Teach in Thailand 2026
with Kids English Thailand
30,000–36,000 THB/month • Full Visa & Work Permit • Job Offer Before You Fly
1,500+ teachers placed since 2009 • 98% success rate • #1 Trusted Agency in Thailand
Choose Your Adventure with Kids English Thailand
Paid Teaching Jobs
Bachelor’s degree required • 30,000–36,000 THB/month
Full Non-B visa + work permit • Job offer before you fly
Native speakers 21–35 guaranteed placement
Volunteer & Camp Counselor
No degree needed • Free accommodation + meals
UNESCO Sukhothai • ED/tourist visa included
Marketing / Media Internships
No experience needed • Free accommodation
Videography, photography, social media • 30–90 days
120-hr TEFL + Guaranteed Paid Job
Hybrid course + real Thai classroom practicum
Guaranteed job after graduation • No placement fees
▼ Teach English in Thailand 2026 – Complete Guide (Salaries, Visas, Locations, Requirements & Real Costs)
Everything You Need to Know Before Teaching English in Thailand 2026
1,500+ teachers placed since 2009 • Real numbers, requirements & day-to-day facts
• Public & private schools: 30,000–36,000 THB/month
• International schools (experienced): 60,000–150,000+ THB/month
Most teachers save $100–$300 USD/month
Rent: 5,000–12,000 THB • Food: 6,000–8,000 THB • Total: 15,000–22,000 THB/month
Full Non-B visa sponsorship • Work permit & teaching license included
Bangkok • Chiang Mai • Phuket • Isaan • Sukhothai
Bachelor’s degree • Native-level English (non-natives + TEFL accepted)
Application Process 2026 – From Apply to First Paycheck
Step 1 – Submit Application
Free 2-minute form • Resume + photo + short video
We reply within 24–48 hours
Choose your top 3 provinces
Step 2 – Video Interview
15–20 min friendly chat with Matthew
No teaching demo required
Discuss goals & placement preferences
Step 3 – Receive Job Offers
1–3 official offers from partner schools
Native speakers 21–35 guaranteed
Full salary, location & school details
Step 4 – Fly & Start Teaching
Bangkok pickup Sunday → 6-day orientation
$400 paid on arrival • Hotel + meals included
Start teaching May or November 2026
▼ Full Application Process 2026 – 60–90 Days to First Paycheck (Teach in Thailand)
The application process to teach English in Thailand in 2026 with Kids English Thailand is designed to be simple, transparent and 100% free. Over 1,500 teachers have successfully secured paid teaching jobs in Thailand through this exact 7-step system with a 98% success rate and zero placement fees.
Whether you’re a native English speaker aged 21–35 looking for guaranteed placement, or a non-native speaker with strong English and a 120-hour TEFL certificate, KET connects you directly with 500+ partner schools across Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Isaan and Sukhothai. From your first application to your first paycheck takes just 60–90 days.
2-minute online form • Resume + photo + 2-minute intro video
Choose your top 3 provinces • Reply within 24–48 hours
15–20 minute friendly Zoom/WhatsApp call
No teaching demo required • Discuss goals & preferences
Sent February (May intake) or August (October intake)
Native speakers 21–35 guaranteed placement
Full salary, location & school details included
Accept your preferred offer • Submit degree, police check & transcripts
Option A: Pre-departure Non-B visa
Option B (most common): Enter on tourist exemption → 2-day visa run to Laos → return with 90-day Non-B
Sunday Bangkok airport pickup → VIP transfer to Sukhothai
$400 paid on arrival (covers hotel, all meals, training, SIM card, insurance)
First paycheck within 30 days • Direct payroll from KET
Full Non-B visa, work permit & teaching license completed
Eligibility & Requirements 2026 – Who Can Teach in Thailand
Native Speakers
UK • USA • Canada • Australia • Ireland • NZ • South Africa
- Age 21–35
- Bachelor’s degree (any field)
- Clean criminal record
- Guaranteed job placement
- Job offer before you fly
- Full visa + work permit sponsored
Non-Native Speakers
Strong English + TEFL
- Age 21–60 (flexible)
- Bachelor’s degree
- 120-hr TEFL/TESOL certificate
- Excellent English proficiency
- Schools select teachers
- Full support from KET
Required Documents
- Passport (6+ months validity)
- Bachelor’s degree + transcripts
- Clean police background check
- Recent photo
- Medical certificate (if needed)
- TEFL certificate (non-natives)
First-Month Budget
- Orientation fee: $400 (paid on arrival)
- Resettlement budget: ~$1,800 USD
- Rent deposit + first month
- Motorbike/scooter
- Food & living until first paycheck
- No placement fees ever
▼ Full Eligibility, Documents & Costs 2026 – Who Can Teach in Thailand
Eligibility to teach English in Thailand in 2026 depends on nationality, age, education and English level. Native English speakers aged 21–35 from UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand and South Africa receive guaranteed paid teaching jobs with Kids English Thailand. Non-native English speakers with strong fluency and a 120-hour TEFL certificate are actively selected by schools every intake.
