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What are the requirements for an American native English speaker to teach in Thailand long-term?

Teaching in Thailand English Teaching Visa Requirements TEFL Certification Work Permit ED Visa University Degree Expats in Thailand

Apr 26, 2025

16 hours ago

Skeleton *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I’m 19 years old and looking to stay in Thailand long term as an English teacher. I am American native English speaker. I will have my 120 hr tefl certification in three weeks. I’d much rather prefer to tutor but if I needed to teach in a school I could do that. I don’t have 800,000 thb saved but I could borrow it for 24hrs to show them a bank statement. Any ideas?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The individual seeks long-term teaching opportunities in Thailand as a 19-year-old American aspiring English teacher with a 120-hour TEFL certification. However, the comments highlight the necessity of having a university degree, as most employers require it for obtaining a work permit and ED visa. Additionally, borrowing 800,000 THB for visa requirements appears irrelevant for teaching and retirement visas. Other suggestions include gaining experience by teaching kindergarten and seeking employer support for visa arrangements.

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Phirom *********

The easiest way is to have your employer help you obtain a work permit and visa. Most international schools that pay well are actually looking for teachers who have a degree in education. Wishing you the best of luck!

15 hours ago

Mma *******

Are you in the USA now? Come out and teach kindergarten for a year, you’ll learn the Gaff in that time, and they’ll get u a work permit. Fly in 0n Visa Exempt, and start looking.

15 hours ago

Andy ************

To be a recognised language teacher you will need a university degree. That way to can obtain a work permit and an ED visa to be legal.

15 hours ago

Rene ********

What a messed up post.......... You will need to keep the 800,000 for when you hit 50 and apply for a retirement Visa. Lol, you need a degree, a tefl course and theoretically to use experience in order to be able to get a Visa through your future employer.....

16 hours ago

Judy *******

You need a work permit arranged by your employer. To become an actual teacher and have a decent salary you need a degree

16 hours ago

Stuart *********

Not sure what the 800k has to do with anything.

16 hours ago

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Stuart *********

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