Teach in Thailand
Knowledge Hub FAQs
Direct, verified answers on paid teaching salaries, visas, Sukhothai arrival orientation, TEFL practicum, and free community volunteering.
💼 Track 1: Paid Teaching Jobs
Salaried PositionsDo I need a university degree to teach legally in Thailand?
Yes for all paid teaching roles. The Thai Ministry of Labour and Ministry of Education legally require a physical, unlaminated Bachelor degree in any field to issue a Non-B visa and Digital Work Permit. Candidates without a degree can explore our free volunteer residency instead.
Read complete credential standards in our Visa and Work Permit Guide.
What are the standard teacher salaries in 2026?
Standard public and Northern partner schools pay 30,000 to 36,000 THB net monthly. Private schools or Bangkok English Programs pay 40,000+ THB net, but Bangkok partner schools require two years of verified teaching in Thailand first.
Review real living expense breakdowns in our Salary and Savings Guide.
Are there any job placement fees?
No. KET charges $0 in placement fees. Partner schools employ teachers directly and fund our staffing services. You never pay a recruitment charge to secure a contract.
Explore verified openings in our Paid Teaching Jobs Hub.
When is payday and how does pro-rata pay work?
Salary is paid on the 10th of each month for days worked during the previous month. It is pro-rata in month 1 if you teach October days. If your teaching starts in November, your first paycheck arrives on 10 December.
What is the 15,000 THB contract completion hold?
From around month 2 or 3, 3,000 THB per month is held, capped at 15,000 THB total. When you finish your contract, the entire held amount is returned on your final payday alongside your last salary.
How does accommodation work and how much is rent?
The teacher pays rent. KET helps you find and inspect a private, air-conditioned studio apartment near your school before arrival. Rent in Northern provinces typically ranges from 3,000 to 8,000 THB per month (Sukhothai averages 3,500 to 6,000 THB).
Where can I teach during my first year?
New teachers can start immediately in Sukhothai or Chiang Mai, as well as partner schools across Tak, Lampang, and Phetchabun.
Can I teach in Bangkok during my first year?
No. KET partner English Program and bilingual schools in Bangkok strictly require a minimum of two years of verified teaching experience in Thailand first. New teachers start in our Northern network.
Review the capital career pathway on our Teach in Bangkok Transfer Track.
Can non-native English speakers apply for paid teaching jobs?
Yes. Non-native speakers holding a Bachelor degree and demonstrating verified C1+ English proficiency (IELTS 6.5+ or TOEIC 860+) are eligible for paid placement and Non-B visa support.
To apply, submit your details at /apply-now and review your introduction video guidelines at /intro-video.
🚐 Track 2: Orientation Week
Arrival PreparationWhat does the Sukhothai orientation week include?
The orientation fee is 400 USD, settled on Sunday in cash as 13,000 THB. It includes Saturday morning pickup from Bangkok Mo Chit 2, 5 hotel nights in Sukhothai in a private AC room checking out Thursday morning, training meals, a permanent 5G Thai SIM card, classroom preparation, and an escort to your school.
Read the full itinerary on the Sukhothai Orientation Week Guide.
What are the pickup dates and meeting location?
For October 2026, pickups are on Saturday 10, 17, and 24 October 2026 at Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal in Bangkok at 08:00 AM. For the May 2027 cycle, the first pickup is Saturday 17 April 2027.
What if I have already taught in Thailand before?
Teachers who have taught in Thailand before can test out at HQ. Take the culture and teaching test: pass and skip the 5-night orientation to go straight to your apartment. Fail and complete the full week.
What documents do I need to bring in my hand luggage?
Bring your physical original Bachelor degree certificate, sealed official transcripts, home country police clearance, valid passport, and digital arrival confirmation (TDAC). Never laminate original academic certificates.
🎓 Track 3: TEFL Practicum
Classroom TrainingDoes KET provide or sell a TEFL certification course?
No. KET does not sell or run an accredited TEFL certification course. Any recognized 120-hour TEFL certificate is accepted. KET provides the practical 14-day classroom training and school practicum in Sukhothai.
What is the 14-day Sukhothai TEFL practicum?
It is a 14-day hands-on induction combining one week of classroom methodology with one week of live teaching practice in real Thai partner schools, providing an official KET staffing reference.
Review schedule details on our TEFL Practicum Page.
Can I complete the TEFL practicum without taking a school placement?
Yes. Standalone practicum cohorts are available during active semester months for educators who already hold jobs elsewhere or only need verified classroom teaching hours.
🤝 Track 4: Community Volunteering
Free Community TrackCan I volunteer in Thailand without a university degree?
Yes. Our skills-based community volunteer residency is open to participants aged 18+ without a degree. It is unpaid and does not involve a paid work permit.
Is there any program fee or placement charge to volunteer?
Zero. Volunteering with KET is completely free with no program or placement fees. Volunteers only pay for their personal living expenses and food.
How do I apply or discuss volunteer dates?
Email Matthew John directly at matthew@kids-english.org with your target dates and skills, or review our Volunteer Residency Page.