Teach English
in Thailand.
The central table of contents for teaching in Thailand with Kids English Thailand. Whether you are seeking a full-year salaried contract, a single semester placement, our hands-on $700 USD TEFL Practicum, the Experior 4-week residency, or our free volunteer track, explore the verified pathways below.
8 Verified Program Pathways
Each program serves a specific visa status, credential level, and timeframe. Select your target pathway for deep operational details:
💼 1. Paid Teaching Jobs (~11 Months)
1-year salaried positions (30,000–36,000 THB/month net upcountry, 40,000+ THB city) with Non-B visa sponsorship and Digital Work Permit. Bachelor's degree strictly required.
⏱️ 2. One Semester Contracts
Teach for a single term (May–Sep or Nov–Mar) at the exact same monthly salary rate as a full year. Legal Non-B visa support, $0 agency fee, and option to extend.
📌 3. Open Placements Timeline
October 2026 placements are 100% filled. Apply from November through March for our April 2027 intake (schools confirmed in Feb/Mar,classes start in May).
🚐 4. Sukhothai Orientation Week
Saturday Bangkok Mo Chit 2 pickup (17 Apr, 24 Apr & 1 May 2027), 5 hotel nights in a private AC room, cultural immersion, school teaching practice, and Thursday escort to your town.
🎓 5. TEFL Practicum + School Directory
Friday Bangkok pickup, 3-day orientation training (Fri–Sun), Mon–Fri classroom practicum (Kindergarten, Primary & High School), Official Certificate, Job-Seeker Guidance & Thai School Directory. Intakes: Jan 15, Jan 29, Feb 12, Jun 4, Jun 18 & Jul 2.
🌍 6. Non-Native English Teachers
Dedicated legal placement pathway for degree-holding educators from the Philippines, Europe, South Africa, and India with strong English (TOEIC 860+ or IELTS 6.5+).
🤝 7. Skills-Based Volunteering
100% free community volunteering ($0 fee). Youth mentorship in rural village schools, media lab documentation, and institutional references. No degree needed.
🌴 8. Teaching Residency (Experior)
Structured 4-week Sukhothai residency (£1,449) on 3–29 Jan 2027 or 7 Feb–5 Mar 2027 with academic credits, private AC suites, and a ฿4,000 graduation cash bonus.
Salary & Living Cost Snapshot
Short summary below. For itemized provincial breakdowns, explore our dedicated Paid Jobs Page.
💵 Net Monthly Salary Bands
- Standard Public & Northern Roles 30,000–36,000 THB net
- Private Large-City Placements 40,000+ THB net
- International schools Not a KET seat
- Placement / Agency Fee to KET $0 / Free
Payday is on the 10th of each month for days worked during the previous month (pro-rata in month 1). April 2027 arrivals work May and receive their first paycheck on 10 June.
See full financial breakdown →🏠 Monthly Expenses & Leftover
- Private AC Studio Rent (Upcountry) 3,000–8,000 THB
- Monthly Utilities & Water 1,200–1,800 THB
- Daily Dining & Markets (30–50 THB/meal) 5,500–8,500 THB
- Typical Net Monthly Savings ~9,000 THB / month
From month 2 or 3, 3,000 THB/month is held (up to 15,000 THB max). This security bond is returned in full on your final payday with last salary.
Compare semester savings →Visa & Work Permit Overview
Summary of legal credentials. Read the full step-by-step consular protocol in our DIY Non-B e-Visa Laos Walkthrough.
📜 Legal Employment Foundations
- Bachelor's Degree (Any Discipline) Mandatory for Paid Jobs
- 120-Hour TEFL Certificate Recommended, Not Mandated
- Non-Native English Requirements IELTS 6.5+ / TOEIC 860+
- National Police Background Check Mandatory for Safeguarding
Never laminate your original degree or transcripts! Lamination renders embossments and holographic watermarks uninspectable by the Teachers' Council of Thailand.
Read Degree Legalization Guide →🛂 Visa Filing & Digital Permits
- Official Visa Category Non-Immigrant B (Non-B)
- Work Permit Architecture Section 60 Digital e-Permit
- Arrival Card System TDAC (Digital Arrival Card)
- Consular Visa Run Route Laos e-Visa (Savannakhet / Vientiane)
Teachers arriving visa-exempt receive their school packet and complete a single Non-B e-Visa run to Laos (or apply from home before flying). Subsequent extensions happen inside your province.
Access Savannakhet Non-B e-Visa Guide →Market Red Flags to Avoid
Protect your legal record in Thailand by steering clear of common industry traps:
🚩 "Teach on a Tourist Visa"
Teaching without a formal Work Permit and Non-B visa is illegal under the Alien Working Act. Never work for an employer unwilling to file Section 60 permits.
🚩 High Placement Fees
Legitimate recruitment agencies are compensated directly by Thai partner schools. KET charges $0 in job placement fees.
🚩 Missing Address Reporting
Every foreigner in Thailand must have an active TM.30 residence registration from their landlord, and complete TM.47 90-day address notifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a university degree to teach legally in Thailand?
What do northern school seats pay?
Is a 120-hour TEFL certificate mandatory?
What are the requirements for non-native English speakers?
How does KET's Sukhothai orientation week work?
How does the contract completion hold work?
When is payday for teachers in Thailand?
Ready to Begin Your Placement?
Submit your 2-minute application for the April 2027 paid intake, or select TEFL Practicum / Volunteering. Our team replies within 24–72 hours.
Apply Now →