Go with the flow

Don't come to Thailand if this kind of stuff makes you mad

As westerners, we like to have schedules and we like to know things ahead of time. Stuff like that doesn't happen so much in Asian culture.

Keeping a positive teacher mindset

Coping with the demands and frustrations of teaching

Stay positive and view issues pertaining to Thai education with a broad mind. Balancing your concerns, with a deeper understanding of how Buddhist values reverberate in the local community is the way to go!

Tips for first year teachers in Thailand

How to maximize your teaching enjoyment!

Successful good quality teaching is never a "walk in the park." As you prepare to teach in Thailand really try to focus on being there for the students.

The teacher fashion guide

Dress for success!

If you're thinking of coming to teach in Thailand then don't leave home without reading our indispensable guide to cutting a dash in the classroom. How many neckties do I need? Will the pony-tail have to go? From the moment you walk in the room, you'll be turning heads and not stomachs. On no, not all five Spice Girls please!!!!

Things I miss about Thailand

Sense of community and the pace of life to name just two

I have been living in the US for the past several months, living a peripatetic and nomadic existence that is in many ways far more adventurous than the relatively quotidian and pedestrian life I lived as a teacher in Bangkok.

Bloody well turn it down

Noise pollution gone mad

At the risk of sounding xenophobic..., what the heck, I'll say it: Thai people don't hear noise in the same manner as foreigners. Could it be that Thais have some sort of innate (spiritual?) ability to 'tune it out'. More realistically, the reason is; Thai people 'bear it'. For them to show disdain for loud noise would be a sign of weakness.

Handling students with learning difficulties

How can I ignore students just because they are different?

I remember in my first week at my government high school there was a student who was severely autistic. I just wasn't prepared for the task at hand.

TIT - life insurance

Misconceptions about life insurance sold in Thailand

One expat forum contributor claimed that the Thai government was using a tax deduction to get people to buy life insurance that the Thai government knew was overpriced. Strangers in a strange land can really say some stupid things on these forums.

Why I never treat Thai tradespeople like shit

It's definitely a part of being 'British'

Old habits die hard I suppose - but I'm always proud that treating tradespeople with respect and kindness is one aspect of British culture that I brought to Thailand with me - and one that I'll hopefully never give up on.