Teaching in Thailand

Teaching in Thailand – Asian College of Teachers (ACT)

Thailand is known as the ‘Land of a Thousand Smiles’. It is also one of the most visited countries in Southeast Asia for tourism. With stunning architecture, beautiful beaches, world- class shopping, and amazing forests, it can be a fulfilling teaching career abroad. The country also offers huge teaching job opportunities making it a perfect place to live for those who want to work as teachers.

Thailand has a wide range of schools, colleges, universities, and educational institutions which makes it easier for aspiring teachers to bag productive teaching jobs there. Certified teachers are in huge demand in Thailand. Pre and primary teaching have got a distinguished influence on children as it deals with rendering their beginning to the domain of education.

Professional teacher training courses prepare aspirants as well as existing teachers with all the ground-breaking and upgraded teaching strategies that formulate them to emerge as excellent teachers in the future. Those with a Bachelor's degree can add a qualification by completing a teacher training certification program and can expect to get better-paid teaching jobs in Thailand.

While English teaching in Thailand seems like a dream, is it a viable job opportunity? Well, the answer is yes! Amidst all the beaches and shopping sprees you can find a great opportunity to do what you love and survive. All you need is the right set of credentials, qualifications, and passion.

Updated Educational Requirements to Teach in Thailand

Thai culture, cuisine, and decorated celebrations, what is there not to love? Teaching in Thailand is not only exciting and dynamic but also has a wide variety of options available and it is an increasingly popular choice among many aspirants as they can teach students while enjoying the tropical climate and beautiful landscapes. Thailand is a land of diverse living and working options for anyone looking to make a living by teaching in Thailand.

With friends, food, and culture at every turn of the corner, this country is bound to have you mesmerized. If you are willing to be a part of the nation's vibrant teaching community, here are some of the educational requirements you first need to possess before starting your teaching in Thailand adventure.

An ideal candidate is required to

• Be a graduate from a recognized board or university with at least a bachelor’s degree
• Be a citizen of a native English-speaking country or have near-native proficiency for ESL jobs
• Have completed 120 hours of TEFL course from a globally recognized institution (for English teaching)
• TOEIC score above 600 or the IELTS band of 5.5 and above
• Teaching licenses in English like B.Ed, M.Ed, or equivalent
• Teaching experience of 1-2 years (preferred)
• Under the age of 60 (government institutions)

The requirements are not as far-fetched as other Asian countries and initially, many aspirants have landed a job without a degree as well. However, to increase the education standard, the Thailand government has become sterner while recruiting overseas teachers. Usually, Thai is the official language of instruction in most educational institutions; however, with the influx of immigrants, English is slowly becoming the medium of instruction in most private and international schools.

Updated Visa Requirements for Teaching in Thailand

The type of visa required to legally work in Thailand usually depends on your nationality, teaching job, and other factors like whether you got the job before your arrival to the country or did you get one locally get hired. Unlike other countries, there is no specific type of visa that allows foreign nationals to work in Thailand.

Thus, you will need to avail yourself of the following three documents before being able to set foot in the country for teaching legally.

Non Immigrant ‘B’ Visa

As an expat teacher willing to teach in Thailand, you must obtain a non-immigrant visa before crossing the threshold of Thailand. And even though it is issued for work purposes, you cannot actually work with just a B visa and you need to apply for a work permit.

To obtain a non-immigrant visa, you need:

• A valid passport of at least 6 months and 2 full blank pages
• Passport sized photos
• Original and copy of your bachelor’s degree or highest qualification
• Certificate of criminal background check
• Visa application fees (might vary from country to country)
• Contract and other documents to be provided by your employer

The requirements might vary across consulates and embassies across different countries and hence you should check with your local consulate or embassy about the specific criteria and documents.

Work Permit

After obtaining the B visa, you need to apply for a work permit upon arrival to the country. However, if you have applied for a visa on arrival, then once your school organizes all the documents, you will need to leave the country to process your non-immigrant visa.

To avail of a work permit, you must have:

• Your passport and the B visa affixed
• Passport sized photos
• Original and copy of your bachelor’s degree or highest qualification
• A medical certificate issued by a doctor in Thailand
• Proof of previous teaching experience (if required)

The validity of the work permit is 3 months and once you obtain this; your B visa will also be valid through the length of your work permit which is generally the length of the contract.

