Back in late 2009, when I was trying to chart a path forward out of my dead-end life in the US, I knew that teaching English overseas would be my likely vehicle. In my minds eye, Thailand was where this would all take place.
Unfortunately for me, online job boards at the time prioritized ESL careers in cities like Seoul and Shanghai, rather than Bangkok and Chiang Mai. I quickly gave up hope, and moved to China instead.
The good news for you, if you want to teach English in Thailand in 2025 or beyond, is that it’s a lot easier to make happen now. Continue reading and allow me to explain.
Why Relatively Few People Choose Thailand for Teaching
Now, I don’t have numbers, but I would imagine that a lot of people—and, especially, a lot of former travelers—consider teaching English in Thailand. It’s a great way to set up shop semi-permanently in a place you love, with minimal qualifications and a relatively small commitment of time and life energy. At least theoretically it is: Once you start digging into the details, it can seem like a less amazing proposition.
The great news is that, thanks to teaching opportunities in Thailand through The TEFL Org, it’s way easier to find a legitimate ESL job in Thailand than it used to be. Back in my day (god, I feel so old!), most jobs in Thailand were posted to shady websites and message boards, which made it impossible to tell which was legit and which wasn’t. So the first step of a Thailand teaching career is now a lot easier to attain.
5 Things to Consider When ESL Job Hunting in Thailand
Thailand is more than Bangkok
Want to teach English not only in Thailand, but in Bangkok? The reality is that if you’re a first-time English teacher, you probably won’t be placed in the city limits of Thailand’s capital. Rather, you’ll be sent to neighboring provinces like Samut Prakan or Nonthaburi, or even far out into the countrside.
(Sometimes, to its benefit)
If you can make peace with not living in the big city (at least not initially), then you may quickly see a silver lining. Namely, that while ESL jobs in Thailand (but outside of Bangkok) pay less, the cost of living in the provinces is also lower, which means you can keep more of your money.
Salaries run the gamut
Speaking of salaries, they can vary a lot. If you’re teaching up north or in Isaan, you can earn 1,000 USD per month or even less, depending on whether you have a degree or a TEFL certificate. By contrast, if you’re an experienced teacher in Bangkok, you can earn several thousand USD per month.
It’s better to get hired before you leave home
Many people think that teaching ESL in Thailand is a matter of turning up at Suvarnabhumi Airport, getting a taxi into town and finding a job. While this is certainly possible, it’s really better to get a job while still in your home country, and to take care of all the visas and paperwork before you set foot in Thailand.
There is a teaching career ladder in Thailand
Obviously, there’s nothing wrong with working as a simple ESL teacher for years or even decades. Still, for ambitious teachers, there are options in Thailand. These include lead teacher positions and working for more prestigious schools, or even transitioning out of English-focused education to a proper international school.
Other Things to Know About Living in Thailand
Moving to Thailand can be a shock for some people. Whether because of how challenging it can feel to go about your daily business in a place most associate with holiday, or simply because of adjustments you need to make to the climate, culture and even the way the food affects your constitution, a certain degree of culture shock is unavoidable following a Thailand move, even if you’ve been here before.
Indeed, whether you’re teaching in Thailand or working some other kind of job, you have to be intentional about going out and exploring both your home city and the Kingdom at large. If not, then it’s easy to spend all your free time lazing around your apartment or condo, rather than taking advantage of the fact that you’re in Thailand. So, after you commit to moving, commit to living life fully in Thailand, and not just existing there.
Other FAQ About Teaching English in Thailand
How much do English teachers make in Thailand?
Salaries for English teachers in Thailand vary wildly. Inexperienced teachers or ones without degrees can make under 1,000 USD per month working in the provinces, while international school teachers in central Bangkok can earn a salary comparable to what they’re get in the US or Europe. In general, you should expect to make enough to live comfortably, but not lavishly.
Is there a demand for English teachers in Thailand?
As a country dependent on tourism and trade with the outside world, Thailand is a country where almost every citizen has a need for English education. As a result, there are a decent amount of opportunities for ESL teachers in Thailand, even if not all of them pay well.
Is being a teacher in Thailand worth it?
Getting a job as an English teacher can be a great gateway to living in Thailand permanently or semi-permanently, or simply to set your life on a different course. At the same time, I think you should aim to advance in your teaching career as quickly as possible, rather than to say at the same school or in the same role.
The Bottom Line
It’s not an exaggeration to say that if you teach English in Thailand, it will end up changing your life. At the same time, it still isn’t an easy to get an ESL job in Thailand as it is in other countries, and salaries aren’t as high. Moving to Thailand more broadly, to be sure, is a different animal than visiting—if you’re expecting a 24/7 holiday you may be disappointed. For the right person who finds the right job, however, teaching ESL in Thailand can be precisely the opportunity you need to get your career (and your life) on track. Want to visit Thailand to get a feel for the country before you commit? Consider hiring me to plan your trip!
