How to Get a Teaching Job in Thailand (The Definitive Guide) 

Are you looking for a teaching job in Thailand? If so, you’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, we will provide you with all the information you need to land your dream teaching job in Thailand. We’ll discuss the different types of teaching jobs available in Thailand, the qualifications required for each position, and how to apply for a teaching job in Thailand. So whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced teacher, this guide has everything you need to know on how to get a teaching job in Thailand!

Make sure to get all documents needed, prepare your resume, try to look online for teaching jobs in Thailand, and apply for a visa. You can also consider taking an online TEFL course before applying.

Key Takeaways

• There are a variety of teaching positions available in Thailand, including English as a Second Language (ESL), international school, and private/tutoring opportunities.
• Qualifications for teaching jobs in Thailand include a degree in education or a related field, proof of competency in the language you will be teaching, and any relevant certification or licensure required for the position.
• Applying for teaching jobs in Thailand can be done both online and in person, depending on the job. It’s important to submit an up-to-date resume and cover letter when applying for these positions.

Why is Teaching in Thailand So Popular?

Thailand has a lot of things going for it. It’s a beautiful country with a rich culture, it’s safe and welcoming, and the people are great. But what really makes Thailand so appealing to ex-pats is how easy it is to get a teaching job here.

Teaching in Thailand has become one of the most popular choices for exporters because there is such high demand for qualified teachers and not enough available ones. The government has set up some very strict requirements for foreign teachers who want to work in Thailand, but once you meet them, you’ll find that there are plenty of opportunities for you to find the position that’s right for you.

Qualifications to Teach in Thailand

Working Visas in Thailand

Many programs and schools will aid you through the visa application process as they have extensive experience wading through all the bureaucratic red tape. For some schools, it is a common procedure to obtain a 30-day tourist visa and then travel to another country for what’s called a “visa run.” Although, be cautious of working on anything other than a specific work visa — deportation would not kick off your Thai adventure in an ideal way.

Non-Immigrant B Visa

Before entering Thailand, foreign teachers should obtain a Non-Immigrant B Visa. After arrival in the country, they should then apply for a work permit.

To qualify for a non-immigrant B visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• A passport with at least 6 months of validity and two full blank pages
• Passport photos
• An original copy of your bachelor’s degree
• A certified criminal background check
• The visa application fee (which varies)
• Various documents should be provided by your employer upon hiring

Please check with your local embassy or consulate for their specific entry requirements as each one can differ by country or region.

Work Permit

In order to work in Thailand as a foreigner, you must apply for a work permit after obtaining the appropriate visa (Non-Immigrant B Visa). After you have arrived in Thailand with your passport and Non-Immigrant B Visa, you can apply for a work permit.

To do so, you will need:

• Passport photos
• Your original bachelor’s degree
• A valid medical certificate from a Thai doctor
• Evidence of teaching experience (if applicable)

Teaching License

After receiving your work permit, you will need to apply for a teaching license — don’t worry, this is the final step. Unless you have a degree in Education, you will need to apply for a temporary license (valid up to six years).

To obtain a teaching license you will need:

• Your passport with the Non-Immigrant B Visa affixed
• Passport photos
• Thai work permit
• Original copy of your bachelor’s degree
• University transcripts
• Certified criminal background check

Criminal Background Check

A criminal background check is a record of a person’s criminal history. The results of a criminal background check can be used to evaluate an applicant for employment

When to Apply for a Teaching Job in Thailand

The Thai school year begins in May and finishes in February. There is about a month-long break between semesters that starts around the end of September. If you are looking to work at a university, their hiring season is usually early August. However, most schools look to hire teachers during the months of February and March but some will hire mid-semester around October or November.

If you are interested in teaching English, there are many opportunities available throughout Thailand and it’s important that you find the right placement for you. Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) is one of the fastest-growing industries in Thailand so there are plenty of opportunities available for those who want to teach abroad.

Where to Find Jobs in Thailand

Teaching jobs in Thailand can be found through a variety of avenues. The first, and most obvious, is to look through the job listings on sites like gooverseas.com These sites offer teaching positions around the world, and they are often updated regularly.

