Teach English in Thailand | GoAbroad.com

You can technically teach English in Thailand without a degree, but you won’t be able to legally earn an income. To be qualified for higher-paying teaching placements, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in any field.

12 Countries Where You Can Teach English Abroad Without a Bachelor's Degree

To be qualified to teach English in Thailand, there are a few requirements to fill. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in any field, a TEFL certificate if you lack teaching experience, native-level English skills, and the proper visa.

What Do You Need to Teach English in Thailand?

Teaching English in Thailand pays varied amounts, depending on your experience and placement. You can expect to earn at least $1000 per month (which is livable in Thailand) in public schools, or up to $4000 per month at international language academies, if you have the proper experience.

The Truth Behind Your Teaching Abroad Salary

To teach English in Thailand, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in any field, a TEFL certificate if you lack teaching experience, and native-level English skills. After that, you’ll be able to apply to programs. Once you’re accepted, you’ll receive a placement and be able to get a visa that qualifies you to work and earn an income in Thailand.

Good reasons to teach English in Thailand include the ability to travel, decent pay, and the potential for growth in your career. Once you begin building experience as an English teacher, you’ll be able to move on to higher-paying gigs later.

Why Teach English in Thailand

There are great destinations all over Thailand for teaching English, from beach towns to metropolises to mountain villages. Popular places to teach English in Thailand include Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and rural areas.

Hands-Down 7 Best Places to Teach English in Thailand

Teaching English in Thailand is a great experience if you love working with kids, are a natural teacher, or just love a challenge. It’s not necessarily hard unless you lack teaching skills (which TEFL can solve) or it’s your very first time traveling abroad.

Yes, non-native English speakers can teach is Thailand as long as there’s a demonstrated ability to speak and understand English at a native level. That means scoring a 600 or higher on the TOEIC, or 5 or higher on the IELTS. You must also be classified as at least a B1 level speaker per CEF guidelines.

Latest Program Reviews

A Welcoming and Inspiring School

September 17, 2025by: Angela Patricio - AustraliaProgram: Teach English and Explore Northern Thailand’s Culture

10

Volunteering in Phayao was the most meaningful and unforgettable experience of trip! From the moment I arrived, all the students and teachers made me feel incredibly welcome and supported. The school creates such a positive, encouraging environment where the kids are eager to learn and engage, and the teachers were so kind and helpful, always willing to answer my questions, share ideas, and make sure I felt comfortable in the classroom. I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to volunteer here. It’s a place full of warmth and growth and I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone thinking about joining as a volunteer.

an experience that will always be in my heart

August 20, 2025by: Martina Tiberi - ItalyProgram: Teach English and Explore Northern Thailand’s Culture

10

I spent three weeks here as an English teacher, and it truly was the experience of a lifetime! It was a privilege to feel so welcomed and integrated into a real Thai community. From the very beginning, everything was clear and well explained by Hani, and everyone greeted me with so much warmth. All the teachers were kind and helpful, and the school director is such a sweet and caring person! She showed me around the beautiful surroundings of Chiang Kham and always made sure I was doing well and that everything was going smoothly. The kids will always stay in my heart — every hug they gave me and every step they made in learning English melted my heart. I highly recommend this experience to everyone, even if it’s your first time volunteering!

A Welcoming and Inspiring School

September 17, 2025by: Angela Patricio - AustraliaProgram: Teach English and Explore Northern Thailand’s Culture

10

Volunteering in Phayao was the most meaningful and unforgettable experience of trip! From the moment I arrived, all the students and teachers made me feel incredibly welcome and supported. The school creates such a positive, encouraging environment where the kids are eager to learn and engage, and the teachers were so kind and helpful, always willing to answer my questions, share ideas, and make sure I felt comfortable in the classroom. I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to volunteer here. It’s a place full of warmth and growth and I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone thinking about joining as a volunteer.

an experience that will always be in my heart

August 20, 2025by: Martina Tiberi - ItalyProgram: Teach English and Explore Northern Thailand’s Culture

10

I spent three weeks here as an English teacher, and it truly was the experience of a lifetime! It was a privilege to feel so welcomed and integrated into a real Thai community. From the very beginning, everything was clear and well explained by Hani, and everyone greeted me with so much warmth. All the teachers were kind and helpful, and the school director is such a sweet and caring person! She showed me around the beautiful surroundings of Chiang Kham and always made sure I was doing well and that everything was going smoothly. The kids will always stay in my heart — every hug they gave me and every step they made in learning English melted my heart. I highly recommend this experience to everyone, even if it’s your first time volunteering!