A Bachelor’s degree in any field is the legal requirement for paid teaching jobs and Non-Immigrant B visa approval. Teachers without a degree can join volunteer or internship programs with free accommodation. All paid positions include full visa sponsorship, work permit and teaching license — with zero placement or agency fees.
UK • USA • Canada • Australia • Ireland • NZ • South Africa
Age 21–35 • Bachelor’s degree • Clean criminal record
100% guaranteed job offer before flying
Age 21–60 (flexible) • Bachelor’s degree required
120-hour TEFL/TESOL certificate mandatory
Excellent spoken & written English proficiency
• Passport (6+ months validity)
• Bachelor’s degree + official transcripts
• Clean police background check (legalised)
• Recent passport photos
• Medical certificate (if requested)
• TEFL certificate (non-natives)
• $400 orientation fee (paid on arrival – covers hotel, meals, training, SIM, insurance)
• ~$1,800 resettlement budget (rent deposit, motorbike, food until first paycheck)
• Zero placement, agency or hidden fees ever
After 2–3 years with KET, teachers with Master’s degree, PGCE, CELTA or experience
can move to international schools earning 80,000–150,000+ THB/month
No degree required • Free accommodation + meals
Perfect for gap year, university students or career changers
Pre-Departure Guide 2026 – Get Ready for Thailand
Documents & Visa
- Passport (6+ months validity)
- Bachelor’s degree + transcripts
- Clean criminal background check
- Non-B visa (KET invitation letter)
- TM6 arrival card
- KET handles work permit
Money & Banking
- Bring international ATM card
- Budget ~$1,800 first month
- Open Thai bank account (KET helps)
- Wise = best rates
- No placement fees ever
Health & Insurance
- Travel insurance mandatory
- COVID boosters recommended
- No malaria in cities
- Rabies vaccine if rural
- Free accident insurance during orientation
Packing & Etiquette
- Light, modest clothing
- Don’t point feet or touch head
- Wai greeting
- Remove shoes indoors
- Small gift for your school
▼ Pre-Departure Guide 2026 – Complete 36-Page Checklist (Teach in Thailand)
The Pre-Departure Guide for teaching English in Thailand 2026 is used by every KET teacher. It covers everything from obtaining a Non-Immigrant B Visa and legalising documents to budgeting, packing, Thai etiquette, health insurance and arrival day logistics. Over 1,500 teachers have followed this exact checklist with 100% success.
Preparing to teach in Thailand involves gathering the correct documents (degree, police check, transcripts), securing travel insurance, budgeting roughly $1,800 for the first month, and understanding Thai customs such as the wai greeting, removing shoes indoors, and modest dress codes in schools.
