Teaching in Thailand

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Frequently asked questions about teaching in Thailand

Many travellers who wish to teach in Thailand definitely have questions about the whole process. From visas to degrees, to being a native English speaker, we have the most pertinent information for you below on working as an educator in Thailand.

• Can I teach without a work permit or visa?
  With Covid-19 wrecking the usual process for obtaining a visa before entering Thailand, it is still illegal to work without a work permit and accompanying visa. However, as most schools have a 90-day probationary period for teachers, they frequently delay the process of giving you a work permit. This is due to the costs, length of time, and making sure you are a great fit for the job. Moreover, depending if you came to Thailand before finding work, it could be tricky to switch over to the appropriate visa that would allow you to gain a work permit. All of this is recommended to check out with your potential school before accepting a job offer. Many schools find it difficult to offer a work permit and may elect to have you work part-time. Although it is illegal to work in Thailand without the proper visa and permit, it is quite common for teachers to get around these rules by working part-time.
• Do I need a university degree in order to teach?
  Many schools prefer teachers that have earned a diploma or university degree, but many hire teachers who don’t. As there are hundreds of foreign teachers who are working in Thailand without degrees, it is definitely possible. The Ministry of Education does require teachers to have degrees, so it is a risk if you don’t have one. When schools check for degrees, however, the process isn’t exactly fool proof. Many schools will have you ‘certify’ your degree at your embassy. But, this usually means you visit your embassy with degree in hand, and notarize it yourself. This process only indicates that you are personally certifying your own degree as most embassies don’t actually check its validity. Another option if you don’t have a degree, is getting a job at an agency. As it isn’t technically a school that would be hiring you on paper, the agencies have the ability to hire you without a degree.
• Can I get a job if I’m not a native English speaker?
  Although most schools want a native English speaker, there are plenty that will accept non-native English speakers. However, the average salary for a non-native English speaker is usually lower. If you want to increase your chances of getting hired, the best thing to acquire is a TEFL certificate. And, taking the English proficiency test called the IELTS is also a way to prove your fluency. Lastly, having a university degree will also improve your chances of getting hired.
• Is there an age limit for teaching in Thailand?
  Although there is usually not an age limit to teaching in Thailand, many schools prefer younger teachers. As the retirement age for Thai nationals is 60, there are some foreign educators that are still teaching at this age in Thailand. It all depends on your qualifications and the needs of the school.

Is a background check from my home country required in order to teach in Thailand?
Technically and legally, Thailand’s Ministry of Education requires foreign teachers to have a criminal background check from their home countries. However, many times it is not asked for by the schools or the Ministry. The best answer is to go ahead and get one just in case you are asked. Getting one after you have arrived in Thailand is usually pretty difficult, so it is advised to get one before you fly out.

How many hours will I teach per week?
Teaching hours vary based upon the school, however, most contracts state that you must teach at least 20 hours per week to be considered full-time. Keep in mind though that just because you aren’t teaching, you most likely will be required to be in the teaching office or on school grounds.

Is the demand for foreign teachers high in Thailand?
The demand for foreign teachers in Thailand is always high. And, if you are qualified with at least a TEFL certificate or are a native English speaker, you will find a job quite easily. Even those who aren’t native English speakers can find jobs as long as they are confident in their abilities.

Is getting a TEFL certificate worth the time and cost?
Earning a TEFL certificate is usually the first requirement in order to get hired at a school in Thailand. Although it is not required by law, it is usually the minimal qualification that schools want for their teachers. With most TEFL certificates being quite cheap (less than $200 USD), it is highly recommended to invest in one. Moreover, a TEFL certificate can be used anywhere in the world, so it will definitely open up your chances of getting a teaching job abroad. Aim for at least a 120 hour TEFL certificate as most schools have that as their minimum amount of hours needed. However, a higher amount of hours will definitely only help you with being hired. There are many things that need to be considered when embarking on your teaching journey in Thailand. However, our list above should help dispel any rumours or myths you may come across. The bottom line is that Thailand needs foreign teachers who are at least qualified with a TEFL certificate. And, the more qualifications you have, the easier it will be to get a great job with a better salary.

[Sundance2020]

The pros and cons of using a teaching agency in Thailand



Teaching in Thailand can be quite a rewarding experience. From learning all about Thai culture to helping children learn, making your career as an educator here is a noble act. The road to securing a job in Thailand can be travelled in 2 major ways. Some expats use an agency in which to get hired at a school, while others contact the school directly. Here, we will go over the pros and cons of using an agency to find a job as a teacher in Thailand.

