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What is the best visa option for retiring and teaching English in Thailand?

Visa OptionsTeaching English in ThailandRetirement in ThailandNON-B VisaWork PermitExpat Life in ThailandLegal Requirements for Teaching
Jul 4, 2018
6 years ago
Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I plan on retiring next year but I want to teach English in Thailand

Wondering just what would be the easiest visa to get so I can stay indefinitely.

Dint mind reporting but I don’t want my money tied up in the bank forever either
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around an individual planning to retire and teach English in Thailand. The main focus is on the challenges of obtaining the right visa. Participants note that one cannot simultaneously retire and work in Thailand, and suggest the Non-B Visa for those with a Thai spouse. A work permit is necessary for teaching, which typically requires a degree; online teaching is mentioned as a potential alternative. Concerns about age limits for teaching positions and the need for a TEFL certification are also addressed, emphasizing that planning and adherence to legal requirements are crucial for a long-term stay.
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.
Mark ***********
you can't do both..........work and retire. You'll need to decide which. You said you have a Thai wife, why not just get a Non-B ?
6 years ago
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Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I think you misunderstand me or I was unclear I will retire from my job here then move to Thailand and hopefully get some work or arrange a business. I am not after retirement visa.

I do not yet understand the acronyms used for visa "O" etc mean not very much to me
6 years ago
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Mark ***********
@Tod ********
 sorry, thought I'd said Non-O (y)
6 years ago
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Tod *********
@Mark **********
, I agree 100% that he can't hold a work permit on a Non-O-A visa, and it's really really uncommon to hold one on an extension of stay based on retirement.

He could 'retire' but be on an extension of stay based on marriage and hold a work permit if he was offered a job though.
6 years ago
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Mark ***********
@Tod ********
 so you agree then.......he can't retire AND work.
6 years ago
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Darren *********
@Tod ********
 yes.. lots of ‘can’t do’s’ here when I’m aware of many contradictions. As Todd says if he’s able to easily finance his way here AND stay here on a Non-O based on marriage then he’ll have the time and space to look for an employer.. There are possibilities. For instance, with the backing of your employer you can apply for a work permit with only a TEFL albeit with limitations. Some schools also employ ‘educators’ and get around it that way. It’s very subjective. Make sure you get your UK police check before you come, best of luck. 👍
6 years ago
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Tod *********
IF he has a thai wife he could get a Non-O based on marriage AND then hold a work permit if he was offered a job. You can legally work on a Non-O visa/extension based on marriage.
6 years ago
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Tod *********
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Robert *******
To work in Thailand you need a work permit. There is a list of jobs prohibited for foreigners. Thailand is not the country where you just can show up and start doing some work. I read I want to teach, or set up some business about tourism. All to avoid that you have to put money in a Thai bank as proof that you can support your life style inside Thailand. I also read suggestions to do things online, without work permit illegal but hardly enforced. My advice is play by the rules to have a long and happy life. Don't try to bend the rules or jump hoops to stay inside this country. Get more information, use google, read all the rules before you come here and come here with a clear plan A, plan B just in case, and plan C if things do not work out as planned.
6 years ago
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Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yes I won't I have travelled extensively and lived in Indonesia for 12 years i know the drill but need help with the Thai start different languge slightly different rules and culture same type of government officials I am sure
6 years ago
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Bob **********
@Ed *******
 don’t count on that it’s work!!!
6 years ago
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Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Oh I intend to do everything by the rules and in mentioning a business I meant a business in my wife's name of course for all intensive purposes it will be her business but on our home property where I am sure I can do manual labour and maintenance unpaid quite legally I think
6 years ago
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Tod *********
What he said times 2 (y)
6 years ago
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Tod *********
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Jenny *******
Ed, I teach online while living here and it's working out really well. Message me for more info if you wish
6 years ago
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Judy **********
Hi Jenny, can you PM me the details please?
6 years ago
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Judy **********
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James ********
By the way...How old are you Ed Alchin ?
6 years ago
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Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I guess it's going to have to be the one year Visa converted to marriage visa later and a business around tourism in the wife's name.
6 years ago
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Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Cheesus you're breaking my heart
6 years ago
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Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
 oh well I guess I’ll have to try my hand at something else
6 years ago
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James ********
@Ed *******
 the chances of being hired to teach in Thailand for Seniors is extremely doubtful without higher ed credentials. Most ads seek teachers not over age 40. With "connections" and in school desperate to hire maybe possible. Please do not count in income from teaching in a school. Good luck!
6 years ago
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Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
65
6 years ago
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Ed ********
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Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Appreciate your help guys.

Here’s the thing I want to live in Thailand I will be getting married and wanting to stay but I’d like to get a work permit with a resident visa of some kind.

