Job Discussion Forums

[jasminesialkot]

I have a UK passport, I am from East London actually, but when applying for work I have to suffer a kind of 'attitude' sometimes. If I show up in Thailand am I going to get the same or when they see me- will they get it, that I am British, but of Asian descent. I just want to work without nastiness. What about Korea, would that be better than Thailand?

[judgedredd]

I would say 99% of asians are up there with the most racist people in the world.. Not in a nasty 'in your face' kind of way, but they simply prefer 'white' people, and so you may have to look harder to get a job.

However, don't let me put you off, because I have a good friend from Cameroon, not even a native speaker, and he has been teaching here for some years now, in two different long term, quite well paid jobs. So it can be done!

[judgedredd]

* By saying Asians, I actually mean people from East Asia.. Japanese, Chinese, Thais, etc..

[Waldorf Salad]

Thailand should definitely be easier than Korea. It can't get any worse than Korea.

[gusto102]

Thai people seem to have a fixation with white skin whether it�s a Thai or foreigner. According to some of my Thai friends, black or even tanned skin is considered dirty. Some of the Thais go to great lengths to avoid the sun and keep their skin nice 'n pale. So I wouldn't consider it racism as defined by those of us in the west, it�s just a strong preference they seem to have. They won�t say anything to your face, that�s not Thai style, more like behind your back.

I'm sure you can find work out here though it may be difficult at a Thai school. You may have to look a little harder but it shouldn't be a problem, and once they get to know you its all good.

[jasminesialkot]

This is a bit disappointing actually.

[jasminesialkot]

According to some of my Thai friends, black or even tanned skin is considered dirty.
So I wouldn't consider it racism as defined by those of us in the west' [/b][/quote
I appreciate your time in replying, really, this is one big eye opener. So the Thais are likely to view me as dirty? - But they're not really racist?
It feels like racism from my side. Sorry, but that's how it feels, and it's hurting already. I am just surprised that Asian people would feel like that about someone like me, maybe I will go to the Muslim part, I have been reading up about it, if they are Muslims then there's no way they can be racist to me. But regarding the things written above- viewing me a dirty etc etc, I just find it deperately sad. I read in a book it's called the 'Land of Smiles', only they're smirking at me behind my back! I am totally confused now about going to Thailand.

[judgedredd]

Well, the muslim part in South Thailand carries its own risks.. You will certainly have more options down there, but then again you might find yourself a target for the terrorists!! Teachers are frequently targeted for shootings, bombings etc.. But I dunno the whole story with regards to that.

I understand you feel upset, and yes I would say the Thais are racist in their ways, but it isn't the same racial hatred that we have back in the UK. Here they don't hate you personally, its just that they won't like the look of you very much. to put it bluntly. However, as someone else mentioned, if you did manage to secure a job and then you got to know some Thais as friends, they probably would like you a lot!!

One more thing you might consider, there are a few muslim schools in the Bangkok area, I've even seen some asking specifically for muslim teachers.. You'd have to look them up as I forgot the names, but it might be worth a shot!

Anyway, good luck

[jasminesialkot]

Thanks so much, I am new to this so your views are very welcome. I don't know what to do, I have asked about Russia on that forum, they are writing saying like this, "Hey Jasmine, the police are going to get you'.
Here in Thailand its 'You're dirty and they won't like the look of you'.
That's Russia and Thailand out then, where have we next? Stay here in Newham maybe?
The thing is, it's probably not a good idea for me to teach in an Islamic school, I like to party (within limits) and I don't even wear a hijab. It's like I am being ghettoized or something. Main thing for me is if my Thai students like me. But nasty sniping colleagues- that's no good and it will spoil it for me. So everyone from Britain gets to go and teach in Thailand and have a great time, and me, it's 'Get lost Jasmine?' Or if I go, then it's on a kind of sufferance. And here's me thinking it would be better in Thailand than in Poland or somewhere like that, only I got it wrong again. Sounds like I have to wise up a bit, right?

[scot47]

No Race Relations Act in Thailand.

[gusto102]

I know it�s just not fair, is it? Ya, there is a whole other world beyond Newham, so you�d just have to adjust.

[PattyFlipper]

[kinlij]

Some of the posts here make it sound quite grim. I taught in Chiang Mai for several years not so long ago and during that time I had a colleague (at AUA) who had British citizenship and was quite dark skinned. I also taught at an International School with Indian nationals and a South African (not white). All of them were great teachers and were highly respected by both staff and students. One of these teachers was married to a Thai and another dated quite a few Thais. (which tells me that not all Thais are 'put off' by skin colour)

So while its worth keeping in mind what some of the posts here have to say, I also think the kind of person you are and the kind of teacher you are will have a lot more bearing on how you are received than the colour of your skin.

Good luck!

[roguegrafix]

I have a dark-skinned South African-British friend who is highly repected by students and teachers alike. The thing to do is not to stress your Pakistani "side" when you apply for jobs. Most Thai institutions want "native speakers only" and will thow away an application that does not meet those standards. Yes it is racist but that's the way things are here. Let them decide whether they like you or not at the interview. If you're a native speaker with the right credentials, I don't think you'll have a problem.

[Extraordinary Rendition]

I taught in Thailand for five years. Seems to me the kindergardens/primary schools would fall over themselves trying to hire you, but then again, I was told I was sexist for saying that teaching rugrats is women's work . The Thais might not like you? Hmm... Let's see... They love farang . You won't have a comparatively large amount of money compared to most Thais ? They don't laugh at farang behind our backs ?