Jobs and life in Thailand

Thailand, a dream paradise

Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with its white beaches, world class food and drinks, exotic culture and cheap cost of living. Discover more about this country, its people and their culture.

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Thai people like to have fun!

Sanuk is the Thai way of life. Sanuk basically means living in the moment and having fun throughout the whole day. Although often translated as “fun”, this word doesn’t fully cover the entire concept.

Thai people are generous and welcoming. They are always excited to greet foreigners in their country. Bangkok ranked 1st in Mastercard’s list of Global Destination Cities Index 2019. The city alone welcomes almost two million tourists each month.

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In Thai culture, speaking the truth is important

Thai people value speaking truthfully. That’s why you may occasionally hear pretty direct comments that we wouldn’t make in the west. Telling a lie, even a white lie, is also considered rude.

Two of the most important concepts in Thai culture are respect and self-control. That’s why they don’t show anger in public. Doing so will cause a loss of respect. Instead, people typically put up a smile when they are under great stress.

Thai people are respectful to other people’s beliefs. Buddhism is a very important part of most people’s lives, and you won’t find more temples anywhere else in the world!

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English is not widely spoken

Don’t expect a random person to be able to speak English, also not in Thailand’s biggest city, Bangkok. However, tourism is a big part of Thailand’s GDP, so finding a place with an English menu is absolutely no problem. People who frequently interact with tourists typically speak OK or good English – their livelihood depends on it. Other than that, it’s recommended you at least learn some basic sentences if you plan to live in Thailand.

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Nature that’s great for sports and sightseeing alike

Thailand has excellent nature, featuring the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world (older than the Amazon rainforest) in Khao Sok National Park. There’s a wide variety of activities available, and usually these are relatively cheap. Make sure to see:

Thailand nature

A look at Thailand

Let’s have a look at what Thailand actually looks like. Hint: you can play both videos at the same time.

Regions of Thailand

thailand map
Designed by Freepik

Northeast Thailand, or Isan, is a high plateau and the biggest region. There is a huge biodiversity and many endemic species.

Northern Thailand has the most jungle and plays an important place in Thai history. Hill tribes live here as well. Winters are a bit cooler.

Central Thailand is home to Bangkok, many rice fields and famous for floating river markets.

Southern Thailand is where you go when you want to relax on one of Thailand’s white beaches, including the popular island of Phuket.

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Teach English in Bangkok

Bangkok is Thailand’s frenetic capital city. It’s a global metropolis featuring anything and everything one could want. Between an unparalleled local scene and thriving expat community, there’s no shortage of things to do. If you are looking to pack as much experience into your stay as possible – or take advantage of this megacity’s incredible opportunities – Bangkok is a great place to live.

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Teach English in Chonburi and Sattahip

Chonburi is a smaller coastal city a short drive outside of Bangkok and the capital of Chonburi Provice. With popular beaches and more low-key communities, it’s a popular destination for tourists and expats looking for a more relaxed lifestyle than that offered by either Bangkok or Pattaya (Pattaya is in Chonburi Province, too).

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Teach English in Pattaya

Pattaya is a city on Thailand’s eastern Gulf coast known for its beaches. A quiet fishing village as recently as the 1960s, it’s now lined with resort hotels, high-rise condos, shopping malls, cabaret bars and 24-hour clubs. Nearby, hillside Wat Phra Yai Temple features an 18m-tall golden Buddha. The area also features several designer golf courses, some with views of Pattaya Bay.

Khon Kaen, Thailand

Teach English in Khon Kaen

Khon Kaen is approximately 5–6 hours from Bangkok, and offers a great alternative choice for those that enjoy a less frenetic experience than the major cities. Khon Kaen is quickly developing as one of the best tourist destinations in Thailand, due to its numerous museums, temples, shrines, and national parks.

Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Teach English in Kanchanaburi

As a smaller, more relaxed community, Kanchanaburi is surrounded with quiet temples and natural splendor sprinkled with historical monuments spanning thousands of years.

Located in western Thailand and just 2 hours from Bangkok. It is perfect for nature-lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, with its mountainous terrain, waterfalls, caves, pristine national parks, and several large reservoirs. Home to Elephants World.

The weather is warm and enjoyable year-round, and the cost of living is very low.

Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

Teach English in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat)

A 3-hour drive from Bangkok, Nakhon Ratchasima (formerly known as Korat) is a culture lover’s delight, with a full array of shrines, monuments, temples, museums, zoos, water parks and sports stadiums that will give you a fully immersive cultural experience. There is a flourishing nightlife too, with numerous bars and clubs that cater to all tastes and styles.

Mahachai, Thailand

Teach English in Mahachai

Mahachai is approximately 1 hour east of Bangkok and provides a slightly slower pace than is typically found in the larger cities. Located in the Samutsakorn province, the region offers an abundance of sights and attractions. Temples, shrines, food markets and water parks are all easily accessible. Being coastal, Mahachai also offers many water-based activities, such as exploring the mangroves and floating markets, visiting the salt farms, hunting snail shells, dolphin watching, and enjoying the sunset.

Suphanburi, Thailand

Teach English in Suphanburi

Located approximately 100 km from Bangkok (slightly over 1 hour by car), Suphanburi is a friendly and charming city that offers a balanced mix of natural and man-made attractions that is perfect for cultural explorers. The city hosts numerous nightspots and entertainment venues, as well as department stores, movies theaters (including English screenings), and night markets. It is safe and welcoming, has a solid infrastructure, and the traffic isn’t jammed like in some of the bigger cities. Suphanburi offers a relaxed experience for those that want to immerse themselves into Thai culture.

