The dreaded teacher conflict
What can you do if you don't get on with a Thai teacher at your school?
It’s worth trying to build rapport outside the classroom. Sharing a meal in the canteen, participating in school events, or simply asking about a colleague’s family or weekend plans can help strengthen the relationship.
Why I stopped smiling at the school director
Pay me on time. Treat me like a professional. Stop using me as a mascot. Then maybe you’ll see some teeth.
I’m Louise. I’m 34. I’ve been teaching in Thailand for six years. And I’m tired of pretending everything is “sabai sabai” when I’m being treated like a decorative plant.
When your pay is late
What should teachers do when their salary is not paid into their account in a timely manner
In Thailand, where smiles and patience are valued, some schools may rely on teachers not wanting to “make a fuss.” But a pattern of late salary payments is not something to smile through. It’s not just disrespectful, it’s a breach of contract, and a sign of deeper problems.
Worn down by the politics
Postbox letter from Donna
When I first arrived in Thailand to teach, I braced myself for all the classroom challenges I could think of. What I didn’t expect was how much of my energy would be spent navigating the politics outside the classroom.
Why are Thailand's English teaching age limits getting stricter?
Postbox letter from Robert
Not too long ago, if you were under 50 and wanted to teach English in Thailand, you had a decent shot at finding a job. These days, though, a growing number of schools are setting the cut-off at 45. It’s left a lot of experienced teachers scratching their heads and wondering - what’s going on?
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 are teenagers so tough to teach?
Postbox letter from Michael
Teaching English to teenagers in Thailand is hands down one of the toughest gigs out there. I’ve been in classrooms where I’ve felt like a stand-up comedian dying on stage.
The Bitterness of Thai Schools
Postbox letter from Foxy Stoat
I've come to notice that a lot of Thai schools have some rather bitter and twisted rules in the small print of their employment contracts. Now, nobody is forced to sign such contracts, but for those with families and assets here, it might be case of 'having to'.
Light-fingered teachers can't be trusted
Postbox letter from Phil
A few months ago, several books, including resource packs, began disappearing from the language school where I work. This hadn't been much of an issue before, but in just six weeks, no fewer than eight photocopiable resource packs vanished.
Teaching in Thailand with Aspergers
Postbox letter from Obie
Ever thought about trading in your daily grind for exotic adventures and teaching English in the Land of Smiles? Well, I did just that – all the while doing the cha-cha with Asperger's!
