Quick answer: Yes – Thailand remains one of the world’s favourite TEFL destinations, but the days of unqualified backpackers walking into jobs are over. Officially you need a degree plus a TEFL/TESOL certificate; in practice enforcement is strictest in Bangkok and Phuket and more relaxed in the provinces, where good jobs with reasonable salaries and cheap living are easier to find.
Teach English in Thailand? Commonly known as the land of smiles, Thailand remains a huge draw for both new and experienced TEFL teachers alike.
But what is it really like teaching there? Can the reality live up to the expectation?
What do you need to teach English in Thailand?
Firstly, the days of the unqualified back-packer with no degree or TEFL picking up plentiful teaching have long gone. The government currently stipulates that a degree is necessary to teach legally in Thailand, although a Thai language school owner told us recently;
"The regulations of the Ministry of Education state that foreign teachers should have a degree and a TEFL/TESOL certificate. In reality this rule is only applied in Bangkok and Phuket, where there are a large number of applicants for jobs. Other provinces are more lax, as they have fewer applicants wishing to work in the less attractive (non-tourist) locations.
There are many good jobs to be had in places neighbouring Phuket, such as Phang Nga, and nearby provinces in the south such as Surat Thani and Krabi. There are very attractive destinations and quite popular among newly-trained teachers. They offer employment with reasonable salary, cheap accommodation and subsistence, proximity to beaches and easy travel to tourist resorts at the weekend."
This more liberal approach is supported by TEFL Teacher Prijie Moodley, who says:
‘I got my job via the www.ajarn.com website. I basically just came over here on a tourist visa, sent off a few CVs and got offered a couple of positions fairly quickly. I took the ECC job as the school is fairly quick to get to from where I live (a big consideration in this traffic-congested city) and the fact that they are a large-ish concern with a lot of teachers on their books (and the likelihood of running a smoother operation than most). No problems so far other than having to deal with the Thai way of doing things (appointments cancelled at short notice, little information offered, things just sprung on you, etc.).
So you begin to get a picture that what is formally requested by the authorities and what is acceptable at a local level are quite different.
Here is how the official position compares with what teachers report on the ground:
| Requirement | Official position | On the ground |
|---|---|---|
| Degree | Required by the Ministry of Education to teach legally | Strictly checked in Bangkok and Phuket; provinces with fewer applicants are reported to be more relaxed |
| TEFL/TESOL certificate | Expected alongside the degree | An accredited certificate, ideally with a specialisation, helps you stand out in competitive cities |
| Where the jobs are | – | Strong demand in southern provinces such as Phang Nga, Surat Thani and Krabi; Bangkok and Phuket are the most competitive |
| Finding work | – | Many teachers apply in person or via sites like Ajarn.com; volunteering first opens doors, especially for older teachers |
Before you make plans, check the current entry, visa and safety guidance on the UK government’s foreign travel advice page for Thailand – work permit rules do change.
What’s the position for older English teachers in Thailand?
Most people who have spent time looking on the various Thai teaching forums will know there is an age bias towards younger teachers, as you’ll see with the number of people who have commented on the Ajarn website. Indeed, some of our Global English TESOL graduates have found this out for themselves.
But if you are over 45, although you may have a smaller pool of private language schools that would see you as employable, don’t count all as lost. It depends somewhat on your mindset and approach. If you prepare your CV effectively, you can get through to the interview stage, where you can make your impression.
Vaughn Buxton is 51 and took the approach of doing volunteer teaching first. He comments:
"I did volunteer teaching at two schools in my area, went on several school trips and teachers conferences meeting lots of people from teachers to headmasters, directors and professors. After talking with them, I found that most will offer you work or put you in touch with someone who can find you work. They want the best for their schools and if you are only staying for a month at a time before moving on, volunteer work is probably all you will get. But if you plan to stay the story is very different.
I am planning to live in Thailand permanently. I passed my TESOL Global English course on Thursday 11th in the afternoon, and on Friday 12th in the morning I rang headmaster from the meetings I had been to. I arranged an interview at 9.30am the same day and started work at 10.30am. I now teach 20 hours a week at the top primary school in Surin with a very good salary."
It is more competitive than before in the big cities and so to make yourself stand out from the crowd, perhaps consider a 120-hour TESOL Premier course plus a specialisation, such as Teaching English to Young Learners (TEYL), Business or Teaching English Online.
What is Thai classroom culture really like?
In a country where some say corruption is rampant (there are stories of pupils trying to buy English exam results) and yet where people are not always results-oriented, it can be difficult to motivate classes of young people. The situation can be different if teaching in private schools or to corporate students, but it is certainly a place where you may have to leave any preconceived ideas about the impact you can make through teaching English at the airport. Otherwise, you may simply run the risk of getting frustrated by inefficiency and a seeming lack of interest.
On the other hand, perhaps it is the apparent lack of interest in materialism and bettering oneself for a competitive advantage among ordinary Thais that is at once refreshing and instantly appealing to many from the West. While it is hard to generalise, one article suggests that to Thais, family, friends, community and good food are most important.
If you want a first-person picture of daily life, read how Global English graduate Lea Hook built a life teaching English on a Thai island – a very different pace from the Bangkok classroom, and a good reality-check on living costs outside the capital.
So, is Thailand still the land of smiles?
Well, probably, but if you are considering teaching English here, it is worth brushing up on the customs, history and norms that make Thailand what it is before you go.
What next to teach English in Thailand?
If you are still fascinated by the prospect of living and teaching in this amazing and diverse country, have a look at our Thailand country page – and if you are ready to take the plunge, enrol on an online TESOL course. Current vacancies in Thailand and across Asia appear on our TEFL jobs board, and if you are weighing Thailand against other countries, our guide to the top 5 best-paying TESOL destinations puts the salaries in context.
Thirsty for more? Check out www.Ajarn.com, a great resource for everything Thai, including teaching jobs, forums and fresh ideas for your classes.
Frequently asked questions
Is Thailand still the land of smiles for English teachers?
Broadly yes. Teachers still love the warmth, low living costs and lifestyle, but the job market is more regulated and more competitive than the backpacker-era stories suggest. Go in with realistic expectations about bureaucracy and classroom motivation, do your cultural homework, and Thailand can absolutely live up to its nickname.
What qualifications do I need to teach English in Thailand?
The Ministry of Education states that foreign teachers should hold a degree and a TEFL/TESOL certificate. Enforcement is strictest in Bangkok and Phuket where competition for jobs is highest. An accredited 120-hour TESOL plus a specialisation such as young learners will strengthen your applications everywhere.
How much can I earn teaching English in Thailand?
Salaries vary by region and school type. Provincial schools typically offer what one Thai school owner described to us as a reasonable salary with cheap accommodation and subsistence – your money goes much further outside Bangkok. Compare Thailand with higher-paying countries in our top 5 best-paying TESOL destinations guide.
Do I need a degree to teach in Thailand?
Officially yes – a degree is required to teach legally in Thailand. In practice teachers report that provinces with fewer applicants are more relaxed than Bangkok or Phuket, but working outside the rules is a risk. Check current requirements on the gov.uk foreign travel advice page before you commit.
In the meantime, if you haven’t joined our community on Facebook, you’re missing out on half the fun! Our Facebook page is the perfect place to ask your TEFL questions and get answers directly from William. Join here now...