Ask question

What visa options do I have to stay in Thailand for 2 years as an ESL teacher?

Thai visa options Youth Mobility Visa ESL teaching in Thailand International schools in Phuket Tourist visa Long-term stay in Thailand Expat advice

February 11, 2018

7 years ago

Lauren ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi everyone! My boyfriend has just been offered a job in Phuket starting in July. 

It's a 2 year contract and I want to stay the whole 2 years too. 

I'm from New Zealand and I'll be 30 in July, I've heard there's a youth mobility visa for 18-30 year olds, is this something I should apply for? Or is there any other visa I can get? I'm also an ESL teacher with a degree (BA psychology and philosophy) and a TEFL certification from an online provider. 

Any advice about anything that will let me stay for 2 years (maybe more but definitely 2 years) would be greatly appreciated!

990

views

7

likes

28

all likes

19

replies

0

images

8

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is looking for visa options to stay in Thailand for two years while their boyfriend works in Phuket. They are considering the youth mobility visa for 18-30 year olds and mentioned having a degree and a TEFL certification. Commenters suggest that finding a teaching job in Phuket is feasible, and that a proper visa could allow them to live there for the full duration. Options discussed include obtaining a teaching visa, using multiple tourist visas with regular border runs, and leveraging their TEFL certification to find employment.

Spierze *****

you can get by a year or so with 4-5 tourist visa, then change a new passport once it becomes too much. that will require you to exit the country every 3 months though.

Like

Reply

Spierze *****

relax, its a suggestion, may not be the best but it works. there is an active conversation going here so the TS can decide what suits her most. no reason to be rude

Like

Reply

Lance *******

In New Zealand language we call that shit advice!

Like

Reply

Reply to

Lance *******

Reply

Daniele *************

You could spend your 2 years on back to back tourist visas

Like

Reply

Terary **********

I have a BS in Computer Science and landed a job as math teacher. You'll be ok with your qualifications.

Like

Reply

Lance *******

Do you live in Auckland?

Like

Reply

Lance *******

Every country has different requirements. It's easy in Auckland. Fill out a form show then a bank statement with about 7k NZ pay 200 and give them your passport and pick up in 5 days. Check there website.

Like

Reply

Lauren ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

yeah there is a Thai embassy here, do you have any extra info about that specific visa?

Like

Reply

Lance *******

Ok i don't know if they have a thai embassy there but you might want to look into a multiple entry visa it's good for 9 months while you look for work if you can't find any online.

Like

Reply

Lauren ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hey Lance, no I'm living in Prague at the moment, from Papamoa originally

Like

Reply

Reply to

Lauren ****************

Reply

Lauren ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Oh my gosh thank you guys so much! I am so relieved 😌 yaaaay! Phuket here we come!! 🌊 🌴 ☀️!!!

Like

Reply

Ronald ******************

It will be so easy for you to find a teaching job in Phuket

Like

Reply

Ronald ******************

Yes you can stay in Phuket with a proper visa for 2 years or maybe more than and I don't have any idea how much money you can earn a month

Like

Reply

Lance *******

1000 to 2000 NZ a month

Like

Reply

Lauren ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Ok phew! And I can get a 2year visa from that? Any idea what the hours/pay is like?

Like

Reply

Reply to

Lauren ****************

Reply

Lauren ****************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Ok this is great! (Although I don't actually have any "proper teaching qualifications" apart from my TEFL certification so I can't really teach anything other than ESL

Like

Reply

Lance *******

The private English language school normally near a university lay every thing out for you. I know i guy who never had training and he finds it easy as.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Lance *******

Reply

Jee ************

There are so many international school in Phuket.

Like

Reply

Alex *********

Quite easy to get a job as an English teacher if you have degree. Find the job when you are in Thailand.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Alex *********

Reply

Thai Visa Advice

... members · 40% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.

Thai Visa Advice

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice

What are the best visa options for a remote worker and student looking to live in Thailand?

99 comments

2 months ago

What are the best visa options for staying long-term in Thailand while working and potentially marrying a Thai partner?

89 comments

3 months ago

What is the best visa option for long-term residency in Thailand?

41 comments

3 months ago

What visa options do I have to stay in Thailand with my girlfriend until March next year?

47 comments

3 months ago

What visa options are available for someone under 50 looking to stay in Thailand for a year?

35 comments

5 months ago

What do I need to know about getting an English teaching job in Thailand with a tourist visa?

15 comments

6 months ago

What are the job options and visa requirements for moving to Thailand without a BA?

30 comments

7 months ago

How can I extend my 30-day visa in Thailand to stay until May while considering teaching English?

23 comments

7 months ago

What is the best visa option for Australians looking to do a long-term stay in Thailand for studying, teaching English, or training in Muay Thai?

29 comments

8 months ago

What Visa Options Are Available for Long-Term Stay in Thailand?

39 comments

a year ago

What visa options do my girlfriend and I have to live in Thailand long-term?

31 comments

a year ago

What visa options are available for long-term stays in Thailand under 50 years of age?

10 comments

2 years ago

What visa options do I have for long-term stay in Thailand, and can my mother-in-law help with a work permit?

18 comments

3 years ago

What visa options are available for long-term stay in Thailand if I don't have a degree?

26 comments

3 years ago

What are the best visa options for my daughter and her boyfriend to stay in Thailand for 7 months?

11 comments

3 years ago

What are the best visa options for expats in Thailand who may be stuck due to COVID-19?

12 comments

5 years ago

How can I transition from a tourist visa to a working visa in Thailand while job hunting?

14 comments

5 years ago

What type of visa should I get for teaching in Thailand after accompanying my girlfriend?

0 comments

5 years ago

What are my options for extending my stay in Thailand on a short-term visa?

11 comments

5 years ago

What are the visa options for teaching English in Thailand without a degree?

12 comments

6 years ago

What long-term visa options are available for expats in Thailand who want to stay with their partner?

18 comments

6 years ago

What type of visa should I apply for to teach in Thailand after coming from South Africa?

13 comments

6 years ago

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

50 comments

6 years ago

What visa should I apply for to live and possibly teach in Chiang Mai, Thailand for 6-9 months?

28 comments

6 years ago

What are the best long-term visa options for returning to Thailand, including working visas and education visas related to Muay Thai?

24 comments

7 years ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund 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.