Top 10 Tips for Teaching English to Thai Kids in 2025: The Ultimate Guide
Are you preparing to teach English in Thailand in 2025?
Teaching Thai children is a rewarding journey, but it comes with unique challenges, especially in the school environment.
Whether you’re a seasoned ESL teacher or a first-time foreign teacher, you likely have more questions than answers.
While many guides focus on living in Thailand, this blog delves into the Thai classroom, offering practical tips to help you thrive as an English teacher.
This comprehensive guide offers 10 detailed tips for teaching English to Thai students in Thai schools, along with essential advice on TEFL certification, work permits, and teaching opportunities in Thailand.
From Bangkok to Chiang Mai, ensure you’re ready to make a lasting impact!
Why Teach English in Thailand in 2025?
Thailand’s demand for English teachers continues to grow, with the country aiming to boost English proficiency to support tourism and global trade.
According to a 2024 report by the British Council, Thailand is projected to hire over 10,000 foreign teachers in 2025, especially in public, private, and international schools.
Cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket offer diverse teaching opportunities for native and non-native English speakers.
Teaching English in Thailand isn’t just a job—it’s a chance to immerse yourself in Thai culture, enjoy delicious food, and build meaningful connections with Thai students.
Ready to get started?
Let’s dive into the top 10 tips to make your teaching experience successful.
1. Be Flexible and Adaptable in Thai Schools
Thai schools often operate on a relaxed schedule compared to Western schools or those in Japan or South Korea. As a foreign teacher, you’ll need to adapt to:
Sudden lesson cancellations due to school events.
Schedule changes with short notice.
Requests to organize activities, such as sports days, with minimal notice.
Avoid constantly pressing Thai teachers for updates; this can cause friction.
Instead, ask about upcoming events but embrace the “mai pen rai” (no problem) attitude.
Information might come just minutes before an event, so flexibility is key to reducing stress and building rapport.
2. Respect Thai Culture in the Classroom
Cultural respect is non-negotiable when teaching English in Thailand.
Thai culture values modesty, respect, and hierarchy, which influence the school environment. Keep these in mind:
Dress Professionally: Wear conservative clothing—no shorts, sandals, or revealing outfits.
Gift-Giving: While not mandatory, small gifts (e.g., snacks) are a kind gesture for co-teachers.
Respect Institutions: Avoid disrespecting the monarchy or Buddhist monks, as this is deeply offensive.
Behaviors considered rude in your home country, like shouting, are often unacceptable in Thailand.
Staying mindful fosters a positive relationship with your school community.
3. Use Body Language to Engage Thai Students
Many Thai students, especially young learners, may struggle with English initially.
They’ll rely more on your actions than your words. Use body language to demonstrate:
Instructions (e.g., point to objects).
Game rules (e.g., act out “rock, scissors, paper”).
Movements (e.g., where to stand during activities).
For example, when teaching “rock, scissors, paper,” say, “What’s it gonna be? 1, 2, 3!” while counting on your fingers.
Show when to act (on “3”) and clarify rules: no changing from rock to paper, reset if thrown early, and play after “go.”
Clear body language ensures understanding without the need for lengthy explanations.
4. Simplify Instructions for Young Learners
Less is more when teaching beginners, unmotivated students, or giving complex instructions.
Thai students benefit from clear, concise communication.
Use these strategies:
Give short, simple sentences.
Employ gestures, demonstrations, and visual aids.
Repeat instructions multiple times.
Break tasks into smaller steps.
For example, instead of saying, “You need to find a partner.
I’ll count down from 3 to 1, and you need to find a partner by then, okay?” say, “Find a partner in 3, 2, 1, stop!” while demonstrating.
Choose familiar activities or variations to lower teacher talking time (TTT) and reduce confusion.
5. Set Clear Classroom Rules for Effective Management
Classroom management is crucial in Thai schools. Set clear expectations from the start to avoid misunderstandings with Thai students.
Try these:
Implement simple rules, like “Raise your hand to speak.”
Reinforce school rules in English.
Use a reward system (e.g., points for good behavior).
Teach phrases like “Can I go to the bathroom?”
Phone Policy: Phones are common, and older students may use translation apps. Don’t confiscate phones—instead:
Ask students to put them away.
Reinforce rules with rewards (e.g., loss of points for phone use).
Seek help from your co-teacher if you need assistance.
Note that co-teachers are not assistants. Some may team-teach, while others only monitor behavior; it depends on the teacher.
6. Utilize Online Resources and Technology in the Thai Classroom
Save time and enhance lessons with online tools, especially for ESL teachers in Thailand.
Here are the top resources:
Recommended Resources with Links
- AI: Grok, Gamma (for design ideas).
- Materials: Twinkl, ISL Collective, TeachThis, Ellii.
- Listening: YouTube, British Council, songs.
- Quizzes: Baamboozle, Kahoot, Blooket.
