"If they are asking you to teach, regardless of hours, seems you have no say in the matter. That, or curtail your luxury travels in the sun,"

What does TL stand for then- "Too Lazy" to read? I suggest you read my post again and you will see that I clearly indicate my hours will not be changing-"Same hours" I said. These hours total 14-16, which is about right for me- It depends on the individual but for me to work 30-40 hours in China would be a nonsense-how do you get to know the place or learn the language? Especially as some crap schools in China don't pay you for winter and summer breaks, let alone other Chinese holidays, air fare, travel money; therefore, It doesn't take a mathematical genius to calculate that a 5000 RMB no extras to pay on your flat university job, will make you better off than a 10,000 private outfit job.

As for Thailand being dangerous-well, certainly not as dangerous as some foreign language schools in China.

I really can't answer any more for a couple or three months, got some gallivanting to do.