Filipino teachers do not have any clue about leading-edge practice: SSP, P4C, GR workshops, etc. This is a fact because the schools in the Philippines do not embrace UK-style Enquiry-Based Learning. This does not mean Filipino teachers are 'bad'. It means they are less informed and thus deserve 27,000 baht per month as opposed to six figures made by real teachers. It is logic - doctors make more money than cashiers because of the training and education. If Thai parents want their child educated by Call Center employees then that is their choice to waste their money. And both the Philippines and Thailand will remain third-world countries with garbage-dump capital cities.

By Dave, Bangkok (9th July 2023)

Filipinos, for the most part, are some of the laziest teachers in this country. They don't follow instructions, avoid any rules set up by the school. Sleep in class, skip out of school after class and go home, sing songs and show cartoons instead of performing the lessons in the school book. If your school starts hiring Filipinos it because they can pay them half the salary as you. The school doesn't care about the quality of English Teachers. They only care about profit. So hiring a low educated Filipino is the answer.

By Jt, Thailand (13th March 2020)

Just my two-cents' worth... I don't even know if it matters at all, but here goes...

1) Having been born, raised and educated in the Philippines, I feel that the education system is at par with, if not better than, other countries. I am currently teaching Math and I know for a fact that there are only two teachers in my school (myself included) who can actually teach the material since the other teachers are not Math majors. Now, whether or not I am a competent teacher is another story, All I know is that I began my teaching career in Los Angeles and continued in Canada, and so far, my colleagues and students have been happy with how I teach (some of my Caucasian colleagues even ask me to explain concepts to them from time to time). Why am I saying all of this? I think the Filipino is capable of becoming a good teacher, just like anybody else. However, let's accept the fact that there are also those Filipino teachers who are crappy, just like anybody else. Having said that, let's be more objective and resist the urge to hit the author of the article simply because he pointed out something that hurts, albeit true.

2) I am not an English teacher and I do not wish to become one. Why? Because I myself know that I will not be able to teach it competently. That is not to say that no Filipino can teach English properly. But then, I have read articles written by Filipino English teachers whose grammar is just sad and I also have heard them speak English really badly (and I am not talking about the accent because I also have a thick accent although people have told me that my accent is barely noticeable, probably because I have been in North America for 15 years and maybe, just maybe, I have improved my speaking quite a bit?). All I am saying is that especially for those who aspire to receive higher salaries (presumably from private schools preferred by the wealthy), if you cannot speak the language really well, i.e. you stammer, you mispronounce, you misuse the grammar, you should not be surprised if schools would not take you in simply because the parents who pay the tuition would normally expect better. Sit back for a second and picture this: You are a parent of a student and you pay a substantial amount for tuition. Would you not want your child to be taught properly. Do not let your emotions get the better of you. Try not to be overly-sensitive ( a common trait among us Filipinos, is it not?).

3) I agree that if teachers would accept low wages, it would drive down the pay scale. I would not be surprised if Filipino teachers are guilty of this. However, please bear in mind that having a low wage is better than having no wage, get it? You see, the Filipino OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) is, oftentimes, the sole breadwinner. When the OFW goes abroad, there is no other source of income but bills continue to come in. The OFW, for the most part, does not have the luxury of time to wait for a better offer because any time soon, a call from the family back home would put enormous stress on the OFW to send money quickly. As such, I wish that you would be more mindful of the reason why they accept low wages.

I am just sharing my view, as a Filipino myself. Thanks everyone and mabuhay ang gurong Pilipino!

By Pinoy teacher, Canadian West Coast (20th March 2019)

What you wrote is pure hypocrisy! Pretending to be nice yet venomous! Such an essay only showed your arrogance as a native speaker. I have read an article about a State in the USA recruiting experienced and qualified teachers from the Phillipines ,to fill their shortages due to no applicants or not qualified ........ "not because you are born and raised here does not mean you are qualified!"A comment made by one of the administrators
Your experience towards Filipino teachers and Thais maybe true but the delivery of your thoughts did not exemplify you as the best English teacher either.

