Thailand Teaching Guide

Finding English Teaching Jobs in Thailand

Job boards, hiring seasons, CV and interview tips — and the faster route: guaranteed placement support.

Finding English teaching jobs in Thailand

Thailand has one of the largest English teaching job markets in Asia. Demand is consistent year-round, with two clear hiring peaks aligned to the academic calendar.

~20k

Foreign teachers estimated in Thailand

Main hiring seasons per year

1–3 wks

Typical search time with placement support

1,400+

New positions monthly at peak

The easiest route: placement support

TEFL Heaven's program includes guaranteed placement support — you complete your TEFL training and we place you in a confirmed school. You do not need to navigate the job market independently. But here is the full picture for those who want to understand it.

Where to find English teaching jobs in Thailand

Ajarn.com

Most established

The longest-running English teaching job board in Thailand. Hundreds of live listings, school profiles, teacher forums, and salary data. Essential reading before applying anywhere.

ThaiVisa / expat forums

Community resource

Forums used by the expat teacher community. Good for candid information about schools and employers — read what current and former teachers say about specific schools before accepting.

TeachAway

International recruiter

Places teachers into government programs and school positions across Thailand. Useful for those applying from outside Thailand.

Direct school applications

Often most effective

Many of the best positions — particularly at private and international schools — are filled through direct applications. Research schools in your target city and email them directly with a strong CV.

TEFL Heaven placement network

Fastest for program graduates

If you complete a TEFL Heaven program, you access our vetted school network. Most placements are confirmed within 1–3 weeks of completing training.

When to apply — Thailand's hiring calendar

Peak hiring

Term 1 start

May–June

The largest wave of hiring. Most government and private schools recruit for their new academic year. Best selection of positions. Aim to have documents ready by March–April.

Secondary peak

Term 2 start

October–November

A significant second wave for mid-year replacements and new positions. Fewer openings than Term 1 but still a strong market.

Year-round

Language schools

Ongoing

Language academies hire throughout the year due to regular turnover. If you are flexible on school type you can find work in almost any month.

Building a strong teaching CV for Thailand

✅ Include a professional photo

Thai schools expect a photo on your CV — professional attire, plain background, smiling. Standard in Thailand.

✅ List your TEFL certificate prominently

Put your TEFL certification near the top — school name, hours, in-person or online, any observed teaching practice.

✅ Include a short personal statement

2–3 sentences about why you want to teach in Thailand and what you bring to a classroom.

✅ Specify your nationality and visa status

Thai schools need to know your passport country for work permit purposes. Be clear.

❌ Use a generic template

Generic CVs are immediately recognisable. A Thailand-specific CV shows you have done your research.

❌ Leave unexplained gaps

Brief explanations of career gaps are appreciated — do not leave Thai administrators guessing.

Preparing for your Thai school interview

"Tell me about yourself"

Prepare a 90-second answer: who you are, your background, why you want to teach, why Thailand. Practise until it sounds natural.

"Why do you want to teach in Thailand?"

Be specific. Mention the culture, the students, the opportunity. Avoid "I want to travel" as your primary reason.

"How would you manage a large class of 35 students?"

Thai classrooms can be large. Show you understand this and have strategies — routines, group activities, positive reinforcement.

"Do you have any questions for us?"

Always prepare 2–3 questions: the English program, student age range, support for new teachers. Shows genuine interest.

Skip the job search — get placed directly

TEFL Heaven program graduates receive guaranteed placement support. No job boards, no waiting.

See the Thailand program

Job search FAQ

How long does it take to find a teaching job in Thailand?

With a recognised TEFL certificate and a degree, most teachers find their first position within 1–4 weeks of actively applying, if timing aligns with the hiring peaks. TEFL Heaven program graduates typically move into a confirmed position within 1–3 weeks of completing training.

Can I find a job before I arrive in Thailand?

Yes — and it is strongly recommended. Most reputable schools will interview and offer positions remotely. Securing a position before you fly allows you to obtain your Non-B visa correctly.

What salary should I expect for my first position?

For a first government or private school position, 30,000–38,000 THB per month is typical with a degree and TEFL certificate. Bangkok positions often pay slightly more.

Get placed — without the job search

TEFL Heaven's program includes guaranteed placement in a paid teaching position. Start with training in Hua Hin, finish with a confirmed job.

See the Thailand program