The pros

Using an agency to assist you, can actually start before you even travel to Thailand. Although getting hired directly by a school can also start before landing in the Kingdom, it can be easier to contact an agency while abroad, as they usually speak good English. Moreover, an agency can help you get hired at the schools that they have a contract with, making it easier to secure a job quicker. Along with the job, however, comes the need for a visa, which then paves the way for a work permit. As The Ministry of Education requires all teachers to go through a 90-day probationary period before issuing a work permit, many agencies can speed up the process. This is because they are the ones that actually hire you, not the school itself.

Furthermore, agencies can assist and usually complete the paperwork without you having to do much. This can help immensely when you are not fluent in the Thai language. Documents and other paperwork are also quite easier to complete and gather when an agency assists. And, agencies also mediate with the school to help you get all of the information you need to be successful. Additionally, if your job doesn’t work out, agencies can usually move you to a different school in which they have a contract. Using an agency is also great for finding a good support system among the other teachers hired by the agency. Here, you can discuss your job, gather ideas and advocate for yourselves if the need arises. Although getting hired at an agency may be the best thing for you when commencing your teaching journey in Thailand, there are a few things to consider that may not fit your needs.

The cons

Agencies do all of the work for you, but it does come with a cost. And, that cost is usually a sizeable chunk out of your monthly salary. As agencies are hired by schools to find them foreign teachers, they get paid when they find a teacher. So, if a school says it can pay a foreign teacher a certain salary per month, the teacher usually does not see that amount going into their own pocket. Furthermore, agencies are known to hide the truth when it comes to situations and issues encountered by the schools.

Many teachers have walked away from agencies as there was a miscommunication between the school, agency, and themselves, with teachers usually coming out on bottom. From contract issues to the number of working hours agreed upon, it can be difficult to ensure you are being treated fairly. Moreover, many agencies shuffle teachers in and out to the point that they are made to feel like a number, and not a real person. From unexpected fees and costs to holidays being cancelled after booking a ticket home or elsewhere, teachers have complained about agencies’ inability to see that they, too, have a life outside of work. Regardless of whether you choose to job search alone or use an agency, these are some of the very real pros and cons of using an agency to find a job in Thailand. Although there are many more things to consider, these details are the main issues and benefits that teachers all over Thailand have reported.

[Stivler]

The best TEFL Programmes in Thailand




















































Have you ever thought about what it takes to be an English teacher to non-native English speakers? If so, the first thing you need to do, is to take a TEFL class to get certified. The great thing about getting a TEFL certificate, is that it can be used almost anywhere in the world. For those who love to travel and make a difference, getting certified will definitely help you obtain a job in many different countries. Although most places prefer or require English teachers to be native speakers, some TEFL certification academies don’t require this. Here, we have the top places to get TEFL certified in Thailand for your consideration.

International TEFL Academy
ITA offers an on-site training opportunity for those who are interested in teaching in Thailand. For this, you will fly to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where you’ll spend 3 weeks before going to Pattaya, Thailand. Then, you will spend 1 week in Pattaya in training and will be presented with a certification here. You can also get your certification from many different places, including the U.S., Europe, Central and South America, and Asia.

• Courses Offered:
  Both international TEFL certification classes and an online class are offered.
• Qualifications Required:
  You don’t need a degree or any other qualification to do the course, but the company does advise you that age limits and degree holding qualifications vary from country to country and school to school.
• Online Certifications:
  If you are interested in online certification, the company offers an 11-week, 170-hour TEFL and TESOL certification.
• Job Prospects:
  The company offers students and graduates lifetime job assistance, including showing how to contact schools directly, network search job boards.
• Pricing:
  On-site class tuition ranges from $1,595 to $2,495. The course offered in Pattaya, Thailand costs $1,525 (accommodation not included). Online certification costs $1,395.

SEE TEFL
Located in Chiang Mai, Thailand, the on-site teacher training programme offers a culturally-immersive experience with a guaranteed job upon completing the course.