By xiara, USA (5th July 2018)

Hi sir from Australia, I'm currently teaching here in Thailand. I would like to comment to your article, please forgive me if I have some grammatical errors all through out my comment, you know I am not a native English speaker like you.

But I want to say this to you straight and with convection, YOUR A PLASTIC BULLSHIT! We don't need your fake sympathy, we Filipino teachers are hardworking because we were trained to be, we are not into money as long as the students will learn. Maybe we are offered with compensation not as high as you were but that is not consider as Racism, Thais never treated as cruelly, they are good to us. If there is someone who's racist here it is YOU. Please don't use Racism issues just to hide your insecure white ass. Good day!
And by the way not to be boastful, we Filipinos are very meticulous when it comes to correct grammar usage, so Yes sometimes we are much better than Native English speakers not because we were born with the language but we work hard to learn the language itself. Again sorry for my grammar I hope you will understand.

By English Teacher, Filipino, Thailand (8th May 2018)

Absolutely right. The same issue here in Vietnam. I was a teacher in Thailand for two years. I'm off to Japan next year.

By Aji, Vietnam (6th May 2018)

“Due to this fact many teachers fill a gap in the market, catering to students who's families can't afford to pay around 500 baht per hour for after school tuition.”

I know you mean well but no offense... For a teacher who has been teaching for more than 20 years, I think you should know the difference between the usage of “whose” and “who’s”. Again, no offense, but maybe, just maybe, when you think a teacher is making a grammatical error, the teacher is actually correct and you’re the one who’s wrong?

Anyway, good article, by the way. Honest but true! My countrymen can be prideful but they’re also reasonable:)

By Bel, Philippines (6th May 2018)

I don't know why someone would be offended if they are confronted and/or corrected. If I were that person, I would be very grateful to know something to improve myself. :)

By R, Philippines (12th November 2017)

I don’t think you fully understand the term racism and I don’t know why you hash tagged it to your writing. Filipinos and Thai’s are of the same race which is Asian but are two different ethnic groups. Think racism is not the right word you should be using especially when your only basis of this was different pay and wanting you wear a “uniform” similar to Thai teachers and claim the school wanted to pass you off as Thai not Filipino. But racism is more sinister act then that and by you promoting that idea to people online you’re furthering a wedge between the two countries and people. Which is not only going to create actual unwanted hate, you may also be wrong on your observation and it has nothing to do with you being Filipino just bad staffing/management of that school. I’m mixed Thai and my husband is Filipino obviously if these feelings of racism were true we wouldn’t be married and my mom would have never approved. So please don’t generalize Thailand or Thai people as anti-Filipino because it’s far from true. Also, Thailand does not hate Black people there is a mixed Thai singer that’s half Black named Mike Pironporn who has been famous for years and loved by Thailand.

By Kalena, Bangkok, Thailand (6th November 2017)

I would probably agree with most of what you said. Another point is, most Filipinos accept mediocrity and I am not exempted from that. The reason for the low salary is not just about crappy grammar or teaching skills or even nationality. It has something to do with a culture that we were born to accept...we accept low wages...ha ha ha ha ...sometimes if you know you are good then accept anything but if you know your potential then time to move up..15,000 baht is not even a decent wage..I can earn more than that in my own country....less the stress and discrimination..Anyways, I like your objective point of view...I agree with the hypersensitivity too...LOL

By Flo, Philippines (31st May 2017)

Ajarn X is apparently exploding from being so displeased of why Filipinos are paid and treated almost same way as him. Its plain as a pikestaff that you wanted to whine about this but instead of a rant, had nicely pile up flowery words so not to 'offend' (now, how sweet) the Filipino readers.

Nice try though.

P.S. I won't be anonymous if I'd only want to praise a particular race.

