Dear Phil (“Supply and Demand” – Postbox 31st March) Kudos for recognizing my facetious use of an embellishment.  As my mother used to say, “I’ve told you a million times not to exaggerate.” Of course we all form our opinions based on personal experience. Subsequently, my personal experiences have given me a somewhat different opinion than your own.  It does make me happy to hear that you can recall working as a teacher, and that you enjoyed such a rosy time of it. Like yourself, I can recall the “halcyon period” you refer to. However, I personally know of at least six good language schools that closed up shop in fear of these “nonsensical” rules when they were first implemented. How dare the Thai government expect the guests that they pay to teach their children should actually have to learn something about the culture of the students or, even worse, to pass an “impossible” competency test.

Having spouted my sarcastic rant, I would like to reiterate the main point of my original reply to Ronald. Namely that, supply and demand will always dictate the price of any product including labour. Of course any intelligent debate must have a basis in disagreement, and I do ever so enjoy educated criticism. Although you and I may “disagree completely” as to the reasons Phil, I’m sure you must admit that there are simply more candidates for teaching jobs now than in the past. Not only does the increase in traffic volume that your website has enjoyed attest to this, but yes, “statistics are available” to those willing to research them

Further, because or although we differ in our life experiences, I personally feel that these rules to which we both refer have been greatly relaxed and ignored of present, while you may not. The fact, in my opinion, is that due to the rampant, government sponsored racism that exists in Thailand, practically any unqualified, white farang can get a job teaching English here while many competent and educated teachers of dark skinned races cannot. The tone of the majority of letters posted on your site would seem to bear this out.

I would venture that, as myself, those of us still presently teaching English here in Thailand can think of current examples of this disparity. As well, I would go so far as to suggest that most of us have worked with, or know of, at least one holder of a “Khao San Road diploma” whom presently is teaching English here. This of course adds to that age-old market determiner of supply and demand, and is the point I was attempting to make.

Surely you must agree Phil that it is “always dangerous” for any party to force their opinion on others, but even more so for one in an editorial position. But that’s just my “distorted perspective” and I do concede, and strongly defend, your right to form your own.

Dan

Dear Ronald (‘How did salaries drop so much - Postbox 28th March)
It’s called supply and demand. Six years ago there weren’t half as many so called, “English Teachers”, in Thailand as there are now. Also, schools were running scared of the new regulations that were implemented at that time concerning qualifications. But, as enforcement has relaxed, even the most prestigious schools are willing to overlook and accept a Khao San road diploma. This has opened the door for all of the party tourists to extend their stay in the Kingdom by simply having another beer while their diploma, complete with transcripts, is printed up by a street vendor. Thus resulting in a glut of candidates willing to work for nothing more than a non-immigrant B. And of course the, “Language Centres”, that sell diplomas that aren’t worth the paper they’re printed on, are enjoying a new flood of cheap, smiling, white faces to sell to their client/students.

Phil says - It’s always dangerous to come out with a statement such as ‘six years ago, there weren’t half as many English teachers here as there are now” when you have no statistics to draw on. And there are certainly no statistics available for the number of foreign teachers working in Thailand at any given time. I actually disagree with you completely. I think six years ago was the ‘halcyon period’ for English teachers in Thailand. There was none of this culture course nonsense or the need to pass impossible tests. Literally anyone could get a teaching job. Not many folks would say that it has now become easier for teachers, especially the unqualified, to secure a teaching position. I think you are viewing things from your own rather distorted perspective and ignoring the big picture. 

Ajarnallo

I first came to Thailand nearly 6 years ago. My first job after I got my CELTA started at 39,000 baht. I’ve subsequently held posts paying 35,000, 38,000, 42,500, 38,000 and 40,000 baht (in order of the post). Overall, my average has been nearly 39K.

I went home for six months and have now been back in Thailand for five months. As I look for my new job, I am astonished at how many jobs are paying around 30,000 only. I know the job posting says, “At least 30,000.“ But after I applied and got a response from the few, they informed me that the job starts at 30,000. And so often when I click a job posting to read more about it, that “at least” in the heading turns out to say “around 30,000,“ or “starts at 30-32,000,“ etc.  I interviewed last week with one of these schools hoping it was a typo. The guy offered me a contract at 30,000. When I queried him about it, he actually said, “Yeah, but we give you accident coverage up to 20,000 baht, so if you get hurt, it will make a big difference in your pay.“ What? So I need to suffer an injury to add to my pay? And I’m not talking about just a few postings. It seems nearly all (estimate 85-90%) of the postings I read have 30K listed.

What in the blazes has happened to the salaries? Yes, 30K is a lot by Thai standards. But the level of education in this country is minimal and it is largely a traditional economy with low expectations, so the low-average wage is expected. But 40K is not a particularly high salary for someone with a proper degree, a CELTA, professional experience going back over 15 years, and over five years of teaching experience in Thailand. I didn’t come to Thailand to save money for retirement. I didn’t come expecting to live high on the hog. But I do expect a reasonable wage based on my education and experience.

I guess it’s time to look at Japan, Korea, China, and other places to get some respect. Although I’m not 60, like our friend Kevin in the letter below, perhaps I’ll be joining him as he widens his search for a job that will respect him and his abilities.

Ronald

Sadly, the older you get, the harder it seems to be able to get a job. Its crazy… all those years of experence and life skills just being ignored. How about setting up an education facility, with obvious suitable educational and business support ( a few independant UK schools and universities) have looked at this idea to make use of the skills that many older teachers have.

We all become unemployable at some stage. Myself I have worked freelance now for well over 10 years. Its given me a great income when times are good, but a little more tough when times are hard. I’m considered totally unemployable by many companies, because I have seen life from the other side. I have become a threat to all those who just loaf their way through life. Its a case of maybe I will ask to many difficult questions, or know too many answers. I’m not a brain washed product of a company HR or PR society.  I can think for myself and actually make improvements….Oh that’s dangerous… Bangkok dangerous even!

For Kevin…. sorry, it looks like you will have to start your own business, or go freelance or just move on… I hear Korea, China and Japan have a need for the more senior teacher, plus they pay very well. Good luck all the same.

Ian BKK

It seems that it is almost impossible for me to gain another teaching position in Thailand (in government schools and universities) as I have recently turned 60. This is due to a Dept of Education rule. There’s nothing I can do about this, but what I want to complain about is that it took me quite some time to find out. Why? Because all of my applications were greeted with silence - i.e. employers simply did not bother replying to my applications. I understand that in Thai culture it’s difficult to say “no” but this is ridiculous, not to mention somewhat distressing. I am committed to living in Thailand (I have a Thai wife) but as I have no other income, what can I do? If anyone knows a way out of this dilemma, I’d love to hear about it.

Kevin O'Donnell