I'm toying with the idea of starting a private language school in BKK that caters to Thai kids.

I'm not sure whether to run it as a 'language school' or 'tuition centre', and I wonder if there is any difference in the legal meaning of these two.

I'm considering offering both English and Chinese. Well, with English I understand teachers will have to be TEFL qualified. What about Chinese ?

If you are planning to do this legally, then you are opening a big can of worms. You will need to follow all the normal requirements for foreign ownership of businesses in Thailand, and you will also need to have a highly educationally qualified Thai school director on board, as far as I know.

I have no idea how teachers of Chinese are regulated! Anybody know?

I'm toying with the idea of starting a private language school in BKK that caters to Thai kids.

I'm not sure whether to run it as a 'language school' or 'tuition centre', and I wonder if there is any difference in the legal meaning of these two.

I'm considering offering both English and Chinese. Well, with English I understand teachers will have to be TEFL qualified. What about Chinese ?

I think there would be a great deal of demand for a good language school; there certainly is down here in Phuket. However I am certain you would have to deal with a lot of 'red tape', and at some stage probably be expected to provide 'tea money' to some 'official' before you get your licence from the Education department.

A TEFL Certificate alone is not enough to Teach, the Thai authorities require that all teachers are Graduates; as all native Thai teachers already are. Presently they accept any degree, but in time will insist on an Education qualification. In practice the Degree is needed to obtain the Work Permit which everybody must have in order to work at anything here. Also the TEFL course must include a Thai language and 'Thai culture' component to provide some insight for the Farangs.

My Thai friends tell me that one must be a specialist in whatever subject is being taught, as would be expected elsewhere. So surely to Teach Chinese you would need a Graduate who either was Chinese or who had studied Chinese at University.

If you want to open a Branch down here in Phuket please let me know. We have the local knowledge and existing customers, but no capital to do things on a larger scale. However there is definitely a healthy demand, and many Thai families will pay good money for good tuition of their children. They do expect results of course and certainly deserve value for money, since the costs to them are often a pretty big slice of their dwindling disposable income.

Good Luck

Well, I'm not so keen to get into teaching myself. I will get English-speaking Thais to teach. My concern is the difference between a school and a tuition centre. I believe in the case of a school I may have to move mountains and seas in order to get the school going. What about a tuition centre ? Something to supplement what may be lacking in Thai schools. Do I need to go through as much "red tapes" ?

^ Just sent you PM, thairookie, with some info which might help.

If you use English speaking Thais, then expect your business to go south pretty quick. Thai parents want native speakers, and Thai teachers will steal your customers (so will some native speakers). this is from experience.

If you use English speaking Thais, then expect your business to go south pretty quick. Thai parents want native speakers, and Thai teachers will steal your customers (so will some native speakers). this is from experience.

Absolutely correct.

They want native speaking teachers.

the Thai authorities require that all teachers are Graduates;

Not for language schools. Language schools are cat [15/2] and normal private and government schools [15/1]. Different rules apply and a degree isn't necessary for teachers to obtain a wp. They don't need to obtain a teacher licence as well. This is true in Chiang Mai and I guess probably most other provinces as well.

Well, I'm not so keen to get into teaching myself. I will get English-speaking Thais to teach. My concern is the difference between a school and a tuition centre. I believe in the case of a school I may have to move mountains and seas in order to get the school going. What about a tuition centre ? Something to supplement what may be lacking in Thai schools. Do I need to go through as much "red tapes" ?

Its possibly a bit of a tricky question for us to answer. It may be best to seek legal advice.

Well, I'm not so keen to get into teaching myself. I will get English-speaking Thais to teach. My concern is the difference between a school and a tuition centre. I believe in the case of a school I may have to move mountains and seas in order to get the school going. What about a tuition centre ? Something to supplement what may be lacking in Thai schools. Do I need to go through as much "red tapes" ?

Its possibly a bit of a tricky question for us to answer. It may be best to seek legal advice.

and/or visit your local education office who will advise.

Did you manage to find out the difference of a tuition center compared to a school?

the Thai authorities require that all teachers are Graduates;

Not for language schools. Language schools are cat [15/2] and normal private and government schools [15/1]. Different rules apply and a degree isn't necessary for teachers to obtain a wp. They don't need to obtain a teacher licence as well. This is true in Chiang Mai and I guess probably most other provinces as well.

As the owner of such a school, I confirm that you are 100% correct.

If it's a private language school that doesn't cater to Thais at all, say teaching French to English kids does the school still require a license from the Education department? Sorry this is probably a naive question but can't you just run it like a normal business and hire whoever you want?

If it's a private language school that doesn't cater to Thais at all, say teaching French to English kids does the school still require a license from the Education department? Sorry this is probably a naive question but can't you just run it like a normal business and hire whoever you want?

Yes if you want it to operate legally. However, there is a great deal more flexibility over who you employ. It's not too difficult to obtain work permits for teachers without degrees and the TCT teacher licence nonsense doesn't apply.

The licence includes provisions for building regulations and other safety considerations. In addition, it would be difficult to obtain insurance for the building without a school licence if the function of the building is to be a school. You could operate illegally but if you found out your Thai employer was working this way, you would probably be very angry and indignant.

Something I recently heard. Foreign ownership of schools will be increased from 51% to 70% within the next 5 years.

I am seriously interested in starting a school in Bangkok based on research and over 10 years of teaching experience.. I have a doctorate in Educational Psychology from USC (Los Angeles) and 3 years experience as an administrator in a university English language program. My area of expertise is in motivation and learning. I have a great image, track-record, and recommendations. If anyone is interested in creating a very successful business, please contact me ASAP (<< Use PM >>).

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