Scott
Q1. Where did you move to and when?
I moved back to Canada in February, 2020.
Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?
I worked in Chiang Mai for a year.
Q3. What was your main reason for moving?
I think the biggest factor was that I missed home. Canada isn’t perfect, but I’m learning to see just how fortunate I am to live here. There is a limit to how far you can go in Thailand. Aside from teaching, there aren’t many industries accessible for non-Thais.
Another reason was the salary, which averaged between 25,000-30,000 baht a month. That would have been a lot of money ten or fifteen years ago but costs in Thailand have steadily increased since then. Turns out I left just in time because all hell broke loose when the coronavirus turned the world upside down.
Q4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
The pros definitely outweigh the cons. In Thailand, foreigners with a teaching job have to report to immigration every three months and the work permit ties them to one employer. Since I’m working in my own country I can do what I love. I’m pursuing photography and other artistic endeavours.
Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
Not very much to be honest. I think many foreigners working in Thailand would agree that their status is rarely on solid ground. Government regulations can change overnight and you never know what’s going to happen.
Q6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
Thailand has a lot going for it: delicious food, lower prices and sites of historical interest. However, the paperwork and visa fees are substantial. If you’re aiming for the higher paying positions (between 60,000-80,000 baht a month), they’re not as plentiful as you might think, and you should expect tough competition.
Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
I would like to when the mandatory quarantine has been lifted. I’m not travelling all the way over there just to sit in a hotel for two weeks.
Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?
Nope!
