Pros and Cons of Teaching in Thailand

Here you'll find a list of some of the pros and cons to working in Thailand. Granted, this is somewhat subjective, since it's based on my opinion and experience, so take it with a grain of salt!

Pros / Positives

nice students
nice teachers
Thai people are very friendly, generous and kind
teaching is a great life experience
relatively easy teaching schedule
very relaxed lifestyle
the society is very accepting of LGBTQ people
the company helps you with the Visa process (with MediaKids; however, beware of hidden fees)
after the first year you get a raise that will allow you to comfortably save up some money (with MK)
accommodation is provided (with MK; however, there are additional set-up costs)
renewal bonus (with MK)
October off work (this is the break between Semester 1 and 2)
two and a half months off from March to mid-May (this is the break between Semester 2 and the next school year)
one week of no classes twice a year when the Thai students take their exams
many paid holidays and days off
unique experience
beautiful scenery; very verdant, forested country
gorgeous architecture of temples
many opportunities for spectacular photography
you can easily visit different parts of the country
you will have the opportunity to travel to other Asian countries nearby
no smoking in public
good weather; rarely gets cold

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Cons / Negatives

the heat if you don't have your own classroom or an A/C unit it will get uncomfortable in the summer
cockroaches, large spiders, ants, scorpions and lots of other insects
Thai is a difficult language to speak
in rural areas most people don't speak English
Thai schools are very spontaneous when it comes to activities and class cancellations
hidden fees when it comes to Visa extensions, etc. (with MK)
the company doesn't really provide you with the essentials you need for your accommodation (MK)
start-up costs can be difficult to manage: we had to buy our own electric stove, cookware, utensils, linens, laundry racks, broom, mop, etc. We spent over 15,000 baht all together on just household goods and school supplies; divided between two people that is 7,500 baht each, not including the costs of food, electricity, water, cleaning supplies, etc.
monarchy
Les majeste laws and repression of free speech
traditionalism
sexism (female teachers must wear skirts, temples require women to cover their arms and legs, modest dress is expected and required, women must move away from monks on public transportation to avoid accidentally touching a monk)
all police, even traffic cops carry guns
high rate of homicide by gun violence
many students participate in military training and children encouraged by the military to handle (unloaded) guns on Children's Day
no vegetarian food in rural areas and very few in cities outside of Bangkok or Chiang Mai
very few "international" restaurants outside of the major cities
you need to drink bottled water to avoid getting sick
public transportation is horrible
traffic is really bad in Bangkok
extremely unsafe road conditions (potholes, dirt roads, etc.) in some parts of the country
very dangerous drivers
poverty
many stray animals who are often starving or sick