Teach in Thailand: Earnings, Lifestyle, and Considerations for Families
If you’ve ever thought about what it’s like to teach in Thailand, we’ve got you covered in our Thailand guide. Discover what makes Thailand an exceptional teaching destination for families, potential salaries you can expect, cost of living, visa requirements, and much more.
Why Teach in Thailand?
Thailand offers international teachers access to a unique blend of ancient Buddhist culture, tropical beauty, and modern conveniences. From the bustling city of Bangkok to the cultural heart of Chiang Mai, the beach towns of Phuket, and the historical sites of Ayutthaya, living in Thailand offers teachers (and their families) a culturally immersive and rewarding experience.
The top-tier international schools in Thailand offer competitive salaries ranging from USD $5,000-6,000 plus housing and benefits. But these positions are extremely competitive!
For expat families, Thailand delivers authentic cultural immersion alongside world-class international schooling options. Top international schools like Wellington College Bangkok, and British International School Phuket typically offer comprehensive benefit packages, including housing allowances, tuition benefits for teachers’ children, and annual flights back home.
The Thai education system places strong emphasis on respect for teachers, which helps to create a positive working environment (though each school will have its own unique culture). Like many international schools across the world, some Thai international schools can be largely made up of local students from affluent families. Depending on each school’s approach, this can sometimes create unique social dynamics for expat kids.
The schooling is first class and the kids grow up with an incredibly inclusive mindset. I’m so happy that my daughter will forevermore be colour blind and never judge someone based on their culture or religion.
Teach in Thailand: Salary, Taxation & Cost of Living
Let’s examine the teaching salaries you can expect in Thailand, how taxation works for international teachers and expats, and the cost of living in this beautiful country.
Average Teaching Salaries
Top International Schools
$3,500 – $6,000 USD/month (120,000 – 210,000 THB) before taxes
Benefits typically include housing allowance (or accommodation), annual flights, health insurance and tuition.
Mid-Tier International Schools
$2,200 – $3,500 USD/month (80,000 – 120,000 THB)
Some benefits included, varies by school. Partial housing assistance is common.
Bilingual & Private Schools
$1,400 – $2,200 USD/month (50,000 – 80,000 THB)
Primarily cater to Thai students with enhanced English programs. Expect more limited benefits than other schools.
Most international school packages in Thailand include bi-annual return flights (often annual at top schools) to your home country (or equivalent cash allowance). Top-tier schools usually offer a housing allowance that ranges from 25,000-60,000 THB monthly or furnished accommodation. All reputable schools should offer comprehensive health insurance coverage.
Many schools include tuition costs for teachers’ children. Some schools do have caps (usually two children per teacher), but not all. School fees in Thailand range anywhere from $2,000 to $25,000 annually, with an average of around $10,000.
Tax System & Deductions
When tossing up whether or not to teach in Thailand, understanding the tax system helps you calculate your take home pay – and work out whether you’ll have enough to live on comfortably (and save). Rates range from 0% to 35% depending on income levels:
Tax residency: After 180 days in Thailand
Taxable income: All Thailand-sourced income must be declared
Available deductions: Personal allowance (60,000 THB), spouse allowance (60,000 THB), child allowances (30,000 THB per child), health insurance premiums, and pension contributions
Social Security: Thailand Social Security = 5% capped at 750 THB. International school teachers are almost always enrolled, but some smaller schools try to avoid paying their share — so double-check your contract.
Important Note: Unlike some countries with teacher tax exemptions, Thailand taxes all residents on local income. Most schools will help you with filing your taxes. Many teachers find the tax rate reasonable given the level of available deductions (especially with multiple kids).
Housing Benefits
Top international schools in Thailand typically provide either furnished accommodation or housing allowances ranging from 25,000-60,000 THB monthly. Most expat families choose to live in:
Thonglor and Phrom Phong (family-friendly with green space and parks)
Sathorn area (central, good access to different international schools)
Other Cities:
Chiang Mai: Nimmanhaemin Road area or near international schools
Phuket: Patong, Kata, or international school compounds
Pattaya: Central areas or Jomtien
Housing quality is generally high, with modern condominiums featuring pools, gyms, and 24-hour security. In Bangkok, expect to pay 50,000–90,000 THB per month in expat areas. In Chiang Mai, similar apartments may cost 25,000–50,000 THB.
Healthcare, hospitality, household help, transportation, international schools are top-notch.
Thailand offers an excellent quality of life with reasonable costs. Families can live comfortably on around $2,000 USD/month if housing is included in the package. Without housing, expect closer to $3,000–$4,000 USD/month.
