Labor rights of foreign teachers in Thailand

Abstract

The number of foreigners working as teachers in Thailand at government and private schools has more than tripled over the last four years. These teachers receive wages up to three times higher than their Thai colleagues, but many schools and recruitment agencies still have problems finding enough qualified people to fill the positions. Native English speakers are preferred for the teaching jobs, but the employers are forced to, due to low supplies, to reinforce the workforce with non-native English speaking westerners and other native English speakers such as Filipinos in the listed order. This thesis examines the labor rights of foreign teachers in Thailand. Focusing on the teachers in private and government schools at primary and high school level. A comparison between private and government schools is made, relevant laws are being analyzed and compared and the experiences of 50 foreign teachers are being used to measure the theoretical research with real life. Even though being fairly paid these foreigners often experience their rights being violated. Their contracts are illegal; many teach without work permits, some are being fired without reason. Filipino teachers are last in line for jobs even though they in many cases are the most qualified for the positions. Even though most of the teachers have educated backgrounds their knowledge on their labor rights when working as teachers in Thailand is limited. Language barriers, lack of transparency in laws –and laws overlapping or contradicting each other confuses teachers on where to look.