How will NES EFL Teachers without degrees now stay in Thailand?

[Deacon Bell]

With the big crackdown on visas etc. that's going on, there must be thousands and thousands of Native English Speaking (NES) EFL teachers that don't or can't get a Work Permit or Extension of Stay that will either have to leave, or.....?

Or what though, is the question.

Some might be working part-time and not qualify because of that. Some might be doing it freelance, and don't qualify because of that. Many don't have degrees so it is very, very difficult for them to get one. Many have been here for years, many have a large base of students that want them, that need them.

They greatly benefit Thai people.

How will they now stay in Thailand?

[lildragon]

I am in that boat. You will get the sanctimonious cretins on here telling you "haha well you deserve it" when they don't consider the ramifications.

Schools like mine have a fairly large ESL staff of 30. Only 4 or 5 of those people have degrees. It is to my understanding that 2/3rds of ESL teachers in Thailand do not have a degree. So what will happen to a school like mine and thousands of others? "Oh well, you don't have the right paperwork so piss off" I bet the answer on here will be

Thailand is not Korea or Japan and most schools simply can NOT afford to pay the kind of wages those two countries do. There is going to be a huge teacher shortage and I can't see many of the (xenophobic) Thais being happy with Filipino teachers. It is going to be very interesting to see if the Junta actually consider the needs of schools and give some sort of leeway, or actually go through with enforcing these rules and trying to get qualified ESL teachers working for 35k a month I suspect a begging to please come back because ohh we actually need you like they did with the Cambodian workers will happen.

I am actually planning to study for a degree here full time next year. Whether I manage to make it until then remains to be seen. If not, off to one of Thailand's more realistic and welcoming neighbors

[Deacon Bell]

I think that it will be a massive problem for people that are truly wanted here. Wanted by the schools, wanted by the students, and wanted by the student's parents, and dare I say needed for Thailand and its future.

A problem that would solve this issue would be for native English speakers to be able to get a WP and Extension of Stay with only a TEFL certificate and police check (and a culture course or whatever they want to add on), but to have the degree requirement dropped.

Many have children here, are settled here, and are wanted and needed here.

What options do they have (besides the smart ol' 'Go get a degree mate!'). I think they can get married and try for either 400k in the bank for 2 months every year, or get a multi-entry marriage visa (for however long they issue them without a crack down).

I think the TEFL market is the one industry that a big crackdown on will not benefit either Thailand or Thais. Very much the opposite.

[Hawkman]

This is a big problem.

Who would you want teaching your child English, someone with a degree in Economics, but no teaching experience and hasn't a clue what present perfect is? Or would you rather someone who hasn't got a degree, but has lots of experience, knows their stuff and is good at classroom management?

Would you want someone to fix your car, who has a degree in Biology but no experience in motors or someone with no degree but 10 years of experience in the motor industry.

The current requirement for "any" degree is just ridiculous. Do away with this and replace with some sort of testing and screening will benefit Thailand in the long run; then you will rid yourself the rubbish ones with or without degrees.

[BKKSnowBird]

If you want or need to stay, why not study for a degree in Education or English at RU? I am sure you can get an ED visa. That would solve your short and long term problem on how to stay. My understanding is they offer evening and weekend classes.

[GoonDizzy]

It is strange. You can't legally teach non English speaking students with an accredited TESOL/DELTA/CELTA in Thailand, but Europe? No problem. This isn't just a Thai thing. It's the Asian obession with degrees. While some degrees in Asia are of a high standard (Chula etc), many are not even high school level from the UK/USA. I've seen an assignment from a Thai uni (not giving names sorry). Honestly? It was the sort of level you had at age 14/15.

Thailand (and other nations) would do well to operate a two tier system (in place already in the UK/US/Most European nations). Those that wish to teach in the International Schools, should be qualified teachers in their own country (QTS in the UK). If you're teaching the English/US School Curriculum, then you would need to be familiar with it. The schools themselves aren't daft and ask for those credentials anyway.

The next tier should be for ESL Teachers. Those that only teach English as a second language. At the moment, a teacher with a First Class BA (Hons) in English Language and TESOL from a UK uni would NOT pass the waiver after 4 years. He/She would need a PGCE or M.Ed. However, a degree in Education would pass. A degree in Ed (if from your home country) deals with teaching/theory relevant to that nation's curriculum. It's not as useful as a degree in teaching foreign students English. Well, it is in the eyes of the MOE.

