thailand
Ask question

What are the visa options for retirees in Thailand who want to teach English?

Retirement VisaTeaching English in ThailandNON-O VisaLTR VisaWork PermitsEducation in ThailandExpat LifeThailand Immigration Rules
Feb 2, 2025
2 days ago
Maribel ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi all! I’m new to the group. We are looking to retire in about 3 years to Thailand. My husband gets both military pension and disability, which we can easily live off of, but I also wanted to maybe teach English, as a supplemental if possible. I’ve taught both high school and college level English. When we move, I would be 53 years of age. I’ve read Thailand has a strict retirement age, but wasn’t sure if that applied to expats. Any information is greatly appreciated!
3,169
views
13
likes
127
all likes
76
replies
2
images
21
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user is seeking advice on retiring and potentially teaching English in Thailand at age 53, considering income sources and visa options. Comments suggest that the retirement visa applies to those aged 50 and over but prohibits work, while teaching English requires a bachelor's degree. The LTR visa is mentioned as a better option, allowing for work and teaching with a TEFL certification. Concerns regarding age limitations for teaching in government schools, as well as varying salary expectations for English teaching positions in Thailand, are also discussed.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Kevin ******
There are plenty of opportunities for you in language centres or local schools. They won’t pay much (perhaps 35,000 baht a month). You will not be able to work with a retirement or DTV( money has to be earned outside Thailand for this visa). Jobs at top international schools are highly competitive but they offer the best salaries.
a day ago
Like
Reply
Joe *****
@Kevin *****
ah ok..got it
12 hours ago
Like
Reply
Joe *****
@Kevin *****
sorry Kevin I mean the wages in Thailand private schools are not competitive from a 1st world cpuntry western lerspective.certainly ...there are plenty of young people from ohils South Africa etc who will happily live here and make usd2500-3000 but as NNES those jobs are not readily available but lucmily there are many many NES who would rather live here on a 2nd world country salary and wait t for their generational wealth upon parents death than seek a proper paying job in their home.country. especially since.Covid
a day ago
Like
Reply
Kevin ******
@Joe ****
 okay I see what you mean. I think we are talking about two different kinds of schools. You’re referring to Thai private schools. I am referring to private international schools. The top schools pay quite well. These jobs are not as easy to get because as I mentioned before, the number of applications received per posting. The salaoand benefits package are very enticing.
a day ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Kevin ******
Reply
Joe *****
Kevin HallThey are not highly competitive at private schools at all compared to most other countries
a day ago
Like
Reply
Kevin ******
@Joe ****
 not necessarily. I would often receive 300 + applications for one position at a top international school in Bangkok. I can’t say this for some of the other countries I worked in.
a day ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Kevin ******
Reply
Nongnuch ********
@Kevin *****
 there are different minimum wage regulations for foreigners, depending where they come from. A U.S. citizen has to earn a minimum of 60,000 THB in order to be able to get a work permit. The 35,000 THB you mentioned is the minimum wage for a Filipino
***********************************************************************
a day ago
Like
Reply
Kevin ******
@Nongnuch *******
 indeed you are correct. I was just thinking of sites like ajarn where if the OP were to look based on a previous comment, she would see schools looking for NES teachers with salaries in the 30-40k range.
a day ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Kevin ******
Reply
Rene ********
Unless deep rural, it's old for Thai government schools. They prefer Young, good for photographs, with strong entertainment ability. Qualified teachers struggle. Brutal timetable and low pay. Shunted from room to room, multiple levels of large groups of disinterested kids mostly. Illegal to do private coaching, even online. Your best option is a private school....... If they accept the age....
a day ago
Like
Reply
Joe *****
@Rene *******
if u r comparing thailand to Korea or.other 1st world Asian nations then yeah.fir sire..Thailand is easily the worst..we have def had different exp in the rural areas for sure :)
12 hours ago
Like
Reply
Joe *****
@Rene *******
 No..im right or u wouldn't have reacted this way hahaha
a day ago
Like
Reply
Joe *****
Rene Ordmanyour experience but not mine or many of my friends who have been teaching in thailand for years....I think this is maybe how you projected yourself versus the kids...
a day ago
Like
Reply
Rene ********
@Joe ****
 , the problem isn't the kids at all well it is the 10 to 15 boys in the back, but it's rather the structure the organization the staffing the programming the parents expectations, the educational philosophy pumped by the system, etc etc. I've told for 15 years in Asia and I can tell you that it ain't happening thing in Thailand unless one may work in some elitist School with an elite salary but that's not what the majority end up doing. Other Asian countries offer far more serious programs etc, even though they also have their faults. I've also worked all over Thailand on and off over the last 15 years so I do have some experience in the matter......... But you are writing one thing you said one does see it from one's own perspective. From mine, it was an absolute known runner, and I wouldn't expect the message to be sorted out soon
20 hours ago
Like
Reply
Rene ********
@Joe ****
 ..