Thailand’s roads are super busy

You can get around Bangkok with the BTS Skytrain and avoid other traffic. Bangkok uses the Rabbit Card for the BTS Skytrain and the MRT Plus Card for the MRT lines. They will possibly be replaced by the Mangmoon Card which will eventually support both BTS Skytrain and MRT lines, as well as the Airport Rail Link and buses.

Tuk-tuks are Thailand’s most iconic mode of transportation and relatively cheap, although you will always have to haggle over the price. A bit lesser known among foreigners, Songthaews are trucks with an open cabin added in the back, and you can sit on a bench inside. Taxis are affordable if you always insist on using the meter.

For longer distances, trains are often slower than buses. Trains are divided in three classes, with the third class giving a distinct feeling of traveling by classic train. Hawkers may roams the isles to sell all kinds of refreshments.

See detailed info on traveling in Thailand.

Thai traffic

Amazing food that stays special every day

Seven Thai dishes appeared on a CNN list of “The World’s 50 Best Foods”, with more dishes than any other country. Thailand is also often voted as the best country for street food.

Thai food is usually aromatic with a spicy edge. Tom yam kung (spicy and sour shrimp soup), pad Thai (noodles, but perfect), papaya salad and massaman curry are just some of the excellent dishes you have to try at least twice in your life.

To many people Thai food can be too spicy, even if they are used to eating spicy food. Just say “mai pet” if you don’t want it to be spicy at all. Vegetarians may have difficulty finding a suitable dish as many dishes contain fish sauce or shrimp paste.

Food safety can be an issue when eating street food. Using common sense will help you, like not eating uncooked meat or only eating from vendors with long lines.

Thai coconuts

Enjoy a high standard of living

The average salary in Bangkok is about $800 a month. As an English teacher you will earn about $1500-1650 a month. That leaves you with plenty of money to live the lifestyle you want to. How much money you end up spending heavily depends on your lifestyle and on how much you live like a local.

Although Thai food is cheap, Western food costs twice as much. The north of Thailand is cheaper, with Chiang Mai about 20% cheaper than Bangkok. The popular island Phuket is the most expensive area in the country and about 20% more expensive than Bangkok. Living in a rural area can be about 3 times cheaper than living in Bangkok.

Check out two good overviews of the cost of living in Thailand here and here.

Thai money

Teach in Thailand and never leave

Many teachers who plan to teach in Thailand for one year end up staying for several years, and some even for decades. Not only is teaching English rewarding, but many teachers also grow as a person as they teach. Living in an exotic culture is an added bonus. For those who do manage to return home, the experience boosts their personal experience as well as their resume.

Thailand is a big country with an even bigger personality.

  • Enjoy the controlled chaos of Bangkok.
  • Lounge or party in the seaside city of Pattaya.
  • Explore the cool mountainous reaches of Chiang Mai.
  • Delve into your spiritual side at holy Buddhist sites.
  • Or partake in great food and great times ANYWHERE.

As one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and a low cost of living, you’ll feel like you’re on vacation every day. Between bustling cities, laid back beaches, and calming mountain retreats, you’ll find somewhere to call home in Thailand. Thailand is also close to other popular countries such as Vietnam and Singapore.

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About Schools in Thailand

We are the official recruitment arm of Shane English Schools.

With locations in some of the country’s most exciting cities, we can provide you with amazing opportunities for teaching all ages and language levels. Enjoy the electric atmosphere of Bangkok or the low-key beaches of Chonburi while you live in paradise.

A strong regional team and time-tested teaching methods have made Shane English Schools one of Thailand’s top English language schools. You will get comprehensive training and full support from both local staff and our international network of teachers, advisors, and administrative staff. Thanks to that same network, you can be sure to get unparalleled opportunities to advance either in Thailand or at other locations abroad.

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The Pay

  • 40,000-50,000 THB per month depending on qualifications and experience.
  • End of contract bonus of up to 10,000 THB after 12 months.
  • Full visa cost reimbursement (50% paid after 6 months, 50% paid after 12 months).

Benefits

  • Average 20 to 30 teaching hours a week.
  • Maximum 10 students per class.
  • 14 days unpaid holiday per year (plus national holidays).
  • Arrival hotel will be provided for the first few days.

The Job

  • Teach mostly at the schools with some occasional outside classes.
  • All course guides, lesson plans, and support materials are provided.
  • All classrooms are fully equipped with whiteboards, markers and teaching aids.
  • You are encouraged to use your own support materials in accordance with academic standards of the school.

Native English speaker

You need to be a native English speaker.

Teaching Certificates

You need one of the following teaching certificates:

  • A 120-hour TEFL certificate
  • CELTA
  • DELTA
  • Trinity certTESOL

Currently, the Thai government does not require a TEFL or any teaching licence to legally teach in Thailand. However, to maintain the teaching standards of the English schools, it is a company-wide requirement for all teachers to have at least one of the above certificates.

If you don’t have a teaching certificate yet, check out our TEFL discount, provided by International TEFL and TESOL Training (ITTT).

Degree

You need at least a bachelor’s degree in any field.

Criminal Background Check

You need to provide a criminal background check, issued within the last 6 months. Check your country to see which one you need:

Australia (National Police Checks)

Canada (Certified Criminal Record Check):

Ireland (Police Certificates):

New Zealand (Criminal Record)

South Africa (Police Clearance Certificate)

United Kingdom (Police Certificate) ACRO or Basic Disclosure (for Scotland)

United States (Identity History Summary)