Teaching in
Thailand
Everything you need to know about qualifications, work permits, licences, school types, salaries, and the rules every teacher must follow to work legally in Thailand.
What You Need to Teach in Thailand
To work as a teacher in Thailand you must meet a specific set of legal requirements. Missing any one of these can result in job loss, visa cancellation, or fines.
Bachelor's Degree
- A bachelor's degree in any subject is the minimum requirement for most teaching positions
- No education degree? You can still teach legally β see the 2-Year Waiver & 7-Module Training Pathway below
- A degree in Education allows you to apply for a full KSP licence directly, without completing the 7-module training
- Your degree must be from a recognised university β it will be verified by Khurusapha
- Copies must be officially notarised or apostilled before arrival
- A teaching degree (B.Ed, PGCE, QTS) gives you access to better-paying international school positions
Non-Immigrant B Visa
- You must hold a Non-Immigrant B (Business/Work) visa β not a tourist visa
- Apply at a Thai embassy in your home country or a neighbouring country
- Requires a job offer letter from a Thai school or employer before applying
- Initial visa is valid for 90 days and must be converted to a 1-year extension once in Thailand
- Working on a tourist visa or visa exemption is illegal β no exceptions
Work Permit
- A work permit is legally required to receive a salary in Thailand
- Your employer (the school) applies for the work permit on your behalf
- You must have your Non-B visa before a work permit can be issued
- The work permit specifies the exact employer β you cannot teach elsewhere without a new permit
- Working without a work permit carries fines up to ΰΈΏ100,000 and deportation
KSP Teaching Licence (Khurusapha)
- Required by most government schools and many private Thai schools β issued by the Teachers' Council of Thailand (KSP / Khurusapha)
- Education degree holders can apply for a full licence directly β submit your degree, transcripts, passport, medical certificate, and criminal background check
- Non-education degree holders are issued a temporary waiver licence β valid for up to 2 years β while they complete the mandatory KSP professional standards training
- During the waiver period you are fully legal to teach β but you must complete all 7 training modules before the waiver expires to upgrade to a full licence
- Waiver renewal may be possible in some circumstances, but is not guaranteed β complete the training on time
- International schools may accept a home-country teaching qualification (QTS, State Certification) in lieu of a KSP licence
Criminal Background Check
- Government & private Thai schools: A Thai Police Clearance Certificate (obtained from the Royal Thai Police or Central Investigation Bureau) is widely accepted and is what most schools and KSP use in practice β you can apply for one in Thailand once you have your Non-B visa and work permit
- International schools: Almost always require a criminal background check from your home country β a DBS (UK), FBI fingerprint check (USA), or equivalent β apostilled or officially certified. Some require checks from every country you have lived in
- If you are arriving fresh from your home country, bring a certified home-country check β you will not yet have a Thai police record to draw on
- Any conviction involving children will result in immediate and permanent rejection at all school types
- Home-country checks can take 4β8 weeks to process β arrange well in advance if you need one
Medical Certificate
- A medical certificate from a licensed Thai hospital or clinic is required for the KSP licence application and work permit
- Must confirm you are free from certain communicable diseases (leprosy, tuberculosis, drug addiction, and others listed by the Ministry)
- Most hospitals near schools can issue these quickly β costs around ΰΈΏ200β500
- Valid for 1β3 months β get it close to your application date
Document Certification & Apostilles
- Do this at home β not at your embassy in Bangkok. Many major embassies in Thailand do not certify education documents and cannot issue apostilles
- UK nationals: The British Embassy in Bangkok explicitly cannot certify education certificates. Get your degree certified by a UK notary or solicitor, then apostilled by the FCDO Legalisation Office before you travel (costs Β£35βΒ£45, allow up to 15 working days)
- US nationals: The US Embassy in Bangkok does not issue apostilles. Your degree must be notarised by a state notary public, then apostilled by the Secretary of State for the state where your degree was issued β all done in the USA before departure
- Australian nationals: Apostilles are issued by DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) in Australia β not by the Australian Embassy in Bangkok
- Canadian nationals: Authentication is handled by Global Affairs Canada or provincial bodies β not by the Canadian Embassy in Thailand
- Some European embassies offer limited notarial services β check directly with your specific embassy well in advance
- The apostille format (from a Hague Convention country) is the most widely accepted standard β a simple photocopy, embassy letter, or unofficial stamp is not sufficient
Sort all document certification before you leave home. Your degree, transcripts, and criminal background check must be apostilled or officially certified in your home country. If you are British, American, Australian, or Canadian β your embassy in Bangkok cannot do this for you. Trying to sort it after arrival means posting original documents back home, paying international courier fees, and waiting weeks without your paperwork.