Another way to find teaching work in Thailand is through word-of-mouth. If you know someone who works at a school in Thailand, they may be able to help you find something similar. If you don’t have any connections, it’s worth reaching out to schools directly to see if they have any opportunities available—this can be done by emailing the principal or headmaster at the school where you’d like to work.

In addition to these two options, there are many international companies that specialize in finding teachers for schools around the world. These companies will often take care of everything from flights and housing arrangements to visa applications for their employees so that all they have left to do is focus on teaching!

Common Types of English Teaching Jobs in Thailand

Private and International Schools

There are several types of English teaching jobs in Thailand, the most common being in a private or international school.

Private and international schools are usually associated with larger cities and major tourist destinations, but they can be found in smaller towns as well. The majority of these schools are aimed at students who have already completed their primary education or university studies, but there may be some opportunities for younger students as well.

Private and international schools typically require a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate or similar qualifications. You should also have experience teaching adults and/or children, preferably in an educational setting.

If you want to know what are the best schools in Thailand, I have an article for you, which talks about the best international schools in Thailand! Make sure to read it here.

Public Schools

Public schools are funded and operated by the government. They are the most common type of school in the country, but they vary widely in quality.

Most public schools offer both primary and secondary education; however, some specialize only in one area or another.

Language Schools

Language schools are the most common way to teach English in Thailand. They can be found in almost every city, and they offer a variety of programs with flexible schedules. Some of them offer full-time contracts, while others offer more casual part-time contracts.

The job description is simple: you teach kids and adults how to speak English. The curriculum varies from school to school, but there are some basic things that you should know about teaching ESL classes in Thailand.

Private Tutoring

Private tutoring is the most common type of English teaching job in Thailand. Private tutoring involves working with an individual student or a small group of students to help them learn English and improve their overall academic performance. In many cases, private tutors are hired by parents who want their children to get ahead in school and have access to better opportunities throughout life.

Private tutors are also hired by individuals who want to learn English for personal reasons, such as preparing for exams or traveling abroad.

Universities

Universities are another common place to find English teaching jobs in Thailand. Many universities, especially those that offer courses taught in English, hire foreign teachers to teach classes.

Corporate Training Programs

These positions are usually designed to train employees of a particular company, and they’re often short-term. You might teach at a call center or other office setting, or even in your client’s home.

These programs usually involve private classes, small group sessions, and some kind of review/practice session at the end of each week. The number of hours per week can vary widely depending on where you work and what kind of program you’re teaching—some may be just one or two hours per day for five days straight, while others might be more intensive and involve more time with students outside of class time.

The challenge with corporate training programs is that they tend to be very regimented and structured; this can make it difficult for teachers who prefer to have more flexibility when planning lessons and activities for their students.

Additional Information about Thai Teaching Contracts

Working Hours

Your contract will be your first step in finding a job in Thailand. It’s important to have a clear understanding of the working hours and responsibilities of the position before signing up.

For long-term options, consider working at public schools, universities, or private language academies. These typically have contracts of 6-12 months and teaching hours of 15-20 a week.

Health Insurance

It’s advisable to secure health insurance when teaching in Thailand, whether your school provides it or not. If you have a pre-existing condition, or if you’re planning to get pregnant while working in Thailand, it’s important to be covered for these things.

The cost of medical care in Thailand is very reasonable, but it does vary depending on what kind of treatment you need. In most cases, though, the cost of treatment at a hospital is much lower than it would be in the US or other Western countries.

In addition to providing you with the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re covered if anything goes wrong, having a comprehensive policy can save you money—and in Thailand, that’s a good thing!

Housing

Many of Thailand’s more established schools provide housing for their Teachers. If your school refuses to offer financial assistance, see if they can help you find affordable housing.

If you’re looking for a place to live on your own, it’s important to do your research before signing a lease. Read up on the area and make sure that it’s safe, comfortable, and well-located.

The cost of living in Thailand can vary dramatically depending on where you go, so make sure that you know what kind of budget you’re working with before moving out!

Taxes

Thailand uses a progressive income tax system. This means that the more money you make, the higher your tax rate is likely to be. The country’s threshold for paying taxes is 150,000 Baht (about $5200 USD).