By Marzha, Philippines (2nd January 2015)

We can variety Filipino as good worker, flexible, reliable, professionals, and English speaking. Professionals - we truly excel in such as nurses, doctors, accountant, engineers etc. the standard of education in these areas are world class. English speaking - Philippines education policy clearly state that every Filipino should speak Filipino and English perfectly. Filipino is a global citizen-ready to play a greater role in the world.

By DIANE, Taguig City (19th June 2013)

Good Day  I myself as Filipino strongly believe that our race, history, custom and traditions, and cultures are powerful and unique. It is natural for our nation to suffer such those things (racism, political issues, etc.) because we are indeed of progress and goals for the betterment of the society as well as the Filipino people.

By Ana Marie C. Umali, Philippines (19th June 2013)

Its disheartening to read articles such as discrimination. People discriminating filipinos, for what? Because we think of our families back home, than ourselves more? We are willing to work our way up start from the bottom. That is called humility. Regardless of the salary. What we think most is to be able to start and give to our families at home. Is that too bad? People are abusive. In the Philippines, we are nice to foreigners, but this because we are not aware of this happening outside our bounderies. Regardless of race. We treat all the same. Being poor is not an excuse to belittle anyone.

By Ann of Manila, PH, Baguio City (8th June 2013)

I didn't get your point ajarn x. You have contrasting ideas. Next time, write after you have sipped your cup of tea. It seems your brain cells are still asleep.

By Regin, (4th February 2013)

To whom it may concern..

First of all, I would like to say that I am not a native speaker, not an english teacher, and I have no attitudes at all toward any group of foreigners teaching english in Thailand. As I would say, my english is as bad as a 4 years old so please be fair here and please dont bother yourself trying to correct my grammartical error because you will find yourself busy with this thing here for days..^^

As you said in your essay that you are a straight shooter, i would take it as an advantage to talk straight here too. I think your article is a very clear and concise one. I can imagine what you've been through and all. It seems like you feel sorry for those filipino teachers around you, still I found some of your statement itself showing certain degree of racism and discrimination towards "the object" you've been privately "observed" by walkin pass their classrooms while they were teaching.

Forgive me if I'm wrong, but after I've been reading through the essay I feel like you wrote this story with certain level of racism and attitude yourself. This is not what it called a straight-shooter though in my opinion. Take this for example, when you were talking about how the Thais were treated filipino teachers so badly, how the Thais were trying to put some pressures on those filipinos and all,etc., I know you were trying to stating the fact (accoring to you) but you have also need to be fair with these Thais and these schools you were talking about. I think this has a lot to do with cultural elements in your background and Thai background. It seems like you prefer to do it your way, in your opinion, according to you..just like the way you wrote this article..the world according to you indeed. But if you wanna try to be fair, these schools are doing their business as well as trying to teach these kids english. Filipinos or Native speakers will not be the core elements of this issues at all if what it matters the most is not because of the fact that you are ONE of the english teacher yourself (and I can tell from your writing that you also have certain level of attitudes toward your own colleagues too). I know that you only want to be fair, you want to make it all fair for any foreigners teaching english in Thailand, but have you every try a second read to your article? did you realize that it made up of all kinds of racism towards the soil you're working at and toward your own work mates?? If you do understand even a little things about culture, you would omit that all in your essay. This is a platform to discuss such topics I know, you want to tell the outside world and ask theire opinions I know, you only want to make it right as a teach I understand, but what about the school you're or have been working with..did you realize that they have to pay much for english teachers like yourself? are you trying to blame them because they pay the filipino less and pay you more? Business is business, it is also the way you change to place to place when the salary is higher.

I think your essay is out of unity. One minute you were talking like you are so sorry for the filipino while the next you were saying and blaming them how bad their english were and that you would not want them to lay their hands on your students ever after again. I feel like you're confusing yourself. there are parts where some comments you've made sound contrasting to the earlier comments or the very next comments that actually follow.

