Does Thailand want to keep its teachers?

Well, news has been filtering out about next year and Thailand's wish to align the school year with other Asean countries. So, let us get this straight - at the end of this school year your school will say "thank you teacher we love you and your teaching so much, you will stay with us next term?"

Well I would love to thank you for wanting me to stay. "OK, teacher see you in 3 1/2 months and hope you survive with no salary and can live on nothing." "What, you want some retainer or salary?" "Oh, no, only Thai teachers can have a salary. You farang, you come back on June 10th after 102 days without any money".

I think it is plain to see that Thailand has to change the way it operates. The fat cat agency owners are making a killing ripping off teachers. The school directors are pocketing money to buy their Mercedes instead of buying what the school needs. The way things are I am afraid Thailand is destined to remain at the bottom of the league for English and pretty much an isolated bubble on the world stage. Unless it drags itself out of the corrupt mess which is rampant here.

I hope the politicians take a good look at themselves, though I doubt it. They should start putting the children of the country first and give them some chance of a future. More than a promise of a poorly paid job or selling themselves to the tourists.

There is so much wrong with this I wouldn't know where to start, but someone's got to try and start somewhere. All change next year for teachers except the international school bunch. I can't see many of them taking a 100+ day holiday and going back for a pittance. Good luck Thailand - you will certainly need it.

Jonathan


Read more letters

Send your letter to Ajarn.com



Featured Jobs

Female Kindergarten Teacher

฿45,000+ / month

Bangkok


Coaching English Teacher

฿47,000+ / month

Bangkok


Part-time NES Teachers for Young Learners

฿25,000+ / month

Online


English, Science, and Math Teachers

฿42,300+ / month

Thailand


Elementary School & IB MYP Music Teacher

฿35,000+ / month

Nakhon Ratchasima


Full-time NES Teachers

฿330+ / hour

Udon Thani


Featured Teachers

  • Mpilenhle


    South African, 23 years old. Currently living in South Africa

  • Brenna


    American, 37 years old. Currently living in South Korea

  • Pete


    Canadian, 65 years old. Currently living in Thailand

  • Anthony


    British, 36 years old. Currently living in Thailand

  • John


    American, 48 years old. Currently living in USA

  • Işıl


    Turkish, 32 years old. Currently living in Turkey

The Hot Spot


Will I find work in Thailand?

Will I find work in Thailand?

It's one of the most common questions we get e-mailed to us. So find out exactly where you stand.


Need Thailand insurance?

Need Thailand insurance?

Have a question about health or travel insurance in Thailand? Ricky Batten from Pacific Prime is Ajarn's resident expert.


Air your views

Air your views

Got something to say on the topic of teaching, working or living in Thailand? The Ajarn Postbox is the place. Send us your letters!


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.


Teacher mistakes

Teacher mistakes

What are the most common mistakes that teachers make when they are about to embark on a teaching career in Thailand? We've got them all covered.


The dreaded demo

The dreaded demo

Many schools ask for demo lessons before they hire. What should you the teacher be aware of?


Contributions welcome

Contributions welcome

If you like visiting ajarn.com and reading the content, why not get involved yourself and keep us up to date?


The cost of living

The cost of living

How much money does a teacher need to earn in order to survive in Thailand? We analyze the facts.