THAsia
Teaching in Thailand
Thailand remains one of the most popular destinations for international teachers in Asia. Low cost of living, strong expat community, and a teaching market that values licensed educators.
Why teach in Thailand
- Low cost of living—your salary stretches further than most Western countries
- Most schools provide housing or a housing allowance
- Bangkok has the largest concentration of international schools; Chiang Mai and Phuket offer a slower pace
- Easy visa process for qualified teachers
- Strong expat community and excellent food scene
Salary and benefits
Typical salary range
$2,000–$3,500/month
Contract length
2 years typical; some 1-year for first-time hires
Savings potential
$1,000–1,500/month with housing provided
Cost of living
Low. A furnished 1-bedroom in Bangkok runs $500–900/month.
Typical benefits
- Housing or housing allowance (most schools)
- Annual return flights
- Health insurance
- Work permit and visa support
- Professional development budget
Cost of living (approximate)
- 1-bedroom apartment (Bangkok center)
- ฿25,000–35,000 (~$700–1,000/mo)
- Meal at local restaurant
- ฿80–150 (~$2–5)
- Monthly BTS/MRT pass
- ฿1,400 (~$40)
- Utilities (basic)
- ฿2,500 (~$70)
Requirements
- Teaching license from home country
- Bachelor's degree (minimum)
- 2+ years experience preferred; NQTs accepted at some schools
- Clean criminal record for work permit
Common curricula
IB, British (IGCSE, A-Levels), American, Cambridge. Schools specify their curriculum in job postings.
Main cities for teaching
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya. Hiring season: January–April for August start.
Things to know
- Pollution in Bangkok can be high; Chiang Mai has better air quality
- Work permit process can take 4–8 weeks—start early
- Breaking contracts early can damage reputation; schools talk
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a teaching license to teach in Thailand?
- Most international schools require a teaching license from your home country and a bachelor's degree. TEFL certification is sometimes accepted for ESL roles, but licensed teachers earn more.
- Can I save money teaching in Thailand?
- Yes. With housing often provided and low living costs, many teachers save $1,000–1,500 per month.
- How long are teaching contracts in Thailand?
- Most schools offer 2-year contracts with renewal options. Some first-time hires get 1-year contracts.
- What curriculum do Thailand international schools use?
- IB, British (IGCSE, A-Levels), American, and Cambridge curricula are common. Bangkok has the most variety.
- When should I apply for teaching jobs in Thailand?
- January–April for August start dates. Apply 6–8 months before your target start date for the best selection.
Research schools before you accept
Compare teacher reviews and salary data at international schools in Thailand. Sign up free—no paywall.