Simply put, there should be an international TWP (call it TWP A Class) and the 'B' Class for those teaching in ordinary Thai schools. Let's face it, who would you rather have teach kids English as a second language? A dude with a 3rd Class degree in Textiles, no experience or natural flair for the job. Or a chap/lass with a DELTA, A Level English Lang and Lit, 5 years experience, popular with students and parents, loved by his school and generally in demand for private work/other schools trying to poach his services?

It doesn't really matter to be honest, because I honestly think they feel that they will still get enough applications. If they're asking for a degree in Ed, then 30k-40k isn't gonna cut it when you can get 5 times that in Singapore or HK. I predict a mass exodus. Sadly, the good ones will be treated the same as the bloody awful ones...and there are many of those. They usually last about 5 minutes though. I don't think Thailand will do a 'Cambodia' and ask them to come back. Filipinos are cheaper and although parents may not be happy at first, they'll get used to it when it becomes the norm.

Just get a degree/PGCE/M.Ed anyway! It will take time, but if you love teaching it will open up doors worldwide and you'll actually be able to save for retirement too with the right job offers.

[casualbiker]

If you want or need to stay, why not study for a degree in Education or English at RU? I am sure you can get an ED visa. That would solve your short and long term problem on how to stay. My understanding is they offer evening and weekend classes.

Mainly because the degree in English at RU will NOT get you the required teachers licence and if like me you are just going into your 3rd waiver they will not allow signing up for a non B'ed degree.

The one HUGE problem is that Krusapha (teachers council) cannot tell you what degree is available to take in Thailand that will actually meet their requirements.

I have been at the same school for 6 years previously the last two waivers and 2 tests were got with an "experience" degree. This time they are saying that has been "cancelled" so whereas i was legal with a visa and work permit after Sept i will not be.

GOOD OLD KRUSAPHA!!

[GoonDizzy]

If you want or need to stay, why not study for a degree in Education or English at RU? I am sure you can get an ED visa. That would solve your short and long term problem on how to stay. My understanding is they offer evening and weekend classes.

Mainly because the degree in English at RU will NOT get you the required teachers licence and if like me you are just going into your 3rd waiver they will not allow signing up for a non B'ed degree.

The one HUGE problem is that Krusapha (teachers council) cannot tell you what degree is available to take in Thailand that will actually meet their requirements.

I have been at the same school for 6 years previously the last two waivers and 2 tests were got with an "experience" degree. This time they are saying that has been "cancelled" so whereas i was legal with a visa and work permit after Sept i will not be.

GOOD OLD KRUSAPHA!!

It would be nice of them to tell us what course to take in Thailand to adhere to their requirements. Some nations (Saudi) require your degree to come from the UK/USA/Australia etc. Perhaps Thailand are going down that road too.

I thought you could get the TL if you did the course at Ram and then did the M.Ed? There is an opening for an affordable degree in Education for foreign students within Thailand. The Thais aren't slow when it comes to a business opportunity, so I wouldn't be surprised if there was some kind of announcement at some point. Not sure of the standard at Ram, but the Uni itself is ranked surpisingly highly on the Unesco official rankings. Out of over 22,000 unis worldwide, it's placed around 1200 (I think). Higher than half of the Unis in the UK.

Despite the rankings, a degree from the UK/US would be worth much more than one from Thailand. How many 'hiso' parents send their kids to England or America to study? Why not Thailand?

[Soutpeel]

I think that it will be a massive problem for people that are truly wanted here. Wanted by the schools, wanted by the students, and wanted by the student's parents, and dare I say needed for Thailand and its future.

A problem that would solve this issue would be for native English speakers to be able to get a WP and Extension of Stay with only a TEFL certificate and police check (and a culture course or whatever they want to add on), but to have the degree requirement dropped.

Many have children here, are settled here, and are wanted and needed here.

What options do they have (besides the smart ol' 'Go get a degree mate!'). I think they can get married and try for either 400k in the bank for 2 months every year, or get a multi-entry marriage visa (for however long they issue them without a crack down).

