So, I need to take a break from Thailand, and make some money in the process, starting next March.

I don't want to go to China, but I would for a year if I could come back to Thailand with a pocketful of cash.  Vietnam is more tempting culturally (more relaxed, less disgusting public behavior, etc), but generally pays less.

What's the current zeitgeist surrounding SEA countries and their respective ESL opportunities?

natewill wrote:So, I need to take a break from Thailand, and make some money in the process, starting next March.

I don't want to go to China, but I would for a year if I could come back to Thailand with a pocketful of cash.  Vietnam is more tempting culturally (more relaxed, less disgusting public behavior, etc), but generally pays less.

What's the current zeitgeist surrounding SEA countries and their respective ESL opportunities?

That's huge news natewill. I know you will be missed by your current employer as I have often heard of very positive parent feedback!

I see lots of job listings in China that pay what I call "well" (double or triple what I'd earn in Thailand) plus housing.

I would expect it to be loads of work, though.

I do not make lots of money at my school, but I've had a very light schedule, including a break from teaching children.

As the sole foreign teacher here, I can't speculate as to what your co-workers would be like.