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Approximately 62 million people live in Thailand, almost 20 percent of them in Bangkok. Most of these are 'Thai'. Some 12 percent of the population are different to those of the ethnic Thai. The largest minority group is Chinese, about six million, most of who live in towns. More than one million Malays live in the southernmost provinces adjoining Malaysia and an estimated half million hill-tribesmen live in the mountains in the north.
Culture
Living in Thailand is an extremely exciting and novel experience. It’s people are as exotic as it’s culture and food. Foreigners are readily accepted and treated with respect. The culture reveres age, and older people are well respected for their life experience. Of nature Thai people are kind honest and respectful.
When living in Thailand there are however certain basic rules that you will have to observe, such as to NEVER touch a monk if you are a woman. To cover your shoulders when you enter a temple, To remove your shoes when entering a house or temple, To never make fun of any of the Royal family, To NEVER climb on any religious statue or make fun of it in any way – These things are very logical, and concerns being respectful to the icons that is important to the Thai population.
Be forwarned however that you will also experience the negative side when you come in contact with the traffic congestion, the public restrooms on the major roads, the Bangkok cough (as it has been nicknamed), unexpected overly spicy food, or city exhaustion, amongst other things. Remember you are your only jail keeper, therefore you can allow yourself to enjoy any place or not. It is entirely up to you to make the most of your experience here. Always keep in mind that only a few hours down the road a beautiful island can be waiting for you if you choose to go!
This city is referred to as the city of Angels (Krung Thep in Thai), established in 1782 as Thailand's capital. It is famous for its Buddhist temples (Wats), fabulous restaurants and interesting night life. Bangkok is used mostly by tourists as a stepping-off point for visiting other parts of Thailand, because of the traffic-clogged and polluted metropolis. Hotel accommodation in the city covers a variety of price ranges but all offer high standards of service presented by friendly staff. Today hotels and shopping venues offer amazing bargains. Bangkok's bargains include Thai handicrafts, Thai antiques, painting, t-shirts, high-fashion accessories, high-grade Thai silks, high quality jewelery, IT equipment and clothing clothing clothing.
The city of Bangkok has however expanded so much that the natural borders between it and it’s neighboring provinces cannot be distinguised anymore. You might get the feeling that you are in a concrete jungle, but if you keep on travelling you will soon see lush green ricefields, beautiful coconut groves and banana plantations.
Housing and safety
Housing is extemely affordable. In general the living expense in Thailand is very low. One can live generously on a salary of a few thousand Rand per month, and still have some left over for traveling or luxuries. There are lots of condo’s (single room units with an on suite bathroom) available, or you can opt for a townhouse, which is normally a two storey attached unit in a security village, with the living quarters on the ground floor, and bedrooms on the first floor. Most Thai houses are lately fitted with western toilets, and one generally does not have to worry about such facilities anymore.
Religion
Thailand is a Budhist country, and relics to this religion can be seen all over the country. The Budhist religion is one of love and tolerance however so you do not have to worry that you will be forced to conform to the religions of the East.
In Thailand there are a reasonably big Christian community and quite a number of different Christian religions are catered for. There is bound to be a selection of churches that you can choose from to continue your worship.
Teaching in Thailand
Is an enormously satisfying experience. The Thai government realises the importance of Enghlish for a growing economhy, and English are being presented in almost all Thai schools as part of the National Curriculum.
The Thai teachers are friendly and helpful and will become good and loyal friends. The Thai culture of respect teaches the children to revere adults, and as a teacher your social status will automatically be one of the highest in the hierarchy of the Thai culture.
You can be expected to teach in a number of different positions, all depending on your level of experience and qualifications. It can range from the most basic English Conversation classes with a big number of students 2 or 3 times a week, to an intensive English program where you as homeroom teacher will be allocated a class of about 30 kids to whom you will present all subjects in English. Regardless to say all of these obtions are rewarding in its own way.
As an English teacher your salary will compare extremely favorably to that of the qualified Thai teachers that you work with, and it will depend on the nature of your appointment and qualifications.
For further information on life in Thailand, feel free to visit http://www.asiarooms.com/travel-guide
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