• Courses Offered:
  SEE offers a 4-week TEFL course, as well as a paid internship, which includes the TEFL qualification, but with the remaining time of the course being spent at a paid placement that lasts 5 months or more.
• Qualifications Required:
  The 4-week TEFL programme accepts any nationality, as long as you are a native English speaker or have an IELTS exam score of at least a 6.5. However, only native English speakers are eligible to do an internship.
• Online Certifications:
  There are no online certifications available. The course is run solely from the Chiang Mai location. but you can do the same classes online as long as you are in Chiang Mai.
• Job Prospects:
  Graduates are guaranteed to get a job shortly after completing their 4-week course.
• Pricing:
  The TEFL course costs $1,595 USD. The paid internship costs $1,295 USD. However, if you sign up between 3 to 6 weeks in advance, you can get a $200 USD discount.

TEFL Heaven
TEFL Heaven is similar to SEE TEFL in that it allows you to study on-location in either Koh Chang, Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan, Phuket, or Krabi. After graduating from the course, the company will place you at a school around Thailand, depending on your preferences.

• Courses Offered:
  The Paid Internships Thailand programme consists of a 3-week TEFL training course on a tropical island, and then a paid teaching job, which could be anywhere in Thailand for 5 months or more.
• Qualifications Required:
  Only native English speakers with a degree can apply for the Paid Internship programme. However, there is a TEFL certification option for those without a degree, but there is no job guarantee given.
• Job Prospects:
  Native English speakers with a Bachelor’s degree are guaranteed a paid job in Thailand after completing the TEFL certification.
• Pricing:
  The Paid Internships Thailand fees are $1,365 USD. This includes a 120-hour TEFL certificate, full-time asisstance, visa help, accommodation for the 3-week certification period, and a guaranteed teaching job as long as you meet the qualifications. The TEFL Certification course is priced at $1,435 USD. This includes 4 weeks of TEFL training, preparation and visa assistance, and guaranteed job placement as long as you meet the qualifications.

TEFL Campus
This onsite TEFL Campus course is located in the popular beachside area of Phuket. Completion of the course leads to a university level, internationally recognised qualification and is the only one of its type in Phuket. The programme also provides visa and job application assistance, and includes the option to have an airport pickup and accommodation for an extra fee.

• Qualifications:
  The site does not mention that you need a Bachelor’s degree or any prior university degree in order to enroll in the TEFL courses.
• Job Prospects:
  The company boasts that it has a network that has been built over 14 year with employers in Phuket and throughout Thailand. You can either take the course in Phuket or in Chiang Mai. It says it provides unique leads on job vacancies and a weekly digest of the best jobs advertised. It also includes access to a database of over 5,000 employers worldwide, lifetime job guidance, detailed CV/resume development, interviewing and demo lesson tips, and contract consultations. However, it does not offer guaranteed job placement.
• Pricing:
  Phuket course fee: $1490 USD, with $250 off if you enroll by November 30, 2021 for the next year’s course. The price also includes a free, 50-hour online course for all graduates. Chiang Mai course fee: $1400 USD

Greenheart Travel
This TEFL course can be taken on location in a various cities worldwide, as well as in Chiang Mai or Hua Hin in Thailand. However, the online course is also highly-reputable as it offers a 170-hour TEFL, collegiate level certification that is spread over 4 weeks. The course is taught by a university-level professor.

• Qualifications:
  Native English speakers, with a high school diploma, are academically eligible to join the course. Non-native speakers are also eligible, but must submit a written essay and engage in an interview to assess their level of English proficiency.
• Job Prospects:
  The company guarantees a paid English teaching position throughout Thailand, with a minimum salary of 30,000 baht per month. If you are a degree holder, it offers placement before you arrive in Thailand, along with a 1-week orientation. It also offers lifetime job guidance, a 200 page ESL job search manual, access to an ESL School Directory (with approximately 8,000 schools worldwide), and the ability to meet the strict requirements to teach at the EPIK programme in South Korea as well as the EPIK application fee being waived.
• Pricing:
  $1,449 USD for the 4-week, 170-hour online TEFL course. If you want to study in Chiang Mai or Hua Hin, through the Greenheart Travel TEFL course, it also includes accommodation, airport transfer and the necessary insurance. The best way to get a TEFL certificate is either by enrolling in a class online or in person. And, many places all over the world offer classes, making it quite convenient to increase your skills through getting certified. We do recommend to at least earn a 120 hour TEFL certificate, as anything less is usually not accepted by schools or employers.

