Maha Sarakham

I don't think this is seen as 'evil' from a Thai perspective, so no, the only campaigns I've seen are for STD awareness.

7 minutes ago, DavisH said:

Make sure you get your teaching certification in the US. Work a couple of years there first. Teach the subjects you will most enjoy yourself. Of course, ESL english is the most common teachign subject, but as you would be a qualified teacher, you can teach other content areas, such as mathematics and science in international schools. They generally have the greatest demand. I'm a maths teacher. I also have a PhD in science, but never bothered trying to get work in a university as the salaries are generally too low. Actually I did have an interview at AIT many years ago for 100K a month, but did not get it. The best international schools pay more than that but demand is very high and thuse they attract very experienced teachers. Hence, you need home country experience. 

Excellent information, cheers!  Thank you for sharing your experiences everyone!

Thank you for the learning opportunity!  Continuous improvement!

3 hours ago, simon43 said:

I've only briefly taught in Thailand many years ago, and I certainly would not want to repeat that experience ....

Oh come now, the little ones didn't warm your heart with joy?  ????

5 hours ago, CrunchWrapSupreme said:

I’d recommend this path to anyone. Come to Thailand, benefit from the experience, then return home. I got a great lady, and got through some ridiculous nonsense I never thought I would’ve out of it. But I wouldn’t plan on staying here indefinitely.

Thanks for telling your story, it was interesting to hear about your journey!  Congratulations on finding yourself a wonderful lady, best thing that could have came out of the whole experience, I'm sure.  I'm blessed to have the lady I have and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Q: Did you feel in order to work your way up the ladder (close to 100k) it was absolutely mandatory to be in Bangkok?  We like Bangkok, but I'm not sure I'd want to spend many years there, I'd have to have some kind of alternative plan to do teaching online as simon43 mentioned.

Thanks for the comments everyone.  Have plans to finish the MA in Edu and start getting some teaching experience in the US prior to relocating.  Question is now what subject will be most in demand going forward.

A lot of them are on YouTube, the novelty is wearing off for many already though.

Distinct lack of women in bikinis... think the event missed the mark!

How are the Saturday and Sunday night markets?  Are they still running in any significant capacity?  They were always my favorite in Thailand.

5 hours ago, Leaver said:

What did you and your wife enjoy about central and T21?  

The layout seemed better and the food courts were suitable for a quick lunch.  Other places didn't feel the same way, at least to us.

Terminal 21 and Central Festival seemed like the only two malls that were actually enjoyable.  The others were not impressive, at least to my wife and I.

Kinda goes to show you the oversupply of shopping malls when even pre-covid they were struggling to attract shoppers.

14 hours ago, otherstuff1957 said:

Finally, what part of Thailand is your wife from and does she want to live near her parents?  If so, you might find your employment options to be very limited.

Thanks for the feedback regarding the benefits of teaching Math/STEM, those are helpful suggestions.

My wife is from Isaan but would be okay to live in either Chiang Mai or Bangkok.  She doesn't necessarily want to live with/near the parents, just with-in Thailand for weekend trips to see them on occasion.  She likes a bit of privacy from the village folk and their endless mindless gossiping.

19 hours ago, Bender Rodriguez said:

how much did you pay for your education ?  you don't want that investment back ? you want to live of 60k a month ?

My company is paying for it, I just want to live comfortably in Thailand with my wife.  I love Thailand and have been coming for years now.

4 hours ago, OumarhindaOunsingha said:

OP, if you are a NES with all that educational luggage, you can get whatever teaching position you want in Thailand. I guess you are relatively young, too, which generally is a big plus to schools as well. To me, there seems nothing to be discussed, here. There is no question. Just finish whatever you want to finish there in USA and then come here and enjoy life. It will all be fine for you, job-wisely ????

Thank you for the information, I will most certainly do so!  Looking forward to getting to Thailand eventually ????

Thank you all very much for the replies thus far.  It seems it is advised to:

1. Finish the Master's Degree.
2. Attain a Teaching License/Certification in the USA.
3. Get some teaching experience in the interim.

Would you advise to also complete one of those TEFL courses or are those largely gimmicks?  My goal would be to teach ESL at an International School.

Hello Friends,

I have a Bachelor's Degree in Business and I'm currently taking a Master's Degree in a business related field as well in my home country (USA).

However, I'm debating taking a PHD in Educational Leadership after I finish the Master's Degree so I can pivot into an international teaching role and live with my wife in Thailand.

My question is, will having a PHD in Edu help me at all in Thailand or is it fairly non-value-added?  I will of course get the teacher certification in my home country before coming over, I just want to be in good standing to get a decent gig when my Thai wife and I are able to move back to Thailand.  We are looking to leave the USA with-in the next 5 years or so.  Do Thai schools even care about anything beyond a Master's?

Thanks for any information.

1 hour ago, Ron jeremy said:

it's a shuttered ghost town. Great???? To each their own, and besides hookers, what's the draw for pattaya? It's a ghetto. 

Think it really depends who you talk to.  Some expats are miserable and some still enjoy it.  Pattaya would not be my favorite place to retire, but fun to visit prior to covid.  Now, not so sure, seems like with the government business subsidies ending its going to get a lot quieter with far more closures next month and more going back home to Isaan.

How's the Central Mall holding up near Chaweng?  Past couple years it has been getting increasingly more quiet. 

I'm curious if it's going to survive this pandemic in its current state...

Just use an agent, not worth getting ousted from the country and not being able to come back, over 2000 baht.  Yes, they're crooks, but they have the authority in this case.

The fact that you are considering buying before even visiting seems like a problem.  Prices haven't dropped much at all.  Properties take a long time to sell in Thailand too.  There really is no rush to find a bargain, unless you find a desperate expat looking to vacate immediately.  Those great deals won't be posted on websites like Perfect Homes... my wife rented a condo from them and they were fine, but definitely way better deals around just reading the condo boards in the lobbies.