Teach in Thailand 2026
FAQs

Requirements • Visas • Salary • Daily Life

Everything answered — guaranteed job before you fly • only $400 orientation on arrival • full visa support • 1,500+ teachers placed since 2009

Kids English Thailand FAQs

Do I need a TEFL certificate?

Not legally required in Thailand, but highly recommended for building confidence, improving classroom skills, and securing better placements. Many schools prefer or require it.

  • We offer an optional 120-hour hybrid TEFL course with real classroom practicum in Sukhothai.
  • Perfect for beginners—70% of our teachers are first-timers with zero experience.
  • Includes lesson planning, classroom management, and teaching practice with feedback.

Learn more about our TEFL program →

Do you handle visa and work permit?

Yes — we provide full support for paid positions to ensure everything is 100% legal and stress-free.

  • Non-Immigrant B visa assistance with all required documents.
  • Work permit processing through your school.
  • Yearly extensions included (we reimburse 5,000 THB for renewal fees).
  • Guidance on legalization of degree and background check.
Do I need a bachelor's degree?

Yes for paid teaching positions (any field accepted, must be legalized/authenticated). No degree required for volunteer or internship programs.

  • Paid roles: Degree required for work permit eligibility under Thai law.
  • Volunteer/Internship: Open to enthusiastic applicants aged 18+ without a degree.
  • We help with degree legalization process if needed.
Can non-native English speakers apply?

Absolutely yes — we welcome qualified non-native speakers with strong English proficiency.

  • Near-native fluency and clear accent required.
  • Proof needed (e.g., IELTS 7+, TOEFL, or our TEFL course completion).
  • Many successful non-native teachers placed every year in government and language schools.
What are the age limits and tattoo rules?

Flexible guidelines to accommodate diverse applicants.

  • Paid positions: 21–60 years old.
  • Volunteer/Internship: 18–60 years old.
  • Tattoos and piercings OK — simply cover visible ones during school hours (common Thai school policy).
What salary can I expect?

Competitive for Thailand, with variations by program and school type.

  • Paid teachers: 30,000–36,000 THB/month standard starting (average 40,000–50,000 THB with experience; up to 60,000–150,000+ THB at international schools).
  • Volunteers: Free housing + meals (stipend in some cases).
  • Annual raises and contract bonuses common.
How much can I save monthly?

Thailand's low cost of living makes saving easy with modest habits.

  • Most teachers save $600–$1,200 USD/month (12,000–20,000 THB typical expenses).
  • Provincial locations offer higher savings potential than Bangkok.
  • Perfect for traveling Southeast Asia on holidays!
What fees are there?

Transparent and minimal — we pride ourselves on no hidden costs.

  • Zero placement or application fees.
  • Only $400 paid on arrival for the 6-day Sukhothai orientation (includes hotel, all meals, training, excursions, and cultural activities).
  • Much cheaper than competitors charging $2,000–$3,000 upfront.
Is accommodation included?

Yes for volunteers; full support for paid teachers.

  • Volunteers: Free shared housing + meals provided.
  • Paid teachers: Hotel included during orientation; ongoing help finding affordable apartments (3,000–5,000 THB/month typical).
  • Many schools offer housing allowances.
When are 2026 start dates?

Flexible cohorts with main intakes and rolling placements.

  • Main cohorts: Arrive April or October for orientation, start teaching May or November 2026.
  • Rolling placements year-round — apply anytime for faster start.
  • Limited spots — early application recommended for preferred dates/locations.
How does the application work?

Fast, simple, and supportive process designed for quick placement.

  • Complete 2-minute online form.
  • Response within 24-72 hours with next steps.
  • 15-minute video interview.
  • Receive 1-3 job offers matching your preferences.
  • Sign contract → we handle visa documents → arrive for orientation → start teaching!
Can I choose my location?

Yes — high match rate with personalized placement.

  • Rank your top 3 preferred provinces from 30+ options (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Sukhothai, Isaan regions, beaches, etc.).
  • 98% of teachers get one of their top choices.
  • We match based on your preferences, qualifications, and school needs.
Can couples/friends/families apply together?

Yes — we specialize in group placements.

  • Hundreds of couples and friends placed together every year.
  • Families welcome (dependent visas available, limited spots).
  • Schools often have multiple positions — we coordinate to keep groups together.
What will teaching be like?

Rewarding and manageable with KET support.

  • Student ages 3–18 (mostly kindergarten and primary).
  • Maximum 24 teaching hours/week (plenty of prep time).
  • Smart-casual dress code.
  • All Thai public holidays paid.
  • Survival Thai language lessons included in orientation.
Do you offer pickup on arrival?

Yes — seamless arrival support.

  • We arrange pickup in Bangkok on your arrival day (airport or hotel).
  • Direct transport to Sukhothai for the orientation week.
  • No stress navigating alone on your first day in Thailand!
What makes KET different?

Trusted since 2009 with proven results and teacher-focused support.

  • Guaranteed job placement before you fly.
  • $400 all-inclusive legendary 6-day Sukhothai orientation.
  • 98% location match rate.
  • Zero hidden or upfront fees.
  • 4.9/5 rating from 1,500+ placed teachers.
  • Lifelong community and ongoing support.

🌟 Ready for the Adventure of a Lifetime?

Join 1,500+ teachers who’ve changed lives in Thailand since 2009. No degree required for volunteer – just passion!

Apply Now – Volunteer Teaching 2026 →