Teaching English in Thailand: Qualifications, Salaries, and More

Why should you consider teaching English in Thailand? Thailand is a great destination to teach abroad, constantly ranking high among travelers’ favourite destinations in Asia. Whether you’re backpacking or making a permanent residence, Thailand’s affordability and rich culture make it an attractive choice. From white sand beaches to vibrant cities, English teaching jobs in Thailand offers adventure on any budget. Keep on reading to find out more about becoming a teacher and finding Thailand jobs for English speakers.

English is a necessity for Thais working in the international market, so the demand for ESL teachers is constant. Those with a four-year degree from countries such as the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand will find different English teaching opportunities at language schools from primary to university in Thailand.

Also, don’t forget that if you teach English in Thailand, you have the opportunity to visit neighbouring Cambodia and other Asian countries like Singapore and Vietnam, which are also great places to teach ESL.

If you’re a native English speaker and are interested in teaching English abroad, continue reading for a comprehensive guide on traveling and teaching English in Thailand.

Teaching English in Thailand

Thailand is an excellent destination for teachers because of its low cost of living and many job offers. In addition, teachers who come from English-speaking countries will have unique opportunities to practice their craft. So, why should you consider teaching English in Thailand?

Aside from providing both ideal natural settings and bustling cities to explore, a teacher’s lifestyle varies drastically depending on the location and institution-type of the job offer. 30,000 to 40,000 THB per month (roughly 960- 1,280 USD) is the average salary for government and public education jobs. Private school and university education increase the average salary (up to 90,000 THB per month or 2880 USD).

Many schools offer bonuses like a housing allowance, financial bonuses, health insurance, and food.

Do you hear the call of elephants and smell the spice of Thai food? Then, continue reading and find out more about how to be an English teacher in Thailand.

How to Become English Teacher in Thailand

Thai educational regulations and requirements differ greatly by location and school, meaning that job opportunities are often negotiable. However, the government sets a few legal standards. These requirements include the following.

Requirements for Teaching English in Thailand

• a four-year certified degree and transcript
• to be a native speaker or non-native speaker with a TOEIC score of 600+ or IELTS score of 5+
• criminal and health background checks
• a visa and work permit

Also, if you plan on teaching English in Thailand for more than two years, you will eventually need to apply for a Teacher’s License issued by the Teachers Council of Thailand. Though it is not a legal requirement, schools usually require a TEFL certificate. Teaching experience is not as strictly required compared to other southeastern-Asian destinations, but this depends on the opportunity.

Teach English in Thailand Salay and Benefits

With the constant need for teachers and diverse educational institutions, you can expect salaries to vary when teaching English in Thailand. If your goal is to have a high salary, consider destinations like Japan or South Korea. But you can teach English in Bangkok, where higher salaries and the low cost of living make saving money easy.

Check out the average monthly salaries of English teaching jobs in Thailand:

• International School – 40,000 to 75,000 Baht per month
• Thailand Universities – 30,000 to 90,000 Baht per month
• Government School – 25,000 to 40,000 Baht per month
• Corporate Training Programs – 45,000 to 60,000 Baht per month
• Private Language School – 35,000 to 50,000 Baht per month
• Private Tutoring – 300 to 600 Baht per hour

International school salaries depend on your experience and qualifications, as well as the reputation of the school. They reach up to 150,000 Baht (4,807 USD) per month for qualified teachers. This is much higher than some neighbouring countries in SE Asia, like Cambodia, for example.

In addition to the benefits, such as travel and accommodation reimbursement, employers are mandated by law to provide international teachers annual sick leave, maternity leave, and vacation leave. Not to mention, the Land of Smiles offers the most exquisite cuisine and weather.

There are also some volunteer ESL teaching opportunities in Thailand where you may be able to get a TEFL certificate, along with a practicum or something like that.

Teaching English Jobs in Thailand

Let’s learn more about the teaching jobs available for English speakers in Thailand. We recommend choosing from one of the three TEFL jobs in Thailand: public school, private and international schools, and universities.

Public Schools and Teaching English Jobs in Thailand

Public schools are one of the most common places to find English teaching jobs in Thailand. Most public school teachers work full-time, engaging in the same educational and administrative tasks expected of an educator. Teachers will create lesson plans, projects, and exams, as well as interact with the school community.

Though it is common for students to know English, their sufficiency greatly varies. Often there is little guidance for curriculum. With large class sizes, being a public school teacher can be a challenge. But it can also be highly rewarding for independent go-getters.

Private and International Schools

You can expect a few differences between public, private, and international schools, like an improved student-to-teacher ratio and higher salaries. Salaries in international schools are higher, so these positions are competitive and given to qualified candidates. Private schools are more lenient with requirements and experience, but you still need to meet government requirements.

If you have little experience teaching English or are not from an English-speaking country, you probably won’t get one of these positions. However, these schools also have a more Western-style education so that it will feel familiar.

