Q1. Where did you move to and when?

Japan in 2012

Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?

8 years

Q3. What was your main reason for moving?

Dealing with Bangkok taxi drivers was causing traumatic psychological stress. That along with low pay for qualified teachers, ridiculous Thai culture course requirements, unfriendly customs, political instability and rising costs led me to consider other options.

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

Lots more pay but living costs can be high. The Japanese know how to make a line and are not taught to rip off and steal from foreigners at every opportunity, so you can let your guard down for the most part when shopping. Public transportation is very good and employers will pay for your transport to and from work. Culture in Japan is much more polite and unselfish, especially where money is concerned, but the English level in Thailand is much better than in Japan.

Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?

I met some amazing people in Thailand, both Thai and farang so I think that's the one thing I miss the most. Thai food is also amazing and I would really love to down a bowl of 30 baht street gra pao right now. I also miss how you can travel around the country for very cheap and see some amazing beautiful places like Krabi for example.

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

For a new English teacher trying to start a career in ESL, I would recommend moving to Korea and doing an MA in TESOL online while working for a school there. They pay for both your apartment and airfare, and cost of living in Korea is incredibly cheap. They will also take anyone with a bachelors degree. After you get an MA in TESOL, and a couple of papers published, move to Japan and land a sweet university teaching position teaching 12 hours a week and making 60-70k usd a year with 3 months of paid vacation. Then just use that fat wad of cash and that paid vacation to hang out in Thailand a couple times a year if you want.

Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?

Probably not to live but I will definitely visit again.

Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?

Thailand can be a great experience but its a dead end unless you have good qualifications to work for a real international school, that is to say a school with an international accreditation that pays a western rate of salary.