Teaching in Thailand as aThai/British Citizen

[suwit crisp]

Hi everyone, Could someone give me an inquiry about teaching in Thailand as a thai citizen

I am a thai and british citzen which means i possess two passports.

i am currently looking for a teaching position, but all the schools states , in conclusion, "You must have a bachelor degree."

Now, i understand that for foreigners to work in thailand they must have a degree, so they can obtain a work permit.

for that being said, Their minimum salary would approximately be 25,000-30,000 baht a month, I assumed.

Here is my problem,i have a TEFL certificate,which i aquired in Thailand, but i do not have a BA.

I would like the goverment school to employ me as a foriegner, so i could earn 25,000-30,000 baht a month.

Is it possible for me to gain a teaching position as a foriegner without a BA? as i am already a thai citizen, and i don't need a BA to obtain a work permit.

or will they just hire me as a thai citizen? in which, i will be earning 15,000 bath a month. if so, "screw this i am going back to England".

Thank you.

.

[Scott]

You will have to do some hard looking and it might take some time for you to find something. Your situation is complicated and most places want a 'white' face as an English teacher. Even as a Thai, you theoretically need a Teacher's License to work and that would require a BA/BS degree.

[zeichen]

Are you a native English speaker or just a Thai with a British Passport? I have worked with a few near native Thais with degrees from US or UK but they still didn't get paid the same as the native speakers. It is unfortunate, but they pay locals less regardless of skills.

Most likely without a degree, you won't even make 20-30k. If you get hired at all, (connections are most important) you won't make more than 15k a month possibly even less.

A degree is a requirement for teaching jobs at government institutions not just for foreigners who need a work permit. I don't know any Thais that teach full time at public schools that don't have a degree. Most have a degree in education. Private school teachers all have degrees but fewer of them have degrees in education, they do take classes to get licensed. All teachers need a license not just foreigners.

Even a Thai with a local degree in education will get paid more than you.

However, if you are a very skilled teacher and are likeable in a few years you could build a reputation and make a fortune running cram classes.

[suwit crisp]

Are you a native English speaker or just a Thai with a British Passport? I have worked with a few near native Thais with degrees from US or UK but they still didn't get paid the same as the native speakers. It is unfortunate, but they pay locals less regardless of skills.

Most likely without a degree, you won't even make 20-30k. If you get hired at all, (connections are most important) you won't make more than 15k a month possibly even less.

A degree is a requirement for teaching jobs at government institutions not just for foreigners who need a work permit. I don't know any Thais that teach full time at public schools that don't have a degree. Most have a degree in education. Private school teachers all have degrees but fewer of them have degrees in education, they do take classes to get licensed. All teachers need a license not just foreigners.

Even a Thai with a local degree in education will get paid more than you.

However, if you are a very skilled teacher and are likeable in a few years you could build a reputation and make a fortune running cram classes.

Yes,i do speak native English.

I know a few thai teachers that has a degree in english, but they don't seem to know anything about english apart from basic-intermediate grammar.Most of them don't even know basic grammar. i have a thai teacher who is studying basic grammar with me at the moment. it's quite funny.

Edited February 9, 2014 by suwit crisp

[SlyAnimal]

Without a bachelor degree you can't obtain a Thai teaching licence, and so you're not legally allowed to teach.

The regulations regarding this are the same for both Thai and Farang. The difference is that for Farang, they need the teaching licence in order to get a work permit, and the work permit in order to get a visa. Not being able to get a visa then makes things much more difficult for them.

As you're Thai, you don't require a visa/work permit, so if a school wants to hire you, they might do so (Maybe as an assistant teacher, which doesn't require a teacher's licence).

However it'd be upto the school as to what they'd want to pay you. If you look Thai, then they might not want to pay you a lot, but if you look farang, then they might want to pay you a little more. But you do need to remember, that Thai schools often don't hire based on your ability to teach the students, but rather your ability to impress the parents.

Parents are often impressed if you:

Have white skin

Are handsome/beautiful

Like to smile and laugh

Are between the ages of 25 and 50

Can speak Thai

Can understand Thai culture & how a teacher should act

Speak English slowly/clearly

Can make the students like you

Have good qualifications

Have good previous work experience

Can teach the students well

Those are, in my opinion, what impresses the parents (From most important to least important), and what impresses the parents, impresses the school. Although many schools, particularly city schools, will want all of their teachers to have degrees, as they are scrutinised more closely by the government than countryside schools.

Good luck

I would however recommend that if you are thinking about teaching as a career, you should look into doing some study. As it'll put you into a much better position in the future.

Also if you try to look at schools in the countryside, they'll be more interested in you, as they often have trouble finding qualified farang teachers.

[Rimmer]

One grammar police post removed

3. If possible please proofread your post first, poor grammar and spelling can make the post difficult to understand. However be aware that not every member is a native english speaker and excessive posts regarding others spelling and grammar not only hijacks the topic but is poor netiquette.