Teaching License

Once you have received your work permit, you will now require to apply for a teaching license. But, don't be scared because unless you already have acquired a degree in education, you will need to apply for a temporary teaching license in Thailand.

To acquire a teaching license in Thailand, you will require:

• Your passport and the B visa affixed
• Passport sized photos
• Official work permit
• Original and copy of your bachelor’s degree or highest qualification
• Certificate of criminal background check
• University transcripts

Your school will assist you with the visa application and the entire process of reaching and teaching in Thailand. Since the process is extensive and involves a lot of processes, it is a common practice for schools to allow foreign nationals to come on a 30-day tourist visa and then head off for a visa run.

Digital Nomad Visa

Thailand launched its 10 years Long Term Residency (LTR) permit in September 2022, thus attracting highly educated and wealthy people to move to Thailand. This visa is also often termed a digital nomad visa. However, the digital nomad country was decimated between 2020 to mid-2022 due to strict COVID entry rules.

But there is still a plethora of options available for digital nomads to stay in the country for a period of 30 days to 20 years. All have different requirements and price points. Some of them include:

• 30-Day Tourist Visa Exemption Scheme
• 15-day Visa on arrival
• Thai Single Entry Tourist Visa (SETV)
• Thai Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV)
• Thai Retirement Visas
• Non-Immigrant O visa (90-day) + O visa extension for 1 year
• The Non-Immigrant O-A visa (1 Year)
• The Non-Immigrant O-X visa (5+5 years)

Most digital nomads use tourist visas as they don't think long-term visa is practical or appealing to them. Moreover, if you are over 50 years you can go for a retirement visa to work in the country and finally find options for settlement.

Major Types of Educational Jobs in Thailand

Teaching in Thailand can be a lucrative opportunity for anyone who wants to jumpstart their teaching abroad journey. Thus instead of scrolling Instagram drooling with jealousy, read about how this can be your life. Well, you might not necessarily become rich in cash just by moving abroad to teach in Thailand but you will definitely become richer with wonderful memories.

Not only that, if you are a budget-savvy person, you will also be able to save a hefty amount of money in your bank while having a few shopping sprees in the colorful markets. Thus if you are wondering what types of teaching jobs you can get in Thailand, here are some prospects:

Teaching in Thailand- Public Schools

Most aspirants looking for a teaching job in Thailand find themselves in public schools. This is because in these schools teachers are trained by the Thai Ministry of Education before assigning them job roles. Thus, if you do not have a degree in education, you can sign up for these schools.

However, the class sizes are larger than compared to private academies but you get an immense time off as well. The usually paid vacation ranges for about 2-3 months every year. Moreover, you are expected to work 40 hours a week from Monday to Friday.

To teach in public schools, competent candidates must have

• A Bachelor’s degree or higher qualification in any subject
• Native English citizenship or near-native fluency
• At least 120 hours of TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certification (waived off if you have a BA or MA in Education)
• Teaching experience of 1-2 years (preferred)
• TOEIC score above 600 or the IELTS band of 5.5 and above

An educator at a public school earns around 30,000 TBH every month which is around $910/month. Since the cost of living is less compared to European or Middle Eastern countries you can expect to save a handsome amount of money while having fun exploring the country.

Teaching in Thailand- International Schools

If you are determined to find a teaching position in Thailand as an expat, international schools are just the option for you as they significantly hire more foreign nationals than public schools. Since they are often higher paying that the other institutions they have a varied set of requirements of their own.

To teach in international schools, a competent candidate must have

• A Bachelor’s degree or higher qualification in any subject
• Native English citizenship or near-native fluency
• At least 120 hours of TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certification (waived off if you have a BA or MA in Education)
• Teaching license from your home country
• Teaching experience of 1-2 years (preferred)
• TOEIC score above 600 or the IELTS band of 5.5 and above

If you can fulfill all these requirements your salary will be significantly boosted when compared to other teaching positions. You can expect to earn anywhere around $3,000- $5,500 per month

Teaching in Thailand- Private Language Academies

If you are working in private language academies you can find yourself working on a sporadic schedule. These classes generally run from early morning into late evening depending on the availability of the students. However, class sizes are much more comfortable than in public schools and you might have to deal with just 10 students in each class. Moreover, unlike public and international schools, these language academies do not have a huge set of requirements and thus it is easy to get in.