If you earn less than this amount in Thailand, the government will not ask you to pay taxes. However, before leaving your home country make sure that tax obligations are fulfilled there and then.

Finding a Teaching Job

Websites

If you’re looking for a teaching job in Thailand, there are a lot of options. You can look on the websites of private schools and universities, or you can check out websites that post jobs for teachers of all kinds, such as go overseas!

You’ll want to make sure that the jobs on these sites are legitimate—they aren’t all created equal. Some might be scams or require you to pay money upfront or have other requirements that make them not worth your time.

Before you apply for a teaching position, look at the website and see if it seems like a legitimate place where you could work. If it looks good, then go ahead and apply!

Social Media

Social media is a great place to start your job search, but it also presents its own challenges.

Social media is a great way to get your name out there and let people know you’re looking for a teaching position. You can create a profile on Facebook and post about your interest in teaching abroad, or on Twitter and post about your experience as an ESL teacher.

This is all good advice, but there’s a downside: Social media can also be incredibly distracting. It’s easy to get lost in the stream of posts scrolling past on the screen, or spend hours scrolling through old posts from when you were having a bad day. That can be dangerous if you’re trying to find work!

To avoid this problem, consider setting limits on how much time you spend using social media each day. Don’t check it unless you have an appointment coming up or need something specific from it—and then only check once or twice per day (you probably won’t even miss all that much).

In Person

If you’re looking to find a teaching job in Thailand, there are two ways to do it: in person and online. If you’re going to be in Thailand for a while and want to meet people who can help you find work, then starting with friends or family is a great way to get started. However, if you don’t have any connections, or if the connections you do have aren’t very helpful, then you’ll need to start looking online.

Resumes

The first step in finding a teaching job in Thailand is to create a resume.

The goal of your resume is to convince the employer that you are the right person for the job. Your resume should be short, concise, and professional-looking. You can use Microsoft Word or Google Docs to create your resume. Be sure to include all relevant information such as your name, address, phone number, email address, and contact details.

If you have any degrees or certifications from previous jobs, please feel free to include them on your resume.

It’s also important that you consider how you want potential employers to see you when they look at your resume. Do you want them to think of you as young or old? Do you want them to think of you as a “teacher” or a “professor”? How long will they spend looking at your credentials? Only include what they’ll need!

Preparing for Interviews

As you prepare for your interviews, it’s important to think about what you want to show the school. It’s also important to be ready for questions that may be asked of you and how you’ll answer them.

For example, if a school asks what experience and skills you have that make you a good fit for their particular program, make sure you know what those specific skills are and why they are important for the position. Also, make sure you know how to explain them in a way that will impress upon the interviewer that they are indeed important.

You should also have prepared answers ready for common questions such as “Why do you want to teach in Thailand?” This is an opportunity for you to explain why teaching in Thailand is appealing to you personally. Also be prepared with an explanation of why teaching at this particular school is appealing, since some schools may have more unique or interesting benefits than others.

If there’s anything else specific about yourself or your background that might help get hired at this particular school—whether it’s something they mentioned during the interview process or something else entirely—be sure to mention it!

Demo Lessons

Demo lessons are often required to apply for a teaching job in Thailand. The demo lesson is the first time you get to show the school what you’re all about, so it’s important that you come prepared.

Here’s what you’ll want to do:

1. Prepare a 30-minute lesson that includes an introduction and conclusion in Thai. This will be your chance to show off your speaking skills, so make sure that your introduction is confident and clear, and that your conclusion leaves the students feeling excited about what they’ve just learned.

2. Make sure your lesson is appropriate for children aged 6-12 years old (or whatever age group is appropriate for the position). You can find out what kind of curriculum is being taught at each school by looking through their website or brochure—they usually post this information online!

3. Practice teaching your lesson with a friend or family member who understands Thai, but is fluent enough to correct any mistakes as you go along—this way, they’ll be able to provide feedback on how well you’re communicating with them (and whether or not there are any gaps in understanding).

Things to consider about your teacher salary in Thailand

Salaries

A typical first-time English teacher in Thailand can make 30,000 – 35,000 Thai Baht (approximately $850-$1,000 USD) and many are able to earn more.

