demands for documents that are difficult to obtain i.e. police checks from our home country and such then we are only going to work here if we have no other choices. The problem for the Thai government is we do have other choices.

1. Where did you move to and when?
I moved to Tokyo 7 months ago.

2. How long did you work in Thailand?
For three years and four months.

3. What was your main reason for moving?
Personal development. After a while I felt like i was going backwards and needed to get back into the first world as my ways were becoming rather relaxed. I mostly love the Thai way of doing things, but when I felt myself developing too many of the local habits I felt that it was time to hit the road.

4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
Better money of course although i did manage to save a fair bit in Bangkok. I have enjoyed the four seasons and related activities as well as seeing how first world Asia works (which gets dull quick). After over three years in Thailand it was great to get out of the Thai bubble for a bit but having been there that long there is some indescribable force compelling me back there.

5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
Everything - my daughter, the food, the people, the weather (kind of), the islands, chaos, smiles. I just got back from two weeks in Thailand and realised how much I have missed everything.

6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
My advice would depend upon the character of the person of course. Easy going, fun loving, relaxed, simple - Thailand. deep, complex, intellectual - Japan.

7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
I would love to but I don't think I can teach ESL for too much longer. I would like to become a qualified teacher back in New Zealand then head back so I can be a part of my daughters life.

8. Anything else you'd like to add?
If resentment starts to set in - get out quick.

1. Where did you move to and when?
From Bangkok to China in August 2004.

2. How long did you work in Thailand?
5 years (1997-2002)

3. What was your main reason for moving?
Visa Run and Money. I got tired of going in and out of Thailand for visa plus the salary was not enough to live a decent life.

4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
Definitely, the salary is much, much better. I am not a native speaker of English but they pay me like a native speaker because my qualifications and teaching experiences are more important with my present employer. I've been here for 3 years now and will be here as long as they want me. Teaching load is nothing compared to Thailand. I teach 4 days, 16 hours a week. I only have to be in school during my class time. I can go anywhere I want to when my classes are over. On top of that, I have a free single fully-furnished apartment (inside the campus which is good for my security) with a computer and 24 - hour internet connection, and even my drinking water is free. Air tickets are reimbursed at the end of a year contract. My university gives us travelling allowance, which is good enough to travel around China), a bicycle to go around the place and a year-end bonus. So many paid holidays like 7 days in October (for National Day), 40 days in January or February (for Spring Festival) and 7 days in May (for Labor Day). What more can I ask for?

5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
Thai Food

6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
I would say new teachers must seek work in their home country first before they explore other countries.

7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
Yes...but just for traveling.

8. Anything else you'd like to add?
All I can say is that there's life after Thailand. To all my fellow Filipinos out there, don't lose heart in finding jobs in other countries. We are not native speakers of English but there are many employers who want to hire us because we are hardworking, shrewd, and ingenious people. Mabuhay tayong mga Filipinos!!!

1. Where did you move to and when?
I moved to Seoul in March 21 2006

2. How long did you work in Thailand?
Only about 4 months - in Bangkok near Chatuchak Market.

3. What was your main reason for moving?
After my contract expired with the school I realized that I was not wanted. The pay was low and the general "mah ben rai" attitude was starting to get old. Also the head of the English department had no idea what to do with us. It's like we were dumped on the sidewalk and had to be given something to do or we would be back on the streets. We had no curriculum and no feedback from any of the fellow teachers. Like I said " mah ben rai".

4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
Besides the obvious one which is money; the kids are more enthusiastic to learn English, there are no stray dogs, and the bars are open until morning.

5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
Weather, islands and general laid back attitude. And Chatuchak park!

6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
New teachers can definitely afford to shop around Thailand for a year. If one has no qualifications:( only BA from Uni) then you can learn a lot from today's TEFL industry. Unfortunately, mostly it will be negative info. Current government doesn't make things work to our advantage as well. So work for a few months and if you likes it, get certified or even get MA and thus have more options in the future.

7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
Got girlfriend waiting, so planning to come after the end of my current contract.

8. Anything else you'd like to add?
Don't get too comfortable in the Land of Smiles.

1. Where did you move to and when?
We moved to Seoul in South Korea in Feb. 2005

2. How long did you work in Thailand?
About 3 months

3. What was your main reason for moving?
Ran out of money and couldn't survive in Thailand as we was voluntary teaching.

4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
We had an income, that was it. We loved (and still do Thailand).

5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
The warmness and friendliness of people, my friend the monk "Nutterwood" in Pai, , driving my moped to school, the kids, the school, the food, the country, learning the language, Eid the teacher and other warm people i met along the way..... in other words absolutely everything!

6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
Do voluntary work in the poor areas in the mountains. They will survive better with English, and they have hearts of gold. I loved every single one of them. They touched my heart.

7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
Definitely!

8. Anything else you'd like to add?
I wish i could afford to live in Thailand. My professional study loan repayments keep me in England. If not for them, i'd be there in a flash now.

1. Where did you move to and when?
I went back to Belgium on my way to Argentina

2. How long did you work in Thailand?
5 months. I worked in different government schools in Pattaya.

3. What was your main reason for moving?

The weather conditions; too hot; too humid and sick and tired of living with air-con and fans. But also unsatisfied with the managing of the teachers, the red tape, ministry of education's obtuse views on teaching, the petty rules of insisting on tucking shirt in trousers, the lack of real interest in quality teaching, the fact that they cane students and only because of incompetent teachers who can only demand respect through fear mongering and threat of caning.

The low salary opposed to what they demand of teachers…visa runs, forking out money for all the getting of work permit and changing of tourist visa into non B immigrant visa.

The growing interference of government into private life of its citizens and the changing laws and rules day by day.

The fact that Thailand is turning the clock back 50 years and no sight of the promised elections. I believed I was going to witness a civil war soon. Besides teaching, I am an artist and I couldn’t paint as I came home knackered and sapped of all my energy due to the heat.

4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
I am not working, but will soon be teaching online from South America.

5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
The food, the tribes, the cheap cost of living, the laidback attitude.

6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
Yes, certainly, but I would tell them not to buy the slogan of Land of Smiles….

7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
Yes! Probably for travelling and living in the mountainous area in the North.

8. Anything else you'd like to add?
It’s about time Thailand realized it cannot turn the clock back and take a deep introspective view on why the students are dropping out so soon. Quit the nonsense of uniforms or caning and instead give some real boost for education programs and listen to the students voice of what they would want to learn. Also look into the teachers needs and what they do for that precious little 25.000 baht. Very few in Europe would put up with all the nonsense for such a small salary.

In contrast the West can learn from Thailand in terms of respect for a teacher for what he does. It takes good teachers to educate and they need all the support instead of boycott from government officials. Teachers are born and very rarely can be taught. A degree means nothing if you don’t have a heart for it and if you only teach for the money, which goes for most of the Thai teachers. Neither a degree, university knowledge or being a native speaker doesn’t necessarily mean that you are fit to be a teacher.

The students were charming from prattom 4 to mathyom 3, though the latter obviously is not interested any longer.
When I left the schools, I was revered as a pop star, they all wanted my autograph, e-mail and phone number. The fact that I am by nature an entertainer (dancer, singer, painter has made them all looking forward to my teachings)