I touched down in Bangkok late on Sunday evening, tired and probably not smelling great, but buzzing to be back and excited for the days ahead. The air was thick and humid, the honks of motorbike horns ringing out like an old friend, but I only had one thing on my mind.
My first thought was not of temples, street food, or sightseeing. Burger King was calling, just as it does every time I arrive in ‘The Big Mango’. I know, it’s not exactly a Thai classic, but I have my fair share of local food up in Chiang Rai. And this veggie burger they do just hits different, a taste of home, and now a bit of a Bangkok ritual. Land, taxi, hotel, burger. But enough about my guilty secret, you’re here to read about our Thailand teachers orientation, and I plan to oblige.
I was in town to welcome and train eight of our amazing new teachers, all of whom will all be calling Thailand home for the next six months or a year. Seven are Brits and there is one American. Most had just graduated, a few had already done some travelling or teaching, but what united them all was a mix of nerves and excitement.
We were based in On Nut, one of my favourite corners of Bangkok. It’s lively without being chaotic, full of local food stalls, edgy workspaces, cool coffee shops, and hidden bars. It has that perfect balance, a neighbourhood that’s more Thai than tourist, but still full of life.
Our hotel was Hop Inn, Thailand’s answer to Travelodge. No frills, no fuss, but clean, comfortable, and with beds that are renowned across the country for being the best
Monday morning was for settling in and getting organised. I stopped by our workspace to double-check everything for training, grabbed a quick £4 haircut and shave, and managed to catch up with a few of the teachers who’d already arrived. They instantly made a good impression, friendly, curious, and ready to get stuck in.
That afternoon, I headed to Suvarnabhumi Airport to meet the rest of the group flying in. Bangkok’s main airport is a lesson in patience, sprawling, crowded, and perpetually confusing. If you ever have the option, use Don Mueang instead.
Still, the pickup went smoothly. We had a van waiting with proper air con and plenty of space. Once everyone was aboard, we set off through the Bangkok rain. The city flashed by outside, neon lights reflecting off the puddles, and chaos, while inside the van people started chatting like old friends. For most, it was their first time in Thailand, which made their enthusiasm even more impressive. A brave bunch, truly.
After checking in and getting a bit of rest, we regrouped in the lobby and headed out to sort SIM cards. Buying a Thai SIM is always more confusing than it should be, but with a bit of teamwork and my basic level of Thai, we got everyone connected to data that wouldn’t bankrupt them. Then it was time for food and the first real taste of Bangkok life.
We then took the MRT to W Market, a big outdoor food court with live music, beer stalls, and just enough tourists so they didn’t feel like I was throwing them in the deep end. The food was ok, pricier than I’m used to in Chiang Rai, but it did the job. Everyone ordered something different, and the table soon filled with noodles, curries, and the occasional cautious bite of something unknown. I introduced them to Leo, Thailand’s finest beer in my completely unbiased opinion. Then talk of going to Khao San Road for a “big first night out” quickly died, the combination of jet lag and pad Thai had won, and sent everyone back to the hotel for bed.
The sun was shining on Tuesday morning and everyone was up and ready at 09:30 sharp, which, considering the travel and beers, was impressive. We grabbed breakfast at a local spot, a few stalls lined up selling everything from fried rice to noodles and iced coffee. I think a few were surprised to see rice on the menu for breakfast, but I told them they’d have to get used to that.
Then it was time for the first full day of training. Our workspace was just around the corner, cool, quiet, and blessed with strong air-conditioning. We covered everything from what to expect in Thai schools to classroom management and cultural differences. It’s one thing to read about teaching in another country, it’s another to hear the reality from someone who’s lived it, and I did my best to share all my knowledge.
The highlight, though, was when I introduced some of my favourite classroom games. Within minutes, the atmosphere changed completely. Everyone was laughing, shouting answers, and throwing themselves into it. It’s the best way to show how effective games can be with students, and a great way to loosen everyone up. “More, more!” they shouted when I tried to stop. Naturally, I obliged.
After a long morning, we took a break. Some went exploring, others crashed for a nap. I did the latter. Then it was back for the afternoon session, where everyone paired up to plan a short lesson using the structure we’d discussed in the morning. The results were brilliant, thoughtful, creative, and full of energy. I was genuinely proud of how quickly they’d grasped it. Their schools are lucky to have them.
That evening, we decided to venture further afield, to Udomsuk Walk, one of my favourite local food markets. But first, an introduction to Bangkok’s most thrilling (and mildly terrifying) transport option, Grab motorbike taxis. We stood outside the hotel as I helped everyone order theirs, and one by one they were whisked away into the traffic, the group cheering each departure as they went. I was last, and as my driver weaved through the chaos of Sukhumvit Road, the lights blurring past, I couldn’t help but grin. It was pure Bangkok, fast, noisy, alive. And I was so happy to have given our teachers their first taste of it.
When I arrived, the relief was real. Everyone had made it safely and there were already a few beers on the table. Udomsuk Walk was buzzing, packed with locals, music playing, smells of grilled meat and fresh herbs filling the air. The food here is what I’d call “real Thai prices.” Everyone scattered to pick their dinner, armed with enthusiasm and Google Translate. I helped one teacher order a spicy pork soup from Isan, the region where he’ll soon be teaching. He loved it.
The whole evening was brilliant. Stories, laughter, clinking glasses, the kind of easy bonding that happens when people are out of their comfort zone together.
As plans of a big night out developed, I announced I’d be heading back soon, but was quickly overruled. “No chance,” someone said. So I found a nearby bar with live music, and we carried on the night there. I got there first, ordered a Long Island iced tea and chatted with the bartenders, who were thrilled about a group of farang coming in. The rest is slightly blurry, lots of cocktails, good banter, and a few shots of soju with the bar staff for good measure.
By the time we grabbed taxis home, everyone was ready for bed after an amazing night, knowing that this is only the start of their adventures. And yes, I did make one last stop at Burger King on the way back. Some traditions are sacred.
Wednesday morning arrived far too soon. A few sunglasses appeared at breakfast, and the group was quieter than usual, but still smiling. I went for a spicy pad krapow to bring me back to life, others stuck to iced coffee and iced water.
Our final training session was shorter but no less important. We covered last-minute teaching advice, cultural tips, and a few do’s and don’ts for life in Thailand. Despite the hangovers, everyone was switched on and asking great questions. You could tell how much they’d learned in just a few days, more than any manual could teach.
Then suddenly, it was time for goodbyes. Watching them go, I felt proud and excited. In just a few days, they’d gone from strangers to friends, ready to take on Thailand with courage and curiosity.
As I waited for my motorbike taxi to the airport, the city roaring around me, I thought about how every orientation feels the same and yet completely new. Different faces, same excitement. And that’s what makes it so special.
To our new teachers, good luck, enjoy every moment. And remember, always pick DMK over BKK, try to learn a few Thai phrases, and don’t underestimate the healing power of a post-night-out Burger King.
