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Losing the smiles

29th October 2011

I want to share my story with you. A little background first. From 1999-2007 I visited Thailand a dozen times. Of course on vacation things are great, the sabai sabai attitude is perfect for a holiday. I decided to move to Thailand to take a break from the USA, and before I moved I paid off all my debts and saved as much as I could for the time I would want to move back to America. Yes I think it’s important to have a back-up plan.

I found moving to Bangkok easy. I found a job working at a government school, which was a good deal because they did not hold us all day - just work the hours you teach and then go home, so often I was out by early afternoon. This enabled me to do an evening job and earn a decent monthly income. I also had a nice apartment in a convenient neighborhood.

But things in Thailand changed, I noticed it right away. People weren’t as nice as before. People were upset with the Taksin thing, the yellow shirts at the airport, the whole government in general. I also think people were seeing the income differences more then before. I could feel it everywhere. I needed out only after 4 years. I have returned to USA. Yes I miss the Thai food, I miss my free time, and I miss my trips to the beach. But I can visit often and coming here for just a vacation is better. I think things will get worse and worse until they can address the income differences. I hope for Thailand people, I really do.

Sean

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About Ajarn.com

Ajarn.com was started as a small hobby website in 1999 by Ian McNamara. It was a simple way for one Bangkok teacher to share his Thailand experiences and pass on advice. The website developed a loyal and enthusiastic following. In 2004, Ian handed over the reins to Phil Williams and 'Bangkok Phil' has run the ajarn website ever since.

Ajarn.com has grown enormously and is now the most popular TEFL site in Thailand - possibly even South East Asia. Although best-known for its vibrant jobs page, Ajarn has a wealth of articles, blogs, features and help and advice. But one principle has always remained at Ajarn's core - to tell things like they are and to do it with a sense of humor. Thailand can be Heaven or Hell for an English teacher. It's always been Ajarn.com's duty to present both sides of the equation. Thanks for stopping by.