TEFL Salary in Thailand: What Teachers Actually Earn
Last updated: 2026-08-05 · Data source: aggregated live research (Numbeo, employer job boards), see sources below
30,000–40,000 THB/month is typical for entry-level public-school roles (~$920–$1,300); international schools pay considerably more.
Typical TEFL salary by employer type
| Employer type | Monthly range | Local currency |
|---|---|---|
| Public / government school (entry-level) | $920–$1,300/month | ~30,000–40,000 THB |
| Bilingual / demonstration schools | $1,500–$2,000/month | — |
| Corporate training centres (Bangkok) | $1,600–$2,500/month | — |
| International schools | $1,500–$5,000+/month | ~60,000–100,000+ THB |
Figures are ranges aggregated from named sources below, current as of 2026-08-05. Always confirm current pay directly with the specific employer.
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A recognised TEFL certificate — 120-hour or 150-hour with a practicum — is what unlocks the higher-paying roles in Thailand. Compare options with TEFL Institute.
Get Started with TEFL Institute →Cost of living for teachers
Numbeo's Bangkok–Chiang Mai comparison shows Chiang Mai running about 26% cheaper on day-to-day costs and roughly 31% cheaper including rent — a 1-bed city-centre flat averages around 15,650 THB in Chiang Mai versus 23,428 THB in Bangkok. As a rough rule of thumb, about 82,700 THB in Chiang Mai buys the same lifestyle as 120,000 THB in Bangkok.
Savings potential
A public-school teacher on around 35,000 THB in a rural or regional town can often save a few thousand baht a month once modest living costs are covered — the same salary in Bangkok leaves far less room. International-school salaries (60,000–100,000+ THB) allow real savings even in the capital.
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FAQs
How much do TEFL teachers earn in Thailand?
30,000–40,000 THB/month is typical for entry-level public-school roles (~$920–$1,300); international schools pay considerably more.
What is the cost of living for a TEFL teacher in Thailand?
Numbeo's Bangkok–Chiang Mai comparison shows Chiang Mai running about 26% cheaper on day-to-day costs and roughly 31% cheaper including rent — a 1-bed city-centre flat averages around 15,650 THB in Chiang Mai versus 23,428 THB in Bangkok. As a rough rule of thumb, about 82,700 THB in Chiang Mai buys the same lifestyle as 120,000 THB in Bangkok.
Can you save money teaching English in Thailand?
A public-school teacher on around 35,000 THB in a rural or regional town can often save a few thousand baht a month once modest living costs are covered — the same salary in Bangkok leaves far less room. International-school salaries (60,000–100,000+ THB) allow real savings even in the capital.
Does International schools pay more than other TEFL employers in Thailand?
Yes — international schools roles typically pay $1,500–$5,000+/month, the highest tier on our Thailand salary table.