Anyone living in Chaiyaphum?

[simon43]

Since my small hotel in Phuket 'manages itself', I am returning to teaching for a while, (I have been teaching on and off for about 8 years, in Thailand, Myanmar and Laos).

I've just accepted a teaching position at Satri School in Chaiyaphum, and will try to get up there by the start of term next Monday 16th. Once I've settled in, I'd be happy to meet up with any forum members - just PM me.

[bermondburi]

If the hotel manages itself, with presumably, a good income, why bother?

I mean seriously, moving to the sticks for 30k a month!

What's up with the hotel?

If I had a hotel running itself, no way I would go. And if I did go, maybe it would soon stop running itself.

Have fun.....

[simon43]

I mean seriously, moving to the sticks for 30k a month!

Ah, yet another person who puts money first....

Phuket has changed a lot since I moved there 15 years ago. My business is very good and profitable, but I no longer like to live in Phuket - too busy for me. I've tried to sell the hotel, but no-one seems interested. So 'taking a break' in Chaiyaphum seems a nice idea.

[bubba1]

If the hotel manages itself, with presumably, a good income, why bother?

I mean seriously, moving to the sticks for 30k a month!

What's up with the hotel?

If I had a hotel running itself, no way I would go. And if I did go, maybe it would soon stop running itself.

Have fun.....

There is not a business in the world that runs and manages itself.... This is likely some attempt to sell his hotel or whatever it is.

[Ken]

Great Farang bar in Chaiyaphum owned by Ben (England) and his Thai wife Nat. The bar is "The 1 Bar". Located down the street from Tesco and nearly opposite the entrance to the Night Market.

[simon43]

There is not a business in the world that runs and manages itself.... This is likely some attempt to sell his hotel or whatever it is.

Troll comment, give it a rest

[bermondburi]

I mean seriously, moving to the sticks for 30k a month!

Ah, yet another person who puts money first....

Phuket has changed a lot since I moved there 15 years ago. My business is very good and profitable, but I no longer like to live in Phuket - too busy for me. I've tried to sell the hotel, but no-one seems interested. So 'taking a break' in Chaiyaphum seems a nice idea.

I get taking a break, nothing wrong with that.

But since when was teaching in a cra**y government school relaxing.

If things are going so well, why work at all.

[thaiduncankk]

Great Farang bar in Chaiyaphum owned by Ben (England) and his Thai wife Nat. The bar is "The 1 Bar". Located down the street from Tesco and nearly opposite the entrance to the Night Market.

I'll second that, nice fella Ben.

Not seen him since he had the bar in Chumpere, although I had a good drink with some of his ex regulars, when I was in Pattaya last week.

[simon43]

But since when was teaching in a cra**y government school relaxing.

Well, teaching is what you make it It is not the students' fault that the government school is 'crazy'. I've lived in Thailand long enough to smile and ignore the bull.... If my teaching style gets results (such as chatting about boy bands, Facebook etc), as opposed to the rigid and often dated or incorrect English in the school text books, then the school and kids' parents will no doubt be happy.

In a rural place such as Chaiyaphum, most of the kids will have little need to speak fluent English. But the ability to basically converse or read/write the language is there - think about all the kids using the internet or Facebook etc.

Since I was reminded that no student will fail, what is the best choice? Try to teach some boring and outdated English from the text book? Or teach something that the students can actually use?

I don't need the money from this job - so if the school doesn't like how I teach, I just back to the beaches in Phuket

My nieces in Phuket could hardly speak a word of English, because the foreign teacher at their school could not speak Thai and therefore the kids couldn't even grasp the basics of the English language, or were too shy to ask or speak. So I started teaching them using Thai language to explain different English words, or to write the English word in Thai script so that they could correctly pronounce the word. Now their spoken English ability and confidence has greatly improved. (I don't agree at all with the notion that one should never use the students' native language - this simply does not work with the youngest students, or where they lack confidence etc).

This thread should be in the teaching forum...

[Ken]

But since when was teaching in a cra**y government school relaxing.

Well, teaching is what you make it It is not the students' fault that the government school is 'crazy'. I've lived in Thailand long enough to smile and ignore the bull.... If my teaching style gets results (such as chatting about boy bands, Facebook etc), as opposed to the rigid and often dated or incorrect English in the school text books, then the school and kids' parents will no doubt be happy.

...............

This thread should be in the teaching forum...

Geeesh. Kind of know what you mean about the teaching forum. And all you were asking about/looking for was some info about Chaiyaphum. Many of the "rotational" farang teachers (mostly young college kids from UK and USA) find The 1 Bar and it is a popular "hangout". Well, of course, it is the only Farang Bar and Restaurant in Chaiyaphum. Restaurant with good farang food. See ya there sometime.

[glegolo]

Simon43 - welcome to Chaiyaphum. Yes why not change life a bit from time to time, why not meet new friends, dont bother too much about the negatives from some ignorant people. You only live once, so take care of it.

As mentioned, Chaiyaphum is one of the smallest big cities in Isaan, with great people. Here is quite a bit of falangs who comes in all shapes and sizes, hahaha myself included... Bens Bar as we calls it, or Number 1 bar, is a natural gathering-place for a drink and social mingeling. Many nice guys I must say.... And for us out there in the sticks (as one said), it is great to have this place.

Welcome, you will easily find both friends and or acquaintances here....

Glegolo

[somo]

Get down to Ben's Bar (No1 Bar)

Nice place. I only get there about once a month when in town buying supplies but ben is a nice guy and he said the other day about 20 teachers were due in town soon for the new term and usually find their way there so you will find colleagues there too.

All the best with your stay.

Steve