If you want to write as a professional English teacher with moral then plese write while you are wide awake and beware of your attitudes. I know this is not an academic writing forum, but dont under estimate your audiences, how do they suppose to know about Thailand from your writing or your context? It does matter if those who read the article doesnt know Thailand at all or does not even know where it is in the world atlas as those people will get to learn about the Thais by your writing and all of the pictures you were trying to portray by your story is not exactly true. Next time please try to write without attitudes. Professional writers only write base on the fact, and like I said I am not an english teacher, my english is crap (if I could borrow your word), so I hope you dont mind having an english inproficiency person to comment on your highly grammatical correct essay.

Thank you for your attention..

By Anonymous, Bangkok, Thailand (13th December 2010)

I have experienced the same thing in Korea. There is just too much discrimination against Filipino teachers here. When I was looking for a job, I have experienced being rejected many times just because I'm FILIPINO, and (according to them) it is ILLEGAL for a FILIPINO TEACHER to teach in Korea, which is not at all true. Nowadays, FILIPINO F21 VISA HOLDERS can teach English LEGALLY in Korea. My husband and I asked the Korean Immigration Office about this, and an official said that as long as you're holding an F21 VISA (visa given to a Korean spouse), you can work LEGALLY anywhere in Korea. I guess most hagwons just don't want to hire Filipino teachers because of that common misconception about Filipino English accent... but there are so many of us Filipino teachers here who can speak English LIKE A NATIVE SPEAKER and who are more experienced and dedicated educators. It makes me wonder sometimes, is it really just the accent that bothers hagwon wonjangnims (directors) or there is more prejudice against Filipinos? In most of the phone interviews I've had, the employers sounded interested to hire me at first, and would even ask me to come to the hagwon for a face-to-face interview... until they ask me that "dreadful" question, "Where are you from?". When they find out I am from the Philippines, they would make up excuses like, "I will call you back." or "We don't hire Filipino teachers." There was even a time, the employer just hang up the phone the moment he heard, "I'm from the Philippines." (as if being a Filipino is a disease) One woman even told me, "Sorry, you cannot teach in Korea because you are not a native speaker, but if I know somebody who needs a FILIPINO HELPER, I will let you know." (I felt so humiliated thinking, "Are we Filipinos perceived only as house helpers or factory workers?")

In the first hagwon where I worked as a regular teacher, I was asked by my wonjangnim to pretend I was a Kyopo (a Korean born and raised in an English-speaking country), because she was afraid that if parents find out I'm a Filipino, they would bombard the hagwon with complaints. I don't look like a Filipina, and my features are more similar to a Korean; I don't sound Filipino when I speak English, and my accent sounds more like an American... so it was easy to make the students, co-teachers (other than my wonjangnim and supervisor), and parents (of the students) believe I was a Kyopo... but my heart was screaming, and everyday I was asking myself why I had to feign my identity like that. I couldn't take it anymore. Later, I decided to quit. My wonjangnim didn't want to let me go, and was offering me two jobs, but my PRIDE as a Filipino was more valuable than the salary I could get.

Now I'm looking for another teaching job, and it's the same struggle everyday.

It's unfair, not just to me but to fellow Filipino teachers who have so much to offer and yet never get the chance because of that one thing... we are FILIPINOS.

TOTAL DISCRIMINATION...

By Chris, South Korea (12th November 2010)

I've just started becoming aware of racism towards Filipinos here in Thailand. As an Asian adopted to parents in Australia and living my entire life there I'm not a stranger to racism but ignorantly I'd always grown up thinking that racism was isolated to "western white" countries. It wasn't until I came to Asia that I began to hear about racism within Asia.

My initial reaction was that this was the most ridiculous thing that I'd heard. Growing up in Australia most racism was just directed towards anyone that wasn't white. All Asians were lumped into one category and I'd developed a solidarity with other ethnic friends I had no matter where they came from just because we'd all suffered the same mad prejudice.

The funniest irony for me is that if Thais, Filipinos, Chinese, Vietnamese, Burmese or any other Asians had experienced racism where I did while growing up there would have certainly been no differentiation between their races towards the bullies. It would have been equal opportunity bullying!

One positive that came out of growing up with racism is that I'm unable to be racist towards other people. I know what it feels like to be judged not on my merits or who I truly am but instead on some perceived fantasy of who I am.

Racism is caused by ignorance first and foremost. When people gain the opportunity to understand another person through enough connection they will often come to see that this person is just like them. In my turbulent teenage years I've had people who were neo nazis come to connect with my enough that they dropped the madness and became good friends.

There is still racism in Australia now and perhaps there always will be but I believe that as a whole the society is becoming a lot more integrated as it becomes a more multi-cultural place. Perhaps this is the solution for Thailand too. I believe it needs to start with laws against discrimination. When the government allows discrimination in any form it is permission and endorsement to the people that this is the right way to go. If the government reflects the wisdom and insight to recognize that all people within Thailand are due equal rights the people will first follow then gradually begin to see why they follow. Through this real understanding will eventually come. I believe this to be the best solution to racism.

By Jack, Thailand (19th October 2010)

Hi there! As a teacher I think there should be a standard for teachers to deal with a school. For example; minimum salary, rate per hour, and hours of teaching per week. I am sorry to say that there are many teachers from the Philippines who lower the standard that we should have by accepting lower pay and work more hours. What is good about it? I know that the majority of teachers from the Philippines have quite good education, some have higher education than a lot of native English speakers. But why lower yourself when you know you are qualified. Come on set the standard for the sake of others and stop being desperate.

By A foreign teacher, China (3rd June 2010)

Simple and clear: Where's the vision, mission, and goal of the school if these discriminating circumstances are taking place? Why seek your bread to these types of school? A true noble teacher should not allow any form of bigotry to break down his conviction. What a shame on the administrators!

By Donald Tygart, Australia (28th May 2010)

I'm a falang in a private/government school. This school has recently decided to replace all the Philiphinos in the English Program with falangs. They are all qualified and experienced and there haven't been any issues with them. I am absolutely outraged by this

Apparently, the parents are calling the shots here and I realise competition between schools in the region is tough which has obviously made them more inclined to lower their moral standing for the sake of the school's survival.

It's something I find very hard to deal with, as a human being and a teacher. The role of the teacher is to set a good example and racial favouritism or whatever you want to call it, is just plain wrong. It's a poisonous message they're sending to the students.

I feel that I am part of it. It looks like I support it if I stay but I'm pretty much stuck. Jobs are scarce in the area at the moment. I'm thinking online teaching but worried about getting strapped if it doesn't work. I want them to know how I feel about it but I risk being singled out if I share my opinion mainly because I don't see eye to eye with the other falang in the EP regarding this. I've made my feelings known to my colleagues who have received their termination letters but is that good enough.

I'm a teacher. I don't just teach the subject. My job is to promote good morals. It's hard for me to decide whether or not to make my opinion known, especially since the Philipinos have not protested or even questioned the decision. Do I hold my ground and keep my opinion to myself and try to rectify the example the school is setting by staying and giving some lessons on racial tolerance?...or do I quit in protest in an attempt to make a difference? Would it make a difference one way or the other? Is it my place? Should I stay out of it?

Has anyone had similar experiences? Are people afraid to speak about this?

By Falang, Thailand (15th March 2010)

I really have to decide on whether I should take the TEFL class in Phuket Thailand or not. I thought that If ever I took it, it would be good to practice teaching in Thailand. I'm not sure though if this is a wise career move. Right now, I'm a freelance translator and would very much welcome a change of pace. Thanks for any thoughts on this.

By Josefina, Philippines (7th February 2010)