Are you a teacher who once taught in Thailand but decided to seek out pastures new? Has the grass been greener on the other side? Maybe you swapped Thailand for the financial lure of Japan or Korea? Read about those who have left Thailand, and their reasons for moving...
Jean-Pierre
Q1. Where did you move to and when?
I returned home to France in 2019.
Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?
Let's just say it was a good few years.
Q3. What was your main reason for moving?
Unfortunately, when I turned 60, I was unable to find a new teaching position.
Q4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
There are no advantages at all in being where I am now. Thailand was always the greatest country to live and work in.
Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
The monarchy and the respect of Thai people for their country, Buddhism as a daily way of life, the genuine kindness and honesty of thai people and the coherency of thai society, the respect of thai students for their teacher. And of course the food and the smiles!
Q6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
Thailand 100%
Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
It is like the deepest wound when I’m far away from Thailand. I would dearly love to return one day and I would go anytime.
Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?
I’m afraid that thai people lose their souls if they welcome too many strangers. There are too many Chinese and Westerners coming into Thailand just for the drugs, the drinks and the prostitution industry. I feel also extremely sad when I see gay pride processions in Chiang-Mai or Bangkok. Thai people should protect themselves from the vices of other countries and their woke ideology.
Alex
Q1. Where did you move to and when?
Back in 2022, I went back to the chilly winters of Canada. After five years of teaching in Thailand, I decided it was time for a change. I packed my bags, said goodbye to my students, and went back home to study for a master’s degree in Educational Technology. It was a huge step, but I was ready for a new challenge.
Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?
I spent five largely enjoyable years teaching English at a couple of schools in Chiang Mai. At first, it was just meant to be a short-term thing - maybe a year or two - but I guess Thailand pulled me in, as it does so many others. But eventually, I knew I wanted to take my career in a new direction.
Q3. What was your main reason for moving?
I loved teaching, but I started getting interested in how technology could be used in education. I wanted to learn more about things like digital learning platforms, AI in the classroom, and how tech can make education more accessible. Canada seemed like the right place to do that, so I decided to apply for a master’s program. It wasn’t an easy decision, but sometimes you have to take a leap.
Q4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
The biggest difference is the work and study culture. Things are a lot more structured in Canada, with clearer career paths and professional development opportunities. In Thailand, things felt more relaxed, which was great, but I sometimes felt like I was just floating along. Here, I feel like I’m working toward something bigger. Also, the exposure to cutting-edge education technology has been mind-blowing. Back in Thailand, I was using a whiteboard and markers most of the time. Here, I’m learning about AI-driven lesson plans, virtual reality classrooms, and all sorts of cool innovations that I never even thought about before.
Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
Where do I start? The food, obviously! Thai street food beats overpriced, bland sandwiches any day. I miss grabbing a bowl of noodles or a plate of pad kra pao. I also miss the weather. Winter in Canada is no joke. Some days, I look out the window afetr a heavy snowfall and wonder why I ever left the sunshine. But more than anything, I miss the people. Thai culture is so warm and welcoming. I miss the easygoing vibe, the constant smiles, and the fact that there was always something happening, whether it was a random festival, a street parade, or just a casual night out with friends.
Q6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
It depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re just starting out and want an adventure, Thailand is perfect. The lifestyle is great, and you’ll get tons of teaching experience while enjoying an amazing country. It’s also a great place to figure out if teaching is something you really love. But if you’re looking for long-term career growth, you might eventually want to move on. There are fewer opportunities for promotions in Thailand, and salaries can be limiting if you have long-term financial goals. If you’re serious about making a career in education, especially in tech or curriculum development, then countries with more structured career paths might be a better fit.
Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
Definitely! I don’t know when, but Thailand still feels a bit like home to me. I’d love to come back and work on education projects, maybe something that brings more technology into Thai classrooms. I’ve also got a list of Thai islands I still need to visit, so a long holiday at some stage is definitely on the cards.
Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?
A great pal of mine recently passed away suddenly at the age of 38. He never drank or smoke and lived a pretty healthy lifestyle. Stuff like this changes your mindset. If you’re thinking about making a big move, just go for it. It might sound scary at first, but you never know where life will take you. When I first moved to Thailand, I had no idea it would shape my career and introduce me to some of the best people I’ve ever met. Life is short. I implore you to take the leap!
James
Q1. Where did you move to and when?
I moved back home to Northern Ireland in 2017.
Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?
I worked there for seven years as a teacher, starting in 2010.
Q3. What was your main reason for moving?
I got married in 2013 and then had a child the following year. Pretty much from the moment my son was born, I started plotting my exit. I didn't make enough money to send my child to an international school and I really didn't want him entering the Thai education system, which I felt was very backward. Secondly, I didn't want to teach anymore. I had never intended to be a teacher for more than a few years and outside of teaching, I really didn't see a lot of opportunities in Thailand and I was keen to start a different career. As odd as it sounds, I actually quite fancied the idea of a nice, secure 9-5 office job!