Here’s what to expect:
Daily Expenses:
Local food: Extremely affordable – street food from 40-80 THB, local restaurants 100-300 THB per meal
International dining: Mid-range restaurants 400-800 THB per person, high-end dining 1,000+ THB
Groceries: Local markets very cheap, imported goods expensive (Western cereals 300+ THB)
Transportation: BTS/MRT 20-60 THB per trip, Grab rides 100-300 THB for most journeys
Domestic help: Very common and affordable – housekeepers 300-500 THB per day
Family-Specific Costs:
Childcare/Nannies: 15,000-25,000 THB monthly for full-time help
Healthcare: Private hospitals excellent, insurance essential (school-provided coverage is usually comprehensive but varies from school to school so check what you’re covered for)
Savings Potential: Teachers can save anywhere from USD $8,000–$20,000 per year, depending on school package, housing benefits, and lifestyle choices. The combination of good salaries and reasonable living costs makes Thailand excellent for building savings while enjoying a high quality of life.
Teach in Thailand: Types of Schools Available
These schools offer international curricula (IB, British, American) and serve mainly expat and affluent Thai families. They offer excellent facilities and resources and comprehensive benefits. It’s typically highly competitive to secure a role.
Examples: International School Bangkok (ISB), Bangkok Patana School
These schools cater primarily to Thai students with English instruction. Expect lower salaries, but cultural immersion opportunities. They can get a good stepping stone to international schools, but may not be the right fit for your children.
These schools are usually made up of mixed international and Thai student populations. They can offer good facilities and a variety of curriculum offerings. You’re likely to get competitive salaries and some benefits. They’re growing rapidly across Thailand
Examples: Wells International School, Regent’s International School Bangkok
Visa & Work Permits
The visa and work permit process in Thailand is usually pretty smooth for teachers, but it’s still a good idea to understand how it works before you apply for jobs. International schools typically sponsor teachers and manage most of the paperwork for you – which makes things a lot easier!
Initial Entry: Most teachers enter on tourist visas while schools process work permit applications. Some schools arrange Non-Immigrant B visas in advance, but it’s rare. According to Kru Teacher, around 95% of schools won’t provide visa sponsorship in advance.1 But from talking to families at top-tier international schools, many of these schools do often arrange a Non-Immigrant B visa before arrival.
Work Permit Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree (needs to be relevant to your teaching subject)
Teaching qualification
Criminal background check (apostilled, less than 6 months old)
Medical certificate from approved hospital in Thailand
Many schools prefer 2+ years experience but may hire strong candidates without it
Spousal and Family Visas: Dependent visas are straightforward for accompanying family members. Spouses can apply for work permits, though the process requires employer sponsorship. If you’re a trailing spouse wanting to work, it may be challenging, unless you’re open to remote work.
School Support: Reputable international schools handle most visa procedures and provide guidance throughout the process. Budget 20,000-30,000 THB for visa and work permit costs (often, but not always, reimbursed by schools).
Thailand can pay very well, comparable to schools in the Middle East if you secure a position at one of the top schools. The cost of living has increased but it’s still lower than Dubai. The best schools will offer attractive packages to keep up with costs. Just bear in mind, it’s very competitive to land a job at the top schools.
INTERNATIONAL TEACHER IN THAILAND
What It’s Like for Expat Families
Let’s explore what it’s like to live in Thailand as an expat family.
International Schools: There are more than 120 schools across the country offering various curricula (IB, British, American, Australian). Bangkok has 40+ international schools with varying price points and quality levels.
IB programs are widely available and highly regarded.
Thai culture is incredibly welcoming to children, and it’s easy to see why Thailand has been nicknamed “Land of Smiles.”
Thai people adore children and are incredibly patient and kind.
You’ll find strong expat communities in major cities throughout Thailand.
International school communities provide instant social networks.
There are year-round outdoor activities and sports opportunities.
Depending on the school you choose, your kids may need time to adjust to different educational approaches.
There can be social hierarchies in some international schools, based on nationality or economic status.
Children typically adapt quickly to Thai culture due to its child-friendly nature:
Timeline: Most children feel comfortable within 3-6 months, with younger kids adapting faster.
Language: Thai is tonal and challenging, but children can pick up basic conversational skills – and they’ll learn Thai at school.
Cultural Activities: Temple visits, traditional festivals, cooking classes, and martial arts all offer rich cultural experiences for kids (and the whole family!).
Thailand is generally very safe for families:
Expect low crime rates in expat areas – but always take common sense precautions.
One of the biggest issues you’ll face is traffic, which can be chaotic. Many families use school buses or taxis rather than walking.
There is little risk of any major natural disasters, but flooding can occur during rainy season in some areas.
There are three different seasons in Thailand.
Cool Season (November-February): Pleasant temperatures, low humidity.
Hot Season (March-May): High temperatures, increasing humidity.
Rainy Season (June-October): Daily showers, high humidity but manageable.
Most expat families love the consistent warmth and adjust to indoor air conditioning during the hottest months.
There is excellent public transport in Bangkok (BTS, MRT, boats), but also a lot of traffic congestion. Outside Bangkok expats are typically more car-dependent. But the traffic is lighter than Bangkok.
If you want to travel throughout the country there are excellent domestic flights available, as well as comfortable buses and trains.
