Teach in Thailand-Dress Code

Dress Code for Teachers in Thailand

Dressing appropriately in Thailand is important for several reasons, including:

• Respecting Thai Culture:

• Thailand is a conservative country where modesty is valued.

• Thai people dress modestly, and it is usually not appropriate to show too much skin

• The dress code in public places, especially at cultural sites and temples, promotes conservative attire

• Dressing appropriately shows respect for Thai culture

• Making a Good Impression: Dressing appropriately can help make a good impression on people, especially when you are a teacher. First impressions count, and what you wear is extremely important

• The more you dress to impress, the more respect you will garner

• Staying Comfortable: Thailand is a hot country, and it's important to wear clothes that help you stay cool and comfortable. Dressing appropriately can help you stay cool and avoid dripping in sweat

• Adhering to the general rules of modesty and wearing clean, non-revealing clothes can help avoid offending anyone

• Professionalism: For teachers in Thailand, dressing appropriately is essential to maintain professionalism. Schools have a dress code for teachers, and it's important to adhere to it

Male Teacher Dress Code

The dress code for male teachers in Thailand typically consists of dress-style trousers/pants and a long-sleeved dress-style shirt. Short-sleeved shirts are rarely allowed, and some schools may also expect males to wear ties

The dress pants should be light-coloured as they're cooler

Dress shirts can range from collared polo to buttoned dress style while ties are optional

It's important to adhere to the dress code, as it is the second most frequent complaint about teachers from schools, after tardiness

Non-native teachers are always testing the dress code by dressing casually and seeing whether the school takes issue. However, this is not recommended as it can be seen as disrespectful to Thai culture

To ensure a professional and respectful appearance, male teachers should consider packing the following items:

• Dress-style trousers/pants

• Long-sleeved dress-style shirt

• Tie (optional)

• Light-coloured clothing for comfort

It's important to note that adhering to the dress code shows respect for Thai culture and helps make a good impression on people, especially when you are a teacher. In addition, dressing appropriately can help you stay cool and comfortable in Thailand's hot climate

Female Teacher Dress Code

The dress code for female teachers in Thailand is typically more strict than for males. Female teachers are expected to wear dress-style skirts that are at least knee-length, and trousers/pants are not allowed to be worn by women in almost all work environments

Women should wear knee-length or longer dress-style skirts, a blouse, or sweaters and cardigans

The tops can be short-sleeved but not so short that they reveal too much skin. Sleeveless tops, exposed shoulders, pants, and jeans are not acceptable. Cleavage should be covered, and shoes should be closed-toed

It's important to adhere to the dress code, as it shows respect for Thai culture and helps make a good impression on people, especially when you are a teacher

Schools may also expect female teachers to wear skirts or blouses corresponding to a specific colour of the day

To ensure a professional and respectful appearance, female teachers should consider packing the following items:

• Dress-style knee-length skirt

• Blouse or sweater

• Closed-toed shoes

It's important to note that dressing appropriately can help you stay cool and comfortable in Thailand's hot climate

Traditional Thai Style Clothes

For both males & females, some schools will ask you to wear Traditional Thai-style clothes one day per week. The day can differ by region, and some areas may never ask. Central and Northern regions will certainly expect teachers to follow this rule. Traditional Thai clothes are beautiful and also comfortable to wear. If you buy one to wear for school, you can take it with you when you return to your home country as a souvenir.

Colours and Days of the Week in Thailand

If you’re wondering what colours to choose, follow what most Thai people wear. Colours in Thailand matter! The days of the week are allocated a specific colour. 

See the list below for colours considered lucky and unlucky on particular days of the week.

1. Sunday

   Red is considered lucky & blue is deemed to be unlucky

2. Monday

   Yellow is considered to be blessed & red is considered to be unlucky

3. Tuesday

   Pink is considered to be lucky & yellow & white are considered to be unlucky.

4. Wednesday

   Green is deemed to be blessed & pink is considered to be unlucky

5. Thursday

   Orange is considered to be lucky & purple is considered to be unlucky

6. Friday

   Light Blue is believed to be sacred & black is considered to be unlucky

7. Saturday

   Purple is considered to be lucky & green is considered to be unlucky

Generally, it’s not that difficult to dress appropriately to teach in a Thai school. KET suggests asking as many questions as possible about the dress code to get it right!

Remember to adhere to it as much as possible; because, in Thailand, first impressions count!

Relevant

1. Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/teacher-training-program-thailand to read about Meaningful Work and Travel Teaching Positions starting in May 2023 with teacher training in April 2023.

2. Go to kidsenglishthailand.org/blog/the-thai-school-calendar to read about the school year in Thailand and how it is different from most other countries.

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