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Teacher Guide

A Complete Guide for Foreign Teachers in Thailand

Requirements, preparation, and required documents — everything you need to know, whether you're applying from abroad or already in Thailand.

Basic Qualifications for Foreign Teachers

To work as a teacher in Thailand, foreign applicants must meet several minimum legal requirements.

Minimum Age

Applicants must be at least 20 years old.

Bachelor's Degree or Higher

Any field accepted; education-related degrees (e.g. B.Ed.) are preferred.

Good Moral Character

No serious criminal record, verified via background check.

Teaching Certificate

TEFL / TESOL / CELTA expected by employers, required by many schools.

English proficiency (non-native speakers): If you're not from a recognized native English-speaking country (UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland), you'll need a CEFR B1+ score — e.g. TOEIC 600+, IELTS 5.5+, or Aptis. Non-education graduates can start on a provisional license while completing teacher training.

Essential Legal Requirements

To teach legally in Thailand, you and your employing school must secure three key documents.

1

Non-Immigrant B Visa

Required for employment purposes. Usually obtained from a Thai embassy or consulate abroad, or converted from a tourist visa inside Thailand with your employer's help. Typically requires a job offer/contract, legalized degree certificates, a clean background check, and school registration documents.

2

Work Permit

Mandatory for all foreign teachers. Issued by the Ministry of Labour and applied for by your employer shortly after arrival. You can't legally teach without at least the work permit application receipt or the permit book itself.

3

Teaching License (KSP)

Issued by the Teachers' Council of Thailand (Kurusapa), processed digitally through KSP School / OnePlatform. Two types apply to new foreign teachers:

P-License — 2 years, for non-education degree holders. Requires KSP-approved modules (e.g. TPDI 7-Modules) for renewal or upgrade.
B-License — 5 years, for B.Ed. holders, a valid home-country teaching license, or those who've completed the KSP modules.

Preparation: Outside vs. Inside Thailand

What to prepare depends on whether you're applying from abroad or already in the country.

✈ Applying from Outside Thailand

  • Bachelor's degree certificate and official academic transcripts
  • Criminal background check from your home country
  • Teaching certificates (TEFL/TESOL/CELTA)
  • Valid passport (6 months to 1 year of validity remaining)
  • Job offer from a Thai school
Critical legal note: Your degree, transcripts, and background check must be authenticated and legalized (notarized at home and stamped by the Thai Embassy/Consulate, or Apostilled) before arriving. Unlegalized documents will be rejected by immigration, the Ministry of Labour, and the KSP.

🏙 Applying While in Thailand

  • Apply for jobs directly at schools
  • Your employer usually assists with visa conversion — e.g. tourist visa or visa exemption to Non-Immigrant B, at the local immigration office or a nearby embassy
  • Employer assists with the Work Permit application
  • Employer assists with KSP teaching license registration via OnePlatform
Note: Make sure your current visa has enough remaining validity — usually at least 15–30 days — to allow time for the visa change process.

Required Documents Checklist

A practical checklist of documents you'll need throughout the hiring and legal process.

👤 Personal Documents

  • Passport (2+ blank pages, 6+ months validity)
  • Non-Immigrant B Visa
  • Passport-sized photos (formal dress, white/blue background, Thai standard sizes 3x4 cm and 4x6 cm)
  • Resume / CV

🎓 Educational Documents

  • Bachelor's degree certificate (authenticated/legalized)
  • Academic transcripts (authenticated/legalized)
  • Teaching certificates (TEFL/TESOL/CELTA or home-country teaching license)
  • English proficiency score report (non-native speakers only: TOEIC 600+ or IELTS 5.5+)

🏫 Employer Documents (Provided by School)

  • Employment contract (signed by both parties)
  • Job offer / invitation letter
  • School registration and license documents signed by the director
  • Weekly teaching schedule

⚖ Legal & Medical Documents

  • Criminal background check (issued within 6 months, authenticated/legalized)
  • Thai medical certificate (issued within 30 days; includes Syphilis and Tuberculosis testing)
  • Work Permit (Ministry of Labour)
  • KSP Teaching License — P-License or B-License (via OnePlatform)
  • Proof of residence (lease agreement and TM30 receipt)

Important Legal Notes & Compliance

Thailand's immigration and labor rules are strictly enforced — keep these in mind at every stage.

Working Without a Work Permit is Illegal

Teaching or performing work duties without a valid work permit (or an official application receipt) violates Thai labor law and can result in arrest, heavy fines, deportation, and blacklisting.

Tourist Visas Are for Tourism Only

You cannot legally work or earn income on a Tourist Visa or a Visa Exemption stamp.

90-Day Reporting

Once you hold a long-term visa, you're required to report your residential address to Thai Immigration every 90 days. Failing to do so results in fines.

TM30 Address Notification

Your landlord or hotel must register your stay via the TM30 form within 24 hours of arrival. Immigration checks this before issuing visas or work extensions.

Regulations change: Immigration rules, KSP requirements, and labor policies are updated frequently. Always confirm current processes with your employing school's HR department or official Thai government websites.

Ready to Start Your Teaching Journey?

Meet the qualifications, legalize your documents, secure a job offer, and let us help you handle the Non-B Visa, Work Permit, and KSP License — every step of the way.

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