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?


Why I've had enough of teaching in Thailand

It may work out for others - just not for me

It's not so much that I've had enough of Thailand, it's just teaching really. I'd say a good 90% of teachers at my school are women over the age of 50. None of them are open to change.


Filipino teachers need to get tougher

Postbox letter from Joe, Bangkok

The Filipinos at my school are overly obedient and never question management. To the point that they end up working evenings and weekends for free. The Thai management see this and now expect the same from westerners.


Why can't Thais speak English?

Some of these students have had over 2,000 hours of English.

Considering that English has been the international language of tourism and commerce for I don't know how many decades now, and there are I don't know how many thousands of English teachers all over the country, why is the general level of English so poor?


Are Thai teachers actually helpful?

Or is the foreign teacher better off without them in the classroom?

Before beginning my experience as a TESOL teacher in Thailand, way back when I was a newbie farang taking my TESOL course on Phuket, I was repeatedly assured by indifferent agencies and instructors not to worry because you will always share classrooms with Thai teachers that are there to help you.


Bring in the leaders

Postbox letter from Just a concerned nobody

My idea is to force early retirement on all the senior staff and administrators that are stuck in the old way


My ideas for change

Postbox letter from James

Having taught at government and private schools I echo the frustration of native English teachers when it comes to Thais being poor in English.


Showing 10 tagged items out of 35 total Page 1 of 4



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The Hot Spot


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.


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.


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 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.


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 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.