Native speakers

Native speakers, not all of whom speak well, are preferred in Thailand for kudos largely. Young single females preferred actually. The Thai teachers of English are often better at teaching grammar, but the attitude is generally one of monolithic English. Native speakers are used sparingly in the public system, unless you pay a lot extra. There are many Filipinas, all of whom have teaching degrees, unlike the motley crew of native speakers. They are often great teachers and paid around half what a backpacker who may have done a 120 hour TEFL course is paid.

We can be serious income generators for schools and therein lies much of the obstacle to change.