Q1. Where did you move to and when?

I returned to my home town of Braintree in Essex, UK last month (October 2021)

Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?

I was there for just under two years, working at a private school in Khorat.

Q3. What was your main reason for moving?

While still in my mid-twenties, I wanted to get back on the career ladder in England probably for fear of growing older in Thailand and not having enough money to take care of myself. Although 50,000 a month was more than enough to live comfortably in Khorat, it didn't allow me to save for the future and it was something that constantly played on my mind. I only came out to Thailand initially to teach for a year anyway but ended up staying two!

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

I haven't started a new job yet but I've had plenty of offers, especially in the real estate and property business, which is where my background lies. I've actually been quite surprised at how many job vacancies there are here. On a personal side, it's nice to be back among family and also friends that I can have a conversation with. I made tons of friends in Thailand but relationships can be very fleeting and superficial there. Plus of course there are the language and cultural barriers.

Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?

I loved living in Khorat. I think it's a wonderful place to live, work and base yourself. I miss zipping around the city on my little motorcycle and going on day trips to the beautiful surrounding countryside whenever I had the time. And of course I miss the students and their parents. Many of the parents were very good to me, often inviting me to their homes for meals and sorting out any minor problems I had.

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

Thailand is wonderful. The teacher salaries are not great but if you can make enough to cover all of your daily needs with a bit left over, you'll have an amazing time. The visa and work permit red tape, etc can be annoying but it all seems to get sorted out in the end.

Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?

Difficult question to answer because I only just got back. If things don't work out for me in the UK, then who knows. It's comforting to know that Thailand is always there if I need it.

Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?

Come to Thailand with an open mind and just go with the flow. It's a terrific place to live if you don't let all the small niggles get on top of you.