Answered9 years ago
What visa do I need to retire and teach English in Thailand?
Hi there, I am retiring in October this year and I am marrying my Thai girlfriend of five years, I am also looking to teach English in Thailand. I have no qualifications only to say I come from Cambridge England. I have Flash cards, phonic toys, puzzles and games to help me in teaching. My girlfriend can speak English now, she didn't when we met. I am looking for a job in korat and reading some of the material sent before, I think I need an O visa. The money to stay in Thailand I will have when I retire.
Answer summary
The individual is retiring in October, marrying a Thai woman, and wants to teach English in Korat despite lacking formal qualifications. There's a discussion about the need for an O visa, ways to secure teaching jobs legally, and the implications of working without proper credentials. Various comments reflect on the challenges of finding teaching positions without a degree, suggest alternative job avenues, and emphasize the importance of securing a long-term visa before pursuing a teaching role. Insights include recommendations on teaching locations, the potential for private school engagements without a degree, and the need for a backup plan.
35 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Harry *********
OP@Terary *********
thank you, (1) I hope to avoid agencies (2) I am marrying a good woman (3) I plan to have fun (4) if I have trouble my brother is in Thailand.
Terary **********
@Harry ********
A) Avoid agencies, B) Have a plan "B". I think the marriage will do. C) Have funHarry *********
OP@Terary *********
, thank you I know your advice is worth considering, to me everything is now a learning experience but I have really got a passion to teach. All the information and guidance you can give me is a great help. Thank you once again.Terary **********
They are always cracking down on illegal teachers. I suspect the reality is that they are cracking down on ass-clown illegal teachers.
My University degree is in Computer Science and I have the TEFL certification. Many come here and decide teaching does not suit them but they stay anyway.
There are ample opportunities for someone who wants to teach, both legal and otherwise.
If you are in your home country now - I recommend getting a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa, come to Thailand - then figure out the rest.
My University degree is in Computer Science and I have the TEFL certification. Many come here and decide teaching does not suit them but they stay anyway.
There are ample opportunities for someone who wants to teach, both legal and otherwise.
If you are in your home country now - I recommend getting a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa, come to Thailand - then figure out the rest.
Harry *********
OPThank you Jim, if I have problems teaching, I will seek another avenue of business.
David ****************
@Ha***
. I’m 5 years older than you and also on second Thai wife. Been here 12 years and will never go back to UK, mate. I’m very happy here. Sure it’s far from perfect but I’m going nowhere else!Harry *********
OPDear David John, I have to think about the wishes of my new wife and add this to the product of thought. I will tell you my friend I am 55 in October and this is my second Thai wife, the first wife I took to live with me in England. This lasted 7 mths and she left and flew back to Thailand.
David ****************
Harry, I’d also suggest thinking ‘outside the box’ or even country too
Jim *******
Immigration is currently cracking down on illegal teachers here.
Rhiannon ********
Look for teaching gigs in private schools, nurseries, hotels, corporate companies they can employ legally without a degree. Any government school cannot.
Katie ************
Garrett Greenwald didn't know that! 😅😊
Harry *********
OPDear friends you do not have to fight each other, I know both your statements are correct and the advice you have given is most valuable to me also this proves your years in Thailand you both have learnt many things. One being the right way and another the wrong way but sometimes both ways can get confused. However I am still glad for all the information you have given me.
Katie ************
Also not all degrees are 4 years... 🤔
Rhiannon ********
Oh they certainly can. Your job title and description may not be exactly 'teacher' but you can get a work permit and long term visa. As long as you are doing at least in part what your job title is on your work permit you will be as legal as the next person. :) I've many friends with much experience.
Harry *********
OPThank you Rhiannon I will take your advice and know there will some place where I can pass my knowledge.
James **************
@Tod ********
would he still not need a university degree to apply for teaching license? then the work permit after?
David **********
You can also find other jobs which can use different qualifications (for example an electricians school and experience) so depending on what you did back home you may be able to find a different job that doesn't require a degree.
James **************
Garrett Greenwald and the tefl I also did wasn't even that important to the schools, they were more interested in the degree.
Harry *********
OPThank you all for your comments, some were helpful. I will try to apply for a tefl course in Thailand maybe that way improve my chances of finding work. You never know maybe one day I meet some of you.
James **************
I think it still requires a bachelors degree or higher, I have worked at 2 schools, and applied to a lot of others, and have all asked for a degree, it doesn't have to be in teaching.
Tod *********
I mostly meant that the visa and extension option would allow him to hold a work permit IF he found work. I dunno about the requirements for teaching english here BUT I do know they differ between private and gov't schools.
