Q1. Where did you move to and when?

I moved to China about 4 years ago.

Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?

About 2 and half years or so.

Q3. What was your main reason for moving?

Much better opportunities in other Asian countries.

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

Three times more money, no BS involved with getting visas, work permits, not having to check in with immigration every 3 months. Also, better facilities, good students, full medical/accident insurance provided free of charge, a free apartment and the list goes on and on and on...

Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?

The weather, cheap golf, cheap food and the friendly people.

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

I would advise any new teacher to avoid Thailand. These days almost every other country in Asia offers a much higher salary, advancement opportunities and a more or less hassle-free visa. Thailand seems to be going backward in terms of recruiting foreign teachers. From what I gather, the salaries haven't really increased at all in the past 10 years or more but the cost of living certainly has. Plus many school directors are very corrupt, they get a budget to hire foreign teachers and rarely pay them the amount given to them by the government(ministry of education) and pocket the rest for themselves instead. It's like their own personal retirement fund. It's so common that almost every school is doing the same and it's the students who usually get a raw deal in the end. Same reason why so many schools now hire Filipinos, they still get their budget and pay them even less than a western teacher.

Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?

Only to retire. My wife is Thai and she was also a government school teacher but she gave that up long ago and started two businesses. Most Thai teachers only do it for the benefits such as a pension, health care, interest free car loans and very low interest mortgages, long holidays, etc. and nothing more.

Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?

Thailand is a wonderful country to visit and explore but working there is a completely different story. My advice would be to work in either China, Singapore, Korea or the UAE and save up a ton of money. Then return to Thailand and retire. Working as a teacher in Thailand long-term will never afford you a comfortable retirement there, or anywhere else in the world.