Blogs on Teaching and Living in Thailand

Residing in Thailand presents the opportunity for an enjoyable journey, and it is crucial to give utmost importance to your well-being and security while making the most of everything the nation has to provide.

Thailand's climate, characterized by its scorching temperatures and humidity, necessitates a commitment to hydration. It is advised to drink a lot of water throughout the day, accompanied by a reusable water bottle. Do not drink tap water - buying bottled water, or drinking filtered water as a safer alternative.

Thailand has a reputation as a fairly safe country, exhibiting minimal crime rates. Nonetheless, prudence dictates the adoption of certain precautions to ensure an untroubled and pleasurable sojourn. Mosquitoes, the harbingers of diseases such as dengue fever and malaria, necessitate one's fortification. This can be achieved by donning garments with long sleeves, availing oneself of mosquito repellents, and seeking refuge beneath mosquito nets. Additionally, the elimination of stagnant water near you serves to diminish mosquito breeding grounds.

Adhering to local regulations, demonstrating veneration towards the Buddhist faith, the revered Thai monarchy, and the elderly, as well as exercising due prudence in cases of prolonged exposure to the sun, all form integral components of this undertaking. Wearing helmets while riding motorbikes, is of utmost necessity in a nation where the roadways stand as some of the most treacherous on Earth. Exercising caution while swimming in unfamiliar locales is likewise warranted, given the presence of sudden underwater currents and jellyfish.

Thai society manifests an inherent reverence for interpersonal harmony, and it behooves visitors to reciprocate this profound respect at all times. Speaking with a loud voice, as is the act of raising one's voice when confronted with arduous circumstances is a no-no. Moreover, the act of directing one's feet towards another individual is considered rude. Some foreigners adopt the practice of propping their feet upon public transportation seats, seeking enhanced comfort. This iconduct, however, causes grave offense to Thais. Furthermore, touching someone's head is not allowed within Thai society, as it is deemed discourteous.

In contrast to bustling metropolises like London and other European urban centers, Bangkok and its numerous cities and towns exude an atmosphere of relative safety. Thai women can be seen at bustling markets and malls, clutching their purses within their hands, something that would be unthinkable in big western cities. This, however, does not grant foreign expat teachers in Thailand the license to lower their guard. Vigilance concerning one's belongings, including wallets and cameras is still of paramount concern. Many thieves perceive westerners as affluent, rendering them tempting targets. Nevertheless, it bears mentioning that incidents of muggings within Thailand are comparatively rare, occurring far less frequently than in the west!

Because of the tropical weather, malaria and dengue can make you very sick, and the nation's treacherous roadways pose serious risks. Thailand stands among the countries with the highest rates of road traffic injuries globally. Annually, approximately 7,000 individuals meet their demise, while another 25,000 endure grave injuries solely due to car and motorcycle accidents. Riding a motorcycle, as a significant proportion of road fatalities in Thailand result from motorcycle accidents, averaging at least ten per day in the capital city of Bangkok alone.

Thailand possesses a comprehensive healthcare system that caters to the majority of its citizens. Nonetheless, this system is not without its imperfections, including protracted waiting times and limited availability of public hospitals. Each individual is assigned to a specific hospital where they can receive medical care either free of charge or at a reduced cost, while other public hospitals may levy higher fees. Private hospitals in Thailand cater to both Thais and foreigners and boast a cadre of well-trained medical professionals who possess excellent English communication skills, with state-of-the-art medical technology that deliver superior healthcare services, albeit at higher costs.

Most Thai educational institutions do not provide social security insurance for their foreign staff, necessitating teachers to procure insurance from private entities. Many Thai insurance companies adopt foreign-sounding names to deceive clients into believing they are affiliated with reputable international insurance firms, whereas they are, in fact, underwritten by Thai companies notorious for their refusal to honor claims or their propensity to terminate policies after a substantial claim has been paid or hike annual premiums upon policy renewal to offset their losses. To secure coverage from a genuinely reputable insurance company, it is advisable to seek one based abroad through an insurance broker e.g. Pacific Prime (among others), who collaborates with numerous insurance providers and can offer valuable guidance. Unlike some Western nations, possessing health coverage in Thailand is not mandatory; it remains optional, which is why many Thais and certain foreigners choose to live without insurance, adopting a carefree attitude while residing in the country.

Major urban centers such as Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Hua Hin stand as prime destinations for accessing top-tier healthcare services in Thailand. However, healthcare facilities in rural areas may not possess the same level of advance medical care. Private hospitals such as Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, employ physicians who have received part of their education at Western universities. While private treatment comes at a cost, it remains more affordable than hospitals in the United States or Europe. Again, expatriates are encouraged to acquire comprehensive medical insurance to safeguard against emergencies or major surgeries. Many pharmacists in Thailand can offer rudimentary medical advice in English, although hospital pharmacies tend to be pricier compared to independent counterparts within the city.

When considering natural calamities, Thailand stands as a relatively low-risk zone, albeit with a susceptibility to flooding during the rainy season spanning from May to October. Nonetheless, this concern has diminished considerably, and the presence of the rainy season should not dissuade individuals from visiting Thailand.

Thailand boasts a diverse array of indigenous wildlife, ranging from majestic elephants and fierce tigers to mischievous monkeys and slithering snakes. While many harbor apprehensions regarding the safety of these creatures, the truth is that the majority of Thailand's fauna pose no peril whatsoever. However, it is prudent to exercise caution and refrain from approaching wild elephants, and one should tread carefully on dry leaves or deceased wood, avoiding the urge to delve their hands into arid tree cavities.

Statistics concerning crimes perpetrated against foreigners versus locals reveals no significant disparity. In actuality, most expatriates residing in the kingdom feel no greater sense of threat here than they do in their respective home countries. The truth of the matter is that the disparity between living as a foreigner or blending in as a local is minimal when considering matters of safety and security, as both cohorts encounter comparable levels of risk over time.

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Blog by Vok 

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Note that the author of the blog is expressing personal thoughts and musings, which do not necessarily reflect those of KruTeacher. Therefore, KruTeacher.com cannot be held responsible for any potential inaccuracies that may be present in the blog.