I think the TEFL market is the one industry that a big crackdown on will not benefit either Thailand or Thais. Very much the opposite.

All me to pose this question then ?......For many years, at least as long as I have in Thailand, this whole "TEFL Native English speaker thing has had "free reign" in the country and relatively unchecked to date, but for me at least, I havent seen any real improvement in the standards of English in Thailand.

If the whole TEFL thing is curently providing such a benefit to country, Wouldnt one would expect to see some improvement in the levels of English proficiency in Thailand up to this point, but this doesnt appear to be the case, so one could suggest the current crack down on the TEFL thing not going to be detrimental in the least to Thailand or Thai's, or become the massive problem you suggest its going to be.

[Timwin]

I am in that boat. You will get the sanctimonious cretins on here telling you "haha well you deserve it" when they don't consider the ramifications.

Schools like mine have a fairly large ESL staff of 30. Only 4 or 5 of those people have degrees. It is to my understanding that 2/3rds of ESL teachers in Thailand do not have a degree. So what will happen to a school like mine and thousands of others? "Oh well, you don't have the right paperwork so piss off" I bet the answer on here will be

Nobody except few sad old geezers are happy with this crackdown. Visa run companies, real-estate agents and condo builders, bike and car importers and all kinds of service providers for expats. The impact will be quite far reaching.

Try renting now a condo room with this clusterf*ck..."We give you farang a tourist visa but we may or may not allow you into Thailand, ha ha!" Not exactly wonderful news for landlords.

[Hawkman]

I think that it will be a massive problem for people that are truly wanted here. Wanted by the schools, wanted by the students, and wanted by the student's parents, and dare I say needed for Thailand and its future.

A problem that would solve this issue would be for native English speakers to be able to get a WP and Extension of Stay with only a TEFL certificate and police check (and a culture course or whatever they want to add on), but to have the degree requirement dropped.

Many have children here, are settled here, and are wanted and needed here.

What options do they have (besides the smart ol' 'Go get a degree mate!'). I think they can get married and try for either 400k in the bank for 2 months every year, or get a multi-entry marriage visa (for however long they issue them without a crack down).

I think the TEFL market is the one industry that a big crackdown on will not benefit either Thailand or Thais. Very much the opposite.

All me to pose this question then ?......For many years, at least as long as I have in Thailand, this whole "TEFL Native English speaker thing has had "free reign" in the country and relatively unchecked to date, but for me at least, I havent seen any real improvement in the standards of English in Thailand.

If the whole TEFL thing is curently providing such a benefit to country, Wouldnt one would expect to see some improvement in the levels of English proficiency in Thailand up to this point, but this doesnt appear to be the case, so one could suggest the current crack down on the TEFL thing not going to be detrimental in the least to Thailand or Thai's, or become the massive problem you suggest its going to be.

That's more to do with the system than the quality of teachers. Don't get me wrong, there are bad ones. Bad ones with degrees, bad ones without.

However, you try teaching a group of 50 lazy, naughty young kids in one classroom in a space of 45 minutes, where you are not to allowed to discipline them and they are brought up knowing this is the time to have fun. How do you focus on each person in that time?

A system that puts too much attention on the way they think is right and less on Speaking and Listening.

It's not just the teachers that are to blame here. Blame the education system, Thai stubbornness, over emphasis on grammar, the attitude towards the farang teachers, shyness and too many exams.

[casualbiker]

I think that it will be a massive problem for people that are truly wanted here. Wanted by the schools, wanted by the students, and wanted by the student's parents, and dare I say needed for Thailand and its future.

A problem that would solve this issue would be for native English speakers to be able to get a WP and Extension of Stay with only a TEFL certificate and police check (and a culture course or whatever they want to add on), but to have the degree requirement dropped.

Many have children here, are settled here, and are wanted and needed here.

What options do they have (besides the smart ol' 'Go get a degree mate!'). I think they can get married and try for either 400k in the bank for 2 months every year, or get a multi-entry marriage visa (for however long they issue them without a crack down).

I think the TEFL market is the one industry that a big crackdown on will not benefit either Thailand or Thais. Very much the opposite.

