Job Discussion Forums

[mimi81]

I've been wanting to teach overseas for approximately four years now (went to University during this period to obtain a BA in English and Second Language teaching) and I was torn over the last year between Taiwan or Thailand. Then a friend went to Thailand (for a one month vacation) and I fell in love with the place through his pictures and stories. BUT, there has been a recent change in the political arena in Thailand (student demonstrations, which I'm afrad might get worse). Is there anyone who has experienced teaching in both areas, or can legitamately reccomend which country l should to teach at? I'm going overseas to teach, not to drink and party... I know I'm a big square. mimi

[Taylor]

Hello Mimi81,

As long as earning/saving money is not an issue for you, then Thailand is a great place!

I don't really know much about the student protests, but cash is the big difference. I've heard stories about teachers who stay in Thailand because they can't even make enough money to buy a plane ticket out .....

My wife and I went to Chiang-mai for our honeymoon. We love the place, too. But Thailand is more of a vacation/retirement destination, as well as a missions field for Western Christian missionaries.

Just my .02

Taylor
Kaohsiung, Taiwan
8+ years

[mimi81]

I know that in Thailand you make no money, but living expenses are significanlty lower. I also know that I can make more money in Taiwan, but it is more expensive to live there. My real concern is where it would be safest for me to live right now. From your name, it seems you have spent quite a bit of time in Taiwan, why do you not reccommend teaching there? mimi

[markholmes]

I wouldn't worry too much about the political situation in Thailand. You are not likely to become involved or even see it other than on the TV.

I taught English in Taiwan and spent a lot of time in Thailand on my vactions (one year plus). I now do business in Thailand, mostly in Chiang Mai.

I do believe on a personal level you would probably have a better time in Thailand. It's warm all year, cheap, relaxed and has great travel opportunities very close by.

Taiwan is also a good place to live, particularly if it's a decent wage you are looking for and saving potential.

I haven't taught in Thailand, but am led to believe that whilst a Thai teaching salary will provide you with a reasonable standard of living, it doesn't allow much opportunity for saving.

I like Taiwan, I prefer Thailand. Schools in both countries can suffer from bogus contracts, broken promises and bad working conditions (some, but not all). Make sure you pick a good school. Do your research.

[Serious_Fun]

mimi81 hao ~

Thailand can certainly hook you...I find myself returning there over and over again...

In response to your comment re: "a recent change in the political arena", I would advise teachers to stay away from jobs in the four Southern provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Songhkla and Yala. Over 1000 people have died there since Jan. 2004 in this current crisis.

I suppose that most of us have experienced strange things during our travels, but having our head cut off by some Thai/Malay insurgent is going too far! That is bad for any teacher's career.

[mimi81]

I was wondering if you had any links that could explain (un-biased) what is happening exactly in Thailand. I have been reading excerpts from the Bangkok Post, but it is only recent occurences. I work with several Thai men, but of course, they're experiences are painted with personal experiences and opinions (some don't think there is even a problem, whereas one is afraid to go home because of conscription!). mimi

[markholmes]

A section of the muslim population in the south wishes to separate from Thailand. I believe a large part of this area was once part of Malaya and at one time a kingdom in it's own right (wasn't it called Pattani?). The ethnic identities on both sides of the border is mixed (Thai and Malay), but predominately muslim.

It is believed that these rebels (for want of a better word) are funded by extremists in Malaysia and more worrying, are in contact with an extremist muslim group in Indonesia caleed Jamal Islamya (responsible for the Bali bombings, amonst others).

Although Serious Fun says 1000 people have died in the last two years, to my knowledge none of those have been foreigners.

Chiang Mai is a very long way from the south, so don't worry about it. There are muslims in the north, but they are a different ethnic group called Haw or Hui, who are descendents of Yunnanese (Chinese) muslims, who apparently were descended from muslim traders from Middle East 1000 years ago or so.

If you are talking about the recent demonstrations against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, that is likely to blow over in time. That concerns the sale of the Shin corporation to a foreigner company (Singapore I think) and accusations of bribery and corruption (the usual stuff from businessmen and politicians in Asia, only on a larger scale). I don't think that Thailand is in a position where large scale revolt is likely to occur.

If any of this info is incorrect I apologise in advance. I gave it my best shot.

[Serious_Fun]

ni men hao:

yes, the insurgency in the South stems from many years of strife between the ethnic Malays, who worship according to Islam, and the Buddhist-dominated Thai authorities...it was fueled by the Thai stupidity back in 2004 when a large group of detained person were shot dead by the Thai military/police. Now the JI can recruit much more easily.

Since then a favorite target of the insurgents has been the "Education Complex"...schools burned down, teachers beheaded, students harassed. As markholmes alluded to, I don't think that foreign teachers have been killed....but it is just a messy situation and, so, I advise against taking a position there.

Surely you can do more research on your own using the "internet"....a very handy tool indeed. ...and I assume that you have posted to the Thailand group on this site

good luck.

[markholmes]

Actually I don't believe the insurgents are ethnic Malays, they are Thai muslims, although they obviously share a lot of cultural and ethnic traits.