Government schools
฿30,000–40,000
The most common first job. Larger classes, fixed schedules, school holidays and a real impact on your community.
Teaching jobs
Find your classroom
From kindergartens to universities, Thai schools hire thousands of foreign English teachers every year.
Types of teaching jobs
Private and bilingual schools
฿35,000–60,000
Smaller classes, better resources and often higher pay. Bilingual programmes (EP/MEP) are growing fast.
Language schools
฿25,000–45,000
Teach children and adults evenings and weekends. Flexible and great for gaining experience quickly.
Universities
฿30,000–50,000
Usually require a master's degree or experience, with long holidays and a fairly light teaching load.
International schools
฿70,000–150,000+
For licensed, experienced teachers. Top salaries, benefits packages and housing allowances.
Corporate and private tutoring
฿500–1,000 per hour
Business English and one-to-one lessons. Ideal for topping up your income once you're settled.
Figures are indicative and vary by school, city and experience.
What do you need?
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A bachelor's degree
In any subject. This is normally required for the work permit at formal schools.
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A TEFL certificate
120+ hours, ideally with observed teaching practice. Many schools prefer on-site courses.
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A clean background check
A police clearance from your home country (or country of residence) is usually requested.
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Strong English
Native speakers are in demand, and proficient non-native speakers also find work, especially with a strong TEFL.
Visas and work permits, simplified
- 1
Arrive
Enter Thailand visa-free or on a tourist visa to take your TEFL course and interview.
- 2
Get hired
Accept a job offer. Your school prepares the paperwork for a Non-Immigrant B visa.
- 3
Convert your visa
Your Non-B visa is issued (sometimes requiring a short trip to a nearby country).
- 4
Work permit
Your school applies for your work permit and teaching licence waiver. Then you're fully legal.
Rules change from time to time. Your employer and training centre will guide you through the current process.
When are schools hiring?
April – May
The biggest hiring season, ahead of the first semester starting in mid-May.
October – November
The second hiring window, ahead of the November semester.
Year-round
Language schools and some private schools hire throughout the year.
Your classroom in Thailand is waiting
Get certified in four weeks, step into a job you'll love and swap your commute for temples, beaches and street food.