Answered8 years ago
What is the best visa option for retiring and teaching English in Thailand?
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
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
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.
50 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
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 ?
Ed ********
OPI 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
I do not yet understand the acronyms used for visa "O" etc mean not very much to me
Mark ***********
@Tod ********
sorry, thought I'd said Non-O (y)
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.
Mark ***********
@Tod ********
so you agree then.......he can't retire AND work.
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. 👍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.
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.
Ed ********
OPYes 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
Bob **********
@Ed *******
don’t count on that it’s work!!!Ed ********
OPOh 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
Tod *********
What he said times 2 (y)
Jenny *******
Ed, I teach online while living here and it's working out really well. Message me for more info if you wish
Judy **********
Hi Jenny, can you PM me the details please?
James ********
By the way...How old are you Ed Alchin ?
Ed ********
OPI 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.
Ed ********
OPCheesus you're breaking my heart
Ed ********
OP@James *******
oh well I guess I’ll have to try my hand at something elseJames ********
@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!Ed ********
OP65
Ed ********
OPAppreciate 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
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
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
***
!)David ****************
Жанна Н. Манько . Thanks. After 12 years here, I have learnt that but not much else! 555
Жанна ************
@David ***************
5 in thai “ha”therefore 555 ha-ha-haЖанна ************
@James *******
would anyone happen to k know age limit?David ****************
@Ll***
. I know. I was joking after living there for ***
a century.
Lloyd ********
@David ***************
BBC English is "the standard pronunciation of southern British English that is traditionally used by announcers on the BBC".David ****************
@Sa***
. No idea but I’d like to think ‘clear & concise’555Sarah ****************
@David ***************
555 what does that even mean 😂😂😂David ****************
Sarah. Someone once accused me of speaking ‘BBC English’ once!!!! 555
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.James ********
@David ***************
yes in a Uni or international school with higher ed credentials age is accepted.James ********
@David ***************
look over the teacher job posts on ajarn.com and you will see the age limits practiced in Thailand.David ****************
Sarah. I’m in a Uni, maybe that’s different to schools???? (7th year)
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.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!
Agree that you should forget about permanent residency!
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 😊
Robert ********
You will not be able to qualify for a work permit in teaching without the degree...
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.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.
James ********
@Ed *******
look into online teaching English...with your TEFL. Just an idea.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.Ed ********
OPBut 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 ?
I have. Kenyan friend who is now in her 2nd 1 year teaching English and has no qualifications at all ?
Ed ********
OPDavid 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
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.James ********
Ed Alchin Teaching requires a Bachelor's Degree to be legal in Thailand.
Ed ********
OP@David ***************
I don’t have a degree but will have TEFLDavid ****************
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.
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.
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:
*************
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.
Activity
14 joined14
people
Related
25What are the best visa options for long-term stay in Thailand for my wife and me?
1.7k13176mo
What is the best visa option for retirees who want to spend 5 months in Thailand each year?
9.8k551796mo
What are the best options for obtaining a long-term visa to train and fight Muay Thai in Thailand?
500346mo
What are the visa options and medical insurance considerations for retiring in Thailand?
3.5k26439mo
What are the best visa options for a family looking to stay in Thailand long-term?
754531y
What is the best visa option for a semi-retired landlord from the UK looking to stay in Thailand?
3.1k28222y
What are the best visa options for moving to Thailand to marry my girlfriend and potentially work?
7.3k53892y
What is the best visa option for a 66-year-old retiree planning to split time between Thailand and the UK?
5.5k43602y
What is the best visa option for a US citizen married to a Thai citizen looking to stay in Thailand for 180 days each winter?
983553y
How can my French boyfriend obtain a long-stay visa to work in Thailand without getting married?
5.1k35673y
What is the best visa option for semi-retirement in Thailand while working remotely?
7.6k61823y
What are the best visa options for a German married to a Thai national looking to retire in Thailand?
2k16133y
What are the options for expats wanting to work in Bangkok and how does the visa process work?
11.7k931313y
What is the best visa approach for working part-time while retiring in Thailand?
672265y
What is the best visa option for a retired person married to a Thai national who wants to spend 6 months in Thailand?
2.7k16356y
What is the best visa option for long-term stay in Thailand for an online worker?
2.1k14216y
What Are the Best Visa Options for an Expat with a Business in Thailand and a New Baby?
2.6k17306y
What type of visa do I need to seek a job in Thailand and what are the formalities?
3.3k24356y
What are the best options for re-entering Thailand with an expired NON-B Visa for an Italian passport holder?
1.3k7157y
What visa options are available for a Danish pensioner wishing to stay permanently in Thailand with a working spouse?
68557y
What are the visa options for teaching English in Thailand without a degree?
1.9k12208y
What are the best visa options for living and working in Thailand for an Italian expat?
1.6k9208y
What is the best visa option for volunteering to teach English in Thailand: marriage visa or work permit for volunteer work?
35618y
Can my Filipino wife stay with me in Thailand for a year while I teach English?
1.2k968y
What visa do I need to retire and teach English in Thailand?
4k35329y
Resources
Need help with your retirement visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served