(In response to Pascal, "Why must qualified teachers suffer?' - Postbox, 14th March 2025)

Dear Pascal, it sounds like you're new to teaching in Thailand and hold some professional qualifications. Unfortunately, the teaching industry here has always been dysfunctional, and it hasn’t improved over the years. I arrived 11 years ago without any teaching credentials, but I worked hard to gain a BA in TESOL, a master’s in education, and a CELTA. Despite my efforts, the issues remain the same: unqualified teachers filling classrooms and salaries stagnating.

When I started teaching, a 40,000 baht job was considered fairly poor, but it had significantly greater purchasing power than today. Shockingly, many schools still pay the same - or less -than they did two decades ago. High-paying jobs for qualified teachers that once offered 120,000 baht now advertise for 60 - 80,000. If I were to accept a job of 60-70,000 a month, I doubt I'd be any better off than I was 11 years ago when I had little to offer.

This salary stagnation, combined with a toxic workplace culture that includes xenophobia and hostility toward foreign teachers, drives experienced professionals away. Glassdoor reviews of such schools tell you all you need to know. Moreover, the new requirement for a Thai teaching license further complicates matters. While it may seem like a step forward, it burdens teachers with extra expenses (20,000 baht) and pushes experienced educators to leave, fueling a revolving door of inexperienced replacements who are able to avoid such due to waivers.

Those with international experience, now working in places like the Middle East or China, refuse to return to Thailand, knowing their qualifications and experience won’t be fairly compensated. Age discrimination is also rampant, with schools favoring younger, image-conscious hires. The corruption within the system only compounds such issues. Schools prioritise appearances over infrastructure, and transient backpackers often turn a blind eye to dysfunction or corruption. Sadly, this dysfunction isn’t exclusive to Thailand. I’ve worked in the UK as well, and the problems there - stagnant salaries and worsening inflation - are perhaps worse.

After years in this industry, I’m contemplating retraining and pursuing an IT career. Teaching, especially in Asia, feels like a dead-end unless you’re willing to work in undesirable or even dangerous conditions. It’s disheartening, as I love teaching, but the state of the profession makes it difficult to remain optimistic. If you’re young, I’d urge you to consider your long-term future in this profession.

Steve