The 2-Year Waiver & KSP 7-Module Training
If your degree is not in Education, you can still teach legally in Thailand from day one β but you must complete the KSP professional standards training within 2 years to keep your licence.
How the Waiver Works
Khurusapha (KSP) issues a temporary teaching licence waiver to teachers who hold a non-education bachelor's degree. The waiver is valid for up to 2 years and gives you full legal standing to teach in Thailand during that period. Within those 2 years you must complete the 7-module KSP professional standards training β once you pass all modules, you can apply to convert the waiver to a full KSP teaching licence.
Who Needs to Do This
Any teacher whose bachelor's degree is not in Education (for example: English Literature, Business, Science, Engineering, Arts) must follow this pathway. Teachers who already hold a recognised teaching qualification such as a PGCE, QTS, B.Ed, or State Certification may be exempt from the 7-module training β check directly with KSP for your specific qualification.
What Happens if You Don't Complete It
If the 2-year waiver expires without you having completed the 7 modules, your temporary licence becomes invalid. You cannot legally continue teaching at any school that requires a KSP licence. Some waivers can be renewed under special circumstances, but this is not guaranteed β treating the deadline seriously from day one is critical.
The 7 Professional Standards Modules
All 7 modules are run by the Kurupatana Institute (ΰΈͺΰΈΰΈ²ΰΈΰΈ±ΰΈΰΈΰΈΈΰΈ£ΰΈΈΰΈΰΈ±ΰΈΰΈΰΈ²), the official training arm of Khurusapha. Courses are available in-person and increasingly online at ksp-7module.one.th.
Module 1 β Global & Social Context
Changes in global and social context, and the philosophy of sufficiency economy as applied to education in Thailand.
Module 2 β Psychology
Developmental psychology, educational psychology, and counselling psychology β understanding and supporting learner development.
Module 3 β Curriculum & Teaching
Subject content knowledge, curriculum design, science of teaching, and using digital technology effectively in the classroom.
Module 4 β Assessment & Research
Measuring and evaluating learning outcomes, and conducting classroom research to solve problems and develop learners.
Module 5 β Language & Technology
Thai and English communication skills, and the use of digital technology for educational purposes.
Module 6 β Quality Assurance
Designing and implementing educational quality assurance processes within the Thai school system.
Module 7 β Teacher Ethics
The spirit of teaching, professional ethics, and the values expected of teachers in the Thai education system.
Start the training early. Courses for each module are scheduled throughout the year and can fill up quickly. Do not wait until your waiver is close to expiry. Check upcoming course dates at ksp-7module.one.th and enrol as soon as you start your first teaching position.
Types of Teaching Positions
Thailand offers a wide range of teaching environments β each with different requirements, salaries, and working conditions.
Government Schools
The most common route for new teachers. Salaries range from ΰΈΏ25,000β35,000/month. Requires a TCT licence (or waiver), Non-B visa, and work permit. Schools vary enormously in quality and support. English Programme (EP) and Mini-English Programme (MEP) schools are especially active in hiring foreign teachers. Working conditions and resources are often basic β but the experience is genuine and immersive.
International Schools
The premium tier. Salaries range from ΰΈΏ60,000β150,000+/month with benefits including housing allowance, flights home, and health insurance. Requires a recognised teaching qualification (PGCE, QTS, State Certification, etc.) and several years of experience. Competition is high. Schools follow British, American, IB, or Australian curricula. Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket have the highest concentration.
Private Language Schools
Language schools (such as Wall Street English, ECC, and hundreds of independent centres) hire English teachers with fewer formal requirements. A TEFL/CELTA qualification is usually sufficient alongside a degree. Salaries range from ΰΈΏ25,000β45,000/month. Hours are often evenings and weekends. Less bureaucracy than government schools β but less job security too.