All me to pose this question then ?......For many years, at least as long as I have in Thailand, this whole "TEFL Native English speaker thing has had "free reign" in the country and relatively unchecked to date, but for me at least, I havent seen any real improvement in the standards of English in Thailand.

If the whole TEFL thing is curently providing such a benefit to country, Wouldnt one would expect to see some improvement in the levels of English proficiency in Thailand up to this point, but this doesnt appear to be the case, so one could suggest the current crack down on the TEFL thing not going to be detrimental in the least to Thailand or Thai's, or become the massive problem you suggest its going to be.

You could also say that without native or near native English speaking teachers it might ACTUALLY be a whole lot worse than it is..

I personally have seen improvement in Thais speaking and more importantly understanding English.

The teaching license debacle is actually affecting Thai teachers as well. B'ed degrees from Rachapat teaching university's were 4 years. Krusapha are now insisting on 5 year so they are having to do a 1 year top up course (at the teachers expense)

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[lildragon]

I think that it will be a massive problem for people that are truly wanted here. Wanted by the schools, wanted by the students, and wanted by the student's parents, and dare I say needed for Thailand and its future.

A problem that would solve this issue would be for native English speakers to be able to get a WP and Extension of Stay with only a TEFL certificate and police check (and a culture course or whatever they want to add on), but to have the degree requirement dropped.

Many have children here, are settled here, and are wanted and needed here.

What options do they have (besides the smart ol' 'Go get a degree mate!'). I think they can get married and try for either 400k in the bank for 2 months every year, or get a multi-entry marriage visa (for however long they issue them without a crack down).

I think the TEFL market is the one industry that a big crackdown on will not benefit either Thailand or Thais. Very much the opposite.

All me to pose this question then ?......For many years, at least as long as I have in Thailand, this whole "TEFL Native English speaker thing has had "free reign" in the country and relatively unchecked to date, but for me at least, I havent seen any real improvement in the standards of English in Thailand.

If the whole TEFL thing is curently providing such a benefit to country, Wouldnt one would expect to see some improvement in the levels of English proficiency in Thailand up to this point, but this doesnt appear to be the case, so one could suggest the current crack down on the TEFL thing not going to be detrimental in the least to Thailand or Thai's, or become the massive problem you suggest its going to be.

That's more to do with the system than the quality of teachers. Don't get me wrong, there are bad ones. Bad ones with degrees, bad ones without.

However, you try teaching a group of 50 lazy, naughty young kids in one classroom in a space of 45 minutes, where you are not to allowed to discipline them and they are brought up knowing this is the time to have fun. How do you focus on each person in that time?

A system that puts too much attention on the way they think is right and less on Speaking and Listening.

It's not just the teachers that are to blame here. Blame the education system, Thai stubbornness, over emphasis on grammar, the attitude towards the farang teachers, shyness and too many exams.

I wholeheartedly agree. Yes there are scummy teachers but thinga like the 'no fail' system are inherent in Thai education. That and the actual will to learn. I find the level of English (especially the younger generation) far stronger than here in Thailand because they actually want to learn it.

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[Hawkman]

The "no fail" situation here, ruins it not only for the teachers, but for the ones who try hard too.

[GoonDizzy]

Below par levels of English in Thailand are the result of many things.

1) Poor teachers. The drunk idiots just looking for a reason to stay in Thailand. They usually don't last long, but do a lot of damage while in class.

2) Grammar. The Thais love it. Perhaps more focus on actually speaking the bloody language will help! The fact is that most schools force their teachers to finish the workbooks/student books/grammar books every year. This doesn't leave a lot of freedom for the teacher.

3) General attitude towards education. Some Thais take education very seriously, but many see it as 'a bit of a laugh'. Many see 'farang' as a bunch of clowns. Some bring it on themselves. i used to hate it when a newbie would curry favour by acting the idiot. They aren't laughing with you, they're laughing AT you! There is a general lack of respect from Thai students towards foreign teachers. Even the good ones. Thais 'respect' their teachers as they know they will be severely punished if they mess around. They know the farang can't and won't do that. It takes a bloody good teacher to overcome those hurdles.

Thailand can ask for whatever they like, but until they look closer at the system, things will not improve as quickly as they would like.

