Educational policy: what can a teacher do?

Will the ministry listen to anything we have to say?

'Government policy' is a major concern to many teachers here, and rightly so. When policy undermines our classroom practice, things can get frustrating.


The senselessness of Thai bureaucrats and oligarchs

Thailand is ruled by men, not laws

I understand that Thai people do not like causing conflict or losing face, but the first step in solving a problem is admitting that there is one


Thailand's month of mourning

This is when Thai culture can really catch us unaware

Thailand has entered a month of mourning following the death of His Holiness the Supreme Patriarch. So what does that mean for us foreigners? How will this period of mourning affect us?


Remembering the terrible floods

We will never forget the horrors of late 2011

A lot of Thais said the 2011 floods in Thailand were the worst in 50 years. Factories and businesses, agricultural crops and countless properties were damaged at a huge cost. Anyone who experienced it will never forget.


Thai education shambles

Postbox letter from Ajarn Jim

Outside of MEP and EP programs, why are government schools fixated on NES teachers doing so much conversation? From what I understand, the English section of the university exams covers reading, comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar.


Is Thailand taking it seriously?

Postbox letter from Marvin

It seems the only thing required in most schools right now is to be a young “fresh face”. Experience is not appreciated (or paid for) in most cases.


Age limit by Ministry of Education?

Postbox letter from Richard

I feel like I've been spinning my wheels here for weeks sending CVs and emails and not getting any results.


Getting hitched in the Land of Smiles

Continuing the adventure but as a married teacher

Hi, I am Elizabeth (Miss Ellie if you are one of my 5 year old students) and I am a homeroom teacher at an International school in Nonthaburi. I moved here from South Korea where I lived and taught for a year


Where will the money go?

Postbox letter from Cliff

I retired from my job in the States last year and decided to spend my retirement here in Thailand, teaching Thai people to speak better English among other things. I knew beforehand it would be an uphill battle. I have spent 4 years of my life here, plus another 11 working at a Thai church near my home in the San Diego area, so I was well aware of the difficulties Thai people have with our language. In fact, most of the few Thai people I know who speak it fluently have a very heavy Thai accent.


Fear of change?

Why the reluctance to adopt English as an official language in Thailand?

In Thailand the government has set 2012 as English Speaking Year with a goal of encouraging students to converse in English every Monday. Such policies are useful but the major leap of enacting legislation to make English an official language for Thailand is also needed


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Featured Teachers

  • Shanna


    Chinese, 41 years old. Currently living in Thailand

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    Indian, 28 years old. Currently living in USA

  • Geamae


    Filipino, 25 years old. Currently living in Thailand

  • Lewis


    British, 24 years old. Currently living in Thailand

  • Krizza


    Filipino, 25 years old. Currently living in Philippines

  • Rica


    Filipino, 24 years old. Currently living in Philippines

The Hot Spot


The cost of living

The cost of living

How much money does a teacher need to earn in order to survive in Thailand? We analyze the facts.


The dreaded demo

The dreaded demo

Many schools ask for demo lessons before they hire. What should you the teacher be aware of?


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!


Contributions welcome

Contributions welcome

If you like visiting ajarn.com and reading the content, why not get involved yourself and keep us up to date?


The Region Guides

The Region Guides

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


Will I find work in Thailand?

Will I find work in Thailand?

It's one of the most common questions we get e-mailed to us. So find out exactly where you stand.


Need Thailand insurance?

Need Thailand insurance?

Have a question about health or travel insurance in Thailand? Ricky Batten from Pacific Prime is Ajarn's resident expert.


Teacher mistakes

Teacher mistakes

What are the most common mistakes that teachers make when they are about to embark on a teaching career in Thailand? We've got them all covered.