FAQ: Thailand Teaching 2025

Guaranteed Job Placement · October & April Starts · Full Support

Your teaching journey with Kids English Thailand starts here.

100% Guaranteed Placement for native speakers (UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Ireland, NZ) aged 21–45.
Non-native profiles sent directly to Thai schools for selection.

Program Options at KET

Choose the perfect path with our Thailand Teaching Program or TEFL Thailand Program.

Thailand Teaching Program

  • Description: Teach English or specialist subjects with 100% guaranteed placement for native speakers (21–60). Non-natives get direct school submissions.
  • Duration: 6 months or full academic year
  • Cost: $400 orientation fee
  • Includes: 6-day paid Sukhothai orientation with ALL meals personalised to your diet (vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free, allergies), accommodation, transport, excursions, Thai SIM, insurance, 24/7 support + full details →

TEFL Thailand Program

  • Description: 120-hour hybrid TEFL + 2-week in-person practicum in Sukhothai or Chiang Mai
  • Duration: 10–12 weeks online + 2 weeks in Thailand
  • Cost: $700–$900 (+$200 Young Learners)
  • Includes: Accommodation, workshops, 6–10 hours teaching practice, visa help, job placement + full details →
A group of diverse tourists standing on a wooden bridge in front of an ancient Buddhist temple, with trees and a sunset in the background.

Application Process FAQs

How do I apply for the Thailand Teaching Program?

Submit your application by August 1st (October start) or February 1st (April start) with resume, intro video, and photo.

You’ll have a friendly online interview with our team. That’s it – no complicated steps! → Apply now

What are the eligibility requirements?

You need a bachelor’s degree, be aged 21–60, and have English proficiency.

Native speakers from UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa → 100% guaranteed placement
Non-native speakers → need a TEFL certificate (we can help you get one!)

What happens after I’m accepted?

You join our legendary paid Sukhothai Orientation Week ($400 – all meals included), get full visa support (we reimburse 5,000 THB), and start teaching 18–22 hours/week with 24/7 support from our team.

You’ll never be alone – we’ve got your back the entire way.

Training & Orientation FAQs

Are meals included during orientation?

YES – ALL meals are included!
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are fully covered in the $400 fee and personalised to your dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free, allergies – just let us know!). Zero extra cost.

What does the 6-day orientation include?

Thai culture & language lessons, teaching methodology, classroom management, a full-day trip to Sukhothai Historical Park, and lifelong friends.

Everything is included: accommodation, all meals, local transport, excursions – just show up!

Is the TEFL practicum mandatory?

Yes for the TEFL Thailand Program (required for certification).
Optional for the Thailand Teaching Program if you already have experience or a TEFL certificate.

Group of children and three teachers in a classroom, smiling and making peace signs, with snacks on the floor.

Living Expenses FAQs

Average monthly living cost?

15,000–20,000 THB (≈ $450–$600 USD) covers everything: rent, incredible Thai food, transport, weekend trips.

Most teachers save 50–70% of their salary every month!

Do schools provide lunch?

No free lunch, but school canteens sell delicious meals for 30–50 THB.
Western food is available in bigger towns (but costs more).

How much money do I need to start?

Budget around $1,500 USD total for the first month:
• $400 orientation (all meals included!)
• Visa costs (we reimburse 5,000 THB)
• First rent + deposit + daily expenses

After month one, your salary easily covers everything and more.

Group of smiling students and teachers holding certificates outside a school named Kids English Thailand, some making celebratory gestures.

Work Schedule & Holidays

What are the working hours?

Monday–Friday 07:30–16:30 with only 18–25 teaching hours per week + long lunch break.

Weekends are almost always free (very rare weekend events).

What holidays do teachers get?

Over 19 public holidays + most weekends free.

October mid-term break = fully paid
• April break = unpaid in year 1 (many schools pay it from year 2 onward)

Can I explore Thailand during holidays?

Absolutely! October (paid) and public holidays give you tons of time to visit Chiang Mai, islands, Cambodia, Laos – whatever you want!

A large group of children and adults gathered inside a hall, posing for a group photo with many children sitting or kneeling in front and adults standing behind, some raising their hands and smiling.

Connectivity FAQs

How is phone & internet in Thailand?

Excellent! 5G in cities (Chiang Mai, Bangkok) and solid 4G everywhere else.

