Q1. Where did you move to and when?

I moved to China in 2018.

Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?

For 10 years, mainly at an international school in Chonburi

Q3. What was your main reason for moving?

The cost of living, stagnant wages, the attitude from the Thais that we will never be truly welcome. Noise levels and unlawfulness are a big thing for me having children. Overall, no security.

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

It's clean, crime-free, quiet, cheap, convenient and safe.

Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?

The lifestyle before things started to go downhill. I like China but it's kind of dull. Same old, same old everywhere you turn. The food is pretty bland too (in my area) and the people, although pretty quiet in comparison to Thais, are ill-mannered. They spit and smoke everywhere and push in queues etc.

In Thailand, life is always exciting. There's something happening all the time and life just ticks along. I love(d) the street life with the vendors, colours and smells. The personalities and characters also. That is becoming a thing of the past though so I have to accept that side of my Thai experience has gone.

I miss being able to travel around to beautiful beaches and so on. I miss the people of the North-East but not any of the others, especially Chonburi.

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

Yeah, have a few years there. Consider getting qualified to cover yourself and get a decent job. Avoid language academies and government schools. China has jobs everywhere but most are awful so choose wisely. You're every bit a necessary evil here as in Thailand.

Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?

Holiday yes, to live no. Never say never, but Thailand has had its day and the natives are destroying it. The people in charge don't deserve such a naturally beautiful place. Financially they're destroying it.

Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?

Don't jump at the first job that hooks you. Don't think that high salaries equate to a great job. Research, question and take your time. Also avoid agencies at all costs.