If you think school lunch means soggy sandwiches and mystery meat, Thailand can blow your tastebuds away. At my school, lunch is a proper cooked meal - rice with a rotating line-up of soups, stir-fries, and curries that range from "mmm, not bad" to "someone get me a fire extinguisher." One minute you're enjoying mild massaman curry, and the next you're sweating through a deceptively innocent-looking green curry that could strip paint. And yet, it’s all part of the charm. Whether you're scoffing fried chicken with sticky rice alongside your students or sneaking second helpings of khao pad with a runny fried egg, Thai school lunches are a daily adventure. Sure, you might keep some emergency snacks in your desk drawer (we all do), but more often than not, the school canteen serves up something far better than expected. Spicy? Sometimes. Awesome? Way more often than you'd think.

Annette

Not too long ago, if you were under 50 and wanted to teach English in Thailand, you had a decent shot at finding a job. These days, though, a growing number of schools are setting the cut-off at 45. It’s left a lot of experienced teachers scratching their heads and wondering - what’s going on?

One big reason is that many Thai schools see younger teachers as having more energy, being more adaptable, and handling big, lively classrooms better. Fair or not, there’s a belief that younger teachers connect with students more easily and can keep up with the demands of the job. Sure, experience counts for a lot, but in many cases, schools seem to prefer a fresh face over a seasoned pro.

Then there’s the visa and work permit issue. To get a work permit in Thailand, you need to pass a health check, and some schools worry that older teachers might run into medical issues. Whether that’s a fair concern or not, some employers don’t want to deal with the potential hassle. Plus, with Thailand’s mandatory retirement age for government jobs set at 60, some schools hesitate to hire older teachers if they think they won’t be able to stay long-term.

The competition in the job market has also ramped up. There’s a steady supply of younger teachers willing to work for lower salaries—especially from countries like the Philippines—so schools have more choices. Many employers also believe students (and their parents) expect their teachers to be young, energetic, and ‘relatable,’ which unfortunately leaves older teachers at a disadvantage.

Money is another factor. More experienced teachers often expect higher salaries, while many Thai schools, especially government schools and budget-conscious language centers, prefer to hire teachers who will work for less. So if a school has to choose between a 45-year-old expecting a decent paycheck and a 30-year-old willing to take whatever’s on offer, the decision is often an easy one. Appearance also plays a role. Like it or not, hiring decisions in Thailand (and many other countries) are sometimes influenced by aesthetics. Some schools want their teachers to project a certain youthful, modern image, and that preference can make it tougher for older teachers to land jobs.

The rise of online learning has also changed the landscape. More students are taking lessons online, and schools are looking for teachers who are tech-savvy and comfortable with digital teaching methods. This shift has reinforced the idea that younger teachers are more adaptable, even though many experienced educators are just as capable of handling online learning.

That said, it’s not all bad news. Older teachers still have options. International schools, universities, and well-established private schools tend to focus more on qualifications than age. Networking, strong credentials, and showing adaptability can go a long way. And if full-time school jobs become harder to find, online teaching and private tutoring are good alternatives for those who want to stay in Thailand long-term. At the end of the day, these increasing age restrictions are frustrating, but they reflect changing priorities in the job market. The key to staying ahead is understanding the trends, being flexible, and finding ways to work around the obstacles. For those willing to adapt, there are still plenty of opportunities out there.

Robert

(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

For years, I’ve dedicated myself to teaching English well. I studied, trained, and honed my skills to ensure my students get the best education possible. Yet, as I search for a teaching position in Thailand, I find myself competing with an influx of so-called 'teachers - unqualified digital nomads who view teaching as nothing more than a convenient way to finance their travels. It’s frustrating to see schools prioritize a foreign face over actual teaching ability. Some institutions are more than happy to hire backpackers with no qualifications, no experience, and no commitment to the profession, just because they’re native speakers who can string a few sentences together. Meanwhile, teachers like me - those who have spent years gaining the right qualifications - are often overlooked or expected to accept the same wages as those who treat teaching like a temporary gig.

The impact on students is undeniable. These digital nomads often lack classroom management skills, lesson planning abilities, and even basic knowledge of English grammar. They breeze through contracts, staying just long enough to fund their next beach holiday before disappearing, leaving students without continuity or real progress. Meanwhile, professional teachers, who genuinely want to help their students develop, are left feeling undervalued. Of course, I understand that some schools are operating on tight budgets, but when education becomes secondary to cost-cutting, everyone suffers, especially the students. Language learning is not just about exposure to a native speaker; it requires structured lessons, clear methodology, and a teacher who understands how to engage and inspire learners.

