Emily when are you getting here?  Hope the news of protests hasn't put you off.  Just posted a blog about them from my point of view so give it a read if you're worried about anything :-)

Don't worry about learning Thai.  It's a tonal language so unless you've actually taken proper lessons with a native speaker not many people will understand you unfortunatley.  I've just picked it up as I've gone along and it's a much better way to learn than from the Lonely Planet phrase book I got.  Useless it was!!  Just remember to say "Chan mai chai nak ton teo" (I'm not a tourist) whenever someone tries to rip you off.  Works a treat for me :-)

Good luck!

Hey there, Im also heading to thailand on the 5 month teaching placement, My school is the ACT in Bangkok! I cannot wait, but like u i'm also panicking! The lists are endless, I dont even have a rucksack let alone travel/health insurance. Pleas let me know if you find any good travel insurers. Oh and good luck!

Good Luck Emily!

Good luck!

Hi Emily, I have looked into insurance and have found that World Nomads looks good. Check out their website and see what you think. I know what you mean about lists - I keep making lists for everything!!!

Cheers, Kate.

Hey, I got my visa back this morning can't believe I got it so quick only sent it on Thursday.  Its finally set in that i'm definitely going now lol. I'm struggling looking for travel and health insurance as I don't know where to look either.