[RalfDweflywex]

Hi guys,


I think that all Thai people are maniac drivers. Especially police and taxi drivers. I felt like I was in a seen from the fast and furious whenever I was on the road. It was exciting but I saw too many people dodge death on those roads. In my school children as young as eleven drove peds to school. They are just as wild.




GUESS WHAT...! I’m back in England already...I got back yesterday evening.

I was staying in Samutsakorn.... which is about 45mins away from Bangkok.

I was the only foreigner in my area and hardly anybody spoke English. Which was very isolating.

My school was nice. The management was a little shocked that I was black and was rather cold towards me. They interrogated me with all sorts of questions. I thought my colour would be a problem but on my first day they were really nice and actually praised me, which was strange. All my students thought I was African or American and were very shocked that I was English.

I was staying in an apartment close to my school. It was not great but manageable and clean.

I experienced constant stares. Some people were nice but I hardly experienced the great friendliness and hospitality of Thai people. Probably because of my colour. I didn't have any bad experiences though.

It was too intense for me. I had to retreat to Bangkok for a few days whenever I had a day off. I found the people in Bangkok to be just as friendly as the English. Except more friendly when they were selling. I found that the Indians were the most social. The blacks/ whites were not very social at all. All I did in Bangkok was shop and watch TV in my hotel...bit sad really.

I made the decision to leave because I discovered that I was working for a big agent rather than a language school, which wasn't clear in the contract. I also was getting paid by the hour, that didn't help, as there were a few unpredicted days that I had off. I would not have received a full salary until 3 months into my employment because of escrow and a month without pay due to a semester break.
I was alone...I hadn't been introduced to the management team and didn't meet any other English teachers except an Indian couple from America who were only volunteering and there for a holiday. I had no TV no music...no kitchen.


They tried to persuade me to stay with several offers...especially because the school really liked me and didn't want me to leave, which was very flattering. However I had already booked my ticket home before their negotiations and actually really missed London.
My school did offer me a direct job with them for more money once the contract with my company ends. Which should be February. So I may be back.

Some people didn't understand why I didn't just look for work in Bangkok until February...and then return to my school. But the Indian teacher who was volunteering told me she had tried to get work in Bangkok but had trouble finding work because of her colour...which was actually quite fair skinned. I wanted to get back to England and clear my mind...so I could travel again with a fresh approach.


I did meet some Thai boxers at the stadium. A black Thai boxer from South Africa called me over and introduced me to the rest of the Thai boxers and I met the Thai boxing champion of Thailand.

We went to Patpong for drinks.... I went once before to shop in the market.
I was harassed by the ### show promoters and was taunted by this man who followed me as I shopped offering to give me a free sample and free drinks if I came to watch the ### show...is that a common thing for lonely women to watch ### shows? Maybe he thought I was just shy at first!!!

I didn't know the ### industry was so big...I’m a little naive I guess...I didn't realize that half of the masculine looking women were actually transvestites until somebody told me.

I was in this restaurant. And these English men came in one by one with these Thai men some were really young.
I don't know to measure the ### industry. People need to do what they have to do to survive and support themselves. Tourists are feeding their businesses. It is a ride or die business. I don't think those tourists are bad people. But it still isn't right. It is sad to see.



Overall it was a great experience. I wouldn't change anything. The good/bad experiences were both valuable. I will return to Thailand, most likely for shopping purposes. Especially when the gem merchants open to the public for the week. I went on the last day and couldn't buy anything because I lost my debit card.
I may teach again but it isn't very likely...unless I teach in another area.
[B]