SIDE INCOME IDEAS FOR ENGLISH TEACHERS
Side Hustles for English Teachers in Thailand 2026: Earn an Extra 10,000–60,000 THB/Month
Teaching English in Thailand offers an incredible lifestyle—stunning beaches, world-class street food, warm locals, and a low cost of living (especially in KET's northern placements). Starting salaries are solid (30,000–36,000 THB in public schools, 40,000–55,000+ THB in private/international), but many teachers want more for travel, savings, or paying off debt back home.
The good news? With teaching schedules of just 18–22 hours/week and booming tourism/digital demand in 2026, side hustles are easier and more lucrative than ever. Real KET teachers regularly add 10,000–60,000 THB extra per month—all while living the dream.
Here are the most popular, proven options based on current teacher experiences.
💰 1. Private Tutoring – The #1 Income Booster
Demand from parents and professionals is sky-high—perfect for one-on-one sessions after school.
- Rates: 400–1,000 THB/hour (beginners 400–600; experienced/specialized 800–1,200)
- How to find students: Word-of-mouth at your school, Facebook groups, Line, or platforms like TutorOO
- Potential: 10–15 hours/week = 20,000–40,000 THB extra
- Pro tip: Specialize in IELTS/TOEIC or conversation for premium rates
Northern cities like Sukhothai and Chiang Mai have less competition—same rates, easier clients.
🖥️ 2. Online Teaching – Work from Your Apartment
Teach global students on your schedule (many KET teachers do evenings from their northern homes).
| Platform | Rate (USD/hour) | Requirements | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cambly | $10–12 | No degree needed | Casual conversation |
| Preply / italki | $15–30 | Set your own rate | Flexible subjects |
| VIPKid / DaDa | $18–25 | Degree + TEFL preferred | Teaching kids |
| Edulive Thailand | ~400 THB/50 min | Local platform | Thai students |
- Potential: 10 hours/week = 15,000–35,000 THB extra
- 2026 trend: More platforms accepting strong non-native speakers
📱 3. Content Creation – Monetize Your Thailand Adventures
Share your life with KET's scenic backdrops and fun school events.
- Ideas: "Day in the Life in Sukhothai", camp reviews, travel guides
- Monetization: AdSense, sponsorships, affiliates
- Earnings: Beginners 5,000–20,000 THB → established 50,000+
Real KET events = authentic, engaging content gold!
🎓 4. Exam Prep & Specialized Tutoring + Freelance Skills
High-paying niches like camp activities or freelance lesson planning.
Realistic Extra Income in 2026
- Conservative: +10,000–20,000 THB/month
- Balanced: +25,000–40,000 THB/month
- Ambitious: +50,000–80,000 THB/month
Combined with low northern costs, many KET teachers save $800–$1,500 USD monthly—check our visa run guide for more budget tips.
Ready to Maximize Your Thailand Income in 2026? 🚀
Kids English Thailand offers supportive northern placements perfect for side hustles—full orientation and community included. Explore our paid, volunteer, and internship options.
Apply Now → Start Your Adventure
Questions? Comment below!
Side Hustle Truths.
💼 Workload: Can I realistically hustle?
Absolutely. Unlike Bangkok "factory schools," KET’s northern placements average 18–22 contact hours. This leaves your afternoons and evenings free for high-margin tutoring or online sessions without the typical teacher burnout.
🛂 Legal: Tutoring on a Non-B Visa?
Your Non-B visa and Digital Work Permit identify you as a professional educator. While your primary school is your sponsor, private 1-on-1 tutoring is a cultural norm in Thailand and is accepted as supplemental income provided it remains secondary to your main contract.
🖥️ Launch: Where do I start online?
Beginners thrive on Cambly or Preply. Once you are on the ground in Sukhothai, the KET community shares "Insider Intel" on which platforms are currently paying the highest rates for 2026 teachers ($15–$25 USD/hr).
🌍 Non-Natives: Is the market open?
The "Lanna Advantage" is real. Northern Thai communities value actual fluency and classroom energy. Non-native speakers with a strong TEFL and clear neutral accents are in high demand for local tutoring and European-based online platforms.
Ready for
Northern Savings?
Low cost of living meets high side-income potential. Secure your legal umbrella and start your 2026 teaching journey with KET.
Apply Now for 2026 Intake 🚀
