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Is obtaining a teaching certificate a viable option for relocating to Thailand as an engineer?
Thai visa rulesWork permitsTeaching English in ThailandEngineering jobs in ThailandRelocating to BangkokExpats in Thailand
Jan 25, 2026
3 months ago
Naresh ******************
ORIGINAL POSTERI'm an engineer from Malaysia who is trying to relocate to Bangkok but, no companies are willing to sponsor a visa or a work permit hence making it hard to land a job, will it be a good idea to get a teaching certificate instead and work as an English teacher before switching jobs with the work permit that I will be provided as a teacher.Does that improve my chances in any way?Anyone care to share their thoughts on this please.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user, an engineer from Malaysia, is exploring whether obtaining a teaching certificate to work as an English teacher in Bangkok would help them secure a job in engineering later on. Several commenters point out that transitioning from a teaching role to an engineering job is complicated, particularly regarding work permits, which are not transferable. Additionally, some share logistical concerns about hiring practices and sponsorship by companies in Thailand, emphasizing that technical skills must meet demand to secure employment.
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Jeff *************
Won't the school stop sponsoring you? Then what happens
Naresh ******************
ORIGINAL POSTERIs this a scammer?
Ste****
Naresh Kumar Tegarajan i would not trust it, be careful! It’s better to go the legit way.
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Ste****
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Naresh ******************
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Bradley ***********
Why not looking into consulting as an engineer?
Jay ********
Europe are looking for Engineers and Doctors
*****
Naresh ******************
ORIGINAL POSTERJay Cutler the living cost is too high..if I move to Europe, I will belong to the middle or lower class but if I stay in Asia, at least I will be in the upper middle class category & live a comfortable life..5555
Jay ********
Naresh Kumar Tegarajanactually it was a joke based on the mass migrations occurring in Europe
Good luck with whatever you decide to do
I lived in KL for nearly 10 years and loved it
Good luck with whatever you decide to do
I lived in KL for nearly 10 years and loved it
Us *****
Naresh Kumar Tegarajan what makes you think you are upper middle class when you cannot find a job?
Tony ******
Naresh Kumar TegarajanYour percieved status is more important than you affording to do the things you love?
Ellen *************
Tony Tony actual income ratio to cost of living is not perceived or status 🙄it’s math. Why are you acting like someone who wants to be able to save and live a nice quality of life is somehow a jerk or unintelligent. FFS
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Ellen *************
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Prowd ***************************
Malaysia is a nice country. Why would you want to leave?
Naresh ******************
ORIGINAL POSTERProwd Issarasena Na Ayuddhaya I am 40 this year and have been in Malaysia since birth.. it's getting kinda boring & I am looking forward to meeting new people and experiencing new cultures.
Brunt *******
Naresh Kumar Tegarajan just married a Thai girl and got non o immigrants visa
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Brunt *******
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Ian **********
My son's Maths teacher is an engineer from Pakistan. he can't get a job either. Most English teaching positions are for native English speakers.
Meki *******
There are companies that sponsor work visas.
Jo **********
work as an engineer in Malaysia and work remotely with DTV or LTR.
John *****
They will and can only hire you if your skills are in need and no thai can do the job.
Robert *********
Talk to the Thai embassy in your country .
Nonyou can not switch jobs on your work permit
Nonyou can not switch jobs on your work permit
Brandon ************
Teaching English isn't going to help you get an engineering job. Work permits are not transferable. If you find a new job you'd have to cancel your existing work permit and your new company would have to file a new work permit for you and sponsor you, same as if you were hired from outside of Thailand.
Naresh ******************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
Will the visa be cancelled as well? Should I go for a DTV then? Any ideas on how to relocate pleaseJohn *******
Naresh Kumar Tegarajan - yes, once you leave a job, your visa via that job is canceled along with the work permit
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John *******
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