It’s time for Thailand’s schools to take teaching seriously. Qualifications should matter more than an accent. Experience should outweigh convenience. If the country wants to improve its English proficiency rankings, it needs to start valuing real educators over transient travelers. Until that happens, the frustration of qualified teachers like myself will only continue to grow. To fellow educators who are committed to this profession: stay strong. We teach because we care, and despite the challenges, our students deserve the best we can give them.

Pascal

Starting as a foreign English teacher in Thailand can be both exciting but dealing with school admin staff can be a challenge if you don’t approach it the right way. The key? Be patient, be polite, and never underestimate the power of a smile. At first, you might find the paperwork frustrating or the processes confusing. You’ll wonder why getting a simple document signed takes three different offices and a week of waiting. But here’s the thing - arguing won’t get you anywhere. If you make the admin staff your allies instead of your enemies, your life will be much easier.

A friendly attitude goes a long way. A simple "Sawasdee krub/ka" when you enter the office, paired with a genuine smile, can set a positive tone. Thai workplaces place a strong emphasis on respect and hierarchy, so even small gestures of politeness can make a big difference. Bringing small gifts, such as snacks or coffee, is also a great way to build goodwill. It’s not about bribery—it’s about fostering relationships. Thai culture values the idea of giving, and a thoughtful gesture can make admin staff more inclined to help you when you need it.

Learning a little Thai can also work wonders. Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, showing effort and respect for the local language helps you connect with staff on a personal level. A simple "khop khun krub/ka" (thank you) can make interactions much smoother. Above all, patience is key. Thai bureaucracy can feel slow and inefficient at times, but getting frustrated will only work against you. If you stay calm, polite, and appreciative, you’ll find that the admin staff will be far more willing to assist you.

These are the people who can make your teaching experience stress-free or full of unnecessary headaches. Treat them well, and they’ll return the favor. Before long, you’ll have a network of allies who will help you navigate the system like a pro.

Steve

For years, black teachers faced significant barriers when applying for TEFL jobs in Thailand. Schools often prioritized white, native-speaking teachers due to the stereotype about how an English teacher "should" look. However, times are changing, and opportunities for black teachers seem to be improving. One reason for this shift is the growing awareness of diversity. Schools and recruiters are becoming more conscious of the importance of hiring based on qualifications rather than appearance. Social media and advocacy efforts have played a role in challenging old biases, making it harder for schools to justify discriminatory hiring practices.

The increasing demand for English teachers has also contributed to greater opportunities. As more Thai schools seek to improve their English programs, the need for qualified teachers has led to a more open-minded approach in hiring. In many cases, experience and teaching ability are perhaps now given more weight than nationality or skin color. Another factor is the changing attitude of Thai parents and schools. Exposure to diverse English speakers through travel, online content, and international business has hopefully helped reshape perceptions. More Thai people now understand that English is a global language spoken by people of all backgrounds, making them less likely to insist on a teacher who fits a traditional Western image.

Additionally, there has been a shift in how schools view non-native English speakers. In the past, many institutions only hired teachers from countries like the U.S., the UK, Canada, and Australia. Now, schools are more willing to employ teachers from African nations where English is widely spoken. This has opened up opportunities for black teachers who may have previously been overlooked. Although challenges still exist, the situation is probably improving. Black teachers in Thailand today have a better chance of securing work than in the past. Persistence, choosing the right schools, and demonstrating strong teaching skills remain key to success in the TEFL job market.

Lee

I came to Bangkok full of excitement, ready to teach English and embrace the energy of the city. And for a while, I did. The chaos, the nightlife, the endless street food - it all had its charm. But there’s one thing I can’t take anymore: the pollution. Every morning, I wake up, check the AQI, and sigh. Another day of thick, hazy air, another day of masking up just to walk to work. It’s exhausting, and it’s time for a change. I need fresh air, blue skies, and a place where I can breathe freely. The only question is where?

Chiang Mai is an obvious choice, but the burning season makes it just as bad as Bangkok at certain times of the year. Hua Hin? It’s got the sea breeze, but does it have enough to keep life interesting? What about Chiang Rai? Quieter, cleaner, and cheaper, but will I miss the buzz of city life? There’s also the islands—Koh Samui, Phuket, or even Koh Lanta. The idea of living by the beach, with fresh ocean air and a slower pace of life, is tempting. But how easy is it to find a decent teaching job there? And what about infrastructure? I need reliable internet, good healthcare, and a community of fellow teachers or expats.

Another option is Isaan - places like Udon Thani or Khon Kaen. They’re far from the pollution of Bangkok, offer a lower cost of living, and have a more authentic Thai culture. But will I feel too isolated? Will I miss the convenience of city life? I know Thailand has plenty of beautiful, livable places, but picking the right one is the challenge. Do I prioritize clean air, job opportunities, or lifestyle? Any suggestions?

