How to Get an ESL Teaching Job in Thailand

There are seemingly endless options when it comes to teaching English abroad. Thailand is at the top of many expats’ lists (ours included!) and it’s easy to see why. This country and its magnificent culture attracts countless English teachers each year. If you’re one of them, you’ll naturally wonder what the Thailand teacher requirements are in order to make your dream a reality.

If you’re interested in teaching English in Thailand, this article can provide you with some tips for securing a teaching job and beginning your adventure in the undeniably alluring “Land of Smiles.”

Before starting your application, you’ll need to meet the minimum teacher requirements in Thailand.

• Degree: Generally, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree to teach English in Thailand legally. For people who don’t have a degree, you can work as a teaching assistant through volunteer or internship-style programs.
• Near-native English fluency: Thailand is more forgiving than other countries when it comes to non-native English teachers. Native fluency or proof of English fluency through language certificates such as IELTS, TOEIC, or TOEFL are required. You’ll need a TOEIC score of 600+, a TOEFL of 80 to 100, or an IELTS score of 5.5+ to teach in Thailand.
• TEFL certificate: Although not a legal requirement, a TEFL certificate will boost your Thailand teacher application. A TEFL certificate will help teachers understand the nuances of the foreign classroom, including how to navigate language barriers and engage students in another language.
• A clear criminal background: Like most countries, you’ll need to have a clear criminal background check to teach English to children in Thailand.

There are several options for the types of teaching jobs in Thailand. Each school will offer its own unique salary, benefits, workload, and classroom resources which may influence your Thailand teacher application.

The average monthly salary ranges from $915-$1,300 USD a month for first-time teachers at public schools in Thailand. More qualified teachers at international schools can earn from around $1,500-$5,000 USD.

• Public schools: Most teachers in Thailand find themselves working in public schools. Class sizes can reach up to 50 students per class and classroom resources may be lower quality in public schools, but all your hard work will pay off. Vacation time for teachers is sizable with typically 2-3 months of paid vacation per year!
• Language academies: Private language schools may offer a more sporadic schedule – with work hours occurring anytime from the early morning into the evening. Class sizes are smaller than in public schools with around ten pupils per class. You can even find opportunities for teaching math, science, and other subjects within these academies.
• Universities: While professors will be required to follow a curriculum, you’ll also have more freedom in your seminars and lectures. Typically, professors are required to possess a master’s or doctorate, or a teaching qualification from their home country.
• International school: International schools have significantly higher requirements, such as a CELTA or a teaching qualification from your home country, similar to university positions. If you can fulfill the requirements there is a significant boost in salary compared to other teaching positions.
• Private Tutoring: Depending on the details of your work contract, there are opportunities to work as a private tutor in Thailand in addition to your regular paid teaching. If you’re experienced enough you can make it your full-time gig!

Read more: How Much Can You Earn Teaching English in Thailand?

Becoming TEFL certified will boost your prospects for teaching jobs in Thailand. English teachers should have a minimum of a 120-hour TEFL certificate if they want to maximize their employability when it comes to teaching English in Thailand. While in-person TEFL courses are valuable to applicants, most schools and employers accept online TEFL courses.

You can also sign up for a program which includes both TEFL certification and guaranteed job placement before departure, like with CIEE, TravelBud, or The Fewer Things.

Before you ask how to apply as a teacher in Thailand, you’ll need to have the minimum requirements. To teach English in Thailand, you generally need a bachelor’s degree, proof of English fluency, a TEFL certificate, and a clean criminal record.

Once you have the basics, you can then proceed with the Thailand teacher application.

If you want to teach English in Thailand, you should tailor your resume to the specific job. Be sure to place an emphasis on your TEFL certificate, bachelor’s degree, and teaching experience (paid or voluntary).

Don’t have prior experience? No problem! You can still craft a winning Thailand teacher application by including any experience you have with children, or experience involving communication, organization, or leadership skills.

Read more: How to Create an ESL Teacher Resume that Will Get You the Job

You’ll need to legalize and authenticate your bachelor’s degree and apply for a background check in order to teach English in Thailand. This means that you’ll need to take a copy of your degree to a notary, legalize your document with the Secretary of State (or your country’s equivalent), and then send it to the Thai consulate for final approval.

While this can seem stressful and time consuming, you can use apostille agencies in order to complete the entire process for you. You can prepare by gathering the necessary documents before you have successfully gained employment. However, don’t apply for your background check too early because it typically needs to be dated 6 to 12 months prior to the job’s start date.

The Thai school year begins in May and concludes in February, with a month-long break between semesters starting around the end of September. This means that the peak hiring season is around February to March, where schools look for teachers to start the new academic year.

While peak hiring season is around February and March, some private schools will hire teachers all year round. If you want to work at a university in Thailand, their hiring season is usually in early August. English teachers in Thailand are in high demand, so you’ll have a plethora of options when it comes to searching for the perfect job.