[nahkit]

I have a daughter in the same situation as the op, Thai/British passports, who was brought up in the English education system outside of Thailand but has now chosen to live in Thailand. My daughter has no degree but does have a CELTA and she has had no problem finding employment in the local schools and gets the same rate as other expat teachers in the area, between 25,000 - 30,000 baht a month. This is in a countryside area which as post #5 said is probably easier to find work in.

[suwit crisp]

Notable, I'm going to make a sort replay on your previous post that has been removed.

Yes, i did make a mistake, get over yourself. The intension i had was to get my point across in a clear manner, and not worry about grammar or punctuation, but thanks for the notice. I appreciate it.

It's obviously satisfying for you to be able to notice some grammar mistakes. Well done.

I believe you only need perfect English when you're teaching.

You also wrote " your English far from perfect"

Never once i mention my English is perfect.

it's seems to me ,with your little staments, You're just trying to disdain other people just because of one's mistakes.

Good day sir

[suwit crisp]

I have a daughter in the same situation as the op, Thai/British passports, who was brought up in the English education system outside of Thailand but has now chosen to live in Thailand. My daughter has no degree but does have a CELTA and she has had no problem finding employment in the local schools and gets the same rate as other expat teachers in the area, between 25,000 - 30,000 baht a month. This is in a countryside area which as post #5 said is probably easier to find work in.

Nahkit, do you live in issan? because that's where im living and trying to find a teaching position.

Edited February 10, 2014 by suwit crisp

[nahkit]

I have a daughter in the same situation as the op, Thai/British passports, who was brought up in the English education system outside of Thailand but has now chosen to live in Thailand. My daughter has no degree but does have a CELTA and she has had no problem finding employment in the local schools and gets the same rate as other expat teachers in the area, between 25,000 - 30,000 baht a month. This is in a countryside area which as post #5 said is probably easier to find work in.

Nahkit, do you live in issan? because that's where im living and trying to find a teaching position.

Yes, Khon Kaen area.

[suwit crisp]

Notable, I'm going to make a sort replay on your previous post that has been removed.

Yes, i did make a mistake, get over yourself. The intension i had was to get my point across in a clear manner, and not worry about grammar or punctuation, but thanks for the notice. I appreciate it.

It's obviously satisfying for you to be able to notice some grammar mistakes. Well done.

I believe you only need perfect English when you're teaching.

You also wrote " your English far from perfect"

Never once i mention my English is perfect.

it's seems to me ,with your little staments, You're just trying to disdain other people just because of one's mistakes.

Good day sir

What i meant is " you look up on other people with disdain just because one's mistakes."

[Gillyflower]

That you write quite good English is obvious but you are not a native English speaker. When asked if you were -you replied that you speak native English. It is not the same thing. Is English your mother tongue? Mind you- I have heard some 'native' speakers using appalling English.

[duanebigsby]

suwit crisp

Some people are suggesting you need the degree, others not. I don't know but suggest you try.

My school has a Spanish gentleman whose English is his 3rd or 4th language and he speaks with a slight accent. We have a another teacher whose English is his 2nd language, educated in England, with a mild British accent. My school is paying them the "Native English Teacher" salary.

The school actually prefers Americans and Canadians for the neutral accent. Texas, Alabama, etc excluded.

Hopefully you can be recognized as a native speaker and you aren't stuck with a Liverpool, cockney accent.

Grammar Nazis don't seem to realize that some of us just don't type well or care to spellcheck an internet post.

But when the topic is teaching English it is more important!

[Scott]

Another off-topic post has been removed. Stop with the native/non-native/grammar/spelling crap. The person is ethnic Thai and has a British passport and was educated in Britain.

Where I work, it is the passport you carry that determines your nationality, however, they do not like to consider other Thai people as anything other than Thai.

[suwit crisp]

That you write quite good English is obvious but you are not a native English speaker. When asked if you were -you replied that you speak native English. It is not the same thing. Is English your mother tongue? Mind you- I have heard some 'native' speakers using appalling English.

I speak English with a Plymothian accent. Isn't that native enough? Who would you consider a native speaker? Someone who was born in an english speaking country?

Edited February 10, 2014 by suwit crisp

[Byron200]

To be fair I did put two 'a's in my comment, so you can kick my ass back. As far as the degree is concerned, you can get a teaching licence without one if the school write to the MOE and make a request. You'd need to be teaching out in a very rural loacation though. Often people apply the western style of thinking when it comes to interpreting Thai rules and regulations, it just doesn't work like that here.

[Gillyflower]

Oh do you come from Plymouth too?

[Byron200]

No I'm from a small Cornish fishing village on the east coast of Lizard Peninsula, I came here in search of Herrings but never found them.

[suwit crisp]

suwit crisp

Some people are suggesting you need the degree, others not. I don't know but suggest you try.