English teachers in Korea can realistically save about $150 – $250 USD per month, and many are able to accumulate savings of up to $700 USD a month.

Contracts

Most contracts are for one year and can be renewed. Some schools will offer to renew your contract automatically, while others will require a new application process each year.

Teaching Hours

Teachers are generally asked to work between 30-40 hours per week. Some schools will offer more flexible schedules and others may be more strict about the number of hours you must work. The majority of ESL jobs in Thailand require teachers to teach a minimum of 30 class hours per week but some schools may ask for more.

Working Hours

Most Thai schools require teachers to work five days a week. Some will ask you to work six, but in order to make ends meet many teachers freelance—teaching private students on the side.

If you work seven days a week, it is possible to burn yourself out and become ill. It’s up to you; the choice of lifestyle is yours. The only question will be whether or not that kind of life appeals enough for you to do what might well become your job: find every opportunity—or create them if they don’t exist already—where people have a need for help in this area.

Extracurricular Activities

Teachers often participate in extracurricular activities at the school. These include things like Christmas parties, sports days, and field trips. Some schools also offer extra classes for students who need additional help or practice with English.

Vacation Time

Thai employers are required by law to grant their full-time employees 13 national holidays a year and at least six weeks of paid vacation time after one year on the job. In reality, most Thai teachers get more than this—typically from 13 to 15 days off during each holiday period plus nine months’ additional paid leave.

Class Sizes and Student Skills

The average class size in Thai schools is 25 to 30 students, which means that you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get to know your students and help them improve their English. Most Thai students are quite good at writing or reading in English, though they may not be as proficient when it comes to speaking.

School Facilities

Thai schools are usually well-maintained and equipped with modern technology. Many schools also have libraries and computer labs where you can work with your students on research projects or other activities.

Moving to Thailand

The first step is always the hardest.

But you’ve taken the plunge, and now you’re ready to start your new life in Thailand. You know that it’s going to be an adventure—but even though you’re excited about these new adventures, it’s also important to take some time to prepare before you leave home behind.

You’ll want to make sure that your financial situation is under control so that you can focus on other aspects of planning for your move, like finding a place to live or getting a job in Thailand.

And while there are many different options for getting a job in Thailand, not all of them are right for everyone. So how do you know which one is best?

visit the article the article I wrote about this, it will surely help!

How to Apply for a Visa

If you don’t know how to apply for a visa, make sure to check this article out. We have discussed in this article the different types of visas available in Thailand and how to apply for them. You’ll also find information on how long your visa is valid and what you can do while it’s still valid.

How to Get a Teaching Job in Thailand FAQs

Is it easy to find a teaching job in Thailand?

Teaching in Thailand can be an amazing experience, but it’s important to do your research before you go. In general, finding a job is not as easy as it might be in other countries—but if you’re willing to put in the effort, there are plenty of opportunities available.

How much do teachers in Thailand get paid?

Most of the time $750 –$1,000 USD per month is common. However, some schools may offer higher salaries as well as additional benefits such as housing and bonuses. It also depends on your experience and qualifications.

Is there an age limit to teaching in Thailand?

Teaching in Thailand has no age limit. Thai teachers typically retire at 60 years old, but that doesn’t mean 60-year-old ex-pats can’t teach and won’t find work teaching English abroad.

Where is the best place to teach in Thailand?

Typically, Bangkok, Krabi, and Chiang Mai are popular destinations for teaching jobs in Thailand. Many schools offer competitive salaries and benefits, so it’s worth researching the area to find out which city is best for you before applying.

Can you teach in Thailand on a tourist visa?

Before traveling to Thailand, foreign teachers should obtain a Non-Immigrant B Visa. After arrival, they should then apply for a work permit. The following items are needed in order to get the visa: A passport that is valid for at least six months and has two full blank pages and passport photos.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a rewarding job in Thailand, teaching English is one of the best ways to do it! You’ll have the opportunity to learn more about Thai culture and make a positive impact in your students’ lives. With some patience and preparation, you can be on your way to an exciting new adventure in no time. All that’s left to do is start searching for that perfect job in Thailand!

I hope this guide has been helpful in your search for a teaching job in Thailand. With the right research and preparation, you can make your dream of living and work abroad a reality.

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