Tony

Five years is a long time in any job market, but in the world of TEFL in Thailand, it feels like an eternity. Returning to the job-hunting scene after half a decade away, I expected some changes, but I wasn’t prepared for just how different the landscape has become. Back in the day, being a native English speaker (NES) was the golden ticket. Schools and recruiters made it clear that they preferred applicants from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and South Africa. While non-native English speakers (Non-NES) did get hired, they usually needed to prove their fluency through exams like IELTS or TOEIC and often found themselves at a disadvantage when competing against native speakers.

Fast forward to today and the shift is undeniable. Recruitment agencies that once placed NES teachers at the top of their priority lists now seem far more open, some might even say eager, to hire non-native English speakers, particularly Europeans. In my job search, I’ve seen job ads specifically stating, “European applicants preferred,” and encountered recruiters who outright said that schools are favoring European teachers over native English speakers. The reasons? Maybe it’s a mix of economics and changing attitudes. European teachers often accept lower salaries than their NES counterparts, and many schools view them as highly competent educators who bring strong grammar knowledge and teaching qualifications to the table. There’s also the visa issue. I believe some European candidates can secure work permits more easily due to agreements between Thailand and their home countries.

The TEFL job market in Thailand is evolving, and while native English speakers are still in demand, they no longer have the automatic advantage they once did. It’s a stark reminder that the industry isn’t static, and those of us returning to the scene need to adjust our expectations and our strategies if we want to stay competitive. For NES teachers looking to land a job in Thailand today, it’s more important than ever to highlight qualifications, experience, and teaching ability rather than just relying on nationality. The game has changed, and if we want to keep playing, we have to adapt.

Stephen

Teaching English to teenagers in Thailand is hands down one of the toughest gigs out there. I’ve been in classrooms where I’ve felt like a stand-up comedian dying on stage - blank stares, heads down, zero reaction. The biggest hurdle? Most of them just don’t care. English is just another subject they’re forced to take, and for a lot of them, there’s no real motivation to learn it. If they don’t see themselves needing it in their daily lives or future jobs, then why bother? You can try explaining how useful English is, but good luck convincing a 15-year-old who just wants to scroll through TikTok.

Then there’s the fear of making mistakes. Thai culture places a huge emphasis on saving face, and teenagers are especially self-conscious. The idea of speaking in front of their classmates and getting something wrong? Absolute nightmare. Even the kids who do understand some English will stay silent rather than risk embarrassment. You ask a question, wait a few seconds, and then... nothing. They’d rather let the awkward silence drag on than take a chance.

Getting their attention is another battle. Phones, social media, gaming—these are their real priorities, and an English lesson has to compete with that. If the lesson isn’t engaging, forget about it. But here’s the tricky part: activities that work with younger kids (like silly games or songs) often feel too childish for teenagers, and traditional textbook lessons bore them to death. It’s a constant balancing act between keeping things interesting and not making them roll their eyes.

The classroom dynamic doesn’t help either. Many Thai teens don’t want to stand out, so even if someone actually enjoys English, they’ll downplay it to avoid looking like the "nerdy" kid. Peer pressure is real, and participation is often seen as uncool. In mixed-ability classes, the weaker students zone out because they’re lost, while the stronger ones get bored because they’re not being challenged. It’s no wonder that half the time, they’re either chatting, doodling, or straight-up sleeping.

Michael

As a foreign English teacher in Bangkok, I’ve always prided myself on adapting to challenges. But now it feels like we’ve taken a giant step back to 2020. Schools across the city are closing their doors not because of COVID-19, but because of hazardous air pollution. Once again, students are going to be logging in from their homes, and I’ll be staring at a grid of muted microphones and blank profile pictures. Don’t get me wrong, teaching online has its perks. No sweaty commutes on the BTS, and I can sneak a coffee refill between classes. But the novelty wore off long ago. There’s a certain energy in a classroom — the buzz of students chatting in English, the spark when someone finally nails a tricky grammar point - that’s impossible to replicate through a screen.

The pollution itself is infuriating. How did we get to a point where the air is so bad that schools have to shut down? It’s a stark reminder of how environmental issues are impacting daily life here. The irony? I’d love to take a walk after a long day of screen time, but even stepping outside feels like a health risk. I feel for my students, too. Online learning is no substitute for the real thing. Some of them are clearly struggling to stay motivated, and honestly, who can blame them? It’s hard enough to focus on phrasal verbs when the world outside your window is shrouded in a toxic haze.

For now, I’ll do what I can - plan engaging lessons, keep my energy up, and hope the pollution levels drop soon. But I can’t help wishing for the day when we can all breathe a little easier, both literally and figuratively.

Sarah B