Teaching English in Pattaya: Is It Worth It?

Teaching is one of the most common ways for a foreigner to work in Pattaya. I'm not a teacher, but I've known plenty over the years. Here's what they tell me.

Is it a good way in?

Yes. There's real demand in Thailand for teachers, especially English teachers. Jobs range from Thai schools right up to the top international schools. Pay runs from around ฿30,000 to ฿40,000 a month at the lower end to a few hundred thousand baht a month in the top schools. Teachers have their own work permit rules, so the usual minimum salary for foreigners doesn't always apply.

Every teacher I've spoken to says teaching here is far more enjoyable than teaching in the West. It's a nice job and a nice lifestyle. It's also a way of giving back: you're helping children build their English, and hopefully helping them towards a better job and a better life.

What qualifications do you need?

As I understand it, a TEFL certificate is the minimum, and for a work permit you'll generally need a degree as well. It doesn't have to be in teaching. Many of the top international schools also want a recognised teaching qualification and experience.

What's the lifestyle like?

From what teachers tell me, fantastic. Schools have a safe, friendly atmosphere, and the smaller ones can feel like a family. Teachers without family here often socialise together, which I'm not sure happens as much back home.

There are discounts around the city for teachers too. At Hemingways Lakeside, for example, we give teachers 20% off when they show their school badge.

A teacher's story

About 20 years ago, when I worked at the Sportsman, a guy called Andy came in. He's a good friend now, but back then I barely knew him. He was looking to settle in Pattaya and wasn't sure what to do, and it turned out he was a qualified geography teacher in the UK.

He had no idea how much demand there was for someone like him: a native English speaker with a degree and real teaching experience. I told him he'd have his pick of the schools. He ended up at St Andrews, and he's been there ever since, more than 20 years, working his way up to a senior role.

My top tip

Get qualified. Without the right qualifications, it's not really worth pursuing. You might find a job somewhere, but you won't get a work permit, and that's a real risk. Schools do get investigated. You might assume that because you're helping Thai children you'd be exempt from needing a permit, but you're not.

There's a good reason for it, too. Schools need to know you are who you say you are before you work with children.

For more, read finding a job in Pattaya as a foreigner, international schools in Pattaya and making friends in Pattaya.