Universities & Colleges
University positions typically require a Master's degree and often a PhD for senior roles. Salaries range from ΰΈΏ35,000β60,000/month. Thai universities offer a more relaxed working environment with long semester breaks. A TCT licence is generally not required at university level β but a work permit still is. Many positions are advertised on Ajarn.com and university websites directly.
Corporate English Training
Teaching business English to corporate clients. Often arranged through training companies rather than schools. Pay is typically ΰΈΏ300β600/hour on a freelance basis. Requires a work permit linked to the training company. Flexible hours and professional environments β but income can be inconsistent and visa arrangements more complex.
Private Tutoring
Many teachers supplement income with private tutoring. Important: Private tutoring for cash without a work permit covering tutoring activities is technically illegal in Thailand. Always ensure your work permit includes private instruction if you plan to tutor. Rates typically range from ΰΈΏ500β1,500/hour depending on location and subject.
How to Get Legally Set Up
Follow these steps in order. Skipping ahead or trying to sort things after arrival leads to delays, extra costs, and legal risk.
Prepare Documents at Home
Get your degree notarised/apostilled, criminal background check certified, TEFL certificate ready, and passport photos prepared before you travel.
Secure a Job Offer
Apply for positions through Ajarn.com, Dave's ESL Cafe, or directly to schools. Get a written job offer letter β this is required to apply for your Non-B visa.
Apply for Non-B Visa
Apply at a Thai embassy or consulate in your home country (or a neighbouring country). Bring your job offer letter, degree, and supporting documents.
Get Medical Certificate
Visit a licensed Thai hospital or clinic shortly after arrival. A standard health check takes 30β60 minutes and costs around ΰΈΏ200β500.
School Applies for Work Permit
Your employer submits your work permit application to the Department of Employment. This is done on your behalf β you must provide originals of all documents.
Apply for KSP Licence or Waiver
Education degree holders apply for a full KSP licence directly. If your degree is not in education, KSP issues a 2-year temporary waiver β you then have 2 years to complete the 7-module professional standards training at the Kurupatana Institute. Keep your waiver document with you at all times.
Open a Thai Bank Account
Kasikorn (KBank) and SCB are the most expat-friendly. You'll need your work permit, Non-B visa, and school letter. Required to receive your salary.
File TM30 & 90-Day Reports
Your landlord must file a TM30 within 24 hours of you moving in. If you hold a long-stay visa, you must report your address to immigration every 90 days.
Salary Guide by School Type
Salaries vary widely depending on school type, location, qualifications, and experience. Use this as a realistic baseline for your expectations.
| School Type | Monthly Salary | Typical Benefits | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government / State School | ΰΈΏ25,000β35,000 | Rarely included β some offer basic housing help | Degree + TCT Licence + Non-B + Work Permit |
| Private Thai School | ΰΈΏ30,000β50,000 | Some include meals, accommodation allowance | Degree + TCT Licence + Non-B + Work Permit |
| Language School (ESL) | ΰΈΏ25,000β45,000 | Minimal β some offer visa support | Degree + TEFL/CELTA + Non-B + Work Permit |
| University / College | ΰΈΏ35,000β60,000 | Some housing allowance, end-of-term bonus | Master's degree + Non-B + Work Permit |
| International School (mid-tier) | ΰΈΏ60,000β90,000 | Health insurance, housing allowance | Teaching qualification (PGCE/QTS) + experience |
| International School (top-tier) | ΰΈΏ90,000β150,000+ | Full package: flights, housing, health, pension | QTS/State Cert + 3β5 yrs experience + degree |
Bangkok pays more than the provinces. A position in Bangkok typically pays 10β30% more than the same role in a smaller city or rural area. However, the cost of living is significantly higher in Bangkok β many teachers find provincial life more financially comfortable on a modest salary.
Teacher Dos & Don'ts in Thailand
Thai classrooms have their own cultural rules. Getting these right builds respect and trust with students, parents, and fellow staff.
β Always Do These
Habits that earn you respect from students and colleagues
β Never Do These
Mistakes that can end your contract β or your visa
TEFL, CELTA & Teaching Certificates
A teaching certificate significantly improves your job prospects, legal standing, and earning potential in Thailand.