• Passport (6+ months validity)
• Bachelor’s degree + official transcripts (legalised)
• Clean criminal background check (legalised)
• KET provides invitation letter for Non-B visa
• TM6 arrival card • KET handles work permit & teaching license
• Bring international ATM/debit card
• Budget ~$1,800 first month (rent, motorbike, food)
• Wise/TransferWise for best exchange rates
• KET helps open Thai bank account on arrival
• No placement or hidden fees ever
• Travel insurance mandatory (covers medical & repatriation)
• COVID boosters recommended
• No malaria risk in cities
• Rabies vaccine if rural placement
• Free accident insurance during orientation week
• Light, modest clothing (knees & shoulders covered at school)
• Never point feet or touch someone’s head
• Practice the wai greeting
• Remove shoes indoors
• Bring small gift for your school director
• Keep passport safe • Common scam awareness
• Download Grab, Google Maps, LINE, TrueMoney, Google Translate
• Sunday Bangkok airport pickup
• VIP van to Sukhothai
• Thai SIM card on Day 0
• $400 orientation fee paid on arrival (hotel + all meals included)
6-Day Orientation Schedule – Sukhothai 2026
Pre-Arrival – Bangkok
Land 2–3 days early • Bring documents • Join WhatsApp group
Explore Grand Palace, Wat Arun
Meet Up Day – Bangkok to Sukhothai
Meet at Mochit 2 • VIP van ride • Arrive KET HQ ~3 PM
Day 0 – Welcome to Sukhothai
Hotel check-in • Thai SIM card • Supermarket run • Relax
Day 1 – Culture & Park
Contracts • Thai language • UNESCO Park • Thai bag painting • Team dinner
Day 2 – Thai Culture Deep Dive
Wai practice • Culture, health & school calendar • Night market
Day 3 – Teaching Skills
Thai school system • Visa info • Lesson planning • Power techniques
Day 4 – Practical Prep
Role-playing • ESL games • Prepare teaching materials
Day 5 – English Camp & Celebration
Full day teaching real students • Graduation • Karaoke!
Day 6 – Move to Province
KET escort • Apartment check-in • Meet school director
▼ Full 6-Day Orientation Schedule 2026 – Sukhothai (Teach in Thailand)
The 6-day orientation in UNESCO-listed Sukhothai is the most famous teacher orientation in Thailand. Every KET teacher completes this intensive week of cultural immersion, real classroom practice, Thai language basics and professional training before starting their paid teaching job. Costing just $400 (paid on arrival), it includes Bangkok airport pickup, hotel, all meals, SIM card, accident insurance and lifelong friends.
During orientation you will meet other foreign teachers, practice teaching real Thai students, learn classroom management techniques that actually work in Thai schools, understand school events, visa processes and Thai etiquette, and build a support network that lasts your entire contract (and beyond).
Land 2–3 days early • Bring original documents
Join KET WhatsApp group • Explore Grand Palace & Wat Arun
8 AM pickup at Mochit 2 Bus Terminal
Meet Matthew (Operations Manager) • VIP van to Sukhothai
Hotel check-in • Free Thai SIM card
Supermarket run • Relax & recharge
Contracts & $400 payment • Basic Thai phrases
UNESCO Sukhothai Historical Park tour • Thai bag painting
Team dinner
Wai greeting & etiquette practice • Health & safety briefing
Thai school calendar explained • Evening night market
Full breakdown of Thai education system
Visa/work permit process • Lesson planning
Classroom management & power teaching techniques
Role-playing real classroom scenarios
ESL games • Song selection • Material creation
Individual feedback sessions
Full day teaching real Thai students
Graduation ceremony + certificates
Farewell dinner + karaoke celebration
KET escort to your school • Apartment check-in
Meet school director • Prepare for first teaching day
Choose Your Teaching Location & Salary 2026
Bangkok & Central
Highest number of jobs • Skytrain • Rooftop bars
Salary 35,000–60,000+ THB/month
Chiang Mai & North
Mountains • Digital nomad capital • 300+ temples
Salary 30,000–45,000 THB/month
Phuket & Southern Islands
World-famous beaches • Island hopping • Diving
Salary 32,000–50,000 THB/month
Isaan & Authentic Thailand
Lowest cost of living • Warm communities • Real culture
Salary 30,000–40,000 THB/month
Sukhothai (UNESCO)
KET home base • Ancient ruins • Peaceful life
Salary 30,000–36,000 THB/month
Mountain North
Cool climate • Strawberry fields • Authentic culture
Salary 30,000–38,000 THB/month
▼ Full Thailand Teaching Locations Guide 2026 – Salaries, Lifestyle & Teacher Reviews
Thailand, located in the heart of Southeast Asia, is renowned for its tropical climate, three distinct seasons, and yearly monsoon. This perfect weather combined with vibrant culture, stunning natural beauty, and low cost of living makes Thailand the #1 destination to teach English abroad in 2026. From Bangkok's urban energy to Chiang Mai's mountain temples, Phuket's island beaches, Isaan's authentic rice fields, and Sukhothai's UNESCO ruins, each region offers unique teaching opportunities and lifestyles.