4) The 'every kid must pass' thing is also nonsense. Every class has its class clown. They spend every lesson refusing to listen or do any work. The result is that they know nothing when it comes to the exam. What a great lesson learned to just give him a pass anyway!

5) Too many shows. A show may only last an afternoon, but the kids may practice solidly for a week or two missing many lessons in the process. I've heard of a school that has a big show every month.

[jspill]

I had heard that Thai schools rarely if ever make phone calls to check your degree certificate is real, if they even ask to see it. Buying a degree certificate on Khao San road is also something of a running joke.

Not that I'm advocating that practice in general, but just in answer to the question in OP, some good teachers without a degree are likely considering that. If they didn't already. I wouldn't look down on a genuine, excellent teacher bending the rules in a country like Thailand.

[GoonDizzy]

I had heard that Thai schools rarely if ever make phone calls to check your degree certificate is real, if they even ask to see it. Buying a degree certificate on Khao San road is also something of a running joke.

Not that I'm advocating that practice in general, but just in answer to the question in OP, some good teachers without a degree are likely considering that. If they didn't already. I wouldn't look down on a genuine, excellent teacher bending the rules in a country like Thailand.

Not a good idea to be fair! I remember an old bloke posting on ajarn a few years back after getting caught with a fake degree after using it for years. If memory serves me right, he got banged up for a few months and deported after also paying a massive fine.

[Soutpeel]

I am in that boat. You will get the sanctimonious cretins on here telling you "haha well you deserve it" when they don't consider the ramifications.

Schools like mine have a fairly large ESL staff of 30. Only 4 or 5 of those people have degrees. It is to my understanding that 2/3rds of ESL teachers in Thailand do not have a degree. So what will happen to a school like mine and thousands of others? "Oh well, you don't have the right paperwork so piss off" I bet the answer on here will be

Nobody except few sad old geezers are happy with this crackdown. Visa run companies, real-estate agents and condo builders, bike and car importers and all kinds of service providers for expats. The impact will be quite far reaching.

Try renting now a condo room with this clusterf*ck..."We give you farang a tourist visa but we may or may not allow you into Thailand, ha ha!" Not exactly wonderful news for landlords.

and the point your struggling to articulate my dear Timwin ?

I believe topic at hand is "teachers without degree's staying in Thailand" not sad old geezers, real estate agents, condo builders or renting a condo...on topic as always dear boy

[Deacon Bell]

I think that it will be a massive problem for people that are truly wanted here. Wanted by the schools, wanted by the students, and wanted by the student's parents, and dare I say needed for Thailand and its future.

A problem that would solve this issue would be for native English speakers to be able to get a WP and Extension of Stay with only a TEFL certificate and police check (and a culture course or whatever they want to add on), but to have the degree requirement dropped.

Many have children here, are settled here, and are wanted and needed here.

What options do they have (besides the smart ol' 'Go get a degree mate!'). I think they can get married and try for either 400k in the bank for 2 months every year, or get a multi-entry marriage visa (for however long they issue them without a crack down).

I think the TEFL market is the one industry that a big crackdown on will not benefit either Thailand or Thais. Very much the opposite.

All me to pose this question then ?......For many years, at least as long as I have in Thailand, this whole "TEFL Native English speaker thing has had "free reign" in the country and relatively unchecked to date, but for me at least, I havent seen any real improvement in the standards of English in Thailand.

If the whole TEFL thing is curently providing such a benefit to country, Wouldnt one would expect to see some improvement in the levels of English proficiency in Thailand up to this point, but this doesnt appear to be the case, so one could suggest the current crack down on the TEFL thing not going to be detrimental in the least to Thailand or Thai's, or become the massive problem you suggest its going to be.

To be fair, I doubt you are dealing with the ex-students of EP's, bi-lingual K-12 schools and those who had private English tutors come to their house 3-5 evenings a week for 12+ years.

These are the Thais that will be affected from possibly 1/3rd of their teachers being forced out of the country. Don't expect the future 7-11 staff and waitress at your 30b gai yang shop to be affected. It's the Thais that will be going overseas for meetings and business where English is the medium that will be affected, and the ones welcoming their Singaporean and Malaysian counterparts to Thailand.

[Deacon Bell]

I am in that boat. You will get the sanctimonious cretins on here telling you "haha well you deserve it" when they don't consider the ramifications.

