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 Overview
The Kingdom of Thailand draws more visitors than any other
country in Southeast Asia with its irresistible combination
of breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring temples, renowned
hospitality, robust cuisine and ruins of fabulous ancient
kingdoms. Few countries are so well endowed. From the stupa-studded
mountains of Mae Hong Son and the verdant limestone islands
of the Andaman Sea, to the pulse-pounding dance clubs of
Bangkok and the tranquil rural villages moored along the
Mekong River, Thailand offers something for every interest.
Thailand is very much a “teacher’s market”
with regards to TEFL, there being more teaching positions,
both for newly-qualified and experienced teachers, available
than teachers to fill them. There are a myriad of different
types of positions available, from private kindergartens
to government secondary schools to universities, with private
after-school language academies being the most prevalent.
As one fourth of Thailand’s population lives in the
greater Bangkok metropolitan area, that is where most of
the jobs can be found. The other large job market is in
Chang Mai, in the north of Thailand, though jobs there tend
to be somewhat harder to get, as teachers in Chang Mai usually
stay there for a long time. Both Bangkok and Chang Mai have
very well developed public transportation system, so owning
your own car or motorcycle\scooter is not needed. Outside
Bangkok and Chang Mai, the majority of teaching positions
are in rural government primary and secondary schools and
universities.
The TEFL market in Thailand mirrors the general Thai economy
and is thriving and fast growing, with many new niche markets,
and new teaching positions, opening up every day.
Salary and hours
In Thailand, a teacher’s salary and hours can vary
greatly, depending on what type of school they are working
at. In general, teachers at private institutions tend to
work longer hours and receive higher pay, while teachers
at government schools work fewer hours and receive less
pay.
On average, teachers in private academies can expect to
be contracted for 20-25 hours teaching a week, although
at busy times of the year, such as the October and March\April
school breaks, they may be asked to do extra work. As well
many academies have ‘split shifts,’ with teachers
working early in the morning and then again late at night,
and weekend classes on Saturdays and Sundays. For a newly-qualified
teacher, salaries at private academies tend to be around
30,000 to 35,000 baht a month before tax.
In the government schools, teachers can expect to teach
from 12-18 hours a week, with a set schedule and evenings
and weekends off. One of the most appealing perks of working
in a government school are the long, usually paid, vacations
which can add up to almost 5 months at some schools. For
a newly-qualified teacher, salaries tend to be around 20,000
to 25,000.
Type of teaching
Teachers can expect to teach a wide variety of age-groups
and class-types. Teenage secondary school and young primary
school aged students being the most common, though increasingly
there is more and more demand for pre-school and business
corporate classes. Teachers almost universally teach at
only one school. Having a CELTA\TESOL certificate will open
up the higher level positions, but most schools don’t
require it.
Accommodation
In Thailand, accommodation is secured and paid
for by the teacher. However, accommodation is generally
fairly in-expensive, especially outside Bangkok. In Bangkok
there are numerous apartment complexes with a wide variety
of amenities, so finding a place to live is rarely a worry.
Watch out though for utility costs, as given Thailand’s
climate, frequent use of air conditioning can really add
up at the end of the month.
Start of school year/ best time to look for work
The Thai school year starts in May, with a semester break
in October. Most government schools only hire new teachers
just prior to those two months. Private academies, however,
hire new teachers all year long.
Red Tape
Any foreign teacher wishing to teach and live in
Thailand will have to obtain a Non-Immigrant B Visa, followed
by a Work Permit and Teacher’s License. The Non-Immigrant
B Visa is only issued by Thai embassies and consulates outside
Thailand, so the teacher will have to get it before arriving
in Thailand, or by making a ‘visa run’ to a
neighbouring country, such as Malaysia or Cambodia. After
obtaining the Non-Immigrant B Visa, the teacher must apply
to the Thai Ministry of Labour for a work permit and the
Thai Ministry of Education for a Teacher’s License.
Generally, with most teaching positions in Thailand, the
teacher will be responsible for obtaining and paying for
the Non-Immigrant B Visa, while the school will pay, and
handle the paperwork required, for the Work Permit and Teacher’s
License.
Miscellaneous advice
Thais are friendly and welcoming to strangers,
but they are also fairly conservative in regards to dress
and behaviour, so new teachers to Thailand must remember
not to wear causal clothes while teaching, and to watch
their personal behaviour both inside and outside the classroom.
As well, although Thailand is a cheap country to live in
with a fairly low cost of living, the many entertainment
options available can swiftly deplete a teacher’s
bank account if they are not careful with budgeting.
Useful Websites
Ajarn
Thai
Visas
Bangkok
Info
Wikitravel
- Thailand
ESLcafe
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