Reading a past ajarn Postbox letter, I was curious to know how the teacher proceeded to take legal actions against his school who were breaching his contract. I'm in a very similar case at the moment and would appreciate any advice. The international school that I work for employed me on a 23-month contract but they want to terminate it after my first school year for very vague reasons. They have asked me to pay them back a lot of money (airfare and accommodation allowances provided) to change my two-year contract to a one-year contract.

Because it isn't my decision, I find it unfair to be that penalized. I came all the way here with the intention of staying for two years and I have now got several commitments here that are hard to get out of. I read on the Thai embassy website that what the school are doing is called "resignation under compulsion" and is considered as an unlawful resignation in Thailand. I tried calling the Ministry of Education but unfortunately nobody can speak English so I can't get help from them. Please I'm seeking advice here about a very stressful situation which I am hoping to resolve very soon. We are just about to start the last term of the school year and I want to finish this experience on a positive note.

Isabella