10 Interesting Facts about Teaching in Thailand

Many people are interested in teaching English in Thailand and are therefore very curious about the ins and outs of what to expect being an English teacher in Thailand. From teacher salaries through to the general requirements of becoming a teacher, we have come up with the 10 most important facts associated with being a teacher in Thailand.

1. How much are English teachers paid in Thailand?

English teachers are paid between 20,000 and 40,000 Thai Baht per month. This is the equivalent of $770 to $1,230 (USA) or R8,060 to R12,890 (ZAR).

Bachelor Degree holders can expect to earn slightly higher salaries as they will receive preference from the higher performing schools, which will offer higher salaries.

Teachers riding with elephants through the lush northern region of Thailand

Travellers riding with elephants through the lush northern regions of Thailand

2. What are the requirements for being an English teacher in Thailand?

The general and most important requirements to become an English teacher in Thailand are:

Having a valid passport from one of the following countries: South Africa, USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand.
Being a native English speaker – Teachers are expected to be fluent in English with English being their first language.
Complete a 120-hour In-Class TESOL course.
A bachelor’s degree in any field is now required in order to teach English in Thailand.

3. Where in Thailand can someone expect to teach and live?

One can live and teach anywhere in Thailand. It really depends on the preference of the teachers and the availability and demand for English teachers in their preferred location.

Be it a small rural town, a vibrant big city like Bangkok or Chiang Mai, or an island location such as Phuket or Koh Samui, we can place teachers throughout Thailand.

**Please note: Job availability on the island tends to be a lot scarcer and the demand is relatively high.

Thailand is blessed with a beautiful coastline as well as many beautiful islands. Be sure to check them out during your travels!

4. How old are the students English teachers are expected to teach?

You can teach children anywhere from kindergarten to high school. Again, it depends on your preference with the age of the children you’d prefer to teach.

Teacher plays a game of telephone with one of his Thailand pupils

Teacher plays a game of telephone with one of his pupils

5. Do we have to complete a TESOL/TEFL course before we can get a teaching job? If so, which course will prepare us best for teaching Thai children in particular?

Teachers have to complete a TESOL/TEFL course prior to acquiring a teaching position at a school. The best course to do is the 120-hour In-Class TESOL in Hua Hin, Thailand.

This course is tailored specifically for teaching Thai children and includes a Thai Cultural Orientation program, in-class theory taught by former Western teachers as well as practical teaching experience at a non-profit English camp in Hua Hin.

TESOL students pose for a celebratory photo at their graduation ceremony

6. What are the working hours teachers can expect and do teachers get weekends and holidays off?

4-5 hours in-class teaching Monday to Friday.

Teachers will also be required to prepare lesson plans in their own time which will take up some additional hours. Teachers will not be expected to work on weekends and during holidays.

7. How safe is it living in Thailand?

Thailand is an extremely safe place to live for both men and women; however, like anywhere else in the world, it is recommended that one remains conscious of their surroundings.

8. How much does accommodation and food cost per month and what can we expect in terms of the quality of both?

Accommodation rates can vary in terms of location and one’s preference, however, 6,500 Baht per month is a safe budget we recommend. This can easily be made cheaper depending on the preference of quality housing one has but 6,500 Baht will get a teacher quality housing. Electricity will be charged on top of your rent and you can expect to spend anything from 1,000 to 2,000 Baht each month.

Our recommended budget for food is also 6,500 Baht per month. We recommend that one will spend approximately 215 Baht per day on food which will suffice for three meals per day.

The Thai food is very unique and is well-regarded throughout the world. Thailand offers an array of eastern cuisine which boasts unique eating experiences.

One of the many local Thai dishes one can purchase from restaurants in Thailand for next to nothing

9. Is an English teacher’s salary enough to save up for travelling during weekends and school holidays?

English teachers from Western countries are paid about double as much as the local teachers. With the cost of living being extremely low, one can easily save up to travel around Southeast Asia or further.

Teachers can spend the remainder of their salary on entertainment and going out in Thailand and travelling to neighbouring islands and countries during weekends and school holidays. Transport through Thailand is very cheap.

Travellers boarding a yacht ready to embark on one of the many Yacht Parties that take place on the islands around Thailand

10. Do you have to have a degree to teach English in Thailand?

One does not entirely need to have a degree to teach English in Thailand, however, non-degree holders cannot be guaranteed job placement and it will be more difficult to find them a job. Bachelor Degree holders (in any field of study) are given preference over non-degree holders and can 100% be guaranteed a teaching job in Thailand.

**Please note: College diplomas are not regarded as Bachelor Degrees.

About Stu Brown

Stu has always carried with him a passion for exploring the world through work and travel experiences.

After a year-long adventure working at a school in London and travelling throughout Europe, Stu began his tertiary studies at Stellenbosch University in Cape Town, South Africa, obtaining his Bachelor of Arts degree (BA) in Social Dynamics.

He also holds a 120-Hour internationally accredited TEFL/TESOL certificate and understands what it takes to teach and travel responsibly. As TravelBud CEO he understands that truly exciting and life-changing adventures only happen when you step outside your comfort zone; and not a day goes by when he doesn’t challenge the team to do the same!

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