Schools like mine have a fairly large ESL staff of 30. Only 4 or 5 of those people have degrees. It is to my understanding that 2/3rds of ESL teachers in Thailand do not have a degree. So what will happen to a school like mine and thousands of others? "Oh well, you don't have the right paperwork so piss off" I bet the answer on here will be

Nobody except few sad old geezers are happy with this crackdown. Visa run companies, real-estate agents and condo builders, bike and car importers and all kinds of service providers for expats. The impact will be quite far reaching.

Try renting now a condo room with this clusterf*ck..."We give you farang a tourist visa but we may or may not allow you into Thailand, ha ha!" Not exactly wonderful news for landlords.

and the point your struggling to articulate my dear Timwin ?

I believe topic at hand is "teachers without degree's staying in Thailand" not sad old geezers, real estate agents, condo builders or renting a condo...on topic as always dear boy

Quite related, as they are also just some of the locals that would suffer.

[MarcThanyaburi]

Great maybe the salaries we start going up when the teachers who don't have degrees leave...all gooooooood

[96tehtarp]

I think that it will be a massive problem for people that are truly wanted here. Wanted by the schools, wanted by the students, and wanted by the student's parents, and dare I say needed for Thailand and its future.

A problem that would solve this issue would be for native English speakers to be able to get a WP and Extension of Stay with only a TEFL certificate and police check (and a culture course or whatever they want to add on), but to have the degree requirement dropped.

Many have children here, are settled here, and are wanted and needed here.

What options do they have (besides the smart ol' 'Go get a degree mate!'). I think they can get married and try for either 400k in the bank for 2 months every year, or get a multi-entry marriage visa (for however long they issue them without a crack down).

I think the TEFL market is the one industry that a big crackdown on will not benefit either Thailand or Thais. Very much the opposite.

All me to pose this question then ?......For many years, at least as long as I have in Thailand, this whole "TEFL Native English speaker thing has had "free reign" in the country and relatively unchecked to date, but for me at least, I havent seen any real improvement in the standards of English in Thailand.

If the whole TEFL thing is curently providing such a benefit to country, Wouldnt one would expect to see some improvement in the levels of English proficiency in Thailand up to this point, but this doesnt appear to be the case, so one could suggest the current crack down on the TEFL thing not going to be detrimental in the least to Thailand or Thai's, or become the massive problem you suggest its going to be.

"I haven't seen any real improvement in the standards of English in Thailand."

Because it is not wanted.

"With the big crackdown on visas etc. that's going on, there must be thousands and thousands of Native English Speaking (NES) EFL teachers that don't or can't get a Work Permit or Extension of Stay that will either have to leave, or.....?"

I question those numbers. Thousands and thousands? Even if so, they are easily replaceable by qualified non western teachers.

"Or what though, is the question."

Many are undoubtedly weighing the option of: "Stuff it, if I'm going to get banned anyway I'll go further underground". That's not good for anyone.

"Many have been here for years, many have a large base of students that want them, that need them."

There is a huge pent up demand for English and better educational opportunities in Thailand. The Thai man on the street craves better education for his children. Even the rice farmers feel that Thailand is being left behind in the doldrums of a policy <self censorship here>.

"How will they now stay in Thailand?"

Some will find a way. However it looks to me that eventually they will leave and the Tamils and Philippine nationals will fill the void. Thailand won't miss the western teachers much. It doesn't make me happy to say that, but that's the way I see it. Rich Thai people will send their children overseas as they always have.

Singapore has a bilingual education policy. All students in government schools are educated in English as their first language. The Singapore Government recognizes four official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil.

In Malaysia the government recognizes the importance of English, and has committed to make English a strong second language.

Until Thailand implements a policy similar to that which the above two countries have there really is no hope for Thailand to move forward linguistically.

Question: Why is this Thailand's policy?

Answer: <self censorship here>

Try doing a search for...

"Thai junta values and moral soundness to be taught in schools"

... in your favorite search engine

The junta has laid out 12 points. Nationwide English proficiency is not among them. Look for yourselves.

Then read the twelve points again, and again.

Do you get it now?