Northern Thailand, with cities like Chiang Mai and Lampang, is famous for its cultural significance, cooler weather, and digital nomad community. Southern Thailand, including Phuket and Krabi, boasts pristine beaches and island hopping. Central Thailand around Bangkok offers the highest number of teaching jobs and salaries. Isaan provides the lowest cost of living and warmest communities. Over 50% of KET teachers are placed in central or southern Thailand, with 98% getting one of their top 3 location choices.
Teaching roles in Thailand range from ESL tutoring in public schools to advanced positions in international schools. Teachers may work alone or with other foreign teachers at the same school. KET's 500+ partner schools ensure you get the best fit for your experience and preferences.
City life • Skytrain • Rooftop bars • International food scene
Highest salaries: 35,000–60,000+ THB/month
Most teaching jobs • Fast-paced energy
Mountains • Cool weather • Digital nomad capital • 300+ temples
Salary: 30,000–45,000 THB/month
Chiang Mai is a key destination in Northern Thailand, renowned for its rich culture and beautiful scenery.
World-famous beaches • Island hopping • Diving • Fresh seafood
Salary: 32,000–50,000 THB/month
Phuket and surrounding islands offer unique cultural and lifestyle experiences in southern Thailand.
Most authentic • Lowest living costs • Warm communities • Spicy food
Salary: 30,000–40,000 THB/month
Real cultural immersion away from tourists
KET home base • Ancient ruins • Peaceful life • Low traffic
Salary: 30,000–36,000 THB/month
Perfect first-year experience
Cool climate • Strawberry fields • Authentic Lanna culture
Salary: 30,000–38,000 THB/month
Half the rent of Chiang Mai
Frequently Asked Questions – Teach in Thailand 2026
Do I need a Bachelor’s degree?
Yes for paid jobs (30–36k THB/month). No degree required for volunteer/internship roles.
Can non-natives teach?
Yes – strong English + 120-hr TEFL. Many non-natives placed every intake.
How much will I save?
Most teachers save $100–$200 USD/month. Bangkok/Phuket lower, Isaan/Sukhothai higher.
When are the start dates?
Major intakes: April & October 2026. Year-round placements in Sukhothai.
▼ All 30+ Frequently Asked Questions – Teach in Thailand 2026 (Complete Answers)
Teaching English in Thailand in 2026 is one of the most popular ways for foreigners to live abroad. Thailand has a high demand for English teachers due to its booming tourism sector and government push to improve English proficiency. Whether you’re a native speaker, non-native speaker, couple, or beginner with no experience, there are paid teaching jobs, volunteer roles, and internships available year-round.
Teachers in Thailand enjoy an excellent work-life balance, low cost of living (most live comfortably on 15,000–22,000 THB/month), world-famous food (40–80 THB meals), and the chance to explore beaches, mountains, and Southeast Asia. Thai students are famously polite and fun to teach, and the social life for foreign teachers is vibrant.
Yes for paid jobs (30,000–36,000 THB/month). No degree required for volunteer or internship roles.
Yes – strong English + 120-hour TEFL certificate. Many non-natives placed every intake.
Starting salary 30,000–36,000 THB/month • Most save $100–$300 USD/month
International schools (experienced): 60,000–150,000+ THB/month
Easily – most teachers live very comfortably on $800–$1,200/month outside Bangkok.
Yes – Americans are one of the largest groups. Native speakers 21–35 get guaranteed placement.
No – high demand + KET’s 98% success rate and zero placement fees make it easy.
Yes – low cost of living, friendly students, excellent work-life balance, and travel opportunities.
Major intakes: April & October 2026 • Year-round placements in Sukhothai
No – perfect for beginners and career changers
Yes – many teachers do. We help with dependent visas.
Yes – famous for being polite, fun and eager to learn!
12,000–22,000 THB/month outside Bangkok • Rent 3,000–12,000 THB
Yes – 3,000–6,000 THB/month apartments arranged
21–60 (flexible for non-natives)
Yes – same city & school whenever possible
Yes – mandatory for visa and safety
Yes – most teachers stay 2+ years
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Free application • Guaranteed placement for native speakers 21–35 • Full visa & work permit • Zero placement fees