Answered2 years ago
What are the visa options for retirees in Thailand who want to teach English?
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!
Answer summary
The conversation discusses the considerations for expats looking to retire in Thailand and explore teaching opportunities. Key points highlight that while a Retirement Visa can be obtained if the applicant is 50 or older, it prohibits work. To teach English legally, individuals must have a bachelor's degree and may need to obtain a TEFL certification. Alternatives like the LTR visa allow teaching with a work permit, making it a viable option for those who wish to work post-retirement. The community also shares insights on job availability, salary expectations, and age-related challenges in the Thai educational system.
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Bill **********
Retirement visa 50 and over for hubby (unless he wants to work). Be careful with yours as you wouldn't be allowed to work on a retirement visa.
Terary **********
You can find people to teach.. If teaching is what you want to do. If making a living is what you want to do, you'll have to do it through an agent. I doubt you will like teaching via agent.
Peter ********
Over 50, no problemo
Winston ********
60 is the retirement age, but as long as the school wants to keep you, you can get an annual extension.
Nick *****
Are you sure your husband will have those benefits after Trump’s and Musk’s dismantling the Treasury Department’s servers?
Will ******
My neighbour was living here on work permit into his 70s. So it can be done. Most jobs are found before arriving tho.
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.
Joe *****
@Kevin *****
ah ok..got itJoe *****
@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.CovidKevin ******
@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.Joe *****
Kevin HallThey are not highly competitive at private schools at all compared to most other countries
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.
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 ***********************************************************************
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.
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....
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 :)Joe *****
@Rene *******
No..im right or u wouldn't have reacted this way hahahaJoe *****
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...
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 soonRene ********
Peter *******
The kids are tough english in school.
Danielle ********
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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!
Maribel ***********
OP@Ahmad *********
you are wonderful! Thank you!! And info would be great! Thanks so much for sharing!Winston ********
@Maribel **********
TEFL can be got cheap in many places BUT check carefully how well and from where it is accredited. Check the accreditation website to see if their's is noteworthy. Also take note that the 120 hours course is the minimum requirement. But if you have the Level 5, *******
hours course, it will give you a better edge. This course is on par with CELTA. I run a UK franchise so I am advising. A TESOL DIPLOMA *******
hours is better than the Certificate coursesWinston ********
@Maribel **********
Always welcome if I can help in any way. Not everything needs money but being cautious is prudent.Maribel ***********
OP@Winston *******
thanks so much!!
Steve *******
Typically, you cannot get or extend a work permit after 60 years of age
Paul ***********
@Steve ******
not true... I know and have known people with work permits at 65 and the oldest was 75
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
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 🤦
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 YorkAl ********
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
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
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 ❓
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 mePaul ***********
@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
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.
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.
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? ThanksMaribel ***********
OP@Doug ********
thanks for asking this! I would be interested as well, especially if it’s difficult to find a teacher positionMaribel ***********
OP@Doug ********
thanks so much!!! I’m trying to do research, but I’m finding some info that conflicts with others. 😵💫Doug *********
@Maribel **********
if I get anything constructive I'll definitely keep in touchMaribel ***********
OP@David ********
thank you!
Randy ******
Speak Chinese? English is hardly spoken in Thailand. Plus nowadays, people just use the translation app
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 significantimprovement in oral English over the last 27 years I've been here.
Tony *********
@Randy *****
it depends where you are. If it's somewhere like Phuket then just about everybody can speak some English.Maribel ***********
OP@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.Maribel ***********
OPThank you! This is very helpful! I have a masters and I’m all but dissertation for my doctorate.
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.Maribel ***********
OP@Steven **************
that’s very helpful to know. Thank you!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.Maribel ***********
OP@Steven **************
thank you!! I’ll definitely look for the right visa too.
John **********
@Maribel **********
very poorly paid
Brenda *********
@Maribel **********
from my understanding though for retirement visa is based on each person not as a couple.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.
Deb ********
@Maribel **********
you can't work on a retirement visa, not even volunteer.Maribel ***********
OP@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!
Sahar ***************
You can teach English as long as you also have a bachelor degree
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.
Kool *******
@Brian ********
to get a work permit to teach a university degree is requiredBrian *********
Ok you know best have many people who don’t have this in Thailand. It all depends on the sponsorship. Have a nice day.
Maribel ***********
OP@Sahar **************
thanks! Do you know if there is an age restriction on how long I would be able to teach for?
Steve ******
@Maribel **********
A friend of mine teaches English here in a private school and I think he mentioned age 60.
Matthew *********
@Maribel **********
I hear you. It's good to keep busy.Maribel ***********
OP@Matthew ********
that’s perfectly fine. It’s really to keep me busy and add to supplement more than anything else.Matthew *********
@Kool ******
good adviceMatthew *********
@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 skillsMaribel ***********
OP@Kool ******
thank so much for the information! It is greatly appreciated!!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.Kool *******
@Kevin *****
she is highly qualified, and can pick and choose.Kevin ******
@Kool ******
The top international schools are paying well over 80,000 baht per month. I am referring to Tier 1 schools in Bangkok.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.Maribel ***********
OP@Steve *****
wonderful!!! Thanks so much!
Graham ******
Retirement Visa is 50+ but work is prohibited
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?
Maribel ***********
OP@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.
Phil ******
Thanks Paul corrected. Written for the OP.
GOOGLE IT
GOOGLE IT
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 situationPaul ***********
@Phil *****
What's a natural. English person ❓Phil ******
@Maribel **********
need to be a native English speaking person. Maybe look at the DTVGraeme ******
@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
Aake **********
@Graeme *****
My wife and her 3 sisters are state-employed teachers, retired at 60 but very low pensionMaribel ***********
OP@Graeme *****
thanks!! I’ll try that.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?Activity
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