Shrimp Fit at KFC, Bangkok

Honestly, I don't eat fast food in Bangkok that much but sometimes I do eat KFC. Not the chicken though. Instead I get a Shrimp Fit sandwich, fries and a coke. It's a fast meal and, supposedly, the shrimp sandwich has low-fat dressing on it (although the shrimp is fried so it can't be that good for you if you're on a diet!)

It's delicious though and, at 99 baht (just less than $3) for a set (sandwich, fries and coke) it's a pretty good deal. Well, actually, KFC in Thailand is very expensive. When you can get a huge plate of rice with chicken curry or pork or beef and some veggies on the side for just over $1, then $3 for fast food is a high price. A lot of my Thai friends won't eat at KFC, because they think it's rip-off. They could be right :-)

Questions about Visas and Work Permits in Thailand

Some of the funny kids I've taught in Thailand.

A lot of westerners get very confused when they move to Thailand and have to face the prospect of getting a visa and a work permit, as it is a bit daunting. Never fear though, it's not that difficult. Read this article for some quick answers to questions about the work permit and visa in Thailand. Just remember, you can't work in Thailand legally without one so don't believe that agent or school that tells you "Working in Thailand without a work permit is okay". Really. It's not. After all, you don't want to be jailed and deported, do you?

Markets

Thailand is famous for markets and they are absolutely everywhere. Pretty much every available sidewalk in Bangkok has a market or mini market. This one is right outside the post office at Saphan Kwai sky train station, selling amulets and Buddhist paraphernalia. Very interesting, especially on the weekends.

Chiang Mai - A Lovely Place To Visit For a Long Weekend

Having lived in Thailand for so many years, I've visited Chiang Mai a lot. Chiang Mai is in northern Thailand, but only an hour and a half by plane from Bangkok.

Surrounded by hills and lush green fields, it's a quite sleepy town compared to Bangkok but is still stuffed with lots of fun things to do. Check out the markets, cool outdoor restaurants, beautiful temples the amazing Night Bazaar, and also the Sunday Walking Street Market (the evening market), which is the largest outdoor evening market I've ever seen! Sells everything too and at wonderful prices.

Also, don't miss visiting Doi Suthep, the famous temple up at the top of the mountain overlooking Chiang Mai - it's worth it for the views alone!

Teaching in Thailand

I've been teaching EFL in Thailand for six years and am often asked by other farangs if Thailand is a good place to teach EFL to kids. Just like any country, Thailand has pluses and minuses when it comes to teaching EFL to kids. Every prospective teacher should do research before deciding if Thailand is for them or not.

For me, I loved teaching EFL to Thai kids, but other teachers might not. If you're not sure if Thailand is the correct fit for you, read this article as it tells the pros and cons of teaching kids in Thailand - and will at least give you a starting point from which to make your decision.

Thai kids really are lovely though, so my recommendation would be "Go for it".

Fruit Shakes

I'm a sucker for fruit shakes in Thailand. It's so hot here anything refreshing is always appreciated and fruit shakes are doubly good because they're cheap as well as healthy.

A lot of drinks stalls in Thailand make fruit shakes - pineapple, watermelon, orange, guava.....each stall usually sells lots of varieties, or even mixtures of a few fruits and at around 30 baht per shake (about 80 cents) they're an amazingly cheap refreshing drink.