Being an English Teacher in Thailand: 6 Things to Consider

Thailand is a beautiful country and one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Located in southern Asia, the country is loved by tourists and expats because of its beautiful beaches, jungles, temples, elephants, and its culture. The country ranks as 50^th largest country worldwide, and 20^th in population size.

The official language here is Thai, but over the years, English has become widely accepted and spoken, especially in tourist attraction areas. So if you are an English teacher seeking to teach in Thailand, the land is ripe with opportunities. In this article, we will share tips to guide you to embark on your teaching adventure in this beautiful land.

Why Would You Consider Being an English Teacher in Thailand?

Thailand has become home to over 200,000 expatriates, teachers included. People who visit and fall in love with the picturesque landscapes, the culture, and the mouth-watering culinary treats that the country has to offer, and choose to stay.
Teaching salaries in Bangkok are fair enough compared to the other surrounding regions, where the monthly starting salary of English expat teachers is $930 (30,000 baht) on average.
The cost of living in Thailand is low, where a teacher can spend between $300 to $800 on average, and have some money left for savings and travel. On average, a full delicious meal will cost you $2.
Teaching contracts are available on a full year, half-year, and semester-to-semester basis, bonuses inclusive. The flexibility in these terms is quite attractive. Ensure the agreement is specific on “contact hours” and not hours worked, to include teaching activities outside class hours.
You will have access to Thailand’s subsidized healthcare with full-time employment. Your employer’s contribution is 3% of your salary.
Some institutions offer you accommodation or a housing allowance, which is a bonus in cost-cutting. Also, housing is very affordable in Thailand.

What Do You Require to Qualify as an English Teacher in Thailand?

You need to be a university degree holder in any field and be able to provide your transcripts for the four years of study.
Teaching English in Thailand will require you to be a native English speaker, which translates to people from the USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and Canada.
People from other nations can also qualify, but they will need to provide a 600+ TOEIC score, or a 5.5+ IELTS score to prove language fluency.
In some cases, you have to take a TEFL course in Thailand. You can still get your certification during the situation of the COVID-19- you may request for TEFL certification online from the training school you registered with.

Legal Requirements as a Foreign Teacher (Working Visas)

1. Non-Immigrant B Visa

Before entering Thailand, it is a requirement that you acquire a Non-Immigrant B Visa. You will need to submit:

A valid passport (of not less than six months), with two blank pages.
Passport photos
Visa application fees
A police certificate that shows you have no criminal background.
Hiring documents from your employer
Your bachelor’s degree original copy

2. A Work Permit

Upon arrival, and after obtaining the Non-Immigrant B Visa, all foreigners seeking to work in Thailand must obtain a work visa. This will require you to have:

Your passport that has a Non-Immigrant B Visa
Passport photos
Valid medical certificate (from a Thai doctor)
Evidence of teaching experience (previous)

3. A teaching License

You apply for a teaching license after receiving your work permit. Those without a teaching degree can only get a temporary one valid six years. With this, you will be ready to teach English and any other subjects in Thailand.

But first, you will need to provide:

Your passport that has a Non-Immigrant B Visa
Passport photos
An approved Thai work permit
Your bachelor’s degree certificate (original)
A criminal background check document that is certified

Conclusion

Teaching opportunities in Thailand are diverse, and currently, they have a shortage of English teachers. You could choose to either teach in the Universities, government schools, private language academies, international schools, or as a private tutor.