10 things no one tells the new guy about teaching in Thailand

What every new TEFL teacher should know before stepping into a Thai classroom

While the Instagram stories and travel blogs paint a picture of tropical bliss, the reality of teaching here is far more layered.


You know you're a foreign teacher in Thailand when...

I'm sure you can think of a few more.

The job may be unpredictable, but the laughs are real, the students are unforgettable, and every day is definitely not boring.


I was better off years ago

Postbox letter from Steve

When I started teaching, a 40,000 baht job was considered fairly poor, but it had significantly greater purchasing power than today. Shockingly, many schools still pay the same - or less -than they did two decades ago. High-paying jobs for qualified teachers that once offered 120,000 baht now advertise for 60 - 80,000.


Why do technical school students fight in Thailand?

In Thailand, fights between students from rival technical colleges have been happening for years.

Movies, TV shows, and social media often glamorize technical students as tough and rebellious, making fighting seem cool. Some students see it as a way to earn respect or boost their reputation.


Getting fired was a lesson learned

Postbox letter from Ricky

I entered the job with big aspirations, but things unraveled quickly, and I soon found myself in over my head.


When the head teacher isn’t the head teacher

My experience and cautionary tale

This experience serves as a cautionary tale for educators considering similar roles. It’s essential to thoroughly investigate the actual responsibilities and authority of a position before accepting it. Don’t be swayed by impressive titles if the role doesn’t offer the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.


The Thai ESL agent hustle

Thai ESL agents are largely unhindered in their business practices by morality.

When personal and working relationships between school staff and agents come under pressure and scrutiny because of good old-fashioned kickback schemes.


My approach to parent complaints

Postbox letter from John

I only take parent complaints seriously if they're easy to understand or the school explains them properly.


Some more reasons why you'll quit teaching in Thailand

Six more reasons why you'll be heading home before too long

The frustration of having no real authority over your students, interference from Thai teachers, the thankless task of morning gate duty and more!


The dreaded teacher burnout

How is it caused and how can you avoid it?

"I'm a new teacher about to start work in Thailand and this will be my first full-time teaching gig. I often see more experienced teachers refer to 'teacher burnout'. Just out of interest, what are some of the things that contribute to such a condition?


Showing 10 tagged items out of 41 total Page 1 of 5



Featured Jobs

Head of Primary

฿90,000+ / month

Rayong


NES and Non-NES Teachers

฿40,000+ / month

Bangkok


NES AS/A Level Physics Teacher

฿63,000+ / month

Samut Prakan


Fun Native English Teachers

฿44,000+ / month

Thailand


Head Teacher

฿55,000+ / month

Bangkok


Filipina PE Teacher

฿27,000+ / month

Samut Prakan


Featured Teachers

  • Rebonejoang


    Mosotho, 33 years old. Currently living in Lesotho

  • Julius


    Filipino, 43 years old. Currently living in Mexico

  • Aman


    Filipino, 43 years old. Currently living in Norway

  • Laxmi


    Indian, 37 years old. Currently living in Thailand

  • Michael


    American, 43 years old. Currently living in USA

  • Johnson


    Ghanian, 42 years old. Currently living in Ghana

The Hot Spot


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.


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 live in Thailand? We survey various teachers earning different salaries and with different lifestyles.


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!