KET gives you a free permanent Thai SIM card on arrival at Sukhothai HQ – you’ll be connected from day one!

Which apps do teachers use the most?

Line = #1 in Thailand (everyone uses it)
WhatsApp for international calls
Google Translate for quick Thai–English help

How do I get a Thai SIM card?

KET provides your permanent Thai SIM card for free at orientation.

Want data the second you land? Grab a cheap tourist SIM (~300 THB) at the airport.

Group of children and teenagers sitting at a long table outdoors, drawing and coloring on paper, with some adults standing and assisting under a canopy at a craft workshop or art class.

Legal & Safety FAQs

Are Thai authorities friendly?

Yes – very! Police and immigration officers are professional and helpful. A smile and polite attitude go a very long way.

What laws should I be aware of?

Thailand has zero tolerance for:
• Drugs of any kind
• Negative comments about the Royal Family (lèse-majesté)

Respect these two rules and you’ll have zero problems.

How do I avoid common tourist scams?

Easy: use Grab instead of street tuk-tuks, never rent jet skis, ignore “temple closed today” tricks, and don’t answer unknown calls asking for money.

Common sense = 100% safe.

What are the emergency numbers?

Save these on day one:
• Police: 191
• Tourist Police (English): 1155
• Ambulance: 1669
• Fire: 199

Four young women standing together in front of a statue in a park, wearing yellow shirts with Thai flags, carrying white bags with blue text that reads 'Kids-English Thailand', smiling at the camera.

School Environment FAQs

What is the English level of Thai students?

Most are beginners to low-intermediate – perfect for fun, visual teaching!

They’re super eager and love games, songs, and anything interactive. You’ll see huge progress every term.

Do Thai colleagues speak English?

Yes! The English department and many other teachers speak good English and love helping foreign teachers.

You’ll make great friends and never feel isolated.

What are Thai schools really like?

Warm, welcoming and full of life!

Morning assemblies, Thai dancing, Sports Day, Wai Kru ceremonies, and students who call you “Teacher!” with massive smiles every single day.

Group of students and teachers posing in front of a historic temple decorated with colorful lanterns during a cultural celebration.

Visa & Documentation FAQs

What visa do I need to teach legally?

Non-Immigrant B Visa + work permit

KET handles 100% of the paperwork, pays the 1,900 THB extension fee, and reimburses you 5,000 THB.
You literally just show up – we do the rest!

What is the new TDAC (Digital Arrival Card)?

From May 1, 2025 every arrival must fill out the free online TDAC before landing.

Takes 3 minutes – we’ll send you the link and help you complete it.

What documents do I actually need?

Just three things:
1. Notarized bachelor’s degree + transcript
2. Clean criminal background check (we help apostille it)
3. Optional TEFL (we can provide one!)

Email us the scans – we take care of everything else.

Contract & Financial FAQs

How much will I actually earn?

30,000–36,000 THB/month (≈ $900–$1,050 USD) take-home

KET pays your tax for the first year → you keep every baht!

Is there overtime pay?

No overtime – your fixed salary covers all teaching hours and rare weekend events.

Most teachers earn extra from private tutoring anyway (easy + tax-free).

What’s the 15,000 THB deposit?

It’s a 100% refundable completion bonus!

You pay 3,000 THB/month for the first 5 months → finish your contract and we refund the full 15,000 THB on your last day.

Do you reimburse visa costs?

Yes! After 10 months we reimburse 5,000 THB for your Non-B visa extension + work permit fees.
Just keep the receipts – we’ve got you covered.

Cultural Immersion FAQs

How do I adapt to Thai culture?

You’ll learn the famous Thai Wai, basic phrases, and local etiquette during our legendary Sukhothai orientation.

By week two you’ll feel like family – Thailand adopts you fast!

How will I learn Thai?

We give you a full Thai language crash-course during orientation + ongoing support.

Most teachers can order food, take songthaews and chat with students within a month.

Will I make friends and feel at home?

100%! You’ll live with other KET teachers, join school trips, weekend adventures, Loy Krathong, Songkran…

Teachers say the friendships they make here are lifelong.

Ready to Teach in Thailand?

You’ve seen the salary, the support, the culture, the community…
Now it’s time to make it real. Your adventure starts with one click.

General Questions

admin@kidsenglishthailand.org

Placement & Application

placement@kidsenglishthailand.org

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