[Tripadvisor]

How non-native English speakers can teach in Thailand

Thailand is a land of many opportunities. For native English speakers, it can be a pot of gold when it comes to teaching jobs that are available. For those who aren’t native English speakers, there is still opportunities to teach in Thailand. And, you can even get a job teaching English, despite not being fluent or a native speaker. Even if you aren’t from the countries of England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States, you can still be a native English speaker. And, if you are from those countries but were born speaking a different language, you still have the unique advantage of hearing fluent English speakers all around you. Here, we have a list of commonly-asked questions about getting a job in Thailand as a non-native English speaker.

Does Thailand accept non-native English speakers to teach in their schools?
The short answer is yes. But, you must show evidence that you can speak English to a certain lebel and are able to teach. From international English proficiency exams, like the IELTS or TOEIC, getting a score from taking one of these, is essential. Other things that are considered a ‘must’ when it comes to teaching in Thailand, include the qualifications and/or document and certifications below.

Do I need a university degree?
Most schools in Thailand technically require teachers to have earned a university degree, as per the Ministry of Education. So, upon applying to a job in Thailand, it is a good idea to have documents ready to show that you have graduated from a university. Having a degree in English language and literature is definitely an advantage, especially if you aren’t a native English speaker. Moreover, if you have a degree in education, it will also be advantageous. In Thailand, if you show that you have graduated from a university with an education degree, you are automatically qualified to get a permanent teaching license.

What score do I need on the TOEIC or IELTS to show that I am proficient in English?
For the TOEIC, you will need a score of at least 600 points. This will show that you are proficient in English and can be successful in teaching. For the IELTS, you must have a minimum band score of 5.5 for the same reasons.

Is earning a TEFL certificate necessary?
As we noted before, technically you should be a holder of a university degree to be considered for a teaching job in Thailand. But, this isn’t always followed or observed. If you have a TEFL certificate, it can help you land a job in the Land of Smiles even if you don’t have a degree. Other certifications that are similar, include the CELTA, ESL, or TESOL certificates. The CELTA is definitely the best one to get if you are wanting the most reputable. Any of these certificates, especially the TEFL, should be issued in the form of at least a 120 hour course. Anything less, it can be said, is not usually accepted.

Your resume or CV is even more important if you are not a native English speaker.
We have all heard this before: make sure your resume is attractive and error-free. This is even more important if you are not a native English speaker and are hoping to get a teaching job. Spelling, grammar, formatting, and overall neatness are essential features on a resume. So, review and review your resume to make sure there are no errors before sending it off. The simple rules of creating a resume should also be observed. Keep your resume to only 1 page-long and only feature jobs and experiences that are directly related to the job in which you are applying. For example, if you’re wanting to teach young EFL learners, tell them why you’re perfect for the job and highlight your teaching experience with younger students.

What should I wear to the interview?
Thailand, believe it or not, is actually a very conservative country. That being said, it is very important to look clean and well-dressed when arriving to an interview. Teachers are held in high-esteem in Thailand, and it should be evident that you are aware of the expectations through your behaviour and attire. Long sleeves for men and collared shirts is a must, as well as a tie. For women, a long dress or skirt and collared shirt is sufficient. Pants for women is usually unacceptable. And, make sure you don’t show tattoos or have a shirt or dress that comes low on your chest. If so, you may be asked to leave as it is highly unappreciated.

Is it necessary to be in Thailand in order to find a teaching job?
No. It is not necessary to be in Thailand when looking for a teaching job. Interviews also aren’t always conducted in-person. However, when you are in Thailand, it is much easier to check out a job and for them to check you out. Additionally, it is best to come to Thailand for at least a few weeks before trying to get a job. This will help you decide if the culture, atmosphere and expectations are a good fit. And, if an employer knows you are already in Thailand, it will usually put you in a higher position over the rest of the applicants. Learning a bit of conversational Thai and the wai greeting is also highly recommended when you converse and interact with a potential employer.

Yes, your bilingual skills could help you get a job!
Even if it is not teaching English, many schools in Thailand will appreciate your bilingual skills. You can use this to your advantage by showing your potential employer that you have experience in learning the English language as a non-native speaker. As it can be said, non-native English speakers may be more aware of the common problems and issues encountered when trying to learn English, which can be useful to your future students.

Overall, it is important to be open-minded when trying to get a job as a teacher in Thailand. As it is somewhat a disadvantage to not be a native English speaker, you should be prepared to be offered a teaching job for another subject other than English. Being open-minded and showing this attribute to your potential employer is important. Keep in mind that teachers in Thailand don’t always stay long-term. This means you may not get an English teaching job now, but if you are already hired to teach another subject, you may be first in line to teach English if they have an unexpected opening. The most important thing about teaching, is your relationship with the students and staff. If you can show that you are a team player, accept constant change, and go with the flow, you will undoubtedly be more successful than others.

