Thailand Teaching Guide

English Teacher Salary in Thailand

What you actually earn, what life costs, and what's left at the end of the month — the honest numbers.

What do English teachers earn in Thailand?

Thailand is consistently one of the most popular TEFL destinations in the world — partly because of the lifestyle, but also because the financial picture genuinely works. Teaching salaries are not high by Western standards, but set against the cost of living, most teachers live comfortably and save meaningfully each month.

30k–45k

THB/month
Government school

35k–60k

THB/month
Private school

40k–70k

THB/month
International school

~44 THB

per £1
approx rate

Salary by school type

Most common entry point

Government schools

The largest employer of foreign English teachers in Thailand — from Bangkok to rural provinces. Salaries are lower but cultural immersion and community feel are highlights.

30,000–35,000 THB/month

~£680–£795 · Mon–Fri · School holidays included

Better pay, more structure

Private Thai schools

Typically pay more than government schools with better resources and smaller class sizes. Usually require a degree and recognised TEFL certificate.

35,000–50,000 THB/month

~£795–£1,135 · Mon–Fri · Benefits vary

Flexible hours

Language schools

Private language centers operate evenings and weekends serving working adults and exam-prep students. Often more flexible on qualifications but schedules can be unsocial.

30,000–45,000 THB/month

Variable hours · evenings and weekends common

International schools — the top tier

International schools pay 60,000–100,000+ THB per month. However they almost always require a recognised teaching qualification from your home country (QTS, state certification) in addition to a TEFL certificate.

What does life actually cost in Thailand?

Expense	Bangkok	Regional cities	Rural/small towns
Private apartment (1-bed)	8,000–15,000 THB	5,000–9,000 THB	3,000–6,000 THB
Street food meal	40–80 THB	35–60 THB	30–50 THB
Restaurant meal	120–300 THB	80–200 THB	60–150 THB
Monthly transport	1,400–2,500 THB	800–1,500 THB	500–1,000 THB
Gym membership	500–1,500 THB	300–800 THB	200–500 THB
Estimated monthly total	18,000–28,000 THB	12,000–20,000 THB	8,000–15,000 THB

A realistic monthly budget

Bangkok — Government school

Salary32,000 THB

Rent (1-bed)–10,000 THB

Food–6,000 THB

Transport–2,000 THB

Utilities, phone, misc–3,000 THB

Monthly surplus~11,000 THB

Regional city — Private school

Salary40,000 THB

Rent (1-bed)–6,000 THB

Food–4,000 THB

Transport–1,500 THB

Utilities, phone, misc–2,500 THB

Monthly surplus~26,000 THB

Ways to earn more in Thailand

Private tutoring

Thai parents invest heavily in their children's English education. Private tutoring rates range from 400–1,000 THB per hour. Even 5 hours per week adds 8,000–20,000 THB per month.

Weekend language school work

Many teachers take on Saturday morning classes at language academies alongside their weekday school position. Common practice — can add 5,000–15,000 THB per month.

Online teaching

Platforms like Italki and Preply allow you to teach online in your free time. With Thailand's low living costs, even modest online earnings change your monthly balance significantly.

Ready to teach in Thailand?

Get the full program details including salary guidance, placement areas and start dates.

See the Thailand program

Salary FAQ

Is a degree required to get the higher-paying positions?

For government and most private schools, yes — a bachelor's degree is required for a legal work permit in Thailand. International schools typically require a degree plus a home-country teaching qualification.

Do schools in Thailand pay end-of-contract bonuses?

Some private and international schools include a contract completion bonus, but this is not standard across government schools. Always check your contract before signing.

Are flights or accommodation included?

Occasionally at international schools. Government and private Thai school positions rarely include these benefits. TEFL Heaven's program includes accommodation during training in Hua Hin.

Can I save money on a Thailand teaching salary?

Yes — particularly outside Bangkok. Teachers in regional cities regularly save 10,000–20,000 THB per month on a standard government salary. Adding tutoring or weekend work substantially changes the picture.

See if the Thailand program is right for you

The TEFL Heaven Thailand program includes TEFL certification, guaranteed paid placement, accommodation during training, and ongoing support.

See the Thailand program