Bangkok or up-country? Which is best?

Are you a city boy or a country bumpkin?

Ajarn.com attempts to answer that burning question - is it better to live and work as a teacher in Bangkok or out in the boonies? We've decided to divide Thailand into two sections - Bangkok and everywhere else. Even the Thais refer to every city, town and village outside the capital as 'up-country' so who are we to argue?


The ajarn.com guide to renting an apartment

How to find a place you can call home

If you're searching for an apartment in Bangkok - or anywhere else in Thailand for that matter - know exactly what to look out for and what questions to ask when you go apartment hunting.


The value of a bohemian life

Free time v the pursuit of extra income?

As teachers in Thailand, we all try to maximize our earnings by taking on extra classes during our evenings and weekends. However, if we have no dependents or financial worries at home, is this really the best way to go about living in a laid-back place like Thailand?


An ideal home

Some thoughts about renting in Thailand

Choosing a 'home' is a balance of positives (what you want) versus negatives (what you are prepared to put up with) Where you eventually decide to set up base camp in Thailand won't be the same as where your colleagues would choose.


The ties that bind

The strain of living miles away from ailing parents and loved ones

Listening to family members tell you about their serious health worries never ever makes for a pleasant telephone conversation and I'll admit to putting down the phone on such occasions and becoming a little emotional. You can offer all the support you can over the phone or even via Sype webcam but nothing ever beats being there with them in person.


Little victories - then and now

How things have changed for me over the years

I was a young and gregarious 'know-it-all' forty-year-old when I came to Thailand and I'm now in my late fifties. My life has changed enormously since the heady and adventurous days since my arrival


Reasons to be cheerful?

Postbox letter from Jeff

Foreigners working in Thailand, mostly as teachers, will often say that the low salary is okay for them because they love the lifestyle and love living in Thailand.


Bloody well turn it down

Noise pollution gone mad

At the risk of sounding xenophobic..., what the heck, I'll say it: Thai people don't hear noise in the same manner as foreigners. Could it be that Thais have some sort of innate (spiritual?) ability to 'tune it out'. More realistically, the reason is; Thai people 'bear it'. For them to show disdain for loud noise would be a sign of weakness.


The ajarn.com guide to renting a house

When you've had quite enough of apartment living.

For those getting tired of apartment life and the world and its uncle knowing your business - then perhaps renting a house could be the answer. It's not going to be the easiest thing you've ever done - but nothing is impossible.


Our story

Two teachers in love and planning their life together in Thailand

Suffering or no suffering, this time we are doing it. We are Thailand bound and excited, if somewhat distracted for the time being. Sun, smiles, a detachment from most of what and who we know. New friends, new haunts and new experiences. A different perspective on life. Success or failure, this foray into the relative unknown will shape the rest of our lives.


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Featured Teachers

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    Canadian, 26 years old. Currently living in Canada

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    Irish, 35 years old. Currently living in United Kingdom

  • Artem


    Russian, 34 years old. Currently living in Thailand

  • Ssengendo


    Ugandan, 35 years old. Currently living in Thailand

The Hot Spot


Need Thailand insurance?

Need Thailand insurance?

Have a question about health or travel insurance in Thailand? Ricky Batten from Pacific Prime is Ajarn's resident expert.


Contributions welcome

Contributions welcome

If you like visiting ajarn.com and reading the content, why not get involved yourself and keep us up to date?


The Region Guides

The Region Guides

Fancy working in Thailand but not in Bangkok? Our region guides are written by teachers who actually live and work in the provinces.


Air your views

Air your views

Got something to say on the topic of teaching, working or living in Thailand? The Ajarn Postbox is the place. Send us your letters!


Will I find work in Thailand?

Will I find work in Thailand?

It's one of the most common questions we get e-mailed to us. So find out exactly where you stand.


The dreaded demo

The dreaded demo

Many schools ask for demo lessons before they hire. What should you the teacher be aware of?


Teacher mistakes

Teacher mistakes

What are the most common mistakes that teachers make when they are about to embark on a teaching career in Thailand? We've got them all covered.


The cost of living

The cost of living

How much money does a teacher need to earn in order to survive in Thailand? We analyze the facts.