Understanding the Thai school system

A guide for foreign teachers

If you’re planning to teach in Thailand, it helps to have a basic grasp of how the education system is structured. While life inside a Thai classroom can sometimes feel unpredictable, the framework that holds everything together is actually quite well organised - at least on paper.


School lunches in Thailand: surprisingly awesome or shockingly spicy?

Postbox letter from Annette

At my school, lunch is a proper cooked meal - rice with a rotating line-up of soups, stir-fries, and curries that range from "mmm, not bad" to "someone get me a fire extinguisher."


Some more reasons why you'll quit teaching in Thailand

Six more reasons why you'll be heading home before too long

The frustration of having no real authority over your students, interference from Thai teachers, the thankless task of morning gate duty and more!


A great career but......

Postbox letter from Elisha

The element of autonomy in the teaching world was what appealed to me about teaching compared to other (employee style) careers.


What you can learn working with colleagues from different countries

Everyone has something to offer you

Overall, I really enjoy having a true international environment at work. The chance to work and meet people from so many countries has improved me as a teacher and allowed me to learn a lot about other cultures.


Cheating or helping?

Is it better to simply observe students and not try to fix things?

I learned a long time ago to not expect Thai people to think or behave the way we do in California. I've come to realize the futility of trying to impose Western values on this ancient culture.


Getting the kids hooked young!

My goal is to not frighten the lives out of my students

I'm stepping back from the serious, academic approach and working on making my classes something that kids look forward to - even if they aren't learning as much.


Who is worth working for?

In search of the holy grail.

Is there a Holy Grail of ELT jobs? Why are some teachers happy, while others suffer under a yoke of abuse? Who are these employers that are spoiling our fun?


Low test scores are no surprise

Postbox letter from Sheri

It is not a surprise that Thai students score so low on English tests because they don't sense any urgency in learning English.


The 'Hour of Code' is here

Computer coding is going to become an essential skill for all students

Simply learning how to use popular software applications is no longer enough for today's students. Other countries are waking up to this reality and education departments have reformed their computer studies curriculum to introduce students to the basic principles of computer science from an early age.


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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 cost of living

The cost of living

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.


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!


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.


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.