TEFL (120+ hours)
The minimum standard expected by most language schools and many private schools. Online TEFL is accepted but an in-person component is preferred. Look for accredited providers.
CELTA (Cambridge)
The gold standard for ESL teaching. Recognised globally and by all school types in Thailand. Significantly increases your salary and opens international school doors. Requires 4β5 weeks of intensive study.
PGCE / QTS
The qualification required for most top-tier international schools. Recognised from the UK, Australia, USA, Canada, and other English-speaking countries. Earns the highest salaries.
Education Degree (B.Ed)
A bachelor's degree in education gives you advantages in government school hiring and TCT licence applications. Required for some MEP and EP school positions.
Thai Language Skills
Not required β but even basic Thai improves your classroom management, parent relationships, and daily school life enormously. Schools value teachers who make the effort.
Ongoing Professional Development
Thailand's Ministry of Education increasingly expects teachers to engage in CPD. International schools often require annual training. Government schools may run their own in-service days.
Practical Tips for Teaching in Thailand
Advice from experienced teachers that makes a real difference to your first year.
Get a Thai Bank Account Early
You need a Thai bank account to receive your salary. Kasikorn Bank (KBank) and SCB are the most foreigner-friendly. You'll need your work permit and school letter β apply as soon as your work permit is issued. Do not wait until payday.
Housing Near Your School
Many first-time teachers rent near their school to cut commute time. School towns outside Bangkok offer rooms from ΰΈΏ3,000β6,000/month. In Bangkok, budget ΰΈΏ8,000β15,000 for a decent room near a BTS or MRT station. Some schools have teacher accommodation on-site.
Getting to Rural Schools
Many government schools are in smaller towns or rural areas where a motorbike or car is essential. An International Driving Permit is required to legally ride or drive. Motorbike accidents are a leading cause of injury among expats β exercise extreme caution, always wear a helmet.
Build a Support Network
Connect with other foreign teachers through Facebook groups, Ajarn.com forums, and local expat communities. Experienced teachers are an invaluable source of advice on navigating schools, visa renewals, and TCT licence applications.
Track Your Visa Dates
Your Non-B visa, work permit, and 90-day report all have separate deadlines. Missing any one of them results in fines and potential visa cancellation. Use a calendar app with reminders set 2 weeks before each deadline. Schools should remind you β but do not rely on them alone.
Learn About Wai Kru
The Wai Kru ceremony (usually held in June) is one of the most important events in the Thai school year. Students formally pay respect to their teachers. Participating with sincerity earns you enormous goodwill from students, parents, and fellow teachers alike.
Be cautious of unregistered recruitment agencies. Some agencies charge teachers large upfront fees, place them in unlicensed schools, or fail to arrange proper work permits. Always verify that any recruiter is legitimate, that your employer is a registered school, and that a genuine work permit will be obtained for you before signing any contract.
Where to Find Teaching Jobs in Thailand
Most teaching positions are found through a small number of well-established channels. Here's where to look β and what to watch out for.
Ajarn.com
The most widely used job board for English teaching positions in Thailand. Lists government schools, private schools, language centres, and universities. Also has forums, salary guides, and extensive advice for new teachers. Free to use β ajarn.com is the first place most experienced Thailand teachers check.
Dave's ESL Cafe & Go Overseas
Dave's ESL Cafe (eslcafe.com) has a dedicated Thailand job board and forum. Go Overseas lists both paid and volunteer teaching positions. Both are good for broad searching β but cross-check any listing against the school's official website before applying.
Facebook Groups
Active groups including "Teaching English in Thailand", "Teach in Thailand", and city-specific groups (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket) post jobs daily β often direct from schools bypassing agencies. Also the best place to ask candid questions and get real advice from teachers already on the ground.
Direct School Applications
Many government schools actively recruit foreign teachers directly, especially in less competitive provincial areas. Emailing schools directly β in Thai where possible β can open doors that job boards never list. Local education authority (ΰΈͺΰΈΰΈ / ΰΈͺΰΈΰΈ‘) offices in each province also co-ordinate placements.
Recruitment Agencies
Legitimate agencies can handle paperwork, visa support, and school placement β useful for first-timers. Reputable agencies include Teach To Travel, CIEE, and ITA. Red flag: any agency charging you an upfront placement fee. Legitimate agencies are paid by the school, not the teacher.