Q4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
Firstly, the opportunities. I'm not going to lie and say it was all rosy from the beginning when I first got back. I had to come here alone at first, without my wife and son. Also, while it was initially very exciting to be able to apply for any job I wanted, I literally had to start from scratch. The first job I took was a minimum wage role in an absolute hellhole of a call centre, full of coked-up young people. I hated it and missed my little boy but I never for a moment thought I'd made the wrong decision.
After a spell at a much nicer call centre, I found work as a technical writer which has been my career for more than 5 years now. I love the job and I earn a good salary in a part of the UK with a lower than average cost of living. And it's not just me who has benefitted - my wife, who graduated in social work in Thailand was able to get her qualifications recognised in this country and now works as a social worker.
In addition, pension scheme, better salaries, more job security, better craic. At my last school, I was the only farang teacher, the rest were Thai and Filipino. They were all lovely but it was quite lonely. The workplace banter is better here.
Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
The people.
Getting to speak the language every day - I wasn't fluent but I got such a thrill from talking to people and actually being understood.
The pace of life.
Cheap massages.
Cheap food - I hate eating out here, it's so expensive. I miss the markets and the little restaurants.
All the weird adventures and quirky things that happen every day.
Q6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
100% recommend teaching in Thailand. It was the greatest experience of my life.
Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
Probably when me and my wife retire, which is a long way off.
Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?
I actually wrote a blog for ajarn way back in 2017 about how I planned to move back home. The comments were great - half of the people wished me good luck and the other half said I was an idiot for going back, 'you'll end up stacking shelves in Tescos' ,'the UK has gone to the dogs!' etc. All well-meaning advice of course. However I'm very happy with how my great escape turned out and I hope anyone who is currently in a similar situation to me back then will take some hope from my experience.
Thomas
Q1. Where did you move to and when?
Just moved back to Blighty.
Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?
I was in the Land of Smiles for over 16 years, teaching in various language schools, private schools and kindergartens all over the country.
Q3. What was your main reason for moving?
Krusapaha. Finally waivered out despite having a postgraduate diploma in education. I was stuck at the whim of language schools that certainly are not the best employers in the land.
Q4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
Not sure. I've just arrived.
Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
Already missing my girlfriend like crazy.
Q6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
Sure. Do it while your young. It's an amazing country to live in.
Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
Of course. Just going home for a while to figure out my next move.
Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?
Enjoy Thailand, but keep an eye on the future.
Rob
Q1. Where did you move to and when?
(Presumably Rob moved to Jakarta, Indonesia fairly recently - Ajarn)
I moved to Bangkok in 2021 during the pandemic. My first location was in the Bang Kapi/Minburi area. After that, I worked in Sathorn. To be honest, I thoroughly enjoyed living in both areas. Each had their own merits and qualities. In Asok/Sathorn, it was much easier to go out to bars, watch football matches and meet up with friends after work. However, I much preferred living on the outskirts, as there was a greater sense of community, friendliness, stress-free public transport and some world class parks to enjoy, without all the craziness and hassle you get living in the centre of Bangkok (although, I know some people prefer that).
Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?
I had previously done a stint as a TEFL teacher back in 2014 for a couple of years, but this was my first time working in Thailand with QTS at an international school. So I guess with both stints, that would take my time working in Thailand to around 5-6 years.
Q3. What was your main reason for moving?
Many international schools are gradually moving over to become IB schools, which is arguably where the future lies in post 16 education outside of the UK (where I come from). Gaining experience teaching IB and a nice bump in my take home pay each month was the main motivation for leaving. Unfortunately, international schools in Bangkok are now starting to communicate with each other to drive down salaries, benefits, insurance and flights home etc, with 90% of schools being highly profit driven business models. Don't get me wrong, teachers are paid handsomely and can live fantastic lifestyles in Bangkok and Thailand, but I feel this is probably best taken advantage of when you have some significant savings behind you and a nice investment portfolio ticking away in the background.
Q4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?
To be honest, there isn't too much to do in Jakarta, but the Islands surrounding Indonesia are world class and match up with some of the best beaches in Thailand. As previously mentioned, it's also been useful to gain some experience at a non British A-level school, which has an incredibly generous, tax-free package. This is knocking years off my financial independence age. Apartments are also much cheaper, so it's nice not having to pay through the nose for a shoebox in central Bangkok.
Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?
Great public transport, exploring cool little districts, walking around finding new restaurants and coffee shops, live football, cheap beer, the music scene, the amazing parks, being able to travel each weekend to the beach should you wish to...so many things. Thailand is a really cool place to live in and I'll definitely be back at some point.
Q6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?
Get qualified. Doing a stint as a TEFL teacher is great - you develop so many amazing skills e.g public speaking, organisation, confidence in the classroom etc. But to make sure you can live internationally, over the long term, look into getting your QTS. There are so many alternative routes. You can't put a price on security and your health, but getting into these international schools will cover your back in terms of being able to tuck away some coin, medical insurance, flights home to see relatives. Don't be the person that lives pay check to pay check. Loyalty means very little to Thai employers, who out of the blue will cast you aside for a fresher face when you least expect it. Luckily, this has never happened to me, but I've heard stories.
Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?
Yep, absolutely. Some incredible schools in Thailand. I intend to return when the time is right, but that won't be for a few years yet.
Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?
No
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