Country guide
Teach English in Thailand
Lifestyle-first teaching with lower pay and lots of vacation.
Thailand attracts teachers who want quality of life over savings. Most jobs are in government schools through agencies, private bilingual schools, or language centers. Salaries are lower than Korea or China, but the cost of living and lifestyle make it competitive in net terms for many teachers.
Open positions in Thailand
4 active listings mentioning Thailand.
English Teacher - Bilingual School
Bangkok Bright Bilingual School · Bangkok, Thailand · Full-time
Secondary English Teacher Needed in Uttaradit , Thailand
MediaKids Academy · Various · Full-time
Secondary English Teacher Needed in Nakhon Nayok , Thailand
MediaKids Academy · Various · Full-time
Secondary English / Social Studies Teacher Needed in Udonthani, Thailand
MediaKids Academy · Various · Full-time
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Salary
Government schools: 30k to 45k THB per month. Bilingual schools: 45k to 70k THB. International schools: 80k to 150k THB. Language centers pay hourly, 400 to 700 THB per hour.
Visa
Non-Immigrant B visa converted to a work permit. Bachelor's required. TEFL certificate strongly preferred and required for the teacher license. Many teachers start on a tourist visa and convert after hiring.
Best for
Teachers prioritizing lifestyle, climate, and travel access. Not optimal if your goal is paying off student loans fast.
Common questions about teaching in Thailand
Can I teach in Thailand without a TEFL?
Some agencies will hire you without one initially, but you cannot get the formal teacher license without TEFL coursework. Get certified before or shortly after arrival.
Is Bangkok the best place to teach?
It has the most jobs and the highest pay, but Chiang Mai has lower cost of living and a stronger expat community. Beach towns have fewer jobs and lower pay.
How does the school year work?
Two main semesters: May to October and November to March. Hiring peaks in March/April and September/October.
Tools for teachers
What you'll need to teach in Thailand
Curated partner tools that handle the practical side of moving here. Affiliate links fund the site at no cost to you.
ITTT
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SafetyWing
Health insurance built for teachers abroad
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Visa guides for Thailand
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Teach English in specific cities in Thailand
Other countries in Asia
Teach in South Korea
EPIK, hagwons, and university roles. E-2 visa support is standard.
Teach in Japan
JET, eikaiwa chains, and ALT positions. Pay is steady, vacation is short.
Teach in China
International schools, training centers, and universities. Pay is the highest in Asia.
Teach in Vietnam
Booming demand, low cost of living, and flexible hours.
Teach in Taiwan
Buxiban (cram school) work plus growing public school programs.
Teach in Cambodia
The easiest legal entry point in Asia. No degree required by law.