Ask question
This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

What are the options for long-term stay in Chiang Mai for someone without a degree?

Aug 31, 2018
8 years ago
Rohan **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi everyone, I don't have a degree and I'm looking to stay in Chiang Mai long term. What would be the best way to do this? I'm looking into freelance writing/working online to support myself but I also need something to fall back on if need be(eg. teaching English).
1,304
views
66
all likes
46
replies
9
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
To stay long term in Chiang Mai without a degree, consider freelance writing or working online as your primary support. However, for teaching English legally, you'll need a university degree, a Non-B visa, and a work permit; having a TEFL certification can also be beneficial. Alternatively, a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa allows for extended stays but does not permit any work or profession.
Robert *******
Best option is to go back home and apply for the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa, this visa give you if good used nearly 270 days of stay inside Thailand in sections of 60 days. But this visa does NOT allow you to do any kind of profession or work.
Like
Reply
Darren *********
Hmm massively subjective. Employer dependent. Loads of employers employing ‘Educators’ or T/A’s. If your competent with a TEFL and are a NES then you have every chance. A million people with degrees and their panties in a bunch will tell you differently. As far as a VISA is concerned you’d be better off trying to source an employer FIRST that will support a visa application here and get yourself in-country, a lot easier. To ‘fall back’ on teaching, get a TEFL, apply for jobs, get a visa. 👍
Like
Reply
Her *****
@Robert ******
ok now I get it
Like
Reply
Robert *******
Her Fue You can not apply for a tourist visa at the Immigration office in Chang Mai, You have to do this in your country of residence or as alternative Perth Australia.
Like
Reply
Her *****
@Tod ********
chiangmai
Like
Reply
Tod *********
Her Fue what thai consulate would you be applying for the visa from?
Like
Reply
Her *****
O ok I get what you mean now.. I thought you mean by 200k every month.. so basically just have that 200 k in your account at all time right?
Like
Reply
Nitzan *****
Her Fue Not required 200k a month income - just to have 200k balance every month - but check your local embassy/consulate - some do not require this and will be ok with just a current 200k balance in local currency equivalent.
Like
Reply
Nitzan *****
@Robert ******
No doubt. The hard part I'm referring to is not getting 200k - it's having it been there every month for the last 6 months - most people keep that kind of money in investments etc not checking/savings.
Like
Reply
Her *****
@Nitzan ****
dang 200k a month shoot... I'm not required lol
Like
Reply
Robert *******
@Nitzan ****
It is small money to live on for 9 months in Thailand.
Like
Reply
Nitzan *****
Her Fue Money. About 200,000 baht in the bank (some embassies require a 200k balance every month for the last 6 months). That's the "hard" one, lol.
Like
Reply
Robert *******
Just take a look of the Thai Embassy in your country.
Like
Reply
Her *****
Do they background check you, is there a requirement for this visa?
Like
Reply
Reply to
Her *****
Reply
Robert ********
You can only teach English here legally with a University degree, Non-B visa and work permit, but TEFL would be a huge advantage as well....check this site for details and openings...
*************
Like
Reply
Mikkel *******
And thank you!
Like
Reply
Mikkel *******
You are correct assuming I am in Thailand and live here.. Will report back regardless of result :)
Like
Reply
Robert ********
Ok, I assume you are currently in Thailand and wish you luck during your visit to the MOL with the school principle. Do report back with the results, and good luck!
Like
Reply
Mikkel *******
I have income from my home country that I live on.. Don't need a WP for that.
Like
Reply
Mikkel *******
I am not working in Thailand at the moment
Like
Reply
Mikkel *******
Who says I am working illegally?
Like
Reply
Robert ********
Wow....and for how long have you been working illegally?
Like
Reply
Mikkel *******
That's in the process. Already Talked with the labour office and got told what documents and so on is needed. Going there next week or the week after with the principal from the school to turn in the application. Should be no problem as it was the chief of office I talked to there. If for some reason there are problems anyway, I will update here ;) (Or when I have the actual WP in hand)
Like
Reply
Robert ********
@Mikkel ******
...and any W/P now?
Like
Reply
Mikkel *******
Well.. There are two local schools, one of them quite big, that are keen to employ me already at a decent salary. I am starting on one of them for the next term starting in November. Only having the certificates. I am sure later having a degree it would be easier to pick and choose jobs and would give a better salary. But as of now it will suffice. I have a decent living already and only doing this to make some ekstra and have something to do.
Like
Reply
Robert ********
I'd be curious what legitimate jobs will open up to you via this cheap "short cut"....I hope you did significant due diligence before paying fees.
Like
Reply
Mikkel *******
My plan is though, to take the degree online while using the waiver.. So that later I wont have that issue ;)
Like
Reply
Mikkel *******
No.. that's why it is relevant for me.. And as I said it is confirmed legal, from the ministry of labour office. As for ITTT it is internationally accredited.. Of course it's not the same as having a degree, but its the basic.
Like
Reply
Robert ********
It sounds like anther short-cut course you go through to teach quasi-legally here...IF you have a legitimate University degree, there is no need....Do you have any Uni degree?
Like
Reply
Mikkel *******
I took my certificates at ITTT
Like
Reply
Mikkel *******
And I have personally got it confirmed at the ministry of labour office
Like
Reply
Mikkel *******
I just google teaching waiver Thailand because that was faster than finding all the links I have read it on before
Like
Reply
Mikkel *******
None
Like
Reply
Robert ********
@Mikkel ******
What is your involvement with TCT?
Like
Reply
Mikkel *******
So actually you can stretch it to 6 years
Like
Reply
Mikkel *******
Temporary TCT Teaching Permits

