Classroom sizes have already been increased, resulting in the lowering of the teacher shortfall numbers. Now we are confronted by a plan to extend the teacher’s retirement age, once again negating the need to train and employ more teachers in our schools. One of the most serious problems with Thailand's education system is the lack of qualified teachers.

In the area of English language teaching, if sufficient teachers were trained to a high enough standard, there would be no need to hire the many foreigners who ply their trade in this education sector.

 
At the moment, I am convinced that some schools hire foreigners as status symbols that will attract more custom from discerning parents with money to spend. What you have to appreciate is that foreign teachers are very expensive and in the government sector in which I work, you can hire three Thai teachers for the price of one foreigner.

 
What makes sense to me is to have well qualified Thai teachers, who are up to date with new technologies and methodologies and who are not afraid to experiment with new ideas and approaches to get the best out of their students. The odd foreigner here and there could be added for a bit of dressing and the advertising campaign.

 
This situation will not happen unless money is made available by the government for existing teachers to receive training and support and the employment of new teachers into the industry by making working conditions more attractive for potential newcomers into the profession. At the moment, the more motivated individuals will decide to go into business or more profitable areas of employment, rather than choose a career in teaching. To be truthful, I don't blame them.