Management of Foreign Teachers in International Educational Institutes in Thailand

Purpose: the paper seeks to determine methods and approaches of managing international English language teachers in Thailand in the context of the forthcoming ASEAN Economic Community. Design/Methodology/Approach: qualitative interviews, focus group and ethnographic observation were used to obtain data. Findings: the research shows that schools involved adopt pragmatic approaches to teacher recruitment and management but retain elements of the longstanding paternalistic Thai approach to management of human resources. Research Limitations/Implications: the research is limited to two research study sites and to a specific time period. Practical Implications: issues are raised concerning the approach of potential international teachers and the means of obtaining employment. Social Implications: the lack of meaningful preparation for the ASEAN Economic Community in the education sector in Thailand is made evident. Originality/Value: management of international school English language teachers in Thailand has been only lightly researched previously.