[Sundance2020]

The difference between the TOEIC, IELTS, and TOEFL English proficiency exams



Students and others who want to studyor work in an English speaking country usually have to show their English proficiency levels. Taking such standardised tests that are widely accepted is the most popular route, with some places only accepting such test results. But, many get confused between the 3 most popular tests as they appear similar to the untrained eye. The TOEIC, TOEFL, and IELTS all have different goals and assess different aspects of the English language. Here, we have a breakdown of what those tests assess and who they are targetted towards.

All about the TOEIC
The TOEIC acronym stands for the Test of English for International Communication. In short, it tests your ability to understand business and work-related instructions, documents, and conversations. The test covers both spoken and written English and is not a pass or fail exam. Instead, it tests English proficiency in an effort to help certify a test-taker’s English language skills that are required for work and business purposes. There are 2 test versions that include both a paper and computerised exam. The scores range from 10-990. As TOEIC is the best exam to take for someone who is interested in working internationally or at an English-speaking workplace, having a score from this exam will put you above others who only have the IELTS or TOEFL. Over 1,400 organisations worldwide accept a TOEIC exam result, which makes it a highly-sought after certification by businesses. The test covers 4 sections: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The sections are broken down into 2 exams as listed below.

• Listening and Reading:
  Total time length: 2 hours, 30 minutes
• Listening Comprehension Section:
  Time length: 45 minutes
  100 questions
• Reading Comprehension Section:
  Time length: 75 minutes, plus additional 30 minutes at the beginning to answer biographical questions 100 questions
• Speaking and Writing:
  Total time length: 1 hour, 30 minutes
• Speaking Test Section
  Time length: 20 minutes
  11 questions
• Writing Test Section
  Time length: 60 minutes, plus an additional 30 minutes are required to complete the administrative formalities.
  8 questions

TOEIC Test Format
The test format is that of a pen and paper and computer based. the score of each of the 2 tests are scaled in the range of 10-990, with a higher score being better. A score above 790 is considered good.

Cost of the TOEIC Test
The cost of each test is around $85 USD. The cost actually depends on the country or place in which you reside.

All about the IELTS
Unlike the TOEIC, the IELTS focuses on assessing a test taker’s academic and general English language skills. The IELTS is a top choice for those who want to study abroad in a country where English is the native language. It is designed to help test takers to migrate or study to an English-speaking country. The test is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English. The IELTS is recognised by more than 10,000 education and training organisations worldwide. There are over 1,600 IELTS test locations in over 140 countries. The test covers 4 sections: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. All test takers take the same Listening and Speaking tests but different Reading and Writing tests. The 2 major versions of the IELTS exam are listed below:

IELTS Academic
The IELTS Academic test for those who want to study in an English speaking environment or university. It is graded on a band score of 0-9. Students can send their IELTS Academic scores to up to 5 organisations free of cost. Additional organisations costs an additional fee. This IELTS test version can also be taken for professional registration purposes, but it is not as popular of a reason as the one for higher education. IELTS General Training The IELTS General Training is test needed for those who want to work or migrate as well as for those who want to study below degree level. The test assesses the daily English language skills needed in a workplace or social environment.

Format of IELTS Exam
All of the 4 sections of the IELTS exam are taken on the same day with no breaks.

