Living in Thailand: My Journey, Challenges, and Rewards

Before Thailand: Life in London and a Desire for Change

Before moving to Thailand, I had lived in London for ten years. Moving there at 19 had been a challenge, but it was closer to home and somehow easier to manage. Moving in my 30s, however, felt entirely different. I had given myself a deadline: my 30s were the time to make a significant change. Without a clear goal or timeline, life tends to drift, and I did not want that for myself.

I am full of contradictions. I love adventures and change, yet I crave routine and stability. I am sociable when I feel confident, but shy in groups when meeting new people or trying something unfamiliar. This duality has been with me my whole life. I have realised that connecting with like-minded people makes a huge difference, and that is exactly what I was hoping to find abroad.

London was full of opportunities and challenges. I worked in hospitality, studied psychology, gained NHS mental health experience, and even became a teaching assistant in several schools. I managed to navigate the city, but something was missing. I had fallen into a comfort zone and had forgotten to truly live. I knew I needed a change.

Planning the Move: Why Thailand and Teaching

After a lot of research, I realised teaching English abroad was the easiest way for me to live outside Europe. I had clear ideas: Southeast Asia or South America. Something, though, was calling me to Thailand. I had never visited Bangkok or the country, but I knew it was right.

I took an online TEFL course. At the time, it was not strictly necessary, but it gave me confidence. Finding the right placement was another challenge. Many agencies rejected me because I was a non-native speaker. Finally, I found one that seemed promising. The introduction course was in Chiang Mai and lasted a week. It covered Thai culture, visa rules, banking, and teaching basics.

I went with my best friend, which made the experience much more manageable. Having her there gave me comfort and courage during such an important life change. We shared a room, navigated flights and accommodation, and dove into the unknown together.

First Impressions: Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Chonburi

The course was intense. We had trial lessons in front of large classrooms with forty students, no air conditioning, and a microphone. I asked my friend for help during activities, and it was a reminder that support matters when stepping into something unfamiliar.

We also had a trip to Chiang Rai to see the White and Blue Temples, which was breathtaking. That moment reminded me why I wanted to live here. Thailand was beautiful, mysterious, and full of culture.

After the course, it was time to choose a job placement. Many of the positions were in remote areas, which I was not ready for. Bangkok, on the other hand, overwhelmed me with traffic, smells, and crowds. I briefly considered Chonburi, but it was too busy, lacked nature, and did not offer the lifestyle I wanted. After talking with the agency and my friend, I chose to accept a position in Bangkok at a private school as an EAL teacher.

Mornings and the Rhythm of Bangkok

My mornings in Bangkok were a symphony of city sounds. From the moment I opened my window, the streets came alive. At times it was the usual hum of traffic and scooters weaving past, other times it was something completely unexpected. Concerts or people singing in ways I could never quite pinpoint would fill the air. Living on the fortieth floor in one of my apartments in Ari helped a little. The height gave me a sense of calm above the chaos below, though I sometimes felt dizzy and spaced out. Another perk was the condo’s secluded entrance, which made the apartment feel like a little sanctuary amid the city’s constant energy.

Classroom Adventures: From Babies to Preteens

My workdays were filled with beautiful and memorable moments. Teaching primary children from ages five to eleven meant starting the day with the tiniest ones and ending it with kids on the cusp of adolescence. Thai children are deeply respectful, although they can be loud and mischievous. My classroom was a vibrant mix of nationalities, some Chinese, some half-English or Swedish. That diversity made every day unique.

What I loved most was their curiosity and honesty. They would always greet me with a cheerful “good morning” and wave goodbye. Sometimes, their observations would make me laugh out loud. I remember one day when a child noticed someone adding ketchup to pasta. They looked at me, eyes wide, as if seeking confirmation, and I had to nod solemnly. In Italy, that is practically illegal. They even told their homeroom teacher that I had said pineapple on pizza is a crime against food. It was not exactly true, but in the eyes of Italian heritage, some things are non-negotiable. Watching them absorb and respond to such cultural tidbits was heartwarming and endlessly entertaining.

Accommodation and Daily Life

Finding a place to stay in Bangkok was another challenge. I am not a backpacker at heart. I need my own room, especially when I feel vulnerable. I found a clean bed and breakfast where I could extend my stay daily, which gave me flexibility.

The apartment was basic, without a proper stove or appliances. My coffee would take ages to make, and I had to buy a mop, a heater, and other essentials. I did not know at the time that online shopping in Thailand through Lazada or Shopee could solve most of these problems cheaply