— This is AUA's newest branch which is situated in the northern suburbs of Bangkok away from the traffic jams and pollution. It is just a 25 minute, 25 baht micro-bus ride to the centre of Bangkok (Victory Monument). Offering a different perspective on living in the thriving metropolis of Bangkok, Muang Thong gives you an insight into how many urban Thai people live. Although Tesco, Big C, Macro and Carrefour are within easy reach, as are restaurants from many cultures and five star hotels, fresh fish, vegetable, and meat markets offer produce at significantly lower prices than the city centre. Within five minutes of the branch there are typical Thai style food halls and fish restaurants offering live music every night.

     We currently have a close knit team of nine teachers who are always prepared to support their colleagues, both old and new. There is a well-appointed and comfortable teachers' lounge with private lockers for each teacher. There is also a useful 'kitchen corner' with a large fridge.

     Additionally we are developing a 'teachers' library' where we can exchange novels on a temporary loan basis. The lounge has independent air-conditioning, a computer with free access to the internet via landline or wireless, a printer and a photocopier. A T.V. with VCD and DVD players is available for use in the classroom together with Digital Video camera. There is a good supply of supplementary materials and reference books to support your lesson planning. These resources are currently being expanded, developed and re-organised as the branch expands.

— The pay rate for probationary teachers is 285 baht per hour, rising to 350 baht per hour in your third full year. Saturday/Sunday teaching pays 500 baht per hour. Participation in AUA's Professional Development Programme leads to a Year End Payment of 36,000 baht. Two and a half hour classes are currently offered at Muang Thong, starting at 4.20 p.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays (Tuesday to Thursday), and at 08.30, 12 noon and 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, the branch being closed on Mondays. Finishing teaching at say 2.30 p.m. on a Sunday, teachers would not be required to be back at the branch until 4 p.m. on Tuesday, effectively offering a 2 day break.

      If teachers worked 20 hours weekdays and 10 hours on weekends, they could expect to earn 10,700 Baht per week. AUA runs terms of six weeks. Between each term there is a free week for teachers, which offers an ideal opportunity for those teachers wishing to travel. Both Bangkok Airport and Mo Chit bus terminal are close by giving easy access to the whole of Thailand.

— Popular Condos (the white buildings in the distance), about five minutes walking distance from the branch, are available from 1,500 baht a month (unfurnished), or with furniture and air-conditioning from 3,000 baht per month. Two bed roomed condos (from where this photo was taken) with living room, kitchenette, bathroom, balcony and air-conditioning are available from 7000 baht per month. Furnished single room accommodation with bathroom, balcony and UBC cable T.V. on Chaeng Wattana Road opposite Tesco and Big C is available from around 4000 baht per month.

— For more information on Muang Thong I suggest your visit the website www.impact.co.th. This site gives detailed information and maps of the development on which this branch is situated (Look for the area P5; AUA is situated in the top left hand corner of that square.)

     Additionally you can visit www.mttbkk.com which is the website of another local company, and gives valuable information about Muang Thong Thani as a whole.

     For more details of working at AUA Muang Thong and current vacancies, please telephone the manager Chris Dunstan, on 02 980 7774, or e-mail him at muangthong@auathailand.org