I'm planning on obtaining my TEFL Certification and coming to Thailand to teach. I've been doing a fair amount of reading on the Teachers Forum and it seems as though you have to be very careful (especially if you're a Newbie like me) when it comes to choosing a potential employer.

In light of this, I think it's a good idea to come to BKK for a while and research these schools in person and make contacts/networks from the teaching community that can help me to avoid some of the less desirable working environments.

I'm looking to obtain a 60 Day Tourist VISA while I'm still in the USA, and then potentially applying for a 30 day extension if necessary. While in BKK on the 60 Day VISA I plan on job hunting.

Has anyone experienced difficulty in converting a 60 Day Tourist VISA into a Non-Immigrant 'B'?

Thanks, Thom

Thom, if you're in the USA now, why not get a non-immigrant B from a friendly consulate? Or a multiple entry, or something better than a 60 day?

We've heard rumors that the tourist visa (that you get abroad, from a Thai consulate or Embassy) can be converted, but it's not easy, requires an employer who's savvy about how to do it, and willing to do it. Novice teachers are usually put on probation for several months, during which they work illegally. Even the better schools that a novice might luck into, can be notoriously slow or ignorant about making their teacher legal.

Good luck, and welcome to the forum. Now I'll let the more informed minds advise you....

Ssup buddy. I'm from SD as well. Grew up in mission valley. I could give you some advice but then again we all got different plans. First things first,

1: Don't let them know you are fresh fish. If they know that, they will dodge contracts faster than you could say "rip-off!".

2: Don't open and settle the deal in 1 day. You gotta get their paperwork and necessary copies such as copy of the unsigned contract, now say that with me.. UNSIGNED. In addtion, if the potential employer grants you a work permit, request the paper work which they will use to run around and get you legal.

3: Go see a trusted lawyer who can clarify that these papers are legal and up to standard and that any faulty actions will lead to misconduct and break the contract which then you can sew the school, ofcourse by paying the judge a little on the side by having your lawyer take care of that.

4: After signing the contract, issue the school your legal papers from the lawyer stating that if the school decides to dodge some of the regulations within the contract, immediate action will be reinforced upon them.

Alright thats enough outta me dude, I gotta go teach now, so take it easy and hope you get some solid info on the whole real deal in Thailand buddy, take care.

MBB.