• Listening test format:
  Time length: 30 minutes
  Test takers will listen to 4 recordings of native English speakers and then answer a series of questions by writing.
• Reading test format:
  Time length: 60 minutes
  This test features 40 questions that are designed to test a wide range of reading skills. Such skills as reading for gist, main ideas, detail, understanding logical argument, skimming, recognising writers’ opinion, purpose, and attitudes are among those assessed in the reading exam.The IELTS Academic reading section includes 3 long texts which range from the descriptive and factual to the discursive and analytical. IELTS General Training reading section includes extracts from magazines, newspapers, books, notices, advertisements, company handbooks and guidelines. These are materials you are likely to encounter on a daily basis in an English-speaking environment.
• Academic writing test format:
  Time length: 60 minutes
  The Academic writing test is divided into 2 tasks:
  Task 1 – you will be presented with a graph, table, chart or diagramme and asked to describe, summarise or explain the information in your own words. You may be asked to explain how something works, or data, among other tasks.
  Task 2 – you will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, problem, or argument.
• General training writing format:
  Time length: 60 minutes
  The General training writing test is divided into 2 tasks:
  Task 1 – you will be presented with a situation and asked to write a letter requesting information, or explaining the situation. The letter may written in any style.
  Task 2 – you will be asked to write an essay that responds to a point of view, problem or argument. The essay can be informal in style.
• Speaking test format:
  Time length: 11–14 minutes
  The recorded speaking section assesses your use of spoken English.
  Part 1 – the examiner will ask you general questions about yourself and a range of familiar topics. This part lasts between 4 and 5 minutes.
  Part 2 – you will be given a card which asks you to talk about a particular topic. You will have 1 minute to prepare before speaking for up to 2 minutes. The examiner will then ask 1 or 2 questions about the topic.
  Part 3 – you will be asked further questions about the topic in Part 2. These will give you the opportunity to talk about more abstract ideas and issues. This part of the test lasts between 4 and 5 minutes.

Cost of the IELTS exam
The IELTS exam in the USA ranges between $245 to $255 USD.

All about the TOEFL
The TOEFL acronym stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language and tests classroom English. It is mainly for those who want to study abroad in institutions where English skills certifications are required, such as a university setting. It is a computer-based exam and is graded on a scale of 0-120. There are more than 11,000 institutions in over 150 countries that accept TOEFL scores.

TOEFL exam format
Time length: 4 hours
The exam is divided into 4 sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The Speaking test has a time limit of 20 minutes and features 6 tasks, while the Writing test has a time limit of 50 minutes and features 2 tasks. The Reading and Listening sections have a time limit of between 60 to 80 minutes long and 60 to 90 minutes long respectively. The time lengths vary for the Reading and Listening tests because of unscored, experimental questions that can be given. The Reading test features anywhere from 36 to 56 questions, while the Listening test features anywhere from 34 to 51 questions. The scoring range for each section is from 0-30.

TOEFL exam costs
The TOEFL iBT exam costs around $185 USD, while the TOEFL Paper-based test costs around $180 USD.

[Topgun]

What is the average English teacher salary in Thailand?

Teaching in Thailand is a great opportunity to experience a new culture, explore a new country, and make a lasting impact on students’ lives. The cost of living is low, the scenery is beautiful, and the people are friendly. So, you might wonder. What is the average English teacher’s salary in Thailand? An ESL teacher in Thailand can typically make between 34,000 – 138,000 Thai Baht ($1,000 – $4,000) a month, depending on the type of school. Public schools tend to offer the lowest salaries, while international schools usually pay the highest.

Average salary based on types of schools

Public Schools english teacher salary in thailand
The availability of employment in Thailand’s public school system is abundant, qualifications are simple to acquire, and it is possible to work in many different locations. However, the downside is the pay. Average salary: 34,000 – 42,000 Thai Baht ($1,000 – $1,200)

Corporate Training Centers
Many large and medium-sized firms in Thailand have a demand for English teachers to boost their staffs’ English proficiency. The pay can be higher than average but the job environment can be more demanding. Average salary: 56,000 – 87,000 Thai Baht ($1,600 – $2,500)

International Schools
International schools in Thailand are mostly located in larger cities, such as Bangkok and Phuket, but there are also several in more rural areas. While some schools are independent and privately run, many are affiliated with a foreign curriculum. The schools have mostly foreign teaching staff. The fees for these schools are very high so the salary tends to be higher than other types of schools. Average salary: 87,000 – 122,000 Thai Baht ($2,500 – $3,500)

Bilingual Schools
If funds for school fees are limited (since international schools are expensive), there are many alternative schools that offer English programs (EPs).These include private or public schools that provide English programs (EPs), bilingual schools, and schools that only offer English-language school programs. These schools are not as rigorous as international schools in terms of accreditation and have high demand for English teachers. Average salary: 52,000 – 70,000 Thai Baht ($1,500 – $2,000)

University Level
Public universities typically have more stringent requirements for ESL teachers than private institutions do, which have their own set of criteria. With a bachelor’s degree and a valid TEFL certification, you may be able to secure a teaching position at a private university. Since you will be teaching in a higher education institution, the salary can go high but this depends on the type of university and the region you are in. Average salary: 42,000 – 140,000 Thai Baht ($1,200 – $4,000)