• Sign up with a teach abroad program: Popular TEFL providers such as TravelBud, CIEE, The Fewer Things, and International TEFL Academy offer TEFL certification & guaranteed job placements, making the job search for teaching in Thailand easier than ever.
• Use a recruiter: Already TEFL qualified? You can use a recruiter to help you find positions across the country. This way, you can express preferences if you have specifics in mind.
• Search jobs boards: Dave’s ESL Cafe or Go Overseas’ very own jobs board post teaching jobs daily. With a wide range of teaching jobs available, not only do you have many opportunities but you can also compare teaching positions in Thailand.
• Check your TEFL provider’s postings: Many websites that offer TEFL certifications have job boards of their own where you can find TEFL jobs in Thailand. These TEFL providers will also provide thorough job assistance for those who complete TEFL certification with them.

You’ll need to undergo an interview in order to secure your job teaching English in Thailand. Be sure to consider these interview tips.

• Prepare to answer questions: The employer may want to test your knowledge about teaching methods or question your motives for moving to Thailand in general. Research common TEFL interview questions and be ready to thoroughly explain why Thailand is the perfect place to facilitate your teaching experience, not your travel experience.
• Be punctual: Being late to your interview is a clear sign of disrespect and lack of organization, so make sure that you are punctual and arrive early to your scheduled online interview!
• Dress professionally: Wear something formal to your interview, such as a smart shirt or blouse. Applicants may also want to hide any piercings or tattoos that they have. While you do not need to be in a suit and tie, you should ensure that what you are wearing is professional and that your background is clear and devoid of any noise.
• Enunciate while speaking: Remember, English is not your employer’s first language! Take your time and articulate what you say clearly. This is especially important if you have a distinct regional accent.
• Smile!: If you want to secure a job teaching English in Thailand, the Land of Smiles, you’ll need to smile! People in Thailand are incredibly friendly and hospitable. The interview is a chance for your employer to find out whether you are personable and have the social skills to lead the classroom.

Congratulations! If you’ve received a job offer, a legally binding contract will soon follow. Be sure to read through the contract thoroughly and don’t hesitate to ask your employer any questions before signing. Be sure to consider:

• Salary and benefits
• Vacation time and sick days
• What happens if you want to terminate the contract or breach any rules
• How many hours you are required to work (in-class and in-office)

Your program or school should provide assistance with the visa application process as many have extensive experience with all the bureaucratic red tape. They will send you the necessary documents to obtain your work visa such as:

• Employment certificate
• Education and job certificate
• Invitation letter from the Ministry of Education
• School director’s ID documents

Foreign teachers in Thailand should obtain a Non-Immigrant B Visa before entering the country. Depending on your nationality, this can be done online on the Thai E-Visa website. Once you’ve arrived in-country on a non-immigrant B visa, you’ll need to apply for your work permit. Your employer will likely help you with this step.

For some schools, it is common practice to have you come to Thailand on a 30-day tourist visa and then head off to a nearby country for a “visa run”. However, be wary of starting to work without the proper legal visa – deportation would not be a fun way to start your Thai adventure!

Read more: How to Get a Work Visa for Teaching English Abroad

• International work experience & resume building: While it will feel like an adventure, you’ll still gain valuable work experience while abroad. Not only will you develop leadership, communication and organizational skills, future employers will be impressed with your international work experience.
• Cultural immersion: Living and working in a foreign environment will allow you to experience full cultural immersion. Whether you learn about the significance of Buddhism, the quality of Thai food, or Thailand’s laid back “sabai sabai” lifestyle, you’ll gain insight into a uniquely different culture while teaching in Thailand.
• Travel & meet new people: Outside of the classroom, you’ll make friends with other teachers, expats, and locals alike. Thailand is a huge country, and each province offers its own diverse landscapes, unique cultural microcosm, and endless opportunities to meet amazing people.
• Earn a salary: The personal and spiritual benefits alone are enough to make people want to teach English in Thailand. However, don’t forget that you’ll be paid a salary for your efforts in the classroom! While the salary is lower than in the West, the low cost of living means that your Thailand teacher salary can go a long way.

• Open-minded: Thailand is a developing country and it’s known for its laid back lifestyle. This can come with problems, whether related to infrastructure, lack of punctuality, or other cultural differences. To appreciate and experience the beauty of Thai culture, you’ll have to be open-minded!
• Able to get creative in limited resource classrooms: Some schools in Thailand may have limited classroom resources to facilitate your lessons. Some may not even have a computer or a projector, so you’ll have to get creative and become a minimalist. However, “a shoddy fisherman blames his tools” so at GO, we have 8 solutions to teaching with limited classroom resources!
• Interested in a slow-paced lifestyle: Thailand’s pace of life is perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to rush around. While we seem to be frantic and stressed in the West, Thailand seems to have figured it out. In fact, its laid-back culture is often embodied by a common saying – “mai bpen rai” – which means “it doesn’t matter.”
• Craving cultural immersion: With over 40,000 Buddhist temples, monks wandering the streets, and the smell of roadside food stalls permeating the air, Thailand’s culture is like no other. Living as a teacher in Thailand will grant you maximal insight into a distinct foreign culture.

Yes! Teaching English in Thailand is popular for a variety of reasons. English teachers in Thailand can earn a good salary in a unique and diverse country which has a very low cost of living. If you want a healthy work life balance, all while gaining valuable work experience and expanding your comfort zone, give teaching English in Thailand a try!

Prepare to teach and live abroad: