Teaching jobs in Thailand
Foreign teachers in Thailand work in four broad settings. Pay, hiring timelines and paperwork differ a lot between them, so it helps to know which one you are aiming for.
International schools
International schools teach a foreign curriculum, usually British, American or IB, mostly in English. They hire qualified teachers, typically with a teaching qualification from their home country and experience. Recruitment for August starts the previous autumn. Packages commonly include housing allowance, flights and health insurance, though this varies by school.
Bilingual and Thai private schools
Bilingual schools follow the Thai national curriculum with part of the teaching in English. Many hire subject teachers for English, maths and science. A degree is required for the work permit, and the school must arrange teaching permission from the Teachers' Council.
Government schools and English programmes
Thai government schools hire foreign teachers for English, often through agencies, and some run English Programme (EP) or Mini English Programme (MEP) streams. Contracts are usually for a school year.
Language centres
Private language schools teach children and adults, often in evenings and at weekends. Some can sponsor work permits; check before you accept.
Universities
Universities hire foreign lecturers for international programmes and for language teaching. A master's degree is usually the minimum. See lecturing at Thai universities.
Guides
How to find international school teaching jobs in Thailand
Where international schools in Thailand advertise, when they recruit, what they ask for and how to compare offers, for qualified teachers planning a move.
Lecturing at Thai universities
How foreign lecturers are hired at Thai universities: international programmes, degree requirements, contracts, the work permit and how it differs from school teaching.
Teacher licence and permission to teach for foreign teachers
How the Teachers' Council of Thailand (Khurusapha) regulates foreign teachers in schools: the permission to teach without a licence, its limits, and the routes to a licence.
Reading a teaching contract offer
What to check in a Thai teaching contract before you sign: salary, tax, housing, probation, notice, end-of-contract benefits and who pays for permits.
Written by the Charlie House editorial team. Last checked October 2026. Thai rules change often. Check with the school, the immigration office or the agency concerned before you act on anything here.