Q1. Where did you move to and when?

China, Zhangjaigang to be precise, which is roughly halfway between Shanghai and Nanjing. I decided enough was enough and left Thailand last October.

Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?

Two years on and off, in both high and primary school.

Q3. What was your main reason for moving?

Poor managment and organisation. This was a consistent problem during my time in Thailand. Very often I was grossly misled about the position that I applied for or to to put it bluntly, lied to.

Q4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?

Far better teaching facilities, double the salary, colleagues that can actually speak half-decent english, reasonable living conditions, enthusiastic students. The list goes on...

Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?

The weather and the food mainly. Also the luxury of being able to have a long weekend sunning myself on the beach.

Q6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?

I would advise a new teacher to cut their teeth in Thailand before moving on to another country with better working and living conditions. Thailand is not a place to work long term if you have any ambition or hopes of self improvement. You will simply become stuck in a rut. One or two years will be a great and rewarding experience. Any longer and you will be running on a treadmill.

Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?

Without a doubt for an extended holiday but I would be very reluctant to teach again in Thailand until the profession becomes properly regulated. I met and worked with far too many cowboy teachers with dubious ethical standards who would struggle to gain any employment in the west, let alone become a teacher.

Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?

If you are applying for a job in Thailand be very careful about the company you choose to work for. There are many less than reputable recruiters that will try to suck you for every penny that you are worth. Be particuarly aware of Western owners or managers who are in general far worse than Thai employers, who on the whole are pretty honest about the positions offered. Remember that in Thailand demand for teachers more than often outstrips supply meaning you can pick and choose your employer. Avoid any job or company with 'fun' in the title.