Why more Malaysians are moving to Thailand to teach in local schools

Murray Hunter


Why more Malaysians are moving to Thailand to teach in local schools

Thailand presents great opportunities for Malaysians wanting to teach

Oct 30, 2024





While opportunities to teach in primary and secondary schools in Malaysia are limited, Malaysians are beginning to move to Thailand to teach in primary and secondary schools across the country.

Thailand has thousands of primary and secondary schools operating across the country. Most are government schools, while a sizable proportion are private schools. International schools are becoming popular and opening in provincial cities as well.

Thailand is pushing for students to learn English and Mandarin. Almost every school in Thailand now employs foreign teachers who are proficient in English or Mandarin in the larger city schools. A large number of major government schools have opened international departments within their schools that teach all subjects totally in English. This is becoming widespread through Thailand now.

There are perhaps as many as 200,000 foreign teachers from Europe, Africa, the Philippines, United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand currently teaching in Thailand. The vast majority of teachers are teaching English, but recently schools are looking for IT, and STEM subject teachers.

Its not necessary to be able to speak Thai to teach English in Thailand.

Traditionally, English teaching was a way backpackers could stay long term in Thailand through teaching. Previously, only an English teaching certificate was required, but major schools now require a degree. Basically, any certified degree by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is acceptable.

Good schools in Thailand will screen applicants. Applicants need a police report from their home country, certified copies of diplomas and degrees, and recommendation letters. Short listed applicants will be asked to do a trial class, where they will be evaluated by the senior English teacher in the school. Past teaching experience is not a prerequisite, although its an advantage. Ages from mid 20s up to the 60s will be considered.

Those who are lucky to be accepted as teachers will be given 3 months probation, with an annual contract after that period. The salaries paid by good schools will range from Baht 25,000 to Baht 45,000 (RM 3,234 to RM 5,825) per month. The school year is 10 months, where you will be paid 11-12 months salary annually. This compares with a starting salary of RM 2,426 per month in Malaysia.

From: https://teast.co/teach-english-thailand

This is adequate for those who want to rent a studio apartment and purchase groceries. Food in Thailand is much cheaper than Malaysia, and there is plenty of clean Halal food in Thailand between the border and Bangkok.

Major cities and towns have many applicants for jobs. One school may take between 4-8 foreign teachers. The schools will take responsibility for your visa and work permits. Schools also provide health insurance. Outside major cities there are many schools who find it difficult to obtain foreign teachers. So, this may be a good place to look, if you can’t obtain work in the Major population and tourist centres like Phuket, Pattaya, and Koh Samui.

There are many recruiting agencies available to assist you get a job, For example, Global Education Consultancy and Ajarn.com has a lot of agencies listed. They will take all you particulars and provide you with offers. Most require you to prepare an introduction video. The best search time for jobs is between March-April and September-October.

So, what is it like working in a Thai school? Schools have a 5 day working week from 7.30 am to 4.30pm. Teachers will get between 16-22 hours a week. There are communal offices for foreign teachers to prepare classes. Treatment of course depends on the boss, but generally treatment is good.

So here is an opportunity to live in exotic places like Chiang Mai, Songkhla, Krabi, or Phuket, and earn an income, superior to what is offered in Malaysia. Teaching in Thailand can be personally fulfilling, and there is now a growing number of Malaysians who are taking this job option, and leaving Malaysia.

At present there are plenty of jobs available within the Thai school system. Malaysians have an advantage over those applying from other countries in the region. Those who obtain a job will be the people who show genuine enthusiasm for Thai culture, a love for teaching, and a willingness to adapt. Its just a matter of travelling to Thailand and being willing to knock on doors.