Tod *********
Okay, while it's admirable that you wanna teach here, I'd say you best sort out your long term visa options FIRST before running head long down the "I wanna teach english" path.
Once you marry your current thai g/f you could get a visa and yearly extension based on marriage, that would let you legally hold a work permit IF you found a job here.
Once you marry your current thai g/f you could get a visa and yearly extension based on marriage, that would let you legally hold a work permit IF you found a job here.
Giles ****************
Teach online. China has a voracious appetite. No degree...no nothing
Nick ***********
yes info is hard
I taught English in Japan for 6 years... and hope it willl help me one day...
I taught English in Japan for 6 years... and hope it willl help me one day...
William ************
I did a TEFL course in BKK, but that's not enough now to teach in Thailand. You need a uni degree, but you may find a small school somewhere that might hire you.
Robin *******
@Lloyd *******
thanks
Lloyd ********
@Robin ******
Any degree will get you 2 or 3 licence waivers (2 years each) . For a full licence you either need a BEd or any degree and a post grad qualification in Education.Robin *******
Do you need a degree in a "teaching English" related field?
Or just a degree?
Or just a degree?
Lisa ***************
I may be able to help. Inbox me
Lisa ***************
I understand completely
@Tod ********
thank you for your diplomatic explanation and your approach it is certainly admirable !Tod *********
@Li**
, I deleted that outlaw comment sorry :/ You may or may not know what you're talking about but with over 19K members we have no way of knowing. That is why I mentioned to keep your comments on the group.
Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.(y)
Lisa ***************
Nothing to do with an outlaw however there are certain people on this group who I simply cannot help who then feel like having a 10 x page useless conversation with me and waste my time which is limited. I am a teacher in Thailand ..... Nothing more than that
Tod *********
@Li**
, if you wanna be in the group, please keep conversations on the group ;) Thanx (y)David ****************
Why not say how you can help as it may also help other readers?
David ****************
I suggest you do more investigations. Most(not every) employer will want to see a degree (of some sort) to employ you as a teacher. A bare minimum should be a TEFL course. Working in LOS as a foreigner isn’t easy. Sure you could open a little private school with the wife, on the quiet but do you really want to start a new stage in your life by continually looking over your shoulder. Piss off a local and then be reported to Immigration for working without a WP. Yes, it’s unlikely to happen but think about it, carefully.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Activity
15 joined15
people
Related
25How long does it typically take to receive approval for a Thailand O visa application?
9777113mo
Can I enter Thailand with a non-B visa if my work permit has been canceled?
526513mo
What type of visa do I need for a one-year stay in Thailand?
1.2k354mo
What visa options are available for volunteering in Thailand, and which organizations can assist with the process?
2.4k16358mo
What are the visa options for part-time teaching and YouTube content creation in Bangkok?
1.5k1451y
What does the validity date of my O visa mean for my trip to Thailand?
3.7k25491y
Can I apply for a Thai visa online while currently in Thailand for my job change?
942351y
What do I need to bring for my first entry into Thailand with a DTV visa?
921571y
How long did it take to obtain your LTR visa in Thailand, and what was your experience with the process?
10.2k401361y
Is applying for a DTV visa a good idea for frequent visits to Thailand from Laos?
430132y
What visa should I apply for to stay in Thailand for at least 6 months while looking for a job or starting a business?
842462y
What are the requirements for applying for a Non-B Visa in Thailand as a Filipino expat with an employer?
775322y
What visa does my wife need to join me in Thailand if I retire at 50 and she is under 50?
4.6k31583y
What do I need to know about getting an English teaching job in Thailand with a tourist visa?
2k15133y
Do you need a TEFL or a Degree to teach English in Thailand?
6.2k49665y
How can I resolve issues with my Certificate of Entry (COE) for Thailand due to an expiring work permit?
2.5k2496y
Do I still have to quarantine for 14 days upon arriving in Bangkok with a work permit?
11.3k1021046y
What type of visa do I need to seek a job in Thailand and what are the formalities?
3.3k24356y
What to do if my NON B Visa in Thailand is pending collection due to flight cancellations?
3257y
What are the new online visa application procedures for the Royal Thai Embassies in London and Paris?
1.9k1577y
Is my visa still valid if my work permit has been cancelled in Thailand?
3.6k32218y
Do I need a work visa to teach English online while on a tourist visa in Thailand?
3k26208y
Can I extend my work permit in Thailand 6 months in advance before its expiration?
3408y
What is the best visa option for retiring and teaching English in Thailand?
5.7k50498y
Can I enter Thailand on an Emergency Travel Document with a work permit?
4.1k36299y
Resources
Need help with your retirement visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served