Many teaching families find they don’t need cars in Bangkok due to excellent public transport and affordable taxis.
Thailand’s healthcare system, particularly private hospitals, rivals Western standards.
Privatehospitals in Thailand offer world-class facilities with English-speaking doctors.
Depending on your benefits package, the school should provide comprehensive insurance for you and your family.
Dental care is also excellent and affordable and you can receive specialist care for a variety of conditions. Most doctors are Western-trained specialists.
To get a decent salary at an international school you’ll need to live in Bangkok or on the outskirts. The schools in Chiang Mai and Phuket don’t pay nearly as much – though the lifestyle there is amazing so can make up for it. Starting salary for any decent international school in Bangkok will be 100k baht per month.
TEACHER AT INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, BANGKOK
Things to Do in Thailand
Thailand offers incredible family experiences all throughout the year:
Ancient Temples: Wat Pho, Wat Arun in Bangkok; Wat Phra That in Chiang Mai.
Chinese New Year: Major celebration, especially in Bangkok’s Chinatown.
Royal Ploughing Ceremony: Traditional agricultural ceremony.
Teaching Environment and Student Culture
Academic Environment
In general, Thai students and parents generally show respect for teachers which helps to create a positive classroom environment – but that said there can still be a lot of academic pressure from many parents.
Student Characteristics:
Respectful and polite, following Buddhist principles
May be less vocal in class initially due to cultural emphasis on not causing others to “lose face”
Strong family emphasis on education, particularly in international schools
Creative and artistic, with many students excelling in arts and music
Parental Involvement: High expectations from Thai families, with education viewed as extremely important. On the whole, international school parents are typically very engaged and supportive.
Professional Development
Although it ultimately comes down to the school you’re working at, Thailand itself offers excellent professional development opportunities. The international school network is strong in Thailand and there are regular workshops available. Being in South East Asia means there are also regional conferences available nearby.
Special Visa Considerations for Teachers
Thailand has recently introduced several visa options benefiting long-term residents:
LTR Visa: New 10-year visa option for qualified professionals (including teachers at approved schools).
Multiple Entry Options: Work permit holders must obtain a re-entry permit (single or multiple) with their Non-Immigrant B visa; without it, leaving Thailand will cancel both their visa and work permit.
Retirement Planning: Thailand offers retirement visa options if you’re considering staying after you stop working.
Regional Travel Benefits
Thailand’s central location makes it perfect for exploring Southeast Asia:
Visa-free travel: Many regional countries accessible without advance visas
Budget airlines: Cheap flights throughout the region
School holidays: Aligned with optimal travel seasons
Challenges & Considerations for Teaching Families in Thailand
Bureaucracy: Government processes can be slow – you’ll need lots of patience!
Language Barriers: Thai language is tonal and challenging for adults – but many people also speak English (especially in tourist areas).
Cultural Differences: Indirect communication style may require adjustment.
Tropical Climate: Heat and humidity take time to get used to.
Traffic Congestion: Particularly in Bangkok the traffic can often be horrendous and you’ll need to plan your commute accordingly.
Internet: Generally excellent in urban areas, essential for online PD.
Power Outages: Rare but occasional, most buildings have backup generators.
Flooding: Seasonal concerns in some areas, rarely affects international school compounds.
Air Quality: Bangkok can have pollution issues, particularly during burning season.
In recent years, many more Asian expats have been moving to Thailand with their families, especially from China. So while the lingua franca at a school may be English, the language on the playground might be Chinese. It’s definitely worth finding out which languages are most common at prospective schools to ensure your child can communicate with other students.
Major banks (Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn, SCB) offer English services and international transfer options. And your school should assist you in this process on arrival.
Money Management Tips
Salary Timing: Most schools pay monthly.
Currency Exchange: Use authorised money changers or banks for best rates,
International Transfers: Wise, Western Union, or bank transfers are usually your best options for sending money home.
Investment Options: Limited for expats.
Teach in Thailand: Is It Right for You?
Thailand offers an amazing opportunity for teachers and their families. You can expect professional growth, cultural immersion, and lifestyle benefits that few destinations can match. The combination of competitive salaries at top schools, reasonable living costs, excellent healthcare, and incredible travel opportunities makes it a top choice for international teaching families.
Choose Thailand if you’re looking for:
Warm, welcoming culture with respect for teachers
Excellent work-life balance and reasonable teaching loads
Year-round tropical climate and outdoor lifestyle
Rich cultural experiences and Buddhist philosophy
Outstanding food culture and healthy eating options
Regional travel hub to explore Southeast Asia
Strong expat communities and support networks
High-quality healthcare at affordable prices
Consider alternative destinations if you’re seeking:
Teach in Thailand: Special Considerations for Families
Thailand has active expat communities with clubs, sports, and family activities. Online groups and forums help new arrivals with advice and connections. Fresh, affordable produce makes healthy eating easy. Affordable spas and massages support relaxation and stress relief. Thailand combines career opportunities with a healthy, family-friendly lifestyle.
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