Is this what's called burnout?

Postbox letter from Martin

What happened? It wasn’t one big thing. Just a thousand little ones. Unpaid overtime. Vague contracts. Schools that ask you to smile more when a parent screams at you for giving their child a B+. Being told to teach a lesson on Shakespeare to a class of M2s who can barely spell their own name in English.


Lost in the storm: trying to keep going as an English teacher

Postbox letter from Robert

There are days when I wake up feeling completely exhausted not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. I carry a weight that doesn’t seem to go away, no matter how hard I try to stay positive.


What has surprised you most about teaching in Thailand?

Postbox letter from Vicky

I’ve been in Thailand for a few months now teaching English at a government high school, and while I did some research beforehand, I’ve still been hit with a lot of surprises.


Too old to teach? says who?

46 and still able to stand at the whiteboard

I’m Kenneth. I’m 46. I teach English in Thailand. Apparently, that’s now too old.


From Bangkok to the boonies

Teaching in big cities v teaching in rural Thailand

It wasn’t until I found myself in a quiet provincial town where the local 7-Eleven was the only air-conditioned hangout, that I realised teaching in Thailand could be an entirely different experience.


You should come and do my Friday class

Postbox letter from Trevor

I recently overheard someone describe teaching English in Thailand as a “paid holiday.” They said it with a smirk, like we spend our days sipping coconuts under palm trees while casually correcting the odd verb tense.


10 classroom phrases every Thai student knows

Learn them. Embrace them. And yes - always have a game ready.

Often said with absolute honesty and zero shame, Thai students can be refreshingly direct when it comes to shortcuts.


I'll find a place that values my experience

Postbox letter from Cliff

Thailand, a country I've dreamed of teaching in, has shut its doors because apparently, I don't fit their preferred age bracket. "Under 55," they say. As if my years of experience mean nothing.


Basic advice for beginners (and not only beginners)

Postbox letter from Gregor

Beware of agencies that offer a visa and work permit after a 3-month probationary period. A 3-month "probation" is nothing more than illegal work and forcing teachers into visa runs.


Experience trumps qualifications every time!

Postbox letter from Mike

Experienced teachers who actually try are worth their weight in gold. You can only learn so much from a book and then you really need to just get your hands dirty.


Showing 10 tagged items out of 85 total Page 1 of 9



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The Hot Spot


The cost of living

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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.


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My Bangkok suburb

My Bangkok suburb

Overviews for different areas and suburbs of Bangkok, written with the help of teachers who live there. Let us help you find the perfect Bangkok neighborhood for your lifestyle.


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!


The region guides

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Fancy working in Thailand but not in Bangkok? Our region guides are written by teachers who actually live and work in the provinces.