Laura Thomas

Laura Thomas' blog on Ajarn.com


Two teachers, two outcomes

Why one stayed and one didn't

Both women arrived in Thailand around the same time. Both were qualified, motivated, and excited to teach. On paper, there was no reason why one would succeed and the other would struggle.


A foreign woman in the Thai workplace

If you’re a woman thinking of working in Thailand, don’t worry if things feel unfamiliar at first.

Over time, I noticed that the Thai teachers appreciated when I asked questions respectfully and showed that I wanted to learn, not just change everything.


How many hours a day should you be teaching?

A teacher in Thailand's take on things

From my experience, the magic number is no more than four teaching hours a day. That’s the sweet spot. Enough to earn your keep and still have the energy to enjoy your life outside the classroom.


Why teacher observations shouldn't be feared

Don't dread observations, embrace them!

The mere thought of a supervisor sitting at the back of the classroom, clipboard in hand, can send shivers down any teacher’s spine. But take a step back and consider what observations are all about.


Balancing teaching with travel opportunities

The struggle to find time to explore

By the time the weekend arrives, the thought of packing a bag and setting off on a trip can seem exhausting. Instead, many teachers opt to rest, catch up on errands, or simply unwind at home.


Teaching English really ain't that easy

You have to earn the right to be a decent teacher

I've seen online comments from well-meaning individuals who want to "make a difference." Unfortunately, their primary focus tends to be on how teaching abroad will change their own lives, without considering the impact they might have on their students.


I actually don't mind gate duty

A chance to connect with both parents and students.

Initially, when I was assigned gate duty a couple of years ago, I felt apprehensive. It was unfamiliar territory, as in my home country, such formal greetings weren't customary. Greetings between students and teachers happened naturally.


Teaching English in Thailand - the upsides and the downsides

Teaching English abroad is a journey filled with trade-offs, each offering its own set of adventures and challenges.

If the idea of jet-setting as an English teacher is tickling your fancy, let's dive deeper into the pros and cons. Here's a more detailed and friendly look at the wonderful world of teaching English in Thailand.


Featured Jobs

Years 1-2 English & Social Studies Teacher

฿40,000+ / month

Bangkok


Early Years Mandarin Teacher

฿40,000+ / month

Prachin Buri


Native English Teacher

฿50,000+ / month

Pathum Thani


Part-time Phonics and Reading Teachers

฿1,000+ / hour

Bangkok


NES Kindergarten Teacher

฿45,000+ / month

Bangkok


Coaching English Teacher

฿48,000+ / month

Bangkok


Featured Teachers

  • Val


    Filipino, 30 years old. Currently living in Philippines

  • Daisy


    Filipino, 30 years old. Currently living in Philippines

  • Ajahn


    American, 49 years old. Currently living in Thailand

  • Ma.


    Filipino, 38 years old. Currently living in Philippines

  • Manases


    Filipino, 23 years old. Currently living in Thailand

  • Jayson


    Filipino, 32 years old. Currently living in Philippines

The Hot Spot


The cost of living

The cost of living

How much money does a teacher need to earn in order to live in Thailand? We survey various teachers earning different salaries and with different lifestyles.


The region guides

The region guides

Fancy working in Thailand but not in Bangkok? Our region guides are written by teachers who actually live and work in the provinces.


My Bangkok suburb

My Bangkok suburb

Overviews for different areas and suburbs of Bangkok, written with the help of teachers who live there. Let us help you find the perfect Bangkok neighborhood for your lifestyle.


Contributions welcome

Contributions welcome

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Air your views

Air your views

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