Lucy's most-loved country — and a brilliant first posting
Thailand has been welcoming foreign English teachers for decades, and with good reason. Salaries are modest by Asian standards but the cost of living is so low that your quality of life can be genuinely excellent. The people are warm, the food is sensational, and the culture is endlessly fascinating.
You'll need a Non-Immigrant B visa to work legally in Thailand. Your school must provide a work permit — never work on a tourist visa, as this is both illegal and risky. The process usually takes 4–6 weeks. Always ensure your school handles this properly before you arrive.
Expect ฿35,000–55,000/month at a language centre or international school. Bangkok is more expensive than Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai. Your rent, food, and transport costs are typically low enough that teachers save well even on modest salaries.
Chiang Mai is my personal top recommendation — smaller, cooler, safer, and with a huge expat teacher community. Bangkok has the most jobs but the heat, traffic, and cost of living are greater. Hua Hin and Koh Samui are pleasant but job options are limited.
Degree certificate (apostilled), criminal background check (apostilled), TEFL/CELTA certificate, valid passport, passport-sized photos, and medical certificate. Your school will guide you through the specifics, but start gathering these at least 3 months in advance.
Thailand was my first posting and it captured my heart for 12 years. The key to happiness here is getting outside Bangkok. Chiang Mai especially has a quality of life that is hard to match anywhere in the world at this price point. The schools vary wildly in quality — always ask to speak to a current teacher before accepting.