Teachers shouldn't be involved in road duties
Crossing the street in Thailand can be extremely hazardous. A while ago, I had a near-miss with a car while crossing a road in Laksi. Although many drivers slow down, stop, and signal pedestrians to cross, there are others who behave as though they own the road. During my time in Thailand, I’ve known two Filipino teachers who were victims of hit-and-run accidents, though there may be more. One major concern is why foreign teachers are often tasked with escorting students across streets. Their primary role is to teach English, not manage traffic. They typically lack both the training and the Thai language skills necessary to safely guide students in such situations—especially when their safety is at risk. Foreign teachers deserve more thoughtful consideration. Rather than assigning them roles like traffic enforcer, canteen staff, or groundskeeper, school directors could engage them in after-school activities aimed at improving students’ English proficiency. Don’t you think this would be a more effective use of their skills?
Ricardo