I will have a pension and wish to buy land or a house there as well. Forward planning now
6 years ago
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David ****************
the Thai retirement age is 60 so I’d ‘suggest’ it may be that for a school job. I believe it’s different for higher education (hence, I’m still working, luckily @ 60
***
!)
6 years ago
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David ****************
Жанна Н. Манько . Thanks. After 12 years here, I have learnt that but not much else! 555
6 years ago
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Жанна ************
@David ***************
 5 in thai “ha”therefore 555 ha-ha-ha
6 years ago
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Жанна ************
@James *******
 would anyone happen to k know age limit?
6 years ago
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David ****************
@Ll***
. I know. I was joking after living there for
***
a century.
6 years ago
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Lloyd ********
@David ***************
 BBC English is "the standard pronunciation of southern British English that is traditionally used by announcers on the BBC".
6 years ago
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David ****************
@Sa***
. No idea but I’d like to think ‘clear & concise’555
6 years ago
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Sarah ****************
@David ***************
 555 what does that even mean 😂😂😂
6 years ago
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David ****************
Sarah. Someone once accused me of speaking ‘BBC English’ once!!!! 555
6 years ago
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Sarah ****************
@David ***************
 probably yes! Older students. All schools are different. Just like with accents some take south Africans as teachers others don't, some won't take Australian.
6 years ago
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James ********
@David ***************
 yes in a Uni or international school with higher ed credentials age is accepted.
6 years ago
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James ********
@David ***************
 look over the teacher job posts on ajarn.com and you will see the age limits practiced in Thailand.
6 years ago
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David ****************
Sarah. I’m in a Uni, maybe that’s different to schools???? (7th year)
6 years ago
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Sarah ****************
@David ***************
 in day to day life yes definitely. As a teacher some (not all) are ageist. Just something to be aware of. Hopefully won't be an issue.
6 years ago
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David ****************
Sarah. My experience has been the opposite. I am treated with more respect because of my age, as that is a Thai ‘trait’. Obviously everywhere could be different, I suppose.

Agree that you should forget about permanent residency!
6 years ago
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Sarah ****************
As far as I'm aware you can't get a permanent residency. You will need a work permit for any form of teaching. Most schools will only give you this if you have a degree. Be aware that some schools are also very ageist. Good luck. I hope you find what you are looking for in Thailand 😊
6 years ago
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Robert ********
You will not be able to qualify for a work permit in teaching without the degree...
6 years ago
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David ****************
@E*
. I believe you but would you want to start a new life, buy house/car then get blacklisted, never to return. Things are getting more tightly checked nowadays. I know loads of backpacker kids ‘winging it’ but they are not here longterm.
6 years ago
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Robert ********
Without any degree, finding any type of employment here is extremely difficult...due you are competing with foreigners that have BA / BS and other qualifications. Even the established online programs favor instructor with degrees, or your pay will be very low.
6 years ago
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James ********
@Ed *******
 look into online teaching English...with your TEFL. Just an idea.
6 years ago
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David ****************
@E*
. You need a work permit to do anything, mate and to get one of them, you need the correct certification. Like everything in this crazy corrupt country, there are always ways around problem if money is involved.
6 years ago
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Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
But I’ll have to get a resident visa or marriage visa I think to start of.

I have. Kenyan friend who is now in her 2nd 1 year teaching English and has no qualifications at all ?
6 years ago
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Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
David John Philpott don’t think I have the time really a degree is 4 years but I’ll get the TEFL I was hoping to get some tutoring or open a tutoring shop in wife’s name and be employed as tutor there
6 years ago
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David ****************
@E*
. Agencies take teachers without sometimes but in the long run, it’s not foolproof. All jobs for government schools will need a degree. I teach adults in a Uni since 2011 without one but every year it’s getting increasingly difficult. Suggest you think about degree certificate.
6 years ago
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James ********
Ed Alchin Teaching requires a Bachelor's Degree to be legal in Thailand.
6 years ago
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Ed ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David ***************
 I don’t have a degree but will have TEFL
6 years ago
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David ****************
1)Do you have a degree? Most(nearly all) teaching jobs require one plus Immigration Check for it now too.

2) a foreigner cannot own land. It must be in a Thai’s name. Rent for a couple of years to ensure the area suits you.

3) do a TEFL course before you move( not expensive)

4) Good luck. Take your time.
6 years ago
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David ****************
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Robert ********
You must choose between retiring and teaching, not allowed to do both. IF you wish to explore teaching options and what is required, check here:
*************
6 years ago
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Robert *******
The best way is to find an Employer/School who want to hire you, they give you a work permit that allows you to work and papers to apply for the Non Immigrant B visa. Best part of this is that you don't need to have money tied up at a bank, because you get salary for working.
6 years ago
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Robert *******
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