Job Discussion Forums

brokenarm22 · Joined: 15 Aug 2010 Posts: 35

Hey all, I was offered a position in Thailand with this wage and accom. Is it enough? Can I save anything?

I have taught in Korea and lived in the Dominican republic (on a limited budget here) and I am not going to be partying like a rock star, so to speak. My goals are to live somewhat modestly, see Thailand, hopefully Cambodia and come back with a few dollars in my pocket.

Any thoughts?

I forgot to say this is probably in or around Chang Mai.

I will accept any hints or tips as well.

Thanks all.

tttompatz

takgeyon · Joined: 19 Apr 2007 Posts: 51

You can get more than 30k. Just come here on a tourist VISA and hit the sidewalks. If a school offers you lowball wages then negotiate a higher salary. Contrary to the popular notion that BK has an excess of teachers, the mojority of these MOD EDIT. It's a shoppers market for anyone with integrity.

Maxwell69 · Joined: 26 Mar 2009 Posts: 6

The OP is going to Chiang Mai. My understanding is that English teaching jobs there tend to be on the lower end of the pay scale.

- Maxwell

MaiPenRai · Joined: 17 Jan 2006 Posts: 390 Location: BKK

Yep, Chiang Mai is notorious for a lower pay scale (on average) than almost everywhere else in Thailand (for EFL). There are very few ads for jobs in Chiang Mai and most jobs there pass through word of mouth.

As the OP has already been offered the job, 30,000+accomm will more than likely be fine. What is the accomm like? Get pics and details first. Does it have A/C, hot water, tv, fridge, internet connected, furniture, etc. Beginning expenses could add up. Is it close to your job? Transport could add up and/or be a pain. I recall Chiang Mai transport to be limited. Probably a motorbike rental would be best at about 2000-3500/month.

Don't expect to save much at first as their will be an adjustment period. But after you get used to food and weather and such, you should be able to live off half that, but wont have too much fun or do very limited travel. Always be sure to bring a safety net of a few thousand dollars in case the job or anything goes bad. Seen too many people get stuck here at crap jobs or with no money.

Other than that, Chiang Mai would be a great place to live.

Best of luck!

bulgogiboy · Joined: 23 Feb 2005 Posts: 803

30k plus accom is fine, particularly outside of BKK. I think the key, as another poster has touched on, is staying away from the naughty side of Thai nightlife, or at least not falling head over heels into it like I did! Laughing

I don't think you'll save much, especially in relation to what can be banked in Korea, but then you don't go to Thailand for the money. Have a couple of singha beers, enjoy that chicken fried rice (mmm), pet a few elephants, and choose your girlfriend(s) wisely!

Thailand is SO much nicer than Korea, or any other place I've taught ESL. I just wish the money wasn't so rubbish. Even the money offered by places like the British Council seems to be pretty rubbish.

And by the way, 30k is what I was earning there 8 yrs ago. The wages just seem to be static.

Have a good time though, I'm sure you'll get by just fine!

adogadie · Joined: 18 Sep 2010 Posts: 82 Location: Taiwan

Isn't the average EFL wage in BK 45,000 Bt nowadays?

tttompatz · Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2010 5:10 am Post subject: