| Country | Avg. monthly salary | Degree required | Start of term | Teaching experience | Housing & flights included | Suitable for non-native English speakers | Age restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teach in Thailand | 44,800 THB £914 GBP $1,177 USD | May | Sometimes | None |
Teach English in Bangkok
With a booming tourism industry and widespread interest in English education, there are plenty of opportunities for TEFL teachers in Bangkok.
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Bangkok is an immensely popular destination for TEFL teachers and holidaymakers alike. The capital of Thailand offers incredible temples, vibrant nightlife, street food, bustling markets and a beautiful climate, drawing millions of visitors every year.
With businesses in Thailand expanding globally, and interest in English teaching spreading throughout the country, there’s never been a better time for teachers to relocate to Bangkok. On top of this, Thailand’s English proficiency is very low by global standards. As a result, the demand for high-quality English education in Thailand continues to grow, making it an ideal location for individuals with a TEFL certification or a degree in education.
In this article, we'll discuss potential earnings for TEFL teachers, where to find teaching jobs, and everything else you need to know about teaching English in Bangkok.
An introduction to Bangkok
There’s a reason so many people head to Bangkok. With its delicious food and vibrant nightlife, Bangkok offers a unique experience for English teachers. Offering a party atmosphere and reverence for the past, you can head to either the busy streets of Silom or the tranquil temples of the old city for some spiritual contemplation.
As an educational hub and a fine place for English language teaching, Bangkok provides numerous opportunities for English teachers to grow and develop their skills. The cost of living is also comparatively low, meaning there are financial incentives to head to Bangkok as an English teacher.Teaching English in Bangkok: an overview
Teaching English in Thailand is special, and Bangkok reflects the country as a whole. With so much to see and do, friendly students, and a low cost of living, the appeal is clear.
Bangkok is an interesting place to teach abroad. According to EF’s English Proficiency Index, English education is poor across Thailand. This is hardly ideal, given that English is taught widely in Thai state schools from an early age and even at the university level. A higher standard of TEFL teaching is required, and the more qualifications you have, the more likely you are to find well-paid work.
Private language academies and international schools are common in Bangkok and great places to find full-time English language teaching jobs. Language academies, in particular, offer great employment routes for teachers new to Thailand.
Requirements for teaching English in Bangkok
What do you need to start teaching English in Bangkok? First, you’ll need to meet several criteria to get a work permit. Here's what you need to join the small army of teachers in this exciting part of Asia.
Educational requirements
To work full-time in education in Thailand, you need a degree. A degree is legally required in Thailand if you apply for a Non-Immigrant B Visa. This visa is necessary to secure a teaching license in Thailand and stay in Bangkok for the long term.
Job opportunities for TEFL teachers in Bangkok
Where can you find the best opportunities to teach students in the capital of Thailand? Here’s where you can find English teaching jobs in Bangkok:
Public Schools
You'll need a job to meet the visa, work permit, and teaching license requirements. The public school sector is the most common route, especially for newer teachers coming to Bangkok or Thailand more broadly.
You can expect large class sizes in Bangkok, with 25-50 pupils being the norm. You can also expect 15-20 hours of teaching per week, with ample opportunities to explore more widely during weekends and school holidays. Before you start, expect to receive some training from the Ministry of Education in Thailand.
Private language academies
Private language academies are widespread throughout Bangkok, and with the number of people keen to learn English in Thailand’s capital, it’s not hard to see why. These schools can vary in terms of size, reputation and standards. However, they are an established employer of newly qualified TEFL teachers. Classes will have fewer students than in state schools, and you’ll usually teach adults and be expected to bring lesson plans and materials. In terms of schedule, expect to teach in the evenings, weekends, and early mornings.
International schools
If you have a degree in education or a master’s in an educational field, then international schools are worth applying to - this is true whether you're in Italy, Thailand or anywhere else.
TEFL certification and considerable experience are also a must on any application, and if you have experience with CLIL (content and language-integrated learning), then it’s worth mentioning that, too. Why? International schools like teachers who can work across subjects, especially if they’re bilingual schools.
Universities
Although less common, jobs for English teachers at universities in Bangkok occasionally become available. Typically, these roles involve teaching foundational English courses where classes are conducted in English. Expect to teach around 15-20 hours per week, with significant preparation time outside of working hours for lesson planning and material creation.Full-time English lecturing jobs in Bangkok's universities are rare but do arise. These roles demand significant qualifications, usually at least a master's degree, to secure a full-time lecturing position. For those with the right credentials, these jobs can offer a rewarding opportunity to teach in Bangkok's academic environment.
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Salary and benefits
For any adventurous English teacher, Bangkok represents an exciting opportunity. How much do teaching jobs pay every month, though? Let’s take a look.
Salary
The average monthly salary for teachers in Bangkok is around 44,800 THB (£956 / $1,236) at a language school or state school. After a few years of experience, teachers can generally command salaries closer to 50,000 - 60,000 THB in the public sector.
Elite institutions like international schools can pay a teacher a significantly higher salary, with top schools offering payment of as much as 150,000 THB (£3,241 / $4,071). However, these jobs are typically taken by teachers who are long-tenured in Bangkok (or Thailand’s education system more broadly) and have at least a master’s alongside their bachelor’s degree and other relevant qualifications.
Despite the modest salaries, teachers in Bangkok can save money on their living expenses due to the low cost of living, allowing them to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.
Benefits
Benefits can vary by employer in Thailand, especially in Bangkok. However, they can include health insurance and paid holidays. Private schools and international schools might offer housing and flights.
Cost of living
Bangkok is an extremely affordable city for English teaching, with decent wages and a low cost of living. According to Numbeo, consumer prices in Bangkok are approximately 62% lower than in New York City, and rent prices are about 82% lower.
The first thing you’ll need to consider is rent. A one-bedroom apartment in central Bangkok usually costs around £504 / $657 per month. If you move further out of the city centre, it typically costs about £250 / $326.
What about other monthly costs, like utilities and internet? Basic utilities are usually around £73 / $94, while internet access (crucial if you want to teach English online) is about £12 / $15. As for trying out Thai cuisine, a meal for two in a mid-priced restaurant can cost as little as £22 / $30.
Overall, Bangkok provides a cost-effective living environment compared to major Western cities. This affordability, the diverse culture, and the opportunities for English teachers make Bangkok super appealing.
For more information on the cost of living in Bangkok, consult this table:
| Restaurants | THB | USD | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inexpensive restaurant meal | |||
| Domestic beer (0.5 litre) | |||
| Regular cappuccino | |||
| Water (0.33 litre) | |||
| Markets | THB | USD | GBP |
| Regular milk (1 litre) | |||
| Loaf of white bread | |||
| Regular eggs (1 dozen) | |||
| Apples (1 kg) | |||
| Transportation | THB | USD | GBP |
| One-way ticket (local transport) | |||
| Monthly pass (regular price) | |||
| Taxi start (normal tariff) | |||
| Gasoline (1 litre) | |||
| Utilities | THB | USD | GBP |
| Electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage (for a regular apartment) | |||
| Regular prepaid monthly mobile tariff with 10GB+ data | |||
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) | |||
| Clothing and shoes | THB | USD | GBP |
| Pair of jeans (Levis 501 or something similar) | |||
| Summer dress in a chain store | |||
| Nike running shoes (mid-range) | |||
| Men's leather business shoes |
Teaching environment and challenges
If you decide to move to Bangkok to teach, and you’re used to an intense, serious classroom environment, you might have to adjust a little.
In Bangkok and Thailand in general, you can expect a cordial welcome as a foreign teacher, and you’ll undoubtedly have the attention of your students, who are typically motivated and determined but also love a laugh, preferring interactive, noisy lessons.
Though friendly and welcoming, Bangkok can be a real cultural shift. A hugely diverse and multicultural city, the Thai capital combines all the modern conveniences of today’s Thailand with a healthy dose of reverence for customs and traditions. It can take a while to adjust to and understand your students, so researching Thai culture online before you head over is ideal preparation.
That said, the teaching experience in Bangkok provides various cultural and financial benefits, allowing teachers to live comfortably and immerse themselves in the local culture.
Though there are many amazing teaching jobs, battling for top, full-time jobs in the education sector can be competitive, especially at more prestigious institutions like international schools and universities. Having at least a master’s degree and considerable experience is vital for these higher-paying, elite jobs in the capital of Thailand.
Your ability to network is arguably as important as your qualifications. Connect with other English teachers and educators, attend industry events, and leverage online platforms to build your professional network. Building strong relationships within the Bangkok education community can open doors to new job opportunities and provide a support network.
Culture shock and adaptation
Moving to a new country – even one as friendly as Thailand – can be a daunting experience, and culture shock is a common phenomenon. However, with the right mindset and support, you can quickly adapt to your new life in Bangkok. Here are some key tips:
- Stay open-minded: Embrace Bangkok's vibrant atmosphere by being flexible and patient as you navigate the city's bustling streets, explore new cuisines and immerse yourself in local customs and traditions.
- Participate: Many schools offer orientation sessions that help you acclimate to your new environment and provide valuable insights into Thai culture.
- Connect online: Join social media groups, and online forums, and attend local meetups to build a supportive network and find answers to any questions you may have.
- Seek guidance and support: Engaging with the local community and fellow expatriates can ease your transition and enrich your experience living and working in Bangkok.
Steps to get started
Here are key tips to get started teaching English in Bangkok:
- Job boards: It’s prudent to look online for full-time jobs well before you plan your move. Jobs boards are a fantastic resource, with boards like The TEFL Org Jobs Centre proving ideal for finding teaching jobs in Bangkok.
- Teaching programmes: A more streamlined route into Thailand's education sector, it's worth researching options like the Thailand Teaching Programme, which is ideal for newer teachers.
- Know the peak hiring season: Term times in Bangkok run from May to October and October to March. The peak hiring season for English teachers in Bangkok is from February to March and September to October.
- Try applying in person: In-person applications are still effective in Thailand. Bring your CV, TEFL certification, and relevant documents, like your work visa and degree certificates, to impress potential employers.
- Networking is essential: Networking is the best way to find full-time jobs in Thailand's capital. Once you've got a full-time or part-time job, events like the Thailand TESOL International Conference are ideal for meeting other people from the world of Thai education. Southeast Asia is particularly friendly, and you'll encounter lots of enthusiastic teachers from all over the world.
Teaching English in Bangkok: Key takeaways
What have we learned about teaching English in Bangkok? Here are the most important points.
- Average salary: Teachers in Bangkok should expect an average monthly salary of 44,800 THB (£956 / $1,236).
- To teach in Bangkok, you need a bachelor’s degree, 120-hour TEFL certification, a Non-Immigrant B Visa, a work permit, and a teaching license.
- Where to find jobs: TEFL Org Jobs Centre, in-person applications, networking, and Thai teaching programs.
- Peak hiring seasons: February/March and September/October.
Bonus tip: Some schools offer housing, insurance, and paid holidays. Ask about incentives during your job interview!
More on teaching English in Bangkok
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need a teaching degree to teach English in Bangkok?
Yes, you need a degree to teach English in Bangkok – though not always a degree in teaching. Usually, your bachelor's can be in any subject, although education and English are particularly useful areas of study.
Q. Is TEFL/TESOL certification mandatory?
To teach English abroad, you need a TEFL certificate. The industry standard is 120 hours of TEFL certification, which should provide any budding teacher with the foundational knowledge to be successful as an English teacher.
Q. Can I teach English in Bangkok without prior teaching experience?
You can start working in Bangkok as an English teacher without experience. If you're a new English teacher, Bangkok is a fantastic place to start. However, you will likely find higher-paying jobs if you have more experience on your CV.
Q. What type of visa do I need to teach English in Bangkok?
To teach English in Thailand, you’ll need a Non-Immigrant B Visa. You can apply for it from your home country or once in Thailand.
Unsurprisingly, there are a lot of questions about teaching English in Bangkok and Thailand. Here are the most-asked questions: