Beware of the sinking economy
Postbox letter from Bill
The sinking economy in Thailand is going to put a huge dent in the future of TEFL teachers here.
The future of education in Thailand
Should the serious TEFLers be preparing themselves for change?
If the population of foreign EFL teachers doesn't want to be treated as a cheap commodity by Thailand's education system, the one sure-fire way to stand a chance is first and foremost don't be a cheap commodity.
Poor pay means a higher turnover
Postbox letter from Russ
When you pay poorly you will always get either lower level candidates or high turnover. Teachers, like the rest, need money to live.
How to live in Phuket on 20,000 baht per month
They said it couldn't be done!
Much to my surprise, an English woman contacted me stating that she lived on Phuket for 20,000 baht per month. I was so intrigued, I messaged her to ask if she’d agree to an interview explaining how to live in Phuket on such a low income.
Why do I have to stay at school?
Should a teacher be allowed to leave the school premises when they don't have lessons to teach?
The school wants me to remain on-site from Monday to Friday, 8.30 am to about 4.30 pm. This doesn't sound very fair to me. I'm only making 35,000 baht a month and my downtime would perhaps give me the opportunity to go out and earn some extra money.
Beware of salaries and vacation time
Postbox letter from Peter Davis
I've even quit jobs to start at other schools offering a higher salary, only to find that suddenly 45,000 a month has become 35,000 a month.
That's no teacher salary to live on
Postbox letter from Jamie
The poor pay and increasingly hostile visa rules are why I moved back and became qualified in Scotland.
You're in Thailand, not Europe
Postbox letter from Tom
I had a blast in Bangkok, made 40-45,000 as a non-native speaker, but packed my bags after almost two years. I miss Thailand everyday, but I think I made the right choice.
It’s time to start paying non-native teachers fairly
Nationality shouldn't determine pay rates!
If someone speaks English to a native level, has great teaching skills and experience, they shouldn't be discriminated against purely based on their nationality.
Is it worth moving out of Bangkok?
People often cite the lower cost of living, better quality of life and a more Thai-style existence as reasons to be based outside the capital.
I’ve done a little research and come up with some example salaries in different regions in Thailand. Whilst this isn’t an exact science it should give a good guide of potential earnings
