Bangkok getaways - Lopburi
This month it's Thailand's monkey capital
A town located just a few hours from Bangkok that's worth definitely worth a visit. Lopburi, famous for its ruins and monkeys, lies some 150 kilometres north of the capital and can easily be reached by either bus or train.
The Rose of the North
A short break in Thailand's second city
Chiang Mai is officially one of Asia's most comfortable cities to live in with its relatively clean air, an abundance of good restaurants and helpful friendly locals, but the way you are pestered by vehicle owners from the moment you land at the airport is not one of its more attractive features. Even a gentle stroll down one of Chiang Mai's main roads becomes an endurance test as you find yourself saying 'no thanks' to the tenth taxi driver in as many minutes.
Planning a trip
Scouring the internet and guide-books for the ultimate travel experience.
All I need is a decent hotel for a few days and a plan on how to while away the dalight hours. Is that too much to ask?
Holiday in Thailand
Singing the praises of Hua Hin
I’ve been to Hua Hin a number of times, I think five times in total, and I have to admit I quite like the place. It’s easy to get to and not too far from Bangkok.
Water wars
The infamous Songkhran festival
The Songkran festival, which could also be called Water festival, is the Thai celebration of the Buddhist New Year and officially lasts for three days. Although it seems to be immensely popular with Thais, many foreigners, especially expats, thoroughly dislike it. Why is that?
Featured Teachers
-
Christophe
Diploma (1)
British (male, 31 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Dandel Mar
Diploma (2), MA (1), BA (1)
Filippino (male, 31 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Stephen
BA (1), Certificate (1)
British (male, 57 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Alexander
Diploma (2), Certificate (1), BA (1)
Filippino (male, 29 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Anthony
Certificate (2), Diploma (1)
British (male, 40 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Pierre
Diploma (1)
South African (male, 36 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Gladys Mee
Certificate (1), BA (1)
Filippino (female, 21 years old, native Cebuano speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
K-f
BA (1), Certificate (1)
German (male, 52 years old, native German speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Kirk
Certificate (2)
American (male, 38 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
-
Ma. Esther
Certificate (1)
Filippino (female, 24 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
Ajarn Guests
Fear of change?
In Thailand the government has set 2012 as English Speaking Year with a goal of encouraging students to converse in English every Monday. Such policies are useful but the major leap of enacting legislation to make English an official language for Thailand is also needed
Software for student tests
The integration of internet and computers with education and English learning is something students find normal, and classrooms without some access to educational software may seem quaint. Some students may even feel they can get more ‘professional' teaching from the numerous online ELT sites if a school is behind in IT.
Whatever happened to the shopping mall teacher?
They are the shopping mall English teachers - gliding like pale, undernourished phantoms amid the hordes of weekend Thai shoppers. The main reason I empathize with the shopping mall teacher is because I was once one myself. I know how desperate and soul-destroying it can be.
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.
Friends of Ajarn
Hi, I’m Tony Dabbs
I was a licensed life and health agent in the USA for many years and now I'm ajarn.com's health insurance expert.
Fancy teaching freelance?
How easy is it to cut out the middlemen and rake in the cash teach students at their own homes?
E-mailing for jobs
E-mailing potential employers in Thailand can be a very frustrating experience. Teacher Chris is on hand to give you some top tips.
Renting an apartment?
Before you go pounding the streets, check out our guide and know what to look out for.
The cost of living
How much money does a teacher need to earn in order to survive in Thailand? We analyze the facts.
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.
Fun Quiz
Find out how employable you are in Thailand as an English teacher. Is it a case of 'welcome aboard' or "Mom, I need you to send some money again"