University Teaching Jobs in Thailand

A Thailand university offers educators unique opportunities that other institutions do not. Being the most competitive, these positions are well-compensated with salaries and bonuses. However, you will be expected to work part-time. So you can, if you wish, get a secondary education job. Universities in Thailand are exceptional in their diversity. As a professor, you can expect each university job to have its own requirements and lifestyle.  As usual, you can expect classrooms of over 50 people.

FAQs about Teaching English in Thailand

Here are answers to some of the most common questions asked about Thailand English teaching jobs.

How much do teachers in Thailand make?

Teachers have a vast potential for salaries and benefits depending on the region and institution. The highest paying salaries will be found in Bangkok and Chiang Mai in universities. These top at around 150,000 Baht or roughly 4,800 USD.

What qualifications do I need for ESL teaching in Thai?

Thai requirements for teachers are historically relaxed, allowing teachers to negotiate for their positions with individual schools and companies. However, the government does set a few standards, which include a four-year bachelor’s degree, English proficiency, and supporting documentation.

Is it difficult to teach English in Thailand?

If there was a perfect country for beginners who are interested in South East Asia, Thailand is the place to practice your skills as an educator and traveller. Thai hospitality is famed. The standard of living is high, especially if you like an abundance of amazing eats from food trucks.

Can you save money while teaching in Thailand?

Because the cost of living is so low, you can save money while teaching.  If your position is part-time, you can pursue another job. But, if your main goal when teaching abroad is financial, destinations like South Korea or Japan might be better suited for you.

What is the academic calendar like in Thailand?

Thailand operates on a two-semester system. The first begins from early May through late September, and the second begins in mid-October and runs through late March. The semesters are structured to best avoid the rainy season.

Things to Consider When Teaching English in Thailand

At this point, you may already be excited to send your application to become a teacher in the Kingdom of Thailand. But before you do so, you should read through the following essential list for people who have teaching English jobs in Thailand.

• There are a lot of dogs and cats on the streets.
• Vehicle culture is very different than you might expect. Thai streets are crowded with scooters, tuk-tuks, and taxis, all tooting their horns. The sidewalks are almost non-existent. And they also drive on the left side of the road!
• Thai people sure love their coffee! North American coffee is often watered down, but you won’t find that in Thailand.
• Racial discrimination is an unfortunate but real aspect of teaching English in Thailand. Many schools historically gave preferential hiring to white teachers or teachers with white-sounding names. But the situation is improving because schools are changing their hiring methods with equality in mind.
• English translations are often available but can be poorly done. Learning to communicate in a country’s native language is a sure-fire way to plant your roots successfully.

Getting a Thailand English teaching job is quite fulfilling. In terms of expenses and culture, nowhere has it better than the Land of Smiles.

Oh, and if you like the idea of teaching in a tropical paradise, you may want to consider English teaching jobs in Puerto Rico.

Should I Teach English in Thailand?

Deciding whether to teach English in Thailand is a personal choice that depends on various factors. Here are some aspects to consider

Passion for Teaching

Do you enjoy teaching and have a passion for helping others learn? Teaching English can be a rewarding experience if you genuinely enjoy working with students and facilitating their language development.

Cultural Experience

Thailand offers a rich cultural experience with its vibrant traditions, historical sites, and warm hospitality. If you are interested in immersing yourself in a different culture, teaching English in Thailand can provide a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the country and its people.

Job Opportunities

Thailand has a high demand for English teachers, particularly in schools and language institutes. This means you are likely to find job opportunities, especially if you have relevant qualifications such as a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification or a degree in education.

Language Barrier

While teaching English, you may encounter language barriers as Thai is the primary language spoken in the country. However, many schools and institutions have English-speaking staff, and basic Thai language skills can be helpful for daily life.

Lifestyle and Cost of Living

Thailand is known for its affordable cost of living, which means your salary as an English teacher can provide a comfortable lifestyle. The country offers a diverse range of experiences, from bustling cities to tranquil beaches, allowing you to explore during your free time.

Work Environment

It’s important to research the working conditions and benefits offered by schools or language institutes. Factors such as salary, working hours, vacation time, and support for teachers may vary depending on the institution.

Commitment and Adaptability

Teaching in a foreign country requires adaptability, flexibility, and a willingness to embrace new experiences. Living and working in Thailand will expose you to a different work culture and educational system, so being open-minded and adaptable will enhance your experience.

Teaching in Thailand Summary

Ultimately, the decision to teach English in Thailand should align with your personal goals, interests, and aspirations. Consider weighing these factors against your own preferences and priorities to make an informed decision. Additionally, it can be helpful to connect with individuals who have previously taught in Thailand to gain insights into their experiences and advice.

Teach English in Thailand: Join the Conversation

What are your thoughts about the available Thailand jobs for Englsih speakers? Is it the right place for you, or are you looking for another destination? If Southeast Asia is the right destination for you, consider a destination like Hong Kong. Leave a comment and let us know what you think. We’d love to hear from you.

Last update on 2022-07-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API