Nice try, wrong ...
a day ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Rene ********
Reply
Peter *******
The kids are tough english in school.
a day ago
Like
Reply
Danielle ********
Want to make smarter investments? Join the Enhanced MarketFinance Solutions Community for insights on profitable trades and investment strategies.
a day ago
Like
Reply
Ahmad **********
@Maribel **********
 Take a look at the LTR visa instead of the retirement visa. Maybe you guys qualify for the wealthy pensioners visa. You can get your TEFL and teach with a work permit, which is allowed with this visa, not the retirement visa. It’s also good for ten years. I did the exact process. I am retired military with disability, and taught at TSU, so I am doing exactly what you are asking. Though I taught college, I still had to get the TEFL ( I can show you where to get the course at a greatly reduced price). Also, the process to get the visa is easy, do it yourselves. Google “Thai LTV visa”, and it will take you to the BOI site where you can see the requirements to determine if you guys are a good fit. Once you are done with all of that part of the process, you will still have to go to the Thai evisa site and submit information. It will take a little longer doing this process, however, it is also more beneficial. If you guys have ANY questions, please shoot me a dm and I can help save you time. I recently went through the process. Good luck!
a day ago
Like
Reply
Maribel ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ahmad *********
 you are wonderful! Thank you!! And info would be great! Thanks so much for sharing!
a day ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Maribel ***********
Reply
Steve *******
Typically, you cannot get or extend a work permit after 60 years of age
a day ago
Like
Reply
Paul ***********
@Steve ******
 not true... I know and have known people with work permits at 65 and the oldest was 75
a day ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Paul ***********
Reply
Al ********
I was able to get a retirement visa at 47 years ago. This this was 7 years ago and was able to do so through the nyc Thai embassy. They verified the income from disability. Rules and laws have changed since pre COVID. This option is not available anymore
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Paul ***********
@Al *******
 no you didn't and the rules haven't changed since COVID...

It's been 50 years old for as long as I have been here.. And yes they check your age 🤦
a day ago
Like
Reply
Al ********
@Paul **********
 they sure do check your age. Finger prints background checks and more. I was 47 when this was done. It wasn’t a easy process done here at the Thai embassy in New York
a day ago
Like
Reply
Paul ***********
@Al *******
a day ago
Like
Reply
Paul ***********
@Al *******
 you never got this at 47 and if you did it was by mistake, and the fact remains the rules never changed after COVID as you claimed... It's always been 50
a day ago
Like
Reply
Al ********
@Paul **********
 what do you need next my birth certificate? I’m not sure what to tell you Paul. I was injured in construction. I was an iron worker I was able to prove to the Thai embassy in nyc that I wasn’t able to work anymore and had enough money monthly from disability. Paul Look at the birthdate and year the visa was issued. Do the math. Any other questions private message me
a day ago
Like
Reply
Paul ***********
@Al *******
 if you wish...

I am just telling you, you never got this at 47, as the rule is 50 years old as posted..

It's always been 50, so your claim it was changed after COVID is false as well

your disability status is irrelevant to any of this, as is your financial statement.. One of the criteria is you are 50 or over when you apply

And if somehow you did get this issued it was a mistake on the part of the embassy and bet it wasn't renewed in Thailand either at age 48 ❓
a day ago
Like
Reply
Al ********
Paul, say what you want. The

Proof is in the visa and birthdate and picture I’m not here to argue. Yes 50 has always been and still is the age but I was able to prove with legal documents that I’m done working for the rest of my life and on disability and that proved income along with bank statements. What changed after COVID is out of country Thai embassies aren’t doing this visa interviews anymore. It’s all done inside Thailand now
a day ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Al ********
Reply
Randy **********
You said you can easily live off the income you have and you would retire in 3 years…..sounds like you really not trying to retire but go to Thailand and teach😂 I know it’s hard to leave a capitalist society but please relax and enjoy your retirement years.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
David *********
You should definitely find a way to teach English, even if it's a private tutor gig. English is a skill much needed in Thailand. My kids go to university there, and all their friends want to learn English. More nationalities use English as the common language in Thailand.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Doug *********
@David ********
 just a quick question (nothing to do with that asked by the OP). Do you have any info on how you would proceed legally as a private English tutor, assuming you already have a visa which allows you to have a work permit? Would you just apply at the local Department of Labour? Thanks
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Maribel ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Doug ********
 thanks for asking this! I would be interested as well, especially if it’s difficult to find a teacher position
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Doug *********
@Maribel **********
 if I get anything constructive I'll definitely keep in touch
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Maribel ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Doug ********
 thanks so much!!! I’m trying to do research, but I’m finding some info that conflicts with others. 😵‍💫
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Maribel ***********
Reply
Maribel ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David ********
 thank you!
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Maribel ***********
Reply
Randy ******
Speak Chinese? English is hardly spoken in Thailand. Plus nowadays, people just use the translation app
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Geoff *********
@Randy *****
 While there are many Chinese tourists and families here English is still the 2nd most spoken language in Thailand. It's taught in schools and uni students can't graduate unless they pass in English. I've noticed a significant

improvement in oral English over the last 27 years I've been here.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Tony *********
@Randy *****
 it depends where you are. If it's somewhere like Phuket then just about everybody can speak some English.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Maribel ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Randy *****
 I’ve read that that was a large need for English teachers to teach locals at their schools. That is what I’m referring to.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Maribel ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you! This is very helpful! I have a masters and I’m all but dissertation for my doctorate.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Steven ***************
@Maribel **********
 . Take no notice of him. I've lived here 7 years. More Thais speak English as second language than any other. Always been a high demand for English teachers here especially qualified ones. If you go down that road, make sure you get appropriate visa and a work permit.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Maribel ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steven **************
 thank you!! I’ll definitely look for the right visa too.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Steven ***************
@Maribel **********
 . From the small info you've given , there's only really one visa option for you it seems. A work visa, which needs to be arranged by whoever offers you a job first, then work permit off that. Thailand does prefer younger foreign teachers though for some reason . I know many who struggled to get new contracts or new jobs after 50. I know of 6, one a fame member, who all worked at international schools here, as soon as they turned 50 the schools lost interest in renewing contracts.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Maribel ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steven **************
 that’s very helpful to know. Thank you!
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Maribel ***********
Reply
John **********
@Maribel **********
 very poorly paid
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Maribel ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
 I’m not really worried about that. We can live off of my husband’s pension. This is just to supplement a little and to keep me busy. Plus, I love teaching!
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Brenda *********
@Maribel **********
 from my understanding though for retirement visa is based on each person not as a couple.
a day ago
Like
Reply
Steven ***************
@Maribel **********
 . Part time/casual work for foreigners doesn't really exist here. Unless you actually own the business.

The two main options are 50 hour weeks for 30k baht a month. , you'll hate it eventually.

Or land a job at a University or International school and you can earn a very good salary . Many are earning 200k + baht a month which is big money for a Thai here. Will need Degrees in field though.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Deb ********
@Maribel **********
 you can't work on a retirement visa, not even volunteer.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Deb ********
Reply
Sahar ***************
You can teach English as long as you also have a bachelor degree
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Brian *********
@Sa***
 this is not entirely true a masters of TEFL diploma will do it if it’s EFL teaching - a degree is not a must have.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Kool *******
@Brian ********
 to get a work permit to teach a university degree is required
a day ago
Like
Reply
Brian *********
Ok you know best have many people who don’t have this in Thailand. It all depends on the sponsorship. Have a nice day.
a day ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Brian *********
Reply
Maribel ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sahar **************
 thanks! Do you know if there is an age restriction on how long I would be able to teach for?
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Steve ******
@Maribel **********
 A friend of mine teaches English here in a private school and I think he mentioned age 60.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Maribel ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve *****
 wonderful!!! Thanks so much!
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Matthew *********
@Maribel **********
 just realize you probably never make over a 1000 dollars a month. Just realize it would be more of an hobby or something to kill time. I see many teachers make less that and sometimes not receive pay for months. Do your research first. Best option would be international school in Bangkok. They do pay a lot better than Thailand government or public school. I have seen the cost of tuition for some of the international schools, it's like the cost of some colleges in the states. So I am sure they would pay good for highly educated skills
a day ago
Like
Reply
Maribel ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Matthew ********
 that’s perfectly fine. It’s really to keep me busy and add to supplement more than anything else.
a day ago
Like
Reply
Matthew *********
@Maribel **********
 I hear you. It's good to keep busy.
a day ago
Like
Reply
Kool *******
@Maribel **********
 with your teaching history you are in demand at the top international schools. You will need a certified as being real copy of your university diploma, and teaching certificate, in order to get your work permit. Ajarn.com spells it all out, with job openings. With your experience you can easily make over bt80,000+ a month teaching full time. The only strict retirement age is working in the government, and that is 60, with legislation in the works to raise that to 65, but might not be done anytime soon. At the university level teaching business English is in demand at a number of universities with international business programs. With your experience, with references, you are in the top ranks of new hires, with very little competition.
a day ago
Like
Reply
Matthew *********
@Kool ******
 good advice
a day ago
Like
Reply
Maribel ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kool ******
 thank so much for the information! It is greatly appreciated!!
a day ago
Like
Reply
Kevin ******
@Kool ******
 The top international schools are paying well over 80,000 baht per month. I am referring to Tier 1 schools in Bangkok.
a day ago
Like
Reply
Kool *******
@Kevin *****
 she is highly qualified, and can pick and choose.
a day ago
Like
Reply
Kevin ******
@Kool ******
 did I say she could not pick and choose? While we know her experience, we don’t know her qualifications. I’m expanding on your comment to offer the OP further insight as to what top international schools pay.
a day ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Kevin ******
Reply
Graham ******
Retirement Visa is 50+ but work is prohibited
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Graeme ******
I am not sure that what she means. In thailand they have fixed retirement age for government workers, nursing is 55 for example then you have to retire whether you want to or not. I think she is asking is there something similar for teaching in thailand?
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Maribel ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graeme *****
 I am. I read that there is a large need for English teachers and wasn’t sure if I could teach once I hit their retirement age of 55 or if that was just for Thai residents.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Phil ******
@Maribel **********
 need to be a native English speaking person. Maybe look at the DTV
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Paul ***********
@Phil *****
 What's a natural. English person ❓
a day ago
Like
Reply
Phil ******
Thanks Paul corrected. Written for the OP.

