How many words can you think of to describe a smile in your own language? Maybe four, five…or 13–like in Thai! Smiling must be a big deal in Thailand, and that’s how you know that there’s something very special about this country.
Known as the “Land of Smiles,” it’s not just the friendly faces that attract thousands of short- and long-term visitors each year, but also the sense of adventure, affordable costs, and range of opportunities. This appealing mix makes Thailand one of the top destinations for English teachers looking to move abroad.
Why Thailand is so appealing to long-term travellers
Right in the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand is the ideal starting point–and base to return to–for exploring the rest of the region. From there, you can conveniently make short trips to places like Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. But before you venture further afield, don’t forget to explore Thailand itself with its jungle-covered mountains in the north and Instagrammable beaches in the south.
The climate in this country is tropical and clearly divided into hot, rainy, and cooler seasons, contributing to stunning scenery all year round. As a result, there’s no room for disappointment in Thailand: any visitor can find one–or many!–things to do in their free time.
What makes this country even more popular is that Thailand is one of the most affordable places to live in Asia, especially if you avoid the typical tourist sites. Rent, food, transport — it’s all very budget-friendly. A tasty local meal costs around $4, and a simple apartment costs less than $200 USD a month. This country can be as affordable as you want to make it, but if you want to splash out, you can always plan your luxury holiday complete with limousine rides–or private jet charters, if that’s your thing, boutique hotels with personalised service, and individual tours.
Salaries for English teachers usually range from $800 to $1,200 USD per month. While that may sound modest for Western standards, it goes a long way in Thailand. This is the kind of salary that allows you to live comfortably and save a bit for weekend getaways or trips during school breaks. Many schools even help arrange housing, so you don’t have to worry about finding a place straight away.
Thai culture is a memorable experience in its own right–rich in traditions, colorful festivals, and delicious food. The best part of it is the local people, known for their kindness, hospitality, and relaxed approach to life. Most locals are genuinely excited to welcome foreigners into their communities, so don’t be surprised if strangers go out of their way to help you.
How to start your TEFL career in Thailand
The good news is you don’t need years of experience to teach in Thailand. A great attitude and the ability to connect with students go a long way. Still, there are a few requirements:
A bachelor’s degree (in any subject)
If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need an IELTS score of 5 or a TOEIC of 600
A police background check from your home country
A basic health check
A valid visa*
If your degree isn’t related to education, you’ll also need to apply for a teaching license, which is pretty straightforward and can last up to six years.
*Visa Info You Should Know
You must have the right visa to teach legally in Thailand. Working without one can get you in trouble and strip you of your employee rights.
Most teachers start with a “non-immigrant B visa,” valid for 90 days. Once your school applies for your work permit, the visa will usually be extended to match your contract. Some people arrive on a tourist visa first and switch once they’ve landed a job — that’s also a common route.
What you’ll need for the B visa:
A passport (with at least 6 months left and 2 blank pages)
Passport-sized photos
Authenticated copies of your degree and qualifications
Police background check
Job offer letter
Visa application fee
Teaching life without frills
Most teachers in Thailand have a 40-hour work week, but only about 18 of those hours are spent actually teaching. The rest is for lesson planning, grading, and admin. You might work in a school with an “international staffroom” or one where foreign and local teachers mix — either way, making friends with your colleagues is a great way to settle in.
Outside of work, there’s always something to do, whether you’re grabbing dinner at a night market or spending the weekend on an island. You might feel a little lost at first, but there’s a supportive expat community across the country. It makes it easy to meet people and get insider tips on everything from where to get good coffee to how to renew your visa.
With so many amazing places in Thailand, choosing where to live can be tricky. In a nutshell, here are some teacher-friendly hotspots:
Chiang Mai: This laid-back and cultural city in the north of the country is ideal if you prefer the mountains to the beach. It’s surrounded by nature and doesn’t attract as many tourists, making it even cheaper to live.
Udon Thani: Life is slower and quieter here. The convenient border location is great for those weekend trips to Laos.
Ayutthaya: Travelling just north of Bangkok to visit the ruins of this ancient capital might feel like time-travelling in the past. It is ideal if you want to take a short break from the hectic city life.
Bangkok: Here you’ll find anything you’d expect from a buzzing capital city: endless job opportunities, great public transport, an energetic international vibe, and higher prices, of course.
Hua Hin: In this chilled-out beach town with a festival-friendly atmosphere, you’ll find the coastal life you dream of without the chaos.
Koh Samui: This is your destination if you dream of a flashier lifestyle. Here, island living offers all modern comforts. It’s more expensive, but international schools pay accordingly.
Krabi: Head to this island if you want to live by the beach without the price tag. Take advantage of a welcoming expat community to make yourself feel at home.
Phuket: Famous for its gorgeous beaches and a great diving scene, this island is extremely popular, and as a result, the cost of living there is very high. Jobs here are competitive, but the lifestyle is top-tier.
Classroom & Culture
Being culturally aware doesn’t mean walking on eggshells—it just means being open, observant, and respectful. It will earn you better relationships with your students, colleagues, and the wider community.
Understanding Thai culture isn’t just polite—it’s crucial to being an effective and respected teacher. The Thai way of life is deeply rooted in respect, especially for age and status, and that spills into the classroom.
Here are a few quick cultural tips:
Respect the hierarchy. Thai schools are structured, and senior teachers and administrators are shown high respect.
Wai often. That prayer-like gesture is called the wai, and it’s how people greet each other and show thanks or respect.
Dress smart. Even in hot weather, teachers are expected to dress modestly and professionally. Think button-down shirts, skirts below the knee, and closed-toe shoes.
Be patient. Thai students might be shy or reluctant to speak up at first, but with a bit of encouragement and fun activities, you’ll get them to open up.
Avoid confrontation. Saving face is big in Thai culture, so remember to handle any issue calmly and discreetly.
Teaching in Thailand isn’t just a job—it’s a lifestyle shift. Besides the warm weather and scenic views, the experience opens doors to personal growth and new perspectives. You’ll learn to adapt, to communicate beyond language, and to appreciate life’s simpler pleasures.
Many teachers find themselves picking up bits of Thai, learning to ride motorbikes, cooking with local ingredients, or even participating in festivals like Songkran or Loy Krathong. And when the school term ends, you’ll have the freedom to travel: Bali, Singapore, and Japan are all just a short flight away.
If you’re just starting out, Thailand is one of the most welcoming places to dip your toes in the TEFL industry. Take a look at this English teaching jobs in Thailand post from The TEFL Org. The demand for teachers is high, the entry requirements are manageable, and the support system is strong.
Schools don’t expect perfection—they value teachers who show up, engage, and care. That makes it a great place to build experience, experiment with your teaching style, and develop your classroom management skills. You’ll learn on the job, grow quickly, and gain confidence with each passing semester.
Final thoughts
Thailand ranks as one of the top places in the world to teach English, and it’s easy to see why. With affordable living, friendly locals, incredible travel opportunities, and plenty of teaching jobs, it offers the perfect mix of work and adventure. Why not start your TEFL life there?
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