Sunee's Blog - 24th April 2010

What should I take with me?

Packing to Work in Thailand

Deciding to take the plunge and head out to Thailand for a new career in teaching English is a big decision. New culture, new climate, new career. But once you have decided to take the plunge and head for a new life working in Asia, another problem arises. You have a 20 kilo baggage allowance, so – “What should I pack?” If you have been to Thailand before, it's a little easier; but only a little. Starting a new life with only a suitcase makes for some snappy decisions!

I had made the decision to return to teaching English in Thailand, and living in the Exotic East. Let me share some tips that came in handy while I stared into my cupboard:

1. Choose the right bag: Use a light suitcase with little locks for all the zips. Safety isn't necessarily a problem on your suitcase's route to Thailand, but why take the chance?

2. Drug it up: Most medicines are easily available in Thailand, from paracetamol to codeine. Hospitals and doctors are relatively cheap and easily accessible so don't waste precious space on medicine. I decided to take a small and basic first-aid kit for the lean days before my first pay.

3. Dress up: Take all your warm clothes and give them to charity - Thailand is the place of eternal summer. Men could pack in a set of sleeveless vests to wear under their shirts to absorb any unwanted body wetness. Women who are generously proportioned should bring along underwear and clothes – some sizes are hard to come by considering the size of the average Thai. Most schools have a fairly strict dress code which will guide you on day-to-day clothing once you are settled into the job. Sleeves are compulsory at schools, so your sleeveless tops and spaghetti straps are only good for the beach or a night out.

4. Stink it up: Most common hygiene brands are available but there is a shortage of heavy duty antiperspirants. Bring your preferred roll-on just in case.

5. Eat up: Chocolates in Thailand just don't taste the same as at home: they are chunky, and you have to chew them like you would chewing gum. Even though if you take a tasty chocolate with you, it will be chocolate sauce by the time you reach your new home. Regardless, pack in the comfort foods you know you can't do without; chutney, champagne, haggis, cheese (if you can pack it in a fridge as soon as you arrive). Soon enough, you will find the supermarkets which stock imported foods, even avocados!

6. Live it up: Don't bother wasting precious space with shoes, bags or accessories. Those are easily available in most street markets throughout Asia. If you are of slight build, it's even easier to find clothes at bargain prices. However, if you have generously sized feet, be aware that 'oversized' and 'jumbo' sizes require some serious hunting.

7. Look it up: Books are available, but costly. If you have an eclectic taste in music or reading material, then you should try to bring in as much as possible. There usually is a small library amongst colleagues at school which may serve your purpose, though. And also, there is always a large shortage of good teaching resources like educational books, education toys, games and songs. You could always impress the boss if you pack some of these!

Following my own guidelines, I packed meticulously. And then, lo and behold, I had to repack my suitcases in the middle of the check in area: my bags were more than 25 kilograms overweight! Thank goodness for kind airport attendants who helped block the view of onlookers into my suitcase.

It's not easy to pack. Just don't forget your passport, your international driver's licence, photos to remember the family and an adaptable, adventurous attitude. See you when you get here!

30th June 2009

To live with or without a computer when teaching in Thailand