English teachers in Thailand may disagree on many things, but there is one thing they all would readily nod their heads on - Thailand is not the place to get rich. If you dream of earning big bucks in the Far East and save up some money for retirement, then don't come to Thailand. Go to countries where teaching English is more lucrative than it is here like China, Japan Taiwan, or Korea. Despite the pay though, Thailand continues to be a sweet temptation. Many turn their backs from money to live in a more relaxed more calm environment. Indeed, English teachers the world over come to Thailand as they have chosen chosen to live the kind of life that money definitely can't buy.
Thailand is the place to go to if you want to get away from the life in the fast lane. Daniel*, a colleague refused to work on Sundays after much coaxing from the academic director. He commented, "If I wanted to work long hours and amass money, I would have stayed in England. I am here to enjoy my life, and if I work in the same way I did back in the UK, there's no point being here." Indeed, people teach in Thailand if only to savor the moving factor behind many a Thai person's life: sanook (fun!). Life need not be taken so seriously, and the corporate ladder is not a concern, Here, different forms of entertainment are just an arm's length away at a reasonable cost and one that you can afford.
Another thing that makes Thailand so appealing is the low cost of living. You'd be surprised how most Thais receive a salary that's barely a fourth of what you're receiving. Thus, compared to many, you have the earnings of a king, and it won't hurt you if you live like one every now and then, as you can, believe me, afford it. With a 30,000 baht salary, provided you don't spend ridiculous amount of money in booze or women, you can easily have Indian/Mexican/Middle Eastern or other exotic food for dinner. Taking a taxi everyday is no problem either, and you could always afford a weekend getaway. Many English teachers of course receive more than 30,000 baht.
Even more captivating are the people's friendliness and fascination of foreigners. Many have been said about the Thais being xenophobic, but no one can deny that the first time they step on Thai soil, the ready smile and friendliness of the Thai people always warm the coldest of hearts. Many Thai's, your students for example, normally go out of their way to make you feel comfortable. This sometimes irks some people, not quite understanding the gesture, but it still doesn't fail to make a person hold a soft heart for the Thai people. Teaching doesn't even have to be a monotonous session and could even be fun for you - what with the Thais' "if-it's-fun-it's-worth-doing" attitude.
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