The great visa agent debate

Why so many expats just don't get it

Spend enough time in any Thai expat Facebook group and you’ll eventually stumble into the trenches of one of the community’s most divisive and oddly passionate debates: using a visa agent versus doing it yourself.


Teacher mistakes

Avoid falling into any of these teacher traps

Ajarn has put together a list of the most common mistakes that teachers make in Thailand - both new arrivals and those who have been here a while.


The all new 10-year retirement visa

Who is it aimed at exactly?

A buzz of excitement went through the Thailand expat community last week, when it was announced the Thai government planned to offer ten year visas to those over the official Thai retirement age of 50. That buzz of excitement was shortlived however once any street savvy expat decided to delve into the figures and requirements in more detail.


A rewarding visa run

How to get a double-entry tourist visa in Savannakhet, Laos

I won't claim to be any kind of expert on the matter, but from everything I've heard from the many people and agencies I've talked to, Laos is the only country you can easily (relatively and without flying) get to from Bangkok that will grant you a double entry tourist visa.


Does your school have a work permit / visa superhero?

Every teacher would love their school to have a Khun Oat

Foreign teachers need someone who takes away all those red tape headaches? Do you have such a member of staff or is your place of employment generally clueless about immigration / ministry of labor procedures and are teachers left to fight for themselves?


What makes a good international school?

What are the the things a teacher should know beforehand?

Everyone always says 'research' is the number one thing for teachers hopping off to a far away teaching nirvana and they would be right, but it isn't until you are deep inside the doors of an international school that you suddenly have a plethora of questions you probably should have asked.


Teaching in Thailand

Postbox letter from Dr John Smith

In many articles people have complained that the money they have to pay each year for work permits, visas and teaching licence makes it just not worth it. When is the ministry going to wake up and stop persecuting teachers who have nothing but good intent for the education of the Thai children and stay here as law abiding people.


New visa rule is ridiculous

Postbox letter from Dr John Smith

In my opinion I find it very difficult to understand the mentality or blatant stupidity of the Thai immigration section in Bangkok. Not only do they rip you off at every turn but now they have found a new way to get money from visitors.


Getting a 30-day tourist visa extension

A trip to the remarkably efficient Thai immigration office

I must say, I'm highly impressed with the efficiency of the whole process. It's not something I would expect from a Thai government office, and the process is far more efficient than getting a passport or similar document in the States!


Race and Thailand

Postbox letter from Ms. Martey

My husband does not teach but I have heard of many African teachers that have trouble getting jobs. Some school directors have a policy to just not hire blacks (although they won't state this publicly).


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The Hot Spot


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.


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 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.