GOOGLE IT
a day ago
Like
Reply
Graeme ******
@Maribel **********
 I am not exactly sure for teachers and if there is a difference between government schools and private independent schools. I know it's definitely 55 for nursing as my partner is a nurse. Maybe try posting this question to other expat groups?
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Aake **********
@Graeme *****
 My wife and her 3 sisters are state-employed teachers, retired at 60 but very low pension
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Matthew *********
@Aake *********
 just enough to buy a bag of rice for regular Thais at 60. My in-laws don't even receive 1000 baht a month. Thailand is listed as one of the worst countries in the world for any retirement pay. It's really sad situation
a day ago
Like
Reply
Graeme ******
@Aake *********
 yes unfortunately retired in thailand just means you have to leave the government job you are in, not that you can afford to stop work as the pensions aren't of much value so most have to find other ways of earning money
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Maribel ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graeme *****
 thanks!! I’ll try that.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Maribel ***********
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
What are the best visa options for moving to Thailand to marry my girlfriend and potentially work?
53 comments
5 months ago
Is there an age limit for teachers and work visas in Thailand?
15 comments
6 months ago
What visa options are available for teaching English in Chiang Mai without a degree?
12 comments
8 months ago
What are the best visa options for living in Thailand before retirement at age 50?
63 comments
8 months ago
What visa options are available for someone under 50 looking to stay in Thailand for a year?
35 comments
9 months ago
What do I need to know about getting an English teaching job in Thailand with a tourist visa?
15 comments
a year ago
What visa options do I have as a 33-year-old expat looking to retire in Thailand?
82 comments
a year ago
What job opportunities exist for Westerners wanting to move to Thailand who are not retirees?
47 comments
a year ago
What are some legitimate agencies or resources for teaching English and obtaining retirement visas in Thailand?
5 comments
a year ago
What do I need to know about teaching English and getting a work visa in Thailand?
12 comments
a year ago
What is the best visa option for semi-retirement in Thailand while working remotely?
61 comments
a year ago
What are the best visa options and services for moving to Thailand from the USA at age 49?
37 comments
a year ago
What are the visa and work permit options for a 68-year-old expat in Thailand looking to teach?
12 comments
2 years ago
What visa options are available for long-term stays in Thailand under 50 years of age?
10 comments
2 years ago
What are the best options for securing long-term residency in Thailand for a couple with an age difference and approaching retirement age?
13 comments
3 years ago
What is the best visa approach for working part-time while retiring in Thailand?
2 comments
3 years ago
What visa options are available for expats in Thailand under 50 waiting for a retirement visa?
31 comments
4 years ago
What are the best visa options for a 48-year-old US citizen moving to Pattaya?
8 comments
5 years ago
What are the visa options and requirements for expats in Thailand, particularly for retirement and work-related scenarios?
0 comments
5 years ago
Can my friend obtain a work visa in Thailand to teach English online while retiring?
0 comments
6 years ago
What are the best visa options for a 52-year-old moving to Bangkok who is not yet ready to retire?
22 comments
6 years ago
What is the best visa option for retiring and teaching English in Thailand?
50 comments
7 years ago
What visa do I need to retire and teach English in Thailand?
35 comments
7 years ago
What are the best options for staying longer in Thailand if I'm under 50 and retired?
45 comments
7 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq: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.