A temporary teaching permit is something that the school will apply for on a teacher’s behalf as soon as they begin work there. It is granted for two years and allows the school time to get the teacher to meet the requirements of the TCT to obtain a teaching license from them.

Previously, at the end of two years the school had to be able to show the TCT that there had been progression in meeting the TCT requirements and if there had been, the school was able to apply for a subsequent temporary teaching permit.

As to what defined progression, that is a more difficult question to answer and it was reported that it could depend on the particular school’s influence and status.

Presently, it seems a lot clearer. A school can apply for a temporary teaching permit of two years for a new foreign teacher. It can do this another two times giving that teacher six years to meet the TCT’s requirements for licensing
Like
Reply
Mikkel *******
A new Teacher does not need a TCT License Immediately

Thailand does recognize the need to improve the English language skills of its population and so the TCT do not want to drive foreign teachers away or put them off teaching here.

It is with this in mind that they created the temporary teaching permit also described as a ‘waiver’ from the TCT permanent license requirements. If a teacher is working at a formal school in Chiang Mai, they will need one of these. Details of how to get one are provided below as well as what constitutes a formal school and a non-formal school.
Like
Reply
Mikkel *******
For example
Like
Reply
Robert ********
@Mikkel ******
I am aware of this exception for teaching assistants, such as Phillippine nationals...but not for actual English Teachers. The next time to you see this somewhere, pleas share a link in this group as well?
Like
Reply
Mikkel *******
*****************************************
Like
Reply
Mikkel *******
I was made aware of it on various tefl forums, and got it confirmed at the ministry of labour office here in Buengkan. I could find a link I am sure if you can not yourself.. There are plenty of foreign teachers using this option.
Like
Reply
Robert ********
@Mikkel ******
I'd love to see a link to that exception to the rule...
Like
Reply
Mikkel *******
Not true.. you can teach for two years with no degree.. You get a waiver for one year at a time at the ministry of labour.
Like
Reply
Robert ********
I am aware Zabel, just stating the obvious to him so he can't forget ;-)
Like
Reply
Zabel ******************
He has no degree
Like
Reply
Robert ********
IF you can find an employer to higher you, they will supply you with documents to apply for the Non-B visa & W/P.
Like
Reply
Reply to
Robert ********
Reply
Thai Visa Advice
... members · 40% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.