Q1. Where did you move to and when?

I moved to Sri Lanka in early 2011

Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?

8 years

Q3. What was your main reason for moving?

I had simply had enough. I ended up working in Bangkok and realised that I was actually getting sucked into the rat race, Thailand had lost some of its charm and a lot of friends had moved on. It was time to make a change.

Q4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?

I got a two-year working visa and no questions asked when I arrived, no tax, ten weeks paid holiday, excellent training and professional development. My salary is about 80,000 baht a month. Living costs are much lower than Bangkok. And Sri Lanka does what it says on the tin when it comes to contracts, laws and all those grey areas you have to navigate in Thailand.

Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?

Most things really, just not the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, I miss speaking the language, the culture, the people and though I never thought I would say this - the 'mai pen rai' attitude. I still regard Thailand as home.

Q6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?

If you are young and starting out, then Thailand is great, I dont regret any of my time there and I moved up from 'enterteaching' to academic management which gave me the skills to do the current job that I have. In Thailand one thing you can say is that you will get a job and learn as you teach - which is a godsend in this economic climate. If you want to really save some money and work at a professional place then Sri Lanka is better than Thailand. The general level of English is very high and the kids here are immaculately behaved. All that and Thailand is just three hours and a cheap flight away.

Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?

Thailand is not far away. I can leave my house and be in Bangkok for a late lunch. Perfect!

Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?

Yes, most jobs I see advertised in Thailand are in the 30,000 baht a month bracket. That's an awful salary if you are going to live in Bangkok. It seems that Thailand is going to continue to make a mess of its native speaker recruitment for years to come judging from all I hear on this site. Well, mai pen rai eh!