To be able to teach in private language academies, aspirants must have

• A Bachelor’s degree or higher qualification in any subject
• Native English citizenship or near-native fluency
• At least 120 hours of TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certification (waived off if you have a BA or MA in Education)
• TOEIC score above 600 or the IELTS band of 5.5 and above

Apart from English, you can also find opportunities to teach science, math, and other subjects depending on your interest. Since these academies do not have any fixed working hours you can expect to work around 20 hours per week and earn around $20 per hour.

Teaching in Thailand- Universities

Teaching in colleges or universities could be your option if you are looking for something more long-term with a wide array of benefits like retirement plans and healthcare coverage. However, the only downside is that these positions battle fierce competition and it might not be very easy to get owing to its strict requirements.

To teach in universities in Thailand, competent candidates must have

• A Master’s degree or doctorate in any subject from an accredited college or university
• Native English citizenship or near-native fluency
• At least 120 hours of TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certification (waived off if you have a BA or MA in Education)
• Teaching license from your home country
• 2 years of teaching experience if you have a master's degree and 4 years of teaching experience if you do not have a master's degree.
• TOEIC score above 600 or the IELTS band of 6.5 and above

Working in a college or university comes with fewer working hours as you are expected to work around 10-1 hours a week. The salary is compared to public schools depending on your experience and qualifications you can expect to earn THB 1,002,943 annually which is around $29,053 per annum. Additionally, you can also supplement a professor's salary with another side gig.

Teaching in Thailand- Private Tutoring

Private tutoring academies are institutions where students usually attend classes after attending their elementary, middle, public, or private schools. The schedules and format of the classes vary from institution to institution depending on the programs they offer. This can be a great option since you will be working with one or more students and teaching in your personal space or their home.

Expats who do not generally want to work with large groups normally take up this option and offer lessons in smaller and more compact groups.

To teach in private tutoring in Thailand, competent candidates must have

• Bachelor’s degree or above in any subject from an accredited college or university
• Native English citizenship or near-native fluency
• At least 120 hours of TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certification
• TOEIC score above 600 or the IELTS band of 5.5 and above
• 6+ hours of in-person teaching experience (preferred)

Depending on the details in your contract or work agreement there can be opportunities for you to work as a private tutor in addition to your regular paid job. This can offer a scope to earn more and once you earn enough experience in this field, you can take this up as a full- time gig thus allowing you to work as per your own flexibility and convenience. You can expect to earn anywhere around 300-500 TBH which is approximately $9-$15 per hour.

Land a Teaching Job in Thailand

Thailand is becoming increasingly popular for expats to stay long-term even if the competition for jobs continues to increase. However, it might be difficult to break into the job market if you do not have the proper credentials and qualifications.

Regardless of the obstacles, a variety of educational jobs exist in Thailand for dedicated educators. You can work as:

• Primary and Kindergarten Teachers
• English Reviewer
• Teacher Assistant
• Playgroup Leader
• Kindergarten Homeroom Teacher
• IELTS Teachers
• Phonics Teachers
• English Language Learning Coordinator
• Academic Secretary
• Deputy Academic Manager
• Academic Director
• Learning Support Assistant

If you want to land a job in Thailand, here are some hot tips for a seamless job-seeking experience:

• Take refuge in one of the most popular websites like Ajarn, Craiglist Teach Abroad Thailand, Teaching Thailand, etc.
• If you are focused to become a TEFL teacher then you can look for dedicated ESL- based sites like TEFL Heaven, Dave's ESL Cafe, Jobs DB, Thailand Jobs 77, Teachaway, TES, etc.
• Get at least a 120-hour TEFL certification if you have not already polished your resume.Get at least a 120-hour TEFL certification if you have not already polished your resume.

You can also find vacancies in English-language newspapers like The Nation Job Ads or The Bangkok Post etc if you could manage the initial expenses of moving to Thailand then considering jobs through newspaper listings are the safest option as they offer you an opportunity of attending walk-in-interviews if already present in the country.