International School Recruitment Fairs
Top international schools recruit at dedicated fairs run by Search Associates, Teach Away, ISS, and TIE Online. These are aimed at qualified teachers (PGCE/QTS) seeking full-package contracts. Most fairs run OctoberβFebruary for positions starting the following August.
Verify every school before accepting an offer. Check the school is officially registered with the Ministry of Education and can legally sponsor a work permit. Ask for the work permit and visa support process to be confirmed in writing before you sign anything or book flights.
What to Check in Your Teaching Contract
Thai employment contracts are legally binding β but many teachers sign without reading them carefully. These are the clauses that matter most.
β Must Be in the Contract
If these aren't written down, get them added before you sign
π© Red Flags in Contracts
Terms that should make you pause β or walk away
Thai Income Tax for Foreign Teachers
Most foreign teachers are unaware they are legally required to pay Thai income tax and file an annual return. This section covers the basics.
You Are a Thai Tax Resident
If you spend 180 days or more in Thailand in any calendar year, you are considered a Thai tax resident and are liable to pay Thai personal income tax on all income earned in Thailand. This applies to foreign teachers on Non-B visas β there is no exemption simply for being a foreigner.
Tax Rates (Progressive)
Thai income tax is progressive: 0% on the first ΰΈΏ150,000, then 5% up to ΰΈΏ300,000, 10% up to ΰΈΏ500,000, 15% up to ΰΈΏ750,000, 20% up to ΰΈΏ1,000,000, and 25β35% above that. Most classroom teachers earning ΰΈΏ25,000β50,000/month fall in the 5β10% brackets after personal allowances are applied.
Filing Your Annual Return
The Thai tax year runs JanuaryβDecember. Returns must be filed with the Revenue Department between 1 January and 31 March of the following year. Many government and private schools withhold tax at source and handle this for you β but you should confirm this with your school's admin department and keep payslips as evidence.
Tax ID & Withholding
Your school is legally required to withhold income tax from your salary and remit it to the Revenue Department on your behalf. They should provide you with a withholding tax certificate (50 tawi) at the end of the year β this is used when filing your return. You can also apply for a personal Thai Tax ID (TIN) from the Revenue Department directly.
Double Taxation Agreements
Thailand has double taxation agreements (DTAs) with over 60 countries including the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, Germany, and France. These agreements generally prevent you being taxed on the same income in both Thailand and your home country β but the rules vary by country. Check with a tax professional if you also earn income from your home country.
Allowances & Deductions
Thailand offers generous personal allowances that reduce your taxable income: a personal exemption of ΰΈΏ60,000, employment income deduction of 50% (up to ΰΈΏ100,000), and allowances for spouse, children, and health insurance premiums. In practice, many teachers earning under ΰΈΏ30,000/month pay little or no tax after allowances.
Ask your school about tax from day one. Confirm whether they withhold tax from your salary automatically and whether they will provide a 50 tawi certificate at year end. If they do not β you are responsible for calculating and paying it yourself. Filing late carries penalties of up to 200% of the tax owed.
Annual Visa & Work Permit Renewal
Your Non-B visa extension and work permit both expire β usually annually. Here's what the renewal process involves and what to prepare.
Start Early β 30 Days Before
Begin the renewal process at least 30 days before your visa extension expires. Immigration offices can be busy, and missing the deadline means overstay fines of ΰΈΏ500/day.
School Initiates the Work Permit Renewal
Your employer must apply to renew your work permit. Provide them with your updated passport photos, medical certificate, and any other documents they request well in advance.
Documents You'll Need Again
Passport (valid for 18+ months), new medical certificate, updated school employment letter, work permit renewal from the Department of Employment, and passport-sized photos.
Bank Statement
Some immigration offices now request a Thai bank statement showing regular salary deposits. Keep a clean, consistent salary payment history in your Thai account throughout the year.
90-Day Reports Continue
Even after your annual extension is granted, you must still report your address to immigration every 90 days. This can now be done online at imm.immigration.go.th or at any immigration office.
Re-Entry Permit if Travelling
If you plan to leave Thailand during your visa extension period, get a re-entry permit before you leave (single or multiple). Leaving without one will cancel your current extension β you would need to apply for a new Non-B visa from abroad.