TEFL Travel Guide: Thailand
Dreaming of tropical beaches, flavourful street food, and the chance to make a real impact while exploring Southeast Asia? Teaching English in Thailand could be your perfect move. From buzzing Bangkok to laid-back Chiang Mai and the idyllic southern islands, Thailand offers a unique mix of adventure, culture, and career opportunity for TEFL teachers. Here’s what you need to know.
Requirements
Thailand is one of the most popular destinations for EFL teachers, and for good reason - it's relatively accessible and full of opportunity. You'll typically need:
A Bachelor’s Degree (in any subject)
TEFL/TESOL Certificate (120-hour courses are widely accepted)
To be a native English speaker (citizens of the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and South Africa are typically preferred)
Clean Criminal Background Check
Health Check upon arrival for work permit processing
Non-Immigrant B Visa and Work Permit (often sponsored by the school).
Some rural schools may be a little more flexible, but for most positions, these requirements are non-negotiable.
Salary
Thailand isn’t known for sky-high TEFL salaries, but it is known for an amazing quality of life at a lower cost of living.
Typical monthly salaries include ฿30,000–฿40,000 (£670–£900) for jobs in government schools. For private language schools, you can expect to make ฿35,000–฿50,000 (£780–£1,120). For international schools and universities, expect ฿60,000+ (£1,350+) per month. Note that for international schools and universities, you are usually required to have experience and a teaching license.
For online teaching (while based in Thailand), your expected salary can vary widely. You can typically earn £8–£20 per hour, depending on your chosen platform.
While you won't be getting rich, many teachers find they can live comfortably, travel frequently, and even save a bit if they budget wisely - especially outside of Bangkok.
Finding Work
There are a few tried-and-true ways to land a teaching job in Thailand. Before you arrive, you may want to have a look at some online job boards. Ajarn.com is the go-to, but also check out Dave’s ESL Café, Teach Away, and Facebook groups like “Teachers in Thailand”.
You can also research some recruitment agencies - you’ll find that some handle placements, especially for government schools.
Many teachers head to Thailand on a tourist visa and look for jobs on the ground - schools often prefer to interview in person. A lot of EFL teachers tend to visit language schools or schools with their CV. Networking with other teachers and expats is another great way to hear about openings.
May and November (start of Thai school semesters) are the two main hiring seasons in Thailand, but it’s worth remembering that positions can open year-round.
Life in Thailand
Living in Thailand as an EFL teacher is an exciting and enriching experience that offers far more than just a salary. From its warm climate and stunning landscapes to its friendly locals and vibrant culture, Thailand has an irresistible charm that draws people in and makes it hard to leave.
One of the biggest draws of teaching in Thailand is the low cost of living. You can live comfortably on a teacher’s salary, especially if you’re based outside of Bangkok. Rent for a modern studio apartment ranges from ฿5,000 to ฿15,000 per month (approximately £120–£350), depending on the city and the amenities. Utilities are usually very affordable, and high-speed internet is widely available.
Daily expenses like food and transport are also incredibly budget-friendly. Thailand is known for its delicious and inexpensive street food, with meals typically costing between ฿40 and ฿80 (£0.90–£1.80). Local markets offer fresh produce, snacks, and clothing at prices far below what you'd find back home. Public transportation is convenient and cheap; whether you’re using the BTS Skytrain in Bangkok, hopping on a songthaew in Chiang Mai, or renting a motorbike in a beach town.
Thailand is known as the "Land of Smiles," and it’s easy to see why. Thai people are generally warm, polite, and welcoming, especially to teachers. In Thai culture, educators are highly respected, and you'll likely be greeted with the traditional "wai" (a polite bow with hands pressed together) and treated with kindness by your students and their families.
Cultural differences do exist, of course, and adapting to them is part of the experience. For example, you'll need to dress modestly when teaching, and showing patience and humility is always appreciated in social situations. Learning a few basic Thai phrases goes a long way and can help you build deeper connections with the people around you.
There is also a thriving expat and digital nomad community across the country. In cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, you’ll find meetups, coworking spaces, and social groups for teachers and remote workers. These communities are a great source of support, advice, and friendship, especially when you’re first settling in.
Thailand offers a rich and diverse lifestyle that caters to every kind of traveler and teacher. If you love nature, you'll find lush jungles, serene waterfalls, and breathtaking national parks to explore. For beach lovers, the islands in the south - like Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Lanta - offer white sand, turquoise water, and a laid-back lifestyle that's hard to beat.
Weekends and school holidays are perfect for exploring both locally and beyond. Domestic flights are cheap and plentiful, making it easy to visit different regions of Thailand. And if you’re feeling adventurous, neighboring countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Malaysia are just a short trip away.
Thailand also offers plenty of ways to relax and recharge. You can take part in yoga retreats, learn to cook authentic Thai dishes, go scuba diving, or simply spend a quiet afternoon at a café or temple. Whether you're into nightlife, meditation, hiking, or hammocks by the sea, Thailand has something to offer you.
Teaching English in Thailand is more than a job - it’s a lifestyle. You’ll gain classroom experience, cultural insight, and memories that last a lifetime. Whether you're looking to start your TEFL journey or level up your global teaching resume, Thailand is a destination that delivers. So grab your TEFL certificate, pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable chapter of your teaching adventure.
