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Can I obtain a work visa to teach in Chiang Mai with a teaching diploma but no degree?

ThailandVisa RulesTeaching JobsWork PermitsImmigrationSouth AfricaChiang Mai
Oct 10, 2023
a year ago
Kerin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi! I’ve been offered a teaching job at a school in Chiang Mai, just waiting on the contract. I have a teaching diploma from my native South Africa but no degree (teaching or otherwise). Will I be able to get a work visa for this teaching post - only based on diploma and many years teaching experience? Thanking you in adavnce for any advice… getting cold feet on the lead up to resigning from my current post.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post raises concerns about obtaining a work visa in Thailand without a college degree, specifically for a teaching position in Chiang Mai. It highlights the requirement of a bachelor's degree to legally work as a teacher in Thailand, regardless of teaching experience or possession of a diploma. Several comments discuss personal experiences and caution against pursuing jobs that may be illegal or a scam, advising thorough research and consideration of potential legal consequences. Ultimately, the viability of obtaining a work visa in this situation is questioned, with caution advised for the poster.
Sergio *****
Check with Thai immigration!!! Not here
a year ago
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Kelly ******
Hi Kerin, I'd be really careful and do a lot of research before taking a job in Thailand over the internet. There are so many job scams happening at the moment leading people into false jobs in Myanmar (bordering Thailand). The jobs are falsely advertised for such things as teaching, customer service, tech jobs, etc etc. They are specifically looking for people skilled in English. (Also, there are legitimate teaching jobs in Thailand as well! I just feel it is prudent to let you know) Here is a link to an article:
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a year ago
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Kelly ******
Promises of better work in Thailand are unlikely to be better that what is available to you in SA. If you have a good job. Keep it! Far too often people are lured into trafficking situations at the promise and guise of high paying jobs in Thailand that are just not real!
a year ago
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Kelly ******
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Nick ****************
Simply No. No degree no work permit. You can work but it will be illegally. Any issues, salary not paid etc. You won’t have a leg to stand on. Some have got away with it for years. Others were arrested, fined, deported and banned from re entering Thailand. You take your chances!
a year ago
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Bruce *********
@Nick ***************
 I know two people teaching at a very well known school on Sukhumvit who do not have college degrees. They both have been there for over 2 years.
a year ago
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Stanley *******
@Nick ***************
 I know many teachers in Thailand who got their work visa and they don't have a degree. This is Thailand
a year ago
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Nick ****************
@Stanley ******
 yes agreed. There are many but they are working illegally and if there are problems they are the ones that carry the can.
a year ago
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Stanley *******
@Nick ***************
 and still, the immigration office will process your work permit. No problem at all. There is always a shortage of foreign ESL teachers in Thailand.
a year ago
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Stanley *******
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Us *****
How do you have a teaching diploma without a college degree? Don't they require you to have a college degree as the minimum to admit you into a teaching program.
a year ago
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Kerin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Us ****
 I won’t be teaching English. I am a Montessori teacher and am qualified in my country to teach at any Montessori school.
a year ago
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Doreen **********
@Kerin *******
 Hi, Kerin. May I send you a private message?
a year ago
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Kerin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Doreen *********
 sure.
a year ago
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Kerin ********
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Colin ********
@Bradley ********
 that doesn't make it legal, many schools register the teacher in an admin role, but if immigration catch you it will be you, not the school, fined and jailed.
a year ago
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Colin ********
@Bradley ********
 actually it does, but believe what you want.
a year ago
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Colin ********
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VaiAna **********
@Us ****
 pretty sure you can buy one online
a year ago
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VaiAna **********
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VaiAna **********
Do not act hastily . Keep your job . You're going into a foreign country so have them process work permit & visa from their end . Immigration have seen it all so enter legally .
a year ago
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Christine *******
@VaiAna *********
 You have to apply for the work permit in person, so it can't be done ahead of time.
a year ago
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VaiAna **********
@Christine ******
 Either way I wouldn't just show up without them meeting halfway
a year ago
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VaiAna **********
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Kerin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@VaiAna *********
 thank you. I would never enter illegally… hoping they’re able to process legally their side. 🌺
a year ago
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VaiAna **********
@Kerin *******
 too risky . You don't want to be black listed from Thailand
a year ago
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VaiAna **********
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Annie **********
@VaiAna *********
 good advice!
a year ago
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Annie **********
You talk a lot of sense,
@VaiAna *********
! Much easier to do things the right way ❤️
a year ago
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VaiAna **********
@Annie *********
 yes I agree . I've seen tons of expats working dans le noir ( under the table) . Personally I wouldn't feel comfortable . I rather err on the side of the law .
a year ago
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VaiAna **********
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VaiAna **********
@Annie *********
 , I lived in Thailand for 2 years . I just wouldn't mess around in foreign countries .
a year ago
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VaiAna **********
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Cary ******
A Bachelors degree is required to legally teach in Thailand irrespective of your experience in SA. People have been hired to teach without but usually from in country. It’s still not legal.
a year ago
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Kerin ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Cary *****
 thank you! That’s really useful!
a year ago
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Kerin ********
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Neil ********
The school should organise your visa if they offer you a post based on your experience
a year ago
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Neil ********
Or at least give you all the documents you require to apply for the visa based on a job offer
a year ago
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Neil ********
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