The good, the bad and the virtuous!

By just being here, you are making the education system better.

I've isolated the most compelling reasons why people teach long-term in Thailand and there are four of them as far as I can see... we like doing it, we can do it, we get paid for doing it, and 'purpose'.

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

Are TEFL teachers unambitious?

What can you do about it if you feel you're stuck in a 'teaching rut'?

So many people complain about conditions, wages and opportunities but do nothing to address these things. Some TEFL teachers seem to think this isn’t an industry or a “real” job so other aspects such as annual reviews and training aren’t relevant.

Teach in Thailand - the ultimate gap year

Why Thailand would make a fantastic choice for your year off.

A year spent teaching here in Thailand can be a valuable experience. The real-world skills you’ll learn will be useful. The friends you make will help you through the tough times and lifetime bonds can be forged

Two types of language teacher

Postbox letter from Mark N.

Thai employers simply don't care about your bits of paper - except for the one that says you have a bona fide degree.

The worst type of foreigner

Why bash other people's lifestyles and situations?

I live in a closet with no air-con and a fan. I live off of a diet of air, water and noodles. Sure, I can't afford to travel, save for retirement, get my own place and I haven't seen my family for years because I can't afford a ticket to go home and visit them, but I am living the Thai lifestyle man!

Don't get angry, just have an escape plan

Postbox letter from Anon

Salaries have been frozen here for years, the cost of living has rocketed and the workloads have increased. I now have to work online too to make a decent salary.

Reward them and they will come

Postbox letter from Mark Newman

The Thai government could make it a whole lot easier for native English speakers to want to be here with a few simple changes that would cost nothing.

Is the end nigh for agencies?

Postbox letter from Tracey

My teacher agent / friend in Korat has had it far too good for far too long. In the last maybe three years, his business has gone to the dogs. He can't find new teachers and the ones he has are basically children themselves