Fear of change?
Why the reluctance to adopt English as an official language in Thailand?
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
The Thai Floods
When tomorrow never comes
With the Asian Tsunami of 2004, the lack of a decent education, the rampant corruption, the near civil war last year between the Red and Yellow Shirts, and now the floods, you have to feel for the average Thai who seems as a resilient and flexible as on old leather bag. No sooner has one disaster come and gone, but another floats along like an abandoned Styrofoam tray.
The students are revolting
Would Thais ever follow the actions of their fellow students abroad
With British students and others across the world up in arms about the cuts to education budgets, brought about mostly because of the Credit Crunch, I'm offering some reasons why Thai students rarely revolt in the education sector in Thailand even though the quality of their education is and has always been so poor.
Reflections on culture and the political situation
I wish I had the answers to Thailand's political problems.
It is difficult to pass up the opportunity to reflect on the recent tragic events that have happened in Bangkok and in other locations throughout the country. The ongoing political confrontations of the past 3 years do have an effect on all of us with a connection to the country.
Breaking news or broken news?
Will the true story of the mayhem ever be told?
What happened to the reporting of the recent troubles in Thailand and the responsibility of foreign news journalists to report objectively?
Lost Stories
Experiences with one of Thailand’s most progressive educators
He single-handedly broke every stereotype of the Ministry of Education. He was outgoing, inquisitive, articulate, globally aware, and willing to debate ideas about education. I resolved to formally interview this man one day and tell his story.
The battle is finally over
And there were no winners
Restrictions on freedom of speech are simply a form a thought control and involve a huge amount of power. Thailand must accept that if it wants to be a fore - player in the modern world, it must at least accept that other nations allow freedom of speech.
Featured Teachers
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Sherwin
BA (2)
Filippino (male, 30 years old, native Cebuano speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Rowena
BEd (1)
Filippino (female, 30 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Diana Grac
BA (1)
Philippino (female, 28 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Jason
BSc (1), Certificate (1)
American (male, 35 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Jonny
Certificate (3), BA (1), Diploma (1)
British (male, 49 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Rob
Certificate (1), BA (1)
British (male, 36 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Rak
Certificate (2), BSc (1), Diploma (1)
American (male, 30 years old, native English speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Apple Grac
BA (1)
Filippino (female, 27 years old, native Tagalog speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Asger
Certificate (3)
Dane (male, 40 years old, native Danish speaker). Currently living in Thailand.
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Franky
Certificate (4), Diploma (3)
Belgian (male, 41 years old, native Dutch 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.
Most recently answered question:
Are there any teaching agencies in Bangkok that I can just walk into?
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
Fancy teaching freelance?
How easy is it to cut out the middlemen and rake in the cash teach students at their own homes?
The cost of living
How much money does a teacher need to earn in order to survive in Thailand? We analyze the facts.
Renting an apartment?
Before you go pounding the streets, check out our guide and know what to look out for.
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.
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"
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.
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.
