Problems with the system

Postbox letter from Mike

After 12 years and four different schools, I have come to the conclusion that the "quality of Thai students' English skills" did not improve within the last 12 years. But how is that even possible when more and more NES teachers with experience and degrees in education teach Thai students, even at smaller schools?


It does matter if you're black or white

The blatant discrimination in TEFL job ads

Although it is rarely mentioned in job ads, most if not all Asian recruiters on the lookout for teachers are after whities. And let’s make no mistake about it: the prize specimens are Caucasian white, not some locals having overindulged in skin-whitening products.


The joy and pain of teaching in Thailand

A teacher looks back over her ten years in Thailand

I'm celebrating my 10th year in Thailand as an ESL Teacher. Working in a foreign land hasn't been easy. It took me years and a lot of patience and hard work to get settled, not to mention the ocean of tears and heartbreaking homesickness.


TOEIC and other tests

Postbox letter from Dr John Smith

There is a lot of debate regarding the TOEIC testing for non-native English speakers and in my opinion it is a double edged sword and cuts both ways.


Who should take the TOEIC test?

Postbox letter from Jason Carmichael

There has been a lot of talk about the newly introduced TOEIC-requirement lately. Many teachers are angry because the MOE demands that Irish and South African nationals, who are considered NES teachers, are required to sit that test too.


We've found paradise at last

Ignore the sob stories and the doom merchants - Thailand rocks!

We've both been here about six months, have only done two visa runs, had both our employers apply for our work permits for us, have started saving money as we actually make a little more collectively than we did in South Korea - and are both loving life again. Life really couldn't be much better.


NES or Non-NES?

Postbox letter from Keith

I've heard that the Ministry of Lack of Education in Thailand is now demanding that South Africans and wait for it, Irish nationals have to sit a TOEIC examination.


When is an NES not an NES?

Postbox letter from Jason

I have heard that South Africans are not NES now, and they have to take an English proficiency test if they wish to teach. How does the Ministry of Education define an NES?


There are always terrible teachers out there

Postbox letter from Lucie

I have to say that there are loads of native speakers out there who have no idea how to grade their language to an appropriate level for their students. There are even plenty of qualified teachers who may have been great at teaching, say, biology, in their home country, but cannot accept that to teach it to non native speakers, they have to change their methods and the way they introduce both concepts and vocabulary.


Asian features seal my fate (part two)

Postbox letter from Multi racial American

The example of being discriminated at Hooters for not being a sexy young female is not equitable with my discrimination here. That is the restaurant industry in America and this is education


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Featured Jobs

Teacher of Mathematics

฿94,500+ / month

Bangkok


Primary Teacher / Early Years Teacher

฿45,000+ / month

Bangkok


NES English, Math and Science Teachers

฿60,000+ / month

Bangkok


English, Science and Math Teachers

฿42,300+ / month

Thailand


Nursery & Kindergarten Teachers

฿45,000+ / month

Bangkok


Whole School EAL Teacher

฿60,000+ / month

Bangkok


Featured Teachers

  • Amy


    South African, 50 years old. Currently living in South Africa

  • Cecil


    French, 42 years old. Currently living in Thailand

  • Ayberk


    Turkish, 27 years old. Currently living in Turkey

  • Ben


    American, 47 years old. Currently living in USA

  • Dr


    American, 50 years old. Currently living in Thailand

  • Artem


    Russian, 34 years old. Currently living in Thailand

The Hot Spot


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 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.


The dreaded demo

The dreaded demo

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


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!


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?


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 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.