My school has a Spanish gentleman whose English is his 3rd or 4th language and he speaks with a slight accent. We have a another teacher whose English is his 2nd language, educated in England, with a mild British accent. My school is paying them the "Native English Teacher" salary.

The school actually prefers Americans and Canadians for the neutral accent. Texas, Alabama, etc excluded.

Hopefully you can be recognized as a native speaker and you aren't stuck with a Liverpool, cockney accent.

Grammar Nazis don't seem to realize that some of us just don't type well or care to spellcheck an internet post.

But when the topic is teaching English it is more important!

I've a Plymothian accent. Yes, i should take little more time and check my grammar, spelling, ect... cosidering my thread title is " Teaching English as a Thai/British Citizen".

Elementally, I was raised around people who use friendly and conversational English,mostly friendly, as i grew up i picked up on these bad habits in grammar.that is why i've made a few mistakes, but i do prepare my lessons with Perfect English.before i put it into action. Does that actully make me a bad teacher?

.

Edited February 10, 2014 by suwit crisp

[suwit crisp]

Oh do you come from Plymouth too?

Yes, I did live in plympton. where about do you live?

[suwit crisp]

Yes, i do relise this, but seriously? You think i'm going to be teaching an advance class in a thai goverment school.

Even my TEFL trainer said "you'll only teach intermediate class once a week or maybe twice". as stated in the last sentence, he did not even mention advance classes, and he has been teaching in thailand for 21 years.

as i've already stated above,quoting back to duanebigsby, the reason why i've these bad grammar habits, and just because i've bad writting. It doesn't mean i don't know intermediate to advance grammar

Edited February 10, 2014 by suwit crisp

[Scott]

I have deleted another post with off-topic commentary. The next one is getting a formal warning and a posting suspension. Stay on topic.

Apparently some posters have major comprehension problems.

[Byron200]

Every government school has an MEP programme and you'll be expected to teach the classes they ask you to. I teach MEP at a government school that has 4,000 students. If any MEP teachers are off a teacher from the general teaching programme will be asked to cover lessons.

[crackdown15]

I am an American citizen of Thai descent born and raised in Chicago. I am currently a lecturer at a small university in Ayutthaya. In addition, I also have liason duties which include the hiring of foreign staff members. Unfortunately, to teach in a state institution in this country, you do need to have a bachelor's as stated by previous posters. Thai teachers usually have a master's if not higher. If are a native speaker (as you posted earlier) and you speak Thai, you can possibly get a position at a language school or tutoring program. Best of luck!

[casualbiker]

ummm what about the 2 year provisional teachers licence waiver..?

[doontp]

Bachelor's Degree? What Bachelor's Degree?!! Dude!!!! I'm half Thai/American. Raised in the US. Come to LOS if you're not already here. Do like me. I flew myself in from the US. I arrived here at the beginning of a semester break, Oct 1st. I randomly visited six schools over a 2-day period. It's a numbers game, just like women. 2 schools turned me down, 2 schools offered me a position on the spot, 2 schools called and offered me a position a few days later. This was Bkk, 2008. Get a position in Bkk and gain experience. You'll then be able to go to just about any school in Isaan, secure a position and bang the prettiest girl in the area. You heard it from me. I'm half American, half Amazing. Good luck with yourself.

[a99az]

Are you a native English speaker or just a Thai with a British Passport? I have worked with a few near native Thais with degrees from US or UK but they still didn't get paid the same as the native speakers. It is unfortunate, but they pay locals less regardless of skills.

Most likely without a degree, you won't even make 20-30k. If you get hired at all, (connections are most important) you won't make more than 15k a month possibly even less.

A degree is a requirement for teaching jobs at government institutions not just for foreigners who need a work permit. I don't know any Thais that teach full time at public schools that don't have a degree. Most have a degree in education. Private school teachers all have degrees but fewer of them have degrees in education, they do take classes to get licensed. All teachers need a license not just foreigners.

Even a Thai with a local degree in education will get paid more than you.

However, if you are a very skilled teacher and are likeable in a few years you could build a reputation and make a fortune running cram classes.

Yes,i do speak native English.

I know a few thai teachers that has a degree in english, but they don't seem to know anything about english apart from basic-intermediate grammar.Most of them don't even know basic grammar. i have a thai teacher who is studying basic grammar with me at the moment. it's quite funny.

I think you should study in the UK to teach. Then you would be an asset for any Thai school, if you apply as an English man your pay will be higher.

Now why should you study? Take another look at what you have written. that have, not "that has" and "capitals for country name or place.

[SlyAnimal]

Posts have been removed for trolling, both the offending posts and any which quoted them.

Some posters have received warnings/suspensions.

Please keep it civil, and please avoid trolling, as it's not amusing to see posters trying to mock people for the grammar / spelling / race.

So stay on topic, and try to assist the OP with his questions.

[SlyAnimal]

I'm going to close this thread, as it seems to have attracted all of the trolls (And the OP's question has been answered).

@OP - If you feel your question isn't answered yet, please pm me.