- Points/Timers: ClassDojo, Online Stopwatch.
Use technology sparingly, as the setup can be time-consuming and tedious.
Ensure you have speakers, an internet connection, and downloaded files.
Edit teacher-made PowerPoints for relevance instead of relying on AI-generated ones, which may use complex language that can be challenging for Thai students.
7. Learn Basic Thai Phrases for School
Learning a few Thai phrases helps you communicate with co-teachers and understand Thai students.
It’s handy for socializing.
Useful Thai Phrases for School
Avoid speaking Thai fluently with students to encourage their English practice.
Respond in English instead.
Polite Endings
Male: Krap/Kap
Female: Ka
Terms of Address in School
Teacher: Kruu (e.g., Kruu Liam)
Principal: Poh Oh (e.g., Poh Oh New)
Other Staff: Pii (e.g., Pii Pond) or Nong (e.g., Nong Jet)
If Unknown: Pii ka/krap or Nong krap
Common Phrases
Thank You: Kobkun krap/ka
I’m Sorry: Kowtowt krap/ka
I Don’t Understand: Mai kowjai krap/ka
I Like It!: Chaawp kap/ka
I’m Ok, Thanks (Decline): Mai bpen rai krap/ka
8. Manage Expectations and Adapt Lessons for Thai Students
Thai students’ abilities may not match the curriculum, especially in public schools.
Use these strategies:
Modify failed or unengaging activities.
Adjust lessons to suit student levels.
Focus on achievable goals.
Never show frustration; the students are doing their best.
Most Thai schools offer creative freedom, so adapt lessons to make content accessible.
For example, if a grammar point, such as the past tense, is too challenging, focus on basic vocabulary first, then revisit it later.
9. Plan Thoroughly for Smoother Lessons
Preparation prevents classroom hiccups.
When lesson planning, consider:
Potential problems (e.g., students not understanding).
Solutions (e.g., more straightforward instructions).
Alternatives (e.g., an easier game).
Clear instructions and demonstrations.
For example, if teaching “colors,” prepare flashcards, a backup matching game, and a song in case the main activity fails.
Thorough planning prevents interruptions and keeps Thai students engaged.
10. Smile and Have Fun in the Thai Classroom
A positive attitude transforms your teaching experience.
In the classroom:
Smile to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Be approachable and greet everyone.
Share your culture (e.g., teach a game from your home country).
Include Thai culture (e.g., celebrate Songkran with a water-themed lesson).
Outside the classroom, explore Thailand’s delicious food, visit places like Chiang Mai, and make friends with locals and other teachers.
Bringing cultures together makes learning magical for Thai students.
Preparing to Teach English in Thailand: Jobs and Requirements
Teaching Jobs in Thailand
Thailand offers numerous teaching jobs in 2025, from public schools to private schools and language centers.
Popular locations include:
Bangkok: High demand in international schools and language academies.
Chiang Mai: Known for smaller, community-focused schools.
Phuket: Opportunities in tourist areas with private tutoring.
Where to Find Jobs: Use job boards like Ajarn.com, TEFL.com, and Dave’s ESL Cafe.
The hiring season typically peaks in March and April for the school year, starting in May and ending in October for the second semester.
TEFL Certification and Qualifications
Most teaching jobs in Thailand require:
A bachelor’s degree in any field.
A TEFL certification (120-hour course recommended).
Native English speaker or non-native English speaker with strong language skills.
Prior teaching experience (preferred but not always required).
A TEFL certificate boosts your chances of landing ESL teaching jobs, especially in competitive areas like Bangkok.
Some schools may accept a TOEIC score for non-native speakers.
Work Permits and Visas
To teach in Thailand legally, you’ll need:
A Non-Immigrant B Visa: Apply at a Thai embassy before arriving.
A Work Permit: Your school will assist with this after you secure a job offer.
Avoid working on a tourist visa, it’s illegal and can lead to fines or deportation. Ensure your teaching position includes support for these documents.
More Resources for ESL Teachers in Thailand
For more useful resources about Thailand and previous teachers’ experiences and insights, check out kidsenglishthailand.org/blog:
Conclusion: Thrive as an English Teacher in Thailand
Teaching English in Thailand in 2025 presents an opportunity to build bridges, foster understanding, and create lasting memories.
These 10 tips and pieces of advice on TEFL certification, work permits, and teaching jobs equip you to navigate the unique cultural and educational landscape of Thai schools.
Your dedication and passion will open doors for Thai students, making their English learning journey magical.
Whether you’re teaching in a public school in Bangkok or a private school in Chiang Mai, you’re not just teaching English but shaping a brighter future.
Best of luck on your teaching adventure in Thailand!
On 13 October 2025, Thailand officially replaced the old blue work-permit book with the new fully digital e-Work Permit system (eworkpermit.doe.go.th).
Everything now happens online except one short biometric appointment.