Maya Bay

Working abroad in Thailand is a dream, this country is beautiful with bustling huge cities and exotic paradise islands.

But can foreigners live and work in this popular Asian destination and is it possible to find a teaching job in Thailand? Yes, and it’s easier than you might think.

View our guide to teaching English in Thailand, get all the information you need and apply.

Do you need to speak Thai to Teach English in Thailand?

No, definitely not. Some schools even prohibit teachers from speaking any Thai to the students, lots allow Thai instructions etc. but either way its not a necessity to speak fluent Thai.

If you are permited to use Thai instructions I’m sure you can pick up the phrases pretty quickly and they’d be super useful around the classroom.

What are the chances of finding teaching work in Thailand as a foreigner/farang?

Here are our estimates of the chances of finding an English teaching job in Thailand, based on your qualifications:

Native English speaker, Degree (not in anything teaching related), TEFL Course/CELTA, Experience = 100% chance of finding a job within 24 hours if necessary!

Native English speaker, Degree (not in anything teaching related), TEFL/CELTA = 100% chance of finding a job within 2 weeks.

Native English speaker, Degree (not in anything teaching related) = 100% chance of finding a teaching job within 2 weeks, pay might be slightly less.

Native English speaker = 100% chance of finding a job still but it could take longer, most of all your pay will be significantly lower.

Non native English speaker, but with good English skills = Still you have a good chance of find a job, but again your pay will be lower and it may take longer to find your job.

When to start looking for a job?

If you have a degree and experience teaching you can always start looking from home before you arrive.

However the most effective way is to be on the ground and then to start looking as it is easy to find a teaching job very quickly anyway!

Where to start looking for a job?

Try these sites:

Teaching Jobs Thailand
Gap Year Thailand
Seasonal Work in Thailand

Other recommended places to gain employment include:

• Ajarn
• Teachingthailand
• Learn4good
• Craigslist
• Teachergig

If your on the ground you can also search in the English newspapers such as The Bangkok Post and The Nation. Tip: if your a cheapskate and don’t want to buy a whole load of newspapers everyday just for the job sections lots of pubs, cafés, and hotel lobbies supply these papers!

There are also jobs posted regularly in these Facebook groups:

• Bangkok Expats
• DSBKK
• Bangkok Young Professionals
• Job Seekers Thailand

Was this post helpful? Let us know and if it was really useful perhaps you could help by sharing it! If you need some convincing this type of experience is right for you, view our tips for teaching English abroad.