Side Income Ideas for English Teachers in Thailand 2026
Earn Extra While Living the Dream
Teaching English in Thailand offers a fantastic lifestyle — beaches, street food, friendly locals, and a low cost of living. But let's be honest: starting salaries (30,000–36,000 THB/month for public schools, up to 50,000+ THB/month in private/international schools) are comfortable but not luxurious. That's where side income comes in.
Many KET teachers earn an extra 10,000–30,000 THB/month (or more) through smart side hustles. This allows for larger savings, weekend trips to islands, or even debt repayment back home. In 2026, with tourism booming and digital tools everywhere, opportunities are better than ever.
Whether you're in peaceful Sukhothai (KET home base), cultural Chiang Mai, or bustling Bangkok, these ideas fit flexible teaching schedules (18-22 hours/week). We'll cover the most popular, realistic options—based on real teachers' experiences and current rates.
Private Tutoring: The Classic Side Hustle
Private tutoring is the #1 way teachers boost income. Demand is high — parents want their children to be fluent for better schools/jobs, and adults for business/tourism.
Rates: 400–1,000 THB/hour (average 600–800 for experienced teachers). Beginners start at 400–500.
How to find students: Word-of-mouth (tell your school colleagues), Facebook groups ("Bangkok Tutors", "Chiang Mai Expats"), Line apps, or platforms like TutorOO/MyPrivateTutor.
Potential earnings: 10-20 hours/week = 20,000–40,000 THB/month extra.
Pros: Flexible hours, cash payments, and building long-term client relationships.
Cons: Travel time is inconsistent at first.
Tip: Specialize (IELTS, business English, kids conversation) for higher rates (800–1,200 THB/hour).
KET teachers in northern schools often tutor locally—less competition than in Bangkok, same rates.
Online Teaching: Work from Your Condo
Teach students worldwide from Thailand — perfect timezone for China/Korea evenings or US mornings.
Popular platforms:
Cambly (conversation, no degree needed, $10–12/hour).
Preply/italki (set your rate, $15–30/hour).
VIPKid/DaDa (kids, $18–25/hour, degree/TEFL preferred).
Edulive Thailand (local platform, up to 400 THB/50 min).
Rates: $10–30 USD/hour (35,000–100,000 THB/month full-time side).
Potential: 10 hours/week = 15,000–30,000 THB extra.
Pros: No commute, work in pajamas, global students.
Cons: peak hours (evenings/weekends), competition.
2026 trend: More platforms are accepting non-native applicants with strong English proficiency.
Many KET teachers do 5-10 hours online weekly — covers rent easily.
Content Creation: Share Your Thailand Life
Turn your adventures into income — YouTube, TikTok, blog, Instagram.
Ideas: "Day in Life Teaching Thailand", "Budget Travel Tips", "Thai Food Reviews", "Teacher Stories".
Monetization: AdSense (YouTube), sponsorships, affiliate (TEFL courses, travel gear), Patreon.
Earnings: Beginners 5,000–20,000 THB/month; established creators 50,000+.
Pros: Fun, passive long-term, builds personal brand.
Cons: Takes time to grow an audience.
Success example: Teachers with 10k+ followers earn from hotel stays or brand deals.
KET teachers in scenic Sukhothai/Chiang Mai have stunning backdrops — perfect content!
Exam Prep & Specialized Tutoring
High-paying niche — IELTS, TOEIC, SAT, business English.
Rates: 800–1,500 THB/hour.
Students: University hopefuls, job seekers.
Platforms: Same as private tutoring + specialized sites.
Earnings: 5 students/week = 20,000–40,000 THB extra.
Pros: Premium rates, repeat clients.
Cons: Needs expertise/certification.
KET's TEFL course prepares you perfectly for this.
Freelance Skills: Leverage Your Background
Many teachers have pre-Thailand skills — writing, editing, graphic design, coding.
Platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer.
Popular: Blog writing for travel sites, editing TEFL materials, and virtual assistance.
Rates: $15–50/hour.
Pros: Remote, high pay.
Cons: Competition, marketing needed.
Other Creative Hustles
Tour guiding (weekends in tourist areas).
Selling photos/stock (Thailand scenery).
Thai language partner (swap English for Thai lessons).
Airbnb experiences (cooking class, temple tour).
How Much Can You Really Earn Extra?
Conservative: 10,000–20,000 THB/month (tutoring 10 hours).
Ambitious: 30,000–60,000+ THB (online + tutoring + content).
With northern low costs (save $600–$1,000/month on base salary), side income makes Thailand life amazing — travel, eat out, save for home.
Ready to Boost Your Income Teaching in Thailand?
KET teachers get full support + northern placements where side hustles thrive (less competition, relaxed vibe).