The average salary of a 40 year-old Thai teacher is approximately 17,500 baht (US$514) per month. This is equivalent to an annual salary of US$6,168, which is 2.6 times the nation’s GDP per person. This compares favourably with the average of Japan and South Korea (UIS, 2006b). However, in Thailand, all teachers receive similar salaries, irrespective of location. The annual teaching salary is less than the GDP per person in Bangkok, which is approximately USD$10,000, making the profession less attractive for Bangkok residents. On the other hand, the salary is approximately six times the GDP per person in the poorest area of Thailand, the Northeast. Therefore, the teaching profession is considered more attractive in the poorer areas of the country.