Cost of Living in Thailand

While the salary might seem comparatively low you need to remember that the cost of living in Thailand is pretty low. But depending on the location and the lifestyle you adopt the cost can rise up pretty soon as well. If you have a fairly simple lifestyle then you can live happily within $2000-$2500 per month.

The location where you decide to live will have a huge impact on your monthly expenses. A view of the rice paddies from your balcony will obviously be less expensive than living among the crashing waves on a sandy beach or in a modern condo in of the most bustling neighborhoods.

Depending on your salary, location, lifestyle choices, and how frugal you are with money, here is a basic rundown of the expenses for foreign nationals living in Thailand:

• Rent- Studio Apartment $100-$150 per month, two-bedroom condo or house around $600-$650
• Electricity- $106 (with AC)
• Cell Phone Bill- Basic data plan $21
• Groceries/wine/beer- $300-$400
• Entertainment- $100-$200
• Transportation- $21

Major Perks of Teaching in Thailand

Unlike other East Asian countries like South Korea, Thailand, unfortunately, does not offer a wide range of benefits. Since most of the usually find jobs when they are already in Thailand, flights are usually not offered by the institutions you are working with. However, that is not the sole reason to be disheartened and drop your plan.

Take a look at some of the other contract benefits that you will receive if you plan to teach in Thailand:

• Subsidized or free housing
• End-of-contract bonus
• Visa assistance
• Health insurance
• Sick leave
• Annual vacation leave
• Maternity leave
• Social security
• Retirement benefits
• Free children's education (private schools)
• Free lunch (yes, there is such a thing)

Even though you might receive lesser benefits than in other countries, it is important to understand that you will have the ability to exercise the same rights as Thai teachers. So, if you end up in a school with no benefits, contact the Ministry of Labour for help.

Popular Places to Teach English in Thailand

Teaching in Thailand is one of the best decisions you can make in your life. Since the demand is so high if you decide to come here, jobs will practically throw themselves at you. There is a lot to experience in this heavenly country as you can trek through lush green mountains, play with elephants, get some thrilling city vibes, chill on pristine beaches and so much more.

With so many cool places as your options, you might probably wonder what are some of the best places to teach in Thailand. Well, to ease your pain, take a look at some of the awesome places:

Chiang Mai

Located in the north this place is becoming extremely popular among expats who are seeking more long-term positions. There are several teaching opportunities available, however, you will need some expertise in the conversational Thai language. It is not exactly cheap when compared to Bangkok, but you can definitely be close to nature.

Bangkok

One of the most popular cities to teach for foreign nationals due to its affordability, size, and public transport connectivity. Schools here hire on a short-term basis hence it is easy to try your hands here than going anywhere else. You can either rent an apartment alone or share a house or apartment with other teachers if you are looking for more savings.

Krabi

Jobs in Krabi are like a vacation every day. So if you want to unwind after every hectic day, this will be your ideal destination. With beaches and islands in your background, this place is a tropical paradise. However, since it is alit tourist destination, it might often be crowded. So, if you are not a people person then you might want to think again.

Phuket

This is an island with plenty of tourist opportunities and an international airport. White sand beaches, local food, and traditional markets are some of the best things you can find in Phuket. If you decide to teach here, you can get the opportunity to explore the nearby islands like Koh Tao, Koh Phi Phi, etc, and experience coral reefs, lots of marine life, and beautiful lagoons.

Teach and Live in Thailand

There are tons of opportunities available for expats looking to live and teach in Thailand. It feels almost too good to be true, but this can be your life as well. The culture is a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. People are generally welcoming especially towards foreigners. On top of that, the cost of living is also low, so if you looking to save that extra buck, this is it.

Classrooms, however, are generally noisy with lots of discussions between students and teachers and lots of laughter. Moreover, it is not uncommon for students to argue with their teachers on various topics or schoolwork. It is also common for teachers to get scolded by their superiors if they are not aware of the protocols or not following norms properly.

Women are generally more conservative in a professional setting and you will not find them engaging in conversations related to their personal life in the workplace. But you can experience some of the most authentic people and be a part of one of the friendliest communities in the world.