Ten things teachers should avoid doing at work!

Ten things teachers should avoid doing at work!

posted on 12th November 2011

"Divide et Impera" seems to be the slogan for most of the employers when it’s about relationship between Thai and “Farang” Teachers!

Although most of  the Thais are wonderful people taken as individuals, there are certain things you should avoid in dealing with Thais from Educational Institutions. There is a tremendous difference between the Thais you’ve met on the street and those ones you meet at school! Why? First answer is the payment: a  Thai teacher is usually paid at least four times less than a “farang” and that explains everything. There are “a few” other small privileges that will turn even the most peaceful Thai into your greatest enemy once you step in the school premises, like:

• ·        Less hours of work, as a “farang” teacher’s schedule is from 7:30-15:30, a Thai teacher has to work from 7:00 to 18:00 in most of the schools

• ·        Computer&Internet access exclusively  for  farangs

• ·        Air Cons only for farangs

• ·        Special menu at lunch

• ·        Longer holidays

• ·        ETC.

So, in order to avoid conflicts here are few rules to follow:

1) Never ever speak about salary with Thai teacher!  

 Even some of them they will try to convey you on the subject of ”how much are you earning?”, try to detour conversation politely, such as: No matter how much money I get, it’s certainly not enough nowadays!

2) Never get involved in a relationship other than professional at work!

 Even if the situation has a happy ending, both of you will suffer a lot from your colleagues’ attitude. Remember that you do not know too much about Thai mentality and social classes division. Once a Thai colleague gets involved in a relationship with a farang, the general idea is that the foreign partner has to have enough money to support the Thai partner! On the other hand, the animosity generated by this kind of relationship can jeopardize your position and most frequently send you out of job!  

3) Do not get involved in Thai political issues, especially if the subjects concern the King of Thailand or the Royal family!  

 Thais are very proud of their heritage and sustain that they were never conquered or occupied by any other nation. One of the closest translations for the word “Thai” is “free person”!

4) Beware of the old Thai female teachers! 

The reality is that most of the Thai teachers are ladies, something like 98% of the school’s teachers. So, there is no wonder why they are the most influential. I am speaking about class teacher who supervises the students permanently. They can become a real pain in the neck and if they say something, they will not stop until they see you outside the door!  

To be continued….