[Soutpeel]

Great maybe the salaries we start going up when the teachers who don't have degrees leave...all gooooooood

I guess thats the way it will play out, get rid of the pretenders, a real teacher will have very little problem getting a job in Thailand and staying legal anyway as one suspects the ones who are bleating are not real teachers anyway - yeap supply and demand...

[Soutpeel]

I am in that boat. You will get the sanctimonious cretins on here telling you "haha well you deserve it" when they don't consider the ramifications.

Schools like mine have a fairly large ESL staff of 30. Only 4 or 5 of those people have degrees. It is to my understanding that 2/3rds of ESL teachers in Thailand do not have a degree. So what will happen to a school like mine and thousands of others? "Oh well, you don't have the right paperwork so piss off" I bet the answer on here will be

Nobody except few sad old geezers are happy with this crackdown. Visa run companies, real-estate agents and condo builders, bike and car importers and all kinds of service providers for expats. The impact will be quite far reaching.

Try renting now a condo room with this clusterf*ck..."We give you farang a tourist visa but we may or may not allow you into Thailand, ha ha!" Not exactly wonderful news for landlords.

and the point your struggling to articulate my dear Timwin ?

I believe topic at hand is "teachers without degree's staying in Thailand" not sad old geezers, real estate agents, condo builders or renting a condo...on topic as always dear boy

Quite related, as they are also just some of the locals that would suffer.

I really think your over estimating the importance of the TEFLer's and their role and contribution to Thailand as a country

[Deacon Bell]

Great maybe the salaries we start going up when the teachers who don't have degrees leave...all gooooooood

That's the spirit.

[Bellacissa]

I hadn't really considered teaching because of the oversupply of TEFL teachers in Thailand right now but, if this mass exodus really happens, I might look into it.

I have a Bachelor of Arts in Art and Performance from a US college and I'm a native born / native speaking US citizen. I also have a TEFL certificate. Is that enough to make me a "legal" teacher? Or, does the degree need to be in education?

I'd rather not work (I'm going there to learn Thai and decide if Thailand is where we want to retire) but it would be nice to have that to fall back on should the need arise.

[lildragon]

Great maybe the salaries we start going up when the teachers who don't have degrees leave...all gooooooood

I guess thats the way it will play out, get rid of the pretenders, a real teacher will have very little problem getting a job in Thailand and staying legal anyway as one suspects the ones who are bleating are not real teachers anyway - yeap supply and demand...

I can imagine directors middle of the way and lower end schools (which there are far more of than the high end ones that actually pay decent wages) loving drastically increasing salaries therefore drastically increasing tuition fees.

But it's alright. All of us experienced TEFL teachers are drunken oafs that have over stayed our welcome and contribute NOTHING right?

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[GoonDizzy]

I hadn't really considered teaching because of the oversupply of TEFL teachers in Thailand right now but, if this mass exodus really happens, I might look into it.

I have a Bachelor of Arts in Art and Performance from a US college and I'm a native born / native speaking US citizen. I also have a TEFL certificate. Is that enough to make me a "legal" teacher? Or, does the degree need to be in education?

I'd rather not work (I'm going there to learn Thai and decide if Thailand is where we want to retire) but it would be nice to have that to fall back on should the need arise.

Yes, you could teach. As it stands you could get around four years (less if you changed schools) and then you would need to have a Masters in Education or a degree in Education. Some schools have/need drama teachers. Not sure what rules will apply there. Your qualification may get you a permit as a specialist, I'm not 100% on that one (you'll need to check that one fully or hope Ubonjoe rescues you!)

[simon43]

I just got back from my Chinese classes (hen lei ==> very tired!). Speaking to the language school director (Thai lady), she bemoaned the uncertainly of obtaining business visas and WPs in Phuket for her teachers.

She previously had 20 foreign teachers, but that number has fallen just 6 because the other have left to teach in neighbouring countries where the 'paperwork' to work legally is much easier, (and maybe better pay as well).

[Soutpeel]

But it's alright. All of us experienced TEFL teachers are drunken oafs that have over stayed our welcome and contribute NOTHING right?

Sent from my GT-I9500 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I think your being a little harsh on yourself, but if you say so, who am I to disagree with you ?.....drunken oaf it is then, and I am sure your correct about about your over stay as well....