Thai English teacher puts on outrageous makeup to boost students' confidence in class

Reuters - Thai teacher Theeraphong Meesat has a unique way of making sure his students pay attention in class -- by donning outrageous outfits and makeup. Strutting down the school corridor in a grey wig that resembles Lisa from popular K-pop band Blackpink and a set of fake eyelashes made from a rooster chicken feather duster, Theeraphong enters his classroom at the Prasartratprachakit School in Ratchaburi province to teach English. Although Theeraphong, 29, known to his students as teacher 'Bally', is not in fancy dress every day, he said being able to wear make-up to teach was a way of showing his creativity and keeping the students' attention in class. It all started by chance on a school day in June, when Bally took part in a local parade, ran out of time and had to rush to a class in heavy makeup and costume. And the result surprised him. "They looked surprised...Some students were scared, but surely it develops their attention in class. They are more curious and eager to learn what is going to happen in the class," said the proud teacher. Thailand stands at 64th of 88 countries, with English proficiency the third lowest in the Southeast Asian region and grouped in the "low" category in the global ranking, according to the 2018 EF English Proficiency Index. Theeraphong said his getup helps him become more confident and he hopes to encourage the students will be brave like him as most Thais are "scared" of using and speaking English due to a fear of making mistakes. Students in his class said they feel the difference between the normal classes and teacher Bally's classes as they are "fun and "exciting".