...friends and former co-workers of mine have gone on to schools where students and teachers are encouraged to go out and socialise. one friend even claimed that it was part of the job requirement, but i think he was jesting me...

...of course, many schools have strict rules against socialising of any kind. but some would argue that the students do get something from it. i have had many students who were nice people, and i actually liked. last year, one invited me out to dinner with him and his family. in addition, i have gone drinking on a number of occasions with my students...

...so, what's the view out there on this? is it worthwhile, or should one maintain a professional distance?

As long as nothing dodgy is going on and it doesn't in any way interfere with your work I think most people would see it as nothing more than a cultural exchange or possibly a free conversation class after school.

It could lead on to greener pastures...

Tricky call...The demure teacher or student could be a mia noi.... and that would certainly put some excitement in your llife, especially if the patron is a brown suiter or MP... Sorry to say..even with advanced degree.. the Thai woman does not seem to understand what part of the truth to tell.. like a compound complex sentence they just never seem to get right.

Judgement: If you plan to dip your ink in the company well be advised of the X factors you will certainly face..

Keep away.. your still considered as an out from this country.. You can get your thrill different way.. See you down the trail.

Recommended not to, unless it's at an officially school-run event. Otherwise you get what you're asking for: trouble.

"Steven"

Professionalism is one of the most important traits that we as farang bring with us and exercise. Do not let us down!! Socializing within reason should never be a problem, but, maintain the position of Teacher, which is helf in high regard here.

When in the military, I learned the trick was always to leave earlier -- when a leader was expected to depart. Kept me out of trouble and kept me seeing things that I did not need to see.

Do not mean to sound above it all.............. But caution is the word for I have seen many a teacher Thai and Farang that have slipped and lost the esteem frist bestowed upon them.

Recommended not to, unless it's at an officially school-run event. "

Sounds like a sensible attitude.

The Thai teachers seem to have a much more formal relationship with their students than we are used to in the west. At the first school I taught at I started to eat a the student's canteen and told the students that they could sit with me and practice their English if they liked. On of the M6 students tackled me on the stairs and advised me to eat with the teachers and not the students. I followed her advice and soon realized that that was the best thing to do.

It's fun having the students like you, but IMHO it's more important to have the students respect you and to get along with the Thai teachers.

In the college I'm teaching in the western teachers are encouraged to socialise with the students. The primary reason we are teaching at the college is for the students to be exposed to native English speakers and so it is good for them to talk with us as much as possible. Of course we have to maintain clear boundaries and it's probably an advantage being in the depths of Isaan where the students aren't 'wised up' as they are in Bangkok; the relationships between students and teachers are in fact extremely good.