Is it safe to accept a teaching job in Thailand if the school asks me to come on a tourist visa?

Question

Hi everyone, I recently got a job offer as an ESL Teacher, I'm currently in Cambodia. My school said I need to come as tourist and then I will get my visa but I'm not sure if that's really okay. Also I don't know how much it actually costs to apply inside Thailand. Do you think it's a scam? I'm a bit scared because I already have a job in here and don't want to risk it at all. The school is in a rural area btw.

Ask Thailand · Answer

The questioner is considering a job offer as an ESL teacher in Thailand but is concerned about the school's request for them to enter the country on a tourist visa. Comments in the discussion highlight mixed opinions, with some participants indicating that the school's approach is common but risky, while others caution against it, urging the questioner to be wary of potential scams or illegal work situations. Key points include the necessity of securing proper work permits and the general recommendation to avoid taking work on a tourist visa.

Robert ********* · Answer

What rural area ?

Be aware some are not pleasant to be in .

If med i would try for chanthaburi

Christopher ******** · Answer

Seems normal to me. You need to take care of paperwork before you can get a work visa. Just confirm with them if there is anything they need before you leave Cambodia.

Nick ******* · Answer

Sounds completely normal to me. Ensure that the School will pay for the Work Permit and  Visa

John ******** · Answer

Can't say it's a scam but very well could be so

Kool ******* · Answer

Just remember that you can not legally be doing any work without a work permit. There is no "trial period" where you don't need one. That is bs.

Jon ******** · Answer

The process is you come as a tourist and then go to Laos and get a B visa and then get a work permit. I did it 12 years ago. It’s legit. My school didn’t pay for the visa but did cover the work permit. Get a contract.

Mma ******* · Answer

That’s how it normally happens, come in on Tourist visa then convert to a work permit. Do they have alot of other teachers, are they an agent (like Media Kids)?. Did you find it on Ajarn or FB? You didn’t provide many details in the post for the ametuer slueths.

Ant *********** · Answer

There is a large FB group for teachers and teaching in Thailand , I would join the group and ask around about what you have mentioned

It does sound odd

Andrew ******** · Answer

If nervous, stay where you are

David ******** · Answer

Be careful not saying it is a scam, but not unknown to tell you come on a tourist visa, they will tell you it is ok to work while they get the paperwork together they won't and after a few months with no pay there is nothing you can do, they will have had you working for months for no pay, working on a tourist visa is illegal whatever they say, a rural school in Thailand !!! If it goes wrong you will get no help

Is it safe to accept a teaching job in Thailand if the school asks me to come on a tourist visa?

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